US20020110389A1 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Image forming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20020110389A1 US20020110389A1 US09/779,641 US77964101A US2002110389A1 US 20020110389 A1 US20020110389 A1 US 20020110389A1 US 77964101 A US77964101 A US 77964101A US 2002110389 A1 US2002110389 A1 US 2002110389A1
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- read
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N1/32496—Changing the task performed, e.g. reading and transmitting, receiving and reproducing, copying
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
- H04N1/00684—Object of the detection
- H04N1/00687—Presence or absence
- H04N1/00689—Presence
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
- H04N1/00684—Object of the detection
- H04N1/00687—Presence or absence
- H04N1/00692—Absence
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/00681—Detecting the presence, position or size of a sheet or correcting its position before scanning
- H04N1/00684—Object of the detection
- H04N1/00708—Size or dimensions
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N1/32561—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device using a programmed control device, e.g. a microprocessor
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
- H04N1/10—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using flat picture-bearing surfaces
- H04N1/1013—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using flat picture-bearing surfaces with sub-scanning by translatory movement of at least a part of the main-scanning components
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
- H04N1/113—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using oscillating or rotating mirrors
- H04N1/1135—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using oscillating or rotating mirrors for the main-scan only
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
- H04N1/12—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using the sheet-feed movement or the medium-advance or the drum-rotation movement as the slow scanning component, e.g. arrangements for the main-scanning
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
- H04N1/04—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa
- H04N1/19—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using multi-element arrays
- H04N1/191—Scanning arrangements, i.e. arrangements for the displacement of active reading or reproducing elements relative to the original or reproducing medium, or vice versa using multi-element arrays the array comprising a one-dimensional array, or a combination of one-dimensional arrays, or a substantially one-dimensional array, e.g. an array of staggered elements
- H04N1/192—Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously scanning picture elements on one main scanning line
- H04N1/193—Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously scanning picture elements on one main scanning line using electrically scanned linear arrays, e.g. linear CCD arrays
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- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
- H04N2201/0081—Image reader
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/0077—Types of the still picture apparatus
- H04N2201/0082—Image hardcopy reproducer
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/04—Scanning arrangements
- H04N2201/0402—Arrangements not specific to a particular one of the scanning methods covered by groups H04N1/04 - H04N1/207
- H04N2201/0466—Selectively scanning in one or the other of two opposite directions, e.g. in the forward or the reverse direction
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N2201/333—Mode signalling or mode changing; Handshaking therefor
- H04N2201/33307—Mode signalling or mode changing; Handshaking therefor of a particular mode
- H04N2201/33314—Mode signalling or mode changing; Handshaking therefor of a particular mode of reading or reproducing mode
- H04N2201/33321—Image or page size, e.g. A3, A4
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
- H04N2201/32—Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
- H04N2201/333—Mode signalling or mode changing; Handshaking therefor
- H04N2201/33307—Mode signalling or mode changing; Handshaking therefor of a particular mode
- H04N2201/33314—Mode signalling or mode changing; Handshaking therefor of a particular mode of reading or reproducing mode
- H04N2201/33335—Presentation, e.g. orientation, simplex, duplex
Definitions
- an exposure means is reciprocally moved along a document table by operation of a scanning motor, and the document table is subjected to exposure and scanning thereby to read an image on an original document, while it reciprocally moves.
- the image thus read is formed on a copying paper as an image forming medium.
- a pulse motor is used as the scanning motor.
- the exposure means comprises, as its components, a carriage where an exposure lamp and a carriage on which the exposure lamp is mounted.
- the carriage is provided to be reciprocally movable along the document table, and is connected to the shaft of the scanning motor through a motion transmission mechanism such as a belt, wire, or the like.
- the carriage receives the motion force from the scanning motor and reciprocally moves.
- An image forming apparatuses of this kind has a function of a mirror image print mode in which the image of an original document is printed as a mirror image which is reversed from the image of the original document.
- a mirror image print mode In printing of this mirror image print mode, an image read from an original document is reversed with use of a memory, and the reversed image which is a mirror image is printed on a copying paper.
- a memory for reversing the image and an image processing function for reversing the image are required to carry out printing in the mirror image print mode.
- the present invention has an object of providing an image forming apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus which are capable of printing an image of an original document as a reversed image thereof, i.e., a so-called mirror image, without requiring costs.
- An image forming apparatus comprises: a document table on which an original document is set; read means for reading an image of the original document set on the document table, by optical main scanning on the original document set on the original table, in one direction, and sub-scanning in which the mains scanning is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the one direction; a printer section for executing main scanning and sub-scanning in synchronization with the main scanning and the sub-scanning performed by the read means, thereby to print the image read by the read means, onto an image forming medium; and control means for setting the direction of the sub-scanning of the read means to a normal direction, in case of a normal print mode in which the image of the original document set on the document table is printed on the image forming medium, with the image not reversed, and for setting the direction of the sub-scanning to a direction opposite to the normal direction, in case of a mirror image print mode in which the image of the original document set on the original table is printed on the image
- FIG. 1 is a view showing an outer appearance of the first embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a view showing the internal structure of the first embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of a document table and its periphery in the first embodiment
- FIG. 4 is a view showing the structure of an exposure lamp and its periphery in the first embodiment
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control circuit in the first embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a view showing selection conditions of a magnetic excitation system of the scanning motor in the first embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a view showing patterns of various signals with respect to the scanning motor in the first embodiment
- FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are flowcharts for explaining functions of the document table read systems in the first and second embodiments;
- FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an original document used in the first and second embodiments.
- FIG. 11 is a view showing a state of the original document shown in FIG. 10, which is set on the document table, and main scanning and sub-scanning for reading an image in a normal print mode;
- FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which an image read in FIG. 11 is printed on a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum;
- FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 11 is printed on a copying paper, and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing;
- FIG. 14 is a view showing a state in which the original document shown in FIG. 10 is set on the document table, and main scanning and sub-scanning on the original document in image reading in a mirror image print mode;
- FIG. 15 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 14 is printed onto a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum;
- FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 14 is printed onto a copying paper and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing;
- FIG. 17 is a view showing an outer appearance of the second embodiment
- FIG. 18 is a view showing the internal structure of the second embodiment
- FIG. 19 is a view showing the structure of the document table and its periphery in the second embodiment
- FIG. 20 is a view showing the structure of an exposure lamp and its periphery in the second embodiment
- FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a control circuit in the second embodiment
- FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining functions of the sheet through system in the second embodiment
- FIG. 23 is a view showing a state in which the original document shown in FIG. 10 is set on the automatic document feeder;
- FIG. 24 is a view showing a state in which the original document shown in FIG. 23 is fed to the document read window and passes over the document read window, and main scanning and sub-scanning for reading image from the original document;
- FIG. 25 is a view showing the image read in FIG. 24 is printed on a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum in case of a mirror image print mode;
- FIG. 26 is a view showing a state in which an image is printed on a copying paper shown in FIG. 25, and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing;
- FIG. 27 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 24 is written into a page memory in case of a normal print mode
- FIG. 28 is a view showing a state in which an image is read from the memory shown in FIG. 27;
- FIG. 29 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 28 is printed on a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum;
- FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which an image is printed on the copying paper shown in FIG. 29, and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing.
- a transparent document table (glass plate) 2 for setting an original document is provided at an upper part of the body 1 , and a cover 3 is provided to be freely openable/closable over the document table 2 .
- an indicator part 2 a is provided at an end part of the document table 2 .
- a gap part between the indicator part 2 a and the document table 2 serves as a reference position 2 b.
- An original document D is set aligned with the reference position 2 b. That is, the side of the indicator part 2 a (left side in the figure) with respect to the reference position 2 b as a boundary is a non-document set area, and the other side (right side in the figure) is a document set area.
