JPS63167562A - Digital copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To add a prescribed pattern to the picture part of an original or a background part with a simple constitution by generating a prescribed pattern repetitively in a copying machine and applying prescribed logic operation between the pattern and the original picture. CONSTITUTION:A subscanning N-adic counter 21 and a main scanning direction N-notation counter 24 receive a page SYNC 101, a line SYNC 102 and a video clock 103 and supply count outputs 104, 105 to a pattern storage ROM 22. The ROM 22 uses the count outputs 104,105 as an address to output a prescribed pattern signal 108. In this case, since the synchronizing signals 101, 102 and the video clock 103 synchronize with the image scanner, the relation of position between the generated pattern and the input picture data obtained from the original corresponds to each other. The generated pattern 108 is subjected to logic operation with an input picture by an AND or OR circuit 29, and a signal 110 adding the pattern to the picture part of the original or the signal 111 adding the pattern to the background of the original is obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a digital copying machine, and particularly to an image processing device thereof.

[Conventional technology]

In a digital copying machine, an image of a document is once converted into an image signal by an image sensor, etc., and then stored in a memory, and the image signal is used to drive a laser printer or the like to perform copying. At this time, by performing various processing on the image signal, the original image can be enlarged, reduced, moved,
Image processing and processing such as trimming and masking can be performed.

In such a digital copying machine, in order to enhance the visual effect, there are cases where it is desired to add a certain pattern such as diagonal lines or striped patterns to the text parts of the original or the white part of the background. In such cases, conventional digital copying machines first read the original with written text and store it in memory, then read the original with a certain pattern printed on it, and then combine the image data obtained from both originals. A desired output image was obtained by performing predetermined logical operations between the two.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, the above-described method requires a large capacity memory to be provided within the digital copying machine, resulting in high costs. In addition, it was time-consuming because two types of originals had to be read.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has a function of adding a certain pattern to the image part of a document and generating a certain pattern to the background part by a simple configuration. The purpose is to realize this.

[Means and operations for solving the problems] In order to achieve the above object, the digital copying machine of the present invention has a device that reads an image of a document to obtain input image data, and a device that is synchronized with the reading of the image of the document. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that it is provided with a pattern generating means for repeatedly generating a certain pattern using the pattern generating means, and a means for performing a logical operation between the repetitive pattern from the pattern generating means and the input image data to obtain output image data. .

The fixed pattern includes a line pattern in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction.

Further, as the certain pattern, a pattern obtained by a logical operation of a line pattern in the main scanning direction and a line pattern in the sub-scanning direction can also be used.

In the present invention, in synchronization with reading the image of the original,
A certain pattern is electrically generated repeatedly within a copying machine. Then, a predetermined logical operation is performed between this repeating pattern and the image of the read document. Therefore, image data in which the image of the original is modulated in the repeating pattern is obtained. When an image is output using this image data, a copy image with a pattern added to the image portion or background portion of the document is obtained.

〔Example〕

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, features of the present invention will be specifically described based on examples with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a schematic block diagram of a digital copying machine according to the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 indicates an image scanner, in which a document is illuminated by a light source 2, and the reflected light is focused on an image sensor 4 made of C0D (charge coupled device) or amorphous silicon, etc., via a mirror optical system 3. . By moving the mirror optical system 3 together with the light source 2 relative to the document tray, the image on the document tray is scanned and converted into an electrical signal.

The signal from the image scanner 1 is converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter 5 and output as image data. The image data from the A/D converter 5 is supplied to an image processing device 6, the details of which will be described later. In this way, the image of the original document is input. The output of the image processing device 6 is supplied to an output printer to obtain a processed copy image.

In this embodiment, a combination of xerography, which is a non-impact printer, and a laser RO3 (rusk output scanner) will be described as the output printer, but it can also be applied to inkjet 9 thermal transfer or other printing processes.

Inside the output printer, there is a photosensitive drum 8 that rotates at a predetermined speed. A laser RO 39 for exposing and scanning the photosensitive drum 8, a laser ROS driver 10 for driving the laser RO 39, and the like are provided.

The laser ROS driver 10 is supplied with processed image data from the image processing device 6, and the laser ROS driver 10 is supplied with processed image data from the image processing device 6.
A laser 11 provided therein is modulated according to image data. A laser beam from a laser 11 is scanned in the axial direction of the photoreceptor drum 8 by a rotating polygon mirror 12, and the surface of the photoreceptor drum 8 is exposed according to the processed image data.

The latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 8 is developed in the same manner as in a normal electrophotographic copying machine, transferred to copy paper, and then fixed, thereby obtaining an image-processed copy image.

In this embodiment, the image processing device 6 performs a process of adding a certain pattern to the image data from the image scanner 1. Details of this processing will be described later.

In the above example, image scanner l and laser RO3
Although the image processing device 6 is shown as independent from the image processing device 9, this is to make the function easier to understand.The image processing device 6 may be included in the image scanner 1, or may be included in the laser RO 39 or the output printer. There is also.

Next, the image processing device 6 will be explained with reference to FIG.

In the figure, 21 indicates an N-ary counter in the sub-scanning direction, and the counter 21 is supplied with a page sync 101, which is a synchronization signal for each document, and a line sync 102, which is a synchronization signal for each line. (See Figure 3a). and,
The counter 21 counts the number of line syncs 102 in synchronization with the page syncs 101. Sub-scanning direction N
The count value of the decimal counter 21 is stored in the pattern storage ROM 2.
2, and constitutes the upper bits (Al to A) of the address of the ROM 22. Also, the upper bits in the sub-scanning direction N
The value of N of the advance counter 21 is given by the sub-scanning direction data range register 25.

The main scanning direction N-ary counter 24 includes a line sync 102.
and a video clock 103 (which is a synchronization signal for each pixel)
(see Figure 3a) is given, and the line sink 102
The number of video clocks 103 is counted in synchronization with. Then, a signal 105 (see FIG. 3C) of the upper bits of the count value excluding the lower three bits is applied to the pattern storage ROM 22, and constitutes the lower bit (Ao) of the address of the ROM 22. In addition, the main scanning direction N-ary counter 24 transfers the carry 107 (see FIG. 3) to the parallel-to-serial converter 2 every 8 counts.
It is output to 3. This carry 107 is ROM22
Since an 8-bit output is used, the timing for loading and parallel-to-serial conversion is given to the parallel-to-serial converter 23. Further, the main scanning direction N-ary counter 24 is given a value of N by the main scanning direction data range register 26, which is a multiple of eight. Note that this main scanning direction data range register 26 and the above-mentioned sub-scanning direction data range register 25 are set to CP'U (
The value of N is set under the control of the central processing unit (Central Processing Unit) 27.

The pattern storage ROM 22 has an N-ary counter 2 in the sub-scanning direction.
1 (see Figure 3) and the main scanning direction N
Parallel pattern data 106 is output using the signal 105 (see FIG. 3C) from the advance counter 24 as an address. The parallel-to-serial converter 23 performs parallel-to-serial conversion on the parallel pattern data 106 in synchronization with the video clock 103 and the carry 107, and outputs serial pattern data 108.

The human image data 109 is logically ANDed with the serial pattern data 10B by the AND gate 28, and becomes the first processed image data 110. Furthermore, an OR gate 29 performs a logical OR operation on the input image data 109 and the serial pattern data 108 to obtain second processed image data 111.

Next, an example of the above-mentioned circuit operation will be explained.

Now, the value of N in the sub-scanning direction N-ary counter 21 is "8".
, and the value of N in the main scanning direction N-ary counter 24 is set to "16".

Therefore, the sub-scanning direction N-ary counter 21 is "0 to 7".
The main scanning direction N-ary counter 24 operates as a hexadecimal counter. In this case, the main scanning direction count value signal 105 is
The lower 3 bits of the output of the N-ary counter 24 in the main scanning direction are removed (since this is the upper value, "0" and "1" are output alternately (
(See Figure 3C).

The main scanning direction count value signal 105 is sent to the address Ao (LSB) of the pattern storage ROM 22, and the address A3
(MSB) to A1 are sub-scanning direction count value signals 10
Connect 4. In the ROM 22, patterns are stored as shown in FIG. In the actual ROM 22, for example, white is stored as "0" and black as "1". That is, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the bit pattern of roo110011n+J is written to the address of ro 000 (-1J (however, the left side is the MSB and the subscript (
2) means binary representation). Note that the bit pattern may be black and white reversed.

Now, if the value of the sub-scanning direction count value signal 104 is ro00u+J for a certain line, then A 3
= O, A z = 0, A + = 0,
The values of the main scanning direction count value signal 105 are “0” and “1”
is repeated, so the value of Ao repeats between "0" and "1".

