JPH02190875A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically stop copying, to directly eject a recording paper and to inform a user of the effect even if a multicolor multiple copying mode is set inadvertently by successively comparing and detecting the color of an original corresponding to the color of developer in plural developing units, which is housed to be used for development. CONSTITUTION:When a developed color recognition means (controller part) recognizes the respective developed colors of the plural developing units 10a-10c, a photosensor 4b performs read through the respective color filters 4c switched and positioned by a filter switching means 31 and a recording paper conveyance control means (controller part) decides a reflectance distributed state on an original based on an output from the photosensor 4b. Based on the reflectance distributed state, the recording paper conveyance control means limits the propriety of driving erasing means 9a-9c and the developing units 10a-10c so as to directly eject the recording paper which is fed. Even if the multicolor multiple copying mode is set for a monochromic original inadvertently, the multicolor multiple copying is automatically stopped and the recording paper which is fed is directly ejected and the user is informed of the effect.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention provides a copying apparatus that recognizes different color image areas on a document from reflected light exposed to the document and forms images of different colors for each color region. It is related to.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, in this type of device, such as an analog copying machine, an area specified by an erase area specifying means provided in an operation unit, such as a digitizer or numerical manual input, is irradiated with light using, for example, an LED array. Some models have been commercialized that are equipped with an erase function that erases latent images using digital copying machines.In addition, digital copying machines temporarily buffer the image information read from the reader in memory, and
For example, when masking processing is specified for area data specified from the operation unit, image IA processing is executed to convert the image information stored at the address corresponding to the area data into color image information, and the specified process is performed. An m-type product has also been commercialized, which is configured so that the image can be easily erased and trimmed and copied.

Incidentally, recent image processing apparatuses are configured so that a plurality of development units can be exchangeably housed, and when performing trimming copying as described above, trimming copying can be performed in a desired copy color, There is an increasing demand for obtaining a well-designed or impressive copied image by multiple-transferring trimmed images of different colors onto a single transfer sheet.

In addition, the copying device is configured to receive reflected light from an exposed original through a color filter or the like, detect a specific color area in the two-color original, and automatically perform two-color multiple copying. has also been proposed.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, if the operator mistakenly specifies, for example, a two-color multicolor copy mode from the operation panel, the original may be printed in single color or
For example, if it is a one-color red original and the color of the development unit that can develop it is black, multiple copying processes for black will be executed even if this black area cannot be recognized, resulting in increased copying process time and copying efficiency. There was also a serious problem that significantly impeded operability regarding copy mode settings.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by sequentially comparing and detecting colors on a document corresponding to the developer colors of a plurality of developing units housed in a developable manner, it is possible to convert a monochrome document into a monochrome document. An object of the present invention is to provide a copying device that can automatically stop multicolor multilayer mode copying, immediately eject fed recording paper, and notify that fact even if multicolor multilayer copy mode is set by mistake. shall be.

Means for Solving Problem C] The copying apparatus according to the present invention includes a developed color recognition means that recognizes each developed color of a plurality of developing units, and a developed color recognition means that recognizes each developed color of a plurality of developing units when a multicolor copying mode is specified, and a developed color recognition means that recognizes each developed color of a plurality of developing units, and A plurality of color filters that transmit reflected light having specific wavelength characteristic components;
An optical sensor reads the image information of the original as a reflectance distribution on the original surface from the reflected light of the original that is received through these color filters, and a developed color recognition means detects light corresponding to the developed color recognized by the developed color filter. The erasing means and the developing unit are driven based on the reflectance distribution state of the document surface recognized by the optical sensor through a filter switching means that switches and positions on the optical axis of the sensor, and each color filter that is switched and positioned by this filter switching means. A recording paper conveyance control means is provided for restricting availability and immediately discharging the fed recording paper.

