JP2000127501A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] To provide an image processing apparatus that performs high-speed image data processing at low cost and with high accuracy. SOLUTION: Image input connection means 1 connectable to an external device, first setting means 2 for storing control information designated by an external central processing unit, and setting information of the first setting means 2 Coarse adjustment means 3 for adjusting the output timing of an image in a predetermined pixel unit, and control means 4 for transmitting and receiving image data transferred from an external device and controlling the entire system based on control information designated by the external device. A first storage unit 5 that stores a plurality of image data and has a plurality of independent storage areas controlled by the control unit 4; and a second setting unit 6 that stores control information designated by the central processing unit. And fine adjustment means 7 for adjusting the output timing of the image in pixel units smaller than the coarse adjustment means 3 based on the setting information of the second setting means 6, and transmitting the image data subjected to the image processing to an external device. An image processing apparatus including the image output connection means 8 is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus which is installed as a peripheral device of a computer and performs high-speed printing using a laser beam.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in an image processing apparatus such as a laser beam printer, an opportunity for printing a large amount of image data on a computer or the like with high speed and high image quality has been increasing.

In such an image processing apparatus, a technique of superimposing a plurality of types of image data to perform full-color printing has become mainstream.

[0004]

However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when a plurality of types of image data are superimposed, a main scanning start position shift between the respective image data occurs due to various factors. Was.

[0005] In order to prevent such displacement and perform accurate image registration, an ultra-high-precision mechanism is required mainly in a mechanical system and the like, so that the apparatus has become very expensive.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing high-speed image data processing at low cost with high accuracy.

[0007]

To solve this problem, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention stores image input connecting means connectable to an external device and control information designated by an external central processing unit. First setting means having a plurality of storage areas for performing the adjustment, coarse adjustment means for adjusting the output timing of the image in a predetermined pixel unit based on the setting information of the first setting means,
A control unit that exchanges image data transferred from an external device and controls the entire system based on control information specified by the external device, and a plurality of independent image units that store a plurality of image data and are controlled by the control unit. A first storage unit having a storage area, a second setting unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing control information designated by the central processing unit, and a coarse adjustment unit based on the setting information of the second setting unit. Fine adjustment means for adjusting the output timing of the image in small pixel units, and image output connection means for transmitting the image data subjected to the image processing to the external device, based on the information given by the first setting means. A main scanning start position between a plurality of image data is controlled in a predetermined pixel unit by the coarse adjustment means, and is controlled by a fine adjustment means in a smaller pixel unit than the coarse adjustment means. It is obtained by the.

Thus, the main scanning start position between a plurality of image data can be accurately determined, so that high-speed image data processing can be performed at low cost and with high accuracy.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS According to the first aspect of the present invention, an image input connecting means connectable to an external device and a plurality of storage areas for storing control information designated by an external central processing unit are provided. A first setting unit, a coarse adjustment unit that adjusts the output timing of an image in predetermined pixel units based on setting information of the first setting unit, and a unit that exchanges image data transferred from an external device, Control means for controlling the entire system based on the control information specified by the first control means, first storage means for storing a plurality of image data and having a plurality of independent storage areas controlled by the control means, and a central processing unit. A second setting unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing designated control information, and adjusting an image output timing in smaller pixel units than the coarse adjustment unit based on the setting information of the second setting unit And fine adjustment means, and image output connection means for transmitting the image data subjected to the image processing to the external device. The main scanning start position between the plurality of image data is determined based on the information provided by the first setting means. An image processing device that controls a predetermined pixel unit by the coarse adjustment unit and controls the pixel unit by the fine adjustment unit in a smaller pixel unit than the coarse adjustment unit, and can accurately determine a main scanning start position between a plurality of image data. This has the effect that high-speed image data processing can be performed at low cost and with high accuracy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the main scanning start position is set in units of one pixel by the coarse adjustment means, and is set in units of one pixel or less by the fine adjustment means. This is an image processing apparatus that sets the main scanning start position between a plurality of image data more accurately.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, a detecting means for detecting timing information from a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of images detected by the detecting means are provided. A second storage unit for storing timing information of the forming apparatus, wherein the fine adjustment unit individually controls the main scanning start position based on the timing information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses stored in the second storage unit in advance. This is an image processing apparatus, and has an effect that it is possible to accurately perform positioning even with respect to a main scanning start position shift due to physical distortion of a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, a first start-up which can be controlled by the central processing unit and starts printing on a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Means for synchronizing operations of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on timing information from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and detecting operating states of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to synchronize with the plurality of image forming apparatuses. This is an image processing apparatus that activates printing by using the image processing apparatus, and has an effect that accurate printing activation can be performed in a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention, a second apparatus which can be controlled by an external device and activates printing to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. An image processing apparatus comprising: a start unit; and a selection unit that selects any one of a print start signal from the first start unit and a print start signal from the second start unit. This has the effect that the speed can be improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus can be controlled by a central processing unit and can be used for a plurality of image forming means. An image processing apparatus that permits formation and includes a permission unit. The central processing unit activates a plurality of synchronization units, and has an effect that a plurality of types of print activation processing can be individually permitted.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In these drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description is omitted.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing image processing in the image processing apparatus of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has image input connecting means 1 connectable to an external device.
Central processing unit (hereinafter, “CPU”) installed in an external device
That. ), The first setting means 2 having a plurality of storage areas for storing the control information specified by
Coarse adjustment means 3 for adjusting the output timing of an image in a predetermined pixel unit based on the setting information described above, exchanges image data transferred from an external device, and controls the entire system based on control information designated by the external device. A control unit, a first storage unit that stores a plurality of image data groups and has a plurality of independent storage areas controlled by the control unit;
A second setting unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing control information designated by the CPU; adjusting an image output timing in smaller pixel units than the coarse adjustment unit based on the setting information of the second setting unit; And an image output connection means 8 for transmitting image data subjected to image processing to an external device.

