JPS63227171A - Scanning method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve a resolution and a scanning speed by allowing a converting element group to execute recording or read of a picture element, while moving relatively in the main scanning direction a scanner in which an arrangement position in the main scanning direction of the converting element group is made different at every area. CONSTITUTION:A converting element group in which K pieces (K is >=1) of converting element C for executing recording or read of a picture element are arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y, for instance, B1 and B2 are provided by M lines. On the other hand, a scanner A in which an area having width of an M picture element portion in the main scanning direction X, for instance, R1 and R2 are arranged on N faces in the main scanning direction X, the converting element groups B1, B2 are distributed by one lien each and placed in areas of M faces among N faces thereof, and also, an arrangement position in the main scanning direction X of the converting element groups B1, B2 in each area R1, R2 is made different at every area R1, R2 is operated. In such a way, while moving relatively the scanner A in the main scanning direction X at a pitch of the M picture element width, the converting element groups B1, B2 of M lines are allowed to execute recording or read of the picture element at every pitch.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scanning method for recording or reading an image in, for example, a facsimile IJ.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIG. 6 shows a conventional example of a scanning method used to record an image in, for example, a facsimile machine.

In the scanning method shown in the figure, the conversion element that records pixels uses a scanning element arranged in one row of YK and K in the sub-scanning direction, and moves the position of this scanning element A in the main scanning direction X by a pinch of 1 pixel width p. The conversion element is caused to record pixels at each pitch.

As a result, one pixel is recorded for each movement pitch. If the number of pixels in the main scanning direction X is n, each time scanning in the main scanning direction
, #1. P12-PA2. P13~Pff13. −・・
, Pln, ~P-gn, Pln~P-&n are recorded. That is, each time scanning in the main scanning direction Therefore, each time scanning in the main scanning direction
By repeating the movement of the swamp line,
You can record two-dimensional images.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, with this configuration, there is a problem in that it is difficult to increase the resolution in the main scanning direction X and the scanning speed.

The above problem arises for the following reasons.

That is, the resolution in the main scanning direction X depends on the movement accuracy of the scanning element. In order to increase resolution, it is necessary to record or read pixels densely.

For this purpose, the movement pitch of the scanning element A in the main scanning direction X must be reduced. However, reducing the movement pitch is limited by the accuracy of the mechanism that drives the scanning element A. For example, a linear motor is used in this type of drive mechanism, but the minimum movement pitch possible with this linear motor is about 100 μm at most. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain higher resolution than this. Although it would be possible to simply reduce the travel pinch by using a rotary set of stepping motors, this would result in other problems such as the travel speed being significantly reduced and the mechanism becoming extremely complex. arise.

However, in order to increase the scanning speed, it is necessary to increase the number of conversion elements arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y and increase the number of lines scanned each time the scanning element A moves once in the main scanning direction X. It is possible to do so. However, with this kind of scanning method,
The input/output head of pixel signals and the order of recording or reading pixels are different.

For example, in the example shown in FIG.
PAL, P12-PA2. ..., Pin-P-gn
The input of pixel signals is from pH to PAn.

It is performed in the order of P 21 to P 2n , -, PAL to P, , 6n.

Because of this, the number of lines scanned at once due to that reordering! is multiplied by the number of pixels n in the main scanning direction
-gXn) is required. Therefore, in order to increase the scanning speed,
If the number of conversion elements arranged in is increased, the capacity of the backup memory must be significantly increased.
This is accompanied by difficulties.

In addition, as a means to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is conceivable to arrange a large number of conversion elements densely in a matrix in the sub-scanning direction Y and the main-scanning direction X.

However, with this method, for example, in thermal recording elements,
A problem arises in that it becomes difficult to secure space for lead wires drawn out from individual elements.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is capable of improving resolution and scanning speed without complicating the mechanism or increasing the capacity of buffer memory, and without limiting the type of conversion element. The object of the present invention is to provide a scanning method that enables improvement of the results.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has proposed a system in which conversion elements for recording or reading pixels are arranged in the sub-scanning direction (K is 1).
M columns (M is an integer of 2 or more) of conversion elements are arranged in M columns (M is an integer of 2 or more), while an area having a width of M pixels in the main scanning direction is arranged on N surfaces in the main scanning direction (N is an integer of (an integer of Using a scanning element whose arrangement position in the direction is different for each area, while moving this scanning element relatively in the main scanning direction at a pitch of M pixel width, at each pitch, the conversion element group of the above M rows is transferred. It has a configuration for recording or reading pixels.

Operation: With the above-described configuration, the present invention can expand only the scanning pitch of movement to a width of multiple pixels without reducing recording or reading density. This makes it possible to easily increase the resolution without complicating the mechanism. At the same time, by increasing the movement pitch, the scanning speed can also be increased.

In addition, according to the above method, resolution and scanning speed can be increased without increasing the number of conversion elements arranged in the sub-scanning direction, so the input/output order of pixel signals and the order of recording or reading pixels There is no need to increase the capacity of the buffer memory to replace the data.

