JPH04185061A - image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an analog image scanning system that exposes and scans an original image and projects an optical image of the original onto a photoreceptor, and The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a digital scanning system that scans and exposes the photoreceptor with a light beam.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, this type of apparatus has been equipped with an analog image scanning system that scans and exposes an original image onto a photoconductor, and a digital scanning system that scans and exposes a light beam to the photoconductor based on predetermined digital information. configured to perform processing.

In this case, positional information necessary for image formation using a digital scanning system 1. Designation of images to be synthesized.

Designation of development color and the like is performed by area designation means such as an editor, and the configuration is such that multiple transfers of halftone patterns and the like can be performed in a designated specific area using the designated development color.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, these areas such as hatching are usually limited to rectangular areas indicated by diagonal coordinates of two points, etc., so there are few variations in the areas that can be formed ( , there was a problem that its expressive power was extremely low.

In addition, in order to perform the above-mentioned shading process on an area other than the above-mentioned rectangle, it is necessary to perform pre-scanning etc. to recognize the specified area, which requires a large and expensive memory, and the function processing In addition, there was a problem in that the cost involved increased significantly, and considering the scanning time required for bliscanning, it took a considerable amount of time to obtain a desired composite image, resulting in a significant decrease in image forming efficiency.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and it recognizes a digital image designated area during analog image scanning exposure, and also recognizes a digital image designated area during digital image scanning exposure.
By forming a digital image based on desired digital information on the recognized area while blocking the optical path by analog image scanning exposure, you can create an original image by simply specifying the desired shape and color on the original. An object of the present invention is to obtain an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently and inexpensively obtaining a composite image with a simple configuration and full of appeal.

[Means for Solving the Problems] An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a shielding means for shielding an optical path by an analog image scanning system during digital image formation by a digital scanning system, and a shielding means for shielding an optical optical path by an analog image scanning system, and a , an image reading means for reading document information while converting it into a digital signal, a pattern memory for storing a plurality of specific pattern data that can be formed into an image by a digital scanning system, and an analysis means for analyzing the document information read by the image reading means. , and a setting means for setting and outputting specific pattern data read from the pattern memory to the digital scanning system based on the analysis result by the analysis means.

Further, the analysis means is configured to analyze the document information read by the image reading means and extract a specific color area.

[Operation] In the present invention, when the analog image scanning system starts scanning the original, the image reading means reads the original information while converting it into a digital signal, and the analysis means analyzes the read original information. Then, the setting means sets and outputs the specific pattern data read from the pattern memory to the digital scanning system based on the analysis result. In this case, the shielding means shields the optical path of the analog image scanning system during digital image formation by the digital scanning system, making it possible to synthesize the desired digital image with the analog image.

Further, the analysis means analyzes the document information read by the image reading means and extracts a specific color area. Based on the specific color area, the analysis means sets and outputs specific pattern data read from the pattern memory to the digital scanning system, and outputs the specific pattern data to the digital scanning system. This makes it possible to synthesize desired digital images into images.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is a main body of the image forming apparatus, an original scanning section 2. Paper feeding section 3, image forming section 4. It consists of an intermediate tray part 5, etc.

First, the configuration of the document scanning section 2 will be explained.

Reference numeral 2a denotes a controller section, which is composed of a control board in which control elements for comprehensively controlling the image forming sequence are integrated. Note that the controller section 2a includes analysis means, setting means, pattern setting means, pattern color setting means,
It is equipped with hardware that functions as a scanning control means, a second specific color erasing means 9 selection means, and a multiplex control means.

2b is a power switch, and 2c is an original exposure lamp, which together with a scanning mirror constitutes an optical scanning system, which scans and moves at a predetermined speed.

Reference numeral 2d denotes an imaging lens that forms an image of reflected light from the original onto the photosensitive drum 11 of the image forming section 4.

Reference numeral 2e is a part of a buzzer, which notifies a warning of an image forming mode error or the like set by an operation unit, which will be described later. 2f is an optical system drive motor (optical motor) that drives the optical scanning system etc. with high precision.

A CCD unit 401 is disposed near the imaging lens 2d on the analog optical path that guides reflected light from the original onto the photosensitive drum 11, and the color information of the original can be read by scanning the original with a scanning mirror. .

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the analog image scanning system (original scanning section 2 in this embodiment) starts scanning the original, the image reading means reads the original information while converting it into a digital signal. The document information read by the analysis means (in this embodiment, the image processing section 4o2 (see FIG. 2)) is analyzed. Then, the setting means (in this embodiment, the controller 42 (see FIG. 2))
) sets and outputs specific pattern data read out from the pattern memory to the digital scanning system based on this analysis result. At that time, the shielding means (shutter 27) is used to form a digital image by a digital scanning system (in this embodiment, it is composed of a laser unit 45 (see FIG. 2) including a semiconductor laser, etc.), and by an analog image scanning system. It blocks the optical path and makes it possible to synthesize a desired digital image with an analog image.

Further, the analysis means analyzes the document information read by the image reading means and extracts a specific color area.Based on the specific color area, the analysis means sets and outputs specific pattern data read from the pattern memory to the digital scanning system, and outputs the analog image. This makes it possible to synthesize desired digital images into images.

Further, the analysis means analyzes the document information read by the image reading means and extracts specific color data, and outputs the setting to the digital scanning system of specific pattern data read from the pattern memory based on the specific color data, and outputs the setting to the digital scanning system, which is specific pattern data read from the pattern memory. This makes it possible to synthesize desired digital images into images.

Furthermore, for each extracted specific color, the pattern setting means sets and outputs different specific pattern data read from the pattern memory to the digital scanning system, making it possible to synthesize a desired digital image with an analog image in a specific pattern. do.

Further, for each extracted specific color, the pattern color setting means sets a different development color for the specific pattern data read from the pattern memory, making it possible to synthesize a desired digital image with the analog image using a specific pattern of the specific color. shall be.

