JPH02128573A - Digital color copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a digital color copying machine to cope with various kinds of requests by making the machine able to designate the number of plural output picture different hues in the mosaic monitor mode. CONSTITUTION:In the mosaic monitoring mode, the user of this copying machine first sets a noticeable area where color adjustment is to be made in the best state while he watches an original picture displayed in the displaying section 84 of a console panel 70 by preliminary scanning and a picture set circuit causes pictures of various hues to be printed on the same paper from the picture data. In this case, it is arranged that the user can select the number of the output pictures by operating functions keys 78-81 in accordance with a message displayed in the displaying section 84 of the operation panel 70. Therefore, the operability of this copying machine is improved and, at the same time, the copying machine can cope with various kinds of requests.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a digital color copying machine having a mosaic monitor function.

(Prior Art) A digital color copying machine includes a reading section that reads a document using a color image sensor and converts it into a printout signal, and a printer section that prints an image on paper using electrophotography in response to this printout signal. When printing out multiple colors, the reading section reads the document and the printer section prints the image on the same paper in a field-sequential manner for each color.

The reading section generally includes a masking circuit and generates a signal that is color-corrected in accordance with the printing characteristics of an output device (such as a printer).

Although a color-corrected image is printed in this way, it is difficult for the masking circuit to suppress the color difference between the original and the copy to a very small value for all colors on the original. Therefore, when a copy is copied as an original, the color tone may be significantly different from the original.

However, within a certain limited color range, color tone changes can be kept relatively small by performing color adjustment (color balance).

However, in the past, color adjustments were made by copying each color adjustment and cutting and trying.
Scanning was repeated for the number of printed colors, which was a waste of time and cost.

Therefore, in a previous application, the present applicant proposed a color adjustment selection method (hereinafter referred to as a mosaic monitor) for reducing the time and cost required for color correction. In this method,
Means for setting a specific area 1 Accordingly, an area (attention area) including a part on which the user particularly wants to place emphasis on color reproduction (for example, a face) is set, and image data (multi-value) of the attention area is stored in the image memory means. be done. Next, color correction is performed on the image data read from the image memory means at various different predetermined color correction levels, and these are copied at different positions on the same sheet of paper in one printing process. The user selects the image closest to the color of the original image or the user's favorite color from among the images of multiple areas of interest in different tones (mosaic monitor images) copied onto a single sheet of paper. do. Next, the entire document is copied based on the color correction level value of the selected image. In this way, a copy with the color adjustment desired by the user can be easily obtained.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) The mosaic monitor allows the user to easily make a copy of the desired color adjustment.

However, users' requirements for color balance vary. For example, you may have no idea what kind of color balance the image you want to obtain has.

Additionally, strict color balance may be required. In such a case, it is better to have a larger number of mosaic monitor images (color balance) printed on one sheet of paper. On the other hand, there are cases where you have a certain idea of how the color balance will change, or cases where it is difficult to select one after looking at many images. In such a case, it is better to reduce the number of output mosaic monitor images.

In order to meet these various demands, the present applicant has proposed in another application a mosaic monitor in which the user can vary color correction coefficients for color balance. However, this method was not able to meet these diverse demands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a digital color copying machine in which the number of output mosaic monitor images is variable in a mosaic monitor mode.

(Means for Solving the Problems) A digital color copying machine according to the present invention stores image data of a region designated by a user in a document image, and performs different color correction calculations on each of the image data. In a digital color copying machine equipped with a mosaic monitor mode in which multiple images are printed at different positions on the same sheet of paper and the user selects a desired image from among the multiple images, the above-mentioned multiple images in the mosaic monitor mode are and a color correction calculation for each image corresponding to the number of output images instructed by the output image number instruction means when printing multiple images in mosaic monitor mode. The image forming apparatus is characterized by comprising an image tone setting means for setting a predetermined color line positive coefficient.

(Function) When printing a plurality of images with different tones on the same paper in the mosaic monitor mode, the user can specify the number of output images using the output image number instruction means.

When printing, a predetermined color correction coefficient is set for each image by the image tone setting means in accordance with the number of output images.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Embodiments) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(a) Configuration of digital color copying machine (b) Mosaic monitor (c) Picture setting circuit (d) Registered image memory circuit (e) Flow of copying machine control related to mosaic monitor mode Particularly relevant to the present invention are the following: Section (b) and related explanations.

(a) Configuration of Digital Color Copying Machine The digital color copying machine according to the present invention includes a reading section that reads a document using an image sensor and converts it into a binary print output signal, and a reading section that reads a document using an image sensor and converts it into a binary print output signal, and a digital color copying machine that prints an image on paper in response to this print output signal. It consists of a printer section that prints images using a photographic method. When printing out multiple colors, the reading unit reads the document for each color, and the printer unit prints the image on the same paper in a field-sequential manner.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The scanner 10 includes an exposure lamp 12 that irradiates the original, a rod lens array 13 that collects reflected light from the original, and
It is equipped with a contact type COD color sensor (image sensor) 14 that converts the collected light into an electrical signal. When reading a document, the scanner IO is driven by a motor 11 to move in the direction of the arrow and scan the document placed on the platen 15. The image of the document surface illuminated by the light source 12 is C.
Photoelectric conversion is performed by the OD color sensor 14.

R and G obtained by the COD color sensor 14.

The electric signal (multi-value) of B is processed by the read signal processing section 20,
It is converted into a print output signal (binary) of yellow, magenta, cyan, or black, and stored in the buffer memory 30. In the print head unit 31, an LD drive circuit 32 causes a semiconductor laser (LD) 33 to blink according to the print signal from the buffer memory 30 (see FIG. 2).
.

As shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam generated by the semiconductor laser 33 exposes the photoreceptor drum 41, which is rotationally driven, through a reflecting mirror 34. As a result, an image of the document is drawn on the photoreceptor of the photoreceptor drum 41. Before each photosensitive drum 41 is exposed to light, it is irradiated with an eraser lamp 42, charged with a charger 43, and further irradiated with a sub-eraser lamp 44. When exposed in this state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 41. Only one of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner developers 45a to 45d is selected to develop the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum. The developed image is transferred by a transfer charger 46 to paper wound on a transfer drum 51.

Usually, this printing process is repeated for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. At this time, the scanner 10 synchronizes with the operation of the photosensitive drum 41 and the transfer drum 51.
repeats the scanning operation.

Thereafter, the paper is separated from the transfer drum 51 by operating the separation claw 47, passed through the fixing device 48, fixed, and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 49.

Note that the paper is fed from a paper cassette 50, and its leading edge is chucked by a chucking mechanism 52 on a transfer drum 51 to prevent misalignment during transfer.

Next, the signal processing section 20 that processes the output signal of the COD color sensor 14 and outputs a binary print signal will be explained with reference to FIG.

When outputting a normal image, the image signal that goes up to the COD color sensor 14 and undergoes photoelectric conversion is converted into an image density by the log amplifier 21, and then converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 22 (
multivalued). The R, G, and H image signals subjected to multi-value conversion are subjected to shading correction in a shading correction circuit 23. In mosaic monitor mode etc.
The shading corrected signal is stored in the registered image memory circuit l. When outputting a normal color image, the registered image memory circuit 1 is canceled and the shading-corrected signal is sent to the masking processing circuit 24.

In the above processing, the three colors R and GSB are processed in parallel.

Next, the masking processing circuit 24 generates a signal for one of the printing colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, or black) according to the characteristics of the printing toner from the three human input signals in order to perform printing in the field sequential manner. A control signal from the CPU 25 determines which print color a signal is to be generated. The masking processing circuit 24 includes an undercolor removal circuit and a black overprint amount generation circuit, which generate the black amount during black scanning. When changing the color adjustment in the mosaic monitor mode or the normal mode, the print signal is subjected to color correction in the image tone setting circuit 2. In the case of a normal image, the image tone setting circuit 2 is canceled and no color correction is performed. The electric magnification circuit 26 electrically processes the signal from the masking processing circuit 24 or the image level setting circuit 2 to electrically change the magnification in the main scanning direction, and the method thereof is well known. The explanation will be omitted here. On the other hand, variable magnification in the sub-scanning direction can be realized by varying the speed of relative movement between the original and the scanner IO.

The halftone processing circuit 27 binarizes the signal from the electric scaling circuit 26 to generate a binary pseudo halftone signal and sends it to the buffer memory 30. The LD drive circuit 32 drives the semiconductor laser 33 in response to the pseudo halftone signal from the buffer memory 30 to emit a laser beam. In addition,
A clock generator 28 generates a horizontal synchronizing signal H5ync and a clock signal CKA for synchronizing the reading of the COD color sensor 4 and the image data processing of each circuit.

Further, the sub-scanning clock generator 29 for variable magnification is controlled by the CPU 25.
A sub-scanning clock for variable magnification, which is an interrupt signal to the registered image memory circuit 1, is generated in response to a signal from the register image memory circuit 1.

Further, input/output of the electrophotographic process in the CPU 25, control of the operation panel, etc. will be explained later using FIG. 6.

In the signal processing section 20, image data is processed at the timing shown in FIG. Here, horizontal synchronization signal H5
ync and clock signal CKA are supplied by the clock generator 28.
and R, G, from the COD color sensor 14.
The image data of B flows serially in synchronization with the clock CKA (in the figure, the numbers of the image data indicate addresses in the main scanning direction). Every time the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync is generated, line n in the main scanning direction is updated. In other words, the scanner lO has advanced by a unit distance in the sub-scanning direction.

This digital color copying machine is equipped with a color adjustment function called a mosaic monitor and a superimpose function.

Both functions require a memory to store image data, and since they have many things in common in image processing, there is a registration image memory circuit 1 for image registration and continuous output, and an image tone setting circuit 2 for color adjustment.
Both functions are realized by being controlled by the CPU 25. Note that the superimpose function is disclosed in another application by the present applicant, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of various keys on the operation panel 70 provided on the top surface of the copying machine.

The operation panel 70 includes a print start key 71 for starting the copying operation and an interrupt key 7 for specifying interrupt copying.
2. Clear/stop key 73, all reset key 7
4. Numeric keypad 75, set key 76, cancel key 7
7. Various function keys 78 to 81, jog dials 82 and 83 for setting an area to be described later, and a display section 84 consisting of a liquid crystal display for displaying a document image and various messages for setting an area are provided. ing. Here, function keys 78° 79 80
81 are mosaic monitor mode selection keys, respectively;
These are a superimpose mode selection key, a density correction key, and an output image number change key.

Setting of areas such as the area of interest in the mosaic monitor mode, which will be described later, is performed as follows. For example, when setting an area of interest, place the original on the platen 15 as shown in Figure 5.
By performing a preliminary scan with the scanner 10, the document area ED on the display section 84 of the operation panel 70 is displayed.
The original image is roughly displayed. Vertical and horizontal direction lines LPY
, LPX is the center of area EA. When the jog dials 82 and 83 are operated, these indication lines move left and right or up and down, respectively, thereby defining the area EA, and pressing the set key 76 sets the area of interest.