Further, the image processing apparatus includes a detecting means 9 for detecting timing information from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a second storage means 10 for storing the timing information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses detected by the detecting means 9. A first activation unit 11 that can be controlled by an external central processing unit and activates printing on a plurality of image forming apparatuses; synchronization for synchronizing operations of the plurality of image forming apparatuses based on timing information from the plurality of image forming apparatuses Means 12, a second activation means 13 which can be controlled by an external device and activates printing on a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a selection means for selecting an activation signal from the first activation means 11 or the second activation means 13 14. A permission unit 15 which can be controlled by an external central processing unit and permits image formation to a plurality of image forming units.

In FIG. 2, a video input connector 16 realizes the image input connection means 1 and is arranged between the present apparatus and an external device. A data bus for transferring image data is connected. The video interface group 17 includes cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) transmitted from the image input connection means 1 (video input connector 16).
-A plurality of types of image data such as black (K) are received independently. The main scanning coarse adjustment register group 18 implements the first setting means 2 and sets a coarse adjustment amount of the main scanning start position by the CPU. The main scanning coarse adjustment sequencer group 19 realizes the coarse adjustment means 3, and based on the coarse adjustment amount set in the first setting means 2 (main scanning coarse adjustment register group 18), the image is adjusted in a predetermined pixel unit. The main scanning start position is controlled. The system controller group 20 implements the control means 4,
A print start command is exchanged between the image processing apparatus and an external device, a status is exchanged, a control register group accessible from the CPU is provided, and image processing control, memory access control, state transition control, and the like are performed based on designated control information. Is going. The image memory group 21 realizes the first storage unit 5, and the control unit 4 (system controller group 20) has transferred from the external device to a plurality of areas of the first storage unit 5 (image memory group 21). Stores multiple types of image data in real time. A parallel-serial converter group (hereinafter, referred to as “P / S converter group”) 22 converts a plurality of types of parallel image data output by the control unit 4 (system controller group 20) into serial image data. The main-scanning fine-adjustment register group 23 realizes the second setting unit 6, and sets a fine-adjustment correction amount of the main-scanning start position by the CPU. The main scanning fine-adjustment sequencer group 24 implements the fine-adjustment means 7, and determines the main scanning start position of the image in pixel units based on the fine adjustment amount set in the second setting means 6 (main scanning fine-adjustment register group 23). Control. The video output connector 25 realizes the image output connection unit 8 and is connected to an external image forming apparatus such as a laser scanning unit (hereinafter, referred to as “LSU”) or an LED head, and controls the control unit 4 (the system controller group 20). ) Are converted into serial data by a group of P / S converters, transmitted to an external image forming apparatus such as an LSU via a video output connector 25 (image output connecting means 8), and printed. Done. The EEPROM group 29 implements the second storage unit 10.

Note that such an image processing apparatus is provided with a timing sequencer group 26 and an oscillator group 28 to generate and supply various reference clocks. And
The timing sequencer group 26 and the polygon mirror home sensor group 27 implement the detecting means 9 and detect the mirror home position of the polygon mirror. The oscillator group 28 supplies a reference clock to the detection means 9 (the timing sequencer group 26 and the polygon mirror home sensor group 27).

