JPH01172867A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent digital image data from being misread by storing digital image data corresponding to a fixed-format sheet in an external storage means and monitoring the disconnection of the external storage means from an image formation part. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with the external storage means which stores image data previously, a plotting control means which controls light beam irradiation to a prescribed position on a photosensitive body according to image data read out of the external storage means, and a disconnection permitting means which allows the external storage means to be disconnected according to specific code information. Namely, when the image data is read out of the external storage means, the fixed-format image is formed on the photosensitive body. The disconnection permitting means, on the other hand, limits the disconnection of the external storage means to the case where the specific code information is inputted. Consequently, the alternation and disappearance of image data read out of the external storage means are suppressed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a fixed format image on recording paper based on fixed format image data stored in a predetermined external storage means. .

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, this type of image forming apparatus has been equipped with a recording paper reversing mechanism and has been capable of forming images on both sides of the recording paper by reversing or not reversing the recording paper in accordance with instructions from an operation unit. Alternatively, analog image forming apparatuses that can form multiple images on one side, that is, optically scan a document, have been commercialized.

This allows you to scan a pre-created standard format image sheet (a specific logo or table (consisting of vertical and horizontal ruled lines)) of the original and form a standard format image on one or both sides of the recording paper. It became so. Then, by multiple-transferring the desired original onto the standard format using the recording paper reversing mechanism described above, it has become possible to easily form a form overlay image between the standard format and the original image.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, when forming a fixed format on recording paper using a fixed format image sheet as described above, the fixed format sheet and the fixed format image sheet must be used before the final image is obtained. It is necessary to prepare two corresponding originals and perform exposure scanning of the originals twice, which greatly complicates the operability.

In addition, the same standard format sheet must be scanned every time the document is needed, which may cause the standard format sheet to become bent and discolored depending on the frequency of use.
This increases the risk of not being able to form optimal standard format original sheets, and there are management problems such as making management of standard format sheets complicated.

This invention has been made to solve the above problems, and includes storing digital image data corresponding to a fixed format sheet in an external storage means and monitoring separation of the external storage means from the image forming section. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can always create and output high-quality fixed format sheets by preventing errors in reading digital image data stored in an external storage means.

(Means for Solving the Problems) An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image drawing means for writing and erasing an image on the photoreceptor by irradiating a light beam onto an arbitrary position on the photoreceptor, and an image forming device for writing and erasing an image on the photoreceptor; an external storage means for storing data in advance, a unit means for attaching and detaching the external storage means to the image forming section, and a predetermined position of the photoreceptor from the image drawing means based on image data read from the external storage means connected to the unit means. The apparatus is provided with a drawing control means for controlling the light beam irradiation to the unit means, and a detachment permission means for permitting the detachment of the external storage means connected to the unit means based on specific code information manually entered into the image forming section. be.

[Effect]

In this invention, when the image data is read out from the external storage means connected to the unit means, the drawing control means controls the driving of the drawing means which irradiates the light beam based on the read image data, and the drawing control means controls the driving of the drawing means which irradiates the light beam, so that the drawing control means controls the driving of the drawing means which irradiates the light beam on the photoreceptor. A fixed format image is formed.

On the other hand, the disconnection permission means limits the disconnection of the external storage means connected to the unit means to when specific code information is manually input, thereby suppressing alteration and loss of image data read from the external storage means.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is roughly divided into a main body part A, a basic part B, an editor part C1, and an IC card unit part which is a unit means of the present invention. , a management unit section E, etc. In addition, each part BE is configured to be connectable to the main body part A in a selective manner.

In the main body part A, 1 is a system controller (sequence controller), which is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, interface, etc., which serves as a controller for controlling each part ANE, and also serves as a drawing control means and a separation permission means of the present invention. ing.

Reference numeral 2 denotes an original table glass, on which an original is placed flat.

Reference numeral 3 denotes an irradiation lamp (exposure lamp) that exposes the original placed on the original platen glass 2. 4 to 6 are reflective mirrors for scanning (scanning mirrors), which change the optical path of the reflected light of the document exposed by the irradiation lamp 3. Incidentally, the irradiation lamp 3 and the reflection mirror 4 constitute a scanning unit that moves together with the document scanning.

