JPH02103573A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To readily add any desired picture to a copied one by permitting a plotting control means to control light irradiation from a picture drawing means to a prescribed position on a photosensitive body in parallel with exposing and scanning an original picture, based on picture information. CONSTITUTION:The image forming device is provided with picture drawing means 13 to 16 which irradiate any position of a photosensitive body 17 with light to write or erase an image thereon, and a picture information input means manually inputting picture information to write any picture information to the photosensitive body 17. Moreover, the plotting control means 1 is provided which controls light irradiation from the picture drawing means 13 to 16 to a prescribed position of the photosensitive body 17 in parallel with exposing the scanning an original picture according to the picture information. Namely the plotting control means 1 controls the driving of the picture drawing means 13 to 16 so that a prescribed position of the photosensitive body 17 is irradiated with light beams corresponding to any input picture information. As a result, any picture can be compositely added to an original picture and expressing ability for an original picture can be significantly raised.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that inputs desired image data, synthesizes original images, and forms an image on recording paper.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, this type of image forming apparatus is equipped with a recording paper reversing mechanism, and images are printed on both sides of the recording paper by reversing or not reversing the recording paper according to an instruction from an operation unit. Analog image forming apparatuses have been commercialized that can optically scan a document, or can form multiple images on one side.

In addition, some analog image forming apparatuses are configured so that a mask or a cutout image of the original image can be formed by providing an exposure means separate from the original exposure means and erasing the image.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, the exposure means provided in the conventional analog image forming apparatus cannot irradiate light to any arbitrary position of the image due to limitations such as the exposure position accuracy. However, there was a problem in that it was not possible to form a composite image by adding arbitrary image information to the original image, and the possibility of image formation expression was greatly limited, making it possible to use it only for extremely limited purposes. .

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by simultaneously drawing arbitrary image information input on a photoreceptor in parallel with exposure scanning of an original image, an arbitrary image can be drawn on the original image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can significantly increase the expressiveness of original images by forming them in a composite manner.

[Means to solve the problem]

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image drawing means for writing or erasing an image on the photoreceptor by irradiating light onto an arbitrary position on the photoreceptor, and image information for writing arbitrary image information on the photoreceptor. The apparatus is provided with image information input means for manually inputting image information, and drawing control means for controlling light irradiation from the image drawing means to a predetermined position of the photoreceptor in parallel with exposure scanning of the original image based on the image information.

(Function) In the present invention, the drawing control means controls the driving of the image drawing means so as to irradiate a predetermined position of the photoreceptor with a light beam corresponding to arbitrary image information input from the image information input means.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus showing one of the features of the present invention, which is roughly divided into a main body part A, a pedestal part B, an editor part C, an IC card unit part, etc. . In addition, each part B-
D is configured to be selectively connectable.

In the main body part A, 1 is a system controller (sequence controller) which also serves as a drawing control means of the present invention, and includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM which serve as a controller for controlling each of the above-mentioned parts A to D.

It is composed of an interface and the like, and also serves as the drawing control means of the present invention.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a document table glass, on which the document 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 ratio and causes the scanning unit to scan eight shifts at a constant speed corresponding to the magnification ratio. A sensor 10 detects the moving state of the scanning unit and notifies the sequence controller 1, which also serves as a drawing control means of the present invention. Reference numeral 13 denotes a semiconductor laser, which outputs an O signal based on fixed format image data read from an IC card (described later) which serves as an external storage means and is inserted into the IC card unit by the sequence controller 1.
It is N10FF modulated, is deflected by a polygon mirror 14 rotated at a constant speed by a scanner motor 15, and is caused to form a regular formant image on a photoreceptor 17 by a reflecting mirror (scanning mirror) 16. In addition, the above 13 to 16
This constitutes a laser unit serving as the image drawing means of the present invention. 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 2o develops a document image and a regular format image formed on the photoreceptor 17 using developer material (toner) supplied from a toner hopper. II, 12 is an image tip sensor.

Note that the sequence controller 1 also serves as a drawing control means.
The image drawing means (13 to 1 above) irradiates a predetermined position of the photoreceptor 17 with a light beam corresponding to arbitrary image information input from the image information input means (editor section described later).
6, etc.).

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. On the second day, the recording paper that has undergone the transfer process is transported to the fixing device 29 by the transport belt. 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 a copy start key, which will be described later. , 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 paper discharge roller 44.

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

At the bottom of the bed storage section, 31 is a vapor 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 surface during double-sided copying, and so that the surface of the recording paper on which image formation has been completed is the bottom surface 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. Reference numeral 44 denotes a paper ejecting roller that ejects the recording paper on which image formation has been completed from the bed printer section 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.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the editor section C shown in FIG. 1, and the editor section C is equipped with image information input means of the present invention.

