JPS63246765A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To permit easy stressing of original image information and to improve a gradation characteristic to an original image such as photograph having so that the faithful reproduction of the original image is permitted by synthesizing and recording a dot image in superposition on the original image information in the assigned region on the original image. CONSTITUTION:This recorder has a recording control means C which synthesizes the dot image formed by a 2nd image forming means (b) on the assigned region of the original image formed by a 1st image forming means (a). The dot image is synthesized and recorded in superposition on the original image information in the assigned region on the original image, by which the easy stressing of the original image information is permitted without impairing the original image information of the assigned recording region/ in addition, the gradation characteristic to the original image such as, for example, photograph, having gloss is improved and the faithful reproduction of the original image is permitted.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image recording device such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine, and particularly relates to an image recording device that can combine and record a plurality of image information on the same recording medium. Regarding equipment.

[Prior Art] In recent years, image recording devices such as copying machines have become multi-functional, such as variable magnification, automatic density adjustment, automatic paper size selection,
Various functions have been realized such as automatic magnification selection, multicolor, automatic double-sided recording single image editing function, two-color development function that can be operated with one button, page quick copy function, and binding margin adjustment function, but there are also new functions. As a result, a synthesis function that combines the above-mentioned functions is required.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] In particular, in such conventional devices, it is difficult to emphasize image information,
It is expected that the gradation of glossy images such as photographs can be easily improved.

Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to easily emphasize the image information recorded in the designated recording area without damaging the input image information in the designated recording area, and furthermore, it is possible to easily emphasize the image information recorded in the designated recording area, and also to create a glossy image such as a photograph. In contrast, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording device that can faithfully reproduce an image of a document by improving gradation.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first image forming means consisting of a first optical system, and a second image forming means consisting of a second optical system.
The present invention is characterized by comprising an image forming means and a recording control means for compositely recording a halftone image formed by the second image forming means on a specified area of the original image formed by the first image forming means.

[Function] According to the present invention, a halftone image is compositely recorded in a specified area on the original image by overlapping the original image information, so that the original image can be recorded without damaging the original image information in the specified recording area. Image information can be easily emphasized, and
For example, it is possible to improve the gradation of a glossy original image such as a photograph and faithfully reproduce the original image.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a is a first image forming means consisting of a first optical system. b is a second image forming means consisting of a second optical system.

Reference numeral C denotes a recording control means for synthesizing a halftone image formed by the second uniformity forming means onto a specified area of the original image formed by the first image forming means a.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic internal configuration example of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied. In this figure, 1 is the main body of the copying machine, 2 is the photosensitive drum 2
This is an image forming section centered on 0. 3 is a first paper feeding unit for feeding transfer paper 511 into the machine, and includes a cassette 9 that can be attached to and detached from the main body, and their paper feeding rollers 10, 11,
Sensor S9-512. It consists of S23. Reference numeral 4 denotes a document scanning optical system as a main recording optical system, which includes a lens system for exposing and scanning the document and forming an image on the photosensitive drum 20 and an exposure lamp 24 for document illumination.
is driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Reference numeral 5 denotes an original glass table on which an original is placed, 34 an end thereof, and 6 a cleaner for removing residual toner on the photosensitive drum 2o.

7 is a color developer (second developer) that stores color toner such as red, 7a is an image roller of the developer, 8 is a black developer (first developer) that stores black toner, and 8a is the developer. This is the developing roller of the device. The developing device 7.8 selectively contacts the photosensitive drum 2o among the two colors, and pressurizes (contacts) the photosensitive drum 20 and releases the pressure using a color developer pressure solenoid 30 and a black developer release solenoid 31. This is done by

Reference numeral 12 indicates transfer paper 5+1 from the cassette 9 or the second paper feed section 23 at a good timing according to the image position on the photosensitive drum 20.
This is a second registration roller that supplies the photoreceptor to the photosensitive drum 20. 13 is a primary charger disposed around the photosensitive drum 20;
15 is a transfer charger, 16 is a separation charger, and 17 is a transfer section. The transfer unit 17 includes a transfer charger 15, a separation charger 16,
It consists of a paper conveying section 17a. A main motor (OC motor) 18 drives the photosensitive drum 20, a fixing device 25 with a built-in heater 21, a developing device 7.8, and various transfer paper conveyance rollers.

26 and 27 are paper ejection rollers, 29 is a flapper located between the paper ejection rollers 26 and 27 to change the path during multiple copying or duplex copying, and 32 is a paper ejection tray. 33 is fuser 2
A path 37 is a path for transporting the transfer sheet SH fixed in step 5 to the photosensitive drum 20 again, and a second registration roller 37 determines the feeding timing of the transfer sheet SH sent through the path 33. 40
is an intermediate tray used for multiple copying or double-sided copying of a plurality of sheets, and includes a path exit 42) a paper conveyance path 43, a path switching flapper 49, an intermediate tray paper feed roller 52) a tray 5
3, a paper feed roller 56, an intermediate tray paper feed roller 57, and a paper conveyance path 59. Reference numeral 70 denotes a shutter for blocking the optical image of the document projected onto the photosensitive drum 20 at a predetermined position.

Furthermore, 90 is a laser unit as an auxiliary recording optical system, which will be described in detail in FIG. .

In FIG. 3, 94 is a horizontal synchronizing signal (BD signal) detection circuit, 95 is a spherical lens, and 96 is a toric lens. The laser unit 90 can erase unnecessary charges outside the image area, erase any part of the image, or write simple characters on transfer paper via the photosensitive drum 20. Note that St to S12 in FIG. S14.515. S1
9 to S23 are various sensors described later.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a circuit configuration of a control system for controlling the copying machine shown in FIG. In this figure, 60 is a control unit that controls the entire calculation, and is composed of a microcomputer, a program memory, 6^M (random access memory), a timer, and the like. 61 is the exposure lamp 24, heater 21, etc.^C load 6
2, 63 is a motor control unit that controls the main motor 18 and optical motor 19, 66 is a load such as a solenoid, clutch, fan, etc., 67 is a document processing unit that processes documents, such as automatic document feeding, etc. The apparatus (OF, 80F, RDF), 68 is a sorter.

80 is an alarm buzzer, 100 is an operation unit which will be described later in FIG. 5, and taO is a coordinate reading device (editor) for inputting coordinate information, which will be described later in FIG. 6. Also, AC is an AC power supply, 10
1 is a power switch, DCP is a DC power supply that supplies power to the control unit 60, etc., and S is sensors 51 to 512, 514° 51
5, S19 to S23. IIVT is a high voltage generator and a single charger! 3. Transfer charger 15, separation charger 1
Apply high pressure to 6. In addition to these devices described above, the control section 60 also controls the shutter 70 and the laser section 90 described above.

Next, the operation will be explained.

When the power switch 101 is turned on, first, the heater 21 in the fixing device 25 is energized and waits until the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed (wait state).

When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main motor 18
is energized for a certain period of time, and the photosensitive drum 20. The fixing device 25 and the like are driven to bring the rollers in the fixing device 25 to a uniform temperature (weight release rotation). After that, the main motor 18 is stopped,
Waits in copyable state (standby state). Then, when a copy command is input manually from the operation unit 100, the copy operation starts.

Note that the rotation speed of the main motor 18 can be switched between two stages according to a command from the control unit 60.

(1) Description of image formation In response to a copy command, the main motor 18 rotates, and the photosensitive drum 20 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow. At the same time, high voltage is supplied to the primary charger 13 from the high voltage generator HVT, and the photosensitive drum 20 is is given a uniform charge. Next, the exposure lamp 24 is turned on to remove unnecessary images, and then the optical motor 19 is driven to expose and scan the original placed on the original glass table 5 in the direction of the arrow, and to project the image onto the photosensitive drum 20. .

