JPS61196668A - Digital color copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make a copying machine to a small size and reduce the required memory capacity, by providing with the memory means having different and bore minimum memory capacities to respective color information recording means and writing information to a memory means in synchronization with the read while a picture is read out by a picture read means. CONSTITUTION:A picture processing unit 100 converts a picture signal of three colors read out by the CCDs 7r, 7g and 7b to each recording signal of black (BK), yellow (Y), Magenta (M) and cyan (C) necessary for recording. A BK recording signal is given to a laser driver 112b k as it is, however, after the Y, M and C recording signals hold each recording color gradation data that become original, respectively, to the buffer memories 108y, 108m and 108c, and after time lag in converting them to the recording signals by reading after delay times Ty, Tm and Tc, they are given to the laser drivers 112y, 112m and 112c. The read timing is performed in matching the memory 108y with the modulation excitation timing of a laser 43y, the memory 108m with the modulation excitation timing of a laser 43m and the memory 108c with the modulation excitation timing of a laser 43c, and they are different, respectively.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a color copying machine, and in particular, to a color copying machine that separates an original image into colors using a scanner, reads image information for each of a plurality of color components, and records the color component image information for each color. The present invention relates to a digital color copying machine that reproduces a color image on a sheet by converting it into image information and energizing each color recording device to record based on the recorded image information.

■Prior technology This type of digital color copying machine reads the original image by color separation, for example, red, green, and blue, and then corrects the shading of the read information.

Yellow due to gamma correction etc. and complementary image generation.

Image information for each recording color component such as cyan, magenta, etc. is obtained, and color-specific recording information is created by performing masking processing, undercolor removal processing, nine-gradation processing, and the like. The obtained color-specific recording information is given to each color recording device in recording color categories and superimposed on the same recording paper to form each image.

When one photoreceptor is sequentially exposed to light for each recording color to form an electrostatic latent image, which is then developed for each recording color and transferred to the same recording paper, two or more color recorded images can be generated by one reading of the original image. When obtaining information, the read information or recorded image information must be held in memory.

Therefore, conventionally, a frame memory of two or more frames is used. However, the image information for each color component of one sheet of original is enormous, and the memory capacity to store the image information for the gold component for one color and one page becomes even more enormous.

For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-38966, recorded information is obtained by processing read information in real time, and exposure and development of each recorded color is performed simultaneously in real time, and the timing of transfer from the photoreceptor to recording paper is adjusted. It has been proposed to perform each step separately in synchronization with the movement of the paper.

However, in this case, the circumferential length of the photoreceptor must be longer than the length of the recording paper, which increases the diameter of the photoreceptor drum and increases the size of the copying machine. In addition, as the photoreceptor drum becomes larger, the arrangement pitch of the photoreceptor drum becomes larger, and therefore, the length of the recording paper transport path becomes longer. Since the next copy, that is, exposure cannot be started until all the toner images on the photosensitive drums have been transferred to the recording paper, the copying speed becomes slow.

(1) Purpose It is an object of the present invention to make a copying machine compact and to reduce the required memory capacity.

■Structure In order to achieve the above object, the present invention focuses on the fact that recording is performed sequentially for each color component, and after the image reading means reads the image, it is recorded on the recording medium by a plurality of color information recording means. The color information recording means is provided with a memory means having a different required minimum memory capacity for each color information recording means, and is synchronized with the reading while the image is being read by the image reading means. Information is written in the memory means, information addressed to the color information recording means is read out from the memory means in accordance with the order in which colors are recorded on the recording medium, and each of the color information recording means is activated for recording.

According to this, for example, in the case of three-color recording of yellow, magenta, and cyan, the amount of information required for the first color in recording order is only 24% of one page, and for the second color, one page is required. For the third color, only 72% of one page was required, which is (24+48+72)/30
0=0.48, and the required memory capacity is less than half that of the case where the memory is for one page's worth of frames, resulting in a significant reduction in memory capacity. Furthermore, when using a photoreceptor drum to record each color, it is not necessary to form a toner image of the entire original image on the photoreceptor drum, and the toner image of the entire image can be formed over one or more revolutions of the photoreceptor drum.
Since the diameter of the photosensitive drum does not need to be particularly large and can be made as small as possible, the copying machine does not become particularly large.

In a simple embodiment, for example, red (R), green (G
) and blue (B) to read the color image,
When recording in yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), red information is changed to cyan recording information,
It is sufficient to read green information as magenta recorded information and blue information as cyan recorded information. In this case, in the present invention,
The read information may be stored in the memory means, and the recorded information may be stored in the memory means. Based on the recording information (by color), when recording information is stored in a memory means, the required memory capacity for each recording color is indicated in yellow.
, M for magenta and Mc for cyan, when storing read information, My for blue and M for green.
m, red may be used as Mc. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, color-specific image reading information is stored in the memory means, and in another aspect, color-specific recording information is stored in the memory means.

Even with normal color copying, there is a high probability that there will be black characters in the image, and monochromatic black copying may be required. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a black recording means is provided, the black recording is performed first, the memory means for this black recording means is deleted, and the black recording means is energized for recording in synchronization with the reading of the original image. do. According to this, there is no need to particularly increase the capacity of the memory means. Furthermore, since black recording is performed first, toners of other colors do not adhere to the photosensitive drum for black recording. Therefore, since the toner collected by the cleaner from the surface of the photoreceptor after transfer is substantially only black 1-toner, it is returned to the developing device. As a result, the black toner that is consumed the most is recovered, and the amount of black toner consumed is reduced.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings.
Figure 2 shows an overview of the configuration of the electrical equipment section.

First, referring to FIG. 1, an original l is placed on a platen (contact glass) 2, and a fluorescent lamp 31+3 for illuminating the original is placed on a platen (contact glass) 2.
2, the reflected light is illuminated by a movable first mirror 41. The light is reflected by the second mirror 42 and the third mirror 43, passes through the imaging lens 5, and enters the dichroic prism 6, where the light of three wavelengths, red (R) and green (
G) and blue (B). The separated light enters solid-state imaging devices CCr) 7r, 7g, and 7b, respectively. In other words, red light goes to C0D7r,
Green light goes to CCD7g, blue light goes to C0D7b
incident on .