(Function) In this invention, when the developed color recognition means recognizes each developed color of a plurality of developing units, the optical sensor reads it through each color filter that is switched and positioned by the filter switching means, and the paper conveyance control means uses the optical sensor to detect the developed color. The reflectance distribution state on the document is determined from the output of the recording paper conveyance control means, based on this reflectance distribution state, restricts whether or not the erasing means and the developing unit can be driven, and immediately ejects the fed recording paper. .

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a copying apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes an original table glass, on which a color original, which will be described later, is placed at a predetermined position. Reference numeral 2 denotes an original irradiation lamp composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, which exposes the original placed on the original table glass 1. Scanning mirrors 38 to 3C are housed in an optical scanning unit (not shown) and guide reflected light from the document to the zoom lens section 4 while reciprocating in the main scanning direction. The zoom lens unit 4 includes an imaging lens 4a,
A switching filter 4c that separates the reflected light into colors based on developed color information instructed by a controller unit C0NT (described later), an original reading unit 4b composed of, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD), an aperture plate 4d (described later), It has a zoom lens 48 and the like.

Reference numerals 58 to 5C are folding mirrors, which fold back the reflected light imaged through the imaging lens 4a onto the photosensitive drum 6. Reference numeral 7 denotes a pre-exposure lamp, which eliminates the charge on the photosensitive drum 6 in preparation for image formation. A charger 8 charges the photosensitive drum 6 uniformly. The eraser unit that serves as the eraser means is
For example, it is composed of a semiconductor laser 9a, a polygon mirror 9b, a mirror 9c, etc., and is configured to cover the inside and outside of each developed color area or the document corresponding to a plurality of developed colors detected by the document reading section 4b in parallel with the document exposure of the optical scanning unit. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 is selectively erased by irradiating a laser beam onto a preset frame or binding area depending on the size.

Reference numeral 10a denotes a fixed type first developing unit (referred to as a developing unit in a car), which stores, for example, black toner. 1
0b is a replaceable second developing unit (simply referred to as a developing unit), which is configured so that the user can easily set it in a predetermined position in the device. The toner hopper of the developing unit 10b is filled with the toner. 10c is a replaceable third developing unit (
The toner hopper of the developing unit 10c is filled with a developer that produces a blue developing color, for example.

Note that the developing units 10a to 10c include a member (not shown) that sends an identification signal to a sensor for identifying the developed color, and the controller unit C0NT is notified of the developing unit color that is installed so that it can be used. .

A potential sensor 11 detects the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 6 and notifies the controller unit C0NT.

12a and 12b are paper feed cassettes, each paper feed roller 13a
, 13b, the transfer sheet is fed into the device,
It is temporarily stopped at the position where the registration roller 14 is arranged, and is fed again in time with the writing position with respect to the image formed on the photosensitive drum 6. A transfer charger 15 transfers the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 6 onto a fed transfer sheet.

A separation charger 16 separates the transfer sheet after the transfer operation from the photosensitive drum 6. A conveyor belt 17 conveys the transfer sheet after the transfer process to the fixing device 18.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a flapper that controls the transport bus of the transfer sheet after the fixing process in either the direction in which the paper discharge tray 20 or the intermediate tray 22 is disposed.

Reference numerals 21a to 21d are paper feed rollers (feeding rollers) that feed the transfer sheet, which has been subjected to the -degree fixing process, to the intermediate tray 22 by inverting (multi-II) or non-reversing (double-sided).

23 is a re-feeding roller which feeds the transfer sheet placed on the intermediate tray 22 again through the paper path 24 to the registration rollers 14.
Transport it to the installation position.

A charging roller 25 collects toner floating near the photosensitive drum 6 and prevents the toner from adsorbing onto the transfer device 15 and staining it.

A post charger 26 enhances the charging effect of the transfer charger 15.