A lens 7 adjusts the optical path length and focus of the reflected light scanned by the scanning mirror 6. Note that the lens 7 is positioned at a position corresponding to the magnification between the dotted line positions in the figure in accordance with a magnification specified by an operation unit to be described later.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a reflecting mirror (scanning mirror) that reflects light reflected from the original projected through the lens 7 onto the photoreceptor 17 . Reference numeral 9 denotes an optical system motor that changes the speed of the scanning unit according to the magnification, and causes the scanning unit to perform eight-movement scanning at a constant speed corresponding to the magnification. A sensor 10 detects the movement state of the scanning unit and notifies the sequence controller 1 of the movement state. Reference numeral 13 denotes a semiconductor laser for storing, for example, a fixed format image read out from an IC card (described later) which is inserted into the IC card unit by the system controller 1 which also serves as the drawing control means of the present invention, and which constitutes the external storage means of the present invention. It is ON10FF modulated based on image data such as data, is deflected by a polygon mirror 14 rotated at a constant speed by a scanner motor 15, and a regular format image is formed on a photoreceptor 17 by a reflecting mirror (scanning mirror) 16. Note that 13 to 16 described above constitute a laser unit serving as an image drawing means of the present invention. 11
．． 12 is an image tip sensor.

A main motor 18 rotates the photoreceptor 17 at a constant speed (in the direction of the arrow). A high voltage unit 19 charges the photoreceptor 17 to a latent image forming level potential. A developing unit 20 develops an original image and a regular format image formed on the photoreceptor 17 using a developing material (toner) supplied from a toner hopper.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a transfer charger that transfers the toner image developed on the photoreceptor 17 onto the recording paper being conveyed. A separation charger 22 separates the recording paper after the transfer process from the photoreceptor 17. A cleaner device 23 collects toner remaining on the photoreceptor 17.

Reference numeral 24a designates an upper cassette from which recording paper is fed to the main body A by driving a paper feed roller 25. Reference numeral 24b denotes a lower cassette from which recording paper is fed to the main body A by driving a paper feed roller 26. A registration roller 27 aligns the leading edge of the image formed on the photoreceptor 17 with the leading edge of the fed recording paper, and feeds the stopped recording paper to the main body A at a predetermined timing. A conveyance belt 28 conveys the recording paper that has undergone the transfer process to a fixing device 29. The fixing device 29 fixes the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression bonding.

First, the operation of the main body section A will be explained.

The surface of the photoreceptor 17 is composed of a seamless photoreceptor using a photoconductor layer and a conductor, and is rotatably supported by a main motor 18 that is activated in response to pressing of a copy start key, which will be described later. It starts rotating at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Next, when the predetermined rotational control and potential control processing (preprocessing) of the photoreceptor 17 is completed, the original placed on the original platen glass 2 is scanned by a scanning unit consisting of an irradiation lamp 3 integrated with a scanning mirror 4. The reflected light from the original is sent to scanning mirrors 4-6. The image is formed on a photoreceptor 17 via a lens 7 and a scanning mirror 8.

The photoreceptor 17 is corona-charged by the high-voltage unit 19, and then an image (original image) irradiated by the irradiation lamp 3 is exposed to slit light, and an electrostatic latent is formed on the photoreceptor 17 by a known NP method (electrophotographic process). An image is formed.

Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 17 is developed by the developing roller 20a of the developing unit 20 and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to recording paper by the transfer charger 21 as described later. That is, the transfer paper in the upper cassette 24a or the lower cassette 24b is
The recording paper is fed into the main unit by the paper feed roller 25 or 26, and is conveyed toward the photoreceptor 17 with accurate timing by the registration roller 27, so that the leading edge of the latent image and the leading edge of the recording paper are aligned. Thereafter, the recording paper passes between the transfer charger 21 and the photoreceptor 17, so that the toner image on the photoreceptor 17 is transferred onto the recording paper. After this transfer process is completed, the recording paper is separated from the photoreceptor 17 by a separation charger 22, guided to a fixing device 29 by a conveyor belt 28, and then discharged from the main body A by a discharge roller 44.

After the transfer, the photoreceptor 17 continues to rotate, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaner device 23 composed of a cleaning roller and an elastic blade, and residual toner is collected.

In the bedside section B, 31 is a paper deck that accommodates, for example, about 2000 sheets of recording paper. Reference numeral 32 denotes an intermediate tray on which recording paper is temporarily loaded so that the side of the recording paper on which image formation has been completed is the top side during double-sided copying, and so that the side of the recording paper on which image formation has been completed is the bottom side during multiple copying. place Reference numeral 33 denotes a lifter, which gradually lifts up according to the amount of recording paper stored in the vapor deck 31 so that the uppermost recording paper comes into contact with the paper feed roller 34 .