The fluorescent lamps 31+32 and the first mirror 41 are connected to the first carriage 8.
The second mirror 42 and the third mirror 43 are mounted on the second carriage 9, and the second carriage 9 moves at a speed of 172 of the first carriage 8.
The optical path length from to COD is kept constant, and the first and second carriages are scanned from right to left when reading the original image. The first carriage 8 is connected to a carriage drive wire 12 that is wound around a carriage drive pulley 11 fixed to the shaft of a carriage drive motor IO, and the wire 12 is wound around a movable pulley (not shown) on a second carriage 9. As a result, by rotating the motor 10 in the forward and reverse directions,
The first carriage 8 and the second carriage move forward (reading and scanning the original image) and backward (return), and the second carriage 9 moves at the speed of the first carriage 8 at 172.

When the first carriage 8 is at the home position shown in FIG. 1, the first carriage 8 is detected by a home position sensor 39 which is a reflective photosensor. This detection mode is shown in FIG. When the first carriage 8 is driven to the right during exposure scanning and moves away from the home position, the sensor 39 becomes non-light receiving -8 = (carriage non-detection), and when the first carriage 8 returns to the home position, the sensor 39 is light reception (
(carriage detection), and the carriage 8 is stopped when the state changes from non-light reception to light reception.

Referring to FIG. 2, the outputs of the CCDs 7r and 7g17b are converted from analog to digital and subjected to necessary processing in the image processing unit 100 to produce recorded color information of black (BK) and yellow (Y). , magenta (M), and cyan (C), respectively, are converted into binary signals for recording activation. Each of the binary signals is sent to a laser driver 112bk.

112y, 112m and 112c, each laser driver is connected to semiconductor laser 1]3bk, 113y,
By energizing 113m and 113c, laser light modulated with a recording color signal (binarized signal) is emitted.

Referring again to FIG. The emitted laser beam.

Rotating polygon mirrors 13bk, 13y, 13m respectively
and 13c, and is reflected by f-θ lens 14bk, 1
4Y.

After passing through 14m and 14c, the fourth mirror 15bk.

]5y+15m and ], 5c and 5th mirror 16bk.

'Reflected at 6Y+16m and 16c, polygon mirror surface tilt correction cylindrical lens], 7bk, 17y.

After passing through 17m and 17c, photoreceptor drum 18blt.

’8y+18m and 18c are imaged and irradiated.

Rotating polygon mirrors 13bk, 13y, 13m and 1
3c is a polygon mirror drive motor 4 lbk, 41y, 4
The motors are fixed to rotating shafts 1m and 41c, and each motor rotates at a constant speed to rotate the polygon mirror at a constant speed.

Due to the rotation of the polygon mirror, the laser beam described above is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction (separation direction) of the photoreceptor drum, that is, in a direction along the drum axis.

FIG. 4 shows the laser scanning system of the cyan color recording device in detail. 43c is a semiconductor laser. A sensor 44c made of a photoelectric conversion element is arranged to receive the laser beam at one end of the laser scan (double-dot chain line) in the direction along the axis of the photoreceptor drum 18c, and this sensor 44c detects the laser beam. The starting point of one line scan is detected at the time when the detection changes from detection to non-detection. That is, the laser light detection signal (pulse) from the sensor 44c is processed as a line synchronization pulse for laser scanning. Magenta recording device.

The configuration of the yellow recording device and the black recording device is also the fourth one.
The configuration is exactly the same as that of the cyan recording apparatus shown in the figure.

Further, referring to FIG. 1, the surface of the photoreceptor drum is connected to charge scorotrons 19bk, 19y, 19m and 19 connected to a negative voltage high voltage generator (not shown).
It is uniformly charged by c. When a laser beam modulated by a recording signal is irradiated onto the uniformly charged surface of the photoreceptor, the electric charge on the surface of the photoreceptor flows to the equipment ground of the drum body and disappears due to a photoconductive phenomenon. Here, the laser is not turned on in areas where the original density is high, and the laser is turned on in areas where the original density is low. As a result, the photoreceptor drum 1
8bk, 18y, ] On the surfaces of 8m and 18c, the part corresponding to the part with high density of the original has a potential of -800V, and the part corresponding to the part of light density of the original has a potential of -1100V.
V, and an electrostatic latent image is formed corresponding to the density of the document. These electrostatic latent images are developed by a black developing unit 20bk, a yellow developing unit 20y, a magenta developing unit h20m, and a cyan developing unit h20c, respectively, and the photoreceptor drums 18bk, 18y,
Black, yellow, magenta and cyan toner images are formed on the surfaces of 18m and 18c, respectively.

The toner in the developing unit is positively charged by stirring, and the developing unit is biased to about -200V by a developing bias generator (not shown), and the toner adheres to the area where the surface potential of the photoreceptor is higher than the developing bias, and the toner is attached to the original. A corresponding toner image is formed.

On the other hand, the recording paper 267 stored in the transfer paper cassette 22 is fed out by the paper feeding operation of the feeding roller 259.
The transfer belt 2 is moved at a predetermined timing by the registration roller 24.
Sent to 5. The recording paper placed on the transfer belt 25 is
Due to the movement of the transfer belt 25, the photosensitive drums 18bk,
18y, 18m and ], 8c, and pass through the photosensitive drums 18bk, 18y,
While passing through 18m and 18c, black, yellow,
Magenta and cyan toner images are sequentially transferred onto recording paper.

The transferred recording paper is then sent to a thermal fixing unit 36, where the toner is fixed to the recording paper, and the recording paper is discharged to a tray 37.

On the other hand, residual toner on the photoreceptor surface after transfer is removed by cleaner units yh 2 lbk, 21y, 21m and 21c.
will be removed.

A cleaner unit 21bk and a black developing unit 20bk that collect black toner are connected to a toner collection pipe 42.
The black toner collected by the cleaner unit 21bk is collected by the developing unit 20bk. Note that the cleaner unit 21y is caused by reverse transfer of black toner from the recording paper during transfer to the photoreceptor drum 18y.

The yellow, magenta, and cyan toners collected in 21m and 2]c are not collected for reuse because they are mixed with toner from the different color developing device in the preceding stage of those units.

FIG. 5 shows the inside of the recovery pipe 42.

Inside the toner recovery pipe 42, a toner recovery auger 4 is installed.
Contains 3. The auger 43 is formed of a coil spring and is freely rotatable inside the toner collection pipe 42 bent into a channel shape.

The auger 43 is rotationally driven in one direction by a driving means (not shown), and the toner collected in the unit 21bk is transferred to the developing unit 20b by the spiral pump action of the auger 43.
sent to k.