Note that the controller section C0NT is a developed color recognition means and a recording paper conveyance control means, and is used for controlling the developing units 10a to 10c.
The image forming lens 4a, the switching filter (color filter) 4c, and the original g4 are read based on the developed color order stored in a rewritable manner in advance. The image information of the document is read as the reflectance distribution of the document surface from the reflected light of the document detected by the optical sensor 4b, and especially when a multicolor multiple copy mode (for example, a two color multiple copy mode) is specified, The image information of the original is extracted from the reflectance distribution state of the original surface by the eraser unit (consisting of the above-mentioned 9a to 9c), the developing units 10a to 10C, the transport belt 17, the flapper 19, which constitutes the transport mechanism. Feeding rollers 21a to 21
d. Refeed roller 23. The drive of the refeed roller 23a is limited based on a flowchart described later, the fed recording paper is immediately discharged outside the machine, and the operation unit 34 (described later) is notified that two-color multiple copying is not possible. .

FIG. 2 shows the controller section c shown in FIG.

This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the NT, and 31 is a filter switching mechanism (filter switching means) composed of, for example, a stepping motor, which switches the switching filter 4c to the incident light L1 in accordance with a switching control signal sent from the CPU 32a. It moves by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the direction, and positions first to fifth color filters, which will be described later, at positions that cross the incident light L1. 32 is a processing unit, which includes a CPU 32a and a RAM.
32b, a ROM 32C, etc., calculates drive data for the potential erasing section 35 (consisting of the eraser unit 9, etc.) from the wavelength characteristics of the reflected light of the original read through the switching filter 4c, and develops the developing units t-10a to 32b. Laser irradiation (irradiation for erasing) is performed on the photosensitive drum 6 corresponding to the inside and outside of the developed color area on the document corresponding to 10c.

Note that the ROM 32c contains the color filter characteristic data shown in FIGS.
A control program for controlling the drive timings of 0a to 10c is stored in advance. Reference numeral 34 is an operation unit that inputs user-specified information necessary for the copying process (copy mode such as multi-color multi-overlap copy mode, number of copies, copy magnification, paper size, development color, multiplex/double-sided, frame eraser, sorter drive mode, etc.). Keys and indicators for input are laid out.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of reflected light entering the zoom lens unit 4 shown in FIG. , the projected light L3 is imaged on the photosensitive drum 6 via the rear mirrors 5a to 5c.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are plan views illustrating the arrangement of the switching filter 4c shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In these figures, 41 to 45 are first to fifth color filters, which correspond to the number of colors of the developer that can be developed (in this example, 5).
(individuals).

5 to 7 are wavelength characteristic diagrams for the first to third color filters 41 to 43 shown in FIG. 4, and the vertical axis is the attenuation rate A.
, and the horizontal axis indicates the wavelength λ.

Next, automatic two-color development and transfer processing according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manuscript to be copied.
is a document in which, for example, the letter R is colored red and the letter B is colored black.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the first development recognition state, and 52 is a black image, which corresponds to the letter B (black) shown in FIG. 8. For example, the first color filter 41 is set. This corresponds to the image recognized by the processing unit 32 when the image is displayed.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a latent image formation state, and 53 is a latent image, which corresponds to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 by exposure scanning of the original 51. The area inside and outside the indicated broken line area is the potential eraser 35 (eraser unit).
The drive target area consists of the above-mentioned numbers 98 to 90, etc.)).

Next, the operation will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

When a copy start signal is sent from the operation unit 34 to the processing unit 32, the processing unit 32 selects an appropriate developing unit from among the developing units 10a to 10c housed so as to be capable of developing, according to color priority information set in advance. , for example, selects the developing unit 10b.

Note that the CPU 32a of the processing section 32 recognizes the developable colors from the color identification signals output from the development units 108 to 10c.

Next, the CPU 32a outputs a filter instruction signal to the filter switching mechanism 31. As a result, the filter switching mechanism 31 switches between the color filters 41 to 41 of the switching filter 4C.
45, the first color filter 41 is positioned at a position that coincides with the optical axis direction of the zoom lens 4e through which the incident light L2 passes, as shown in FIG.