At this time, the laser unit 90 can erase any part of the image or write a simple document. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 20.

Next, this latent image is developed by a developing device 7 or 8,
The image is transferred onto the transfer paper SH at the transfer charger 15 and separated from the photosensitive drum 20 at the separation charger 16. Next, the residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 20 is collected by the cleaner 6, and the laser beam from the laser unit 90 removes unnecessary charges in areas other than the image area and the illumination light from the optical system 4 removes unnecessary charges in the image area. After the static electricity is uniformly removed, the copy cycle is repeated again.

During the image formation described above, the black developer 8 and the color developer 7
Either one of them is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 20 by a selection command from the operation unit 100. That is, by energizing the black developer release solenoid 31, the black developer 8 is released, and by energizing the color developer pressure solenoid 3G, the color developer 7 is pressurized (in contact with) the drum. Further, a developing bias voltage is applied to the developing rollers 7a and 8a of each developing device from a high voltage generator HVT.

In addition, the copying machine of this embodiment can perform not only normal one-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying, but once the transfer paper has passed through the fixing device, the state of the paper resistance etc. To cope with this, the conditions of the high voltage applied to the transfer charger 159 and the separation charger 16 are made different between the first side and both sides or the second side during multiple copying. These development biases, transfer, and separation high voltage values are determined by commands from the control section 60.

The optical system 4 is controlled in a reciprocating manner by rotating the optical motor 18 in forward, reverse, and reverse directions via the motor control section 63 in accordance with commands from the control section 60 . St is a home position sensor of the optical system 4, and the optical system 4 is stopped at the position of this home position sensor Sl during standby. S2 is an image leading edge sensor corresponding to the leading edge position of the original image, and is used for timing of copy sequence control. S3 is a sensor for detecting the limiter position (inversion position) during maximum scanning.

The optical system 4 reciprocates with a scan length according to the cassette size and copying magnification according to commands from the control section 60.

(2) Transfer paper control 59 in the paper feed section 3 in FIG. Each Sll is
Upper and lower paper sensors 51G and S12 are upper and lower lid position detection sensors, respectively, and S22 and S23 are upper and lower cassette size detection sensors, respectively.

Hereinafter, since the upper and lower stages perform similar operations, the paper feeding operation for the upper stage will be explained. First, when the cassette 9 is inserted, the upper cassette size detection sensor S22 reads the size and identifies the size of the cassette 9, and the out-of-paper indicator of the operation section 100 is turned off and the cassette size is selected and turned on.

Next, when the copy operation starts with the copy command,
Turn on the middle plate lift clutch (not shown) and press cassette 9.
Raise the inner middle plate and raise the transfer paper SH. Transfer paper S
When H rises and hits or breaks the paper feed roller 10 and reaches a predetermined height, the lifter detection sensor 510 outputs an output, turns off the middle plate lifting clutch mentioned above, and turns off the paper feed roller lO.
is driven to feed transfer paper into the machine.

As described above, the transfer paper in the cassette is raised by the middle plate raising clutch, and thereafter the raised position is maintained, and the above-mentioned raising operation is not performed when the next copy is started. Also, during continuous copying, the amount of transfer paper in the cassette may run out and
When the upper surface of H is lower than a predetermined position, the clutch is turned on in the same manner as described above to raise it to a predetermined height.

The transfer paper fed into the machine reaches the first registration front sensor S7 and is stopped by the registration roller 12, so it forms an appropriate loop and stops. Next, in order to align the leading edge of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 20, the registration roller 12 is driven by a timing signal from the sensor of the optical system 4, and after aligning the leading edge, the transfer paper is sent to the transfer unit 17. . After the image on the drum 20 is transferred to the transfer paper by the transfer charger 15 in the transfer section 17, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 by the separation charger 16 and sent to the fixing device 25 by the paper conveyance section 17a. The fixing device 25 includes a temperature sensor (not shown) arranged on the surface of the fixing roller and a heater 21.
The surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature, the image is fixed on the transfer paper, and the paper is then detected by the paper discharge sensor S4, and the paper is transferred to the paper discharge tray 32 outside the machine by the paper discharge rollers 26 and 27. be discharged.

Next, the case of multiple copying will be explained. In the case of multiple copying, the flapper 29 is switched to the position shown by the broken line in the figure by the operation of a solenoid (not shown), and the transfer paper that has been fed, transferred, separated, and fixed as described above is moved to the position shown by the flapper 29. The paper passes through the path 33 and is guided to the second paper feed section 23.
sent to. In the second paper feeding section 23, after the passage of the transfer paper is detected by the second pre-registration sensor S5, the transfer paper is aligned in the lateral direction by the transfer paper edge detection sensor S6, the lateral registration sensor S8, and the solenoid for lateral registration alignment. will be done.

Next, in response to a multiple copy command from the operation unit 100, the second
After 10, when the registration roller 37 rotates and the transfer paper is again sent to the first registration roller 12 section, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 32 through the same operation as described above.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer paper is ejected halfway by the paper ejection roller 27 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned normal copying operation, but after the trailing edge of the transfer sheet passes the flapper 29, the paper ejection roller 27 is driven in reverse, and the transfer paper is guided by the flapper 29 and introduced into the path 33. This reverse drive is performed by a solenoid (not shown) that controls forward and reverse rotation. The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above.

In this way, in the case of double-sided copying, the transfer paper is once transferred to the ejection roller 2.
The transfer paper is taken out of the machine from 7, and is turned upside down by the reverse drive of the paper ejection roller 27 and sent to the second paper feed section 23.

The above has described multiple copying and double-sided copying in single-sheet copying, but in the case of multiple copying of a plurality of sheets or double-sided copying, the intermediate tray 40 is used. As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate tray unit 40 is provided with a paper transport path 59, 43 and a tray 53 for temporarily storing transfer paper in an intermediate state.

In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fused transfer paper is controlled in the same way as for double-sided copying of single sheet copying described above.
After being partially ejected by the ejecting roller 27, the ejecting roller 27 is driven in reverse to pass through the path 33, 43 and stored in the tray 53. After repeating this operation and storing all the transfer sheets on which the first side has been copied into the tray 53,
The paper feed roller 56 driven by the next copy command sends the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 20 via the path 59 and the second paper feed section 23, and a second side copy is executed.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copies, the transfer paper is guided by the flapper 29, passes through the paths 33 and 43 from the fixing device 25, and is stored in the tray 53 under the same control as the one-sheet multiple copy described above. . The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above, and will therefore be omitted.

Next, a configuration example of the operation section 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

In this figure, 101 is a power switch that controls power supply to the copying machine. 102 is a reset/stop key; during copy operation, copy stop key; during standby,
Acts as a key to return to standard mode. 103 is a copy key. Reference numeral 104 is a color developer selection switching key, and this key is used to switch the selection of the developer 7.8. Numeric keys 105 are used mainly to input the number of copies.

106 is a key for selecting the cassette 9; 107 is a copy density adjustment key; 108 is a key for selecting the same size copy; 10
Reference numeral 9 indicates a zoom key for specifying the copying magnification in 1% increments, 110 indicates a fixed magnification key for specifying a fixed reduction or enlargement ratio, 111 indicates a key for specifying border erasure on the copy paper, and 112 indicates a key for specifying one edge of the copy paper. A key 113 designates binding margin creation, and a key 113 designates photo mode.

