JPH1079843A - Multifunctional image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform multi-copying operation in a book mode and ADF mode irrespective of whether the capacity of an image memory is large or small. SOLUTION: When multiple copies are taken in a book mode, the same document is left at the read position o f a document read means and read- operation by the document read means is repeated, so that the capacity of the image memory is decided (S2) and the document is so read (S3) that image data of one document are temporarily stored in the image memory, according to whether its capacity is large or small. Or the image memory is used as a shift resister, and then the document image is so read that the image data are outputted to a print means side each time one line is only read (S4) or a read system is switched, thereby realizing multiple copies of high guality image without lowering the resolution.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, an M
The present invention relates to a multi-function image processing apparatus represented by an FP (Multi-Function Peripheral = multi-function image processing peripheral device having a facsimile / scanner / copy function).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as peripheral devices for personal computers, devices such as MFPs having both of these functions, rather than dedicated devices having a single function such as printers and scanners, have been increasingly used. According to this, simply by connecting the MFP to the personal computer, the information on the personal computer side is stored in the MFP.
Various image processing such as direct facsimile transmission using the facsimile function of the FP, printing out by the printer unit, and loading the information received by the facsimile and the information read by the scanner unit into the personal computer side. It becomes possible. Copying is possible even with the MFP itself. For this reason, the MFP always has an image memory for storing image data in various situations.

In such an MFP, when trying to copy a plurality of copies of the same original (multi-copy), after reading the original image by a scanner unit, the image data for one original is temporarily stored in an image memory. In general, the image data stored in the image memory is output to a printer unit so that printing of a plurality of copies is performed continuously and at high speed.

[0004]

However, the remaining capacity of the image data has an element that varies depending on the use situation of the MFP. For example, there is a case where the remaining capacity of the image memory is small because of being used for a facsimile function. Further, depending on the MFP, for example, only one image memory of 2 Mbytes is provided and the capacity tends to be insufficient, or there is a case where an additional memory has a total image memory capacity of 2 × 2 Mbytes and
It is mixed. Therefore, it is not always possible to take the above-described normal processing control depending on whether or not the available capacity of the image memory at a certain point is sufficient, and part of the image data is lost due to lack of capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to control the image processing method according to the capacity of the image memory. Also, the scanner section of the MFP is usually
It is configured to photoelectrically convert and read by a photoelectric conversion device such as a contact type 1: 1 sensor, CCD line sensor, etc., but it also has the function of a so-called sheet scanner compatible with facsimile and also enables reading of documents that are not suitable for conveyance. It is often configured to have the function of a so-called book scanner. That is, a book scanner that reads by the original fixed / optical system moving method and a sheet scanner that reads by the original moving / optical system fixing method coexist, and the sheet scanner automatically feeds the original to the original reading position.
(Automatic document feeder). In addition, although the photoelectric conversion device may be separate, it is usually used in a dual-purpose form, and in a book scanner, a close contact type 1: 1 sensor is configured to scan the lower surface of the contact glass, and in a sheet scanner, The close contact type equal-magnification sensor is moved to a reading position for the sheet scanner and fixed in position, and is configured to read a document conveyed by the ADF. Whether or not an ADF is used for such a scanner unit varies, and the conditions are different depending on the ADF. Therefore, it can be said that control of the image processing method according to whether or not the ADF is used is also necessary. Furthermore, in recent years, by using an image memory, there is also provided a so-called electronic sort function that replaces the order in which a plurality of originals are read by the scanner unit and the order of pages to be printed out by the printer unit,
Since the electronic sort function is also affected by the available capacity of the image memory, it is necessary to control the image processing method by the electronic sort function according to the capacity of the image memory.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Document reading means including at least a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document fixed / optical system moving method, and converting multi-valued data read and digitized by the photoelectric conversion device into a plurality of resolutions based on a text mode or a photograph mode. Image processing means for converting the image data into binary data, an image memory for storing the image data converted by the image processing means and also being usable as a shift register, and printing on paper based on the binarized image data A multifunction image processing apparatus having a printing means for outputting the image data, wherein the image memory is used as a shift register, and the reading of the document image by the document reading means and the printing output by the printing means are performed once for each print output. Read / write parallel processing means that repeats the process performed in parallel for each line for a specified number of copies A process of reading an original image by the original reading means for one sheet, temporarily storing all the image data in the image memory, and printing and outputting by the printing means using the image data stored in the image memory. A read / write sequential processing unit that repeats for a plurality of designated copies, and a process of the read / write parallel processing unit is selected when the print output of a plurality of copies for the same document is designated, and when the capacity is small, the read / write parallel processing unit is selected. A determination selecting means for selecting the processing by the read / write sequential processing means when the capacity is large.