Further, in FIG.
Numeral 0 implements the first activation means 11, which can be accessed by the CPU. The synchronous FF group 31 and the trigger sequencer 32 implement the synchronizing means 12, and synchronize the printing start of a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). To prevent a time shift from occurring between the images.

In FIG. 2, the middle point home sensor 33 realizes the second starting means 13. When the middle point belt which is an intermediate transfer member is mainly used, the middle point home sensor 33 is provided on the middle point belt. By detecting the home position by arranging the sensor 33, the position detection and printing accuracy of the midpoint belt are improved. The selector 34 implements the selection unit 14,
The CPU can select either the first activation unit 11 (trigger register 30) or the second activation unit 13 (middle point home sensor 33) as a print activation source. The permission register 35 realizes the permission means 15, and can activate and deactivate the synchronous FF group 31 by the CPU. The permission register 35 can be activated by cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black ( K), etc., a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses can be individually permitted to start printing.

The detection means 9, the second storage means 10,
Polygon mirror home sensor group 27 and EEPROM
The group 29 includes a first starting unit, a synchronizing unit 12, a trigger register 30, a synchronous FF group 3 in the second embodiment described later.
1 and the trigger sequencer 32 will be described later in a third embodiment.
, The second activation means, the selection means 14, the permission means 1
5. The midpoint home sensor 33, the selector 34, and the permission register 35 are employed in the fourth embodiment described later, but are described collectively in the first embodiment here for simplicity. . Therefore, FIG.
FIG. 2 is also used in the second to fourth embodiments.

Here, the structure of an image forming apparatus connected to such an image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG.
A polygon mirror 37 rotated by a polygon motor 38, fθ
An image carrier (hereinafter, referred to as “OPC”) in which the lens 39, the reflecting mirror 40, and the laser beam 41 are scanned in the direction of arrow a.
A drum 44 is arranged. A beam detection (hereinafter, referred to as “BD”) mirror 42 and a BD sensor 43 are disposed near the start position in the scanning direction, and generate a BD signal when a laser beam is incident on the BD sensor 43. . Then, the electronic image formed by irradiation with the laser beam 41 is visualized through a developing process, and is transferred from the OPC drum 44 onto the transfer paper 45.

The operation of the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, in FIG. 4, the BD is irradiated with a laser beam 41 reflected by a BD mirror 42,
4 shows an electric signal when the electric signal is captured by the D sensor 43. CLK1 generated by the timing sequencer group 26 and the oscillator group 28 is a four-pixel basic clock,
It is generated at regular intervals in units of four pixels. CLK2 generated by the timing sequencer group 26 and the oscillator group 28 is a one-pixel basic clock, and is generated at equal intervals in one-pixel units.

Coarse adjustment means 3 (main scanning coarse adjustment sequencer group 1)
9) is image output connecting means 8 (video output connector 25)
When a BD signal is received from an external image forming apparatus via the CPU, a coarse adjustment correction time t1 is set based on CLK1 based on a value previously set in the first setting means 2 (main scanning coarse adjustment register group 18) by the CPU. After the elapse of the scanning effective signal HSZ
Is output and the image input connection means 1 (video input connector 1
And 6) to an external device.

When the external device receives the HSZ signal, it starts transferring image data and sends it to the control means 4 (system controller group 20) via the image input connection means 1 (video input connector 16).

Control means 4 (system controller group 2
No. 0) stores the received image data in the first storage means 5 (image memory group 21), sends the image data to the P / S converter group 22 after performing image processing.

The P / S converter group 22 serializes the image data and generates a VIDEO1 signal. In addition,
For simplicity, here the VIDEO1
The delay between signals is ignored.

Fine adjustment means 7 (main scanning fine adjustment sequencer group 2)
4), upon receiving the VIDEO1 signal, delays the VIDEO1 signal by the fine adjustment time t2 with reference to CLK2 based on the value previously set in the second setting means 6 (main scanning fine adjustment register group 23) by the CPU, and outputs the VIDEO2 signal. Generate

The generated VIDEO2 signal is transmitted to the external image forming apparatus via the image output connecting means 8 (video output connector 25), irradiated as a laser beam 41 from a laser diode 36, and turned into polygon mirrors 37 and f.
Scanning is sequentially performed on the OPC drum 44 via the θ lens 39 and the reflecting mirror 40 to form an electronic image. Then, the electronic image is developed and transferred onto the transfer paper 45.