114 is a multiple key for selecting multiplex mode; 115 is a quick copy key for dividing the copying area of original glass table 5 into left and right halves and specifying continuous copying to automatically make two copies; 118 to 118;
118 is a key for selecting double-sided copy mode, 119, 12
0 is a key that specifies the operation of the sorter 68. Reference numerals 122 and 123 are keys for specifying a mode for writing predetermined character data into a copy image, and specify a number writing mode and a date writing mode, respectively.

Further, 131, 132, 134 to 143 are indicators using LEDs (light emitting diodes). First, 131 is a standby display LED, which lights up in green when copying is possible and red when copying is not possible. A color image display LED 132 lights up when the developer switching selection key 104 is pressed and the color developer 7 is selected. 134 is a number writing mode display, 135 is a date writing mode display, 136 is a copy number display, 137 is a warning display indicating no transfer paper or a jam, and 138 is a selected cassette size. A cassette size display 139 is a magnification display that displays the copy magnification.

140 is a frame eraser, binding margin, and photo mode display; 14
Reference numeral 1 indicates a mode indicator for multiplex/page copying, and 142 indicates a mode indicator for double-sided copying. 143 is a sorter use display LED when the sorter 68 is used, and displays the sort mode and group mode.

Next, a configuration example of the editor 180 will be described with reference to FIG.

This editor 180 also serves as a document pressure plate for holding down a copy document, and FIG. 6 shows its appearance.

Reference numeral 170 denotes a document setting surface on which a document is placed when specifying an area, and hereinafter referred to as a coordinate manual surface. 171 is a reference mark against which the edge of the document is abutted; 151 is a key for specifying an area specification mode; 152 is a key for storing a specified area; 153 is a key for storing a specified area in two developing devices 7.8
154 is a clear key for canceling the area specification mode, and 163 is an area specification mode indicator.

Reference numeral 161 is a display device that indicates the designated area, and in the case of this embodiment, three types of areas can be specified. Reference numeral 162 denotes an LED that displays a copying mode to be executed by combining a designated area with the color developing device 7, and is sequentially selected by the mode selection key 153.

Reference numeral 155 is a key for specifying an add-on mode (character manual mode) for writing characters on a copy image.

156 is a key that specifies the size of characters to be written,
In this embodiment, two sizes can be selected: 8 mm and 411I11. Reference numeral 157 is a key for specifying the writing direction of characters to be written, and in the case of this embodiment, two types, vertical and horizontal, can be selected. 158 is a key for specifying the starting position of a character to be written, 160 is a key for specifying the manual end of a character to be written, and 159 is a clear key for the character manual mode.

164 is a display indicating character input mode, 165, 166
167 and 168 are indicators that indicate the character size, 169 are indicators that indicate the end of position manual input. Further, 173 is a stylus pen that is input by pressing the coordinate surface 170 when specifying an area or inputting written data manually. Reference numeral 172 denotes an input area for specifying character data with a stylus pen when inputting the data.

Next, the operation of the editor 180 will be explained.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the internal control circuit of the editor 180, where 181 is the coordinate input surface' (original setting surface) 17.
The stylus pen 173 marks the area on the document placed on
This is a coordinate reading unit that reads the pressed coordinates when the button is pressed, and the coordinates read here are sent to the editor control unit 184. The editor control section 184 controls various modes, coordinates, etc. in response to manually entered coordinates according to the control procedure shown in FIGS. Display control is performed on each display section 183 on the editor 180.

Examples of control operations in the editor control unit 184 in the area specification mode and in the character input mode will be described below.

(1) Region designation mode The flowchart in FIG. 8 shows an example of the control operation of the nib 4 control section 184 in the region designation mode. First, when the area specification mode key 151 is pressed, the area specification mode LE016
Turn on 3 and enter this area specification mode (201-1)
. Next, the coordinate input surface 170 is
When pressed, the coordinate values of the pressed position are read. At this time, in this embodiment, an area is specified using the read coordinate values of the two points to form a rectangular parallelepiped with the two points as diagonals. For this purpose, the coordinates of the two points are read (201-2), and then the coordinate values of the two points read as the first area are stored using the key of the area memory key 152, and the area LED 161-1 is turned on (201-2).
01-3). Furthermore, if there is a coordinate input (201-4
), repeats the same operation as described above, stores the input coordinate values as the second area, and lights up the area LE0161-2.

Next, the mode selection key 153 is pressed to set the copy mode (201-5). In this embodiment, six types of copy modes are set, and the contents are as follows.

■ A mode that copies inside the specified area in black ■ A mode that copies inside the specified area in color ■ A mode that copies outside the specified area in black ■ A mode that copies outside the specified area in color ■ A mode that copies inside the specified area in black and a specified area A mode that copies the outside in color ■ A mode that copies the inside of the specified area in color and an outside of the specified area in black ■ A mode that adds color halftone dots within the specified area and overlaps the normal copy ■ A black halftone dot inside the specified area In addition, the modes shown in (1) to (4) above perform multiple copies of black copy and color copy. 1 in step 201-5. Select these modes in order and set the mode. Next, the coordinate data (including the number of areas) obtained in steps 201-3 and 201-5 and the copy mode are sent to the main body control unit 60 (201-6).

(2) Character input mode The flowchart in FIG. 9 shows an example of the control operation of the editor control section 184 in the character input mode. First, when the character input mode key 155 is pressed, the character input mode LED 164 is turned on and the character input mode is entered (202-1). Next, when the coordinate surface 170 is pressed down with the stylus pen 173, the coordinate values of the pressed position are read (2
02-2). Next, the read coordinate values are human power area 17
If it is outside the input area, the human character input is ignored, and if it is within the input area 172, the character data corresponding to the coordinate value is determined and converted into a character code (202-3).

Next, it is determined whether or not the character end key 160 indicating the end of character input has been pressed (202-4), and character data is read until the character input end key 160 is pressed.

When the character power end key 160 is pressed, the key power of the size key 156 and direction key 157 is then accepted, and the LEDs 165 to 168 corresponding to the key power are turned on, and each data corresponding to the key power is set. do(
202-5).

Next, when the start position input key 158 is pressed in step 202-8, the corresponding LED 169 blinks and
Read the coordinates (202-8). Stylus pen 173
When the coordinate surface 170 is pressed, LED1B9
is lit and the coordinates of the pressed point are set as the character input start position (202-9).

After that, each data of character code, character size, 0 character direction, 1 character writing position is sent to the main body control unit 60 (202-10
).

Next, various copy modes using the laser unit 90 will be explained.

Note that an image obtained in a normal document copying mode will be described as an analog image, and an image obtained by writing binary data with a laser will be described as a digital image.

Further, in this embodiment, the laser unit 90 is used to erase unnecessary charges outside the image area, and the following copy mode is provided.

(1) Area specification copy mode There are eight modes as explained in the editor 180 above, and FIG. 10 shows a copy example in the area specification copy mode. Copy a, b corresponding to each specified mode
Each area can be copied using a combination of color and black one image deletion. In the halftone dot mode, a halftone image is created using a digital image in black or color for area a, and normal analog copies are made for both areas a and b.

(2) Simultaneous copying mode of digital images (characters) and analog images This mode is used to obtain copies as shown in FIGS. 11(A) and (B), and the predetermined area shown with diagonal lines in FIG. 11(C) is It copies (records) digital images.

Here, FIG. 11(A) shows the date writing mode LED1.
35 is lit. In this mode, the normal analog image copying operation is started by copy start, and at the same time the shutter 70 is activated by the solenoid (
(not shown), the edge of the original optical image projected from the original onto the photosensitive drum 20 via the optical system 4 is
Only the shaded area in FIG. 1(C) is cut off, and a digital image (year, month, and date) is written in this shaded area using the laser 90.