Further, while the conveyance control means (also served by the controller 42) controls the conveyance of the recording medium through multiple passes (the conveyance path 22, etc.), the scanning control means (also served by the controller 42) scans the original by the analog image scanning system. And by controlling at least one digital scan by the digital image scanning system, it is possible to synthesize a desired digital image with the analog image.

Furthermore, when scanning a document using the analog image scanning system, the first specific color erasing means (for example, the red filter 4o3) cuts light of a specific wavelength, making it possible to form an analog image of a color other than the specific color in the document image. do.

Further, when scanning a document by the analog image scanning system, the second specific color erasing means is connected to the image reading means (CCD unit 40).
1) controls the digital image scanning system based on the document information read by the photosensitive drum 11.
It is possible to erase a latent image of a specific color (blue in this embodiment) formed on the original image, and form an analog image of a color other than the specific color in the original image.

Furthermore, the selection means (also served by the controller 42) selects either the pattern color setting means or the pattern setting means based on the number of developed colors analyzed by the analysis means, and synthesizes the desired digital image with the analog image in a specific pattern. Alternatively, it is possible to combine a desired digital image with an analog image in a specific pattern of a specific color.

Further, the multiplex control means (also served by the controller 42) controls the number of multiple transfer processes executed by the scanning control means and the conveyance control means based on the number of original colors analyzed by the analysis means, and converts the analog image into a desired digital image. To make it possible to combine images in a specific pattern of a specific color a number of times according to the number of original colors.

Next, the paper feed section 3 will be explained.

3a and 3b are paper feed rollers, and these paper feed rollers 3a and 3b
The cut sheet SH is fed into the image forming section 4 by driving.

Next, the image forming section 4 corresponding to the image forming means of the present invention
The configuration of is explained below.

12 is a registration roller and a paper feed roller 3a.

The cut sheet SH fed by the drive of the drive unit 3b is temporarily stopped, and after the image leading edge alignment is synchronized, the cut sheet SH is fed again.

Reference numerals 13a and 13b designate developing units that contain different color developers (red and black), and selectively move one of the developing units h13a and 13b closer to the photosensitive drum 11 by driving solenoids 14a and 14b. and the other is retracted from the photosensitive drum 11. Note that when the above-mentioned recording mode is set from the operation section described later, the controller section 2a can be configured to perform red/black color development only on the recording material (cut sheet SH) for a specific document. Controls the driving of solenoids 14a and 14b.

15 is a transfer charger that transfers the toner image developed by the development units 13a and 13b onto the cut sheet SH;
The cut sheet SH is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 by the post-transfer separation charger 16.

17 is a pre-exposure lamp that neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 and prepares for the next charging. A cleaner device 18 is composed of a cleaning blade and a cleaning roller, and collects toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11.

A fixing device 19 fixes the toner image transferred to the cut sheet SH using heat and pressure. 20 is a conveyance roller;
Reference numeral 1 denotes a flapper which switches the intermediate tray portion in 5 directions via a paper discharge roller 23 or a conveyance path 22, which is the conveyance direction of the cut sheet SH after the fixing process has been completed.

24 is a paper discharge tray, and 25 is a scanner motor that rotates a rotary polygon mirror at a predetermined speed and deflects the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 6. Note that the scanner motor 2
5. A digital scanning unit includes a semiconductor laser 26 and the like, emits a laser beam based on font information corresponding to the input add-on information, forms a superimposed image on the original image and the add-on information, and also forms a superimposed image on the photosensitive drum 11. The latent image area is irradiated with a laser beam to selectively erase the latent image. Alternatively, the latent image is selectively erased by irradiating a laser beam modulated according to image-processed data based on color information read from the CCD unit 401.

Note that the irradiation position of the laser beam onto the photosensitive drum 11 is downstream of the position where the reflected light from the document is projected onto the photosensitive drum 11 with respect to the drum rotation direction.

Reference numeral 27 denotes an exposure shutter that blocks part or all of the reflected light from the original to prevent latent image formation. 403 is a red filter for erasing a red image.

28 is a primary charger. Note that 22a is the transport direction, M
M is the main drive motor.

Next, the configuration of the intermediate training part 5 will be explained.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an intermediate tray, which temporarily stores the cut sheets SH conveyed via the conveyance roller 34, and stores the cut sheets SH conveyed via the conveyance roller 34.
The image is retransmitted to the image forming section 4 via the conveyance path 31 by driving. Note that 32 is a flapper, and 36 is a conveyance path.

Note that S1 to S15 in the figure. Sensors S19 to S23 are sensors, and sensor S1 detects the home position of the optical system serving as an analog scanning unit, and the optical system stops at this position during standby. Sensor S2 detects that the optical system has moved to a position corresponding to the leading edge position of the original image, and controls the timing of the copy sequence based on this sensor output. Sensor S3 is at the limiter position (inverted position) during maximum scanning. The optical system reciprocates with a scan length according to the cassette size and magnification inputted via an operation section, which will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller section 2a shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes an operation unit, and the copy mode (single-sided copy 9
keys for setting double-sided copying, multiple copying, copy mode magnification, paper size, etc.; 42 is a control unit (controller); CPU 42a, ROM 42b, RAM 42;
c, etc., and performs overall control of the image forming sequence based on a control program stored in the ROM 42b.

Reference numeral 43 denotes an editor for inputting area information for a desired area of the document. Reference numeral 44 denotes a shutter section, which is composed of an exposure shutter 27 and a solenoid.

A COD unit 401 detects color information of a document, performs image processing in an image processing unit 402 under instructions from a controller 42, and transmits a signal to a laser unit 45.

The laser section 45 includes a semiconductor laser 26. scanner morph 2
Consists of 5th grade. 46 is an AC driver that supplies AC power to an AC load 47 such as the document exposure lamp 20. 4
A motor control section 8 controls the drive of the motor section. 49
is a DC load control section, and solenoids 14a and 14b
, clutch, fan, etc.

