JPH0445659A - 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 image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that can set a plurality of areas and form different images for each area. .

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, multiple areas are set,
Some image processing systems can perform different image processing for each area. An example of an image processing system in such a conventional image forming apparatus will be described below with reference to a schematic block diagram shown in FIG.

In FIG. 12, Y is an image processing system having three image processing units A, B, and C that are different from each other. This image processing system Y includes, for example, image processing I for three functions;
I[, I[[ can be performed respectively. and,
For example, image processing section A is used for functional engineering, image processing section B is used for function (2), and image processing section C is used for function m. Further, D is an image mask processing section, which masks an image according to a control signal 1 from a control section (not shown).

In an image forming apparatus having such an image processing system,
For example, processing when area setting as shown in FIG. 13 is performed will be described.

Note that function engineering is set for area a, function ■ is set for area b, function m is set for area C, and normal image processing with no special function is set for back d. It is assumed that It is assumed that the image signal is input as a scan signal to an area in which the Y direction in FIG. 13 is the main scan and the X direction is the sub scan.

In such an image forming apparatus, an image set as described above is formed by the following procedure.

In this case, it is impossible to form an image in one scan, and first, in the first scan, an image of the back d portion is formed. At this time, the parameters of each processing section A, B, and C are set to a normal state in which no particular function is used. Further, areas a, b, and c are masked by the image mask processing unit, and these areas are left blank.

Next, an image of area a is formed by a second scan. Since a functional engineer is set for area a, parameters corresponding to it are set in image processing section A. In addition, the image processing sections (2) and (2) remain with the normal parameters. In this way, when the back d was formed earlier, the image of the area a is formed in the area a that was left blank in this second scan.

Similarly, images of area b and area C are formed in the third and fourth scans, and image formation is completed in a total of four scans.

Furthermore, another example of image processing is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, there are three image processing sections D, E, and F, each of which has two image processing sections.
In order to accommodate different types of data, there are two banks D1 and D2,
It is equipped with El-F2 and Fl-F2, respectively. Here, each bank receives bank switching signals 1 and 1 from a control section (not shown).
2.3.

By adopting such a configuration, unlike the above example, each image processing unit D
-By switching banks of F to form an image,
Image scanning is required only once.

That is, considering the case where settings as shown in FIG. 13 are made, normal image processing parameters corresponding to back d are set in bank 1 of each image processing unit D-F, and bank 2
Parameters for each image processing set for each area are set in .

Then, during scanning, banks are switched and processing is performed in the corresponding area to complete image formation.

“[Problem that the invention is trying to solve] However,
The above conventional example had the following drawbacks.

First, in the first example mentioned above, it is possible to correspond to any area setting regardless of the number and location of areas, but
Since it is necessary to perform image scanning for the number of set areas plus one image scan, when a large number of areas are set, a large amount of time is required for image formation.

Next, in the second example described above, by having two banks, it is possible to form an image with only one scan, but this may not be possible depending on the setting state of each area. For example, in Figure 13, if the same function with different contents is set in area a and area b (for example, the same monocolor mode, but area a is red monocolor and area b is blue monocolor), one Image processing will be used for two areas.

In this case, different parameters will be set in the same image processing unit for three areas: back d, area a, and area b, but this cannot be handled because there are only two banks.

Also, set the parameters for back d in one bank and the data for area a in the other bank, and set J5m
, It is possible to reset the data for area b after scanning area a, but in the case of Y direction scanning, it takes a long time to set the data in the image processing unit compared to the scanning speed. Therefore, it is impossible.

Furthermore, assuming such a case, banks of image processing units may be provided as many as the number of areas, but this increases the scale of the image processing units and increases the cost.

The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that has a simple configuration and improves the degree of freedom in area setting.

[Means and operations for solving the problems] In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, in an image forming apparatus that is capable of setting a plurality of areas and forming different images for each area, there is provided a determining means for determining the setting state of the plurality of set areas, and a setting determined by the determining means. and an image forming means for forming an image of each area based on the state.