When the next line comes, the main scanning direction count value signal 105
The value of rool(2+J becomes A 3 = O, A z
= 0, A + = 0, and the same process is repeated in the main scanning direction. In this way, a pattern as shown in FIG. 5 is created in synchronization with the reading of image data. FIG. 6 shows the occurrence pattern for one screen.

At this time, the above-mentioned page sync 101. line sink 1
02 and video clock 103 are image scanner l.
Since the scanning is synchronized with the scanning in the document, the positional relationship between the generated pattern and the input image data obtained from the document corresponds.

If a logical AND operation is performed on the original shown in FIG. 6A and the pattern shown in FIG. 6S, a print as shown in FIG. 6C is obtained. This corresponds to the processed image data 110 from the AND gate 2nd day shown in FIG.

Similarly, by performing a logical OR operation between the original and the generated pattern, the print shown in FIG. 6d can be obtained. Note that this corresponds to the processed image data 111 from the OR gate 29.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of the image processing device 6. As shown in FIG.

In the figure, numeral 31 indicates an N-ary counter in the main scanning direction, to which a line sync 202 and a video clock 203 are provided. Then, the number of video clocks 203 is counted in synchronization with the line sync 202, and the count value is given to the comparator 32.

Further, a carry 204 is output for each count (JN). The value of N is given by the main scanning direction line pitch register 34.

The comparator 32 outputs a match signal 205 when the count value of the main scanning direction N-ary counter 31 and the value of the main scanning direction line width register 35 match.

J/ flip-flop 33 has video clock 20
3. carry 204. A match signal 205 is given, and a vertical stripe pattern signal 206 formed from the carry 204° match signal 205 is synchronized with the video clock 203.
is output (see Figure 8).

Similarly, the sub-scanning direction N-ary counter 36 is provided with a page sync 201 and a line sync 202.
The number of line syncs 202 is counted in synchronization with page syncs 201. In addition, the sub-scanning direction N-ary counter 3
6 outputs a carry 207 for every count value N, and the count value is given to a comparator 37. The value N of the sub-scanning direction N-ary counter 36 is given by the sub-scanning direction line pitch register 39. The comparator 37 outputs a match signal 208 when the count value of the counter 36 and the value of the sub-scanning direction line width register 40 match.

J/ flip-flop 38 has line sink 202
, Carey 207. A match signal 208 is provided;
Carry 207 .in synchronization with line sync 202 . A horizontal stripe pattern signal 209 formed from the coincidence signal 208 is output.

The EXOR gate 43 performs an exclusive OR operation on the pattern signal 206 and the pattern signal 209, resulting in a checker pattern pattern signal 210.

The data selector 42 includes a vertical stripe pattern signal 206°, a Cefka pattern pattern signal 210, and so on. Horizontal striped patterns 209 are input, and one of them is selected according to an instruction from the CPU 41. The selected signal is subjected to a logical operation with the input image data 211 by an AND gate 44 or an OR gate 45 to obtain processed image data 212 and 213.

The CPU 41 writes appropriate values into registers 34, 35, 39, and 40 according to instructions from an operation panel or the like.

Next, the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 7 will be explained.

First, creation of a line pattern perpendicular to the main scanning direction, that is, a vertical stripe pattern will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the counter 31 is reset when the line sync 202 is at a low level.
When 02 becomes high level, the video clock 203 starts counting, and the counter 31 operates as a quinary counter. Carry 204 becomes high level when the count value is "4". Furthermore, if the value ``2U'' is input to the register 35, the match signal 205 becomes high level when the count value is ``2''. carry 204. Match signal 205
In response, the flip-flop 33 generates a pattern signal 206 that repeats a pattern of 2 dots high level (corresponding to black) and 3 dots low level (corresponding to white) as shown in FIG. If this is repeated for each line sync 202, a pattern of vertical stripes as shown in FIG. 9 is created.

Assume now that the pattern signal 206 is selected by the data selector 42, and the original shown in FIG. 9a is input. If an AND operation is performed on the original and the pattern, a print as shown in FIG. 9C will be obtained, and if an OR operation is performed, a print as shown in FIG. 9D will be obtained. 9C corresponds to the processed image data 212 of the AND gate 44, and FIG. 9D corresponds to the processed image data 213 of the OR gate 45.