A feeder control section 50a controls driving of the document feeding section. Reference numeral 50b denotes a sorter, which discharges the cutsheet (SH) discharged by the drive of the paper discharge roller 23 to a designated paper discharge pin.

HVT is a high-voltage unit that includes the charging system and developing unit 1.
A voltage of a predetermined potential is applied to the developing sleeves 3a and 13b.

DCP is a DC power supply and supplies a control potential +5■ to the controller section 2a and the like.

When the power switch 2b is turned on, first, the heater in the fixing device 19 is energized and waits (wait time) for the fixing roller to reach a predetermined temperature at which fixing can be performed. When the fixing roller reaches a predetermined temperature, the main drive motor MM is driven for a certain period of time, and the photosensitive drum 11. The fixing device 19 and the like are driven to set the rollers in the fixing device 19 at a uniform temperature (weight release rotation). Thereafter, the main drive motor MM is stopped and the copying device is placed on standby (standby state).

Here, the main drive motor MM includes the photosensitive drum 11, the fixing device 19 . The developing units 13a and 13b and various transfer paper conveyance rollers are driven. Then, when a copy command is input from the operation unit 41, an image forming sequence is started.

(1) Description of image formation The main drive motor MM rotates in response to a copy command, and the photosensitive drum 11 begins to rotate in the direction of the arrow. Gives a uniform charge. Next, the original exposure lamp 2c is turned on, the optical motor 2f is driven, the original placed on the original table is exposed and scanned in the direction of the arrow, and the photosensitive drum 1
Project onto 1. In this way, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11.

At this time, unnecessary charges outside the image area are erased by a laser unit composed of a semiconductor laser 26, a rotating polygon mirror, and the like.

Next, this latent image is developed by the developing unit 13a or 13b, and transferred to the cut sheet SH at the transfer charger 15, and the cut sheet SH is separated from the photosensitive drum 11 at the separation charger 16. .

Next, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 is collected by the cleaner device 18, and the static electricity is uniformly removed by the pre-exposure lamp 17, after which the copy cycle is repeated again.

In addition, the laser unit can irradiate a laser beam to any location on the photosensitive drum 11 to erase a part of the latent image, and stamp information (Important, Urgent, etc.), which is add-on information input from the operation unit 41, can be used to erase part of the latent image.

Additional information to be superimposed on the document can be recorded on the cut sheet SH by irradiating a laser beam according to the status (circulation, copy prohibition, secret, etc.) or a laser beam according to the color information from the CCD unit 401. ing.

The developing units 13a and 13b are brought into contact with one of the photosensitive drums 11 in response to a selection command from the operating section 41.

In this embodiment, the developing unit 13a stores color toner (for example, red toner), and the developing unit 13b stores color toner (for example, red toner).
contains black toner, and the solenoids 14a and 14b
Approaching/retreating from the photosensitive drum 11 is performed by this. Note that a developing bias voltage is applied to the developing sleeves of the developing units 13a and 13b from the high voltage unit HVT.

In addition, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment can perform not only normal one-sided copying but also double-sided copying and multiplex copying.
The cut sheet SH that has passed through the degree fixing device 19 has different conditions such as the resistance value of the paper compared to when copying the first side. Also, the first side and both sides or the second side when making multiple copies.
Conditions are different depending on face. Each high voltage value of these developing biases or transfer 9 separations is determined by the high voltage unit H.
Controlled by VT.

The optical system controls the motor control unit 4 according to instructions from the control unit 42.
The reciprocating control is performed by rotating the optical motor 2f forward or reverse via 8.

(2) Control of cut sheet SH Sensor S9 in FIG. Sll detects the empty state of paper in the cassette and the lower cassette, respectively, and the sensors 10 and 12 detect the lifting state of the paper feed rollers 3a and 3b. Moreover, sensor S22. S23 detects the cassette size.

Hereinafter, since the upper and lower stages perform similar operations, the paper feeding operation for the upper stage will be described.

First, when the upper cassette is inserted, the sensor S22 reads the size and identifies the cassette size, turns off the paper out indicator of the operation section 41, and selectively turns on the cassette size.

Next, when the copy operation starts with the copy command,
Turn on the middle plate lifting clutch (not shown) to raise the middle plate in the cassette and raise the cut sheet SH. As a result, the cut sheet SH rises, contacts the paper feed roller 3a, and when it reaches a predetermined height, the sensor S10 outputs an output, turns off the clutch, drives the paper feed roller 3a, and transfers the cut sheet SH into the machine. supply.

As described above, the cut sheet SH in the cassette is raised by the middle plate raising clutch, and thereafter the raised position is maintained, and the raising operation is not performed at the next copy start. Also, during continuous copying, the cut sheet SH in the cassette
When the upper surface of the cut sheet SH becomes lower than a predetermined position due to a decrease in the cut sheet SH, the clutch ONL is similarly raised to a predetermined height.

The cut sheet SH supplied into the machine reaches the sensor S7, and since the registration rollers 12 are stopped, it forms an appropriate loop and stops.

Next, in order to align the leading edge of the image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 with the leading edge of the cut sheet SH, the registration roller 12 is driven by a timing signal from the optical system. After the image on 11 is transferred to cut sheet SH, cut sheet SH is separated from photosensitive drum 11 by separation charger 16 and sent to fixing device 19 by a conveyance mechanism.

In the fixing device, the surface of the fixing roller is controlled to a predetermined temperature by a temperature sensor and a heater (not shown) arranged on the surface of the fixing roller, and the image on the cut sheet SH is fixed here, and then a sensor S4 detects the ejected sheet. The paper is then discharged to the outside of the machine by the paper discharge rollers 23.

