JPH02103575A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To compose and output any picture to a copied picture of an original picture by means of inputting brief instructions by permitting a plotting control means to control light irradiation to a prescribed position on a photosensitive body in parallel with exposing and scanning an original picture according to picture information inputted in response to specified and inputted plotting attribute information. CONSTITUTION:The image forming device is provided with a picture information input means 53 inputting any picture information in a picture area specified by an area specifying means 59 and a plotting attribute input means specifying and inputting plotting attribute information corresponding to any inputted picture information. Moreover, the device is provided with the plotting control means 1 which controls light irradiation to a prescribed position on the photosensitive body 17 from picture drawing means 13 to 16 in parallel with exposing and scanning an original picture according to picture information inputted from the picture information input means 53 in response to the specified and inputted picture attribute information. When a picture input area is specified, the plotting control means 1 shifts and controls light corresponding to any picture information to a prescribed position of the photosensitive body 17. Thus, any picture can be compositely formed on an original picture, and expressing ability for an original picture can be greatly 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 non-reversing the recording paper according to instructions 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 for Solving the Problems) An 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 an image forming device for writing or erasing an image on the photoreceptor, and an image forming device for writing or erasing an image on the photoreceptor, an area specifying means for specifying an image input area for writing on the photoreceptor; an image information input means for inputting arbitrary image information into the image area specified by the area specifying means; and an image information input means for inputting image information from the image information input means. A drawing attribute input means for specifying and inputting drawing attribute information for arbitrary image information, and an image drawing means based on image information input from the image information input means corresponding to the drawing attribute information specified and input from the drawing attribute input means. A drawing control means is provided for controlling light irradiation from the photoreceptor to a predetermined position on the photoreceptor in parallel with exposure scanning of the original image.

Further, the drawing attribute input means may be configured to input line type attribute information for any image information inputted from the image information input means or line color type attribute information for any image information.

[Effect]

In this invention, when the area specifying means specifies an image input area for writing arbitrary image information on the photoreceptor, the drawing control means receives input from the image information input means in parallel with exposure scanning of the original image. The driving of the image drawing means is controlled so that light corresponding to arbitrary image information is irradiated onto a predetermined position of the photoreceptor.

In addition, at this time, the line type and line color of the image drawn on the photoreceptor by the image drawing means are determined according to the line type property information or line color type attribute information specified and input for arbitrary image information from the drawing attribute input means. The developed color of the image may be varied to print the line thickness, line type, and line color so that they can be distinguished from the original.

〔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 pedestal part B, an editor part C, an IC card unit part, etc. . In addition, each part B-D for main body part A
are configured to be connectable as desired.

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 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 function as a scanning unit that integrally performs 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 move and scan at a constant speed corresponding to the magnification. A sensor 10 detects the 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 and 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. 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 20 develops a document image and a regular format image formed on the photoreceptor 17 using a developing material (toner) supplied from a toner hopper. 11 and 12 are image tip sensors.

Note that when an image input area for writing arbitrary image information onto the photoreceptor 17 is specified by an area specifying means to be described later, the sequence controller 1 which also serves as a drawing control means
The image drawing means (
(consisting of the above-mentioned components 13 to 16, etc.).

At this time, the image drawing means (13 to 16 above) is selected according to the line type property information or the line color type attribute information that is specified and input for any image information from the drawing attribute input means provided in the editor section C, for example. The line type of the image drawn on the photoreceptor 17 and the developing color of the image can be varied by the image forming apparatus (consisting of the following), and the line thickness, line type, and line color can be printed so that they can be distinguished from the original. good.

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 photoconductor layer and a seamless photoreceptor using four electric bodies, is rotatably supported, and is driven 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 20c of the developing unit 20a or the developing roller 20d of the developing unit 20b and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 21 as described below. In other words, the upper cassette 2
4a or the transfer paper in the lower cassette 24b is fed into the main unit by a paper feed roller 25 or 26, and is conveyed toward the photoreceptor 17 with accurate timing by a registration roller 27, where it is transferred to the leading edge of the latent image and recorded. The leading edge of the paper is matched. Thereafter, by passing the recording paper between the transfer charger 21 and the photoreceptor 17, the photoreceptor 17
The upper toner image 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.

In the bedside section B, 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 that gradually lifts up according to the amount of recording paper stored in the paper 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 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 4o 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 ejection flapper 35 of bedistal section B upward in the figure, and move the recording paper on which image formation has been completed to the transport path 36, 37 of bedistal section B. The data is stored in the intermediate tray 32 via the media. At this time, the multiple flapper 39 is lowered during double-sided recording, and the multiple flapper 39 is lifted upward in the figure during multiple 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 paper stored in the intermediate tray 32 is fed one by one from the bottom through the path 43 to the main body A by the action of the paper feed roller 423 and the intermediate tray weight 38. is guided to the registration roller 27 of.