The transfer belt 25 that conveys the recording paper in the direction from the photoreceptor drums 18bk to 18c includes an idle roller 26° and a drive roller 2.
7. It is stretched between an idle roller 28 and an idle roller 30, and is rotated counterclockwise by a drive roller 27. The drive roller 27 is pivotally connected to the left end of a lever 31 that is pivotally connected to a shaft 32 . A plunger 35 of a black mode setting solenoid (not shown) is pivotally attached to the right end of the lever 31. A compression coil spring 34 is disposed between the plunger 35 and the shaft 32, and this spring 3
4 applies clockwise rotational force to the lever 31.

When the black mode setting solenoid is de-energized (color mode), as shown in FIG. 1, the transfer belt 25 on which the recording paper is placed is the photosensitive drum 44bk, 44y.

It is in contact with 44m and 44c. In this state, when recording paper is placed on the transfer belt 25 and toner images are formed on all the drums, each toner image is transferred to the recording paper 2 as the recording paper moves (color mode). When the black mode setting solenoid is energized (black mode), the compression coil spring 34
The lever 31 rotates counterclockwise against the repulsive force of , the drive roller is lowered by 5 mm, and the transfer belt 25 is moved against the photoreceptor drum 44y.

44m and 4.4c away, photosensitive drum 44bk
remains in contact with. In this state, the transfer belt 2
Since the recording paper on the recording paper 5 only contacts the photosensitive drum 44bk, only the black toner image is transferred to the recording paper (black mode). Recording paper is photosensitive drum 44y, 44m
Since the recording paper does not come into contact with the photosensitive drums 44y, 44I11 and 44c (residual toner), no stains of yellow, magenta, cyan, etc. appear on the recording paper. In other words, when copying in black mode,
Copies similar to those produced by a regular monochromatic black copier can be obtained.

The console board 300 includes a copy start switch, a color mode/thermal mode designation switch 302 (immediately after the power is turned on, the switch key is off and the color mode is set;
When the switch is closed twice, the switch key lights up and the black mode is set, and the black mode setting solenoid is energized; when the switch is closed the second time, the switch key goes out and the color mode is set, and the black mode setting solenoid is de-energized.) It is also equipped with other input key switches, character displays, indicator lights, etc.

Next, the operation timing of the main parts of the copying mechanism will be explained with reference to the time chart shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows the case when two identical full-color copies are made. 1st
Almost at the same timing as the start of exposure scanning of the carriage 8, modulation energization of the laser 43bk based on the recording signal is started, and the lasers 43y, 43m and 43c are
Photosensitive drums 44bk to 44y, 44m and 44c
The moving time Ty, Tm and Tc of the transfer belt 25 for the distance = 16 minutes
Modulation energization is started after a delay of Corotron 2 for transcription
9bk, j9y, 29m and 29q are respectively,
The lasers 43bk, 43y, 43m and 43c are energized after a delay of a predetermined time (time for the laser irradiation position on the photosensitive drum to reach the transfer corotron) from the start of modulation energization.

See Figure 2. The image processing unit 100 is a CCD
The three color image signals read by 7r, 7g and 7b are
The signal is converted into black (BK), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) recording signals necessary for recording. The BK recording signal is supplied as is to the laser driver 112bk, but the Y, M, and C recording signals are each supplied with their original recording color gradation data in the buffer memory 108.
y, 108m and 108c, the laser driver 112y is read out and converted into a recording signal after the delay times TyrTm and Tc shown in FIG.

112I11 and 112c. Note that the image processing unit 100 has a CCD as described above in the copying machine mode.
Three color signals are provided from 7r, 7g, and 7b, and in graphics mode, three color signals are provided from outside the copying machine through external interface 117.

Shading correction circuit 10 of image processing unit 100
1 is the color gradation data obtained by A/D converting the output signals of the CCDs 7r, 7g and 7b into 8 bits, and is corrected for optical illumination unevenness, sensitivity variations in the internal unit elements of the CCDs 7r, 7g and 7b, etc. to create read color gradation data.

The multiplexer 102 is a multiplexer that selectively outputs either the output gradation data of the correction circuit 101 or the output gradation data of the interface circuit 117.

The γ correction circuit 103 that receives the output (color gradation data) of the multiplexer 102 not only changes the gradation (input gradation data) according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor, but also changes the gradation arbitrarily using the operation button of the console 300. and further change the input 8-bit data to output 6-bit data. Since the output is 6 bits, data representing one of 64 gradations will be output. Red (R) output from the γ correction circuit 103
), 6-bit three-color gradation data representing each gradation of green (G) and blue (B) is generated by complementary color generation,
The signal is applied to the black separation circuit 104.

The configuration of the complementary color generation and black separation circuit 104 is shown in FIG. Complementary color generation is the renaming of each color read signal to the recorded color signal, and as shown in FIG. 7, red (R)
The gradation data is cyan (C) gradation data and green (G
) The gradation data is converted (read) into magenta (M) gradation data, and the blue gradation data (B) is converted into yellow gradation data (Y). The C, M and 7 gradation data are supplied as they are to the averaging data compression circuit 105. If both of these gradation data indicate high density, it is sufficient to record black, so the digital comparators 104c and 10
At 4m and 104y, the C, M and 7 gradation data are compared with the reference value data set by the threshold setting switch 104sh, respectively. Digital comparator 104c, 1
04m and 104y are for comparing 8-bit data, and L is added to 6 bits of gradation data.
The data (input data) obtained by adding the upper 2 bits of the level is set to the L level with 1 bit of the least significant digit and 3 bits of the higher digit, and the 2nd to 4th bits from the lowest are set to the switch 1 for threshold setting.
Compare it with the 8-bit data (reference value data) that is the reference value data set in 04sh, and if the input data is less than the reference value data, set L, and if it exceeds it, set H.
Give it to 04.