In this figure, 51 is a digitizer section, and area designation 2
When using the text add-on and handwriting input, place the original and enter the coordinates. 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 also functions as an image information input means and an area specifying means of the present invention, and coordinate information can be input by pressing the digitizer section 51 when inputting a 9-character add-on for specifying an arbitrary image input area and by handwriting. do. 54
is the input information area, and the stylus pen 53 inputs alphabets, numbers, and symbols in the area 2 date information (January 1
day), etc., to the system controller 1. 55
is an area mode designation key, and by pressing the area mode designation key 55, an area designation mode is instructed to the system controller 1. Reference numeral 56 denotes a memory key, which is pressed to store an image of a person Canilia, which is closed at two diagonal points, specified by the stylus pen 53, for example. A mode key 57 specifies whether the area specified with the stylus pen 53 is to be trimmed or masked.

Reference numeral 58 denotes a clear key, which is pressed to instruct cancellation of area designation.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 +++m square is input to the system controller 1. Reference numeral 64 designates a direction designation key, and by pressing this direction designation key 64, an instruction is input to the system controller 1 as to the direction of characters to be written, parallel or perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper. Reference numeral 65 denotes a character writing position designation key, and by pressing this character writing position designation key 65, an instruction is input to the system controller 1 about the character writing start position. 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. 67 is a character clear key, and when this character clear key 67 is pressed, an instruction is input to the system controller 1 to clear input character information.

On the 6th, a character input display lights up when the add-on mode key 62 is pressed to notify the operator of the character input 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 this handwriting input mode key 72
When the button is pressed, the display 75 lights up, notifying the operator of this fact, and also notifying the system controller 1 of this fact.
Enter the instructions.

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 has semiconductor integrated circuits (CPU, RA, etc.) 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 is figure 4? The operating section of the main body A shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the operation section of the main body A shown in FIG. Press to 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 the 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, 1
18b is a copy density key, which is pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 119 is the automatic density setting key (AE key), which can be used to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel the automatic density adjustment (AE) and set the density adjustment to manual. Press to switch.

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 vapor deck 31. Furthermore, 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 and paper of a size matching the document size is stored. The cassette to be played 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 fixed size scaling keys, which are pressed when specifying reduction or enlargement of the fixed size. Reference numeral 127 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a double-sided original (9) 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. 130
is 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 message of 40 characters. 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,
Displays which one of the lower power cellar)-24b and the vapor deck 31 is selected.

Reference numeral 146 denotes a document direction indicator that displays the direction in which the document is set (M, upright/sideways). 147 is the AE display, AE
Lights up when AE (automatic concentration adjustment) is selected using the key 119. Reference numeral 148 denotes a preheating indicator, which lights up in the preheating state. Note that the preheating indicator 148 is turned off in the auto shut-off state. Reference numeral 149 is a ready/wait indicator, which is a two-color LED of green and orange. Green lights up when ready (when copying is possible), and lights up when wait (copy possible).
(When copying is not possible), the color lights up orange.

Reference numeral 150 denotes a double-sided copying display, which lights up when any of the following options is selected: double-sided copying from a double-sided original, or double-sided copying from a single-sided original.

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. 5.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system controller 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in each of FIGS. 1 to 4 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, 1a is a CPU, for example μC0M87
AD (manufactured by Hiki Electric Co., Ltd.), ROM1b
Each part is comprehensively controlled based on a control program stored in the controller. 1c is a RAM serving as a main memory, which functions as a memory for input data and a working memory area. In addition,
This RAM 1c also serves as an image information memory, and any image information input from the stylus pen 53 corresponding to the designated image area is arranged in seven colors according to instructions input from the editor section C.

1d is an output interface circuit (■10 outputs), which is an input/output circuit board μPD8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation)
etc., and the load such as the main motor 18 is
Outputs the commanded control signal from a. 1e is the input interface circuit (110 inputs), and the input/output circuit board μ
Consists of PD8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation), etc.
The detection input signal detected by the image tip sensor 12 etc. is sent to the CPU 1a.
Send to. 1f is an input interface circuit (10 inputs), which is composed of an input/output circuit board μPD8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation), etc., and controls human output to the display DS and key group of the operating unit shown in Fig. 5. .

Display DS is a general term for each display shown in Fig. 4, which is composed of LED and LCD, and the key group corresponds to each key shown in Fig. 4, and indicates the pressed state of each key. Identification is performed by a known key matrix.
1a is making the decision.

A laser driver 1g outputs a video signal (image signal) VD for driving the semiconductor laser 13 based on a drive control signal output from the CPU 1a.