35 is a paper ejection flapper (direction flapper), and the feed roller 3
The path of the recording paper conveyed through 0 is switched between the paper conveyance path on the double-sided recording side or the multi-recording side and the ejection conveyance path. 3
6.37 is a conveyance path through which the recording paper is conveyed when the paper conveyance path on the double-sided recording side or the multi-recording side is selected. Reference numeral 38 denotes an intermediate tray weight, and by driving this intermediate tray weight 38, the paper ejection flapper 35 and the conveyance path 36 are
．． The recording paper that has passed through the intermediate tray 37 is reversed and transferred to the intermediate tray 32.
will be stored in.

Reference numeral 39 denotes a multiple flapper, which is arranged between the conveyance paths 36 and 37 to switch the conveyance path of the recording paper between double-sided recording and multiple recording, and guides the transfer paper to the multiple recording conveyance path 40 by rotating upward. . 41 is a multiple paper ejection sensor, and multiple flapper 3
The end of the recording paper passing through the transfer paper 9 is detected and notified to the system controller 1. 42 is a paper feed roller, which is connected to path 4.
3, the recording paper is fed to the photoreceptor 17 side. A paper discharge roller 44 discharges the recording paper on which image formation has been completed from the pedestal portion B. Reference numeral 45 denotes a paper discharge tray on which recording paper on which image formation has been completed is placed in a stack.

Next, the operation of bedistal section B will be explained.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiple overlapping copying), first raise the paper discharge flapper 35 of pedestal section B upward in the figure, and move the recording paper on which image formation has been completed to the conveyance path 36, 37 of pedestal section B. It is stored in the intermediate tray 32 via the. At this time, the multiplex flapper 39 is lowered during double-sided recording, and the multiplex flapper 39 is lifted upward in the figure during multiplex recording. This intermediate tray 32 can store up to 99 sheets of recording paper, for example. The recording paper stored in the intermediate tray 32 is transferred to the intermediate tray weight 38.
is held down by

During the next back-side recording or multiplex recording, the recording sheets stored in the intermediate tray 32 are fed one sheet at a time from the bottom to the paper feed roller 42. Due to the action of the intermediate tray weight 38, it is guided to the registration roller 27 of the main body part A via the path 43.

The editor section C will be explained with reference to FIG.

2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the editor section C shown in FIG. 1, in which 51 is a digitizer section;
Text add-on, set the manuscript when handwriting is done manually,
Do the coordinates manually. Reference numeral 52 is a reference mark that indicates the position to abut against the edge of the document. Reference numeral 53 denotes a stylus pen, which manually inputs coordinate information by pressing down on the digitizer section 51 when inputting an add-on for area designation with 0 characters and handwriting.

54 is an input information area, in which alphabets, numbers, symbols 9 date information (year 1
1st of the month), etc., to the system controller 1.

55 is an area mode specification key;
By pressing , the area specification mode is instructed to the system controller 1. 56 is a memory key,
For example, the diagonal 2 specified by the stylus pen 53.
Press this button to memorize the area that can be closed by points. 5
A mode key 7 specifies whether the area specified with the stylus pen 53 is to be trimmed or masked. 58
is a clear key, which is pressed to instruct cancellation of area designation, and by pressing this clear key 58, area information registered in the internal memory of the system controller 1 is cleared. Reference numeral 59 denotes a region designation mode indicator, which lights up when the region mode designation key 55 is pressed to notify the operator of this fact. Reference numeral 60 denotes an area storage number display, which lights up sequentially each time the stylus pen 53 and memory key 56 are pressed, and all lights up when, for example, three areas of area information are stored.

Reference numeral 61 denotes a mode indicator, which is sequentially and cyclically lit each time the mode key 57 is pressed to indicate masking or trimming mode.

Reference numeral 62 denotes an add-on mode key, which is pressed when writing characters on an image, and notifies the system controller 1 of the add-on mode. 63 is a font size key, press this font size key 63 to change the size of the characters to be written,
For example, either 4 mm or 8 mm square is input to the system controller 1. 64 is the direction key,
This direction designation key 64 is pressed to instruct the system controller 1 as to the direction of characters to be written, parallel or perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording paper. 65 is a character writing position designation key; this character writing position designation key 65
By pressing , the user inputs an instruction to the system controller 1 about the starting position for writing characters.