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, which specifies the area 1.
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 when inputting a one-character add-on for specifying an image input area or by handwriting, coordinate information can be input by pressing the digitizer section 51. input.

Reference numeral 54 denotes an input information area, in which alphabets, numbers, and symbols within the area are entered using the stylus pen 53.

Input date information (January 1, 2015) and the like into the system controller 1. Reference numeral 55 denotes 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. 56 is a memory key, which is specified by the stylus pen 53;
For example, this button is pressed to store an image input area that is closed by two diagonal points. A mode key 57 specifies whether the area specified with the stylus pen 53 is to be l-rimmed 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 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. 67 is a character clear key, this character clear key 67
By pressing , an instruction is input to the system controller 1 to clear the input character information.

A character input display 68 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.

Reference numeral 77a denotes a first line type specification key serving as a drawing attribute input means of the present invention, which is pressed to specify the line width type, that is, the line thickness, of image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53. When the line type designation key 77a is pressed, the display 78a or the display 79a lights up. For example, when the display 78a lights up, the line width of the image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53 becomes large (0.5 mm). is specified and the display 79a lights up, the line width of the image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53 is specified to be large (0.25 mm). Note that image information input by handwriting from the stylus pen 53 is stored in different formats (different writing addresses) in the image information memory, which will be described later, depending on the line width designation.

Reference numeral 77b denotes a second line type designation key serving as a drawing attribute input means of the present invention, which is pressed to specify and input the line type of image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53, that is, the line type. When the type designation key 77b is pressed, the display 78b or 79b lights up. For example, when the display 78b lights up, the line type of the image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53 is designated as a solid line, and the display 79b lights up. When lit, the line type of image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53 is designated as a dotted line. Note that image information input by handwriting from the stylus pen 53 is stored in different formats (different writing addresses) in the image information memory, which will be described later, depending on the line type designation.

Reference numeral 80a designates a line color designation key serving as a drawing attribute input means of the present invention, which is pressed to designate and input the development color of the image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53, that is, the development color of the drawn line. When the key 80a is pressed, the display 80b or 80c lights up.
When 0b lights up, the development color of the image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53 is designated as black, and the display 8
When 0c is lit, the development color of the image information input by hand from the stylus pen 53 is designated as red. The depression state signal of the line color designation key 80a is input to the CPU 1a, and the driving of the developing unit 20a or the developing unit 20b is controlled. At this time, if the original image color and the handwritten input image color are different, the recording paper is controlled to be conveyed in multiple loops by the multiplexing mechanism.

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) contains a single or multiple (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. There are five colors of fertilizer. Further, the IC card 84 stores a department code that prohibits copying of the stored standard format sheet image, and when this department code matches the department card stored in the magnetic card described later, the standard format sheet image is The sequence controller 1 prohibits (suppresses) copying of the 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, referring to FIG. 4, the operating section of the main body A shown in FIG. 1 will be explained.

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. Further, a 117, which is also used when setting the asterisk mode, is a memory key that 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. 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 perform double-sided copying from a single-sided original.1 double-sided copying from a double-sided original, or single-sided copying from a double-sided original. 12B is a binding margin key, which 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. ]30
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.

Reference numeral 140 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display, for example, one character is composed of 5×7 dots, and a message of 40 characters can be displayed. 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. 143 is a color development display, and the sepia development device is Cera!・Lights up when 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 (M-side or sideways). Reference numeral 147 denotes an AE indicator, which lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected using the AE key 119. 14B is 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 indicator, 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. 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 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 storage area for input data and a working memory area.

Note that this RAM 1c also serves as image information memory,
First and second line type designation keys 77a serve as drawing attribute input means of the present invention for inputting arbitrary image information, such as handwritten image information, input from the stylus pen 53 corresponding to the designated image area.

77b and the line color designation key 80a, and are individually stored in areas and unique addresses that are set according to the designated input state from the line color designation key 80a.

1d is an output interface circuit (■10 outputs), which is an input/output circuit board μPD8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation)
etc., and the CPU 1a is used as a load such as the main motor 18.
Outputs the control signal commanded from. 1e is an input interface circuit (110 inputs), which is an input/output circuit board μP.
D8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation) or the like, and sends a detection input signal detected by the image tip sensor 12 or the like to the CPU 1a. 1f is an input interface circuit (110 inputs), which is composed of an input/output circuit board μPD8255 (manufactured by NEC Corporation), and controls the display DS and key group of the operating section shown in FIG.

