JPS61196671A - Digital color copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make a copying machine small in size and reduce the memory capacity, by recording the picture information on color first recorded in synchronization with the read of an original picture without storing the picture information substantially to a storage memory. CONSTITUTION:After the color information of the C, M and Y colors the buffer memories 108c, 108m and 108Y are processed by a gradation processing circuit 109, respectively, they are recorded by the corresponding lasers 43C, 43m and 43Y (recording measures of the first set), respectively. The color information of the BK color is processed by a circuit 109 not through a memory, input into a data collector 110, and recorded by a laser 43b k (recording means of the second set). At such a time, a synchronizing control circuit 114 is synchronized with the read while the picture is read, records and energizes the recording means of the second set, and writes the recording information of the color composition of the C, M and Y in the above-mentioned buffer memory. In such a way, the memory against the BK color is omitted. Further, there is no need to form the toner image of the whole original picture to a photosensitive drum, and the drum diameter can be made small.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a color copying machine, and in particular, it separates an original image into colors using a scanner, reads image information for each of a plurality of color components, and records one-pack component image information.Records 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, one 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 for each recording color to form an electrostatic latent image, which is developed for each recording color and transferred to the same recording paper, two or more colors can be printed in one original image reading. When obtaining recorded image information, read information or functional image information must be stored in memory.

However, the amount of image information for each color component of a single sheet of document is enormous, and the memory capacity for storing the image information for the gold component 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 image information about the first color to be recorded is not substantially stored in the storage means. Records in synchronization with the reading of the original image. Namely: memory means each storing different packet component recording information, the number of sets being one less than the number of recording color components;
a plurality of first sets of color information recording means each recording a different color on the recording medium based on the recorded information of each set of memory means; A second set of color information recording means for recording colors; and, while an image is being read by the image reading means, the second set of color information recording means is energized for recording in synchronization with the reading, and other information is stored in the memory means. Write the color component recording information,
It shall be provided with a control means for energizing the first set of color information recording means to record according to the order of color recording on the recording paper.

According to this, the memory for holding image recording information of one color is omitted, and the required memory capacity is reduced accordingly.

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 it is possible to form a toner image of the entire image over one or more revolutions of the photoreceptor drum. Therefore, there is no need to make the diameter of the photosensitive drum particularly large, and it can be made as small as possible, so the copying machine does not become particularly large.

Digital color copying machines may also be used for copying only one color, black, for example, and the probability of this happening is high.

Therefore, even in color copies in which color components other than black are recorded, there are many copies in which there are many character areas and many black recorded areas. Therefore, black toner consumption is large.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first recording device is configured to record yellow, magenta, and cyan colors, respectively.
It is assumed that a recording device for recording black color is used as a second color information recording device, and that the second recording device performs recording first. Furthermore, the memory means can store yellow recording information for a time period from the start of reading the original image to the start of yellow recording, and a memory capable of storing magenta recording information for a time period from the start of reading the original image to the start of magenta recording. and a memory capable of storing cyan recording information during the time from the start of reading the original image to the start of cyan recording; recording of black color shall be started first.

According to this, when copying black and white, exposure and development transfer are performed at the position closest to the recording paper feed port, and the recording paper is ejected as it is after completing the exposure, so the time from the start of copying to the ejection of the copy paper is reduced. It can be made quite short. Furthermore, since the recording paper reaches the black transfer section first, toners of other colors will not adhere to the photosensitive drum for black recording. Therefore, the toner collected by the cleaner from the surface of the photoreceptor after transfer is substantially only black toner, and 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.

In a recording device downstream from the black recording device, the different color toner that adheres to the recording paper in the upstream recording device is collected by a cleaner, so it is not desirable to return it to the developing device.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of the structure of the mechanism section of an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 shows an overview of the configuration of the electrical equipment section.