The Nant gate outputs L (black) when all the comparators are giving an L signal, and outputs H (white) when any one is giving an H signal, and supplies it to the data selector 110. To explain this in more detail, the gradation data input 6 of the comparator
The range of bit data in hexadecimal is 0 to 3FH, but 0
The configuration is such that black is represented when the value increases, white is represented as the value increases, and when writing black output, L represents black and 11 represents white. Therefore, the MSB side 2 bits (Q6
, 7') to L, and the lower 6 bits (00 to 5) to C, respectively.
Input M and Y gradation data. On the comparison data side, a rotary set of dip switches 104sh is used so that the comparison level can be set in seven steps. Furthermore, since this is a black level setting, if too many white colors are included in black, although it is possible to record black tones (gray) with increased resolution, it is undesirable because it increases the occurrence of color balance points. Therefore, the 5th and 6th bits are set to L so that it can be set in 7 steps up to the intermediate level, and since there is no need to make very detailed settings, the 1 bit on the LSB side is set to L and a dip switch is set to the middle 3 bits (PI to 3). The setting values from 104sh are input. Now dip switch 104sh
If the setting is 010, the reference value is 0000010
When the data of C, M, and Y are all less than this value, that is, between 0 and 3 in decimal, the output of the comparator is L.
Let the black (BK) output be L (black). here,
The setting dip switch 104sh is C, M and Y.
They are shared for comparison and judgment, but by using three sets, you can set each color individually, and set the range width of each color to the minimum.
By setting using the highest setting switch, it is also possible to output a specific color in a black pattern with high resolution. - Averaging data compression circuit 105 of the image processing unit 100
is 4 bits of gradation data for one image.
×4 image data are averaged and output as 6-bit gradation data. In this example, it is assumed that the size of the input image and the output image are the same, and the input data (C
The data read from the OD) is converted into 8-bit data by A/D conversion, and converted to 6-bit data by gamma correction, but the output data to the laser driver depends on whether the laser is on or off (1
bit) data. Input 6 bits 1 to 6 depending on data
It is possible to separate four gradations of density, and the dither method and density pattern method are well known for output density reproduction. Generally, an 8×8 matrix is used to express 64 gradations using the density pattern method. Therefore, it is necessary to average the densities of 8×8 pixels of input data to correspond to the output 8×8 matrix (density pattern conversion in the gradation processing circuit 109). Also, this averaging reduces the amount of data and processing speed by 1
/64, reducing data capacity and hardware cost when storing. It is also possible to make the input reading pixel size 8x8 times larger than the output, but
This is not used in this device because, as mentioned above, we do not want to reduce the resolution of black areas (regular characters).

FIG. 8a shows the configuration of the averaging data compression circuit 105,
FIG. 8b shows the operation timing of the circuit 105. The data to be averaged is 8 pixels in the sub-scanning direction (exposure scanning direction of the first carriage 8) x 8 pixels in the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the exposure scanning direction: CCD electronic circuit scanning direction), a total of 6 pixels.
It has 4 pixels. Also, when averaging 64 pieces of 6-bit data, if you add all the data and then convert it to 1/64, a 12-bit adder is required as an adder, but in this example, processing is performed using an 8-bit adder. I have to.

First, to explain the addition of 8 pixels in the sub-scanning direction, the first data is latched in latch 1, added to the second data in adder 1, and the added value data is latched in latch 2.

The third data is latched in latch 1, added to the fourth data by adder 1, and further added to the data in latch 2 by adder 2, and the sum of 4 pixel data (gradation data) is output from adder 2. Output. This data is latched into the catch 3.

Similarly, when the fifth to eighth data are added and output from the adder 2, they are added to the data in the latch 3 by the adder 3, and data for every eight pixels in the sub-scanning direction is output.

Note that the output of adder l becomes 7 by adding 6 bit data.
The output of adders 2 and 3 is the addition of 7-bit data, and the processing result of adders 2 and 3 is 8 bits, but the output takes the upper 7 bits and essentially divides the added data by 1/2.
The value is set to 2.

Next, addition in the main scanning direction will be explained. The average value of the eight pixels output from the adder 3 is stored in the RAM 1 for one main scanning line. When the second line is output from adder 3, adder 4 adds it to the contents of RAM1 and stores it in RAM2. This addition causes the 1st + 2nd line data to be stored in the RAM.
2 is stored.

When the third line is output from the adder 3, the adder 4 adds it to the contents of the RAM1 and stores it in the RAM2. By this addition, 1+2 line data is stored in the RAM2. When the third line is output from adder 3, adder 4 adds it to the contents of RAM2 and stores it in RAM1.

Similarly, RAM 1.

2 alternately serves as addition data output (reading) and storage,
When the 8th line is output from the adder 3, the adder 4 adds it to the contents of the RAM 1 and outputs 8 lines of added data. Here, like adder 2.3, adder 4 also outputs averaged (1/2) data by outputting the upper 7 bits of 7-bit data addition. In this embodiment, two 4-bit binary full adders (74283) are used in parallel as adders. Recently, a submatrix method has been used in which 64-gradation output is cut out from an 8x8 matrix into a 4x4 matrix. This circuit can be adapted to various matrix sizes by changing the number of latches and adders on the sub-scanning side.

Next, the masking processing circuit 106 and the UCR processing circuit 1
07 will be explained. The calculation formula for masking processing is generally as follows: Yo, Mo, Co: post-masking data.

In addition, the general formula for UCR processing is It can be expressed as

Therefore, in this embodiment, a new coefficient is obtained by using these equations and using the product of both coefficients to calculate the following. The coefficient (a) of the above equation that performs both masking processing and UCR processing simultaneously
l, I+, etc.) are calculated in advance and substituted into the above formula,
Scheduled inputs Yi, Mi of the masking processing circuit 106
and the calculated value (Yo') associated with Cj (6 bits each).
etc.: output of the UCR processing circuit 107) is stored in the ROM in advance.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the masking processing circuit 10
6 and the UCR processing circuit 107 are composed of a set of ROMs, and the data at the address specified by inputs Y, M, and C to the masking processing circuit 106 is input to the UCR processing circuit 10.
7 is applied to the buffer 27 memory memories 108y, 108m, and 108c and the gradation processing circuit 109. Generally speaking, the masking processing circuit 106 corrects the Y, M, and C signals in accordance with the spectral reflection wavelength characteristics of the toner for forming a recorded image, and the UCR processing circuit 107 corrects the overlapping of each color toner. This is to perform correction for color balance in alignment.

Next, the buffer memory 108y of the image processing unit 100
, '108m and 108c. These simply generate a time delay corresponding to the distance between the photoreceptor drums. The write timing of each memory is the same, but the read timing is as shown in Figure 6.
The memory 108y is operated in accordance with the modulation energization timing of the laser 43y, the memory 108m is operated in accordance with the modulation energization timing of the laser 43m, and the memory 108c is operated in accordance with the modulation energization timing of the laser 43c, which are different from each other. The capacity of each memory is when A3 is the maximum size,
24% of the maximum amount required for a minimum A3 document with 108y of memory
, 48% with 108m memory, 7% with 108c memory
It may be about 2%. For example, if the CCD reading pixel density is 400 dpi (dots per inch: 15.7
5 dots/mm), the memory 108y should have a capacity of about 87 bytes, the memory 108m should have a capacity of about 174 bytes, and the memory 108C should have a capacity of about 261 bytes. In this embodiment, data of 64 gradations and 6 bits is handled, so the memories 108y, 108m and 10
The capacities of 8c are 87 bytes, 174 bytes, and 261 bytes, respectively. If the memory address is calculated in 6-bit units instead of byte units (8 bits), the memory 108y: 116K x 6 bits, the memory 108m: 232K x 6 bits, and the memory 108c: 348K x 6 bits.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the memory 108c, which has the largest capacity. Note that the other memories 108y and 108m have similar configurations. However, the memory capacity is small.