Preferably, the image forming means includes a selection means for selecting a plurality of image processing units for processing the image according to the setting state of each area, and a combination of the image processing units selected by the selection means. One embodiment includes a control means for controlling the number of times each area is read.

[Embodiment] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of the digital color copying machine used in this embodiment.

This digital color copying machine 10 is roughly divided into two elements.

That is, as a first major element, there is provided a color image scanner section (hereinafter abbreviated as "league section") 12 that reads an upper document image in color and outputs digital color image data. Furthermore, this League Division 1
A controller unit 14 is built into the controller 2 and has processing functions such as performing various types of image processing on digital color image data and interfacing with external devices.

The second major element is a printer section 20 located below the league section 12 for recording color digital image signals output from the controller section 14 of the league section 12 on a recording paper. We are prepared.

The league unit 12 reads image information from originals of various shapes and sizes, such as three-dimensional, sheet-like, or large-sized sheet-like originals, which are placed face down on a document table (not shown) below the original holding plate 16. It also has a built-in mechanism.

Further, on one side of the upper surface of the league section 12, an operation section 18 connected to the controller section 14 is provided. This operation section 18 is for inputting various information and operation fingers for the copying machine.

Further, the controller section 14 is configured to issue operational instructions to the league section 12 and the printer section 2o in accordance with information input via the operation section 18. When it is necessary to perform complex editing processing, etc., a digitizer or the like can be attached to the original holding plate 16 and connected to the controller unit 14, thereby allowing more advanced image processing to be performed. It becomes possible.

On the other hand, in the printer section 20 of this embodiment,
A full color ink jet printer using an ink bubble jet recording head as described in Japanese Patent No. 4-59936 is used.

The above-mentioned two main elements can be separated from each other, and can also be installed at separate locations by extending the connecting cable.

The above-mentioned general elements will be explained in detail below.

Figure 2 shows the digital color copy 10 shown in Figure 1.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the device when viewed from the side.

(League Division 12) First, the configuration of the league section 12 of the copying machine 10 will be explained.

In the league part 12, an exposure lamp 22, a lens 24
, an image of the document placed on the document platen glass 28 by an image sensor 26 (in this embodiment, a CCD sensor is used) capable of reading line images in full color, an image projected by a projector, or a sheet feeding mechanism. The image of the sheet-like original by 30 is read.

Next, the league section 12 and the controller section 14 perform various types of image processing on the image information read by the league section 12 in this way, and then the read and image-processed information is sent to the printer section 20. It is then recorded on recording paper.

(Printer section 20) Next, in the printer section 2o, recording paper is stored in a paper feed cassette 32 that stores cut sheets of small standard sizes (A4 to A3 size in this embodiment) and large size (A2 in this embodiment). Roll paper 3 for recording (up to A1 size)
4 is selectively supplied.

Further, paper feeding is started in response to a print start instruction from the controller unit 14, and the paper is first conveyed to the paper feeding position 44 through the following route. In addition, in this example,
Manual paper feeding is performed by manually inserting recording paper one sheet at a time through the manual feed slot 34 along the paper feed unit cover 38.
This also makes it possible to feed paper from outside the device.

In the case of feeding recording paper from the paper cassette 32 installed in the printer unit 20, cut sheets are placed one by one from the paper cassette 32 on the upper surface of the paper feeding end of the recording paper set side of the paper cassette 32. A big up roller 40 for taking out is provided.

Therefore, by driving the big up roller 40, the uppermost recording paper set in the paper feed cassette 32 is taken out and sent to the cut paper feed roller 42, and then the roller - It is conveyed to the roller 44.

On the other hand, in the case of roll paper 34, roll paper feed roller 4
6, the sheet is continuously fed out, cut into a regular length by a cutter 48, and conveyed to the above-mentioned sheet feeding position 44.

Similarly, when paper is fed manually from the manual feeder 036, the manually fed recording paper is conveyed to the paper feeding roller 44 by the manual feed roller 50.