First, referring to FIG. 1, an original 1 is placed on a platen (contact glass) 2, and fluorescent lamps 31+3 for illuminating the original are 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 C CD 7 rs 7 g and 7b, respectively. In other words, red light is C0D
7r, green light to CC07g, and blue light to C
It enters 0D7b.

The fluorescent lamps 31 + 32 and the first mirror 41 are in the first carriage 8
The second mirror 42 and the third mirror 48 are mounted on the second carriage 9, and by moving the second carriage 9 at half the speed of the first carriage 8, the original 1
The optical path length from the CCD to the CCD is kept constant, and the first and second carriages are scanned from right to left when reading an 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 10, and the wire 12 is wound around a movable pulley (not shown) on a second carriage 9. As a result, due to the forward and reverse rotation of the motor lO,
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 does not receive light (carriage non-detection). When the first carriage 8 returns to the home position, the sensor 39 receives light ( (carriage detection), and the carriage 8 is stopped when the state changes from non-light reception to light reception.

Now referring to FIG. 2, CCD 7 r, 7 g
.

The output of 7b is analog/digital converted and subjected to the necessary processing in the image processing unit 100 to produce "recorded color information of black (BK), yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C)". Each of the binary signals is converted into a binary signal for recording activation. Each of the binary signals is sent to a laser driver 112bk.

1], 2y, 112m and 112c, and each laser driver outputs a semiconductor laser 1]3bk, 113y.
, 113m and 113c, a laser beam modulated with a recording color signal (binarized signal) is emitted.

Referring again to FIG. The emitted laser beams are reflected by the rotating polygon mirrors 13bk, 13y, 13m and], 3c, respectively, and are reflected by the f-theta lenses], 4bk,
14y.

After 14m and 1.4c, the fourth mirror 15bk.

15! /+15m and +5c and 5th mirror 16b
k.

16y+ Reflected by 16m and 16c, polygonal mirror surface tilt correction cylindrical lenses 17bk, 17y.

After passing through 17m and 17c, photosensitive drum 18bk.

Imaging is irradiated to 18y+18m and 18c.

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

As the polygon mirror rotates, the laser beam is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction (clockwise) 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 scanning 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
The parts of the surfaces of 8bk, 18y, 18m and 18c that correspond to areas with high density of the original are at a potential of -800V, and the areas corresponding to areas of light density of the original are set to -100V.
An electrostatic layer 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 20m, and a cyan developing unit 20c, respectively, and the photoreceptor drums 18bk, 18y, 1
Black, yellow, magenta and cyan toner images are formed on the surfaces of 8m 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. Corresponding l・
A neutral 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 drum 18bl
r, ], 8y, 18m and 18c sequentially, and each photoreceptor drum 18bk, 18y,
While passing through 1 B'm and 18c, black, yellow, magenta and cyan toner images are sequentially transferred onto the recording paper by the action of a transfer corotron at the lower part of the transfer belt.

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 surface of the photoreceptor after transfer is removed by cleaner units 2 lbk, 21y, 21m and 21c.

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. In addition, due to reverse transfer of black toner from the recording paper during transfer to the photoreceptor drum 18y, the yellow and yellow toners collected by the cleaner units 21y+21m and 21c are
The magenta and cyan toners are not collected for reuse because they are mixed with toners from different color developing devices in the preceding stages of these units.

FIG. 5 shows the inside of the toner 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 transports the recording paper in the direction of +8c from the photoreceptor drum 18bk 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 4'4bk, 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 drums, each toner image is transferred onto the recording paper as the recording paper moves (color mode). When the black mode setting solenoid is energized (black mode), the lever 31 rotates counterclockwise against the repulsive force of the compression coil spring 34, the drive roller is lowered by 5 mm, and the transfer belt 25 is moved toward the photoreceptor drum. 44y.