To explain the outline of the memory configuration with reference to FIG. 9, three 64K x 1-bit memories are used as input data memory.
Six pieces are used to create a 384K x 6 bit configuration.

These are DRAMs 1 to 6 shown in FIG.

The data that has undergone OCR processing is stored in a first-in/first-out (FiFo) memory.

Write to RAMI, 2. This is for correcting the difference between the output timing of the output data of the UCR process and the write timing of the memories DRAMs 1 to 6, and is a buffer for approximately one line. FiF.

The data written to RAMI, 2 is stored in DRAMs 1 to 6 at addresses sequentially determined by counter 1 starting from address 0.
written to. Next, the address of color 5 counter 1 is added by 1 and the next data is written. In this manner, data is sequentially written into DRAMs 1 to 6, and when it reaches 384K, it is reset and data is written again starting from address O. When counter 1 advances the address to 384 from the start of writing, DRAM1~
Writing data to the FiFo RAMs 1 and 2 starts from 6 (reading from DRAMs 1 to 6). At the start, counter 2 is reset and the data at address O is first stored in FiF.
.

The data is written to RAMI, 2, counter 2 becomes address 1, and the data is sequentially read out in the same manner as writing. This counter 2 is also 381
When Kp:: is reached, it is reset and written starting from address 0.

The data written in FiFoRAM 1, 2 is output to the density pattern processing circuit 109 based on the synchronization signal from the laser driver 112C.

Data selector 1 selects the address (count data) of counter 1 or counter 2, and
For data 1 to 6, the address data of counter 1 is output when writing data, and the address data of counter 2 is output when reading data.

Data selector 2 is 64K x 1 bit DRAM
Since addresses 1 to 6 are determined by a matrix of upper 8 bits and lower 8 bits, the upper/lower 8 bits of the 16-bit address
It is used for sub-selection. Also, the decoder is 384
6 blocks of DRAM1 to every 64 addresses
This is an address decoder for selecting 6.

Next, the density pattern processing circuit 1 of the image processing unit 100
09 will be explained. This circuit 109 is Y.

This circuit generates a pattern corresponding to the density from each of M and C gradation data, and is composed of a ROM.

The 6-bit gradation data can represent density information of 64 gradations. Ideally, if the dot diameter of one dot could be varied in 64 steps, there would be no need to reduce the resolution, but in laser beam electrophotography, the dot diameter modulation is only stable at about 4 steps at most.
Generally, the concentration pattern method and the combination of the concentration pattern method and beam modulation are often used. Here, a processing method of expressing 64 gradations using an 8×8 matrix is used. circuit 109
has 64 kinds of 8×8 density patterns per group,
A method is adopted in which 8-bit data in the sub-scanning direction is output based on gradation data and a main-scanning address.

Now, if we assume that the density pattern is 64 patterns (referred to as one group) created based on the binarized data in which the threshold levels are distributed in a spiral shape as shown in Figure 10a, this pattern will be The number of dots to which toner is applied within the 8 x 8 matrix is O, and toner is applied to the number of dots represented by the density data.When the density is 32, toner is applied to the shaded area shown in Figure 10a. . Therefore, data in a certain column is sequentially processed by the processing circuit 109.
The data is input in 8 bits 1 in order from main scanning address 1.
-Data is outputted, converted into parallel-to-serial data, and outputted to obtain data for one line in the sub-scanning direction. After outputting the data eight times in the main scanning direction (processing eight lines), the next data string is input. For example, the main scan 3 data of data string 20, 32.40 is 001111
10,0111111f), 11111111.

Although 64 gradation expression using an 8×8 matrix is shown here, combinations with dot diameter modulation, submatrix methods, etc. have been proposed as methods for increasing resolution. Similar gradation expression can also be achieved by changing the pattern or by outputting from the pattern. Furthermore, regarding color processing, the Y, M, C, and BK density patterns may not be the same pattern, but the pattern generation angle may be changed for each color in order to prevent moiré. That is, a plurality of pattern groups are created and patterns of different groups are assigned to each color.

The recording signals assigned to BK include the dot pattern (binary signal) from the black separation circuit 104 and the UCR processing circuit 10.
It is necessary to synthesize the density pattern (gradation pattern signal) generated from the BK gradation information from 7. Simply put, for black in the text area, the resolution is higher when toner is applied based on the binary signal from the black separation circuit 104 than when toner is applied based on density pattern information. However, in gradation image areas such as photographic areas, on the contrary, toner application based on density pattern information has higher image reproducibility.

The following method can be considered to synthesize the dot pattern (binary signal) from the black separation circuit 104 and the density pattern (gradation pattern signal) generated from the BK gradation information from the UCR processing circuit 107. That is, (a) simply take the logical sum of the two (if at least one is black, add a l-nor: record); (b) divide the black to be recorded in the 8×8 matrix into the black separation circuit 104; When output, the output of the black separation circuit 104 is assigned to that matrix, and when there is no output, density pattern data is assigned, and (c) black to be recorded in the 8×8 matrix is outputted by the black separation circuit 104. Then, the output of the black separation circuit 104 is assigned to that matrix, and the number of "black" output by the black separation circuit 104 is compared with the number of "black" of the density pattern to be assigned to the matrix, and the amount by which the latter exceeds the former is calculated. is randomly assigned to the white part of the 71~Rix.

The 8x8 matrix area is filled with black (
10d), the output of the black separation circuit 104 becomes the distribution shown in FIG. 10c, and the density pattern specified based on the BK high output of the UCR processing circuit 107 is
When the black distribution shown in the figure is used, the recording signal shown in FIG.
According to the method b), the recording signal shown in FIG. 11b is obtained, and according to the method (c), the recording signal shown in FIG. 11c is obtained.

” The double method (a) is simple in terms of hardware, but the 11th method
As shown in Figure a, the number of recording points increases in many cases, and while one of the purposes of this embodiment is to improve the resolution of black characters, the edges of the black image become black and blurred, which is a relatively unfavorable result. becomes. In the above-mentioned 35 equation (b), it is determined whether or not there is an output "black" of the black separation circuit 104 in one division in which data processing is divided into 8×8 matrix sections, and if there is, the circuit 104 is This can be done by assigning the output of In other words, it can be realized with relatively simple hardware and logic. Moreover, this method can achieve the purpose of increasing the resolution of characters. but,
If the image is a half-tone image, the density of black will be 5 dots lower than when the density pattern is assigned.