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 ia.

A scanner driver 1h outputs a drive signal S CANON for driving the scanner motor 15 based on a drive control signal output from the CPU la.

Note that 27a is a registration clutch that drives the registration rollers 27 shown in FIG. S is a sensor, which corresponds to the sensor in the pedestal 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 151
The light becomes parallel, and then the cylindrical lens 15
2, the light is converted onto the scanning mirror 16 into a straight light beam parallel to the drum axis. Then, the rotation is changed to the polygon mirror 14 rotating at a constant speed, and the laser beam LB is horizontally scanned on the photoreceptor 17 at a constant speed via the imaging lens 153, thereby forming a static mW 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, one timing is required to start transferring the video signal VD.

Therefore, when the laser beam LB scans the BD main mirror 1 provided at the exposure start position of the scanning optical path of the laser beam LB, the C
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 register 1-roller 27.

That is, after the recording paper is conveyed to the position where the registration rollers 27 are arranged, it is stopped once, and after the alignment of the leading edge of the image with the photoreceptor 17 is completed, the registration rollers 27 are driven again to record and advance m. The timing of the direction (sub-scanning direction) is controlled, and the video (i-FfV
Draw the image of D.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the coordinate reading IA filling operation by the digitizer unit 51 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained.

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 on the X/Y axis to specify X glaze (1)
Convert the X-axis input voltage to A/D2), and convert the converted value to R.
A, allocate it to the buffer area (X-BUF) of Mlc (3).

Next, switch the applied voltage on the x/Y axis to specify the Y axis (4
)Y! Convert the input terminal of lft to A/D 5) Transfer the converted value to the buffer area (Y-BUF) of RAM1c.
(6).

As a result, the XY coordinates at which the stylus pen 53 is pressed are respectively stored in the buffer area (X-BUF) of the RAM 1c,
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) If YES, the area designation processing routine to be described later is executed. (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 described with reference to FIGS. 9(a) to 9(C).

FIG. 9(a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the first handwritten input processing routine according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the key in the handwriting input canister has been pressed.1) If NO, proceed to step (7) or later; if YES, it is determined whether or not the handwriting mode clear key 74 has been pressed.2), YES. Then 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, it is further determined whether the first line type designation key 77a has been pressed (5), and if No, step (7) is performed.
If the answer is YES, the line type flag is inverted (6). The line type flag is a flag that specifies the line width in handwriting input mode, and is usually defaulted to "0".
When the line type designation key 77a is pressed, it is reversed to "1". Note that when the line type flag is "0", the input of the stylus pen 53 is 0, which is indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 14(a).
It is taken into RAM1c as 25mm dot information,
When the line type flag is "1", the input from the stylus pen 53 is taken into the RAM 1c as 0.5 mm dot information shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 14(b).

Next, it is determined whether the signal of the stylus ben 53 is ON or not (7) If No, return to step (1) and Y
If it is ES, the coordinate reading processing routine described above is executed (8).

Next, it is determined whether the line type flag is OFF (content is "0")9) If YES, the buffer area (X
-BUF), the handwritten input information corresponding to the buffer area (Y-BUF) is transferred to the handwritten information area E-R of the RAMIC.
Write to AM (lO), return to step (1),
If No, buffer area (X-BUF), buffer area (Y-BUF) and buffer area (X-BUF
+1), buffer area (Y-BUF) and buffer area (X-BUF), buffer area (Y-BUF+
1), write the handwritten input information corresponding to the buffer area (X-BUF+1) and buffer area (Y-BUF+1) to the handwritten information area E-RAM of RAM1c (
11), return to step (1).

FIG. 9(b) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the second handwritten key input processing routine according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether a key in the handwriting input area has been pressed. 1) If No, proceed to step (7) or later; if YES, it is determined whether the handwriting mode clear key 74 has been pressed. 2) If YES, it is determined whether or not the handwriting mode clear key 74 has been pressed. RAM1
Clear the handwritten information area E-RAM of c (3)
If the return is No, check whether the enter key 73 was pressed or not. 4) YES? If ,<, return, and if NO, it is further determined whether the second line type designation key 77b was pressed (5) If No, proceed to step (7), if YES, invert the line type flag (
6). The line type flag is a flag that specifies the line type in the handwriting input mode, and is normally defaulted to "0", and can be set to "1" by pressing the second line type designation key 77b.
to be reversed. Note that when the line type flag is "0", the input from the stylus pen 53 is taken into the RAMIC as solid line dot information of 0 and 25 mm indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 15(a), and the line type flag is set to "1". ”, the input of the stylus pen 53 is 0 indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 15(b).
, 25 mm dotted line dot information will be taken into the RAM 1c.