Furthermore, according to the above-described configuration, it is possible to avoid arranging at least three or more rows of conversion element groups adjacent to each other. Therefore, for example, in a thermal recording element, space for wiring drawn out from each element can be easily secured.

As described above, it is possible to increase the resolution and scanning speed without complicating the mechanism or increasing the capacity of the buffer memory, and without limiting the type of conversion element.

Embodiment FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) outline a scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a scanning element A used in an image recording unit of a facsimile machine or the like. The small circles indicated by solid lines in the figure each indicate the conversion elements C, and the small circles indicated by broken lines each indicate a space for one pixel.

In the scanning element A, a conversion element C for recording pixels is arranged as follows.

That is, there are M columns of conversion element groups Bl and IB2 (M is an integer of 2 or more) in which YKK conversion elements C for recording or reading pixels are arranged in the sub-scanning direction (K is an integer of 1 or more).
On the other hand, regions R1 and R2 each having a width of M pixels in the main scanning direction X are continuously formed in N planes (N is an integer equal to or larger than M) in the main scanning direction X. The conversion element groups B1 and B2 are arranged one column at a time in a region R1°R2 of an arbitrary M plane among the N planes. At the same time, the arrangement positions of the conversion element groups Bl and B2 in the main scanning direction X in each region R1 and R2 are made different for each region R1 and R2. Note that as the conversion element C, for example, a thermal recording element is used.

While the scanning element A as described above is relatively moved in the main scanning direction X in pinches with a width of M pixels, pixels are recorded or read in the conversion element groups M1 and B2 of M columns for each pinch.

Here, in this example, K is 3. M is 2. N is set to 2, respectively. Therefore, each conversion element group B
1 and B2 each have three conversion elements C arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y (K=3).

These conversion element groups Bl and B2 are provided in two rows (M=
2). Two regions R1 and R2 are provided (N=2)
. Each region Bl, B2 has a width 2p corresponding to two pixels (M=2).

Furthermore, the first column conversion element group B1 is arranged in the first column within the first region RI. The second conversion element group B2 is
It is arranged at a different position from the arrangement position of the conversion element group B1 in the first region R1, that is, in the second column in the second region R2.

The figure (b) shows the scanning operation by the scanning element A at time TI,
T2. T3. T4. They are shown in the following order. Each time T
l, T2. T3. T4. The time intervals of ... are each
This corresponds to the time interval between when the scanning element A is moved once. Further, the small circles indicated by solid lines in the figure indicate the actual positions of each conversion element C, and the small circles indicated by broken lines indicate the traces recorded by each conversion element C.

In the same figure (b), at time TI, the second region R
Conversion element group B2 in No. 2 performs recording at the recording position of the second column. At this time, the conversion element group B1 within the first region R1 is located outside the column.

Scanning element A is moved once while time passes from T1 to T2. By this one movement, the scanning element A is moved in the main scanning direction X by a two pixel width 2p.

At time T2, the conversion element group B1 in the first region R1 performs recording at the first column recording position. At the same time, the conversion element group B2 in the second region R2 performs printing at the fourth column printing position, which is two pixel widths 2p ahead of the previous printing position (T1).

At time T3, the conversion element group B1 in the first region R1 performs recording at a recording position in the third column, which is two pixel widths 2p ahead of the previous recording position (T2). At the same time, the second region R
Conversion element group B2 in No. 2 performs printing at a printing position in the sixth column, which is two pixel widths 2p ahead of the previous printing position (T2).

Furthermore, at time T4, each region R1
, R2, the conversion element groups B1 and B2 are respectively υ from the previous time.
Also, printing is performed at the printing positions of the 5th and 8th columns, which are 2 pixel widths ahead.

In this way, the scanning element A is moved at a pitch of 2 pixel widths at a time, but recording is performed at a pitch of 1 pixel width at a time. In other words, without reducing recording density,
Only the movement pitch of the scanning element A is expanded from an interval of one pixel width to a width of two pixels. This makes it possible to easily increase the resolution without complicating the mechanism. At the same time, by expanding the movement pitch, the scanning speed can also be increased.

However, according to the above configuration, the resolution and scanning speed can be increased without increasing the number of conversion elements C arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y, so the input/output order of pixel signals and the recording order of pixels can be changed. There is no need to increase the capacity of the buffer memory for replacement.

Further, according to the above-described configuration, the conversion element group Bl' is located within the regions R1 and R2 of the M plane each having a width of M pixels.
, B2 are distributed and arranged one column at a time, so it is possible to avoid at least three or more columns of conversion element groups from being lined up adjacent to each other. Therefore, for example, in a thermal recording element, space for wiring drawn out from each element can be easily secured.

As described above, it is possible to increase the resolution and scanning speed without complicating the mechanism or increasing the capacity of the buffer memory, and without limiting the type of conversion element C.

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) outline a scanning method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As in the case of the above-mentioned embodiment, FIG. 5A shows the scanning element A, and FIG. T3. They are shown in the following order.