44m and 44c, and remains in contact with the photosensitive drum 44bk. In this state, the transfer belt 25
Since the upper recording paper only contacts the photosensitive drum 44bk, only the black toner image is transferred to the recording paper (black mode). Since the recording paper does not come into contact with the photoreceptor drums 44y, 44m, and 44c, the toner (residual toner) attached to the photoreceptor drums 44y, 44m, and 44c does not stick to the recording paper, and stains such as yellow, magenta, and cyan are completely removed. It doesn't appear often. In other words, when copying in black mode, copies similar to those produced by a normal monochromatic black copying machine can be obtained. .

The console board 300 has a copy start switch, a color mode/black 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 the first time, 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. ), as well as other input key switches, character displays, and indicator lights.

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
At approximately 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 43yy43m and 43c are
Photosensitive drums 44bk to 44y, 44m and 44c
Modulation energization is started after a delay of travel times Ty, Tm, and Tc of the transfer belt 25 corresponding to the distance. Transfer corotrons 29bk, 29y, 29m and 29c are equipped with lasers 43bk, 43y, 43++ and 4, respectively.
3c for a predetermined period of time from the start of modulation energization (on the photoreceptor drum,
It is energized after a delay of (time required for the laser irradiation position to reach the transfer roller 1-ron).

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, and after a time delay of reading out and converting into a recording signal after delay times T V +Tm and Tc shown in FIG. 6, it is applied to laser drivers 112y+112m and 112c. Note that the image processing unit 100 is given three color signals from CC'D7r, 7g, and 7b as described above in the copying machine mode.

In the graphics mode, three color signals are applied from outside the copying machine through the 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 CCDs 7r, 7g and 7b into 8 bits, and includes corrections for optical illuminance unevenness z and sensitivity variations in internal unit elements of CCDs 7r + 7g and 7b. 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 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.
) 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 1
At 04m and 104y, the C, M, and 7th gradation data are compared with the reference value data set by the threshold value setting switch 104sh, respectively. digital comparator 104c,
104m and 104y are for comparing 8-bit data, respectively. Data (input data) obtained by adding 1 and the upper 2 bits of the level to the 6 bits of the gradation data are compared to the 1 bit of the lowest digit and the 1 bit of the higher digit. It is compared with 8-bit data (reference value data) in which 3 bits are set to L level and the 2nd to 4th bits from the lowest are reference value data set by the threshold value setting switch 104sh, and it is determined that the input data is less than or equal to the reference value data. If it is, 1 is given to the Nantes gate 104, and if it is exceeded, H is given to the Nantes gate 104.

The NAND games 1 to 1 output L (black) when all the comparators are giving L signals, and output II (white) when any one is giving II signals, and give them to the data selector 110. To explain this in more detail, the gradation data input to the comparator is 6-bit data in hexadecimal notation and ranges from 0 to 3FH.
When writing black output, the configuration is such that L represents black and H represents white. Therefore, 2 pitches on the MSB side of 8-bit input data (
06, 7) to L, and C to the lower 6 bits (00 to 5).
, 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 much white color is included in the black, halftone (gray) can be recorded as black and the resolution can be increased, but on the other hand, black will occur more often, which is not desirable in terms of color balance. Therefore, I decided to set the 5th and 6th bits so that I could set up to the intermediate level in 7 steps, and since there was no need to set them too precisely, I set the 1st bit to 1st on the SR side. The setting value from the dip switch 104sh is input to the intermediate 3 pins I- (PI~3). Now dip switch 104
If the sh setting is 010, the reference value is 00000
1.0, and when all C, M, and Y data are below this value, that is, between 0 and 3 in decimal, the output of the comparator is L and black (BK) output is L (black). do. Here, the setting dip switch 104sh is commonly used for comparison judgment of C, M, and Y, but by using three sets, it is possible to set it comprehensively, and also to set the setting range width of each color to the lowest and highest settings. By setting using the switch for
It is also possible to output a specific color as a black pattern with good resolution.