Here, a big up roller 40, a cut paper feed roller 42, a roll paper feed roller 46, a 10th paper feed roller 4
4. The manual feed roller 50 is driven by a paper feed motor (not shown) (a DC servo motor is used in this embodiment), and the rotational drive can be controlled on and off at any time by an electromagnetic clutch attached to each roller. It is configured so that it can be done.

The recording paper selectively fed from any of the above-mentioned paper feeding paths in this manner is conveyed to the paper feeding number 10-ra 44.

In addition, in order to eliminate the skew of the recording paper, when feeding the recording paper, after forming a predetermined amount of paper loops on the recording paper, the paper feeder No. 10-ra 44 is turned on and driven to rotate, and then The recording paper is conveyed to the paper feed number 20-ra 52.

Further, between the 10th paper feed roller 44 and the 20th paper feed roller 52, a paper feed roller 64 disposed above the recording head 56 and a 20th paper feed roller 64 disposed below the recording head 56 are provided. In order to carry out an accurate paper feeding operation between the recording paper and the roller 52, the recording paper is configured to slacken a predetermined amount to create a buffer. A buffer amount detection sensor 54 is disposed in this buffer to detect the buffer amount as the slack amount of the recording paper. In this way, by constantly creating a buffer on the recording paper during paper conveyance, the paper feed roller 64 and paper feed roller 52 can be used, especially when conveying large size recording paper.
It is possible to reduce the load placed on the paper and enable accurate paper feeding.

In the printer unit 20 having the recording paper conveyance system configured as described above, when the recording head 56 prints, the scanning carriage 58 on which the recording head 56 is attached is moved by the scanning motor 62 on the carriage rail 60. It is configured to reciprocate in the front and back directions of the drawing and scan the recording paper in the main scanning direction. In the forward scan, an image is printed on the recording paper by the recording head 56, and in the backward scan, the paper feed roller 64 performs a feeding operation in the sub-scanning direction to advance the recording paper by a predetermined amount.

Here, the feed amount along the sub-scanning direction is defined as a constant movement amount to be described later, and here, the feeding amount along the sub-scanning direction is defined as a constant movement amount, which will be described later.
In other words, although not shown, the length corresponds to the width of the suction holes formed over the surface of the platen 74 facing the recording head 56. It is set. This suction hole is for keeping the recording paper in close contact with the platen 74.

In addition, in the recording paper drive control by the scanning motor 62 during this backward scanning, the buffer amount detection sensor 54
While detecting the buffer amount through the , the buffer amount is controlled to always be a predetermined buffer amount.

The printed recording sheet is then discharged to the paper discharge tray 66, completing the above-described series of printing operations.

(Configuration of Scanning Carriage System) Next, the configuration around the scanning carriage 58 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 68 denotes a paper feed motor as a drive source for intermittently feeding the recording paper along the sub-scanning direction.

This paper feed motor 68 can set and change its rotation amount arbitrarily, and drives the paper feed 20th roller 52 via the paper feed roller 64 and the paper feed 20th roller clutch 70. It is configured like this.

Further, the aforementioned scanning motor 62 is connected to the scanning carriage 58.
It is provided as a drive source for reciprocating scanning along the main scanning direction indicated by arrows A and B via the scanning belt 72.

Note that in this embodiment, since accurate paper feed control is required at an arbitrary feed amount, the paper feed motor 68 and the scanning motor 6 are
2, a pulse motor is used.

In this embodiment, a paper pressing member (not shown) is disposed at a position opposite to the lower end of the platen 74, and the paper pressing member fixes the recording paper to the platen while the scanning carriage 56 is scanning. It is controlled so that paper movement does not occur.

Here, when the recording paper reaches the 20th paper feeding roller 52, the clutch 70 for the 20th paper feeding roller and the paper feed motor 68 are turned on, and the leading edge of the recording paper is held between the pair of paper feeding rollers 64. The paper is conveyed on the platen 74 until it reaches the end. Then, the conveyed recording paper is detected by a paper detection sensor 76 provided on the platen 74 as being conveyed past the platen 74, and the sensor information is used for position control, jam control, etc.