The difference from the above-mentioned embodiment is that in this second embodiment, the above-mentioned M and N are set to 3.

Therefore, three regions R1, R2, and R3 are provided. Conversion element group Bl in each region R1, R2, R3
, B2. The arrangement position of B3 differs from region to region, as in the above-described embodiment.

That is, the first conversion element group B1 is placed in the first column of area R1, the next conversion element group B2 is placed in the second column of area R2, and the third conversion element group B3 is placed in the third column of area R3. ing. In accordance with this, the movement of the scanning element A is performed at a pitch of 3 pixel width 3p. Figure 3) Φ) outlines the scanning method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Also in the figure, (a) shows the scanning element A, and (b) shows the scanning operation by the scanning element A at times Tl, T2, and so on. T3,・
They are shown in the order of...

In this third embodiment, the above M and N are the same as in the second embodiment (M=3.N=3), but each region R1, R2, R
The arrangement states of the conversion element groups Bl, B2, and R3 within the converter 3 are different. That is, in this embodiment, the first conversion element group B1 is in the second column of region R1, and the next conversion element group B2
is arranged in the first column of region R2, and the third conversion element group B3 is arranged in the third column of region R3. Even in this arrangement, recording can be performed at a density of one pixel width at a time while moving the scanning element A at a pitch of three pixel widths 3p.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) outline a scanning method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Also in the figure, (a) shows the scanning element A, and (b) shows the scanning operation by the scanning element A at times TI, T2, and so on. T3,・
They are shown in the order of...

In this fourth embodiment, the first conversion element group B1 is in the region R
1, the next conversion element group B2 is arranged in the first column of area R2, and the third conversion element group B3 is arranged in the second column of area R3. In this case as well, recording can be performed at a density of one pixel width at a time while moving the scanning element A at a pitch of three pixel widths 3p.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) outline a scanning method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, (a) shows the scanning element A, and (b) shows the scanning operation by the scanning element A at times Tl, T2, and so on. T3゜T4
．． They are shown in the following order.

In this fifth embodiment, the above M is set to 3, but the above N is set to 4, which is larger than that. Therefore, four regions R1, R2, R3, and R4 are provided. A region R1 of three surfaces arbitrarily selected from these four surfaces,
Conversion element groups Bl, B2 . B3 are distributed and arranged one column at a time, that is, the first column of the first region R1, the second column of the second region R2, and the fourth column.
In the third column of the second region R4, a conversion element group Bl,
B2. Seats B3 are arranged separately, but the third region R3 remains vacant.

On the other hand, the scanning element A is moved at a pitch of 3 pixel width 3p.

Even in this arrangement, recording can be performed at a density of one pixel width at a time while moving the scanning element A at a pitch of three pixel widths 3p.

In the above-described embodiment, the conversion element C is a recording element such as a heat-sensitive element, but the same effect can be obtained even if it is a reading element such as a photodiode or a COD (charge-coupled device).

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, the present invention provides a scanning element with an area having a width of M pixels (M is an integer of 2 or more) on N sides (N is an integer of M or more) in the main scanning direction. Continuously arrange the converting element groups one row at a time in a region of any M plane within the N plane, and determine the arrangement position of the converting element group in the main scanning direction in each region. M
By having the conversion element group of M rows perform pixel recording or reading at each pitch while relatively moving in the main scanning direction at a pitch equal to the pixel width, the scanning element can be Only the movement pitch can be expanded to multiple pixel widths, without the difficulties of complicating the mechanism or increasing the buffer memory capacity.
Further, it has the effect that resolution and scanning speed can be increased without limiting the type of conversion element.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are plan views showing an outline of a scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are plan views showing an outline of a scanning method according to a second embodiment of this invention. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are plan views showing an outline of a scanning method according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4(a) and (b) are plan views of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A plan view showing an overview of the scanning method by
5(a) and 5(b) are plan views showing an overview of a scanning method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an overview of a conventional scanning method. A...Scanner, Bl, B2. B3...conversion element group,
C: Conversion element for recording or reading, X: Main scanning direction, Y: Sub-scanning direction, p: 1 pixel width, R
1°R2, R3, R4... area, TI, T2. T3.
T4...Time. Name of agent: Patent attorney Toshio Nakao (1 person)
--Yuitshuzen I R2 Figure 2 Haku 3 Figure 4 Ditch Figure 5

Claims (1)

[Claims] A conversion element group consisting of K conversion elements (K is an integer of 1 or more) arranged in the sub-scanning direction for recording or reading pixels is M.
A column (M is an integer of 2 or more) is provided, and areas each having a width of M pixels in the main scanning direction are continuously arranged on N surfaces (N is an integer of M or more) in the main scanning direction. any M in
A scanner is used in which the conversion element groups are arranged in rows within each area of the surface, and the positions of the conversion element groups in the main scanning direction within each area are different for each area. A scanning method in which the scanning element is relatively moved in the main scanning direction at a pitch of M pixel width, and pixels are recorded or read by the M rows of conversion element groups at each pitch.