A scanner driver 1h outputs a drive signal 5CANON for driving 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 bed sensor,
Corresponds to the sensor in bedistal section B.

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

FIG. 6 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 5 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 LB deflected by the polygon mirror 14 on the photoreceptor 17 to a constant value.

Next, the image drawing process will be explained with reference to FIG.

The laser driver 1g outputs a drive signal LD for driving the semiconductor laser 13 in accordance with the video signal VD from the CPU 1a. The semiconductor laser 13 generates a laser beam LB modulated by the drive signal LD, and the collimator lens 15
1 becomes parallel light, and further cylindrical lens 1
52, the light is converted onto the scanning mirror 16 into a straight light beam parallel to the drum axis. Then, it is changed to a polygon mirror 14 rotating at a constant speed, and the imaging lens 153
The laser beam LB is horizontally scanned on the photoreceptor 17 at a constant speed through the photoreceptor 17, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image.

Next, a horizontal/vertical motion generation process for forming an electrostatic latent image will be explained.

When the CPU 1a transfers the video signal VD for one main scan to the laser driver 1g, a timing is required to start transferring the video signal VD.

Therefore, when the BD mirror 11 provided at the exposure start position of the scanning optical path of the laser beam LB is scanned, the optical fiber cable 1j
The detection signal is notified to PU la, and after a predetermined waveform shaping process, it generates a BD double signal that is the write timing in the main scanning direction.

Then, in synchronization with this BD double signal, the video signal VD is sent to the laser driver 1g, and the semiconductor laser 13 scans the photoreceptor 17 with a laser beam LB modulated based on the video signal VD.

On the other hand, the vertical synchronization timing is controlled as follows by driving the registration roller 27.

That is, after the recording paper is conveyed to the position where the registration rollers 27 are disposed, it is stopped once, and after the alignment of the leading edge of the image with the photoconductor 17 is completed, the registration rollers 27 are driven again to record and change the direction of conveyance. (sub-scanning direction) timing to draw an image of the video signal VD corresponding to the handwritten image information stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1c.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the coordinate reading processing operation by the digitizer section 51 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the coordinate reading processing routine according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (
6) shows each step.

First, switch the applied voltage of the X/Y axis to the X axis specification (1)
Convert the x-axis input terminal to A/D 2), and convert the converted value to R.
Store in the buffer area (X-BUF) of AM1c (
3).

Next, switch the applied voltage of the X/Y axis to specify the Y axis (4
) Convert the Y-axis input voltage to A/D 5) Convert the converted value to R
The data is stored in the buffer area (Y-BUF) of AM1c (6) As a result, the XY coordinates where the stylus pen 53 is pressed are stored in the buffer area (X-BUF) of RAMIC, respectively.
It will be taken into the buffer area (Y-BUF).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an editor setting processing routine according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (
6) shows each step.

First, it is determined whether the handwriting input mode key 72 is pressed and the handwriting input mode is set.1) YE
If S, execute the handwritten input processing routine described later.2
) Proceed to step (3) onwards.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether the area mode designation key 55 is pressed and the area designation mode is set (3), and if YES, the area designation processing routine described later is executed (4). ), step (5)
Proceed to the following.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (3) is NO, it is determined whether the add-on mode key 62 was pressed and the character input mode was set (5).
Return to step 1), and if YES, execute a character input processing routine to be described later (6) and return to step (1).

Next, the handwritten input processing operation according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the handwriting input processing routine according to the present invention. In addition,(
1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether the key in the handwriting entry canister has been pressed 1) If No, proceed to step (5) or later; if YES, it is determined whether the handwriting mode clear key 74 has been pressed 2), if YES RAM1
Clear the handwritten information area E-RAM of c (3)
Return, if NO, determine whether the enter key 73 was pressed 4) If YES, return,
If No, proceed to step (5) and subsequent steps.

Next, it is determined whether the signal of the stylus ben 53 is ON or not (5), and if No, return to step (1) and select YE.
If S, the coordinate reading processing routine described above is executed (6). Next, handwritten input information corresponding to the buffer area (X-BUF) and buffer area (Y-BUF) is written into the handwritten information area E-RAM of the RAM 1c (7), and the process returns to step (1). As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, handwritten image information input from the stylus pen 53 is captured into the handwritten information area E-RAM of the RAM 1c. Note that the shaded area in the figure indicates one dot, which corresponds to a state where the image is 0.25 mm.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the area designation mote routine according to the present invention.