Next, in the case of multiple copies, the flapper 21 is operated by a solenoid (
The cut sheet SH, which has been fed, transferred, separated, and fixed, passes through the transport path 22 and is sequentially transported in the transport direction 22a, and the sensor S5 detects the paper After this is detected, it is detected by sensors S6, 38, etc., and the lateral registration alignment is performed by a solenoid for lateral registration alignment.

Next, the registration rollers 12 are driven by a command from the controller 42, and the cut sheet SH is transferred to the registration rollers 12.
Send to the position.

Thereafter, the paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 24 in the same manner as described above.

In addition, during double-sided copying, the transfer sheet is ejected halfway by the paper ejection roller 23 as in the case of the normal copying operation, but the trailing edge of the cut sheet SH is ejected by the flapper 23.
After passing through the cut sheet SH, the paper discharge roller 23 is driven in the reverse direction, and the cut sheet SH is guided by the flapper 21 and introduced into the conveyance path 22.

This reverse drive is performed by a solenoid that controls forward and reverse rotation. The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above. In this way, in the case of double-sided copying, the cut sheet sH is taken out of the machine from the -degree paper discharge roller 23, and the cut sheet sH is reversed from front to back by the reverse drive of the paper discharge roller 23, and the cut sheet sH is reversed in the transport direction 2.
Sent to 2a.

Although multiple copying of one sheet and double-sided copying have been described above, in the case of multiple copying of a plurality of sheets or double-sided copying, the intermediate tray portion 5 is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate tray portion 5 is provided with an intermediate tray 30 that temporarily stores the cut sheet SH on the conveyance path 31. As shown in FIG. In the case of multiple copying of multiple sheets, the fixed cut sheet SH is partially ejected by the paper ejection roller 23 under the same control as in the case of double-sided copying of the single sheet copy described above, and then the paper ejection roller 23 is driven in the reverse direction. By doing so, the conveyance path 22 and the flapper 32. It is stored in the intermediate tray 3o via the conveyance path 36.

This operation is repeated, and after all of the first side is stored in the intermediate tray 30, the feeding roller 33 is driven for the second side in response to the next copy command, and copying of the second side is executed via the conveyance path 36.

On the other hand, in the case of multiple double-sided copies, the paper passes from the fixing device 19 through the conveyance path 22, 36 by the flapper 21 and is stored in the intermediate tray 30 under the same control as in the case of single-direction double-sided copying.

The subsequent operations are the same as in the case of multiple copying described above, and will therefore be omitted.

In addition, in an apparatus in which an intermediate tray is configured in the image forming section 4, there is a limit to the length of cut sheets SH that can be temporarily stored, as shown in FIG. SH is paper that is half size or smaller.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating an example of an automatic document feeder disposed on the top surface of the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIG. It is.

The structure and operation will be explained below.

The automatic document feeder 51 is disposed facing the platen glass 52 of the document scanning section 2, and includes a conveyor belt 53 wound around a drive roller 54 and a subordinate roller 62. A document stacking table 55 is arranged above the conveyor belt 53 on which a document stack consisting of a plurality of documents S constituting the document stacking table 55 can be stacked. A recycle lever 56 separates the document S stacked on the document stacking table 55 into an unprocessed document and a processed document. Further, a half-moon-shaped paper feed roller 57 is disposed at the base end 55a of this document stacking table 55, and further downstream of this paper feed roller 57, there is a separation section conveying roller 59 and a separation belt 60. The document stack stacked on the document stacking table 55 is fed by the paper feed roller 57 toward the separation section transport roller 591 and the separation belt 6o, and the separation belt 60 rotates in the document feeding direction. The documents are separated and fed one by one starting from the lowest document S. Also,
A paper feed stopper 61 is disposed between the paper feed roller 57 and the separation unit transport roller 591 and the separation belt 6o, and is positioned at the solid line position when the document S is set to position the leading edge of the document. When the stopper solenoid is energized, it moves to the position shown by the broken line. Further, from the downstream of the separating section conveying roller 599 and the separating belt 60, the conveying belt 53
A paper feed path 63 is provided throughout the area, and the document S sent out from these separation section transport rollers 591 and separation belt 6o is fed between the transport belt 53 and the platen glass 52 through this paper feed path 63. and placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 52. A paper discharge path 66 is provided near the paper feed path 63 and extends along the outer periphery of the reversing roller 65 to the document stacking table 55, and the document S placed at a predetermined position on the platen glass 52 is The document is conveyed again, passes through the document discharge path 66, and is transferred to the document stacking table 5 by the document discharge roller 67 provided at the downstream end of the document discharge path 66.
The document S is discharged onto the top of the document S stacked on the document S 5 . moreover,
Branching from this paper ejection path 66 at the upper part of the reversing roller 65,
A reversing path 69 that merges with the paper feed path 63 is arranged, and a branch of the reversing path 69 and the paper ejection path 66 is where the original
A flapper 70 is provided to switch the conveyance path of the document S. When the document is ejected, the document is guided toward the document stacking table 55 at the solid line position, and when the document is reversed, the flapper solenoid is energized to move the document S to the dotted line position. The reversing path 69 is guided toward the platen glass 52. In addition, the paper feed path 6
3 and the reversing path 69, there is a conveyance roller 71a downstream of the confluence
is arranged, and the paper feeding path 63 or the reversing path 69
It is configured to transport the original guided toward the platen glass 52.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the scanning operation of the semiconductor laser 26 shown in FIG. 1.

In the figure, 71 is a polygon mirror, which is rotated by the scanner motor 25 at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow. The polygon mirror 71 deflects the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 26, and the spherical lens 72. toric lens 7
3. A laser beam modulated based on digital information is imaged on the photosensitive drum 11 via the folding mirror 75. Reference numeral 74 denotes a beam sensor composed of, for example, a photodiode, which receives a laser beam immediately before image writing, and outputs a beam detect signal to a pulse width shaping circuit 9o, which will be described later.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of the laser section 45 shown in FIG. 2, and the structure and operation will be described below.