Thus, in the image transferred to the transfer paper 45, a left margin in an amount proportional to the main scanning start correction time (t1 + t2) is obtained. Therefore, by installing a plurality of these mechanisms according to the number of image data,
The main scanning start position between a plurality of image data can be accurately determined, and high-speed image data processing can be performed at low cost and with high accuracy.

By generating CLK1 at intervals of one pixel unit and generating CLK2 at intervals of 画素 pixel unit, it is possible to easily perform alignment in units of minute pixels of one pixel or less. Positioning can be performed with high accuracy. Further, even if CLK1 is generated at intervals of 2 pixels and CLK2 is generated at intervals of 1/2 pixels, C
LK1 can be generated at 4-pixel intervals and CLK2 can be aligned with higher accuracy than when it is generated at 1-pixel intervals.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a structure around a polygon mirror in an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 6 corrects a main scanning start position on each mirror surface of the polygon mirror. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test print pattern for processing, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a test print pattern for correcting the main scanning start position on each mirror surface of the polygon mirror.

As shown in FIG. 5, one of the six mirror surfaces of the rotating polygon mirror 37 (each mirror surface is a first mirror to a sixth mirror in a counterclockwise direction) (first mirror). The photo interrupter 47 is disposed in (). Further, a photodiode 46 for irradiating the photo interrupter 47 with light and a photo sensor 4 for receiving light of the photodiode 46 reflected by the polygon mirror 37
8 are installed.

According to such a structure, the light emitted from the photodiode 46 is blocked by the photo interrupter 47, so that the light entering the photo sensor 48 is blocked. This makes it possible to detect one mirror surface position (mirror home position) of the polygon mirror 37.

It should be noted that a configuration may be employed in which a reflecting mirror is used instead of the photo-interrupter 47, and light emitted from the photodiode 46 enters the photo sensor 48 only when the position of the first mirror is detected. .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a test print pattern for correcting the main scanning start position on each mirror surface of the polygon mirror in the image forming apparatus having such a structure has a distance L1 between horizontal lines. By securing L5 for each of six lines, horizontal lines scanned by each mirror surface of the polygon mirror can be obtained.

The operation of the image processing apparatus to which the image forming apparatus configured as described above is connected will be described.

First, the CPU issues a print start command to the control means 4 (system controller group 20). The detecting means 9 (timing sequencer group 26 and polygon mirror home sensor group 27) detects the mirror surface position of the first mirror of the polygon mirror 37, and determines the position of the first mirror as a coarse adjusting means 3 (main scanning coarse adjusting sequencer group 19). Communicate to

Coarse adjustment means 3 (main scanning coarse adjustment sequencer group 1)
9) When the mirror surface position of the first mirror is detected, HSZ
Output a signal. Thus, the VIDEO2 signal is generated through the sequence described in the first embodiment. Then, based on the VIDEO2 signal, the laser beam 41
Is irradiated from the laser diode 36, and a test print pattern as shown in FIG. 7 is formed on the transfer paper 45 via the polygon mirror 37 and the OPC drum 44 (FIG. 3).

Here, when there is a physical distortion on each mirror surface of the polygon mirror 37, as shown in FIG. 6, deviations ε1 to ε5 of the left margin in each mirror occur. Therefore, these deviations ε1 to ε5 are measured using an external measuring device such as a CCD element, and the measured values are used as fine adjustment time according to the distortion of each mirror surface by the CPU in the second storage means 10 (EEPROM group). 29). Then, the timing sequencer group 26 stores the second storage unit 10 (EE
The fine adjustment time corresponding to the distortion of each mirror surface stored in the PROM group 29) is read out in accordance with the scanning of each mirror surface of the polygon mirror 37, and is set in the second setting means 6 (main scanning fine adjustment register group 23). Thus, the fine adjustment means 7 (main scanning fine adjustment sequencer group 24) delays the VIDEO1 signal by the fine adjustment time corresponding to the distortion of each mirror surface.
Generate two signals.

The generated VIDEO2 signal is similarly transferred onto the transfer paper 45, and finally, the left margin on each mirror surface of the polygon mirror 37 can be matched as shown in FIG. Therefore, by installing a plurality of these mechanisms in accordance with the number of image data, physical distortions of a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are caused. Accurate positioning can be performed with respect to the main scanning start position deviation.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing image processing in an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Here, in FIG. 8, TRIGIN is C
This is a software activation signal obtained when the PU issues a print activation command to the first activation unit 11 (trigger register 30).