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

First, it is determined whether each key for specifying the area is ON. 1) If YES, it is determined whether the clear key 58 is ON. 2) If YES, the process returns. If NO, key input processing using various keys is executed. 3) Proceed to step (4) onwards.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is No, it is determined whether the stylus ben 53 is pressed (turned on)4), and if NO, the process returns to step (1) and YES is determined.
If so, execute the coordinate reading processing routine corresponding to the pressed position 5), area (X-1st), area (
The contents of area (X-2nd) and area (Y-1st) are
6), buffer area (X-B
UF), buffer 1 area (Y-BUF) (7) Store the contents in area (X-1st) and area (Y-1st) 7), and return to step (1).

This refreshes the area designation data and always holds the latest two data points.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a character input processing routine according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (9)
) indicates each step.

First, it is determined whether each key for specifying character input is ON or not. 1) If YES, it is determined whether the character clear key 67 is ON or not. 2) If YES, the process returns, and if No, key input processing using various keys is performed. 3) Proceed to step (4) onwards.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is NO, it is determined whether the stylus ben 53 has been pressed (turned on).4) If NO, the process returns to step (1), and if YES, it corresponds to the pressed position. Execute the coordinate reading processing routine 5) and determine whether the position is specified or not 8)
If YES, store in the character position memory of the RAM 1c corresponding to the buffer area (X-BUF) and buffer area (Y-BUF) (7), and proceed to step (8) onwards.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (6) is NO, it is judged whether the character is specified or not.8) If it is No, step (1
), and if YES, buffer area (X-BUF)
, store the character code of the location corresponding to the buffer area (Y-BUF) in the character memory of RAM1c9.
), return to step (1).

Next, a copying sequence of image information based on handwritten input according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Note that the information input in the handwriting input mode on the digitizer unit 51 is stored in the handwritten canister (RAMIC) as dot information in the image, and normally one dot is exposed to light as 0.25 mm spot information. is written on the drum 17.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a copying sequence of image information based on handwritten input according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, the starting address corresponding to the first scanning line of the handwritten input information area E-RAM of the RAM 1c is set in the address counter (1).

Wait for vertical synchronization, that is, synchronization in the paper feeding direction, to be OK 2). Once vertical synchronization is established, wait for horizontal synchronization, that is, synchronization in the laser beam LB scanning direction, to be OK. 3), then horizontal synchronization. 4) If YES, turn off the image signal VD (corresponds to drawing a black image) L (5
), proceed to step (7) onwards, and if No, the image signal V
Turn D ON (corresponds to drawing a white image) (6), step (
7) Proceed to the following steps.

Next, increment the address counter by "1" 7)
, determine whether drawing for one scanning line has been completed 8) If No, return to step (3); if YES, write the start address corresponding to the next scanning line in the handwritten input information area E-RAM of RAM1c. The address counter is set (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.

As a result, the handwritten image information input by operating the stylus pen 53 is processed into 4 pels (0.25 per f dot).
It is possible to form images with a resolution of mm).

In the above embodiment, the drawing means according to the present invention is configured by a laser unit, and the handwritten image information input from the stylus pen 53 is drawn on the photosensitive drum 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 area specifying means is constituted by the stylus pen 53 and the area specifying information is directly inputted. However, the instruction may be inputted using a pointing device or the numeric keypad 116 of the operation unit.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention provides image drawing means for writing or erasing an image on the photoreceptor by irradiating light onto an arbitrary position on the photoreceptor, and image information for writing arbitrary image information on the photoreceptor. The image information input means for manually inputting the image information, and the drawing control means for controlling the light irradiation from the image drawing means to a predetermined position on the photoreceptor in parallel with the exposure scanning of the original image based on the image information, are provided. By inputting instructions, it is possible to easily add a desired arbitrary image, such as a handwritten input image, to the copied image of the original image, converting the original image into a composite copy image rich in originality, and storing it on a recording medium. It has the advantage of being able to output to

[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 C shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. ), (b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the IC card unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the operation section of the main body shown in FIG. 1. , FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system controller shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the driving operation of the semiconductor laser shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a coordinate reading processing routine according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an editor setting lA according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining an example of the processing procedure of the handwriting input processing routine according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a character input processing routine according to the present invention, FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image information copying sequence based on handwritten input, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a handwritten image information input process according to the present invention. FIG. In the figure, 1 is the sequence controller, la is the CPU, 1
b is ROM, lc is RAM, Ig is laser driver, 1
h is a scanner driver, 51 is a digitizer unit, 53 is a stylus pen, 54 is an input information area, and 72 is a handwriting input mode key. (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b) (a) (b)

Claims (1)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a photoreceptor by exposing and scanning a document image, an image drawing means that writes or erases an image on the photoreceptor by irradiating light onto an arbitrary position of the photoreceptor; image information input means for manually inputting image information in order to write the image information on the photoreceptor;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a drawing control means for controlling light irradiation from the image drawing means to a predetermined position of the photoreceptor in parallel with exposure scanning of the original image based on the image information.