In addition, Figure 11 (B) shows the number writing mode LED.
The image forming procedure in this mode is the same as that shown in FIG. 11(A), and the copy numbers are sequentially written as a digital image.

(3) Digital image multiple copy mode The tree mode is the mode shown in FIG. 11 (DJ), and the multiple copy mode is used to obtain a mixed image of analog and digital images. In other words, set the original, When character input is specified using the editor 180 mentioned above and the copy key 103 is pressed, the specified character is first copied to the position specified by the editor 180, and then a normal analog copy is performed. Of course, you can also go there from Gucoby.

Each of the above-mentioned modes can be used in combination.

Next, the second paper feed section 23 and intermediate tray unit 4o used for double-sided/multiple copying will be explained. In this embodiment, there are two systems, a second paper feeding section 23 and an intermediate tray 40, as a transfer paper refeeding mechanism for realizing double-sided copying or multiple copying. Which system is used depends on the copy mode.

That is, an appropriate system is determined by a copy program as shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later, based on the size of the transfer paper and the set number of copies. The former second paper feeding section 23 is a paper refeeding section essential for realizing double-sided/multiple copying, and because it facilitates horizontal registration using a mechanism described later, there is flexibility in paper size. However, it is not possible to store one or more sheets of paper in the paper feed section 23. On the other hand, the latter intermediate tray 4o is
Multiple sheets of paper can be stacked, but horizontal alignment can only be done to a predetermined fixed size.

The control procedure for selecting a paper bus during double-sided/multiple copying will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

When a copy operation is started in response to a copy command from the copy key 103, it is first determined in step 270-1 whether double-sided/multiple copying is to be performed on the same original without replacing the original. For example, if you are copying a certain part of a document in color and other parts in black, select YE.
S (affirmative judgment).

In the case of YES, it is determined in the next step 270-2 whether or not the original is a standard size. If it is not a standard size, the process proceeds to step 270-5, and the second paper feed section 23 is unconditionally
Select. If it is a standard size, the process advances to the next step 270-3, where it is determined whether the set number of copies is one, and if YES, the process advances to the above-mentioned step 270-5. On the other hand, if NO (negative determination), it is determined in step 270-4 whether the set copy number is greater than 30 sheets, which is the maximum number of sheets that can be loaded on the intermediate tray 4o, and if YES, the process advances to step 270-5; If so, step 270-8
Proceed to. In step 270-5, one copy is made and the copied transfer paper is fed to the second paper feed section 23, and then
At 0-6, paper is re-fed from the second paper feed section 23, copies are made, and the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine.

Next, in step 270-7, it is determined whether or not the number of copies set using the numeric keypad 105 has been completed;
If NO, step 27G-5→270-6-2
The processing loop of 70-7 is repeated and the copying operation continues until the set number of copies is completed, and when the set number of copies is completed, this routine is ended.

On the other hand, if the process advances from step 270-4 to step 270-8, the intermediate tray 40 is used to perform a copying operation. That is, in step 270-8, copies are made for the set number of sheets, and transfer paper is set on the intermediate tray 4G.

Next, in step 270-9, paper is re-fed from the intermediate tray 40 to the photosensitive drum 20, a set number of copies are made, and the paper is ejected outside the machine, and this routine ends.

Further, if the determination is NO in the first step 270-1, the process proceeds to step 270-10. Step 270-1
0 determines whether the original is a standard size, and if NO, sets the copy setting number to 1 in step 270-17;
Proceed to step 270-18. If YES in step 270-10, it is determined in step 270-11 whether the set number of copies is 1 or not;
The process advances to step 0-18 and the second paper feed section 23 is selected.

If NO in step 270-11, the intermediate tray 40 is selected, the number of copies is determined in step 270-12, and if it is 30 or more, the next step 270-13 is performed.
Set the number of copies to 30 in Step 270-
The process proceeds to step 14, and if the number does not reach 30 (sheets) or more, the process proceeds to step 270-14.

Next, in step 270-14, step 270-
The set number of copies are made in the same manner as in step 8, and the copied transfer paper is set on the intermediate tray 40.

When the original is replaced in the next step 27G-15 and a copy command is output, a copy is made in the same manner as in step 270-9 described above in step 270-16, and this routine ends.

On the other hand, if the second paper feed section 23 is selected, copying is performed in step 270-18 in the same manner as in step 270-5, and when the original is replaced in step 270-19 and a copy command is output, step 270 -20 and step 2
Copy as in 7G-6 and end this routine.

In this way, in this embodiment, when multiplex/double-sided copying is performed, the paper is not sent to the intermediate tray 40 in the case of copying other than the standard size, that is, in the case of paper feeding from the universal cassette, and in the case of single-sheet copying. The paper is sent directly to the second paper feeding section 23 and fed again. On the other hand, when copying a large number of regular sheets, the sheets are stacked on the intermediate tray 40 and sent to the second sheet feeding section 23 for re-feeding.

The selection of which of the above two fffi systems to use is not made by the operator, but is done automatically by a sequence program as shown in Figure 12, so the operator does not have to think about it each time. Control is always performed using the optimal system. Furthermore, in the case of a large number of non-standard copies, it is possible to perform copying one sheet at a time using the second paper feed section 23 without using the intermediate tray 40. Furthermore, unnecessary troubles can be avoided by determining the inconvenience of the transfer paper (such as its size being too small) and discharging it outside the machine without performing double-sided/multiple copy processing.

Next, with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 13 to 22, the sequential operations of each component of this embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 13 is a time chart when the power is turned on.

As shown in this figure, main SW (power switch) 101
When it is turned on, the fixing heater 21 and the black developer release solenoid 31 are turned on. Eventually, when the fuser temperature reaches 190°C, the main motor 18 is rotated and
After seconds (■), turn off the black developer pressure solenoid 31 (OF
F). As a result, the black developing device 8 once reaches the release position and then approaches the drum 20. Thereafter, when the drum 20 rotates once, the main motor 18 is stopped. Furthermore, if the middle plate of the cassette 9 of the paper feed section 3 is lowered when the motor starts rotating as indicated by ■, the middle plates of both the upper and lower tiers begin to rise. This situation is shown in FIG. Then, after the intermediate plate has finished rising, the main motor 18 is stopped (■).

FIG. 14 shows the timing of raising the middle plate, and the timing is the same for both the upper and lower stages. When the middle plate rising clutch (not shown) is turned on, the middle plate of the cassette 9 begins to rise. Eventually, the output of the middle plate detection sensor (not shown) becomes 1, and 0.1 seconds after this point, the middle plate lifting clutch (not shown) is turned off. On the other hand, paper detection sensors 59, 511
The presence of paper can be detected by raising the middle plate, and as shown in this figure, if there is paper, the output of the paper detection sensor will be increased before the output of the middle plate detection sensor reaches 1. The positional relationship is such that is 1.

Also, when the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 1, the paper detection sensor is determined, and if it is 0, the display 13 of the operation unit 100
7 lights up the paper out display. However, cassette 9
This operation does not occur if the device is not attached to the main body.

Next, the copy operation will be explained. FIG. 15(A) shows a timing chart of the copy operation. When the copy key 103 is pressed, the main motor 18, the high voltage generator (IVT), and the original processing device 67 are turned on, and a paper feeding operation and a developer pressurizing operation, which will be described later, are started. After approximately one rotation of the drum 20, the optical system 4 advances, and the registration roller 12 is turned on t1 time after the image edge is detected by the image edge sensor S2. Thereafter, the registration roller 12 is turned off at a time corresponding to the paper size. Further, after that, when the optical system 4 comes to the inverted position, the optical system 4 moves backward. When the optical system 4 returns to the home position, the optical system 4 is stopped and the drum 20 begins to rotate later. After the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine, the main motor 18 is stopped. In the case of color copying, a developer pressurizing operation, which will be described later, is performed. Note that the exposure lamp 24 will be described later.