The CPU 25 that controls the image processing section 20 also controls the operation panel 70 and the printing operation, as shown in FIG. C.P.
U25 is ROM35, output image number memory (RAM)3
6. It is connected to a memory (RAM) 37 which is a work area and an operation panel input/output section 38. As will be explained later, the output image number memory 36 stores data on the number of output images (in this embodiment, the number of color correction stages for each print color) in the output format of the mosaic monitor image printed in the mosaic monitor mode. In addition, the operation panel input/output section 3
8 is connected to various keys 71 to 83 of the operation panel 70 and a display section 84.

Note that the CPU 25 is connected to a paper sensor 54, a toner sensor 55, and a temperature sensor 56 (via an A/D converter 57) that are used to control copying operations via an input/output unit 39, and is connected to a drive the motor 59 for

(b) Mosaic monitor The mosaic monitor is realized by a registered image memory circuit (see section (d)) 1 that stores the area of interest, and an image adjustment circuit (see section (C)) 2 that performs color adjustment in the printing process. be done.

When function key 78 is pressed on operation panel 70, mosaic monitor mode is selected.

A mosaic monitor is a system in which the user specifies the area of interest for which the best color reproduction is desired, and the image of the area of interest is simultaneously printed in various tones on the same paper. This is a color adjustment selection method in which the optimal color tone (desired image) is selected from a mosaic monitor image (referred to as a mosaic monitor image), and the color tone is monitored so that the optimal color adjustment can be obtained from the mosaic monitor image.

In the mosaic monitor mode, the user first looks at the preliminary scanned document image displayed on the display section 84 of the operation panel 70, and selects the area of interest (for example, the shaded area EA in FIG. ). Correspondingly, the registered image memory circuit 1 stores only the image data I corresponding to the set value of the region of interest in the next scan. Note that the upper limit of the size of the region of interest is set in accordance with the storage capacity of this memory.

Next, the image tone setting circuit 2 uses print data I'-- to print images of various tones on the same sheet of paper from the image data I read out from the registered image memory circuit 1 and turned into print color data by the masking processing circuit 24. kl (k=Ky, Km, Kc)
occurs. Here, Ky, Km.

Kc is a color correction coefficient for yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively.

In this embodiment, the number of output images n can be set to a desired number by the user. In this embodiment, the number n of output images is the number of color correction coefficients for each color (the number of stages to output), and can be set to either 3 or 4.5 in this embodiment. In the initial setting, n = 3, and the three printing colors of cyan (C), magenta (m), and yellow (y) have three color correction coefficients Ky = y, , Km - m, , Kc = c, (i=
o, 1.2), 3×3+
1 x 3 = 27 types of images are output on one sheet of paper. Here"
Color correction coefficient C+, m + + Y + with l”
represents standard coefficients for color adjustment, and color correction coefficients C6+mo+Yo: c2+m2. with "0" and "2" attached. Y2 indicates a coefficient smaller than the standard coefficient C++m++y+ and a coefficient larger than c H, m I+ Y l, respectively.

In this embodiment, a is a predetermined number and is set as follows.

'Io=YI a y,=y,+3 mo=m+-a mt=m+tena co=c,-a c2=c++a If the user wants to change the number of output images n, press the output image number change key 81. , then use the numeric keypad 75 to enter the number of output images n
(See 951.S52 in FIG. 15).

When n = 4, the standard coefficients for yellow, magenta, and cyan are Y + + m + + CI, and as in the case of n = 3, the color correction coefficients y,,m,,c-(i = 0
, 2, 3) are set as follows.

yOoyI-a Y t = 'l 1 + a y3=y, + 2 a mo-111+ 8 m2=m, +a m3=m++2a co=Q, -a C2=C, +a es = C+ + 28 Furthermore, n= 5, the standard coefficients for yellow, magenta, and cyan are V t + m x + 62, and the color correction coefficients y, , m, , c, (i=o, 1, 3.4) are as follows: Set.

Yo=Yt 2a )'+=Yt a Ys=y20B Ya=Yt+2a mo=mx 2a ml=m2-a +ns=mt+a 1114 ''' m2 + 28 CG202 2a cl=c, -a C3=C, +ac, =c, -1-28 In this embodiment, each color correction coefficient is an arithmetic progression using the constant a, but any value suitable for tone selection may be used.

7 and 8 respectively show examples of the output format when the number of output images n is 3.5. That is, on paper P, the successive area is P o (x s
, ys ) and P, (xrn, yfn), with n columns in the main scanning direction (X) and n columns in the sub-scanning direction (Y).
The data is divided into n2 rows of the same size. Then, a different set of color correction coefficients is given to each block. In other words, the yellow coefficient KV is
does not change, and in the main scanning direction (X) yo, V++...
The magenta coefficient Km does not change in the main scanning direction (X) and m in the sub-scanning direction (Y). +II
The cyan coefficient Kc does not change in the main scanning direction (X), but changes in the sub-scanning direction (Y) by changing C8 and C every n blocks.
1,..., On-.

and changes.

The user selects, for example, the optimum color tone (block) from the mosaic monitor image GM shown in FIG. 7 and the like. This ends the mosaic monitor mode.

By the way, in order for the user to specify an image to be selected from among the mosaic monitor images GM, for example, the operation panel 70
The function keys 78 to 81 may be operated in accordance with the message displayed on the display section 84.

Alternatively, an image block as shown in FIG. 7, for example, may be displayed on the display section 84, and a coefficient may be selected by specifying block coordinates using a function key or numeric keypad.

The document is then read again and the entire image is printed in the specified color tone.

(c) Image Tone Setting Circuit The image tone setting circuit 2 is a circuit installed at the next stage of the masking processing circuit 24 for performing color correction (color adjustment) of a mosaic monitor image.