When the leading edge of the recording paper reaches the paper feed roller 64, the clutch 70 for the 20th paper feed roller and the paper feed motor 68 are turned off, and then the space inside the platen 74 is filled by the activation of a suction motor (not shown). Negative pressure is created and suction operation is started. Due to this suction operation, the recording paper is pulled onto the platen 74.
It will be attached to the top. At this time, the paper pressing member described above also fixes the recording paper to the platen.

Here, prior to the image printing operation on the recording paper, the scanning carriage 58 is moved to a position where the home position sensor 78 is disposed, and then forward scanning is performed in the direction of arrow A.

In this forward scanning, from a predetermined position, cyan "C",
An image is recorded (printed) by ejecting magenta "M", yellow "Y", and black "K" inks from the recording head 56 as appropriate. After completing the image recording operation for a predetermined length along the main scanning direction, the driving direction of the scanning motor 62 is reversed, and the scanning carriage 58 is moved in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction shown by arrow B. Start the return scan. Scan motor 62 is driven in reverse until scan carriage 58 returns to the home position sensor 78 location.

Also, during this backward scanning, by starting the paper feed motor 68 and rotationally driving the paper feed roller 64, the arrow C
The paper feed operation is performed by the length (width of the recording head 56) along the sub-scanning direction recorded by the recording head 56 as shown by . In this embodiment, the amount of paper feed, that is, the amount of movement in the sub-scanning direction is not only set as a fixed amount of movement corresponding to the width of the recording head 56 described above, but is also determined by the final line width. It may be set to one side movement amount.

In this embodiment, the recording head 56 is an ink jet nozzle, and a total of 256 nozzles are assembled for each color of Y, M, and C.

On the other hand, when the scanning carriage 58 stops at the home position defined by the home position sensor 78,
A recovery operation of the recording head 56 is performed. This recovery operation is a process for performing a stable printing operation, and is a process for preventing unevenness at the start of ejection caused by changes in the viscosity of the ink remaining in the nozzles of the print head 56. In this process, pressure is applied to each nozzle of the recording head 56 according to preprogrammed conditions such as paper feeding time, internal temperature of the apparatus, and ejection time, and ink is ejected from each nozzle.

By repeating the operations described above, the desired image is recorded over the entire surface of the recording paper.

(System Configuration) Next, image signal processing and control of the control system in the digital color copying machine 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 100 is a main CPU that controls the entire apparatus, and the main CPL 1100 includes a printer control CPtJ 102 that controls printer control operations;
A leader control CPU 104 that controls reading control operations, a main image processing section 106 that processes image display operations, and an operation section 108 that serves as an input section for an operator are connected.

Here, the printer control CPU 102 and the league system @cPU
Reference numeral 104 controls the operation of the printer section and the league section, respectively, and is set in a mask-slave relationship with the main CPU 100.

The main image processing unit 106 described above performs image processing such as edge enhancement smoothing, masking, black extraction, binarization, and trimming, and a synchronous memory 110 is connected to the printer control CPL 1102 and the main image processing unit 106. There is. This synchronous memory 110 is for absorbing time variations in input operations and for correcting delays due to the mechanical alignment of the recording heads described above. The output of this synchronous memory 110 is connected to the recording head 56.

The printer control CPU 102 is connected to a printer unit drive system 114 that controls single-handed driving of the printer unit.

The league system [1] CPU 104 also operates an input system image processing unit 116 that performs necessary correction processing in the reading system such as shading correction and color correction γ correction, and a league unit drive system 118 that controls the input drive of the league. It is connected.

Furthermore, a CCD line sensor 120 is connected to the input system image processing section 116.
is connected to the main image processing section 106.

Here, the league section 12 includes a main CPU 100, a league control CPU 104, a main image processing section 106, and an operation section 10.
8, input system image processing section 116, league section drive system 118,
In addition, a CCD line sensor 2 as an image sensor
It consists of 6.

In addition, the printer unit 20 includes a printer system @ CPU 102,
It is composed of a synchronous memory 110, a recording head 56, and a printer drive system 114.