Averaging data compression circuit 105 of image processing unit 100
is 4 bits of gradation data for one image.
This averages the X4 image data and outputs it 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 value read from the CD) is A/D converted to 8-bit data, and then converted to 6-bit 1-data by γ correction,
The output data to the laser driver is the laser on/off (
1 bit) data. 6 depending on input 6-bit data
It is possible to differentiate the density of four gradations, 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.
/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.
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 (the exposure scanning direction of the first carriage 8) x 8 pixels in the main scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the exposure scanning direction: COD electronic circuit scanning direction), for a total of 64 pixels.
It is a pixel. Also, when averaging 64 pieces of 6-bit data, if you add all the data and then reduce 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 l, added to the fourth data by adder 1 as -24=, and then added to the data in latch 2 by adder 2,
The sum of four pixel data (W3 tone data) is output from the adder 2. This data is latched into latch 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 1 is treated as 7 bits due to the addition of 6-bit data, and the outputs of adders 2 and 3 are treated as 7-bit data.
Although the processing result of adders 2 and 3 is 8 bits due to data addition, the output is a value that is substantially 1/2 of the added data by taking the upper 7 bits.

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 the adder 3, the adder 4 adds it to the contents of RAMI and stores it in R and AM2. By this addition, the 1st + 2nd line data becomes RA
It is stored in M2.

When the third line is output from the adder 3, the adder 4 adds it to the contents of RAMI 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 the adder 3, the adder 4 adds it to the contents of the RAM 2 and stores it in the RAMI.

Similarly, RAM l.

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 adders 2 and 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, M(1, Cgg: post-masking data.

Also, 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
lt", etc.) are calculated in advance and substituted into the above equation to obtain the calculated values (Y, ', etc.: U, (which becomes the output of the CR processing circuit 107) is R
It is stored in OM.

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.
Buffer memory 108y, 108m, 1 as the output of 7
08c and the gradation processing circuit 109. In addition,
Generally speaking, the masking processing circuit 106 uses Y, M, and C
The UCR processing circuit 107 corrects the signal, and the UCR processing circuit 107 performs correction for color balance in overlapping toners of each color.

Next, the buffer memory 108 of the image processing unit l-100
y, 108m and 108c will be explained. 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 memory 10B+n, and 7 with memory 108c
It may be about 2%. For example, the reading pixel density of CCI) is 400 dpi (dots per inch: 15.
75 dots/mm), the memory 108y is approximately 87
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 example, since 64 gradations and 6-bit data are handled, the capacities of Memo I7108y, 108m and 108c are 87, 174 and 26, respectively.
Part-time job is 1. When calculating memory addresses in 6-bit units rather than byte units (8 bits), the memory addresses are 116K x 6 bits for the memory 1ogy, 232K x 6 bits for the memory 108m, and 348K x 6 bits for the memory 108c.

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.

The outline of the memory structure will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. Thirty-six memories of 64K x 1 bits are used as input data memories, resulting in a 384K x 6 bit structure.

These are DRAMs 1 to 6 shown in FIG.

The data for which UCR processing has been completed is stored in FiF, which is a first-in/first-out (Fj, Fo) memory.

Write to RAMI, 2. This is for correcting the deviation between the output timing of the output data of the UCR process and the write timing of the memories (r) RAMs 1 to 6, and serves as 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 counter 1 is incremented by 1 and the next data is written. In this way, data is sequentially written to DRAMs 1 to 6, and when it reaches 384K, it is reset and written again starting from address 0. When counter 1 advances the address to 384 from the start of writing, DRAM1~
Data is started to be written to Fj, Fo RAM 1, 2 from DRAM 6 (reading from DRAMs 1 to 6). At the start, counter 2 is reset and the data at address 0 is first Fi.
F.

R, AM], , 2, the counter 2 becomes address 1, and the data is sequentially read out in the same manner as in writing. This counter 2 is also 3
When it reaches 84K, it is reset and written starting from address 0.

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

Data selector 1 selects the address (count data) of counter 1 or counter 2, and D'RA
When writing data to M1-G, the address data of counter 1 is output, and when reading data, the address data of counter 2 is output.