From the controller 42, the position of a predetermined blank area, copy magnification 1 paper size, photo mode, add-on character code,
Laser unit control information such as add-on position and base color area is stored in a well-known two-bottom RAM 8 to a laser unit controller 80.
3. Here, the blank area is an area of a marker portion to be erased in a latent image formed by an analog image scanning system during the first scan in a sequence described below.

The laser unit controller 80 alternately rewrites erase data for erasing the blank RAMs 85 and 86 according to an external program.

The blank area data read control circuit 96 outputs control signals to the blank address counter 95 and 8-bit shift register 88, and outputs area data to the data control circuit 100.

The blanking RAMs 85 and 86 each have a capacity to write one line of data. The laser unit controller 8o sets the area data to R for blanking.
While writing data to one AM85.86, a control signal is output to the address switching circuit 84 and the blank data switching circuit 87 so that data can be read from the other.

Furthermore, address control will be explained.

The font ROMB2 contains stamp information 14, which will be described later.
0 (confidential, urgent 9th circular 9 important, copy prohibited, and fonts that correspond to the character code specified from the input information area,
Predetermined superimposition pattern data is stored) font data is stored in advance. The laser section controller 80 reads font data from the font ROM 82 according to the add-on character code, and adds the add-on R.
Set it to AM103. Add-on character position designation data is written into the laser unit controller 80. The add-on controller 89 reads data from the add-on RAM 103 in response to a start signal from the laser unit controller 80 and outputs the data to the data control circuit 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 26 is deflected by a rotating polygon mirror 71, and is deflected by a spherical lens 72. Pass through the toric lens 73,
The photosensitive drum 11 is scanned.

At this time, in order to extract the horizontal synchronization signal, a beam sensor 74 composed of a photodiode or the like is arranged above the laser beam scanning. The beam detect signal output from the beam sensor 74 is input to the laser section 45. Then, the pulse width shaping circuit 90 inputs the pulse width shaping circuit 90, and after waveform shaping, the pulse synchronization circuit 91. BD and other signals are input to the interrupt terminal of the laser section controller 80 and the pulse synchronization circuit 92.

The laser unit controller 80 generates an interrupt every time a BD signal or other signal is generated, and writes control data to the blank RAMs 84 and 85. Further, the laser unit controller 8o outputs a control signal in the sub-scanning direction by counting the number of interruptions of BD and other signals. The pulse synchronization circuit 91 outputs a reset pulse to the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 93 in synchronization with the rise of the BD and other signals described above. The horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 93 outputs a clock HCLK synchronized with the BD and other signals, and is composed of a reference clock generation circuit and a frequency dividing circuit.

The pulse synchronization circuit 92 generates a BD synchronization signal H5Y for synchronizing BD and other signals with reference to the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK.
Generates NC2. The horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is counted by this BD synchronization signal H3YNC2. The output of the horizontal line counter 94 is sent to the timing signal generation circuit 9.
8, and a horizontal timing signal is output from the horizontal line counter 94 at the set count number.

7 and 8 are timing charts illustrating the sending timing of each signal shown in FIG. 6, and the same parts as in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, the horizontal synchronization clock generation circuit 9
The horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is generated by resetting the reference clock frequency division counter in 3 with the rising detection pulse H3YNC1. Next, a BD synchronization signal H3YNC2 is generated using the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK,
Reset the horizontal line counter 94.

In addition, as can be seen from FIG. 8, the horizontal line counter 9
From the output of 4, set signal VBSET, reset signal V
BR3T is created and an image area signal blank signal is generated. Further, the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is used as a clock for reading data from the add-on RAM 103.

As the data read clock from the blanking RAM 85.86, a clock CLKM obtained by dividing the horizontal synchronization clock HCLK is used to make the resolution of blank area specification variable.

Also, set signal VBSET, reset signal VBR3
T generates a BD enable signal BDENB, and if a horizontal synchronization waveform (beam detect signal) is not input within a predetermined period, a horizontal synchronization signal error detection circuit 97 outputs a BD error signal to the laser unit controller 80. . When the laser unit controller 80 detects the above-mentioned BD error signal, it stores the abnormal status in two bits of RAM.
83 to the controller section 2a.

A dot erase circuit 99 outputs erase data DEDATA to the data control circuit 100 so that the dot pattern set in the base color mode and screen mode is formed. 101 is a laser drive circuit, which receives a control start signal A from the controller section 2a.
Light amount control is started using the PCON and APC clocks. At that time, the ready signal A is sent from the laser drive circuit 101.
PCRDY is output to the controller section 2a.

105 is a CCD data control circuit in which signals such as image data and marker area data from the CCD unit 401 are manually input and stored in the line memory 104.

Data is read out from the line memory 104 in accordance with the scaling factor based on the scaling signal from the controller 42, and includes the add-on information signal FDETA, the blank information signal BDATA, and the dot erase signal DEA.
Signals such as image data and marker area data are sent to the data control circuit 100 in synchronization with TA. The CCD data control circuit 105 also outputs the image address on the document of area data based on the marker, such as the start point, end point, and start point in the horizontal line direction in the horizontal synchronization direction.
An address signal of the end point address is written into the two-bottom RAM 83 via the laser unit controller 80.

A laser scanner motor controller 102 executes drive control of the scanner motor 25 in synchronization with a control start signal LSCON from the controller section 2a. At this time, the laser scanner motor controller 102 outputs a ready signal LSCRDY to the controller section 2a.

Next, add-on information mode setting and add-on information input processing will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the editor 43 shown in FIG. 2, in which reference numeral 110 denotes an editor section, which also serves as a document pressure plate for pressing down the copy document placed on the document table glass.

Reference numeral 111 denotes a document setting surface on which a document is placed when specifying an area.