The masking processing circuit 24 converts the image signals of three colors R, G, and B into image signals (print signals) Y for printing corresponding to each print color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.
, M, C, and K, and outputs the converted image signal to the image tone setting circuit 2.

As is well known, the original image signal r(,G.

The conversion formula for converting from B to print signals Y, M, and C is expressed as follows.

Each conversion coefficient a. Q=822 is preset to an appropriate value by theory and experiment so that an image with a color as close as possible to the original image is printed.

Color adjustment in the image level setting circuit 2 is performed by calculating Yl = KYXY M+ = KmXM C+ = KcxC for each print signal (multi-value) Y, M, and C obtained by the above calculation, and adjusting the adjusted value. Print signal (multi-value) y+M,,
It is to obtain C. Here, Ky, Km, and Kc are color correction coefficients for yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively.

Note that the black print signal is output only from pixels that are printed in all three print colors of Y, M, and C. Also, no color adjustment is necessary.

In the mosaic monitor mode, as illustrated in the formats of FIGS. 7 and 8, a set of color correction coefficients yi, m3, . ek is given. Therefore, in the mosaic monitor mode, the image setting circuit 2 sets color correction coefficients y, m, or j for each block of the mosaic monitor image as described above for each print signal Y, M, and C. Set C3 and output the adjusted print signal.

In the image level setting circuit 2 shown in FIG. 9, a multiplier 301 executes calculations to obtain the above-described print signals Y I, M +, C+. Here, in order to set n coefficients (n3.4 or 5) in the main scanning direction in the mosaic monitor mode, five latches 302, 303,
A latch circuit 307 consisting of 304, 305, and 306 is provided, and these latches 302 to 306 have C
The coefficients output from the PU 25 are set. These n coefficients are values corresponding to n blocks in the main scanning direction, respectively. Every time the sub-scanning clock for scaling is input to the CPU 25 as an interrupt signal, interrupt processing (see FIGS. 16(a) and (b)) is performed, and the CPU 25 outputs a latch signal to the image level setting circuit 2, and causes the latch circuit 307 to latch new coefficients for the next block.

Latch circuit 307 consisting of five latches 302 to 306
is provided because the coefficient change cycle is short in the main scanning direction, and it is difficult to set it in real time by the CP'U 25 in terms of speed.

In the above registered image memory circuit l, the image memory 401
The overflow signal X in the main scanning direction (see Fig. 1θ) generated during reading is sent to the first selection signal generation circuit 311.
, and the first selection signal generation circuit 311 generates a signal for the selector 308 to selectively switch each latch 302 to 306 sequentially each time the overflow signal Output. In the mosaic monitor mode, the selector 312 transmits the output of the first selection signal generation circuit 311 to the selector 308 as a signal S21.

The selector 308 selects the latch circuit 3 in response to the signal S21.
07 are selectively and sequentially sent to the multiplier 301 block by block.

On the other hand, in the registered image memory circuit 1, the image memory 401
An overflow signal Y in the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 10) generated when reading is input to the selector 313, and the selector 313 transmits this to the latch circuit 307 in the mosaic monitor mode. by this,
Each time the overflow signal Y is output, the latch circuits 302 to 306 latch and update the set of color correction coefficients output from the CPU 25. Therefore, when the block changes in the sub-scanning direction, the set of color correction coefficients is immediately changed.

When a color correction coefficient is selected in the mosaic monitor mode, the selected coefficient may be set in the latch 302 and output to the multiplier 301, for example.

Note that in the superimpose mode, the selector 312
It is possible to select the output of the second selection signal generation circuit 314 and make the color tone different between the superimposed area and other areas, but the explanation will be omitted.

(d) Registered image memory circuit The registered image memory circuit l registers in the memory 401 a registered image of the area of interest of the document in the mosaic monitor mode,
This is a circuit that reads out any specified position on paper for copying.

FIG. 1O shows a circuit diagram of the registered image memory circuit l. Here, the memory 4.01 is a RAM that records registered images. The selector 421 selects the shading-corrected image data and the white data. When printing a mosaic monitor image, "white data" is selected. The output signal of selector 421 is sent to memory 401 and selector 446 via 3-state buffer 422. 3
- The state buffer 422 is used only when the memory 401 is being read out when printing a mosaic monitor image (O
E-“1”), becomes a high impedance state.

In other cases, when a mosaic monitor image is not printed in mosaic monitor mode, "white data" is output. Also, when registering an image in mosaic monitor mode, image data is output.

If the registered image is a full-color image, color adjustment is often required. Therefore, the selector 446 and the 3-state buffer 422 are used to store the memory 40 before intermediate processing.
1, and the multivalued data is stored in the memory 401. By reading this registered image data, a mosaic monitor image can be printed with various color adjustments.

The writing area determination circuit 402 determines whether or not the writing area is in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction based on writing area setting signals in the main scanning direction (X) and the sub-scanning direction (Y) set by the CPU 25. Determine whether Based on the determination result, the AND gate 407 outputs the clock CKA if it is in the write area.
is output to the WE terminal of the memory 401 to enable writing to the memory 401.

Similarly, the continuous area determination circuit 408 determines whether the continuous area is in the continuous area in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction based on continuous area setting signals in the main scanning direction (X) and the sub-scanning direction (Y) set by the CPU 25. (The successive area is determined by the output format.) AND gate 405
Based on the determination result, if it is in the successive region, “
0'' is output, and the memory 401 can be continuously output.

The write and read addresses for the memory 401 are:
They are generated by the write address generation counter 403 and the successive address generation counter 409, respectively, and are generated by the selector 40.
4 to the address terminal of the memory 401.