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 6411iWI4. 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, and generally the density There are many combinations of pattern method, density pattern method, and beam modulation. Here, a processing method of expressing 64 gradations using an 8×8 matrix is used.

The circuit 109 has 6 8×8 density patterns per group.
It has four types and uses a method to output 8-bit data in the sub-scanning direction based on gradation data and 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 8x8 matrix is 0, 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.
, 8-bit data is output in data order from main scanning address 1, and by parallel-to-serial conversion and output, data for one line in the sub-scanning direction is obtained. 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 0011111
0,01111110.1.1111111. 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. 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 code) from the black separation circuit 104 and the OCR 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 text areas, it is better to apply 1-henner based on the binary code from the black separation circuit 104 than to add 1-henner based on the density pattern information.
The resolving power is higher than that of the case where the color is imparted. 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 for synthesizing the dot pattern (binary code) 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. In other words, (a) simply OR the two (if at least one is black, toner is applied/recorded); (b) the black to be recorded in the 8x8 matrix is output by the black separation circuit 104; Then, the output of the black separation circuit 104 is assigned to that matrix, and if there is no output, the data of the density pattern is assigned, and (c) the black to be recorded in the 8×8 matrix is output by the black separation circuit 104. Then, the output of the black separation circuit 104 is assigned to that matrix, and the number of 8 "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 latter exceeds the former. randomly assigned to the white part of the matrix.

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

Method (a) above is simple in terms of hardware, but method 11a
As shown in the figure, recorded black often increases, and although one of the purposes of this embodiment is to improve the resolution of black characters, this results in a relatively unfavorable result in that the edges of the black image become black and blurred. In the above-mentioned 36-way formula (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 improving 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 complicated.

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.

Black separation circuit] O (L: white) for each pixel from 04.

1 (H: black) data is serial/parallel converter],
10a outputs every 8 bits in parallel, and OR gate OR1 outputs "1" if there is even one black (1) among the 8 bits.
”, if all of them are mortar (0), “0” is output. This output is stored in RAMI for one line, and when the second line is input, it is ORed with the data of the first line stored in RAM1 and stored in RAM2. In this way, the data for 8 lines are sequentially ORed.

During this time, o (r-: white)) for each pixel from the separation circuit 104, which has been parallel-converted, 1. (H: Black) Data is written to the line buffer 110b with a capacity for 8 lines. When this write is completed, the timing pulse becomes 1, and the analog gate 1-ANDI is opened, and the line buffer 110 is opened.
Data is given to the data selector 110C for each line from the processing circuit 109, and density pattern data is given to the selector 110c for each line from the processing circuit 109, and the data in the RAM 2 is repeatedly read out and sent to the selector 110C.
It is given to the control data input terminal of 0c.

When the output point of the black separation circuit 104 is in the 8×871-link 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 1 through the OR gate 111 (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 (0: non-recording). The binarized signal passes through the OR gate 111 to the laser driver]]2
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 each of the 39 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 the 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 the full color mode in the monochrome black mode, and the R2O 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 operate in color mode, as well as the laser driver 112ynm
, 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.
The input signal is compared with the level, converted into a 1-pitch digital signal, and applied to the OR gate 111. This output is given to the laser driver 112bk through the OR gate 111. 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, charger corotrons 19y+n+,c+developing units 20y, m, and c in the monochromatic black mode.

The transfer corotron 29V+1ILC+ 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). Input/output port 207 shown in FIG. 13 is connected to bus 206 of 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, it is equipped with a driver that energizes each part of the copying machine, a processing circuit connected to the sensor, etc., and an input/output port 20.
7 or other input/output ports of the system 20
0, but illustration is omitted.

The transfer paper feed roller 23.
The operating timings of the developing device 20bk, registration roller 24, transfer roller +-con 29b1ζ, etc. are the same, but the feeding speed of the transfer belt 25 until the recording paper that has completed transfer separation reaches the fixing device 36 is the same as in full color mode. It's a little faster than.