First, the CPU writes 01h in the first activation means 11 (trigger register 30), and then writes 00h. With this processing, TRIG1 as shown in FIG.
The N signal is generated, and the issuance of the print start command ends.

Thus, global enable signal EN
A becomes active at the falling edge of the TRIGIN signal, and is transmitted to the synchronization means 12 (the synchronization FF group 31 and the trigger sequencer 32). The BD signals of the black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) image forming apparatuses are respectively represented by BD (K), BD (C),
Assuming that BD (M) and BD (Y), there is a slight time difference between the BDs as shown in FIG.
Further, there is no regularity in the phase difference of each BD. The maximum value of the phase difference between two BDs among these is the maximum phase difference δ between BDs.

When the synchronous FF group 31 receives the ENA signal, the synchronous FF group 31 samples the ENA signal at the rising edge of each BD, and respectively ENA (K) and ENA (K).
(C), ENA (M) and ENA (Y) are generated. Further, an ENA (ALL) signal is generated by superimposing all of them, and transmitted to the trigger sequencer 32.

The trigger sequencer 32 is ENA (ALL)
Becomes active, starts counting, and generates a print trigger signal PRTIG at the time when a time that satisfies the phase difference absorption time τ> 3 × δ between BDs has passed, and ENA, ENA
(K), ENA (C), ENA (M), ENA (Y),
Initialize all ENA (ALL) and counters.

By performing such processing, the BD with the most advanced phase among the four BDs is detected, and the BD
The measurement sequence of the interphase difference absorption time τ is started. This sequence absorbs the phase variation between the BDs and makes it possible to start printing all colors simultaneously from the next horizontal scanning period.

By installing a plurality of these mechanisms according to the number of image data, cyan (C) / magenta (M)
-It is possible to accurately start printing in a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses such as yellow (Y) and black (K).

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing image processing in an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step 1, the CPU sets print permission to the image forming apparatus corresponding to the color to be printed by the permission means 15 (permission register 35), and notifies the external device that the preparation for the printing operation is ready. Issue a command for

Next, in step 2, the CPU activates the first activation means 11 (trigger register 3) as a print activation source.
0) or the second activation means 13 (the midpoint home sensor 33).
Set using 4). Here, the former is a soft trigger,
The latter is called a hard trigger. In single-shot printing or continuous printing of the first sheet, the position of the midpoint belt
By selecting a hard trigger for improving the printing accuracy and selecting a soft trigger for the second and subsequent sheets during continuous printing, the printing interval is shortened and the printing speed is increased.

Subsequently, in step 3, the selecting means 1
4 (selector 34) generates a print start signal TRIGIN in accordance with the print start source set in advance in step 2 and transmits the signal to the synchronous FF group 31. Here, when the hard trigger is selected, a print activation signal TRIGIN is generated when the second activation means 13 (the intermediate point home sensor 33) detects the intermediate point home. If the soft trigger is selected, the CPU issues a print start command to the first start unit 11 (trigger register 30) as described above, thereby generating a start signal TRIGIN. When transmitting the PRTRIG, the synchronizing means 12 (the synchronous FF group 31 and the trigger sequencer 3
2) detects each BD signal of the external image forming apparatus and sends it out after the lapse of the phase difference absorption time τ between BDs.

Next, in step 4, when printing is started by the PRTIG signal, the coarse adjustment means 3 (main scanning coarse adjustment sequencer group 19) starts the coarse adjustment sequence, and the first setting means 2 (main scanning coarse adjustment sequence). The main scanning start position control of the image is started in a predetermined pixel unit based on the coarse adjustment amount set in the key register group 18).

Then, in step 5, the control means 4
The (system controller group 20) and the coarse adjustment means 3 (main scanning coarse adjustment sequencer group 19) output a main scanning / sub-scanning effective display area signal indicating an effective area of the image data.

In step 6, when the external device receives the main-scanning / sub-scanning effective display area signal, a plurality of types of image data such as cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are immediately received. Start the transfer.
The transferred plural types of image data are transmitted to the control means 4 (system controller group 20) via the image input connection means 1 (video input connector 16). And
The control means 4 (system controller group 20) stores the received image data in the first storage means 5 (image memory group 21).
Store to.

Next, in step 7, the P / S converter group 22 serializes the image-processed parallel image data and outputs it as a VIDEO1 signal.