Reference numeral 66 denotes an enter key, and by pressing the enter key 66, an instruction is input to the system controller 1 to end writing characters. Reference numeral 67 denotes a character clear key, and when pressed, the character clear key 67 instructs the system controller 1 to clear the manually entered character information. 68 is a character input display, and add-on mode key 62
Lights up when pressed to notify the operator of the character manual mode. Reference numeral 69 denotes a font size indicator, which lights up alternately when the font size key 63 is pressed to notify the selected font size. Reference numeral 70 denotes a writing direction indicator, which turns on alternately when the direction designation key 64 is pressed to display the selected writing direction. Reference numeral 71 denotes a position input end indicator, which lights up when the enter key 66 is pressed to indicate the end of position input. 72 is a handwriting input mode key, and when this handwriting input mode key 72 is pressed, the display 7
5 lights up, notifying the operator of this, and
An instruction to that effect is input to the system controller 1.

73 is an enter key to input an instruction to the system controller 1 to end the handwriting input mode. 74 is a handwriting mode clear key, and by pressing this handwriting mode clear key 74, the handwriting mode is cleared.

Next, the configuration of the IC card unit shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b).

3(a) and 3(b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the IC card unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

In these figures, 81 is a card insertion slot into which an IC card 84 is inserted. Note that the IC card 84 is a semiconductor integrated circuit (cpυ, RA) mounted on a base such as a plastic card.
M, ROM) etc. are built-in. In addition, IC card 8
4 (external storage means) stores in advance one or more (standard format sheet images of different standard sizes) a standard format sheet image (one line data group consisting of a set of 1, 0) for forming a standard format sheet. has been done. Further, the IC card 84 stores a department code that prohibits copying of the stored fixed format sheet image, and when this department code matches the department card stored in the magnetic card described later,
The sequence controller 1 prohibits (suppresses) copying of the fixed format sheet image based on a flowchart described later.

82 is a card ejection button, and the inserted IC card 8
Press when ejecting 4. Reference numeral 83 denotes a display, which lights up when the IC card 84 is inserted and turns off after being ejected. 85
．． 86 is a card position sensor, the card position sensor 85 detects the insertion of the IC card 84, and the card position sensor 86
detects that the IC card 84 has been inserted and notifies the sequence controller 1 of this fact. A connector 87 is connected to the main body A through the connector 87.

Reference numeral 88 denotes a contact that contacts the port of the IC card 84. 8
Reference numeral 9 denotes a transport motor, which rotates forward to load the IC card 84 when the insertion of the IC card 84 is detected by the card position sensor 85, and stops when the card position sensor 86 detects the IC card 84. Further, when the card eject button 82 is pressed, the IC card 84 is driven in reverse.
is pulled out, and stops when the card position sensor 85 can no longer detect the IC card 84.

Next, the configuration of the management unit section E shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(C).

4A to 4C are a perspective view, a sectional view, and a control block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management unit E shown in FIG. 1. In these figures, 91 is a card insertion slot into which a magnetic card 94 is inserted. Reference numeral 92 denotes a card ejection button, which is pressed to eject the inserted magnetic card 94.

Reference numeral 93 denotes a display which lights up when a magnetic card 94 is inserted and goes out after being ejected. 95 and 96 are card position detection sensors, the card position detection sensor 95 detects the insertion of the magnetic card 94, and the card position detection sensor 96 detects the insertion of the magnetic card 9.
4 and notifies the sequence controller 1 of this fact.

97 is a connector, and the main body A is connected through this connector 97.
connected to. A magnetic head 98 reads data (department code) written on the magnetic card 94 and writes department data output from the sequence controller 1.

Reference numeral 99 denotes a card transport motor, which rotates forward to load the magnetic card 94 when the insertion of the magnetic card 94 is detected by the card position detection sensor 95, and when the card position detection sensor 96 detects the magnetic card 94. Stop.

Further, when the card ejection button 92 is pressed, the magnetic card 94 is pulled out by rotating in reverse, and the card position detection sensor 9
5 stops when it can no longer detect the magnetic card 94.

100 is a control unit, which includes a CPU 100a and a ROM 10.
0b, RAM100c, interface section (Il
o) Consisting of 100d, 100e, etc., CPU 100
a controls each part based on a control procedure (control program) stored in advance in the ROM 100b. The RAM 100C functions as a work memory for the CPU 100a and temporarily stores input data. The interface section 100d outputs control signals from the CPU 100a to loads such as the card transport motor 99° display 93, and sends detection signals input from the card position detection sensors 95 and 96 to the CPU 100a. The interface section 100e outputs a write signal to the magnetic head 98, and also outputs the data read by the magnetic head 98 to the CPU 100a.