The above method (c) solves the problems of (a) and (b). However, in reality, although the difference is easily determined, the hardware and logic for randomly assigning the difference to the white area become complex.

As a result of the above considerations, this embodiment adopts the method (b) described above from the viewpoint of improving the resolution of black characters. This method is performed by data selector 110 shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the data selector 110.

O (L: white)) for each pixel from the black separation circuit 104-.

1 (H: black) data is serial/parallel converter 11
By 0a, every 8 bits are output in parallel and OR gate O
If there is even one black (1) in the 8 bits of RI, "1" is output, and if all of them are (0), "0" is output. This output is stored in RAM'1 for one line, and when the second line is input, it is ORed with the data of the first line stored in RAMI and stored in RAM2. In this way, the data for 8 lines are sequentially ORed.

During this time, the parallel-converted 0 (L: white)) and 1 (H: black) data for each pixel from the separation circuit 104 is written into the line buffer 110b having a capacity for eight lines. When this writing is completed, the timing pulse becomes 1, the AND gate ANDI is opened, data is given to the data selector 110c line by line from the line buffer 110b, and density pattern data is sent line by line from the processing circuit 109. is applied to the selector 110c, and also to the RAM
Data No. 2 is repeatedly read out and applied to the control data input terminal of the selector 110c.

When there is an output point of the black separation circuit 104 in the 8×8 matrix section, the output of the RAM 2 is 1, so the data selector 110c sends the output of the buffer 110b to the laser driver 11 through the OR gate III (FIG. 2).
, give to bk. When no output from the separation circuit is black, density pattern data is given.

The peak detection circuit 115 of the image processing unit 100 is meaningful in the monochromatic black copying mode, and converts each of the R, G, and B signals into analog signals, compares the three analog signals, and determines the highest value among the three signals. is output to the binarization circuit 116.

The binarization circuit 116 converts the input signal into black (1: recording).

It is binarized into a signal indicating white (O: non-recording). The binary signal is passed through an OR gate 111 to a laser driver 112.
given to bk.

The synchronization control circuit 114 determines the activation timing of each of the above elements and matches the timing between each element. 200 is a microprocessor system that controls all the elements shown in FIG. 2 described above, that is, controls the copying machine. This processor system 200 controls copying in various modes set on the console, and controls not only the image reading and recording system shown in FIG. 2, but also the photoreceptor power system and exposure system.

Performs sequence control of charger system, developing system, fixing system, etc.

The copying machine of this embodiment is capable of not only full-color copying but also single-color black copying, and the console 300 is equipped with a switching instruction key switch 302 for switching settings between full-color mode and single-color black mode. This switch 30
The mode settings according to the second operation have already been explained. Here, the operation when the monochromatic black mode is set will be explained.

The image scanning section such as the first carriage operates in the same way as in full-color copying even in monochrome black mode, and R9G and 8
Three color signals are output from the γ correction circuit 103. Peak detection circuit 1 that did not work in full color mode
15 and the binarization circuit 116 operate, and conversely, the complementary color generation and black separation circuits 104 to gradation processing circuit 109, which were operating in color mode, as well as the laser drivers 112y and m
, c and lasers 43y, m, c do not operate in monochromatic black mode. The operation or non-operation of these circuits is determined by the control operation of the synchronous control circuit 114 based on instructions from the processor system 200. The output of the γ correction circuit 103 is given to the peak detection circuit 115, and the peak detection circuit 115 gives the analog voltage of the highest level among the three voltages to the binarization circuit 116. The binarization circuit 116 has a threshold level set to a predetermined value, compares the input with this level, converts it into a 1-bit digital signal, and supplies it to the OR gate 111. This output is OR gate 111
The signal is applied to the laser driver 112bk through the laser driver 112bk. Laser driver 112bk energizes laser 43bk based on the applied signal. That is, the laser is modulated and controlled based on the signal.

On the other hand, in the recording system, in the monochromatic black mode, the charger corotron 19VrmpCp developing units 20y, m, and c.

The transfer corotrons 29y, IIl, and C9 and the polygon mirror drive motors 41y, m, and c stop operating, and the other operations operate in the same manner as in the full-color copy mode. These actions,
Non-operation is controlled by those drivers according to instructions from the processor system 200.

FIG. 13 shows an interface between the polygon mirror driving motor and the microprocessor system (200: FIG. 2). The input/output boat 207 shown in FIG. 13 is connected to the bus 206 of the system 200.

In addition, in FIG. 13, 45 is the photosensitive drum 18bk.
, 18y, 18m, and 18c, and is energized by a motor driver 46.

In addition, the input/output board 20 is equipped with a driver that energizes each part of the copying machine, a processing circuit connected to the sensor, etc.
7 or other input/output boats connected to the system 20
0, but illustration is omitted.

The transfer paper feed roller 23.
The operating timing of the developing device 20bk, registration roller 24, transfer corotron 29bk, etc. is the same, but the feeding speed of the transfer belt 25 until the recording paper that has been transferred and separated reaches the fixing device 36 is slightly smaller than in the full color mode. It gets faster.

The fact that the photosensitive drum 1'8bk for black recording is located at the most upstream position when viewed from the paper feeding side has the advantage that the recording device energization control in the monochromatic black mode is simple.

It also has the advantage of increasing the copy speed.

If the black recording device is not located at the most upstream position as in the embodiment, but at the most downstream position as in the conventional case, the recording paper Feed roller 23. The operation timing of the register L-roller 24 and the like differs between the full color copy mode and the monochrome black copy mode. In other words, control becomes that much more complicated.

Next, the operation timing of each part based on the control operations of the microprocessor system 200 and the synchronous control circuit 114 will be explained.

First, when the power switch (not shown) is turned on, the device starts a warm-up operation, which increases the temperature of the fixing unit 36, starts rotating the polygon mirror at a constant speed, and returns the carriage 8 to its home position.・Generates the line synchronization clock (1, 26KH2), ・Generates the video synchronization clock (g, 42KHz), ・Initializes various counters, etc. The line synchronized clock is supplied to the polygon mirror motor driver and the CCD driver, and the former uses this signal as a reference signal for a phase-locked loop (PLL) servo, and the feedback signal to the beam sensor 4.
So that the beam detection signals of 4bk, 44y, 44m and 44c have the same frequency as the line synchronization clock.
Also, it is controlled so that a predetermined phase relationship is achieved. The latter is used as a main scanning start signal for CCD reading.