Next, creation of a line pattern perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction, that is, a horizontal stripe pattern will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the counter 36 is reset when the page sync 201 is at a low level, and when the page sync 201 becomes a high level, the count (f
F] and operates as a hexadecimal counter. The carry 207 becomes high level when the count value is "5". Furthermore, if the value of r2J is input to the register 40, the match signal 208 becomes high level when the count value is "2". carry 207. In response to the coincidence signal 208, the flip-flop 38 generates a pattern signal 209 that repeats a pattern of 3 lines at high level (corresponding to black) and 3 lines at low level (corresponding to white) as shown in the figure.

Assume now that the pattern signal 209 is selected by the data selector 42, and the original shown in FIG. 11a is input. If the original and the pattern are subjected to an AND operation, a print as shown in FIG. 11C is obtained, and when an OR operation is performed, a print as shown in FIG. 11D is obtained. 11C corresponds to the processed image data 212 of the AND gate 44, and FIG. 11D corresponds to the processed image data 212 of the OR gate 45.
It corresponds to 13.

Furthermore, the pattern signal 206 is output by the EXOR gate 43.
When performing an exclusive OR operation of and pattern signal 209,
A pattern as shown in FIG. 12 is created.

Assume now that the pattern signal 210 is selected by the data selector 42, and the original shown in FIG. 12a is input. If an AND operation is performed on the original and the pattern, a print as shown in FIG. 12C will be obtained, and if an OR operation is performed, a print as shown in FIG. 12D will be obtained. 12C corresponds to the processed image data 212 of the AND gate 44, and FIG. 12D corresponds to the processed image data 212 of the OR gate 45.
It corresponds to 13.

In the above embodiment, an exclusive OR operation is performed between the pattern signal 206 and the pattern signal 209, but the pattern can also be created using other logical operations. Also, for calculations between patterns and originals,
Other logical operations other than AND or OR may be used.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, in the present invention, a certain pattern is repeatedly generated in synchronization with the reading of a document, and a logical operation is performed with input image data. Therefore, an image-processed copy can be obtained at the same time as the original is read.

Furthermore, since there is no need to read a pattern original when copying, the operation becomes easier. Furthermore, since there is no need for a large-capacity memory for reading and storing one sheet of a pattern original, a copy with a predetermined constant pattern added to the original can be obtained with a simple configuration.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing device in a digital copying machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the entire digital copying machine, and FIG. 3 shows the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 1. Timing chart for explanation, Figure 4 is ROM
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the generated pattern; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the original and the output print; FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the image processing device. FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining the operation when a vertical stripe pattern occurs, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the document and the output print when a vertical stripe pattern occurs, and FIG. A timing chart for explaining the operation when a horizontal stripe pattern occurs. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the original and the output print when the horizontal stripe pattern occurs. Fig. 12 shows the relationship between the original and the output print when the ticker pattern occurs. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship with printing. 1: Image scanner 2: Light source 3: Mirror optical system 4: Image sensor 5: A/D
Converter 6: Image processing device 7: Output printer
8: Photosensitive drum 9: Laser RO5 10: Laser ROS driver 11: Laser 12: Rotating polygon mirror 2L36:
Sub-scanning direction N-ary counter 22: Pattern storage ROM 23: Parallel-serial converter 24.31: Main-scanning direction N-ary counter 25: Sub-scanning direction data range register 2G = Main scanning direction data range register 27, 41: CPo 2B, 44: A
ND gate 29. 457 OR gate 32. 37: Comparator 33, 38: Flip-flop 34 to J/
:Main scanning direction line pinch register 35:Main scanning direction line width register 39:Sub scanning direction line pitch register 40:Sub scanning direction line width register 42:Data selector 43:EXOR'y'-)D
: Manuscript patent applicant Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Agent
Child benefit (2 idiots) Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 4 A Main scanning direction Figure 6 (cl) (b) Main scanning direction (c) (d) Figure 7 Figure 12 ((1) (b) Main scanning direction

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A device for reading an image of a document to obtain input image data, a pattern generating means for repeatedly generating a certain pattern in synchronization with reading of the image of the document, and an apparatus for generating input image data from the pattern generating means. A digital copying machine comprising: means for performing a logical operation between a repeating pattern and the input image data to obtain output image data. 2. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the certain pattern is a line pattern in a main scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction. 3. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the certain pattern is a pattern obtained by a logical operation of a line pattern in the main scanning direction and a line pattern in the sub-scanning direction.