The CPU 100a determines the data read from the magnetic card 94 inserted into the card insertion slot 91 of the management unit section E via the interface section 100e, and if this data is a department code, the CPU 100a reads the data from the main body section. A copy enable signal is sent to the sequence controller 1 of A to manage the number of copies. In addition, if an upper limit for the number of copies is set, it is determined whether the number exceeds the upper limit, and when the set number of copies is exceeded, a copy prohibition signal is sent to the main unit A.
The data is sent to the sequence controller 1. Additionally, if the data read from the magnetic card 94 is not a preset department code but code information for reading a function, cPUlooa performs the processing necessary for that function (details will be described later). )Execute. Further, if the data read from the magnetic card 94 is a preset department code, it is determined whether the department code prohibits copying of the fixed format sheet image stored in the IC card 84. , controls to suppress the copying process of the standard format sheet image stored in the IC card 84 based on a flowchart to be described later.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the operating section of the main body A shown in FIG. 1 will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the operation section of the main body A shown in FIG. Press to manually enter setting mode such as setting frame eraser size. Reference numeral 112 denotes an all reset key, which is pressed to forcibly set any mode being set to the standard mode (same size, automatic density, automatic paper feed, copy setting copy value (``1 sheet'')). Reference numeral 113 denotes a preheating key, which is pressed when setting the print engine of the main body A to a preheating state and when canceling the preheating state. Note that the preheat key 113 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutoff state to the standard mode.

114 is a copy start key (copy start key);
Press to start copying operation.

115 is a clear/stop key, which functions as a clear key during standby and as a copy stop key during copy recording. The clear/stop key 115 is also pressed when canceling the number of copies set as a clear function, and also when canceling the asterisk mode. Further, the clear/stop key 115 is pressed to interrupt continuous copying as a stop function, and the copying operation stops after the copying operation at the time of pressing is completed.

Numeric keys 116 are pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used to set asterisk mode. A memory key 117 allows the user to register frequently used modes. 118a, 11
8b is a copy density key, which is pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 119 is automatic density setting key (AE key)
This button is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, and to cancel the automatic density adjustment (AE) and switch the density adjustment to manual.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a cassette selection key, which is pressed to select paper feed from the upper cassette 24a, the lower cassette 24b, and the paper deck 31. Additionally, when the cassette selection key 120 is pressed when a document is placed in the editor section C, automatic paper cassette selection (APS) is set.
A cassette containing paper of a size matching the original size is automatically selected.

Reference numeral 121 is a same size key, which is pressed when making a same size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 122 denotes an auto-magnification key, which is pressed when automatically reducing or enlarging the original image according to the specified transfer paper size.

Reference numerals 123 and 124 are zoom keys, which are pressed to specify an arbitrary copying magnification between 64% and 142% for the original. Reference numerals 125 and 126 are standard scaling keys, which are pressed when specifying reduction/enlargement of the standard size. Reference numeral 127 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. A binding margin key 128 is pressed to create a binding margin of a specified length on the left side of the recording paper. 129 is a photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original. Reference numeral 130 denotes a multiple key, which is pressed when creating (combining) an image from two originals on the same side of recording paper.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a document frame erase key, which the user presses when erasing the frame of a standard size document.The size of the document at that time is set using the asterisk key 111. Reference numeral 132 denotes a sheet frame erase key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the document according to the cassette size. Reference numeral 133 denotes a page continuous copying key, which is pressed when copying the left and right pages of a document on separate sheets.

140 is an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display (display), for example, 1 with 5 x 7 dots.
It can compose characters and display a 40-character message. This display 140 is a transflective liquid crystal display and uses two colors for the backlight.Normally, the green backlight is lit, and the orange backlight is lit when there is an abnormality or when copying is not possible. A magnification display 141 displays the copy magnification set by the zoom keys 123 and 124 in %. Reference numeral 142 denotes an equal magnification indicator, which lights up when equal magnification is selected. Reference numeral 143 is a color development indicator, which lights up when a sepia development device is set. A copy number display 144 displays the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code. 145 is a cassette display device, which indicates the upper cassette 24a,
It is displayed whether the lower cassette 24b or the vapor deck 31 is selected.

Reference numeral 146 denotes a document direction indicator that displays the direction in which the document is set (vertically or horizontally). Reference numeral 147 denotes an AE indicator, which lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected using the AE key 119. Reference numeral 148 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up in the preheating state. In addition, in the auto shut-off state, preheating indicator 1
48 goes out. 149 is a ready/wait indicator,
It is a two-color LED of green and orange, and when ready (
When copying is possible), the green light is lit, and when there is a wait (copying is not possible), the orange light is lit.

Reference numeral 150 denotes a double-sided copy display, which lights up when either double-sided copying from a double-sided original or double-sided copying from a single-sided original is selected.

In the standard mode, the number of copies is 1, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, 1 equal size, 1 single-sided original to single-sided copying.