In this state, when the scanning unit starts scanning the original 51 shown in FIG. 8, the reflected light forms an image on the original reading section 4b as incident light Ll. In response to this, the original reading section 4
b is a read signal (
A voltage signal obtained by converting the reflectance distribution into a voltage in time series is output to the processing unit 32.

At this time, the CPU 32a A/D converts the reading signal output from the original reading section 4b and captures it, so that the character B of the original 51 shown in FIG. 8 can be recognized as an image with low reflectance.

At this time, since the latent image 53 shown in FIG. 10 is formed on the photosensitive drum 6, first, the latent image 53a for the character B is
Erase data for irradiating the inside (within the broken line shown in FIG. 10) with laser light is calculated, and based on this erase data, the laser light is emitted from the eraser unit 9 to remove the electrostatic potential formed on the photosensitive drum 6. The image 53a disappears, and the latent image 5 formed on the photosensitive drum 6 by the developing unit 10b
3b is developed in red, the red toner is transferred to the recording paper being conveyed, and the transferred toner is fixed on the recording paper by the fixing device 18. Here, the processing section 32 A/D converts the reading signal output from the document reading section 4b and captures it.
If the original 51 shown in the figure is not drawn, that is, if an image with low reflectance cannot be detected, the original 51 is recognized as a monochrome original, and the second copying process is not performed, and the fixing process is not performed. The finished recording paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 20, and the operation unit 34 is notified of this by, for example, a message.

Then, by the paper conveyance mechanism 33, that is, the flapper 19
．． Feeding rollers 21a to 21d, refeeding roller 23. The recording paper is conveyed via the re-feeding roller 23a to the position where the registration rollers 14 are disposed in such a state that the surface on which the toner is fixed is the lower surface.

On the other hand, in the first image forming process, the processing section 3
2 outputs the reading signal output from the document reading section 4b to A.
/D conversion and capture, and if an image in which the original 51 shown in FIG. 8 is drawn, that is, an image with low reflectance is detected, 0 lines are entered in the second development process.

Here, the CPU 32a selects the selected developing unit 1.
0b away from the photosensitive drum 6, and the developing unit 10a is brought closer to the photosensitive drum 6. Next, exposure of the original 51 is started. At this time, as described above, the document reading section 4
By A/D converting the reading signal outputted from B and taking it in, it is possible to recognize the character B of the document 51 shown in FIG. 8 as an image with low reflectance.

At this time, since the latent image 53 shown in FIG. 10 is formed on the photosensitive drum 6, first, the latent image 53a for the character margin is
Erase data for irradiating the outside (outside the broken line shown in FIG. 10) with laser light is calculated, and based on this erase data, the laser light is applied to the erase unit (98 to 9c above).
Electrostatic latent image 53b formed on the photosensitive drum 6
The developing unit 10a develops the latent image 53b formed on the photosensitive drum 6 into black color, transfers the black toner onto the recording paper being conveyed, and fixes the transferred toner on the recording paper with the fixing device 18.

Then, without operating the flapper 19, the recording paper on which the multiple developed colors have been transferred is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 20.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the number of colors corresponding to the image colors (developed colors) of the original 51 is three was explained, but this number is relative to the number of developed colors of the developing unit set replaceably. To increase.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the document 51 is composed of red and black colors has been described, but this combination is composed of the developing unit 10a (fixed black), the developing unit 10b, and the ioc.
(red, blue, green can be exchanged) as many combinations as possible.

Next, a multiplex multicolor copying process based on automatic development color recognition according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a developing unit drive control procedure according to the present invention.

Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

When a start signal for automatic two-color copying is detected from the operation unit 34, the CPU 32a of the processing unit 32 starts this flow, selects the developing unit 10b that is housed so as to be capable of developing and is replaceable with developing colors, and moves the developing unit 10b to the developing position. (Place the developing sleeve (not shown) of the developing unit 10b on the photosensitive drum 6.
(1) Set the switching filter 4C at a position where the color filter corresponding to the developed color of this developing unit 10 matches the incident light L1 (2).