Next, the pressurizing operation of the developing device will be explained. Figure 15 (B
) indicates the timing when color copying starts from the state where the black developing device 8 is set. First, the black developer release solenoid 31 is turned on to release the black developer 8 from the drum 20 . After the release is completed, the color developer pressurizing solenoid 30 is turned on and the color developer 7 is set on the drum 20. When copying is completed, the color developer pressure solenoid 30 is turned off to release the color developer 7.

Note that, at this point, the black developing device 8 remains disabled. This is because, in order to smoothly replenish color toner, the black developing device 8 is always released from the drum 20 when color copying is completed (see ii). When starting black or color copying from this state, both developing devices 7.8 are already released. Further, after black copying, the black developing device 8 remains set on the drum 20.

Next, the paper feeding operation will be explained. FIG. 16 shows the timing of the sheet feeding operation. If the output of the intermediate plate detection sensor is O at the time of copy start, the intermediate plate lifting operation is performed in the same manner as explained in FIG. 14 above. After the intermediate plate lifting operation is completed, the paper feed clutches of the paper feed rollers 10 and 11 are turned on, and the transfer paper begins to move. After that, when the transfer paper reaches the registration front paper sensor S7, the output of the registration front paper sensor S7 becomes 1, and after a predetermined time, the paper feed clutch is turned off, so that the transfer paper hits the registration roller S7, creating a loop. stop in the state.

Thereafter, as the copying operation progresses, the registration roller 12
When is turned on, turn on the paper feed clutch again for a predetermined period of time.
This reduces the paper feeding load on the registration rollers 12. On the other hand, after that, the control of the middle plate is performed asynchronously with the copy operation, and when the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 0, the middle plate raising clutch is turned on, and after the output of the middle plate detection sensor becomes 1, it is turned on. Turns off after 1 second. Also, the presence or absence of the cassette 9 is constantly detected, and if the cassette 9 begins to come out, the operation of lifting the middle plate is immediately stopped.

Next, copying of the first side of a double-sided copy of a single will be explained. High voltage generator HVT, document processing device 67,
Since the movements of the optical system 4, paper feeding operation, etc. are the same as described above, the movement of the transfer paper after the registration roller 12 is turned on will be explained. FIG. 17 shows the timing of the movement of the transfer paper, and when the registration roller 12 is turned on, the transfer paper SH
is sent to the fixing device 25.

After that, when the paper passes the paper discharge sensor S4, the paper discharge sensor S4
The output becomes 0→1→0. Also, at this time, the later-described lateral registration means (second registration roller 37) is moved to the home position.

After a predetermined time from that time, approximately 110 ll from the rear edge of the transfer paper
When the transfer paper 1 is gripped by the paper discharge roller 27, the reverse solenoid is turned on to switch back the transfer paper (reverse feed). At this time, the second transport latch is also turned on. As a result, the transfer paper is sent to the second paper feed section 23, and the output of the second pre-registration sensor S5 becomes 1. After a predetermined period of time, the second transport latch is turned off, and the transfer paper hits the second registration roller, forming a loop of about 15 mm.
Make and stop.

At this time, the reverse solenoid is also turned off. Also, the second
The paper feed section 23 can only feed transfer paper with a length of about 180 mm or more. If the transfer paper size is unknown for a universal cassette, turn on registration roller 12 to j2.
= 180mm -24mm (24mm is the distance between the registration front paper senna and the registration roller!! After the distance,
The input from the registration front paper sensor S7 is determined, and if there is no paper, the size of the transfer paper is less than 180 mm, so the transfer paper is directly discharged from the machine without entering a switchback operation. On the other hand, if there is paper, the size of the transfer paper is 180 mm or more, so a predetermined operation is performed.

Next, the copying of the first side of multiple copies of a single will be explained. The movement of the transfer paper after the registration roller 12 is turned on will be explained. FIG. 18 shows the timing in that case.

When the registration roller 12 is turned on, the solenoid of the flapper 29 is turned on, and the later-described lateral registration means (second registration roller 37) begins to move to the home position. Transfer paper SN is long! After moving by tft, the pre-registration sensor S7 performs a check in the case of manual copying, similar to the above-mentioned double-sided copying. If no paper is detected, the solenoid of the flapper 29 is turned off and the transfer paper is ejected from the machine.

When the transfer paper advances and the output of the paper discharge sensor S4 becomes 1, the second conveyance latch of the second paper feed section 23 is turned on. After the transfer paper is conveyed to the second paper feed section 23 and the output of the second pre-registration sensor S5 becomes 1, the second conveyance latch described above is turned off after a predetermined time t4. As a result, the transfer paper forms a loop and stops in a state where it hits the second registration roller 37.

However, since the curl state and direction of the transfer paper are different from the case of double-sided copying described above, the second pre-registration sensor S5
The time t4 from when the output becomes 1 until it stops is:
changing the value.

Next, the copying operation for both sides of a single copy and the second side of multiple copying will be explained with reference to FIG. 19.

The transfer paper is already in the second paper feed section 23 and hits the second registration roller 37, forming a loop and stopping. When copying starts, the clutch of the second registration roller 37 and the double-sided conveying latch are turned on, so that the transfer paper begins to move toward the second registration roller 12. After 0.1 seconds, the later-described lateral registration adjustment operation is started with the second registration roller 37 holding the transfer paper at a position 17 mm from the leading edge thereof.

That is, after the output of the pre-registration sensor S5 becomes 1 and a time Tb elapses, the clutch of the second registration roller 37 and the double-sided transport latch are respectively turned off. Therefore, the transfer paper hits the registration roller, creates a loop, and stops.

After that, the optical system 4 starts moving forward, and the registration roller 37
Now is the time to turn on. After the transfer paper has been fed approximately 5 mm, the second registration roller 37 is moved in the case of double-sided copying.
The transfer paper advances with the loop reduced by 5 mm by turning on the clutch and the double-sided transport latch.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple copying, only the double-sided transport latch is turned on, the transfer paper is pulled by the registration roller 12, the second registration roller 37 becomes a load, and the transfer paper is transported with the loop amount O. . Thereafter, the transfer paper passes through the fixing roller of the fixing device 25 and is ejected from the machine, and the copying operation is completed. Further, the time tb for determining the loop amount before registration is set to a different time from that in the case of paper feeding from the cassette 9 because the transfer paper conditions are different.

Next, the operation of setting the second registration roller 37 to the lateral home position will be explained. The second registration roller 37 is driven by the main motor 18 via a spring clutch, and is oscillated in the lateral direction by turning on a lateral registration solenoid.

Further, a lateral registration home sensor for detecting the position of the second registration roller 37 and a lateral registration paper sensor S8 for detecting the transfer paper held between them are arranged.

The second registration roller 37 moves in both directions with respect to the axial direction of the drum 20, but in order to improve stopping accuracy, it is always stopped by moving in one direction. That is, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 20-1, if the output of the horizontal registration home sensor is 1 at first, the second registration roller 37 is stopped when the output changes from 1-O to 1, and then the second registration roller 37 is stopped. If the sensor output is initially O, the second registration roller 37 is stopped when it becomes 0-1.

Next, the lateral registration adjustment operation will be described. 20th
-2 shows the second registration roller 37. Lateral registration paper sensor S8. The positional relationship of transfer paper SN is shown. When the second registration roller 37 is set at the home position, it stops at the center of the operating range, and when the lateral registration solenoid is turned on, it oscillates as indicated by the arrows ■→■→■→■ in the figure. When the second registration roller 37 is stopped at the home position and inserts the transfer paper Sl+, depending on the position where the transfer paper SH enters, the horizontal registration paper sensor S
8 may be detecting paper or not.