- a carriage 4 is provided in the lower surface side of the document table 2 , and an exposure lamp 5 is provided on the carriage 4 .
- An exposure means is constructed by the carriage 4 and the exposure lamp 5 .
- the carriage 4 can reciprocally move along the lower surface of the document table 2 .
- the lower surface side of the indicator part 2 a and the original document D on the document table 2 are exposed as the exposure lamp 5 is lightened while the carriage 4 reciprocally moves from the non-document set area to the document set area.
- a reflection light image of the original document D set on the document table 2 is obtained, and it is projected on an image signal output means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 10 by reflection mirrors 6 , 7 , and 8 , and a magnification change lens block 9 .
- the CCD 10 has a large number of photoelectric conversion elements in a light receiving area. The light receiving area is subjected to line-scanning, and an image signal is outputted by repeating the line-scanning.
- the carriage 4 , exposure lamp 5 , reflection mirrors 6 , 7 , and 8 , magnification change lens block 9 , and CCD 10 construct a read means capable of optically reading an original document D set on the document table 2 . That is, an original document D set on the document table 2 is subjected to optical main scanning in one direction by this read means, and the main scanning is repeated as the reciprocal motion of the exposure lamp 5 . Repetition of the main scanning in accordance with the reciprocal motion of the exposure lamp 5 is called sub-scanning.
- FIG. 19 shows the directions of the main scanning and the sub-scanning as X and Y, respectively.
- the image signal outputted from the CCD 10 is amplified and converted into a digital signal.
- the digital signal is processed appropriately by the image processing section and is thereafter supplied to a laser unit 27 .
- the laser unit 27 emits a laser beam B in accordance with the input signal.
- a black reference plate 12 and a white reference plate 13 as color reference members for shading correction are arranged orderly along the motion direction of the exposure lamp 5 .
- Both reference plates have a dimensional shape corresponding to the length of the indicator part 2 a in its lengthwise direction.
- a plurality of document sensors 11 are provided in the lower surface side of the document table 2 . Presence or absence of an original document D and the size thereof are detected optically by these sensors.
- the carriage 4 is movably mounted on a rail 51 . Further, a wire 52 is connected to the carrier 4 , and the wire 52 is hung between a drive pulley 53 a and a slave pulley 53 b.
- the drive pulley is connected to a deceleration pulley 54
- the deceleration pulley 54 is connected to a pulley 56 of the scanning motor 57 through a timing belt 55 .
- a pulse motor is used as the scanning motor 57 . Moving position of the carriage 4 is managed by the number of drive voltage pulses supplied to the scanning motor 57 (e.g., the number of steps).
- the outer peripheral surface of the body 1 is formed by a cover 58 .
- a reference position switch 61 is provided inside this cover 58 .
- the reference position switch 61 has a slit for receiving insertion of a light shielding plate attached to the carriage 4 , and optically detects whether or not the light shielding plate 60 enters in the slit. If the light shielding plate enters, the reference position switch is turned on. Otherwise, it is turned off. When the reference position switch 61 is turned on, it is determined that the carriage 4 exists at a predetermined reference position.
- the scanning section is constructed by the structure described above from the document table 2 to the reference position switch 61 .
- a photosensitive drum 20 is provided to be rotatable at the substantial center part in the body 1 .
- An electrostatic charger 21 , a developing device 22 , a transfer device 23 , a separator 24 , a cleaner 25 , and a discharger 26 are orderly provided around the photosensitive drum 20 .
- a laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 described above is irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 through a space between the electrostatic charger 21 and the developing device 22 .
- each paper feed cassette 30 contains a large number of copying papers C of sizes which are respectively different from each other of the cassettes.
- copying papers are taken out one after another from any one of the paper feed cassettes 30 .
- each paper feed cassette 30 is provided with a pick-up roller 31 .
- a picked-up copying paper C is separated from the paper feed cassette 30 and is fed to a resist roller 33 .
- the resist roller 33 feeds the copying paper C to between the photosensitive drum 20 and the transfer device 23 at timing in consideration of the rotation of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- the electrostatic charger 21 applies a high voltage to the photosensitive drum 20 , thereby to charge an electrostatic charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- a laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 is irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- the laser unit 27 performs main scanning (line scanning) on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 in one direction, and sub-scanning in which the main scanning is repeated in accordance with rotation of the photosensitive drum 20 , thereby to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image read by the scanner section, on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 20 is developed as it receives a developing agent (toner) from the developing device 22 .
- This developed image is transferred to a copying paper C by the transfer device 23 .
- the copying paper to which the developed image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 20 by the separator 24 .
- the developing agent and charges remain on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 from which the copying paper C has been separated.
- the remaining developing agent is removed by the cleaner 25 .
- the remaining charges are removed by the discharger 28 .
- the copying paper C separated from the photosensitive drum 20 is fed to a fixing device 42 by a conveyer belt 41 .
- the fixing device 42 fixes the transferred image on the copying paper C by heat.
- the copying paper C on which the image has already been fixed is fed out to a sorter 44 by a feed-out roller 43 .
- the sorter 44 includes a plurality of container parts 45 disposed vertically, and distributes a predetermined number of sheets of printed copying papers to each of the container parts 45 .
- the sorter 44 comprises a staple unit 46 for stapling copying papers contained in each container part 45 for every container part 45 .
- the printer section is thus constructed by the structure explained above from the photosensitive drum 20 to the sorter 44 , in which main scanning and sub-scanning are executed in synchronization with those of the scanner section and the image read by the scanner section is printed on a copying paper C.
- FIG. 5 shows a total control circuit
- a system CPU 70 , a control panel CPU 80 , a scanner CPU 90 , and a printer CPU 100 are connected to each other.
- the system CPU 70 totally controls the control panel CPU 80 , scanner CPU 90 , and the printer CPU 100 .
- system CPU 70 is connected with a ROM 71 for storing a control program, a RAM 72 for storing data, a NVM 73 , and an image processing section 74 .
- the control panel CPU 80 is connected with a key input section 81 , a liquid crystal display 82 , and a print key 83 .
- the key input section 81 has a power switch a document size specification key, a magnification specification key, and the like.
- the liquid crystal display 82 displays information according to an operation on the key input section 81 , and various information to be notified to the user.
- the scanner CPU 90 is connected with a RAM 92 for storing data, a shading correction part (SHD) 93 , a CCD driver 94 , a scanning motor driver 95 , the exposure lamp 5 , each of the document sensors 11 , and the like.
- the CCD driver 94 drives the CCD 10 .
- the scanning motor driver 95 drives the scanning motor 57 .
- the printer CPU 100 is connected with a ROM 101 for storing control programs, a RAM 102 for storing data, a laser driver 103 , a polygon motor driver 104 , a main motor driver 106 , and a sorter 44 .
- the laser driver 103 drives the laser unit 27 .
- the polygon motor driver 104 drives a polygon motor as a drive source of a polygon mirror for scanning the laser beam B with respect to the photosensitive drum 20 .
- the main motor driver 106 drives a main motor 107 as a drive source for the photosensitive drum 20 , the paper feed mechanism, and the like.
- the system CPU 70 and the scanner CPU 90 include the following control means (1) for their main function.
- Control means for setting the sub-scanning direction of the read means to a normal direction (regular direction X) in case of a normal print mode in which an image of an original document set on the document table 2 is printed on a copying paper C without reversing the image, and for switching the sub-scanning direction of the read means to an opposite direction (an opposite direction X′) which is opposite to the normal direction in case of a mirror-image print mode in which an image of an original document D set on the document table 2 is printed in a reversed condition, as a so-called mirror image, on a copying paper C.
- a normal direction normal print mode in which an image of an original document set on the document table 2 is printed on a copying paper C without reversing the image
- an opposite direction X′ which is opposite to the normal direction in case of a mirror-image print mode in which an image of an original document D set on the document table 2 is printed in a reversed condition, as a so-called mirror image, on a copying paper
- a gate array 96 and a D/A converter 97 are provided between the scanner CPU 90 and the scanning motor driver 95 .