Selector 404 selects a write address or a subsequent address depending on whether writing or reading is performed. Note that both the write address and the subsequent address are the address in the X direction and the address in the Y direction.
A one-dimensional address is generated based on the directional address using a multiplier and an adder.

Note that the selector 446 and the AND gate 448 are provided to output white data to the superimposed image portion when printing the original image in the superimpose mode, but a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Selector 446 selects the output signal of 3-state buffer 422 or memory 401, except when a trimming signal is output in superimpose mode.

Below, the registered image memory circuit l will be explained in more detail.

When writing a registered image, when the user specifies an area of interest, the CPU 25 determines how many lines the area of interest covers (in the Y direction) as seen from the leading edge of the image, and also how many pixels in the main scanning direction (X direction). Calculate whether it is within the eye range, that is, the coordinates (xs,
y8) and the coordinates (Xfn"fn) of the lower right corner, and use these coordinates as a writing area setting signal for determining the writing area in the X direction and the Y direction by the X section 40 of the writing area determination circuit 402
2a and 7 section 402b, respectively. X and Y refer to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, respectively. When the image leading edge signal is input, the X part 402a and the seventh part 402b of the writing area determination circuit 402 output the horizontal synchronizing signal H5ync and the clock C.
KA is counted and compared to see if the count value is within the write area setting range. If the main scanning direction is within the range (x8≦X≦x, n), output WEX-“L”, and if the sub-scanning direction is within the range (y8y≦y(n), output WEY="L” A write address generation counter 403 generates a write address when the write area determination circuit 402 determines that the area is a write area, and selector 4
04 to the address terminal of the memory 401. That is, the X section 403a of the write address generation counter 403
Then, when WEX-'L', the clock CKA is counted and an address related to the main scanning direction is generated. Note that this address is cleared by the horizontal synchronization signal H5sync.

Also, the seventh section 403b of the write address generation counter 403
counts the horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync when WEY='L' and generates an address in the sub-scanning direction. Note that this address is cleared by the image leading edge signal generated by the CPU 25. The write address generation counter 403 includes a multiplier and an adder, and receives 1 from both addresses in the X direction and the Y direction.
Compute the address of a dimension.

When an address is generated in this manner and image data is written to the memory 401, the data holding signal is set to L° and the 1/read signal is set to "Lo". Since a selection signal is sent through the write address generation counter 403, the address signal from the write address generation counter 403 is selected and transmitted to the address terminal of the memory 401.

Further, the clock CKA is transmitted to the WE terminal of the memory 401 via the inverter 406 and the AND gate 407.
Enables writing to memory. Also, one doctor/readout signal is
Since it is set as L', the 3-state buffer 422
becomes active via the AND gate 405 only when it is possible to write the original image, and stores the image data in the memory 4.
Transmit it to the I10 terminal of 01.

In addition, it is possible to store in the memory 401 only images of areas that the upstream writing area determination circuit 402 determines to be within the range in both the main and sub-scanning directions. When the writing is completed, the CPU 25 sets the data holding signal to H', and the AN
Writing is prohibited through the D gate 407, and the memory 40
The contents of 1 are retained.

When reading data stored in the memory 401, it is necessary to read the data so as to print it in a designated reading area. The circuit configuration required for continuous printing is almost the same as that for writing. The CPU 25 operates an
8b, respectively, X≦X≦xfn” s≦y≦yf
A setting value that can be determined to be within the range when n is given is given. x and y are S. Upper left corner P of the successive image area. are the X and Y coordinates of x
fn”f. are the X and Y coordinates of the lower right corner P (7th
(See Figure 8). When the image leading edge signal is input during scanning, the successive area determination circuit 408 outputs a horizontal synchronizing signal H.
While counting sync and clock CKA,
A comparison is made to see if the count value is within the above continuous area setting range. If the main scanning direction is within the range, REX-“
Outputs Lo, and if the sub-scanning direction is within the range, REY-'
Output L'.

The successive address generation counter 409 generates a read address when the read area determination circuit 408 determines that it is a successive area, and this address is sent to the memory 401 via the selector 404 since the 1/read signal is “Ho” at the time of successive reading. In other words, the X unit 409a of the successive address generation counter 409 counts the clock CKA when REX-'L' and generates an address related to the main scanning direction.This address is sent to the horizontal synchronizing signal It is cleared by Hsync. Also, when REY-'L', the seventh section 409b of the successive address generation counter 409 counts the sub-scanning clock from the sub-scanning clock generator 29 for scaling, and generates an address regarding the sub-scanning direction. do.

The reason why the sub-scanning clock is counted instead of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync is to take magnification into consideration. Note that this address is cleared by the image leading edge signal generated by the CPU 25.

A one-dimensional address is generated from the addresses in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

Data read out by accessing the memory 401 is transmitted to the subsequent stage. At this time, of course, within the successive address area, a count request is made to the successive address counter 409 even if the maximum size of the memory is exceeded, but in this case, the X part 409aSY part 409b of the successive address counter sends an overflow signal X every time it overflows. , Y, and starts counting again from the initial value. The overflow signals X and Y are output to an image tone setting circuit 2 arranged at a subsequent stage. The overflow signals X and Y are used when a plurality of images are arranged horizontally and vertically and printed in different tones in a mosaic monitor mode.

In addition, at the time of reading, since the 1st prisoner/read signal is H', the successive output area (REX='L,').

REY-'L'), the memory 401 is ready for output via the AND gate 405 and the inverter 423;
Further, the three-state buffer 422 is in a high impedance state via the AND gate 405, and the image data input side is separated from the memory 401.