First, a case where paper is detected will be explained. 20th
- As shown in Figure 3, the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 is 1.
→Turn off horizontal resist truid when it becomes 0 → 1
to stop the second registration roller 37. Furthermore, if the transfer paper SH enters extremely biased towards the horizontal registration paper sensor side, there is a possibility that the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 will always be 1. Even in such cases, the following steps are taken to ensure that the vehicle stops at an appropriate position. That is, as shown in Fig. 20-2, when the transfer paper Sl+ moves in the direction of arrow ■ and arrow ■, it is the time when the transfer paper Sl+ is furthest away.
If the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 is 1 at this point,
From there on, the paper moves in the direction of the arrow (■), so the output of the lateral registration paper sensor S8 never becomes 0. Also, the most appropriate position is to stop at that point. Therefore,
If the time of one cycle of the lateral movement of the second registration roller 37 is T, then the output of the lateral registration paper sensor S8 does not become 0 even if the second registration roller 37 is moved by 374 pages, that is, the time corresponding to the arrows ■ and ■. Then, the second registration roller 37
to stop.

Next, we will first describe the case where the output of the lateral registration paper sensor S8 is Ol, that is, when the length of the transfer paper is shorter than the position of the lateral registration paper sensor. At this time, (if) in Figure 20-3
As shown in FIG. 3, when the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 changes from O to 1, the second registration roller 37 is stopped.

In addition, if the transfer paper St (enters at an extremely far distance from the horizontal registration paper sensor S8), the horizontal registration paper sensor S8
The output of will remain 0. Even in that case, in order to stop at the proper position as much as possible, if the output of the horizontal registration paper sensor S8 does not become 1 even after moving for a time of 1/4T corresponding to ■ in Fig. 20-3, at that point the second Stop the registration rollers 37.

Next, the copying operation for the first side of double-sided copying when the intermediate tray 40 is used will be described. After copying starts,
Since the movements of the paper feeding system, high pressure system, and optical system are the same as described above, the movement of the transfer paper when the first roller 12 is turned on will be explained. Figure 21-1 shows the timing of this operation.
Further, the flapper solenoid and the intermediate tray flapper are turned on at the same time as the first lug roller 12 is turned on. The transfer paper sent out from the first rigid roller 12 passes through the fixing roller of the fixing device 25, and is conveyed as it is toward the intermediate tray 40. The entrance sensor of the intermediate tray 40 can detect the number of transfer sheets SH stored in the intermediate tray 40, and after detecting the set number of sheets, the operation of the first roller 12 is stopped.

Next, the copying operation of the first side of multiple copying when the intermediate tray 40 is used will be described. FIG. 21-2 shows the operation timing. First, at the same time as the first rigid roller 12 is turned on, the flapper 49 of the intermediate tray 40 is turned on to form a paper path for conveying the transfer paper S11 to the intermediate tray 40. When the transfer paper SH is sent out from the first rigid roller 12 and passes the paper discharge sensor section S4, the reversal solenoid is turned on, and the transfer paper SH is sent out from the first rigid roller 12, and when it passes the paper discharge sensor section S4, the reversal solenoid is turned on, and the transfer paper
The transfer paper SR is switched (reversely fed) and transported to the intermediate tray 40 for storage. At that time, the intermediate tray 40
The inlet sensor counts the number of stored sheets, and when the set number of sheets is detected, this operation is stopped.

Next, a copying operation for the second side of multiplex and double-sided copying using the intermediate tray 40 will be described. Already in middle tray 4
FIG. 22 shows the timing when transfer paper is stocked in the second paper feed section 23 from there. First, the solenoid for the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57 is turned on. The paper feed roller 57 is lowered by a drive means (not shown), and the transfer paper containing soil is abutted against the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57. Thereafter, the solenoid of the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57 is turned on, and the transfer paper is sent to the paper conveyance path 59 by the intermediate tray paper feed roller 57. When the leading edge of the transfer paper reaches the intermediate tray exit sensor 521, the intermediate tray paper feed roller TRUID is turned off, and the paper feed roller 56 rises to be out of contact with the transfer paper. At this time, the second transport latch is turned on, and the second registration roller 3
7 to the home position, the above-mentioned operation is started.

The transfer paper eventually reaches the second pre-registration sensor S5, and after a predetermined time from there, the transfer paper reaches the second registration roller 37.
After making the end loop, the second registration roller 3
7 is turned on, and the transfer paper is sent toward the second registration roller 37. The subsequent operations are the same as those for the second side of single multiplexing and double-sided copying described above.

Next, the driving operation of the main motor 18 will be explained with reference to FIG. 23.

In this embodiment, in order to make the process speed variable, a DC motor is used as the main motor 18 as a drive source, and its speed is controlled by PLL control.

That is, the signal from the oscillator 85 is used as a reference signal to
The speed signal from the encoder 82 that is input to the L circuit 81 and connected to the DC motor 18 is fed back to the PLL circuit 81 as a feedback signal, and the PLL circuit 81 is controlled so that the above-mentioned reference signal and feedback signal are synchronized. The output is transmitted to a driver 84 via an amplifier 83, and the driver 84 drives the DC motor 18. When changing the speed of the motor 18, the output frequency of the oscillator 85 is controlled using input signals A and B. These input signals A and B are connected to a speed command circuit (not shown).

Next, an example of the circuit configuration of the laser unit 90 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, laser unit control information such as the position of the blank area, copy magnification 1 paper size, photo mode, add-on character code, add-on position, etc. is sent from the control unit 60 to the laser unit controller 700 through a well-known 2-voice RAM 703. passed through. The laser section controller 700 selects a blanking RAM (0) 705 and a blanking RAM (1) according to the program in an external program ROM 701.
Data is alternately rewritten in 906. A blank address counter 715° and an 8-bit shift register 708 are generated by the blank area data read control circuit 716.
A control signal is output to the data control circuit 720, and area data is output to the data control circuit 720.

Blank data RAM (0) 705, RAM (1)
Each of the 70B has a capacity sufficient to write one line of data. The laser unit controller 700 stores the area data in a blanking RAM (Q) 705.
, a control signal is output to the address switching circuit 704 and the blank data switching circuit 707 so that while data is being written into one of the blank RAM (1) 706, data can be read from the other.

Furthermore, add-on controls will be explained.

The laser unit controller 700 reads data from the font ROM 702 according to the add-on character code and sets it in the add-on ROM 723. Laser unit controller 700 writes add-on character printing position designation data to add-on controller 709.

The add-on controller 709 controls the add-on RAM 723 based on the start signal from the laser section controller 700.
, and outputs the data to the data control circuit 720.

As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitted from the laser 91 is reflected by the rotating polygon mirror 93 and is reflected by the imaging lens 95.
．． 96 and scans over the photosensitive drum 20. that time,
In order to extract the horizontal synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal (No. 8 (hereinafter referred to as BD scratch signal detection circuit 94) is arranged on the laser scanning.
The flaw signal is manually input to the laser unit 90. This horizontal synchronization signal (BD scratch signal) is generated by the pulse width shaping FF (
After being manually input to the flip-flop circuit (flip-flop circuit) 71O and subjected to waveform shaping, the pulse synchronization circuit (1) 711. It is manually input to the interrupt terminal of the laser section controller 700 and the pulse synchronization circuit (2) 712.

The laser unit controller 700 generates an interrupt every time the BO signal is generated, and stores the blank area data RAM (
0) Write control data to 704 and RAM (1) 705.