The fact that the photosensitive drum 18bk 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 qt-pure.

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 registration roller 24 and the like differs between the full color copy mode and the m color 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 a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the device starts a warm-up operation.

・Increasing the temperature of the fixing unit 36, ・Starting the polygon mirror to rotate at a constant speed, ・Home positioning of the carriage 8, ・Generating the clock for line synchronization (1,26 KHz), ・Generating the clock for video synchronization (8,42 KHz) ,・Initialize various counters, etc. The line synchronization clock is supplied to the polygon mirror motor driver and the COD driver, and the former uses this signal as a reference signal for the phase-locked loop servo, and the beam sensor 44 as a feedback signal.
The beam detection signals of bk, 44y, 44m and 44c are controlled to have the same frequency as the line synchronization clock and have a predetermined phase relationship. The latter is C
It is used as a main scanning start signal for CD 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 frequency of the line synchronization signal and the detection signal of each beam sensor are locked by PLL and are the same, but there may be a slight phase difference, so the scanning reference is not the line synchronization signal but the frequency of each beam sensor. The detection signal is used.

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

The various counters are: (1) read line counter, (2) write line counters for R', '/, M, and C.

(3) read dot counter, and (4) BK,
Y, M, and C write dot counters, but the above (
1) and (2) are microprocessor system 200
This is a program counter substituted for the operation of the CPU 202, and (3) and (4) are provided individually 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 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 becomes L soon after starting. 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 this change from H to L occurs is the position where the leading edge of the document is exposed.

With the line synchronization clock that comes in after the sensor 39 goes low, 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 pixels 11 to 2 in synchronization with the video synchronization clock immediately after the first line synchronization clock is input after the home position sensor 39 becomes L. . . . 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 read line counter is inflated with the next line synchronization clock, the read dot counter is cleared, synchronized with the next incoming video synchronization clock, and the read counter is incremented.
- and read the pixels at the same time.

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 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, in writing, first clear the write line counter 47 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; and the read line counter is 3152. When the M write counter is 47; and the read line counter is 47
At 27, the C write counter is 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 has a predetermined value of 48-, the laser driver is driven to perform writing. Dot counts between 1 and 400 are dummy data, and 401 to 5077 (4677 pieces) are writable values. Here, the dummy data is for adjusting the physical distance between the beam sensors 44bk, 44y, 44m and 44c and the photosensitive drums 18bk, 18y, 18I11 and 18c. Also, write data (1 or 0) 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, the recording start delay times Ty, Tm, and Tc (Fig. 6) corresponding to the amount of deviation from the BK recording device are It is necessary to store the recording signal, and as mentioned above, 87 is a byte frame memory, 174 is a byte frame memory 108m, and 261 is a byte frame memory 108C, and these memories also have a limited storage capacity. In order to reduce this, the stored data 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 frame memory for storing gradation data can be reduced. The photosensitive drum has a circumference (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 photosensitive 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 possible to create copies with only a single black color, but this can be done in addition to full-color and single-color copies, as well as single-color copies of other colors and copies of a smaller number of colors than the full-color copy. It is also possible to use a copying machine that makes overlapping copies.

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 to selectively contact 18y, 18m and 18c
and 47c, and solenoids 48bk, 48y, 48m and 48c that drive each idle roller to the contact position. In this case, the solenoid 48bk is used for full color copying.

483'+ 48 m and 48c all energized;
Transfer bell 1-25 contacts all photoreceptor drums. When only solenoid 4.8bk is energized, the copy is monochrome black, when only 48y is energized, the copy is monochrome yellow, when only 48m is energized, the copy is monochrome magenta, and when only 48c is energized, the copy is monochrome cyan. , and copies of various other combinations of colors can also be set.

For example solenoid 48 y+ 48 m and 48c
When both 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 72M and C were shown.
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 completely forming a toner image of the entire page of a document on the photoreceptor drum 11, and the diameter of the photoreceptor drum can be made extremely small. As a result, 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 correspondingly simplified.