- the gate array 96 outputs a control signal H.OFF- 1 for specifying magnetic excitation ON and OFF of the scanning motor 57 , a control signal CWCCW for specifying regular rotation and reversal rotation of the scanning motor 57 , and data signals DATA 0 , DATA 1 , DATA 2 , and DATA 3 for specifying magnetic excitation systems of the scanning motor 57 .
- These signals are supplied to the scanning motor driver 95 .
- the D/A converter 97 converts current value specification data, which is generated from the scanner CPU 90 , into a voltage signal SCNVREFA for specifying a relative current value with respect to the scanning motor 57 . This voltage signal SCNVREFA is supplied to the scanning motor driver 95 .
- a reference clock signal SCCLK- 0 is supplied from the scanner CPU 90 to the scanning motor driver 95 .
- the scanning motor driver 95 outputs a drive voltage pulse synchronized with a rise of the reference clock signal SCCLK- 0 .
- This drive voltage pulse is supplied to the scanning motor 57 .
- the scanner CPU 90 changes the interval of the reference clock signal SCCLK- 0 in accordance with the magnification set by the key input part 81 . In accordance with the change, the interval of the drive voltage pulse supplied to the scanning motor 57 is changed so that the rotation speed of the scanning motor 57 , i.e., the motion speed of the carriage 4 changes.
- FIG. 7 shows selection conditions as to which magnetic excitation system should be selected in correspondence with the 4-bit data signals DATA 0 , DATA 1 , DATA 2 , and DATA 3 in case where a five-phase pulse motor is used as the scanning motor 57 .
- any of the magnetic excitation systems A, B, C, and D is selected.
- FIG. 8 shows an example of patterns of signals concerning the driving of the scanning motor 57 .
- the magnetic excitation system C is selected.
- the scanning motor 57 When the carriage 4 moves forward, the scanning motor 57 firstly accelerates toward an aimed speed, then operates at an equal speed after the aimed speed is reached, and finally decelerates. While the scanning motor is driving at an equal speed, the image on an original document D is read. When the carriage moves back, the scanning motor 57 firstly operates to accelerate, then operates at an equal speed, and finally decelerates. Switching between the acceleration, operation at an equal speed, and deceleration is realized by changing the interval of the reference clock signal SCCLK- 0 .
- the magnetic excitation system C is selected (step 206 ).
- the magnetic excitation system D is selected (step 207 ).
- the rotation angle of the scanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.72°”, according to the magnetic excitation system A.
- the rotation angle of the scanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.36°”, according to the magnetic excitation system B.
- the rotation angle of the scanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.288°”, according to the magnetic excitation system C.
- the rotation angle of the scanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.09°”, according to the magnetic excitation system D. That is, as the larger copy magnification increases, a greater rotation angle of the scanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set so that the motion speed of the carriage 4 is lowered.
- FIG. 10 shows an example of an original document D on which an image such as a character “A” is written on its surface.
- D 1 denotes the left end
- D 2 denotes the right end
- D 3 denotes the upper end
- D 4 denotes the lower end.
- This original document D is set on the original document table 2 with its surface oriented downward.
- This setting status and the size of the original document D are detected by each document sensor 11 (YES in the step 208 and step 209 ).
- the reference position 2 b with which the original document should be aligned is set as a start end position for image reading in the regular direction of the sub-scanning (step 211 ). Further, in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning, a predetermined position including the document size detected by each document sensor 11 , i.e., a position which exceeds the lateral width between D 2 and D 1 shown in FIG. 11 is set as a finish end position of the image reading (step 212 ).
- a scanning home position is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for acceleration of the carriage 4 ) from the start end position set as described above in the more proximal end side in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning (step 213 ).
- a motion target position of the carriage 4 is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for deceleration of the carriage 4 ) from the finish end position set as described above in the distal side in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning (step 214 ). Note that distances necessary for acceleration and deceleration of the carriage 4 are set variably in correspondence with the copy magnification.
- the number of reference steps necessary to move the carriage 4 from the scanning home position to the motion target position is calculated (step 215 ).
- the number of reference steps thus calculated is converted into an actual number of steps according to the magnetic excitation system selected as described previously (step 216 ).
- the actual number of steps is divided for acceleration, equal-speed operation, and deceleration (step 217 ).
- the exposure lamp 5 On the forward way of the reciprocal motion of the carriage 4 (exposure lamp 5 ), the exposure lamp 5 is lightened so that the surface of the original document D is exposed from the right end D 2 toward the left end D 1 . Reflection light from the original document D is projected on the CCD 10 . Line scanning on the light receiving area is repeated on the CCD 10 , thereby to read an image of the original document D (step 220 ). Repetitions of line scanning on the CCD 10 correspond respectively to the main scanning operations R 1 , R 2 , . . . Rn on the original document D in one direction Y, as shown in FIG. 11. The main scanning operations R 1 , R 2 , . . . Rn shift in the direction X (the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, as the exposure lamp 5 moves on the forward way of the reciprocal motion.
- the main scanning operations R 1 , R 2 , . . . Rn shift in the direction X (the regular
- the read image is printed on a copying paper C through the photosensitive drum 20 by scanning on the photosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 221 ).
- the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the laser unit 27 .
- this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of the photosensitive drum 20 , thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- This electrostatic latent image corresponds to a reversed image of the character “A” on the original document D.
- This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C.
- C 1 denotes its left end
- C 2 denotes its right end
- C 3 denotes its upper end
- C 4 denotes its lower end.
- Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 13.
- These main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end Cl to the right end C 2 of the copying paper C.
- the image of the original document D which is not reversed, is printed on the copying paper C.
- the printed copying paper C is fed to the sorter 44 .
- the staple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 13.
- the specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C 2 and the lower end C 4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference.
- An original document D is set on the document table 2 with its surface oriented downward like in the normal mode. This setting status and the size of the original document D are detected by each document sensor 11 (YES in step 208 and step 209 ).
- a predetermined position which includes the document size detected by each document sensor 11 i.e., a position exceeding the lateral width between D 2 and D 1 shown in FIG. 14 is set as a start end position for image reading (step 222 ). Further, a reference position 2 b for document setting is set as a finish end position of image reading in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning (step 223 ).
- a scanning home position is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for acceleration of the carriage 4 ) from the start end position set as described above, in the more proximal side in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning (step 224 ).
- a motion target position of the carriage 4 is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for deceleration of the carriage 4 ) from the finish end position set as described above in the distal side in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning (step 225 ). Note that distances necessary for acceleration and deceleration of the carriage 4 are set variably in correspondence with the copy magnification.
- the number of reference steps necessary to move the carriage 4 from the scanning home position to the motion target position is calculated (step 215 ).
- the number of reference steps thus calculated is converted into an actual number of steps according to the magnetic excitation system selected as described previously (step 216 ).
- the actual number of steps is divided for acceleration, equal-speed operation, and deceleration (step 217 ).
- the exposure lamp 5 On the forward way of the reciprocal motion of the carriage 4 (exposure lamp 5 ), the exposure lamp 5 is lightened so that the surface of the original document D is exposed from the left end D 1 toward the right end D 2 . Reflection light from the original document D is projected on the CCD 10 . Line scanning on the light receiving area is repeated on the CCD 10 , thereby to read an image of the original document D (step 220 ). Repetitions of line scanning on the CCD 10 correspond respectively to the main scanning operations R 1 , R 2 , . . . Rn on the original document D in one direction Y, as shown in FIG. 14. The main scanning operations R 1 , R 2 , . . . Rn shift in the direction X′ (the reverse direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, as the exposure lamp 5 moves on the forward way of the reciprocal motion.