Further, when the memory 401 is readable (OE-“L'), the selector 446 selects the read data of the memory 401 by a selection signal via the AND gate 448,
In other cases, it is necessary to read the data so that it can be printed in the format shown in Figure 7, so select "white" data to make the image data "white" except when data is continuously being output from memory. do. At this time, coordinates are set in the successive region determination circuits 408a and 408b in consideration of the difference between the magnification for reading the document and the printing magnification for the contents of the memory 401. Note that the sub-scanning clock for variable magnification is made to match the document reading magnification.

If you want to output an image of "n Become.

When it is possible to output the X part 408a and the seventh part 408b of the successive area determination circuit that determines the successive area on the paper (OB
-"L'), X section 409a of successive address generation counter
, the Y unit 409b generates an address, uses the address to access the memory 401, and transmits the held image data to the subsequent stage via the selector 446. Here, the CPU 25 stores the information in the X section 408a of the successive area discriminating circuit when X≦X≦Xfn, and the seventh section 408b in the case that y≦
When y≦yfn, a set value is given that allows it to be determined that it is within the successive range. At this time, the successive address generation number 409 is the maximum size of one block (-(xfn-x
s)/n), an overflow signal X is output and counting starts again from the initial value.

Then, read out the contents of the same line. Repeat this n times. After advancing by (yfn-y8)/n'' in the sub-scanning direction, successive printing for n blocks in the horizontal direction is completed and an overflow signal Y is output.In this way, n images are printed in the horizontal direction. By repeating this process n! times in the sub-scanning direction, a mosaic monitor image of nXn' blocks is read out.

Note that in the image tone setting circuit 2, different color correction coefficients are set for each block corresponding to the overflow signals X and Y (see FIG. 16(a)).

(see (b)), each image will be printed with different color adjustments applied.

Margins below Next, the write (read) area determination circuit 402 (408) and address generation counter 403 (409) that constitute the registered image memory circuit 1 will be explained using the detailed circuit diagram of FIG. Note that the area discrimination circuit and address generation counter with the same configuration are used for writing and reading, and the difference between the two is that in the case of continuous writing, a sub-scanning clock for scaling is used and overflow signals X and Y are output. Only.

In FIG. 11, X of the attention area (successive area) discrimination circuit
The section 402a (408a) includes a counter circuit 601602,
It is composed of D-flip-flops 603 and 604 and an AND gate 605.

The preset terminals of the counter circuits 601 and 602, which are down counters, are connected to the upper left corner P of the region of interest (successive region).

Initial value data X-1, Xfn-1 for setting the values of the X coordinates of and lower right corner P are sent from the CPU 25, and a horizontal synchronization signal H5ync is sent to the 1oad terminal. Therefore, when the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync is output, the initial value data x81 . xf
n 1 is preset. Here, Xs' xfn is the upper left corner P of the rectangular region of interest (one after another). is the X coordinate value of the lower right corner P1.

A clock signal CKA is input to the clock terminals of both counter circuits 601 and 602. Therefore, each time the clock signal CKA is input, the counter circuits 601 and 60
2 decreases the count value by one, and when the count value exceeds 0, generates a ripple early signal. This r
The iple carry signal is sent as a clock signal to D-flip-flops 603 and 604, respectively. In the flip-flops 603 and 604, the same horizontal synchronizing signal H5ync is input to each CLR terminal, but L level and H level are input to the D terminal, respectively. The Q output of the D flip-flop 603 becomes H level at the positive edge of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync,
After counting X clocks, ripple ca
It is inverted to L level at the positive edge of the rry signal. On the other hand, the Q output of the D flip-flop 604 goes to L level at the positive edge of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, and after counting xfn clocks, the Q output goes to ripple carr.
It becomes H level at the forward edge of the y signal. The Q output of flip-flop 603 and the Q output of flip-flop 604 are each sent to an input terminal of AND gate 605. Therefore, the output terminal of AND gate 605 becomes L level between counts xs and Xfn.

FIG. 12 shows a timing chart of the operation of the area discrimination circuit. Using the initial data X-1' given by the CPU 25 as an initial value, the counter circuit 601 starts the current count and decrements the count value every time the clock CKA is input. Then, the counter circuit 601 generates a ripple carry signal when X clocks CKA are input. When this signal is input, flip-flop 603, which has been previously set to °H°, inverts its Q output and transmits the "L" level to AND gate 605.

Similarly, for the counter circuit 602, the initial data x -1' is used as the initial value, and the clock CKA is increased by Xfn.
When n is input, the Q output of the flip-flop 604 becomes L
Invert from ° to "H" and AND gate 60 with "H level"
Tell 5. (In addition, flip-flops 603, 604
The Q output and the Q output of are respectively at the "H" level and the "L" level when cleared. ) Now, if xS<x, n,
Only between Xs and xfn, which are areas of interest (areas that are appearing one after another),
The output (WEX (REX)) of the gate 605 becomes L°.

The X section 403a (409a) of the write (successive) address generation counter 403 (409) consists of an AND gate 606 and a programmable counter 607.

The output signal of AND gate 606 is sent to programmable counter 607 as a clock signal.

Therefore, the output signal (WEX) of the AND gate 605 is “
At L level, AND gate 606 passes another input CKA to programmable counter 607. The programmable counter 607 cyclically counts the clock CKA using the program data X given from the CPU 25 as a divisor.

Now, the length of the registered image in the main scanning direction is determined by C of the clock CKA.
In the case of counting, when writing to the memory 401, the data xs, xfn,
Regarding, It is sufficient to set it to -1.

1 part 402b (408b) of the write (continued) area determination circuit
are counter circuits 611, 612, flip-flop 6
13, 614, and an AND gate 615. In addition, the 7th section 403b of the write (continuous) address generation counter
(409b) consists of an AND gate 616 and a programmable counter 617.