Further, the laser unit controller 700 outputs a control signal in the sub-scanning direction by counting the number of interruptions from the BO signal.

The pulse synchronization circuit (1) 711 outputs a reset pulse to the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 713 in synchronization with the rise of the above-mentioned BD scratch signal. Horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 71
Reference numeral 3 outputs a clock H (:LK) synchronized with the BD scratch signal, and is composed of a reference clock generation circuit and a frequency dividing circuit.

The pulse synchronization circuit (2) 712 is a horizontal synchronization clock II.
BD signal synchronization signal +1sYNc based on CL K
Generates 2. The horizontal line counter 714 is reset by this signal H5YNC2, and the horizontal synchronization clock +
1 (: Counts LK. The output of the horizontal line counter 714 is input to the timing signal generation circuit 718, and the horizontal timing signal is output from the horizontal line counter 714 at the set count number.

Waveform examples of the horizontal timing signal described above are shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 shows the reference clock 5CLK of the reference clock generation circuit provided in the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 713 in response to the human input signal IBD from the BD detection circuit 94.
shows the timing at which the rising edge detection pulse H5YNCI is generated. As shown in this figure, by resetting the reference clock frequency division counter in the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 713 with the rising edge detection pulse H5YNCI,
Generate horizontal synchronization clock CL. Next, the BD synchronization signal H5YNC2 is generated by the horizontal synchronization clock cL, and the horizontal line counter 714 is reset.

FIG. 26 shows the timing of the output signal of the timing signal generation circuit 718 in the laser unit 90.

As shown in the figure, signals VBSET and VBR5T are generated from the output of the horizontal line counter 714, and an image area signal Planqui= is generated. Also, add-on RAM7
The horizontal synchronization clock HCL is used as the clock for reading data from 23. Blank area data RAM
(0) 705, RAM (1) 706 As a clock for reading data, a clock CLKM obtained by dividing the horizontal synchronization clock l[L is used to make the resolution of blank area specification variable.

In addition, the BDENB signal is generated by the BSET and BR5T signals, and if the horizontal synchronization waveform BO is not input within a predetermined period, the horizontal synchronization signal error detection circuit 717 detects the BDENB signal.
A D error signal is output to the laser unit controller 700. When the laser unit controller 700 detects the above-mentioned BD error signal, it outputs the abnormal status to the 2-port RAM 7.
03 to the main body control unit 60.

Next, the dot erase circuit 719 is
This will be explained with reference to Figure 7-3. As shown in FIG. 27-1, the dot erase circuit 719 is composed of an 8-bit shift register 724, and the above-mentioned horizontal synchronization clock H (:LK) is input as the shift side clock. 2. As shown in the lK timing chart, the image area signal (Blank) starts from the rising edge of the BD scratch signal.
The data is loaded into the shift register 724 by the laser section controller 700 by the rising edge of . The output of the shift register 724 is ANDed with the image area signal (Blank) by an AND gate 725 and output to the data control circuit 720 .

The 8-bit data written in the 8-bit shift register 724 by the laser section controller 700 is cyclically shifted by the synchronous clock and output to the AND gate 725.

FIGS. 27-3 (A) to (C) show examples of data configurations based on each dot erase pattern. DO in the main scanning direction
A repeating pattern of ~D7 is output.

In the sub-scanning direction, the laser section controller 7QQ sets the 8-bit shift register 72 every 80 interrupts.
By loading specified (arbitrary) data into 4, a specified pattern can be generated.

The data control circuit 720 of the laser unit 90 receives data FDATA from the add-on controller 709.
, blank area data BDATA, and data from the dot erase section 719.
Data input to the laser drive circuit 721 is controlled by a control signal from the laser section controller 700. The laser drive circuit 721 is the data control circuit 72
The laser is modulated by data input from 0.

Next, regarding the laser drive circuit 721 described above, the second
This will be explained with reference to FIG. The laser 750 is driven by a constant current circuit 753 and is configured to always output constant power. Laser 750 (91 in Figure 1)
(equivalent to ), the current-emission light intensity (power) characteristics fluctuate depending on the ambient temperature and aging, so by applying well-known APC (automatic light control) at a certain timing, it is possible to always output a constant power. There is. Next, this A
The operation of the APC circuit that executes the PC will be explained.

A laser ON signal is output from the laser section controller 7θ0 to cause the laser 750 to emit light. The monitor current of the photodiode PO in the laser 750 is converted to the current-voltage conversion circuit 7.
54 and extracts a voltage proportional to the power of the laser 750. Reference voltage V output from constant voltage circuit 760
By selecting refl to Vref4 using an analog switch 759 and inputting power to comparators 756 and 757, the laser power is set within a certain range.

The outputs of the comparators 756 and 757 are input to the APC logic circuit 758, and if the outputs are outside the above-mentioned setting range, the outputs of the comparators 756 and 757 are inputted to the APC logic circuit 758.
(Digital/Analog) The manual data of the converter 752 is changed. When the laser power is controlled to a constant width, a stop signal is output from the PC logic circuit 758, and the up/down counter 751 is held at constant data. The laser part controller 700 is an APCR
When the DY (ready) signal is detected, APC5TOP
A (stop) signal is output to the laser partial drive circuit 721 to turn off the laser, and the APC end status is transmitted to the control unit 60 through the two-vote RAM 703.

Laser scanner motor controller 722 in FIG.
controls to rotate the polygon mirror 93 mentioned above at a predetermined rotation speed. Therefore, this controller 7
22 uses a known PLL circuit (not shown),
Rotation is started by applying an ON signal (LSCON) from the outside, and while the rotation is being performed at a predetermined number of rotations, a well-known PLL clock signal is used to send a laser scanner motor ready signal (LSCR) to the laser unit controller 700.
DY) is output.

The laser unit controller 700 monitors the above-mentioned laser scanner motor ready signal at a predetermined period, and if the laser scanner motor ready signal is not output after a predetermined period of time after the laser scanner motor 92 is turned on, the laser scanner motor is abnormal. The signal is transmitted to the main body control section 60.

A description of the operation of the laser unit controller 700 in the case where the blank area is controlled by the laser optical system will be omitted since it has already been described with reference to FIG.

Next, blank RAM (0) 705 and blank RA
The control operation for controlling the blank area using M (1) 706 will be described with reference to FIG.

From the control unit 60, the data (P+, P+°) (P2.P2°) specified by the area as shown in FIG.
Laser unit controller 70 through point RAM 703
Sent to 0. Now, the blank R of the laser unit 90
AM (0)705 and blank RAM (1)706
are each configured to have a storage capacity for one line with a predetermined area resolution. Therefore, when an area as shown in FIG. 29(A) is specified by the control unit 60, three line memory data as shown in FIG. 29(B) are used. Next, line memory data O is read from the blank RAM (0) 705 from the start point of Po to xI. Line memory data 1 is read from blank RAM (1) 706 from xl to xlo. Blank RAM between x, ° and x2
(0) Read line memory data O from 705.

Furthermore, between x2 and x2°, blank RAM (1)
Line memory data 2 is read from 706. x2°
From to PE, line memory data 0 is read from blank RAM (0).

Regarding writing of line memory data, the blank RAM that has not been read out is rewritten by the laser section controller 700. Also, when reducing or enlarging, data P sent from the control unit 6o according to the magnification α,
P, °, P2. Based on P2', P1×α, P2×α, P
1°×α, P2°×α are calculated, and the line memory data Q, 1.2 is shown in Figure 29 (C) and (D).
Change as shown.