Next, it is determined whether the signal of the stylus pen 53 is ON or not (7) If No, return to step (1) and select Y.
If it is ES, the coordinate reading processing routine described above is executed (8).

Next, it is determined whether the line type flag is OFF (content is "0")9) If YES, the buffer area (X
-BUF), the handwritten input information corresponding to the buffer area (Y-BUF) is stored in the handwritten information area E-R of RAM1c.
Write to AM (1o), return to step (1), and write No.
Then, the handwritten information area E-RA adjacent to the buffer area (X-BUF) and buffer area (Y-BLIF)
To determine whether dot information exists in M11),
If no, return to step (10); if yes, RA
Return to step (1) without writing anything to the handwritten information area E-RAM of M1c.

FIG. 9(c) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the third handwritten input processing routine according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether the key in the handwriting input canister has been pressed 1) If No, proceed to step (7) or later; if YES, it is determined whether the handwriting mode clear key 74 has been pressed 2), if YES RAM1c
Clear the handwritten information area E-RAM (3)
Return 17, if No, determine whether the enter key 73 was pressed 4) If YES, return; if No, further determine whether the line color specification key 80a was pressed 5) If No, step (7) )
Proceed to , and if YES, invert the color specification flag (6),
The color specification flag is a flag that specifies the development color of image information in the handwriting input mode, and is normally defaulted to "0", and can be changed to "1" by pressing the line color specification key 80a.
to be reversed. In addition, if the color specification flag is "0",
The input from the stylus pen 53 is taken into the black area of the RAM 1c as 0, 25 mm black solid line dot information indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. is indicated by diagonal lines in Fig. 16, which is a solid red line of 0.25mm.
It will be taken into the red area of 1C.

Next, it is determined whether the signal of the stylus ben 53 is ON or not (7) If NO, return to step (1) and Y
With ES, you can read the coordinates mentioned above! Execute A-filling (8). Next, determine whether the color specification flag is OFF (content is "O") 9) If YES, buffer area (X-BUF), buffer area (Y-BUF)
Write the handwritten input information corresponding to the black handwritten information area E-RAM (B) of RAM1c (lO), return to step (1), and if No, write the handwritten input information corresponding to the black handwritten information area E-RAM (B).
UF).

The handwritten input information corresponding to the buffer area (Y-BUF) is transferred to the red handwritten information area ERAM (R
) (11), and if NO, return to step (1).

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, determine whether each key for area specification is ON 1) If YES, determine whether clear key ~ 58 is ON 2) If YES, return; if No, execute key input processing using various keys. 3), step (
4) Proceed to the following steps.

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. 5) Area (X-1st) Area (Y-1st)
1st) contents to area (X-2nd), x rear (Y-
6) Buffer area (X-BU
F), save the contents of the buffer area (Y-BUF) to the area (
X-1st), store in area (Y-1st) 7),
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, determine whether each key for specifying character input is ON.1) If YES, determine whether the character clear key 67 is ON.2) If YES, return and NO.
If so, execute key input processing using various keys 3) and 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 6)
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 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 handwriting input canister (RAMIC) as dot information in the image, and normally one dot is exposed to light as information from a 0.25 mm sub-box. drum 17
will be written to.

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, set the start address corresponding to the first scanning line of the handwritten information area (E-RAM) of the RAM 1c to 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 of the laser beam LB scanning direction, to be OK. 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) L (6) Proceed to step (7) and subsequent steps.

Next, increment the address counter by "1" 7)
How to judge whether drawing for one scanning line is completed 8
) If No, return to step (3); if Yes, set the start address corresponding to the next scanning line of the handwritten information area (E-RAM) of RAM1c to the address counter (9) Next, the vertical scanning is performed. Determine whether it has finished or not (10), and if no, return to step (2) and Y
If it is ES, the process ends.

As a result, the handwritten image information input by operating the stylus pen 53 is processed at 4 pels (0.2 per dot).
5mm) resolution, for example, while changing the line width,
Or it can be formed while changing the line type.

Next, referring to FIG. 13, a color-based copying sequence operation of handwritten image information according to the present invention will be described.