Note that the detection signals (pulses) of the beam sensors 44bk, 44y, 44m, and 44c are output for each color (each sensor) and are used as the signal for synchronizing the start of laser beam main scanning. Note that the frequencies of the line synchronization signal and the detection signal of each beam sensor are locked by I) LL and are the same, but there may be a slight phase difference, so
The scanning reference is not the line synchronization signal but the detection signal of each beam sensor.

The video synchronization clock has a frequency of one dot (one pixel) and is supplied to the CCD driver and laser driver.

The various counters are: (1) read line counter, (2) BK, '/, M, C write line counters, (3) read dot counter, and (4) BK.
, Y, M, and C write dot counters, but (1) and (2) above are for the microprocessor system 20.
This is a program counter substituted by the operation of the CPU 202 of 0, and (3) and (4) are provided separately on the hardware, although not shown.

Next, the timing of the print cycle is shown in Figure 14,
Let me explain this. When the warm-up operation is completed, the state becomes ready for printing, and when the copy start key switch 301 is turned on, the CPU 2 of the system 200
02, the first carriage 8 drive motor (first
Carriages 8 and 9 (1/2 of 8) begin to rotate (Figure 3).
speed) starts scanning (exposure scanning) to the left. When the carriage 8 is at the home position, the output of the home position sensor 39 is H, and the exposure scan (sub-scan)
It will be shortly after the start. At the time of this transition from H to L, the read line counter is cleared and at the same time the count is enabled. Note that the time point at which the value changes from 11 to L is the position where the leading edge of the document is exposed.

With the line synchronization clock that comes in after the sensor 39 becomes L, the read line counter is counted up every pulse. Also, when the line synchronization clock comes in, the reading dot counter is cleared at the rising edge of the clock to enable counting.

Therefore, the first line is read from 1 pixel, 11 pixels, 2 . . . . Pixel 4667 is read sequentially. still,
Pixel counting is done by a read dot counter. Further, the content of the read line counter at this time is 1.

Similarly, for the second and subsequent lines, the reading line counter is inflated with the next line synchronization clock, the reading dot counter is cleared, synchronized with the next video synchronization clock, the reading counter is incremented, and pixels are read. Do the following.

In this way, the lines are sequentially read, and when the reading line counter counts up to 6615 lines, the last reading is performed on that line, and the carriage drive motor is reversely energized to return the carriages 8 and 9 to their home positions.

The pixel data read in the above manner is sequentially sent to the image processing unit 1-100 and subjected to various image processing. The time required to perform this image processing is at least two clocks of the line synchronization clock signal.

Next, for writing, first clear the write line counter and enable the count: When the read line counter is 2, the BK write counter is; When the read line counter is 1577, the Y write counter is; When the read line counter is 3152. , M write counters; and when the read line counter is 4727, the C write counters are cleared and enabled to count, respectively.

These count ups are calculated by each beam sensor 4.
This is done at the rising edge of the detection signals 4bk, 44y, 44m and 44c. Further, the write dot counters (BK, Y, M, C) are cleared at the rising edge of the detection signal of each beam sensor, and counting up is performed by the video synchronization signal.

Writing for each color begins when the content of the reading counter reaches a predetermined value, the writing line counter for each color becomes counting enable, and counting starts with the first beam sensor detection signal (content 1). When the dot counter reaches a predetermined value, the laser driver is driven to perform writing. Dot count is 1-4
00 is dummy data, 401 to 5077 (46
77) are writable values. Here, the dummy data includes beam sensors 44bk, 44y, 44m and 4
4c and the photosensitive drums 18bk, 18y, 18m, and 18c. Also, write data (1 or O) is captured at the falling point of the video synchronization signal. The writing range in the line direction is when each writing line counter is 1 to 6615 lines.

Now, as shown in FIG. 14, after starting the exposure scan,
Since BK recording data is obtained from the time of scanning the third line of OD, the recording activation of the BK recording apparatus is started in synchronization with the acquisition of BK data. Therefore, the frame buffer memory is omitted in the BK signal processing line. On the other hand, since the Y, M, and C recording devices are offset in the paper feeding direction, recording is performed during the recording start delay times Ty, Tm, and Tc (Fig. 6) corresponding to the amount of deviation from the BK recording device. It is necessary to memorize the signal, and as mentioned above, 8
A byte frame memory 108m is provided at 7, a byte frame memory 108m is provided at 174, and a byte frame memory 108C is provided at 261.In order to reduce the storage capacity in these memories, the stored data is
This is gradation data before being converted into a density pattern. Therefore, since a frame memory for BK is not required, the amount of memory can be reduced, and furthermore, the capacity of the separate frame memory for storing gradation data can be reduced. The photoreceptor drum has a length (πr2) that is much shorter than the long side length of the maximum size A3 set in this copying machine, and therefore the arrangement pitch of the photoreceptor drum is also extremely short.

Next, other embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described.

In the above embodiment, in addition to full-color copies, it is also possible to make copies in only black.

This copying machine can be used not only in full color or monochromatic black, but also in monochromatic copying of other colors and overlapping copying of a smaller number of colors than full color.

An example configuration in this case is shown in FIG. 15. In this case, the transfer belt 25 is the photosensitive drum 18bk.

Four idle rollers 47bk, 47y, 47m and 47c are provided for selectively contacting '8ytlBm and IBc, and solenoids 48bk, 48y, 48m and 48c are provided for driving each idle roller to the contact position. In this case, the solenoid 48bk is used for full color copying.

48y, 48m, and 48c are all energized, and transfer belt 25 contacts all photoreceptor drums. solenoid 48
When only bk is energized, it becomes a monochrome black copy, and 48
When only y is energized, the copy is monochrome yellow, when only 48m is energized, the copy is monochrome magenta, when only 48c is energized, the copy is monochrome cyan, and copies of various other combinations of colors can also be set.

For example, when solenoids 48yt48m and 48c are energized at the same time, a three-color full-color copy is made.

Simultaneous energization of two solenoids results in two-color overlapping copies.

In the above embodiment, a copying machine that generates full color with four colors of BK, Y, M, and C was shown, but three colors of Y, M, and C were used.
The present invention can be similarly implemented in a copying machine that produces full color. In this case, the black separation circuit 104 and the UCR processing circuit 107 are deleted, and the Y frame memory 108y, the M frame memory 108m, and the C frame memory 108c are installed.
, and place the recording device corresponding to the deleted frame memory at the most upstream position in the recording paper feeding direction.
The corresponding color signal from the masking circuit is directly input to the density pattern processing circuit. In this way, the capacity of the frame memory is sufficient for the color signals of two colors.