- the main scanning operations R 1 , R 2 , . . . Rn shift in the direction X′ (
- the read image is printed on a copying paper C through the photosensitive drum 20 by scanning on the photosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 221 ).
- the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the laser unit 27 .
- this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of the photosensitive drum 20 , thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- This electrostatic latent image is not reversal of the character “A” on the original document D but directly corresponds to the image of the character.
- This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C.
- Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 16.
- These main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end C 1 to the right end C 2 of the copying paper C.
- the image of the original document D is printed, as a mirror image which is reversal of the original image, on the copying paper C.
- the printed copying paper C is fed to the sorter 44 .
- the staple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 16.
- the specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C 2 and the lower end C 4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference.
- the direction of sub-scanning for reading an image is switched to the reverse direction X′ which is opposite to the sub-scanning direction in the normal print mode.
- the image on the original document D can be printed as a mirror image without requiring a memory or an image processing function for reversal. That is, even an image forming apparatus of a low-cost type which cannot be equipped with a memory or an image processing function for reversal can achieve printing in the mirror image print mode.
- the position of the staple S stapling S with respect to each copying paper C can be set in common to the cases of the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode. That is, both in the normal and mirror mode print modes, stapling S can be performed always at a proper position in relation to an image to be printed, as a reference.
- an automatic document feeder (ADF) 47 is provided to be openable/closable on the document table 2 .
- the automatic document feeder 47 has a tray 47 a where an original document is set.
- the feeder 47 feeds a plurality of sheets of an original document D, one after another, to a document read window 59 , and lets them pass through the window. Further, each sheet of the original document D which has passed there is discharged to the lower surface side of the tray 47 a.
- the document read window 59 is made of transparent glass and is provided adjacent to the indicator part 2 a.
- the carriage 4 can move to a position corresponding to the document read window 59 and can stop there.
- the automatic document feeder 47 operates and the exposure lamp 5 is lightened, so that the original document D which passes over the document read window 59 is exposed through the document read window 59 .
- Reflection light from the original document D is projected onto the CCD 10 by the reflection mirrors 6 , 7 , and 8 and the magnification change lens block 9 .
- the carriage 4 , exposure lamp 5 , reflection mirrors 6 , 7 , and 8 , magnification change lens block 9 , and CCD 10 construct a second read means for optically reading the original document D which passes over the document read window 59 . That is, the original document D which is passing over the document read window 59 is subjected to optical main-scanning in one direction, and the main scanning is repeated as the original document passes over. Repetitions of the main scanning in accordance with passing of the original document D are called sub-scanning.
- FIG. 19 shows a case where the direction of the main scanning is Y and the direction of the sub-scanning is X.
- a first read means for optically reading an original document D set on the document table 2 is constructed by the carriage 4 , exposure lamp 5 , reflection mirrors 6 , 7 , and 8 , magnification change lens block 9 , and CCD 10 . That is, the original document D set on the document table 2 is subjected to optical main scanning in one direction, and the main scanning is repeated in accordance with the motion of the exposure lamp 5 on the forward way of its reciprocal motion. Repetition of the main scanning according to the motion of the exposure lamp on the forward way of its reciprocal motion is taken as sub-scanning.
- the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X are the same as those of the second read means.
- FIG. 21 shows a total control circuit.
- the system CPU 70 is connected with a page memory control part 75 , which is connected with a page memory 76 .
- the scanner CPU 90 is connected with the automatic document feeder 47 .
- the automatic document feeder 47 comprises a document sensor 47 b for detecting presence or absence and an original document D on the tray 47 a and the size thereof if any.
- the system CPU 70 and the scanner CPU 90 has the following control means (11) and (12) as its main functions.
- a first control means for letting the first read means function to set the sub-scanning direction of the first read means in the normal direction (regular direction X) in case of the normal print mode in which the image of an original document D set on the document table 2 is printed on a copying paper C, not reversed, and for letting the first read means function to switch the sub-scanning direction of the first read means to the direction (reverse direction X′) opposite to the normal direction in case of the mirror image print mode in which the image of an original document set on the document table 2 is printed on a copying paper C, reversed as a mirror image.
- One or a plurality of sheets of an original document D are set on the tray 47 a of the automatic document feeder 47 with their surfaces oriented upward. This setting status and size of the original document D are detected by the document sensor 47 b of the automatic document feeder 47 (YES in the step 301 and the step 302 ).
- the carriage 4 is moved to a position corresponding to the document read window 59 and one sheet of the original document D is fed to the document read window 59 by the automatic document feeder 47 (step 304 ).
- the fed sheet of original document D passes over the document read window 59 with its surface facing toward the document read window 59 .
- the original document D which has passed over is discharged to the lower surface side of the tray 47 a of the automatic document feeder 47 .
- the read image is printed through the photosensitive drum 20 by the scanning on the photosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 307 ).
- the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the laser unit 27 .
- this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of the photosensitive drum 20 , thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- This electrostatic latent image is not reversal of the image of the character “A” on the original document D but directly corresponds to the image.
- This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C.
- Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 26.
- the main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end C 1 to the right end C 2 of the copying paper C.
- the image of the original document D is reversed and printed on the copying paper C.
- the printed copying paper C is fed to the sorter 44 .
- the image of an original document D is read from the left end D 1 to the right end D 2 , and therefore, a mirror image thereof can be formed on a copying paper C by directly printing the read image without reversing it.
- the staple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 26.
- the specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C 2 and the lower end C 4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference, like in the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode according to the document table read system.
- the read image is once stored into the page memory 76 by write scanning operations W 1 , W 2 , . . . Wn repeated in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning, as shown in FIG. 27. Further, the image thus stored in the page memory 76 is read by the read scanning operations R 1 , R 2 , . . . Rn repeated in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning, as shown in FIG. 28.
- the read image which is a reversed image, is printed on a copying paper C through the photosensitive drum 20 by scanning on the photosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 310 ).
- the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the laser unit 27 .
- this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of the photosensitive drum 20 , thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 .
- This electrostatic latent image is an image corresponding to reversal of the image of the character “A” on the original document D.
- This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C.
- Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 30.
- the main scanning operations P 1 , P 2 , . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end C 1 to the right end C 2 of the copying paper C.
- the image of the original document D which is not reversed, is printed on the copying paper C.
- the printed copying paper C is fed to the sorter 44 .
- the staple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 30.
- the specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C 2 and the lower end C 4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference, like in the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode in which printing is carried out with the original document D set on the document table 2 , and also like in the mirror image print mode in which printing is carried out with the original document D set on the automatic document feeder 47 .
- the position of the stapling S with respect to each copying paper C can be set in common to all modes in the cases of the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode according to the document table read system, as well as both modes according to the sheet-through read system. Therefore, regardless of differences between the read systems and between print modes, stapling S can be performed always at a proper position in relation to an image to be printed, as a reference.
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Abstract
Description
- In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or the like, an exposure means is reciprocally moved along a document table by operation of a scanning motor, and the document table is subjected to exposure and scanning thereby to read an image on an original document, while it reciprocally moves. The image thus read is formed on a copying paper as an image forming medium. A pulse motor is used as the scanning motor.
- The exposure means comprises, as its components, a carriage where an exposure lamp and a carriage on which the exposure lamp is mounted. The carriage is provided to be reciprocally movable along the document table, and is connected to the shaft of the scanning motor through a motion transmission mechanism such as a belt, wire, or the like. The carriage receives the motion force from the scanning motor and reciprocally moves.
- An image forming apparatuses of this kind has a function of a mirror image print mode in which the image of an original document is printed as a mirror image which is reversed from the image of the original document. In printing of this mirror image print mode, an image read from an original document is reversed with use of a memory, and the reversed image which is a mirror image is printed on a copying paper.
- That is, a memory for reversing the image and an image processing function for reversing the image are required to carry out printing in the mirror image print mode. An image forming apparatus of a low cost, which cannot equipped with the memory and image processing function, cannot carry out printing in the mirror image print mode.