[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 document reading scanning timing, recording biasing timing, and transfer biasing timing in the second 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 t08c 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. Figure 10c is a plan view showing the BK output of the complementary color generation and black separation circuit 104 developed in a plane. FIG. 10d 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 output of circuit 104 and the BK output of circuit 109.
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. The 14th old is a time chart 1 to 1 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: Manuscript 2 Nibraten 31”, '32
: Fluorescent lamp 41-43: Mirror 5: Variable magnification lens unit 6: Dichroic prism 7r, 7g, 7b: CCD', g: First
Carriage 9: Second carriage 10: Carriage drive motor 11: Pulley 12: Wire 13bk, 1
3y, 13m, 13c: polygon mirror 14bk, I'ly, 1
4m, 14c: f-0 lens 15bk, 15'
y, 15m, ], 5c, 16bk', 16y
, 1.6m', 16c": Mirror 17bk, 17y
, 17m, +7c Nijilintorical lens 18bk,
18y, 18m, ], Qc: Sensitive drum 19
b k r 19 y r 19 m + 19 c
:Charge Scorotron 20bk, 20y, 20m, 2
0c: Developing device 21bk, 21y, 21m, 21c: Cleaner 22: Paper feed cassette 23: Paper feed roller 24 registration roller 25: Transfer belt 26.28.30
: Idle roller 27: Drive roller 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-H1 anti-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, ]'04m', 104c: Digital comparator 1
04sh: Rotary dip switch 200: Microprocessor system 300: Console 301: Copy start key switch 302: Full color/m color black mode selection key switch I
8〉 ￥r Bee F-j '-, 1-chome 3-6 name
(674) Ricoh Co., Ltd. Representative Hama 1
) Hiro 5, Subject of amendment Detailed description of the invention column - 1 = 6, Contents of amendment (1) The erroneous part in line 9 of the following page of the specification will be corrected.

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) Image reading means that separates and reads the original image; Image processing means that processes the read image signal into recorded information for each color component; Recorded color components that each store recorded information of different color components. a plurality of first sets of color information recording means, each of which records a different color on the recording medium based on the recorded information of each set of memory means; and an image processing means; a second set of color information recording means for recording one color on the recording medium based on the recorded information processed by the image reading means; and a second set of color information recording in synchronization with the reading while the image reading means is reading the image. A digital color copying machine comprising: control means for energizing the recording means, writing recording information in the memory means, and energizing the first set of color information recording means for recording in accordance with the order of color recording on the recording medium. (2) The image reading means is a color reading device that reads red, green, and blue color information; the image processing means is a color information conversion means that obtains yellow, magenta, cyan, and black recorded information; the first set of colors; The information recording means is a recording device that records yellow, magenta, and cyan colors, and the second set of color information recording means is a recording device that records black color; Claim (1) above Digital color copier as described. (3) The memory means is a memory capable of storing yellow recording information during the time from the start of reading the original image to the start of yellow recording, and a memory capable of storing the yellow recording information during the time from the start of reading the original image to the start of magenta recording. a memory capable of storing cyan recording information for a period of time from the start of reading the original image to the start of cyan recording;
A digital color copying machine according to claim (2). (4) Each recording device includes a photoconductor, a charger that uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor, an exposure unit that projects light onto the photoconductor according to recorded information, and a device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed by exposure. The apparatus is equipped with a developing device and a transfer means for transferring the developed image onto recording paper; the photoreceptors of each recording device are arranged along the conveying path of the recording paper; claim (2) above; Digital color copying machine as described in section. (5) Claim No. 4, wherein a recording device that records black color is disposed on the most upstream side in the recording paper transport direction.
Digital color copying machine as described in section. (6) The digital color recording device according to claim (5), wherein the recording device for recording black color includes a collector for collecting the toner on the transferred photoreceptor surface and a collector for returning the collected toner to the developing device. Copy machine.