Its configuration and operation are exactly the same as those in the main scanning direction using the X section 402a (408a) of the write (successive) area determination circuit and the X section 403a (409a) of the write (successive) address generation counter. However, the counter circuit 61
The initial value data given by the CPU 25 to 1,612 is Y
1. Xfn river, and in the AND gate 616, a signal for sub-scanning (Y direction) different from the X direction, such as Hsync or a sub-scanning clock for variable magnification, is used instead of the clock CKA, and the counter circuit 611, Let the Hsync signal input to the load terminal of 612 or the CLR terminal of a flip-flop or the like be an image leading edge signal, and the program data given to the programmable counter 617 be Yg. Moreover, the programmable counters 607 and 617 are
They generate overflow signals X and Y, respectively.

The values obtained as the count values of the programmable counters 607 to 617 can also be used as they are as addresses in the memory 401. For example, program data
If is a power of 2, it is sufficient to set the lower bits as the output of the programmable counter 607 and the upper bits as the output of the programmable counter 617. However, if this is not the case, using the above method will reduce memory usage efficiency.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to increase memory usage efficiency, addresses in the main and sub-scanning directions are converted into one-dimensional continuous memory addresses using a multiplication table 621 and an adder 622. No matter what the aspect ratio of the obtained area is, as long as the area is within the total memory capacity, writing and continuous output are possible. As a specific method, write (successive) address generation counter 40
3 (409), X part 403a (409a) and 7
In addition to the section 403b (409b), a multiplication table 621 is provided that indexes the program data X and the output data of the programmable counter 607 as addresses, and the fixed offset amount calculated by the CPU 25, that is, the memory start address, the output of the programmable counter 607, and the multiplication table 62 are provided.
The real address of the memory 401 is calculated by adding the output of 1 in the adder 622. In this way, no matter what the value of X is, image data can be stored in memory 401 at one-dimensional addresses with close-packed backing.

Furthermore, as is clear from the above description, the write-related area determination circuit 402 and address generation counter 403 and the continuation-related area determination circuit 408 and address generation counter 409 have exactly the same circuit configuration except for the sub-scanning clock. . Up until now, to simplify the explanation, these circuits have been separated and addresses have been selected by the selector 404 for writing and for successive output, but since writing and successive output are not performed at the same time, this circuit You only need to have one in common.

(e) Flow of copying machine control related to mosaic monitor mode FIG. 13 shows the CPU 2 controlling the digital color copying machine.
5 shows the main flow related to the superimpose function and mosaic monitor mode of copy operation control in No. 5. When the copying machine is powered on, initialization processing of the CPU 25 and the like is performed (not shown).

First, initial settings are performed (step Sl (hereinafter "step" will be omitted)). That is, the copying conditions such as the number of prints, magnification, paper, etc. are set to the initial state (single copy, same size, automatic paper selection, etc.), the density is set to standard, and copying is possible. The number of output images in the mosaic monitor mode is set to an initial value (3), and 3 is set in the output image number memory 36.

It is also possible to select a mosaic monitor mode or the like. In this way, the initial mode is set.

Next, various processing is performed. Selecting the normal mosaic monitor mode means "YES" to both the image registration request (S2) and the mosaic monitor output request (S4). Furthermore, selecting the superimpose mode means "YES" to both the image registration request (S2) and the superimpose mode output request (S6).

If there is a request for image registration (YES in S2), image registration processing is performed (S3, see FIG. 14). Image registration means to register the contents of an image in a designated area. In the image registration process (S3), the user sets a desired area and registers the contents of the area in the memory 401. To set the area, a document image is read, the read image is displayed on the display section 84, and a desired area is set using the jog dial 82, 83 and the set key 76.

If there is a mosaic monitor output request (YES in S4), mosaic monitor output processing (S5, see FIG. 15) is performed.

That is, the registered content is read out, various color corrections are performed on it, and a mosaic monitor image is output. At this time, reset the copying conditions such as the number of prints and magnification to the initial state (All Reset), and set the density adjustment level to the standard value. When the user selects an image with the desired color balance from among the output mosaic monitor images and requests a copy, the entire image is obtained with that color balance.

In the case of superimpose output request (YES in S6),
Superimpose output settings are performed (S7).

That is, after checking whether there is a registered image, settings are made to continue reading from the memory. Next, when a copy request is made, C88 returns YES), and the copy is performed (99,910).
, the registered image is printed over the original image.

If there is no image registration request, mosaic monitor output request, or superimpose output request (S2, S4, S6
(No in both cases), perform a normal copy (88 to 510)
).

FIG. 14 shows the flow of image registration processing (S3).

When the set key 76 is pressed on the operation panel 70,
The area setting value that was set on the display unit 84 at that time is input (S21). Furthermore, various other input values are set (S22).

Next, it is determined whether or not to start image registration (S31
). When starting image registration, select the vertices (upper left corner and lower right corner) of the registered image area from the input area setting values (S21).
The coordinates of the area are calculated and the document image of that area is read (S
32), the basic signal is subjected to shading correction (S
33), the correction value is written into the memory 401 (S34).

Then, the image registration request is cleared (S35) and the process returns. If you do not want to start image registration (No in S31),
Immediately clear the image registration request (S35) and return.

FIG. 15 shows the flow of mosaic monitor output processing (S5). First, it is determined whether there is a change in the number n of output images (S51). The user presses the output image number change key 81
If you press , the number of output images n will be changed, so next,
After waiting for an input from the numeric keypad 75, the number n of output images is set (S52).

Next, read out the contents of the memory 401 of the area of interest 561
), the color correction coefficients y, , m, , c- are outputted to the image tone setting circuit 2 in a format corresponding to the number of output images n, and color correction is performed using +11 (S62), and a mosaic monitor image is printed (96g). ).