Next, the configuration of the system controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system controller 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in each of the figures from FIGS. 1 to 5 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, 1a is a CPU, for example μC0M87
AD (manufactured by NEC Corporation), ROM1b
Each part is comprehensively controlled based on a control program stored in the controller. 1c is a RAM serving as a main memory device, which functions as a memory for input data and a working memory area. 1d is an output interface circuit (I10 output), which is composed of an input/output circuit board μPD8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation) and the like, and outputs a control signal instructed by the CPU 1a to a load such as the main motor 18. 1e is an input interface circuit (110 manpower), input/output circuit board μPD82
55 (manufactured by NEC Corporation), etc., and sends a detection input signal detected by the image tip sensor 12 etc. to the CPU la. If is an interface circuit, which is composed of an input/output circuit board μPD8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation), etc.
The display group DS and key group of the operating section shown in FIG. 5 are input/output controlled. Note that the display group DS is the fifth
This is a general term for each display shown in the figure, which is composed of an LED and an LCD, and the key group corresponds to each key shown in FIG. 5, and the pressed state of each key is identified using a known key matrix. CPtJla makes a judgment based on the following.

A laser driver 1g outputs a drive signal for driving the semiconductor laser 13 and the scanner motor 15 based on a drive control signal output from the CPU 1a. Note that 27a is a registration clutch that drives the registration motor 27 shown in FIG. S is a bed sensor, which corresponds to the sensor inside the bed wall portion B.

Next, the image writing/erasing operation by the drawing means according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the driving operation of the semiconductor laser 13 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIGS. 1 and 6 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, 151 is a collimator lens that adjusts the laser beam irradiated from the semiconductor laser 13 into parallel light. A cylindrical lens 152 adjusts the optical axis of the laser beam irradiated via the collimator lens 151 so that it becomes parallel to the axial direction of the photoreceptor 17 on the scanning mirror 16 . Reference numeral 153 denotes an imaging lens that adjusts the scanning speed of the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror 14 on the photoreceptor 17 to a constant value.

The CPU 1a takes in the fixed format sheet image data stored in advance in the memory section of the IC card 84 inserted into the IC card unit section into the RAM 1c, and outputs the video signal VD corresponding to the fixed format sheet image data to the laser driver 1g. . In response to this,
A laser drive signal LD for driving the semiconductor laser 13 is sent out from the laser driver 1g, and this laser drive signal LD
A laser beam biased on/off is oscillated by the semiconductor laser 13. The oscillated laser beam is converted into parallel light by a collimator lens 151, and converted into a straight line parallel to the drum axis on the scanning mirror 16 by a cylindrical lens 152. Furthermore, the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror 14 rotating at a constant speed is transmitted to the photoreceptor 17 via the imaging lens 153.
forming an electrostatic latent image thereon.

In this way, the video signal VD output from the CPU 1a
control, the electrostatic latent image can be placed at any position on the photoreceptor 17 with high precision, in this example, 4pe 1 (4 dots/mm).
Since the standard format sheet image developed on the RAMIC can be accurately reproduced on recording paper when necessary.

Next, the operation of reading a fixed format sheet image from the IC cart 84 will be explained.

The IC card 84 stores image data constituting a fixed format sheet consisting of tables, logos, etc.
When the IC card 84 is inserted into the card insertion slot 81 of the C card unit, the stored standard format sheet image data is read out for each scanning line via the contacts 88 and stored on the RAM Ib of the sequence controller 1. Be expanded.

Next, the fixed format image forming processing operation according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for forming a fixed format image according to the present invention.

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

The dot information corresponding to the first scanning line is read from the IC card 84, expanded to the RAM 1c, and the value of the address counter is set to the first address (1). Next, vertical synchronization (synchronization of the paper feeding direction of the recording paper) is performed using (vertical synchronization O).
K) Wait (2), and if OK, then wait (horizontal synchronization OK) for horizontal synchronization (synchronization in the scanning direction) to be established (3). Next, it is determined whether the content of the address indicated by the address counter is "1" (black dot) 4), Y
If ES, turn off the video signal VD from the CPU 1a (5), form a black electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 17, and proceed to step (7) onwards; if No, turn on the video signal VD from the CPU 1a. 6) A white electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 17.