Next, in step 8, fine adjustment means 7
Upon receiving the VIDEO1 signal, the (main scanning fine-adjustment sequencer group 24) starts the fine-adjustment sequence, and the VIDEO1 signal is provided in pixel units based on the fine-adjustment correction amount set in the second setting means 6 (main-scanning fine adjustment register group 23). The main scanning start position is controlled. The generated VIDEO2 signal is transmitted to the external image forming apparatus via the image output connection means 8 (video output connector 25), and is finally transferred onto the transfer paper 45 to complete the printing of the first sheet.

Then, in step 9, the CPU:
It is determined whether this printing operation is single-shot printing or continuous printing, and in the case of single-shot printing, the printing operation ends. In the case of continuous printing, the process proceeds to step 2, and similarly, the printing operation for the second and subsequent sheets is started. When the specified number of prints is reached, the printing operation is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the CPU
By selecting the soft trigger by the soft trigger or the hard trigger by the middle point home sensor 33, the effective printing speed can be improved. In addition, the CPU can individually permit a plurality of types of print activation processing.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, the main scanning start position between a plurality of image data can be accurately determined, so that high-speed image data processing can be performed at low cost and with high accuracy. Is obtained.

Further, the main scanning start position is set in units of one pixel by the coarse adjustment unit and is set in units of one pixel or less by the fine adjustment unit, so that the main scanning start position between a plurality of image data is set. An effective effect that more accurate positioning can be obtained is obtained.

By providing the detecting means and the second storage means, it is possible to perform accurate positioning even with respect to the main scanning start position shift due to physical distortion of a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The effect is obtained.

Providing the first activating means and the synchronizing means has an effective effect that it is possible to accurately activate printing in a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses.

Providing the second activation means and the selection means has an effective effect that the effective printing speed can be improved.

By providing the permission means, there is obtained an effective effect that a plurality of synchronization means are activated by the central processing unit so that individual permission of a plurality of types of print activation processing becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing image processing in the image processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a structure around a polygon mirror in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a test print pattern for correcting a main scanning start position on each mirror surface of a polygon mirror.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a test print pattern for correcting the main scanning start position on each mirror surface of the polygon mirror.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating image processing in the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating image processing in the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image input connection means 2 first setting means 3 coarse adjustment means 4 control means 5 first storage means 6 second setting means 7 fine adjustment means 8 image output connection means 9 detection means 10 second storage means 11 first Starting means 12 synchronizing means 13 second starting means 14 selecting means 15 permitting means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image input connection unit connectable to an external device, a first setting unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing control information designated by an external central processing unit, and the first setting unit Coarse adjustment means for adjusting the output timing of the image on a predetermined pixel basis based on the setting information, and transfer of image data transferred from the external device,
Control means for controlling the entire system based on control information specified by the external device; first storage means for storing a plurality of image data and having a plurality of independent storage areas controlled by the control means; A second setting unit having a plurality of storage areas for storing control information designated by the central processing unit; and outputting an image in pixel units smaller than the coarse adjustment unit based on the setting information of the second setting unit. Fine adjustment means for adjusting timing; and image output connection means for transmitting the image data on which image processing has been performed to the external device, wherein a plurality of the image data are provided based on information provided by the first setting means. The main scanning start position is controlled in predetermined pixel units by the coarse adjustment means, and is controlled by the fine adjustment means in smaller pixel units than the coarse adjustment means. The image processing apparatus according to claim Rukoto. 2. The main scanning start position is set to 1 by the coarse adjustment means.
2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting is performed in units of pixels, and the fine adjustment unit sets the units in units of one pixel or less. 3. A detecting means for detecting timing information from a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and a second storage means for storing timing information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses detected by the detecting means, 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main scanning start position is individually controlled by the fine adjustment unit based on the timing information of the plurality of image forming apparatuses stored in the second storage unit. . 4. A plurality of image forming apparatuses based on timing information from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the first starting means being controllable by the central processing unit and activating printing on a plurality of image forming apparatuses. 4. A synchronizing means for synchronizing the operations of (a) and (b), wherein the operation states of the plurality of image forming apparatuses are detected, and printing is started in synchronization with the plurality of image forming apparatuses. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. A second activation unit which is controllable by the external device and activates printing on the plurality of image forming apparatuses, a print activation signal from the first activation unit, and the second activation unit.
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects any one of the print activation signals from the activation unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a permission unit configured to be controllable by said central processing unit and permitting image formation to a plurality of said image forming units. The image processing apparatus according to 4 or 5.