Next, the main image processing section 106 and the input system image processing section 11
6, the structure of the portion particularly characteristic of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 5, 121 is an input masking processing unit;
2 is a log conversion processing section, and this image processing section 121, 12
2 constitutes an input system image processing section 116.

Reference numeral 120 denotes an editing processing section that controls each processing section of the main image processing section to be described later, and 120a indicates a parameter switching flag storage area built into the editing processing section. 123 is a color conversion processing unit that performs color conversion processing of an image signal, 124 is a ratio masking processing unit that performs masking processing, 125 is a γ correction processing unit that performs γ correction, and 126 is an edge enhancement that performs processing such as edge enhancement smoothing. A processing unit 127 is a binarization processing unit that performs image binarization processing, and 134 is a black extraction unit that creates a black component (K) from C, M, and Y data.

In this embodiment, the main image processing section is configured with the above configuration.

Data is set to each image processing unit from the main CPU 100 and the league CPU 104 via the data bus 132.

Each image processing section in this embodiment has two data banks, and receives control signals 12 from the editing processing section 120.
8 to 131 and 135 to 137, and performs image processing according to the parameters set for the selected data bank.

The selection pattern for each data bank of each image processing unit is set by the main CPU 100 via the data bus 132 in correspondence with the image processing to be performed.

Next, details of the copy sequence executed by the main CPU 100, printer control CPU 102, and league system CPU 104 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when a start key (not shown) on the operation unit 108 is pressed, a copy sequence task program is called from a program memory (not shown), and the main CPU
100 advances the process to step S1 in FIG.

In this step S1, a copy area is set according to data set on the operation unit 108 such as the document size, main scanning direction magnification ratio, sub-scanning direction magnification ratio, paper size, etc. and,
In step S2, data necessary for initial settings is sent to the league system@CPU 104, and initial settings are performed in the league unit 12. When this initial setting is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S3, and the printer control CPU 102 is initialized. Data necessary for the settings is sent and initial settings are made in the printer section 20.

When the above processing is completed, the processing proceeds to step S4,
If an area is set on the line to be scanned next, the setting status is determined. This process is a process of determining, for example, the number of scans required for this line, parameter settings for each scan, etc. from the setting state of the area. Then, in step S5, edge enhancement, smoothing,
In order to execute image processing such as masking and binarization, parameters are set in the data bank of each image processing section via the data bus 132, and operation instructions are given to the editing processing section 120.Next, in step S6, In order to synchronize the league section 12 and the printer section 20, the start time of each scan is calculated.

``As a result, the editing processing section 120 thereafter controls each image processing section, performs necessary image processing on the input information, and outputs the input information.

Next, in step S7, when initial operations such as shading correction and paper feeding in the league unit 12 and printer unit 20 are completed and both become scan ready, step S8
The process advances to step S6, and a start signal is transmitted based on the start time calculated in step S6. Then, in step S9, the league section 12 and the printer section 20 are monitored to start the main scanning operation, and when this is confirmed, step S9 is performed.
Proceed to IO processing.

In this step SIO, the data of the image processing unit is rewritten at the necessary time during the main scanning based on the information determined in the above-mentioned step S4. Waits for the end of the game, and when it ends, the process advances to step S12, and the league part 1
2. Next scan mode communication is performed to send information necessary for the next scan to the printer unit 2Q.

When the main scanning is completed, the process advances to step S13, and it is determined whether all the scans in the line determined in step S4 have been completed, and if NO, the process returns to step S5, and the above-mentioned process is repeated. , while YE
In the case of S, the process advances to step S14, and the league section 12
, performs sub-scanning of the printer unit 20, that is, moves to the next reading line, feeds the recording paper, etc., and
In the next step S15, wait for the sub-scanning to end,
When the sub-scanning is completed, printing for one line is completed.

Next, in step S16, it is determined whether copying of all areas has been completed based on the document size, and the step S16 is NO.

In the case of YES, the process returns to step S4 and the above-described process is repeated, but in the case of YES, the copy sequence control operation is ended.

Here, the details of the process of setting the above-mentioned image processing parameters and the image processing according to the parameters will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the types of processing to be performed and the processing areas for image processing in this embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting parameters for the area shown in FIG. 7 and an image processing unit that performs image processing.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the back e is in the normal image mode, the area a is in the photo mode, the area b is in the blue mono-color mode, the area C is in the red mono-color mode, and the area d is in the color conversion mode. In this embodiment, different parameters from the normal image mode are set: Photo mode: Log conversion section 122 and output masking processing section 124 Monochrome mode: Output masking processing section 124 Color conversion mode: Color conversion This is the processing section 123.

Note that in the normal image processing mode, all image processing units are used.

Image formation on the line indicated by "A" in FIG. 7 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9.

First, in step S20, the number of main scans in this line is set to "1", and initialization is performed.
Then, in step S21, parameters for back e, which is normal image processing, are set in each bank 1 of each image processing section.Next, in step S22, it is determined whether there is another area set in this line. Determine whether

Here, this determination is performed by sequentially searching from the beginning of the main scan, so in the example shown in FIG. 7, area a is determined. In other words, the determination in step S22 is YES, and the process advances to the next step 52-3, where the parameters of area a are registered as the first scan data.

In the next step S24, it is determined whether the area functionally overlaps with another area in the sub-scanning direction.

In this example, since there is no corresponding area in area a,
The process returns to step S22 described above, and areas are searched again to determine area b. Then, in step S23, the parameters of area b are similarly registered as data for the first scan.Next, in step S24, the parameters of area b are
Then, as a result of the same determination, the determination is No and the process returns to step S22, but since no other area is set on this line, the process ends.

Thereafter, in step S5 shown in FIG. 6, image processing parameters are registered. Specifically, parameters for back e and area a are set in each image processing section as data for the first scan.

In other words, parameters for the normal image of back e are set in bank 1, and parameters different from normal for area a are set in the log conversion processing unit 122 and the pressure masking processing unit 1.
24 banks 2, respectively. Also, area b
parameters must be set in the output masking processing unit 124, but this processing unit 124 is already used with banks 1.2.

Therefore, the parameters for area b are handled by resetting the data of area b in bank 2 after the processing of area a during scanning is completed. In this case, there is a certain distance between area a and area b in the main scanning direction, so there is enough time to rewrite the parameters.In reality, the interval in the main scanning direction between the areas is one sub-scanning line in the main scanning direction ( (see FIG. 7), the parameters can be rewritten. The parameter rewriting process for area b is performed in step S1 of the main routine shown in FIG.
It is done with 0.

On the other hand, the editing processing unit 120 determines the boundary of the area from the area information determined in step S22 described above, and prepares parameter conversion coordinates for each line based on the result.

This parameter conversion coordinate is a flag for controlling bank switching of each processing section in accordance with the flow of input image processing, and is set in the parameter switching flag 120a.

Each image processing section is controlled according to this parameter switching flag 120a.

During scanning in the sub-scanning direction, when data of area a flows to the log conversion processing section 122 and the output masking processing section 124, a switching signal is outputted to execute the photo mode, and bank 2 is selected.

Then, when the data of area b flows, bank 2 of the output masking processing section 124 is selected so that monochrome mode processing can be performed. In addition to the areas mentioned above,
Each switching signal is controlled to select bank 1 of each image processing section.

Next, image formation on the “B” line shown in FIG.
A description will be given below according to the flowchart shown in the figure.

Note that step S20. S21 is the same as the above example, and the explanation here will be omitted.

In the following step S22, area d is first determined, and in the next step S23, processing is performed in the same manner as in the above example,
The process advances to step S24.

Here, area d coexists with area a in some parts in the sub-scanning direction, but area a is in photo mode and area d is in color conversion mode (see Figure 8), and image processing that is used redundantly. Since there is no part, the determination is No. Then, in step S22, area a is determined and processed in the same manner, and then the process returns to step S22.