- The present invention has an object of providing an image forming apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus which are capable of printing an image of an original document as a reversed image thereof, i.e., a so-called mirror image, without requiring costs.
- An image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a document table on which an original document is set; read means for reading an image of the original document set on the document table, by optical main scanning on the original document set on the original table, in one direction, and sub-scanning in which the mains scanning is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the one direction; a printer section for executing main scanning and sub-scanning in synchronization with the main scanning and the sub-scanning performed by the read means, thereby to print the image read by the read means, onto an image forming medium; and control means for setting the direction of the sub-scanning of the read means to a normal direction, in case of a normal print mode in which the image of the original document set on the document table is printed on the image forming medium, with the image not reversed, and for setting the direction of the sub-scanning to a direction opposite to the normal direction, in case of a mirror image print mode in which the image of the original document set on the original table is printed on the image forming medium, with the image reversed.
- Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a view showing an outer appearance of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 2 is a view showing the internal structure of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of a document table and its periphery in the first embodiment;
- FIG. 4 is a view showing the structure of an exposure lamp and its periphery in the first embodiment;
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control circuit in the first embodiment;
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a view showing selection conditions of a magnetic excitation system of the scanning motor in the first embodiment;
- FIG. 8 is a view showing patterns of various signals with respect to the scanning motor in the first embodiment;
- FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are flowcharts for explaining functions of the document table read systems in the first and second embodiments;
- FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an original document used in the first and second embodiments;
- FIG. 11 is a view showing a state of the original document shown in FIG. 10, which is set on the document table, and main scanning and sub-scanning for reading an image in a normal print mode;
- FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which an image read in FIG. 11 is printed on a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum;
- FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 11 is printed on a copying paper, and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing;
- FIG. 14 is a view showing a state in which the original document shown in FIG. 10 is set on the document table, and main scanning and sub-scanning on the original document in image reading in a mirror image print mode;
- FIG. 15 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 14 is printed onto a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum;
- FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 14 is printed onto a copying paper and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing;
- FIG. 17 is a view showing an outer appearance of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 18 is a view showing the internal structure of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 19 is a view showing the structure of the document table and its periphery in the second embodiment;
- FIG. 20 is a view showing the structure of an exposure lamp and its periphery in the second embodiment;
- FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a control circuit in the second embodiment;
- FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining functions of the sheet through system in the second embodiment;
- FIG. 23 is a view showing a state in which the original document shown in FIG. 10 is set on the automatic document feeder;
- FIG. 24 is a view showing a state in which the original document shown in FIG. 23 is fed to the document read window and passes over the document read window, and main scanning and sub-scanning for reading image from the original document;
- FIG. 25 is a view showing the image read in FIG. 24 is printed on a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum in case of a mirror image print mode;
- FIG. 26 is a view showing a state in which an image is printed on a copying paper shown in FIG. 25, and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing;
- FIG. 27 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 24 is written into a page memory in case of a normal print mode;
- FIG. 28 is a view showing a state in which an image is read from the memory shown in FIG. 27;
- FIG. 29 is a view showing a state in which the image read in FIG. 28 is printed on a copying paper by a laser beam and a photosensitive drum; and
- FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which an image is printed on the copying paper shown in FIG. 29, and main scanning and sub-scanning of the printing.
- [1] In the following, the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.
- As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a transparent document table (glass plate)2 for setting an original document is provided at an upper part of the
body 1, and acover 3 is provided to be freely openable/closable over the document table 2. - As shown in FIG. 3, an
indicator part 2 a is provided at an end part of the document table 2. A gap part between theindicator part 2 a and the document table 2 serves as areference position 2 b. An original document D is set aligned with thereference position 2 b. That is, the side of theindicator part 2 a (left side in the figure) with respect to thereference position 2 b as a boundary is a non-document set area, and the other side (right side in the figure) is a document set area. - A
carriage 4 is provided in the lower surface side of the document table 2, and anexposure lamp 5 is provided on thecarriage 4. An exposure means is constructed by thecarriage 4 and theexposure lamp 5. Thecarriage 4 can reciprocally move along the lower surface of the document table 2. The lower surface side of theindicator part 2 a and the original document D on the document table 2 are exposed as theexposure lamp 5 is lightened while thecarriage 4 reciprocally moves from the non-document set area to the document set area. - By this exposure, a reflection light image of the original document D set on the document table2 is obtained, and it is projected on an image signal output means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 10 by
reflection mirrors change lens block 9. TheCCD 10 has a large number of photoelectric conversion elements in a light receiving area. The light receiving area is subjected to line-scanning, and an image signal is outputted by repeating the line-scanning. - The
carriage 4,exposure lamp 5,reflection mirrors change lens block 9, andCCD 10 construct a read means capable of optically reading an original document D set on the document table 2. That is, an original document D set on the document table 2 is subjected to optical main scanning in one direction by this read means, and the main scanning is repeated as the reciprocal motion of theexposure lamp 5. Repetition of the main scanning in accordance with the reciprocal motion of theexposure lamp 5 is called sub-scanning. FIG. 19 shows the directions of the main scanning and the sub-scanning as X and Y, respectively. - The image signal outputted from the
CCD 10 is amplified and converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is processed appropriately by the image processing section and is thereafter supplied to alaser unit 27. Thelaser unit 27 emits a laser beam B in accordance with the input signal. - In the lower surface side of the
indicator part 2 a as a non-document-set area, ablack reference plate 12 and awhite reference plate 13 as color reference members for shading correction are arranged orderly along the motion direction of theexposure lamp 5. Both reference plates have a dimensional shape corresponding to the length of theindicator part 2 a in its lengthwise direction. - A plurality of
document sensors 11 are provided in the lower surface side of the document table 2. Presence or absence of an original document D and the size thereof are detected optically by these sensors. - As shown in FIG. 4, the
carriage 4 is movably mounted on arail 51. Further, awire 52 is connected to thecarrier 4, and thewire 52 is hung between adrive pulley 53 a and aslave pulley 53 b. The drive pulley is connected to adeceleration pulley 54, and thedeceleration pulley 54 is connected to apulley 56 of thescanning motor 57 through atiming belt 55. A pulse motor is used as thescanning motor 57. Moving position of thecarriage 4 is managed by the number of drive voltage pulses supplied to the scanning motor 57 (e.g., the number of steps). - The outer peripheral surface of the
body 1 is formed by acover 58. Areference position switch 61 is provided inside thiscover 58. Thereference position switch 61 has a slit for receiving insertion of a light shielding plate attached to thecarriage 4, and optically detects whether or not thelight shielding plate 60 enters in the slit. If the light shielding plate enters, the reference position switch is turned on. Otherwise, it is turned off. When thereference position switch 61 is turned on, it is determined that thecarriage 4 exists at a predetermined reference position. - The scanning section is constructed by the structure described above from the document table2 to the
reference position switch 61. - Meanwhile, a
photosensitive drum 20 is provided to be rotatable at the substantial center part in thebody 1. Anelectrostatic charger 21, a developingdevice 22, atransfer device 23, aseparator 24, a cleaner 25, and adischarger 26 are orderly provided around thephotosensitive drum 20. Further, a laser beam B emitted from thelaser unit 27 described above is irradiated on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20 through a space between theelectrostatic charger 21 and the developingdevice 22. - At a bottom part of the
body 1, a plurality ofpaper feed cassettes 30 are provided. Thesecassettes 30 contain a large number of copying papers C of sizes which are respectively different from each other of the cassettes. In response to an ON-operation on aprint key 83 described later, copying papers are taken out one after another from any one of thepaper feed cassettes 30. To take out papers, eachpaper feed cassette 30 is provided with a pick-uproller 31. A picked-up copying paper C is separated from thepaper feed cassette 30 and is fed to a resist roller 33. The resist roller 33 feeds the copying paper C to between thephotosensitive drum 20 and thetransfer device 23 at timing in consideration of the rotation of thephotosensitive drum 20. - The
electrostatic charger 21 applies a high voltage to thephotosensitive drum 20, thereby to charge an electrostatic charge on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. After this electrostatic charging, a laser beam B emitted from thelaser unit 27 is irradiated on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. Thelaser unit 27 performs main scanning (line scanning) on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20 in one direction, and sub-scanning in which the main scanning is repeated in accordance with rotation of thephotosensitive drum 20, thereby to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image read by the scanner section, on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. - The electrostatic latent image on the
photosensitive drum 20 is developed as it receives a developing agent (toner) from the developingdevice 22. This developed image is transferred to a copying paper C by thetransfer device 23. The copying paper to which the developed image has been transferred is separated from thephotosensitive drum 20 by theseparator 24. The developing agent and charges remain on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20 from which the copying paper C has been separated. The remaining developing agent is removed by the cleaner 25. The remaining charges are removed by the discharger 28. - The copying paper C separated from the
photosensitive drum 20 is fed to a fixingdevice 42 by aconveyer belt 41. The fixingdevice 42 fixes the transferred image on the copying paper C by heat. The copying paper C on which the image has already been fixed is fed out to asorter 44 by a feed-outroller 43. Thesorter 44 includes a plurality ofcontainer parts 45 disposed vertically, and distributes a predetermined number of sheets of printed copying papers to each of thecontainer parts 45. Also, thesorter 44 comprises astaple unit 46 for stapling copying papers contained in eachcontainer part 45 for everycontainer part 45. - The printer section is thus constructed by the structure explained above from the
photosensitive drum 20 to thesorter 44, in which main scanning and sub-scanning are executed in synchronization with those of the scanner section and the image read by the scanner section is printed on a copying paper C. - FIG. 5 shows a total control circuit.