Note that handwritten image information is stored in separate areas provided for each color in accordance with the pressed state of the line color designation key 80a.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a color-based copying sequence of handwritten image information according to the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, wait for the formation preparation of the handwritten input image to be OK (1), and when the formation preparation of the handwritten input image is OK, the developing unit 20a is used to form a black image.
is set on the photosensitive drum 17 (2), the handwritten image information stored as black image information is transferred to the handwritten information area of the RAM 1c (3), and the handwritten image forming routine is executed in the sequence described above ( 4).

Next, it is determined whether data exists in the image information storage area for red (5) If No, step (1)
0) Proceed to the following steps, and if YES, transport the recording paper on which the black image has finished to the multiplex bus 6) Registration roller 27
Transport it to the position and stop it once.

Next, the developing unit 20b containing the red developer is set on the photosensitive drum 17 (7), and the handwritten image information stored as image information for red is transferred to the handwritten information area (E-RAM) of the RAM 1C (8). A handwritten image forming processing routine is executed in the sequence described above (9).

Next, the recording paper on which the red color has been developed and fixed is ejected 10).
Finish the process.

In the above embodiment, the laser unit constitutes the drawing means according to the present invention, and the handwritten image information input from the stylus pen 53 is drawn on the photosensitive drum 17. However, it is also possible to use a known LED blank or liquid crystal shutter. A drawing means may also be configured.

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.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where two types of line types, a solid line and a dotted line, are drawn has been described, but the line type is not limited to these, and may be a one-dot chain line, a two-dot chain line, etc.
The configuration may be such that a dotted chain line, a double dotted chain line, a line width, etc. are combined in a composite manner.

Further, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which handwritten image information is formed in red or black. However, the invention is not limited to these colors, and if the developing unit means for accommodating other developing colors is configured to be replaceable, other developing colors can be formed. Needless to say, it can be developed in color.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, 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 an image input area for writing arbitrary image information on the photoreceptor. an area specifying means for specifying an area, an image information input means for inputting arbitrary image information into the image area specified by the area specifying means, and drawing attribute information for the arbitrary image information input from the image information input means. Light is directed from the image drawing means to a predetermined position on the photoreceptor based on the drawing attribute input means to be specified and input, and the image information input from the image information input means corresponding to the drawing attribute information specified and input from the drawing attribute input means. Since a drawing control means for controlling the irradiation in parallel with the exposure scanning of the original image is provided, a desired arbitrary image, for example, a handwritten input image, can be synthesized into the copied image of the original image according to the attributes by inputting a simple instruction. It can be output.

Further, the drawing attribute input means allows specifying input of line type type property information for arbitrary image information input from the image information input means, or specifying input of line color type attribute information for input arbitrary image information. Therefore, by inputting a simple instruction, it is possible to synthesize, for example, a handwritten input image into a copy image of an original image while changing the line width and line type and two colors. Therefore, it is possible to form a copy image and a handwritten input image on a recording medium in a distinguishable manner, greatly increasing the expressiveness of the original image, and converting the original image into a highly original copy image. be effective.

[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 process according to the present invention. FIG. 9(a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the first handwritten input processing routine according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 9(C) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the third handwritten input processing routine according to the present invention, and FIG. Flowchart illustrating an example of a designated mote routine, 11th
FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining an example of a character input processing routine according to the present invention, FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining an example of a copying sequence of image information based on handwritten input according to the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining an example of a copying sequence of image information based on handwritten input according to the present invention. A flowchart illustrating an example of a color-based copying sequence, and FIGS. 14 to 16 are schematic diagrams illustrating handwritten image information input processing according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a sequence controller, 1a is a CPU,
1b is ROM, lc is RAM, Ig is laser driver,
1h is a scanner driver, 51 is a digitizer section, 53
is a stylus pen, 54 is an input information area, 72 is a handwriting input mode key, 778 is a first line type specification key, 77
b is a second line type designation key; and 80a is a color designation key. Figures (a) (b) Figures Figures Figures Figures Figures (a) Figures ]0 Figures Figures Figures ]3 Figures

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a photoreceptor by exposing and scanning a document image, an image drawing unit that writes or erases an image on the photoreceptor by irradiating light onto an arbitrary position of the photoreceptor; Area specifying means for specifying an image input area for writing arbitrary image information on the photoreceptor; image information input means for inputting arbitrary image information into the image area specified by the area specifying means; and this image information. drawing attribute input means for specifying and inputting drawing attribute information for arbitrary image information input from the input means; 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 based on image information in parallel with exposure scanning of the original image. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawing attribute input means specifies and inputs line type attribute information for arbitrary image information input from the image information input means. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drawing attribute input means specifies and inputs line color type attribute information for arbitrary image information input from the image information input means.