Reference numeral 112 is a reference mark that is abutted against the edge of the document. 11
4 is an input information area in which character information shown in the figure can be input.

Reference numeral 121 denotes an area designation key, which is pressed when setting the area designation mode. Note that when the area designation key 121 is pressed, the area designation mode indicator 120 lights up. 12
Reference numeral 2 denotes an area memory key, which is pressed to store area information at a position specified with the stylus pen 113 when the area designation key 121 is pressed. Reference numeral 123 denotes a mode selection key, which is pressed when the area designation key 121 is pressed to designate the development units 13a and 13b in the designated area and print by color.

Note that when the mode selection key 123 is pressed, a combination of two colors corresponding to the color of the toner contained in the developing unit 13b, which is replaceable with the developing unit 13a, is displayed on the display 132.
Seven types are displayed.

When the area memory key 122 is pressed, the indicator 131
lights up.

124 is a clear key, which is pressed to cancel the set area designation mode. When the clear key 124 is pressed, the area designation mode display 120 turns off. 125
is an add-on mode setting key corresponding to the first mode setting means described above, which is pressed when writing characters on a copy image. When the add-on mode setting key 125 is pressed, the display 134 lights up. 126 is a character size specification key, in this embodiment, the character size for superimposed writing is set to 4 mm;
8 mm can be specified, and the indicators 135 and 136 of the specified size are lit.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a direction designation key, which is pressed to designate the writing direction of the add-on character to be vertical or horizontal, and the indicators 137 and 138 of the designated direction light up. Further, 305 is an auto key, which is pressed to recognize a marker written on a document and automatically determine the writing direction of an add-on character.

Reference numeral 128 denotes an input end key, which is pressed to end the input of add-on characters. 129 is a clear key, which is pressed to cancel the add-on mode.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a stamp mode setting key corresponding to the second mode setting means. When this stamp mode setting key 130 is pressed, the display 139 lights up and the document setting surface 111
Stamp information 140 (Secret 9 Important, Urgent 9 Circulation, Copying prohibited) etc. printed in advance on the stylus pen 113
The second recording mode setting is notified to the controller 42 by giving an instruction at . Furthermore, 144 is a key for instructing the front and back sides of a double-sided document. Reference numerals 142 and 143 are indicators showing the indicated state of the front and back sides.

141 is a clear key, and when this clear key 141 is pressed, the second recording mode is canceled.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the editor 43 shown in FIG. 2, and the same components as in FIG. 9 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, reference numeral 151 denotes an editor control section that analyzes coordinate information output from a coordinate reading section 152 and a key input section (various keys shown in FIG. 9) 153, and specifies input information to the controller section 2a. Outputs mode, character code, etc. A display 154 corresponds to the various displays shown in FIG. 9 and displays the above-mentioned modes.

[Description of Operation Unit 1 Next, the configuration of the operation unit 200 shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

In the figure, 201 is a power switch that controls power supply to the image forming apparatus. A reset key 202 operates as a key for returning the copy mode to the standard mode during standby. 203 is a copy key. Reference numeral 204 is a color developer switching key, and this key switches the developer unit 13a.

13b is selected. Numeric keys 205 are mainly used to input the number of images to be formed.

236 is a password input mode key, and after pressing this key, if you enter the password using the numeric keypad 205,
It becomes possible to enable copying operations and prohibit copying operations unless a password is entered. In other words, the copying apparatus can be made usable only by a specific operator.

206 is a key for selecting one of the cassettes 3, 207
209 is a copy density adjustment key, 20th is a key to select the same size copy, 209 is a zoom key to specify the image formation magnification in increments of a predetermined magnification, for example, 1%, and 230 is a key to adjust the image according to the size of the original and the size of the transfer paper. 210 is a standard magnification key that instructs standard reduction or standard enlargement magnification, 211 is a key to designate border erasure of the original, and 212 is a binding acid on one end of the copy paper. 213 is a key for specifying a photo mode for copying a halftone image such as a photo original; 225 is an area specification key for specifying an area; 226 is an area specification key 22
5 is an area call key for partially modifying the contents of the area set by 5, 217 is a guide key for knowing the contents of each function, and 231 is a preheating mode key for setting a preheating mode.

214 is a multiple key for selecting multiple copy mode, and 215 is a multiple key that divides the copy area of the document glass stand into two on the left and right, and automatically selects the multiple copy mode.
Continuous copying key for specifying continuous copying, 216
is a key for selecting double-sided copy mode.

300 is an auto color key that is pressed to recognize the red and blue colors of a document and reproduce them in red and blue, respectively. 301 is an auto cover key that is pressed to reproduce the color of a document in red and blue, respectively. 301 is an auto cover key that can be used to create a cover or partition paper by inserting colored paper into the document loaded on the feeder. Press this when inserting color paper into a desired position. 30
Reference numeral 2 denotes a pace color key, which adds a base color (colors the background) to a portion of the document surrounded by red or blue markers. Reference numeral 303 is a shading key, which is pressed when it is desired to cast a shading on a document image (characters, etc.). Reference numeral 304 is a marker processing key, which is pressed to erase inside or outside the area surrounded by markers on the document, and also used to select between erasing within the area and erasing outside the area while looking at the display 138. .

219 and 220 are keys for specifying the operation of the sorter 50b. Numerals 222 to 224 are keys for specifying a mode for writing predetermined character data on a copy image, and specify the date write mode, memo write mode, numbering write mode, etc., respectively. Reference numerals 227 to 229 indicate mode memory keys for storing the set copy mode, and store three copy modes M1 to M3. In addition, 232 is an end key, 2
33 is map key, 234 is down key, 235 is OK
This is the key.

Further, 238 is a liquid crystal display element that displays the number of copies, transfer paper size, set magnification, message, etc.

239 to 25o are indicators based on LEDs (light emitting diodes), and first, 239 functions as a sorter use indicator when the sorter 50b is used.