- A
system CPU 70, acontrol panel CPU 80, ascanner CPU 90, and aprinter CPU 100 are connected to each other. Thesystem CPU 70 totally controls thecontrol panel CPU 80,scanner CPU 90, and theprinter CPU 100. - Further, the
system CPU 70 is connected with aROM 71 for storing a control program, aRAM 72 for storing data, aNVM 73, and animage processing section 74. - The
control panel CPU 80 is connected with akey input section 81, aliquid crystal display 82, and aprint key 83. Thekey input section 81 has a power switch a document size specification key, a magnification specification key, and the like. Theliquid crystal display 82 displays information according to an operation on thekey input section 81, and various information to be notified to the user. - The
scanner CPU 90 is connected with aRAM 92 for storing data, a shading correction part (SHD) 93, aCCD driver 94, ascanning motor driver 95, theexposure lamp 5, each of thedocument sensors 11, and the like. TheCCD driver 94 drives theCCD 10. Thescanning motor driver 95 drives thescanning motor 57. - The
printer CPU 100 is connected with aROM 101 for storing control programs, aRAM 102 for storing data, a laser driver 103, apolygon motor driver 104, amain motor driver 106, and asorter 44. The laser driver 103 drives thelaser unit 27. Thepolygon motor driver 104 drives a polygon motor as a drive source of a polygon mirror for scanning the laser beam B with respect to thephotosensitive drum 20. Themain motor driver 106 drives amain motor 107 as a drive source for thephotosensitive drum 20, the paper feed mechanism, and the like. - The
system CPU 70 and thescanner CPU 90 include the following control means (1) for their main function. - (1) Control means for setting the sub-scanning direction of the read means to a normal direction (regular direction X) in case of a normal print mode in which an image of an original document set on the document table2 is printed on a copying paper C without reversing the image, and for switching the sub-scanning direction of the read means to an opposite direction (an opposite direction X′) which is opposite to the normal direction in case of a mirror-image print mode in which an image of an original document D set on the document table 2 is printed in a reversed condition, as a so-called mirror image, on a copying paper C.
- Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, a
gate array 96 and a D/A converter 97 are provided between thescanner CPU 90 and thescanning motor driver 95. - The
gate array 96 outputs a control signal H.OFF-1 for specifying magnetic excitation ON and OFF of thescanning motor 57, a control signal CWCCW for specifying regular rotation and reversal rotation of thescanning motor 57, and data signals DATA0, DATA1, DATA2, and DATA3 for specifying magnetic excitation systems of thescanning motor 57. These signals are supplied to thescanning motor driver 95. The D/A converter 97 converts current value specification data, which is generated from thescanner CPU 90, into a voltage signal SCNVREFA for specifying a relative current value with respect to thescanning motor 57. This voltage signal SCNVREFA is supplied to thescanning motor driver 95. - Also, a reference clock signal SCCLK-0 is supplied from the
scanner CPU 90 to thescanning motor driver 95. Thescanning motor driver 95 outputs a drive voltage pulse synchronized with a rise of the reference clock signal SCCLK-0. This drive voltage pulse is supplied to thescanning motor 57. Thescanner CPU 90 changes the interval of the reference clock signal SCCLK-0 in accordance with the magnification set by thekey input part 81. In accordance with the change, the interval of the drive voltage pulse supplied to thescanning motor 57 is changed so that the rotation speed of thescanning motor 57, i.e., the motion speed of thecarriage 4 changes. - FIG. 7 shows selection conditions as to which magnetic excitation system should be selected in correspondence with the 4-bit data signals DATA0, DATA1, DATA2, and DATA3 in case where a five-phase pulse motor is used as the
scanning motor 57. In the present embodiment, any of the magnetic excitation systems A, B, C, and D is selected. - FIG. 8 shows an example of patterns of signals concerning the driving of the
scanning motor 57. In this example, the magnetic excitation system C is selected. - When the
carriage 4 moves forward, thescanning motor 57 firstly accelerates toward an aimed speed, then operates at an equal speed after the aimed speed is reached, and finally decelerates. While the scanning motor is driving at an equal speed, the image on an original document D is read. When the carriage moves back, thescanning motor 57 firstly operates to accelerate, then operates at an equal speed, and finally decelerates. Switching between the acceleration, operation at an equal speed, and deceleration is realized by changing the interval of the reference clock signal SCCLK-0. - Next, functions and effects will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
- Which of “25 to 47%”, “48 to 95%”, “96 to 194%”, and “195 to 400%” is the copy magnification specified by the
key input section 81 is determined (steps step 201 and YES in the step 202), the magnetic excitation system B is selected (step 205). In case where the copy magnification is “96 to 194%” (NO in thestep 201, NO in thestep 202, and YES in the step 203), the magnetic excitation system C is selected (step 206). In case where the copy magnification is “195 to 400%” (NO in thestep 201, NO in thestep 202, and NO in the step 203), the magnetic excitation system D is selected (step 207). - As indicated by the selection conditions in FIG. 7, the rotation angle of the
scanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.72°”, according to the magnetic excitation system A. The rotation angle of thescanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.36°”, according to the magnetic excitation system B. The rotation angle of thescanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.288°”, according to the magnetic excitation system C. The rotation angle of thescanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set to “0.09°”, according to the magnetic excitation system D. That is, as the larger copy magnification increases, a greater rotation angle of thescanning motor 57 corresponding to one step is set so that the motion speed of thecarriage 4 is lowered. - FIG. 10 shows an example of an original document D on which an image such as a character “A” is written on its surface. D1 denotes the left end, D2 denotes the right end, D3 denotes the upper end, and D4 denotes the lower end. This original document D is set on the original document table 2 with its surface oriented downward. This setting status and the size of the original document D are detected by each document sensor 11 (YES in the
step 208 and step 209). - If the normal print mode for printing the image of the original document D in a reversed state is specified by the key input section81 (NO in the step 210), the
reference position 2 b with which the original document should be aligned is set as a start end position for image reading in the regular direction of the sub-scanning (step 211). Further, in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning, a predetermined position including the document size detected by eachdocument sensor 11, i.e., a position which exceeds the lateral width between D2 and D1 shown in FIG. 11 is set as a finish end position of the image reading (step 212). - A scanning home position is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for acceleration of the carriage4) from the start end position set as described above in the more proximal end side in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning (step 213). A motion target position of the
carriage 4 is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for deceleration of the carriage 4) from the finish end position set as described above in the distal side in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning (step 214). Note that distances necessary for acceleration and deceleration of thecarriage 4 are set variably in correspondence with the copy magnification. - The number of reference steps necessary to move the
carriage 4 from the scanning home position to the motion target position is calculated (step 215). The number of reference steps thus calculated is converted into an actual number of steps according to the magnetic excitation system selected as described previously (step 216). The actual number of steps is divided for acceleration, equal-speed operation, and deceleration (step 217). - When the
print key 83 is turned on (YES in the step 218), thecarriage 4 is moved to the scanning home position, and thescanning motor 57 is driven on the basis of the actual number of steps. By this driving, thecarriage 4 is reciprocally moved between the scanning home position and the motion target position (step 219). - On the forward way of the reciprocal motion of the carriage4 (exposure lamp 5), the
exposure lamp 5 is lightened so that the surface of the original document D is exposed from the right end D2 toward the left end D1. Reflection light from the original document D is projected on theCCD 10. Line scanning on the light receiving area is repeated on theCCD 10, thereby to read an image of the original document D (step 220). Repetitions of line scanning on theCCD 10 correspond respectively to the main scanning operations R1, R2, . . . Rn on the original document D in one direction Y, as shown in FIG. 11. The main scanning operations R1, R2, . . . Rn shift in the direction X (the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, as theexposure lamp 5 moves on the forward way of the reciprocal motion. - The read image is printed on a copying paper C through the