In the above embodiment, a copying machine having a recording device configuration having four photoreceptor drums was shown, but one photoreceptor drum, one set of laser exposure device, and four or three color The present invention can be similarly applied to a copying machine that has a developing device and that holds a recording paper on a transfer drum or the like and sequentially transfers each color image.

In the above embodiment, an electrophotographic copying machine is shown, but an electrostatic recording type using an electrostatic recording needle or a thermal transfer type copying machine,
Alternatively, the present invention can be similarly implemented in an inkjet type copying machine or the like.

■Effects According to the present invention, there is no need to start transfer after a toner image of an entire page of a document is completely formed on the photoreceptor drum, and the diameter of the photoreceptor drum can be made extremely small. Therefore, the entire copying machine can be made compact. Although memory is required, its required capacity can be kept as small as possible, and memory costs and memory read/write control hardware and operations are all simplified. In the above embodiment, the photoreceptor drum 1
8y, 18m and 18c are placed 24/100.48/100 and 72/100 of the long side of A3 from the photoconductor drum 18bk, respectively, so one page of the frame memory can be stored in front of the A3 original. Assuming the memory capacity that can store the information of, the buffer memory 108 y,
The capacity of 108I11 and 108c is 24/1 respectively.
The memory capacity is only 0.48/100 and 72/100, which is (24+48+72)/300=0.48, which is less than half of the conventional memory capacity. Considering the omission of buffer memory for black recording, (24+48+72)/4
00=0.36, resulting in even greater memory savings.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view mainly showing the structure of the main parts of the mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the main parts of the electrical system, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the BK recording device section shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a broken toner collection pipe of the BK recording device section. It is. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the relationship between original reading scanning timing, recording biasing timing, and transfer biasing timing in the above embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the complementary color generation and black separation circuit 104 shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 8a is a block diagram showing the configuration of the averaging data compression circuit 105 shown in FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a data processing sequence of the circuit 105. FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of buffer memory 108c shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 10a is a plan view showing the distribution of threshold level data used in creating the density pattern stored in the gradation processing circuit 109. FIG. 10b is a plan view showing the image distribution of the 8×8 dot matrix area on the original; FIG. 10c is a plan view showing the BK ratio output plane expansion of the complementary color generation and black separation circuit 104;
FIG. 0d is a plan view showing the BK density pattern output of the gradation processing circuit 109 developed in a plane. FIG. 11a shows the BK ratio output circuit 109 of the circuit 104.
A plan view showing a planar expansion of the logical sum of density pattern outputs,
FIG. 11b is a plan view showing the signal outputted by the data selector 110 when the output of the circuit 104 is "black", and FIG. 11C is a plan view showing the difference between the output of the circuit 104 and the "black" density pattern signal. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a recording signal distribution randomly arranged in a white area. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of data selector 110, and FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a portion of copying mechanism elements connected to microprocessor system 200. FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the relationship between exposure scanning and recording energization of the copying machine shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a side view showing an outline of the main parts of the mechanism of another embodiment of the present invention. 1: Document 2 Nibraten 31.3□: Fluorescent lamp 41-43: Mirror 5: Variable magnification lens unit 6: Dichroic prism 7r, 7g, 7b: CCD 8: First carriage 9: Second carriage 10: Carriage drive motor 11 :Pulley 12:Wire 13bk, 1
3y, 13m, 13c: polygon mirror 14bk, 14y, 1
4m, 14c: f-〇 lens 15bk, 15y, 1
5m, 15c, 16bk, 16y, 16m, 16c:
Mirrors 17bk, 17y, 17m, 17c Nijilintorical lenses 18bk, 18y, 18m, 18c: Photosensitive drums 19bk, 19y, 19m, 19c: Charge scorotron 20bk, 20y, 20m, 20c
:Developer 21bk, 21y, 21m, 21c :Cleaner 22:Paper feed cassette 23:Paper feed roller 24N registration roller 25:Transfer belt 26.28.30:
Idle roller 27: Drive rollers 29bk, 29y, 29m, 29c: Transfer corotron 31 ni lever 32: Shaft 33: Pin 34: Compression coil spring 35
: Black copy mode setting solenoid plunger 36: Fuser 37: Tray 39: Home position sensor 40: Carriage guide bar 41bk, 41y, 41m, 41c: Polygon mirror drive motor 42: Toner collection pipe 43bk, 43y, 43m, 43c :Laser 44bk
, 44y, 44m, 44c: Beam sensor 45: Photosensitive drum drive motor 46: Motor driver 100: Image processing unit 104y, 104m, 104c: Digital comparator 10
4sh: Rotary deep switch 200: Microprocessor system 300: Console 301: Copy start key switch 302: Full color/single color black mode switching key switch Procedure 50th book (self-proposal) April 110, 1985 1. Display of incident Showa 1960 Patent Application No. 037214 2
, Title of the invention Digital color copying machine 3, Relationship to the case of the person making the amendment Patent applicant address 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Name
(674) Ricoh Co., Ltd. Representative Hama 1
) Hiro 4, Agent 103 Telephone 03-86/I -
6052 Address: 6-6, 2-27 Higashi Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Contents of amendment (+) The incorrect part in line 9 of the following page of the specification will be corrected.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Image reading means that separates and reads the original image;
An image processing means for processing a read image signal into recording information for each color component; and a plurality of color information recording means for each recording a different color on a recording medium based on the recording information for each color component; In a digital color copying machine equipped with; different information for each color information recording means necessary for storing information from when the image reading means reads the image until it is recorded on the recording medium by the plurality of color information recording means. A memory means having the minimum necessary memory capacity; and a color information recording means which writes information into the memory means in synchronization with the reading while the image reading means is reading the image, and writes the information from the memory means in accordance with the order in which the colors are recorded on the recording medium. A digital color copying machine characterized by comprising: a control means for reading destination information and energizing each of the color information recording means for recording. (2) The digital color copying machine according to claim (1), wherein the memory means stores color separation read image signals before being converted into recorded information by the image processing means. (3) A digital color copying machine according to claim (1), wherein the memory means stores recorded information converted by the image processing means. (4) The image reading means includes an A/D converter that obtains read tone data for each of a plurality of colors; A digital color copying machine according to claim 1, further comprising tone processing means for converting tone data into recording pattern information; and a memory means for storing said recording tone data.