The display 240 functions as an automatic exposure adjustment display that lights up when the automatic exposure adjustment (AE) key 237 is pressed and AE settings are made. The display 241 functions as a density display corresponding to the operation of the copy density adjustment key 207.

The display 242 displays a color corresponding to the color of the developer when the color developer switching key 204 is pressed and a color developer in the main unit or in the optional multiple developer storage device is selected. Functions as a lighting indicator. The display 243 functions as an auto-magnification display that indicates that the auto-magnification key 230 has been pressed. Display 244 functions as a photo mode indicator. The display 245 functions as a date writing mode display. Display 246 functions as an area designation display. The display 247 functions as a binding mode display. Display 2
48 functions as a memo writing mode indicator. Indicator 249 functions as a frame erase mode indicator.

Display 250 functions as a number writing display.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing section 402 shown in FIG. 2, and the configuration and operation will be described below.

When the original to be copied is a multicolor original, the image processing unit 402 is configured to read the original with a CCD sensor 311 and extract color information, and in this embodiment, blue, red, and black can be detected. It is configured.

The original placed on the original loading table 55 is exposed and scanned in the direction of the arrow, and at the same time as an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11, image information of the original is read by the CCD sensor 311. A continuous analog output signal from the CCD sensor 311 is sampled by a sample and hold circuit 312 and converted into a digital image signal by an A/D converter 313, and then a shading circuit 314 performs shading correction on the digital image signal. .

315 is a color discrimination circuit that uses a lookup table (LUT) 31 that is preset from two digital signals.
8, the signal is converted into color image signals of three colors, blue, red, and black, as described above. The three color image signals are input to a marker processing circuit 318 and an expansion circuit 317. Marker processing circuit 3
18, when an area is specified on the document with a marker pen, a section signal for that area is generated from a color image signal corresponding to the marker color (blue or red). The expansion circuit 317 performs arbitrary expansion on the color image signal selected by the controller 42. For example, if this expansion operation is performed on a color image signal such as a character, a color image signal with thickened lines can be obtained.

This dilation operation can be realized, for example, by ORing each pixel data in a 3×3 pixel window. Furthermore, the width of the expansion can be arbitrarily set by changing the window size.

A data synthesis circuit 319 synthesizes the color image signal of the marker processing circuit 318 and the color image signal of the expansion circuit 317. The output signal from the data synthesis circuit 319 is input to the line memory 320, and is controlled by the line control circuit 321.
By controlling the timing of reading from the line memory 320, the analog latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by exposure scanning and the digital electrostatic latent image formed by laser beam exposure can be aligned on the photosensitive drum 11. will be held.

The output signal C0DDATA from the line control section 321 is
The signal is input to the CCD data control circuit 105 shown in FIG. 6, and becomes an 0N10FF control signal for the laser beam.

Hereinafter, image synthesis processing of a specific pattern in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the image composition processing mode operation of the first specific pattern (dot pattern) in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which PPP is the original, characters rA,
"B, C" are black letters, the letters rBJ are marked in red in a circular shape, and the letters rCJ are marked in blue in a triangular shape.

CCC is the output paper, and the character [A] of the original PPP.

It shows a state in which, for example, a red color is developed in the shape area specified by colors B and CJ with patterns PAI and PA2 corresponding to each color.

First, the operation of the image synthesis processing mode of the first specific pattern (halftone pattern) in which different patterns are shaded and output for each marker color will be described.

During the first copying, the shutter 27 remains open and normal image exposure is performed. At this time, there is a first
A red filter 403 that functions as a specific color erasing means is inserted to optically erase the latent image of the red marker (first
specific color erasure processing).

Regarding the blue markers that are not erased by the red filter 403, the laser unit 45 uses the semiconductor laser 26 for the blue region extracted by the image processing unit 402 analyzing the image information from the CCD unit 401 without scanning the document. O of
N10FF is controlled to erase the latent image in real time (second specific color erasing process). Note that the projection position of the reflected light image of the original and the irradiation of the laser beam are determined until the latent image of the original formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by the analog scanning system moves to the position where the laser beam is irradiated. The erasing area is determined, and the blue area is erased at the laser beam irradiation position.

In this way, the latent image other than the marker color is developed into black, transferred to the transfer paper, and conveyed to the intermediate tray 30 via multiple passes.

Next, color development is performed, but during this scanning, the shutter 27 is shielded to prevent analog light from reaching the photoreceptor. Then, the area within the marker is determined based on the signal read by the CCD unit 401, and a special pattern (mesh pattern (pattern PAL),
Diagonal line pattern (pattern PA2)) in font ROM
82 etc. and the laser unit controller 8
The controller 42 controls the signal to be output to o.

In this way, the latent image with separate patterns for each color is developed in a color different from the initially developed color, is multiple-transferred onto the previous analog image, and the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the image composition processing mode operation of the second specific pattern (dot pattern) in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which PPP is a document, characters FA,
B and CJ are black letters, the letter rBJ is marked in red in a circular shape, and the letter rCJ is marked in blue in a triangular shape.

CCC is the output paper, and the letter "A" of the original PPP.

B, pattern F within the shape area specified by color for Cl
This shows the state in which each color has been developed using AI.

The first analog image forming process is as described above.

When performing the shading process within the red marker for the second time, the shutter 27 is similarly shielded, and only the red area extracted by analyzing the image information output from the CCD unit 401 is shaded.
A latent image of a halftone pattern (pattern PAL) is formed,
Red color development is performed in the selected development unit 13a. Furthermore, the transfer paper goes to the intermediate tray 30 via multiple buses,
Prepare for the third scan. In the third scan, the shutter 27 is also closed, and this time a latent image of a halftone pattern is formed only in the blue area. Then, the image is developed in black by the selected developing unit 13b, transferred to a re-fed transfer sheet, and discharged outside the machine.