Next, the first multiple copy is executed (3).

In the first copy, the selected switching filter 4c
(the first to fifth color filters 41 to 45, etc.) to pass the incident light (reflected light from original exposure) Ll to the original reading section 4b.
The potential erasing unit 3 recognizes areas with low reflectance.
A part of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 is erased by irradiating, for example, a laser beam onto the area where the reflectance is low. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed in the developing unit 10b according to a known electrophotographic process, and a red image, for example, is transferred and fixed onto the recording paper, and the paper transport mechanism 3
3, it is transported again to the position of the registration rollers 14.

Next, a developing unit reset is performed to retract the selected developing unit 10b from the photosensitive drum 6 (to the non-developing position) (4).

Next, the cPU 32a of the processing section 32 reads the document reading section 4b.
A/D converts and captures the read signal output from the
Whether or not an image with low reflectance is detected in the original 51 shown in FIG. 8, that is, the area separation is 0. 5) If the answer is No, it notifies the operation unit 34 (6), and the recording paper on which the first copy has been completed is removed from the machine without being transported by the paper transport mechanism 33. After paper ejection 7), proceed to step (lO).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is YES, the developing unit is set (8) to bring the developing unit 10a close to the developing position where the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 6 is developed, and the second Start copying (9).

In the second copy, contrary to the first copy, the timing of laser light irradiation from the potential erasing unit 35 is adjusted so as to erase the electrostatic latent image in areas other than the areas recognized as having low reflectance. It is controlled by the CPU 32a. Then, as described above, a developing unit reset is performed to evacuate the developing unit 10b from the developing position (10), and the process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a filter switching control procedure according to the present invention. Furthermore, (2-1)
(2-6) is step (2) shown in Figure 11 above.
The detailed steps are shown below.

2-1) Determine whether the operator has input a designation for the filter color to be used from the operation unit 34.
If No, determine what color is being developed in the developing unit that is currently being developed and is housed in a replaceable manner 2-2)
, if the developed color is red, set the red filter at a position that matches the incident light L1 2-3) Step (3) in Figure 11
If the developed color is green, pass the green filter to the incident light L.
2-4), proceed to step (3) in Figure 11, and if the developed color is blue, set the blue filter to a position that matches the incident light L1 2-5)
, proceed to step (3) in FIG.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (2-1) is YES, determine what color the specified color is (2-6), and if it is red, go back to step (2-3), and if it is green, go back to step (2-6). −
Return to step 4), and if the color is blue, return to step (2-5).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a developing unit setting control procedure according to the present invention. In addition,
(1-1) (1-4) shows detailed steps of step (1) shown in FIG. 11 above.

First, determine whether the two developing colors to be used are specified from the operation section 32 (1-1), and if the two developing colors to be used are black and red, set the developer color in the developing unit to red (1-2).
), Proceed to step (1-3) shown in Figure 11, and if the two developing colors to be used are black and green, set the developer color of the developing unit to green.1-3), 'See Figure 11. Proceed to step (3) as shown, and make sure the two developing colors used are black and
If it is blue, set the developer color of the developing unit to blue.1-
4) Proceed to step (3) shown in FIG.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first to fifth color filters 41 to 4
Although a case has been described in which the designation of 5 is performed by a user designation from the operation unit 34, the designation may be automatically performed by an output from an external sensor that separates the original 51 into colors, for example.

In addition, if the developed color area to be erased by the eraser unit is detected by bliss scanning before the main image copying process, and it is determined that the original is a monochrome original, for example, the multicolor multiple copying process will not be executed and a notification will be issued to that effect. By executing only the copying process for the detected single color, even if the copying mode is incorrectly set by the operator, it is possible to limit the copying process that wastes paper, and to minimize the need to reset the copying mode. can be done.