Next, the control procedure of the laser part controller 700 in blank area control will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 30. First, in step 800, area data and magnification data are received from the control unit 60. Next, in processing step 801, line memory data is set in the blank RAM (0) 705 from the above-mentioned area data and magnification data. Next, in determination step 802, the control unit 60 waits for an image formation start command to be given. When an image formation start command is given from the control unit 60 in determination step 802, reading from the blank RAM (0) 705 is started in processing step 803.

Next, in processing step 804, blank RAM (1)
The next line memory data is set in 706, and in judgment steps 805 and 806 it is judged whether image formation is completed or area data is to be switched. The end of image formation and the switching of area data are determined by the laser unit controller 700.
The BD signal is counted internally from the start of image formation, and the value and PI, PI', P2. This is done by comparing with the sub-scanning position information of P2°+PE.

In the case of area data switching, process steps 806 and 807
The read/write RAM is switched at step 808 and step 809, and step 805 and step 806 are executed.
The process waits for the timing in the same manner as above, and if the determination in step 809 is affirmative, the process returns to step 803, and the above operations are repeated until the image formation is completed.

FIG. 31 shows an example of the recording operation according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, A is the original document, and the area surrounded by the broken line B is the area specified by the editor 180.

First, the user selects either the mode ■ or ■ indicated by the reference numeral 162 in FIG. In step 104, a developing color is further selected, and the input operation before starting the copying operation is completed.

Next, when the user presses the copy key 103 on the operation unit 100 shown in FIG. 5, the optical system 4 shown in FIG. . When the scanning of the optical system 4 reaches the area specified by the editor 180, the Dot Erase circuit 719 shown in FIG. 24 described above is operated,
A halftone image as shown in B in FIG. 31 is written on the photosensitive drum 20 as a latent image simultaneously with the image of the original using the laser beam of the laser device 90, and the transfer recording of the toner is performed on the transfer paper S.
A synthesized final output image as shown in FIG. 31C is obtained on H.

The processing operations described above are performed when the developed color of the original and the developed color of the halftone dots are the same, and when the original image and the halftone dots are recorded with different developed colors, the multiple recording operation described above is performed. That is, in the first recording operation, the contents of the original are transferred to the transfer paper SH.
Then, in a second recording operation in which the developing color is changed, a halftone dot image is superimposed and recorded on the SH of the same transfer paper.

In the embodiment of the present invention described above, if the user selects halftone dot recording in multiplex mode, the original is developed in the first recording operation, and the halftone dots are developed in the second recording operation. However, conversely, it is also possible to develop and record halftone dots in the first recording operation and to develop and record the document in the second recording operation. Further, the above-described designation of the halftone dot recording area can be set for each copying operation, and a plurality of halftone dot recording areas can be set for one copying operation.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, two halftone images are compositely recorded in a specified area on the original image by overlapping the original image information, so that the original in the specified recording area is It is possible to easily emphasize the original image information without damaging the image information, and it is also possible to improve the gradation of glossy original images such as photographs, and faithfully reproduce the original image. You can get the desired effect.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3 is a configuration example of the laser unit in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the control system shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the editor in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the editor control unit in FIG. 7 when specifying an area; FIG. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the editor control unit in Figure 7 when inputting characters, Figure 1O is an explanatory diagram showing an example of copy output when specifying an area, and Figures 11 (8) to (I) are digital images, respectively.・An explanatory diagram showing a copy example in the analog image simultaneous copying mode, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for double-sided/multiple copying in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13 to 22 are each of the embodiments of the present invention. The operation timing of the component equipment is shown. Figure 13 is a timing chart when the power is turned on, Figure 14 is a timing chart when the middle plate is raised, Figures 15 (A) and (B) are timing charts during copy operation, and Figure 15 is a timing chart when the middle plate is raised. Figure 16 is a timing chart of paper feeding operation, Figure M17 is a timing chart of copying operation of the first side of single duplex copying, Figure 18 is a timing chart of copying operation of the first side of single duplex copying, and Figure 19 is a timing chart of copying operation of the first side of single duplex copying. Timing chart of copying operation for the second side of multiple copying, Figures 20-1 to 20-3 are timing charts and explanatory diagrams of horizontal registration adjustment operation, Figures 21-1 and 21-2 are intermediate tray Figure 22 is a timing chart of the copy operation for the second side of duplex/multiple copying when using the intermediate tray. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit structure of the laser unit of FIG. 4. FIGS. 25 and 25 are the laser section controller of FIG. 24, respectively. Fig. 27-1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the dot erase circuit in Fig. 24; Fig. 27-2 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the dot erase circuit in Fig. 24; Figure 27-3 (^
) to (C) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the output pattern of the dot erase circuit shown in Fig. 24, Fig. 28 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the laser drive circuit shown in Fig. 24, and Figs. 29 (A) to (D). 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the blank area control operation by the laser section controller in FIG. 24, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the blank area control operation by the laser section controller in FIG. 24, and FIG. 31 is an apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a composite recording operation of a document image and a halftone image in . 3...First paper feed section, 4...Optical system, 5...Original glass stand, 7...Second developer (color developer), 8...First developer (black developer) 10.11... Paper feed roller, 13... Primary charger, 15... Transfer charger, 18... Mailer motor, 19... Optical motor, 20... Photosensitive drum, 23... Second paper feed unit, 24... Exposure lamp, 28... Erase lamp, 29.49... Flapper, 40... Intermediate tray, 60... Main body control unit, 61...・AC driver, 70...Shutter, 82...Encoder, 90...Laser unit, 91...Laser, 92...Polygon motor, 93...Polygon mirror, 94...Horizontal synchronization signal Detection circuit, 100... Operation unit, 101... Power switch, 103... Copy key, 105... Numeric keypad. 107...Copy density adjustment key, 114...Multiple key, 116-118...Double-sided copy mode selection key, 122
...Number writing mode specification key, 123...Date writing mode specification key, 151...Area specification mode specification key, 155...Add-on mode specification key,
170...Coordinate input surface, 173...Stylus pen, 180...Editor, 181...Coordinate reading unit, 182...Various people on the editor-1183...
Display section on editor, 184...Editor control section, 700...Laser section controller, 703...2-bottom RAM. 705.706...Blank area data RAM. 708... 8-bit shift register, 709... Add-on controller, 716... Blank area data read control circuit, 718... Timing signal generation circuit, 719... Dot erase circuit, 721... Laser drive circuit . 3rd Rit 1 1st reply to 1stir voice. No. 'd' = 27 Figure 9 Figure 10 Nhanawa Coro 0-(A) Japan: T guest entry (B) ivo, fill in ((゛) No. tt p≧1 ■ ■■ ■ Main hair - evening 1 Figure 14 (A) 1tz: Go--1 (B) No. 15
Figure 7 Registration roller - Uni 2 =:=K Reverse rotation 1 ・ :1 Light 18th Figure 19
Self====Ko Grave No. 23')-1"4 120-2 Fig. 20-3 Restoration Stroller μUni22:=Nicole Dystrora Hi==Uni=:=Co; ■ Fig. 21-2 22nd F2t BD DO-07 (A) (B) (C) Figure 7-3

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) a) a first image forming means comprising a first optical system; b) a second image forming means comprising a second optical system; and c) formed by the first image forming means. 1. An image recording apparatus comprising: recording control means for synthetically recording a halftone image formed by the second image forming means in a designated area of a document image. 2) The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording control means is capable of making the development color of the halftone image and the development color of the document image different depending on a development color selection instruction. Image recording device. 3) In the apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the first optical system includes an original exposure lamp and a reflecting mirror, and the second optical system includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, and a polygon mirror. An image recording device comprising a rotation motor, an optical lens, and a reflecting mirror.