Note that in the above embodiment, the two color developing units 13a, 13
Although the description has been given using an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with the image forming apparatus B, if the apparatus is equipped with developing units of three or more colors, the number of developing colors for halftone can be increased.

Further, in the above embodiment, processing such as shading processing using a specific pattern generated based on each color region (closed region) extracted by analog document scanning or developing this specific pattern in different colors was explained. By generating a specific pattern generation signal based on a color signal, the shape of a color image in which a specific pattern can be synthesized is not limited to a closed area, but only a part of the color specified (curved shape) as shown in Fig. 15.
It is also possible to synthesize them in a specific pattern.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating another specific pattern synthesis process in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG.
) shows the state in which the letter "C" of the original PPP is marked in red, and FIG.
1, generates a section signal SG2 from the red detection level SGI obtained from the CCD unit 401,
A specific pattern signal 5GP is generated based on this section signal SG2.
When A is generated, the output is 0U due to the specific pattern FAI.
TI is formed on the transfer paper.

On the other hand, as shown in the same figure (c), the red detection level SGI
When a specific pattern signal 5GPA is generated in response to
An output 0UT2 according to the specific pattern PAL is formed on the transfer paper.

In this way, by controlling to form a latent image of a specific pattern based on the color signal, it becomes possible to combine the specific pattern with an analog image on the transfer paper in an arbitrary shape according to the color instruction shape.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific pattern image synthesis processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (11 to (17)) indicate each step.

First, the red filter 403 is set and the shutter 27 is opened (1).

Next, an analog image exposure scan is performed by an analog scanning system (2), and a latent image in the blue portion of the document is erased and scanned by the semiconductor laser 26 of the laser unit 45 based on the image data from the CCD unit 401 (3). Next, the analog latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by analog scanning exposure is developed in black (4). Next, the image processing unit 402 determines whether or not the marker color portion is detected (5). If No, the process proceeds to step (11) and the transfer sheet is discharged outside the machine. On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is YES, the flapper 21 is controlled to discharge the transfer sheet on which analog image transfer has been completed to the intermediate tray 30 (6).

Next, it is determined whether three or more developing colors are possible.71
, if No, the shutter 27 is closed and the analog image scanning system is operated (8).

Next, different patterns are generated for each color of the closed area using the image data output from the CCD unit 401, and are used as laser beam modulation data (referred to as laser data) (9).

Next, the digital latent image formed based on the laser data is developed into a red color (10), and after the red color development, the transfer paper is discharged outside the machine.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (7) is YES, the CCD
A pattern is generated in the red area by the CCD data output from the unit 401 and is used as laser data (12
). Next, the digital latent image formed based on the laser data is developed in red13), and it is determined whether a blue region exists14).If NO, the transfer paper is ejected from the machine after the second multiple copying. Return to step (11) for printing.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (14) is YES, the transfer paper on which the red color development has been transferred is again ejected to the intermediate tray 3° (15), and a pattern is created in the blue area using the COD data output from the CCD unit 401. It is generated and used as laser data (16). Next, the digital latent image formed based on the laser data is developed in blue (17), and the process returns to step (11).

As a result, it is possible to synthesize a marker portion whose color is designated based on the number of colors to be developed into an analog image with a different specific pattern or with different colors of the specific pattern.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the present invention provides a shielding means for shielding an optical path by an analog image scanning system during digital image formation by a digital scanning system, and converts original information into digital signals when scanning an original by the analog image scanning system. a pattern memory that stores a plurality of specific pattern data that can be formed into an image by a digital scanning system; an analysis device that analyzes document information read by the image reading device; Since the system is equipped with a setting means for setting and outputting specific pattern data read from the pattern memory to the digital scanning system, there is no need to provide an expensive memory.
With a simple color instruction for an original, a specific pattern can be synthesized and output as digital image information on an analog original image with fewer original scans.

In addition, the analysis means is configured to analyze the document information read by the image reading means and extract a specific color area, so that a specific pattern is applied to the specific color area extracted from the color information specified in the document. It can be combined into an image.

Therefore, compared to conventional specific pattern compositing processing, a desired composite image can be obtained efficiently and at low cost with simple operations and with significantly fewer processing steps.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller section shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part explaining the structure of a part of the intermediate tray shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. cross-sectional view,
5 is a plan view illustrating the scanning operation of the semiconductor laser shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram illustrating the configuration of the laser section shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. The figure shows the 6th
9 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the editor shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 10 is a control configuration of the editor shown in FIG. 2. 11 is a block diagram explaining the third
Detailed plan view illustrating the configuration of the operating section shown in the figure, 12th
13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image processing section shown in FIG. 2, FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram explaining the operation of the first specific pattern image synthesis processing mode in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram explaining another specific pattern synthesis processing in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 16 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a specific pattern image synthesis processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is the main body of the image forming apparatus, 2 is a document scanning section, 2a is a controller section, 3 is a paper feed section, 4 is an image forming section, and 5 is a part of an intermediate tray. Figure 5 Figure 10 Figure 13 Original Copy Original Copy Figure 5

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) comprising an analog image scanning system that exposes and scans an original image and projects a light image of the original onto a photoreceptor; and a digital scanning system that scans and exposes the photoreceptor with a light beam based on predetermined digital information; An image forming apparatus capable of forming a composite image of the original image and an image based on the digital information, further comprising: a shielding means for shielding an optical path of an analog image scanning system during digital image formation by the digital scanning system; When scanning a document using the scanning system,
an image reading unit that reads document information while converting it into a digital signal; a pattern memory that stores specific pattern data that can be formed into an image by the digital scanning system;
The present invention is characterized by comprising an analysis means for analyzing document information read by the image reading means, and a setting means for setting and outputting pattern data read from the pattern memory to a digital scanning system based on the analysis result by the analysis means. image forming apparatus. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysis means analyzes the document information read by the image reading means and extracts a specific color area.