photosensitive drum 20 by scanning on thephotosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 221). - That is, the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the
laser unit 27. As shown in FIG. 12, this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of thephotosensitive drum 20, thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. By this repetition of line scanning and rotation of thephotosensitive drum 20, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. This electrostatic latent image corresponds to a reversed image of the character “A” on the original document D. This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C. On the copying paper C, C1 denotes its left end, C2 denotes its right end, C3 denotes its upper end, and C4 denotes its lower end. - Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 13. These main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end Cl to the right end C2 of the copying paper C.
- Thus, the image of the original document D, which is not reversed, is printed on the copying paper C. The printed copying paper C is fed to the
sorter 44. If a plurality of printed copying papers C are layered and stapled, thestaple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 13. The specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C2 and the lower end C4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference. - Next, explanation will be made of a mirror image print mode in which the image of the original document D is printed, reversed.
- An original document D is set on the document table2 with its surface oriented downward like in the normal mode. This setting status and the size of the original document D are detected by each document sensor 11 (YES in
step 208 and step 209). - If a mirror print mode is specified by the key input section81 (YES in step 210), a predetermined position which includes the document size detected by each
document sensor 11, i.e., a position exceeding the lateral width between D2 and D1 shown in FIG. 14 is set as a start end position for image reading (step 222). Further, areference position 2 b for document setting is set as a finish end position of image reading in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning (step 223). - A scanning home position is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for acceleration of the carriage4) from the start end position set as described above, in the more proximal side in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning (step 224). A motion target position of the
carriage 4 is set at a position at a predetermined distance (necessary for deceleration of the carriage 4) from the finish end position set as described above in the distal side in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning (step 225). Note that distances necessary for acceleration and deceleration of thecarriage 4 are set variably in correspondence with the copy magnification. - The number of reference steps necessary to move the
carriage 4 from the scanning home position to the motion target position is calculated (step 215). The number of reference steps thus calculated is converted into an actual number of steps according to the magnetic excitation system selected as described previously (step 216). The actual number of steps is divided for acceleration, equal-speed operation, and deceleration (step 217). - When the
print key 83 is turned on (YES in the step 218), thecarriage 4 is moved to the scanning home position, and thescanning motor 57 is driven on the basis of the actual number of steps. By this driving, thecarriage 4 is reciprocally moved between the scanning home position and the motion target position (step 219). - On the forward way of the reciprocal motion of the carriage4 (exposure lamp 5), the
exposure lamp 5 is lightened so that the surface of the original document D is exposed from the left end D1 toward the right end D2. Reflection light from the original document D is projected on theCCD 10. Line scanning on the light receiving area is repeated on theCCD 10, thereby to read an image of the original document D (step 220). Repetitions of line scanning on theCCD 10 correspond respectively to the main scanning operations R1, R2, . . . Rn on the original document D in one direction Y, as shown in FIG. 14. The main scanning operations R1, R2, . . . Rn shift in the direction X′ (the reverse direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, as theexposure lamp 5 moves on the forward way of the reciprocal motion. - The read image is printed on a copying paper C through the
photosensitive drum 20 by scanning on thephotosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 221). - That is, the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the
laser unit 27. As shown in FIG. 15, this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of thephotosensitive drum 20, thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. By this repetition of line scanning and rotation of thephotosensitive drum 20, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. This electrostatic latent image is not reversal of the character “A” on the original document D but directly corresponds to the image of the character. This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C. - Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 16. These main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end C1 to the right end C2 of the copying paper C.
- Thus, the image of the original document D is printed, as a mirror image which is reversal of the original image, on the copying paper C. The printed copying paper C is fed to the
sorter 44. If a plurality of printed copying papers C are layered and stapled, thestaple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 16. Like the normal print mode, the specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C2 and the lower end C4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference. - As described above, in printing in the mirror-image print mode, the direction of sub-scanning for reading an image is switched to the reverse direction X′ which is opposite to the sub-scanning direction in the normal print mode. In this manner, the image on the original document D can be printed as a mirror image without requiring a memory or an image processing function for reversal. That is, even an image forming apparatus of a low-cost type which cannot be equipped with a memory or an image processing function for reversal can achieve printing in the mirror image print mode.
- In addition, the position of the staple S stapling S with respect to each copying paper C can be set in common to the cases of the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode. That is, both in the normal and mirror mode print modes, stapling S can be performed always at a proper position in relation to an image to be printed, as a reference.
- [2] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be denoted at the same reference symbols as those of the first embodiment, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted herefrom.
- As shown in FIGS. 17, 18,19, and 20, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 47 is provided to be openable/closable on the document table 2. The
automatic document feeder 47 has atray 47 a where an original document is set. Thefeeder 47 feeds a plurality of sheets of an original document D, one after another, to a document readwindow 59, and lets them pass through the window. Further, each sheet of the original document D which has passed there is discharged to the lower surface side of thetray 47 a. - The document read
window 59 is made of transparent glass and is provided adjacent to theindicator part 2 a. Thecarriage 4 can move to a position corresponding to the document readwindow 59 and can stop there. At the same time when thecarriage 4 stops at that position, theautomatic document feeder 47 operates and theexposure lamp 5 is lightened, so that the original document D which passes over the document readwindow 59 is exposed through the document readwindow 59. Reflection light from the original document D is projected onto theCCD 10 by the reflection mirrors 6, 7, and 8 and the magnificationchange lens block 9. - The
carriage 4,exposure lamp 5, reflection mirrors 6, 7, and 8, magnificationchange lens block 9, andCCD 10 construct a second read means for optically reading the original document D which passes over the document readwindow 59. That is, the original document D which is passing over the document readwindow 59 is subjected to optical main-scanning in one direction, and the main scanning is repeated as the original document passes over. Repetitions of the main scanning in accordance with passing of the original document D are called sub-scanning. FIG. 19 shows a case where the direction of the main scanning is Y and the direction of the sub-scanning is X. - Meanwhile, a first read means for optically reading an original document D set on the document table2 is constructed by the
carriage 4,exposure lamp 5, reflection mirrors 6, 7, and 8, magnificationchange lens block 9, andCCD 10. That is, the original document D set on the document table 2 is subjected to optical main scanning in one direction, and the main scanning is repeated in accordance with the motion of theexposure lamp 5 on the forward way of its reciprocal motion. Repetition of the main scanning according to the motion of the exposure lamp on the forward way of its reciprocal motion is taken as sub-scanning. The main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X are the same as those of the second read means. - FIG. 21 shows a total control circuit.