Next, when the user selects a desired image (block) from among the mosaic monitor images on the display unit 84 (S71)
, KIll, to the color correction coefficient according to the selected image.
Kc is set (S72). This selection method is as described in section (b).

When the print start key 71 is pressed to request copying (S73), scanning of the original is started, and copying is started using the set color correction coefficients y, m, c (S74). ). Then, copying is performed until the copying is completed (S75), and the process returns.

FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) are flowcharts for setting coefficients for color adjustment in printing a mosaic monitor image.

This process is executed as an interrupt routine by interrupting the CPU 25 every time the horizontal synchronizing signal H5ync is generated.

Among these, the counter Ct+ is the leading edge of the print paper P (
The distance from the leading edge of the image in the sub-scanning direction is counted, and the beginning of printing and the end of the printing path of the mosaic monitor image GM are detected. The counter Ctt counts the distance in the sub-scanning direction and detects changes in blocks of the mosaic monitor image. T
represents the distance in the sub-scanning direction from the leading edge of the image to the printing position of the mosaic monitor image, and ρ represents the distance of the l block in the sub-scanning direction (see FIG. 7).

First, the state is determined at 5300, and its value is "0" ~
Branch according to "4".

When the state is "0", it is determined whether or not it is the leading edge of the image (leading edge of the paper P) (S301), and when the leading edge of the image has passed, the counter CtI is initialized (S301).
02), the state is set to rLj (S303).

When the state is “l”, the counters Ct, IJ(T
(S311), that is, wait until the position of the coordinate y, which is the tip of the mosaic monitor image GM, is reached.
Thereafter, the process jumps to either state r2J or r3JJ4J depending on the color of the toner in the developing device used.

That is, when Y (yellow) (YES in S312)
sets the state to "2" (9313). When M (magenta) (YES in S 321), initialize the counter Ctt (5322) and set the variable i to "0" (5323).
), the state is set to "3" (S324). When it is C (cyan) (No in S321), the counter Ct.

Initialize 5331) and set variable j to "0"533
2), the state is set to "4" (S333).

When the state is "2" (yellow printing), a latch signal is output to the image setting circuit 2, and latches 302, 303,
y as coefficients 1 to n set respectively. .

yl, . . . y 5341), counter Ct.

+1-1 becomes (T+n2I2), that is, waits until the position of coordinate yfn, which is the rear end of mosaic monitor image GM, is reached (S342), and the state is set to "0" (83
43).

When the state is "3" (magenta printing), latch 3
02,303.・Substitute the coefficient 1-ni, :m of 306 (5351), wait for the counter C1 to become e, that is, wait for one block of the mosaic monitor to finish (S352), and initialize the counter Ct. 535
3) Increment the variable i by one (S354).

Next, wait until the rear end of the mosaic monitor image is reached (S
355), and the state is set to "0" (8356). That is, here, the same value m is set for the coefficients 1 to n, and the mosaic! Each time the monitor image changes by one block in the sub-scanning direction, the coefficient 1-n is changed to a new value ff1i+1.

When the state is "4" (cyan printing), latch 30
2.303. Substitute C6 for the coefficient 1=n of...S3
Wait until the counter Ct becomes (n12),
In other words, wait until n blocks of the mosaic monitor are completed (S362) and initialize the counter Ct2.8363
), the variable j is incremented by one (S364). Next, wait until the end of the mosaic monitor image is reached (93
65), and the state is set to "0" (S366). That is, here, the coefficient 1- of the latches 302, 303, ...
The same value C1 is set for n, and the coefficient 1-n is changed to a new value Cj+1 every time the mosaic monitor image changes by n blocks in the sub-scanning direction.

When the processing in each state is completed, the counter Ct +.

Ctt is incremented (S371).

Through the above processing, various color correction coefficients are set for each block for each print color, and color adjustment is performed.

Below are blank spaces (effects of the invention) Users have various requirements regarding the mosaic monitor mode. In the present invention, when printing a plurality of images (mosaic monitor images) with different tones, the user can specify the number of images to be output, so that various demands can be met.

For example, you can specify a large number of output images if you have no idea what kind of color balance the image you want to have, or if you want exact color balance. Conversely, if outputting a large number of images makes selection cumbersome, you can specify a smaller number of output images.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a digital color copying machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the signal processing section. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of image data processing. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation panel. FIG. 5 is a diagram of attention area setting. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for controlling the printing operation, operation panel, etc. FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams of output formats of mosaic monitor images, respectively. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the image tone setting circuit. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the registered image memory circuit. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of an area discrimination circuit and an address generation counter. FIG. 12 is a timing chart of the operation of the area discrimination circuit. FIG. 13 is a diagram of the main flow related to the mosaic monitor mode of the digital color copying machine. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of image registration processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of mosaic monitor output settings. FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) are flowcharts of interrupt processing. ■ ・Registered image memory circuit, 2 ・Picture setting circuit, 25
...CPU, 36...output image number memory,
70...Operation panel, 78...Mosaic monitor selection key 81...Output image number change key 84...Display section, 401...Memory.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) Image data of an area specified by the user in the original image is stored, and each image data is subjected to different color correction calculations to print multiple images at different positions on the same paper. In a digital color copying machine equipped with a mosaic monitor mode in which a user selects a desired image from among the images, an output image number instruction means that allows the user to specify the number of the plurality of images in the mosaic monitor mode; An image tone setting means is provided for setting a predetermined color correction coefficient for color correction calculation for each image in accordance with the number of output images instructed by the above-mentioned output image number instruction means when printing multiple images in the mode. A digital color copying machine featuring: