JPH10164355A - Digital image forming equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly make a hard copy by a simple operation by disposing a DSC interface and directly inputting picked-up image data. SOLUTION: The image data photographed in a DSC are fetched to this color copying machine by a DSC interface unit 13. By mounting an IC card storing the image data photographed in the DSC to the DSC interface unit 13, the image data inside the IC card are read by an IC card interface and compressed image data are expanded and restored in a signal conversion part. Also, the image data of the DSC transmitted through a communication cable RS232C cable/RS422 cable are read in an RS232C/RS422 communication interface part and the compressed image data are expanded and restored in the signal conversion part. Thus, the images photographed in the DSC are easily and quickly made into the hard copy by the simple operation of an operation part unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a digital image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method of outputting image data captured by a conventional digital image forming apparatus, for example, a digital still camera (hereinafter, referred to as DSC) which has been commercialized and sold, a digital signal is taken out as a video signal and displayed. Output to a video printer, output to a printer with a built-in DSC, output to a digital copier as a copy,
Further, a method has been developed in which a digital copier equipped with a printer function prints out.

[0003] As a method of outputting to a printer with a built-in DSC, a DSC (JP-A-1-163202) for integrating a DSC main body case and a printer case to output a hard copy of image data, and outputting an output image signal from an element image sensor. DSC (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-160163) which binarizes by a dither pattern method and stores it in an image memory, or DSC which directly prints a video signal obtained by an image pickup device having a small number of pixels on a thermal paper as a black and white image (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
166765) are known.

[0004] However, these DSCs output image data one by one, and can apply applied control such as designating and outputting desired image data or outputting all image data at once. Did not.

In a method of outputting a copy as a copy by a digital copying machine, a DSC, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC) and a digital copying machine are connected, and image data is processed and edited on the PC, and the image is processed. It had to be output as a copy, which was troublesome and time-consuming.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can solve the conventional disadvantages and can quickly make an image photographed by DSC with a simple operation into a hard copy.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a digital image forming apparatus, comprising: an image reading means for reading an image of a document as digital image data; a digital image data read by the image reading means; Image processing means for converting the image data into possible image data, image output means for visualizing the image data converted by the image processing means, and control means for controlling the image output means, the image processing means, and the image reading means. And the image processing means has input means for inputting image data captured by a digital still camera.

[0008] The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention also has first input means for connecting external storage means in which image data is stored to input means, and second input means by connection of a communication interface. I have.

The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
The external storage means is an IC card.

[0010] The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
Communication interface is RS232C and RS422
Communication interface.

[0011] The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
The control means causes the output from the image output means to be output in a preset output format.

[0012] The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
The apparatus has output format selection means for selecting a desired output format from a plurality of preset output formats for the output from the image output means.

The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
The control means outputs one image of the image data on one sheet as an output format, and continuously outputs all the image data.

[0014] In the digital image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control means causes the entire image of the image data to be output on one sheet as an output format.

In the digital image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the control means may output one output image for each specified image of image data.
And output all image data.

In the digital image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control means causes the designated image data to be output from the image data as an output format.

The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
The control means outputs a plurality of designated image data out of the image data as one output format to one sheet of one image, and outputs the designated number of image data.

The digital image forming apparatus of the present invention further comprises:
The control means causes a plurality of designated image data of the image data to be output on one sheet as an output format.

[0019]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a digital image forming apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment is an example in which the digital image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a color copier, and mainly includes a system control unit 1 as a control unit, an image reading unit (scanner unit) 2 as an image reading unit, and an image processing unit. Image processing unit 3, image writing unit 4 as image output means, operation unit 5, copying machine mechanism 6, image display unit 7, drum unit 8, intermediate transfer unit 9, developing unit 10, paper supply unit 11, It comprises a fixing section 12 and a DSC interface section 13 as input means.

The operation of the main constituent units will now be described. The system control unit 1 has a so-called CPU, and controls an image reading unit (scanner unit) 2, an image processing unit 3, an image writing unit 4, an operation unit 5, and the like according to an instruction signal from the operation unit 5. Is transmitted.

The image reading means 2 has a three-line CCD sensor, scans the original while irradiating the original with a light source, reads reflected light of an image from the original with the three-line CCD sensor, and converts the reflected light into digital image data as an image processing unit. 3

The image processing unit 3 includes a scanner γ correction,
Performs image processing such as chromatic / achromatic judgment, character / photo judgment, color conversion, main scanning scaling, processing, area processing, editing, gradation correction processing, and write modulation processing, and according to each image forming mode. The image data is subjected to image processing and sent to the image writing unit 4.

The image writing unit 4 has a laser diode (LD), and performs modulation driving of the LD in accordance with input image data to form a latent image on the photoconductor.

The operation unit 5 has input means such as a liquid crystal operation panel and a numeric keypad. When an operator inputs setting conditions such as a copy mode, the input instruction signal is transmitted to the system control unit 1. .

The drum unit 8 writes a latent image on the rotating drum, which is uniformly charged, by a laser beam from the LD of the image writing unit 4 and the developing unit 1
With 0, the toner adheres and is visualized. The image formed on the photosensitive drum is retransferred onto the transfer belt of the intermediate transfer unit of the intermediate transfer unit 9. On the intermediate transfer belt, toners of four colors Bk, C, M, and Y (in the case of full-color copying) are sequentially superimposed.

The paper feed unit 11 feeds the transfer paper at the same timing as the intermediate transfer belt when the image forming / transfer process for the four colors Bk, C, M, and Y is completed. In the fed transfer paper, toners of four colors are simultaneously transferred from an intermediate transfer belt in a paper transfer unit.

The fixing unit 12 heat-fixes the transfer paper, to which the toner conveyed from the conveyance unit (not shown) is transferred, by a fixing roller and a pressure roller, and discharges the paper.

The DSC interface unit 13
This unit is for taking in image data captured by the DSC into the present color copier, and sends the input image data to the image processing unit 3.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a block diagram showing details of the image data processing section 100. The image data processing unit 3 of the present embodiment mainly includes a system control unit 1, an image reading unit (scanner unit) 2, an image processing unit 3, an operation unit 5, and a DSC interface unit 13.

The system control unit 1 has a CPU for controlling the entire image forming apparatus, and controls the scanner unit 2, the image processing unit 3, the operation unit 5, the image display unit 7, and other units. It communicates with other CPUs that do not, controls the entire apparatus, and controls the DSC interface unit 13.
The system control unit 1 has a ROM in which a control program or data is stored and a RAM in which control processing data and the like are stored.

An image reading unit (scanner unit) 2 is composed of a reading sensor such as a CCD, and reads a document by RGB signals, a signal conversion unit that converts a signal read by the reading unit into a digital signal, and a signal such as shading. It has a correction processing unit and a scanner γ processing unit. If the CCD is a three-line small CCD, it has a line-to-line correction memory and line-to-line correction processing unit that corrects between lines.

The image processing unit 3 performs a selector 1 for switching input image signal data from the scanner unit 2 and the DSC interface 13, a filtering process for RGB signals from the scanner unit 2 or the DSC interface 13, a conversion process to a YMCBk signal, and the like. A color conversion processing unit to be executed, a magnification / reduction processing unit to change the magnification in the main scanning direction, a processing / editing processing unit to perform image processing such as reflection, oblique, hollow, and mirroring, a YMCBk filter, a printer γ, a gradation processing, etc. , A selector 2 for switching between outputting the image data to the writing processing unit and the display processing unit, a writing processing unit for performing signal processing to the LD writing unit, and performing synthesis and editing of images. And a synthesizing / editing processing section having an image memory.

When the digital color image forming apparatus is used, the operation unit 5 is an input means for inputting various mode settings and selections, a display means for displaying various modes set and input by the input means, and an image. It has display means for displaying data.

The DSC interface unit 13
An IC card interface processing unit to which an IC card as an external storage unit is connected, and a conversion process for enabling image processing unit 3 of the digital color image forming apparatus to process image data captured by DSC input from the IC card. Signal converter to perform, R as communication interface
It is composed of an RS232C interface processing unit capable of inputting an S232C standard signal and an RS422 interface processing unit capable of inputting an RS422 standard signal.

Next, the image processing unit of this embodiment performs DS
The operation of outputting the C image data will be described. First, an instruction signal for capturing image data from the DSC is transmitted from the operation unit 5 to the image processing unit 3 by an operator's selection key operation, and the selector 1 of the image processing unit 3 gives priority to image data input from the DSC. Settings.

The DSC interface unit 13
By mounting an IC card storing image data captured by the SC, the image data in the IC card is read by the IC card interface, and the image data compressed by the signal conversion unit is decompressed and restored.

The image data converted by the signal converter of the DSC interface unit 13 is stored in the image processing unit 3.
Processing such as color conversion, scaling, processing / editing, etc., is executed, and then stored in an image memory in an outputable state. The processing performed before the image data is stored in the image memory is not limited to the processing of the present embodiment. For example, the image data may be stored in the image memory immediately after passing through the selector 1 and each image processing may be performed thereafter. is there.

The image data stored in the image memory is read out at a predetermined timing, so that the same writing, development, transfer, and fixing image forming processes as those in normal copying are executed, and the image data is read as a copy image. Is output.

Next, an operation for inputting image data from the DSC via the RS232C / RS422 communication interface instead of inputting image data from the IC card will be described. First, by the operator's selection key operation,
An instruction signal for capturing image data from the DSC is transmitted from the operation unit to the image processing unit 3, whereby the selector 1 of the image processing unit 3 is set to give priority to image data input from the DSC.

R of the DSC interface unit 13
The S232C / RS422 communication interface has R
S232C cable / RS422 cable is connected,
The other end of the RS232C cable / RS422 cable is D
It is connected to the SC communication I / F unit. The DSC image data transmitted via the communication cable RS232C cable / RS422 cable is RS232C / R
S422 The image data read and compressed by the communication interface unit is decompressed and restored by the signal conversion unit.

The image data converted by the signal converter of the DSC interface unit 13 is stored in the image processing unit 3.
Processing such as color conversion, scaling, processing / editing, etc., is executed, and then stored in an image memory in an outputable state. The processing performed before the image data is stored in the image memory is not limited to the processing of this embodiment. For example, the image data may be stored in the image memory immediately after passing through the selector 1 and then each image processing may be performed. is there.

The image data stored in the image memory is read out at a predetermined timing, so that the same writing, development, transfer, and fixing image forming processes as those in a normal copy are executed, and the copy image is obtained. Is output.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a schematic configuration diagram of the DSC. The DSC optically reads an image by photographing in the same manner as a normal camera, and reads the read image in an image reading unit. The digital signal is converted into a digital signal, and the converted digital image signal is stored in a memory in the IC card.

Here, the IC card is configured so that it can be attached to and detached from the DSC, so that image data captured by the DSC can be easily taken out and carried around. Also, by using a communication I / F unit, digital image data stored in an IC card can be transmitted to an RS card.
It is also possible to convert the signal to a 232C or RS422 signal and output it to the outside of the DSC.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation unit 5. The operation unit 5 in this example includes a numeric keypad 4
1, mode clear / overheat key 42, interrupt key 43,
Image quality adjustment key 44, program key 45, print start key 46, clear / stop key 47, option key 48, brightness adjustment knob 49, liquid crystal panel (LCD)
It consists of a touch panel key 50 arranged above and an area processing key 51.

A numeric key 41 is a key for inputting numerical data such as the number of copies, and a mode clear / remaining heat key 42 is used when the set mode is canceled and returned to the initial setting, or when the key is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or more. It is a key that is put into a state of residual heat. The interrupt key 43 is a key for interrupting the copying process and performing a copying process for another document, and the image quality adjusting key 44 is a key for adjusting the image quality.

The program key 45 is a key for registering or calling frequently used modes, and the print start key 46 is an instruction key for starting copying. The clear / stop key 47 is a key for clearing the input numerical value and interrupting the copy process during the copy process. The option key 48 is a selection key for displaying a screen for inputting various settings when a device such as a projector, a printer, a scanner, or a DSC is used.

The brightness adjustment knob 49 is a key for inputting an instruction to adjust the brightness of the screen of the LCD panel. The key area of the touch panel key 50 is set in the same range as the range of various keys displayed on the LCD panel. When the touch panel detects a press within the set range, the processing of the set key is performed. . Area processing key 51
Are keys used when a mode such as area processing / editing is used on the image display unit (display editor).

FIG. 5 shows an example of an LCD (liquid crystal display screen). On the LCD screen, there are color mode, automatic density, manual density, image quality mode, automatic paper selection,
Mode selections such as a paper tray, automatic paper scaling, equal magnification, sorting, stacking, etc. are displayed, and sub-screen selection displays such as create, color processing, move / book processing, and magnification are also displayed. A key having the same size as each display is set on the touch panel.

FIG. 6 shows an example of screen development by pressing the scaling key shown in FIG. When the scaling key is pressed, the scaling setting screen is scrolled up from the bottom of the screen. On the scaling setting screen, a key for fixed scaling as a scaling mode in which a scaling factor is set in advance is set,
For example, when the touch panel of 71% is pressed, the magnification ratio 71
% Is selected. In addition, this screen displays a zoom mode other than the standard zoom mode, that is, a zoom key for selecting a zoom mode that can be set freely within a certain range, a dimensional zoom key, an independent zoom /
An enlarged continuous shooting key is arranged on the left side of the screen.

FIG. 7 shows the option key 4 shown in FIG.
8 shows a flow when the user presses 8 and particularly selects DSC. First, when the option key 48 is pressed (71), the projector as shown in FIG.
An “option setting screen” in which selection keys for a printer, a scanner, and a DSC are arranged is displayed.

Next, on the option setting screen shown in FIG.
Is determined (72), and if it is determined that DSC has not been selected, the standby state is maintained. If it is determined in step 72 that the DSC has been selected, the "DSC input / output setting screen" is displayed on the touch panel key 50.
Is displayed (FIG. 9), and it is determined whether an input setting condition is selected on the DSC input / output setting screen (73).

If it is determined in step 73 that the input setting condition has been selected, a "DSC input setting screen" is displayed on the touch panel key 50 (FIG. 10), and the image data input means is set. If the input setting condition has not been selected in step 73, it is determined whether or not the output setting condition has been selected on the screen of FIG. 9 (75). If the output setting condition has not been selected, it is determined. Maintain the standby state. If it is determined in step 75 that the output condition setting has been selected,
A “DSC output setting screen” as shown in FIG. On the DSC output setting screen of FIG. 11, an item for selecting the image output format of the entire DSC screen is displayed, and when the selected item is selected, the color display of the item portion is inverted, for example, white becomes black.

FIG. 12 shows a detailed flow of the output condition setting process in step 75 of the flowchart 7. When the output condition setting is selected in step 75 of the flowchart of FIG. 7, the "DSC output setting screen" of FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch panel key 50, and input of the selection items 1 to 5 is determined (120). Each process is executed according to the input items.

When "1: full screen output" is input in step 120, "1, full image output condition setting screen" as shown in FIG. Is determined (121), and each process is executed according to the input item. When the selection item 1 of “1, full image output condition setting screen” is inputted, “the whole image is output by one image / one image”, the CPU controls the necessary parts and executes the selection item 1 (122). . In FIG.
An example of the image output is shown.

Similarly, "1. All image output condition setting screen"
When "output all images on one sheet" of selection item 2 is input, selection item 2 is executed (123), an image as shown in FIG. 19 is output, and selection item 3 is output. Is input, the selection item 3 is executed (124), the image shown in FIG. 20 is output, and the selection item 4 "72 on A3 paper" is output.
When "image / single image output" is input, selection item 4 is executed (125), and an image as shown in FIG. 21 is output.

In step 120, "2: output designated number (1
Is input, the touch panel key 50 displays "1, a designated number image output condition setting screen" as shown in FIG. 14, and the designated number is input by the operator. Then, the output process is executed for the designated number image of the DSC images (127).

Similarly, when "3: designated number output (single image)" is input in step 120, "3, designated number image output condition" as shown in FIG. When a “setting screen” is displayed and a plurality of designated numbers are inputted by the operator (128), a process of outputting a plurality of designated number images of the DSC images to one sheet is executed (129), and FIG. An image as shown at 22 is output.

When "4: Output specified range (one image / one image)" is input in step 120, "4. Output specified range image" as shown in FIG. When a condition setting screen is displayed and the range to be output is input by the operator (130), a process of outputting the image of the designated range of the DSC image to one image / one sheet is executed (131). ).

Further, when "5: Output specified range (one image / one image)" is input in step 120, "5. Output specified range image" as shown in FIG. When a condition setting screen is displayed and an operator inputs a range to be output (132), a process of outputting all designated images on a single sheet of images in the designated range of the DSC image is executed (132). 133).

[0061]

As is clear from the above description, according to the digital image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the digital image forming apparatus has the DSC interface,
You can directly input the image data taken in C,
An image captured by DSC can be easily converted into a hard copy quickly with a simple operation of the operation unit of the digital image forming apparatus.

The DSC interface unit has
An IC card interface processing unit to which a C card is connected; an RS232C interface processing unit;
Since the S422 interface processing unit is provided, it is possible to input an image photographed by DSC from an IC card.
Image data can also be input by directly connecting the DSC and the digital image forming apparatus via a 422 cable.

Further, by a simple operation of the operation unit of the digital image forming apparatus, for example, all the image data of the DSC can be hard copied one by one or on one sheet. Specify multiple sheets,
Further, output processing and editing such as specification of a range can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image data processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a DSC.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of an LCD.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of screen development by a zoom key operation.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an input setting process of a DSC.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen development by operating an option key on the LCD.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of screen development by operating an option key of the LCD.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a DSC input condition setting screen.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a DSC output condition setting screen.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a DSC output setting process.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an all image output condition setting screen.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a designation number image output condition setting screen.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a designated number image output condition setting screen.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specified range image output condition setting screen.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a specified range image output condition setting screen.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image output.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of image output.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of image output.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of image output.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of image output.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System control unit 2 Image reading unit 3 Image processing unit 4 Image writing unit 5 Operation unit 6 Copy machine mechanism 7 Image display unit 8 Drum unit 9 Intermediate transfer unit 10 Developing unit 11 Paper feed unit 12 Fixing unit 13 DSC interface unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] An image reading means for reading an image of a document as digital image data, an image processing means for performing a predetermined process on the digital image data read by the image reading means and converting the digital image data into outputable image data A digital image forming apparatus comprising: an image output unit configured to visualize the image data converted by the image processing unit; and a control unit configured to control the image output unit, the image processing unit, and the image reading unit. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image processing means includes input means for inputting image data taken by a digital still camera. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said input means has a first input means for connecting an external storage means storing said image data, and a second input means for connecting a communication interface. 2. The digital image forming apparatus according to 1. 3. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said external storage means is an IC card. 4. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the output from the image output unit in a preset output format. . 5. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output format selection unit configured to select a desired output format from a plurality of preset output formats.
The digital image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs one image of the image data on one sheet as an output format and continuously outputs all image data. 2. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 7. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the entire image of the image data to be output on one sheet as an output format. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the image data to one sheet for each designated image of the image data, and outputs all image data.
The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 9. The digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs designated image data among the image data as an output format. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs a plurality of designated image data of the image data as one output form on one sheet of one image, and outputs the designated number of image data. Item 6. The digital image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means outputs a plurality of designated image data among the image data as an output format on one sheet of paper. A digital image forming apparatus according to claim 1.