Next, the address counter (not shown) is incremented (7), and it is determined whether one scanning line is completed (8). If YES, the process returns to step (3); if YES, the next scanning line is read from the IC card 84. R dot information
The data is expanded to AM1c, and the value of the address counter is set to the first address of the scanning line (9). Next, it is determined whether or not the vertical scanning is completed (10). If No, the process returns to step (2), and if YES, the process ends. Thereafter, under the control of the CPU 1a, a standard format sheet image formation is enabled, and image formation is executed according to a known electrophotographic process.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the standard format sheet image selection processing operation by the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the standard format sheet image selection processing procedure by the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (12) indicate each step.

First, wait for the asterisk key 111 to be pressed (1), and when the asterisk key 111 is pressed, the fixed format sheet image selection mode is entered, and the numeric keypad 116 is pressed.
2) When the numeric keypad 116 is pressed, the fixed format sheet images (multiple stored in the IC card 84) specified by the numeric keypad 116 are displayed on the display 140 shown in FIG. Show title.

Next, it is determined whether the zoom key 123, that is, zoom enlargement has been requested (3), and if YES, the title of the fixed format sheet image in the rear row registered in the IC card 84 is displayed on the display 140 (4).

Next, it is determined whether the asterisk key 111 has been pressed (5), and if YES, the selected fixed format sheet image is developed in the RAM 101b (6), and the process is ended.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is No, the address of the fixed format sheet image area stored in the IC card 84 is moved backward (7), and the title of the backward fixed format sheet image is displayed on the display 140. 8) and return to step (5).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (3) is NO, the title of the standard format sheet image in the front row is displayed on Display 1.
40 (9).

Next, it is determined whether the asterisk key 111 has been pressed (10), and if YES, the process returns to step (6); if NO, the address of the fixed format sheet image area stored in the IC card 84 is advanced (11);
Display the title of the advanced fixed format sheet image on the display 140 (12), step (10)
Return to

After this, a regular format sheet image is formed according to the procedure described above. In this way, the IC card 84
By storing a plurality of fixed format sheet images in , it is possible to select and create a desired fixed format sheet using a single IC card 84.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of the regular format sheet image copy inhibition control operation by the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a standard format sheet image copying prevention control procedure according to the present invention.

Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, wait for the asterisk key 111 to be pressed (1), and when the asterisk key 111 is pressed, the fixed format sheet image selection mode is entered, and the numeric keypad 11 is pressed.
6 is pressed 2), and when the numeric keypad 116 is pressed, the department code written in advance is read from the magnetic card 94 inserted into the management unit section E. 3) and written into the work area of the RAM 1c. Next, the system waits for the prohibited department code that prohibits copying of the selected standard format sheet image to be read out from the IC card 84 (4), and when it is read out, the magnetic card 94
It is determined whether the department code read from the IC card 84 matches the prohibited department code registered in the IC card 84.
), if YES, the process ends without executing the RAM development process of the selected fixed format sheet image.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is No, the title of the selected standard format sheet image is displayed on the display 140 (6), and the standard format sheet image is expanded in the RAM 1b of the sequence controller 1 (7).
), the process ends.

This makes it possible to restrict copying of standard format sheet images in a specific department, and prevent erroneous standard format sheet creation processing.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the operation of prohibiting removal of the IC card 84 by the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

FIG. 11 shows the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG.
12 is a flowchart illustrating the first ejection ratio processing procedure of the IC card 84 according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

Waiting for the IC card 84 to be inserted into the IC card unit that can be connected to the main body A, which is the image forming section1)
, When inserted, the CPU for the IC card unit section
A signal that the card cannot be removed is sent from 1a (2). Next, reading of the fixed format sheet image data stored in the IC card 84 is started (3), and it is developed in the RAM 1c.

Next, the CPU 1a waits for the card (magnetic card 94, etc.) storing the code information that permits the extraction function of the IC card 84 to be inserted. The card removal prohibition signal that had been set is canceled (5). Next, the device waits for the card eject button 82 to be pressed (6), and when it is pressed, the IC card 84 is ejected (7).

FIG. 12 shows the sequence controller 1 shown in FIG.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a second removal prohibition processing procedure of the IC card 84 according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

IC card unit section D that can be connected to the main body section A serving as an image forming section: Waiting for the IC card 84 to be inserted 1
), when the magnetic card 94 is inserted, it waits for the magnetic card 94 to be inserted into the management unit section 2), and when the magnetic card 94 is inserted, the CPU 1a sends a card removal prohibition signal to the IC card unit section (2). 3). Then,
Reading of the fixed format sheet image data stored in the IC card 84 is started and developed in the RAM 1c.

Next, the magnetic card 94 inserted into the management unit section E
It waits for the card to be ejected (4), and when it is ejected, the card removal prohibition signal sent from the CPU 1a to the IC card unit section is canceled (5). Then,
Wait for the card eject button 82 to be pressed 6)
, when pressed, ejects the rc card 84 (7).