- The
system CPU 70 is connected with a pagememory control part 75, which is connected with apage memory 76. - The
scanner CPU 90 is connected with theautomatic document feeder 47. Theautomatic document feeder 47 comprises a document sensor 47 b for detecting presence or absence and an original document D on thetray 47 a and the size thereof if any. - The
system CPU 70 and thescanner CPU 90 has the following control means (11) and (12) as its main functions. - (11) A first control means for letting the first read means function to set the sub-scanning direction of the first read means in the normal direction (regular direction X) in case of the normal print mode in which the image of an original document D set on the document table2 is printed on a copying paper C, not reversed, and for letting the first read means function to switch the sub-scanning direction of the first read means to the direction (reverse direction X′) opposite to the normal direction in case of the mirror image print mode in which the image of an original document set on the document table 2 is printed on a copying paper C, reversed as a mirror image.
- (12) A second control means for letting the second read means function in case of the mirror image print mode in which the image of an original document set on the
automatic document feeder 47 is printed on a copying paper C, reversed. - The other points of its structure are the same as those of the first embodiment.
- The functions and effects thereof will now be explained.
- With respect to printing of a document table reading system in which printing is carried out with an original document D is set on the document table2, the functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, detailed explanation thereof will be omitted herefrom.
- In the following, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 22, explanation will be made of printing according to a sheet-through reading system in which printing is carried out with the original document D set on the
automatic document feeder 47. - One or a plurality of sheets of an original document D are set on the
tray 47 a of theautomatic document feeder 47 with their surfaces oriented upward. This setting status and size of the original document D are detected by the document sensor 47 b of the automatic document feeder 47 (YES in thestep 301 and the step 302). - When the
print key 83 is turned on (YES in the step 303), thecarriage 4 is moved to a position corresponding to the document readwindow 59 and one sheet of the original document D is fed to the document readwindow 59 by the automatic document feeder 47 (step 304). The fed sheet of original document D passes over the document readwindow 59 with its surface facing toward the document readwindow 59. The original document D which has passed over is discharged to the lower surface side of thetray 47 a of theautomatic document feeder 47. - When the original document D passes over the document read
window 59, the surface of the original document D is exposed by the lightenedexposure lamp 5. At this time, exposure shifts from the left end D1 of the original document D to the right end D2 thereof. Reflection light from the original document D by this exposure is projected on theCCD 10. TheCCD 10 repeats line scanning on the light receiving area, thereby to read an image of the original document D (step 305). Repetitions of the line scanning by theCCD 10 respectively correspond to main scanning operations R1, R2, . . . Rn in one direction Y of the original document D. These main scanning operations R1, R2, . . . Rn shift in the direction X′ (the reverse direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the direction Y as the original document D passes over. - If the mirror image print mode is specified by the key input part81 (YES in step 306), the read image is printed through the
photosensitive drum 20 by the scanning on thephotosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 307). - That is, the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the
laser unit 27. As shown in FIG. 25, this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of thephotosensitive drum 20, thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. By this repetition of line scanning and rotation of thephotosensitive drum 20, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. This electrostatic latent image is not reversal of the image of the character “A” on the original document D but directly corresponds to the image. This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C. - Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 26. As the copying paper is fed, the main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end C1 to the right end C2 of the copying paper C.
- Thus, the image of the original document D is reversed and printed on the copying paper C. The printed copying paper C is fed to the
sorter 44. - If there is any sheet of the original document D remaining on the automatic document feeder47 (NO in the step 308), the processes of the
steps - As described above, in the mirror image print mode according to the sheet-through read system, the image of an original document D is read from the left end D1 to the right end D2, and therefore, a mirror image thereof can be formed on a copying paper C by directly printing the read image without reversing it.
- If a plurality of printed copying papers C are layered and stapled, the
staple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 26. The specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C2 and the lower end C4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference, like in the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode according to the document table read system. - Otherwise, if the normal print mode is specified by the key input part81 (NO in the step 306), the read image is reversed in the sub-scanning direction by the
page memory 76. - That is, the read image is once stored into the
page memory 76 by write scanning operations W1, W2, . . . Wn repeated in the regular direction X of the sub-scanning, as shown in FIG. 27. Further, the image thus stored in thepage memory 76 is read by the read scanning operations R1, R2, . . . Rn repeated in the reverse direction X′ of the sub-scanning, as shown in FIG. 28. - The read image, which is a reversed image, is printed on a copying paper C through the
photosensitive drum 20 by scanning on thephotosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 (step 310). - That is, the laser beam B modulated on the basis of the read image is emitted from the
laser unit 27. As shown in FIG. 29, this laser beam B is swung in the axis direction of thephotosensitive drum 20, thereby to repeat line scanning on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. By this repetition of line scanning and rotation of thephotosensitive drum 20, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of thephotosensitive drum 20. This electrostatic latent image is an image corresponding to reversal of the image of the character “A” on the original document D. This electrostatic latent image is developed to form a visual image which is transferred to a copying paper C. - Repetitions of line scanning with the laser beam B correspond respectively to main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn in one direction Y on the copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 30. As the copying paper is fed, the main scanning operations P1, P2, . . . Pn shift in the direction X (which is the regular direction of the sub-scanning) perpendicular to the one direction Y, i.e., in the direction from the left end C1 to the right end C2 of the copying paper C.
- Thus, the image of the original document D, which is not reversed, is printed on the copying paper C. The printed copying paper C is fed to the
sorter 44. - If there is any sheet of the original document D remaining on the automatic document feeder47 (NO in the step 308), the processes of the
steps - If a plurality of printed copying papers C are layered and stapled, the
staple unit 46 operates to perform stapling S at a specific position on each copying paper C, as shown in FIG. 30. The specific position is a corner part existing between the right end C2 and the lower end C4 of each copying paper C and is situated at an upper left position where it is viewed with respect to the printed image taken as a reference, like in the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode in which printing is carried out with the original document D set on the document table 2, and also like in the mirror image print mode in which printing is carried out with the original document D set on theautomatic document feeder 47. - As described above, in the normal print mode according to the sheet-through read system, processing for reversing a read image by the page memory is required. However, with respect to the mirror image print mode according to the document table read system and the mirror image print mode according to the sheet through read system, printing can be easily completed without necessitating the reversal processing by the
page memory 76. Accordingly, the image processing can be simplified so that the present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus of a low cost type. - In addition, the position of the stapling S with respect to each copying paper C can be set in common to all modes in the cases of the normal print mode and the mirror image print mode according to the document table read system, as well as both modes according to the sheet-through read system. Therefore, regardless of differences between the read systems and between print modes, stapling S can be performed always at a proper position in relation to an image to be printed, as a reference.
- Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (16)
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US20060245013A1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-02 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image Reading Apparatus |
US8259364B2 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2012-09-04 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Image sensor |
US8264746B2 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2012-09-11 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Image sensor |
US20110228359A1 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2011-09-22 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Image sensor |
US20080204824A1 (en) * | 2007-02-26 | 2008-08-28 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Image sensor |
JP2016090645A (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2016-05-23 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Optical scanning device and image formation device using the same |
CN112564560A (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2021-03-26 | 山东志盈医学科技有限公司 | Method and device for controlling acceleration and deceleration of stepping motor of digital slice scanner |
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