Here, area C is determined, and after the same process is performed in step S23, the process proceeds to the next step S24. Area C has a portion that coexists with area B in the sub-scanning direction, and both use different monochrome modes. In this part, the three parameters of the output masking processing unit 124 are back e, area b, and area C.
A lizard is required, but there are only two types of banks.

Furthermore, during the sub-scanning, it is temporally impossible to rewrite the parameter settings for area b written in bank 2, for example, into parameters for area C after the processing in area b is completed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the process proceeds to step S25,
In area b, parameters are registered for printing in the second scan of the main line.

Next, in step S26, the maximum number of areas registered in step S25 plus 1 is registered as the number of scans. In this case, there is one overlapping portion, and the number of areas is "1", so the number of scans is '2'.

In this line, the back e is first scanned in the first scan.
, each image is formed on the area a, area d, and area C, and no image is formed on the area C. This blanking process is performed by a mask circuit in the binarization processing section 127. The switching between masking and non-masking of the image is performed by a switching signal.The masking circuit has the same structure as D shown in FIG.

In the subsequent second scan, area C is printed,
Image formation on this line is completed.

As described above in this embodiment, if it is possible to form an image simply by switching banks for each image processing depending on the area setting state and resetting parameters, it is possible to form an image in one scan, and if it is not possible to In such cases, by combining the two methods of forming images by repeating scanning multiple times, increases in circuit size and printing time can be optimally suppressed.
Moreover, it can handle all area setting patterns.

[Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to related drawings.

In the embodiment described above, each image processing section has two banks, but the configuration is not limited to this type.For example, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the circuit scale allows. If so, it would be possible to have three banks. Here, 143 is an image processing section, and 140 and 141 are bank switching signals.

In this case, the circuit scale and cost will increase, but it will be possible to duplicate functions in up to three areas including the back in the sub-scanning direction, increasing the conditions for image formation in one line, and making complex area settings possible. Even if the number of scans per line is increased, the increase in the number of scans per line can be suppressed.

Further, in the case of the image processing section 144 as shown in FIG. 10(b), the selector changeover switch 142
45, when the image is a normal image, the image processing may not be performed, but when the image is a normal image, the image processing may be performed only when special processing is to be performed.

As described above, the present invention is applied to an image processing system that is capable of selecting at least two types of image processing according to area settings, and is not limited to its specific form.

Further, the hardware configuration of the entire image processing system is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and furthermore, the arrangement order of each image processing section can be arbitrarily combined. It is not necessary for all image processing units to have the same bank configuration (for example, if the circuit scale is relatively small, 4 banks,
Larger ones can also have two banks.

Furthermore, although the description has been made using a serial scan digital color copying machine as an example, the present invention can also be applied to a copying machine equipped with a wide head and capable of forming an image in one line, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the input is not limited to a scanner, but can also be applied to a system that processes and prints an image input from an external device via an I/F. The image output is not limited to a printer, but may also be output to an external device such as a memory or a magnetic disk.

As described above, the present invention is applicable to all image forming apparatuses that can form images by repeatedly scanning the same position multiple times.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the degree of freedom in setting an area for image formation can be improved with a simple configuration.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital color copying machine in an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of a digital color speed copying machine in an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a scanning carriage in an embodiment, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the processing and control system of the digital color copying machine in the embodiment, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the image processing section shown in Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the processing procedure in the embodiment. Flowchart, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the outline of image formation in the embodiment, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing each parameter set in the embodiment, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing area determination processing in the embodiment, 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing the configuration in another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the head configuration of a copying machine in another embodiment. FIG. 12 is an image processing system in a conventional example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining area setting, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another conventional image processing system. Patent applicant Canon Co., Ltd. Agent Yasunori Otsuka (1st name) Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 11 Figure 2 Figure 13 Figure 14

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus that can set a plurality of areas and form different images for each area, a determination means for determining the setting state of the plurality of set areas; An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming means for forming an image of each area based on a setting state. (2) The image forming means includes a selection means for selecting a plurality of image processing units for processing an image according to the setting state of each area, and a combination of each image processing unit selected by the selection means to form a plurality of images for each area. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for controlling the number of times the image is read.