In the above embodiment, the laser unit constitutes the drawing means according to the present invention, and the fixed format sheet image data stored in the IC card 84 is drawn on the photoreceptor 17. However, a known LED blank or liquid crystal display may be used. The drawing means may be constituted by a shutter.

Further, in the above embodiment, the IC card 8 is used as an external storage means.
4 is configured, but the memory card,
Similar effects can be obtained by using a storage medium such as a magnetic storage device or a laser card.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the fixed format sheet image data stored in the IC card 84 is developed in the RAMIC for each scan line, but it is also possible to develop it in units of 1 format or 1 format without going through the RAM 1c. It is also possible to control the fixed format data to be directly transferred from the card 84 to the laser driver 1g.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the fixed format sheet image is
Although we have explained the case where it is processed as dot information, it can also be processed as character information or predetermined image data (logo mark, external characters).
may also be used.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the release of the non-removal signal of the IC card 84 is controlled by the magnetic card 94 has been described, but the invention is not limited to the magnetic card 94, and may be an optical card, an IC card, a barcode, etc. Alternatively, cancellation of the IC card 84 prohibition signal may be commanded by reference number input processing from the operation section.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the present invention includes an image drawing means for writing and erasing an image on the photoreceptor by irradiating a light beam onto an arbitrary position on the photoreceptor, an external storage means for storing image data in advance, and the external storage. unit means for attaching and detaching the means to the image forming section; and drawing control means for controlling irradiation of a light beam from the image drawing means to a predetermined position on the photoreceptor based on image data read from an external storage means connected to the unit means. and a disconnection permission means for permitting disconnection of the external storage means connected to the unit means based on specific code information input to the image forming section.
A desired image can be created and output with high quality at any time based on registered digital image data without performing image forming processing by optically scanning a document sheet as in the past.

In addition, it is possible to limit the separation of the external storage means for storing image data from the image forming unit only when a specific condition is met, and this provides excellent effects such as being able to always stably read out images from the external storage means. play.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the editor section shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3(a) ,(b) is
FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view and sectional view illustrating the configuration of the IC card unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. (
b) is a sectional view illustrating the configuration of the management unit section shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4(C) is a control block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management unit section shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. is the first
6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system controller shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the operation section of the main body shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining the procedure for forming a fixed format image according to the present invention; FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining the procedure for selecting a fixed format sheet image by the sequence controller shown in FIG. 1. , FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a standard format sheet image copy prevention control procedure by the sequence controller shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 11 is an IC control procedure by the sequence controller shown in FIG.
Flowchart for explaining the first card removal prohibition processing procedure. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the second IC card removal inhibition processing procedure by the sequence controller shown in FIG. In the figure, 1 is the system controller, 1a is the CPU, 1b
is ROM, lc is RAM, Ig is laser driver, 13
84 is a semiconductor laser, 84 is an IC card, A is a main body part, B is a pedicle part, C is an editor part, D is an IC card unit part, and E is a management unit part. Figure 3 (a) (b) Bl-8987 Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (C) Dish ue Figure 7 1a Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 121

Claims (8)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that scans an original image and forms an image on a photoreceptor, an image is written or erased on the photoreceptor by irradiating a light beam to an arbitrary position on the photoreceptor. an external storage means for storing image data in advance, a unit means for attaching and detaching the external storage means to the image forming section, and the image data read from the external storage means connected to the unit means. drawing control means for controlling the irradiation of a light beam from the image drawing means to a predetermined position on the photoreceptor based on the specification inputted into the image forming section to disconnect the external storage means connected to the unit means; 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a separation permission means for permitting separation based on code information of the image forming apparatus. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim (1), wherein the external storage means is constituted by a semiconductor storage medium. (3) The external storage means stores fixed format image data of a fixed size, and is constituted by an IC card having a built-in controller for controlling reading of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to item (1). (4) The image forming apparatus according to claim (1), wherein the external storage means stores a plurality of fixed format image data of a fixed size. (5) The image forming apparatus according to claim (1), wherein the external storage means stores a plurality of fixed format image data of different sizes. (6) The drawing control means selects and reads out one instructed fixed format image data from the external storage means from among the plurality of fixed format image data. image forming device. (7) The drawing control means compares the selected fixed format image data with department information stored in advance, and suppresses reading of the fixed format image data from the external storage means. 1st (1st
). (8) The image forming apparatus according to claim (1), wherein the detachment permission means permits detachment of the external storage means connected to the unit means based on the copying state of the image forming section. .