Further, in the above embodiment, the original reading section 4b is constructed of a charge-coupled device such as a CCD, but other light detection means may be used.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the eraser unit is constructed of, for example, a semiconductor laser 9a and a polygon mirror 9b, but even if it is constructed of, for example, an LED array and a shutter means, the electrostatic charge formed on the photosensitive drum 6 is The latent image can be erased.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first to fifth color filters 41
Although the case where the area corresponding to the developed color is recognized by 45 has been described, it may also be achieved by utilizing the spectral sensitivity specific to the document reading section 4b or by providing a plurality of document reading sections 4b having different spectral sensitivities.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention includes a developed color recognition means that recognizes each developed color of a plurality of developing units when a multicolor copying mode is specified, and a developed color recognition means that recognizes each developed color of a plurality of developing units, and a developed color recognition means that recognizes a specific wavelength characteristic component of light reflected from an original. A plurality of color filters that transmit reflected light, an optical sensor that reads the image information of the document as a reflectance distribution on the document surface from the light reflected from the document received through these color filters, and a color filter that transmits the multiple color filters. Filter switching means switches and positions on the optical axis of the optical sensor in accordance with the developed color recognized by the recognition means, and the reflectance of the document surface recognized by the optical sensor through each color filter switched and positioned by the filter switching means. A recording paper conveyance control means is provided that limits the drive of the erase means and development unit based on the distribution state and immediately ejects the fed recording paper, so when the multi-color multi-overlap copying mode is set. Even if a single-color original is placed first by mistake, the possibility of multi-color multiple copying is determined, so multi-color multiple copying is automatically stopped and the recording paper is immediately ejected, thereby eliminating unnecessary copying processes. This has an excellent effect of avoiding the problem and notifying the user to that effect.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating the configuration of a copying apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of reflected light entering the zoom lens section shown in the figure. (b) is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the switching filter shown in FIG. 1; FIGS. 5 to 7 are wavelength characteristic diagrams for the first to third color filters shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the original document to be copied, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the first development recognition state, and FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the latent image formation state. FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining an example of a developing unit drive control procedure according to the present invention, FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining an example of a filter switching control procedure according to the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining an example of a developing unit setting control procedure according to the present invention. It is a flow chart explaining an example. In the figure, 6 is a photosensitive drum, 9a is a semiconductor laser, 10a~
10c is a developing unit, 17 is a conveyor belt, 19 is a flapper, 21a to 21d are paper feed rollers, 22 is an intermediate tray, 23 is a refeed roller, and C0NT is a controller section. Figure (a) Figure (b) Figure Figure Figure 3b 3a Figure Figure Figure Figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] An erasing means for erasing a latent image formed on the photoreceptor by irradiating light onto an arbitrary position on the photoreceptor, and a plurality of developing units for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor into a plurality of colors. A document placed on a document table is exposed to light, and the electrostatic latent images formed on the surface of the photoreceptor by the reflected light are developed by the development unit, and images of different colors are multiplexed on recording paper. A copying apparatus for forming a copying apparatus includes developed color recognition means for recognizing each developed color of the plurality of developing units when a multicolor copying mode is specified, and a developed color recognition means having a specific wavelength characteristic component among the light reflected from the original document. a plurality of color filters that transmit reflected light; an optical sensor that reads image information of the document as a reflectance distribution on the surface of the document from the reflected light of the document received through these color filters; and a plurality of color filters. A filter switching means switches and positions the developed color on the optical axis of the optical sensor corresponding to the developed color recognized by the developed color recognition means, and a filter for each color recognized by the optical sensor is switched and positioned by the filter switching means. 1. A copying apparatus comprising: a recording paper conveyance control means that limits driving of the erasing means and the developing unit based on the reflectance distribution state of the document surface, and immediately discharges the fed recording paper.