Accordingly, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory is large when copying a plurality of copies, the processing by the reading / writing sequential processing means is selected, and the reading processing of the document image by the document reading means is performed only once. After that, by using the image data stored in the image memory, the printout of a plurality of copies is continuously performed by the printing means, and the whole is processed at high speed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory is small when copying a plurality of copies, processing by the read / write parallel processing means is selected, and the image memory is used as a shift register to read the original for each print output. The process of reading the document image by the means and the printing output by the printing means in parallel for each line is repeated for a plurality of copies. That is, since the capacity of the image memory may be insufficient, the reading method of the document image is switched so as to minimize the usage of the image memory. In this case, since the original to be read remains as it is, there is no problem in repeating the reading operation by the original reading means. Therefore, even if the capacity of the image memory is large or small, it is possible to obtain a set number of copies without deteriorating the image quality such as the resolution.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the multi-function image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the processing of the read / write sequential processing means is such that the reading of one original image is performed by the original reading means and all the image data are read. In parallel with the process of temporarily storing the document image in the image memory, the reading of the document image by the document reading means and the printing output by the printing means are performed by using a part of the image memory as a shift register for the first print output. This includes processing performed in parallel for each line.

Accordingly, with respect to the processing by the read / write sequential processing means, the first one sheet of the print output of a plurality of copies is output by the processing in parallel with the reading of the document image, so that the processing can be performed at a higher speed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document reading means including at least a document automatic transport means for automatically transporting a sheet-shaped document and a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document moving / optical system fixing method; The multi-valued data read and digitized by the conversion device is converted to a plurality of resolutions based on a text mode or a photo mode.
A variable-resolution image processing means for converting the image data into value data; an image memory for storing the image data converted by the image processing means; and a printing means for printing and outputting on paper based on the binarized image data. In the multi-function image processing apparatus, the original image is read by the original reading means, all the image data for one sheet converted into low-resolution binary data by the image processing means is temporarily stored in the image memory, and is stored in the image memory. Low-resolution processing means for repeating a process of printing and outputting by the printing means for a specified number of copies using the stored image data, and binary image data having a high resolution read by the image processing means by reading a document image by the document reading means All the image data of one image converted into the image data is temporarily stored in the image memory, and the image data stored in the image memory is used. A high-resolution processing unit that repeats a process of printing out by the printing unit for a specified number of copies, and determines a capacity of the image memory when print output of a plurality of copies is specified for the same document, and the capacity is small. A determination selecting means for selecting the processing by the low resolution processing means at times and selecting the processing by the high resolution processing means when the capacity is large.

Therefore, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory is large when copying a plurality of copies, the processing by the high resolution processing means is selected, and the reading processing of the document image by the document reading means and the image processing means is performed. The printing is performed only once at a high resolution, and thereafter, by using the image data stored in the image memory, printing output for a plurality of copies is continuously performed by the printing means, so that the whole is processed at high speed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory is small when copying a plurality of copies, the process by the low resolution processing unit is selected, and the reading process of the document image by the document reading unit and the image processing unit is performed at a low resolution. The printing is performed only once, and thereafter, by using the image data stored in the image memory, the printing output of a plurality of copies is continuously performed by the printing unit, and the whole is processed at high speed. That is, although the capacity of the image memory may be insufficient, the same document does not remain at the reading position after reading because the automatic document feeder is used, so that the reading operation by the document reading means can be performed only once. Because of the necessity, the resolution is switched so that the required memory capacity is small.
Therefore, regardless of whether the capacity of the image memory is large or small, it is possible to obtain a set number of copies without reducing the processing speed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided first document reading means including at least a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document fixing / optical system moving method, and automatic document feeding means for automatically feeding a sheet-shaped document. And a second document reading means including a photoelectric conversion device and reading a document image by a document moving / optical system fixing method, and a plurality of multi-valued data read and digitized by the photoelectric conversion device based on a text mode or a photograph mode. Variable-resolution image processing means for converting the image data into binary data of a resolution, an image memory which can store image data converted by the image processing means and can be used as a shift register, and binarized image data A multifunction image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints out on paper based on the image memory. A read / write operation in which a specified number of copies of a process of reading a document image by the first document reading means and performing a printing output by the printing means in parallel for each line is performed for each print output by using a print register. The reading of one document image is performed by the parallel processing means and the first document reading means for one sheet, all the image data is temporarily stored in the image memory, and the printing is performed using the image data stored in the image memory. Reading and writing sequential processing means for repeating a process of printing and outputting by a plurality of copies designated by the means, and reading all the original images by the second original reading means and converting them into low-resolution binary data by the image processing means. Is temporarily stored in the image memory, and is printed out by the printing means using the image data stored in the image memory. Low-resolution processing means for repeating the processing for a designated number of copies, and once reading the original image by the second original reading means and converting all the image data for one sheet converted into high-resolution binary data by the image processing means. High-resolution processing means for repeating a specified number of copies of a process of printing and outputting by the printing means using the image data stored in the image memory and the image data stored in the image memory; and A determination unit that determines the capacity of the image memory when print output for a plurality of copies is specified for the same document, and when the capacity is small, the reading / writing parallel operation is performed in a mode in which the automatic document conveyance unit is not used. If the processing by the processing means is selected and the mode using the automatic document conveyance means is selected, the processing by the low resolution processing means is selected and the capacity is selected. When there are many modes, the processing by the read / write sequential processing means is selected in the mode not using the automatic document conveyance means, and the processing by the high resolution processing means is selected in the mode using the automatic document conveyance means. Means.

Accordingly, a multifunctional image processing apparatus having the advantages of the first and third aspects of the present invention is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document reading means including at least a document automatic transport means for automatically transporting a sheet-shaped document and a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document moving / optical system fixing method, Variable-resolution image processing means for converting multi-value data read and digitized by the photoelectric conversion device of the reading means into binary data of a plurality of resolutions based on a text mode or a photograph mode; and conversion by the image processing means An image memory for storing the processed image data, a printing means for printing out on paper based on the binarized image data, and sequentially storing image data for a plurality of originals in the image memory in reading order. A multi-function image processing apparatus comprising: an electronic sort unit for outputting a page in a reverse order; All the image data for a plurality of sheets converted into low-resolution binary data by the image processing means are stored in the image memory in the reading order, and the image data stored in the image memory is sorted by the electronic sorting means in a page order. A low-resolution electronic sort processing means for outputting in reverse and printing out by the printing means; and an image of a plurality of sheets obtained by reading a manuscript image by the manuscript reading means and converting it into high-resolution binary data by the image processing means. High-resolution electronic sort processing means for storing data in the image memory in reading order, outputting the image data stored in the image memory with the page order reversed by the electronic sorting means, and printing and outputting by the printing means, When the mode is designated, the capacity of the image memory is determined. When selecting the processing by the processing unit capacity is large and a judgment selection means for selecting the processing by the high-resolution electronic sort processing unit.

Therefore, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory is large at the time of copying by designating the electronic sort mode, the processing by the high-resolution electronic sort processing means is selected, and the original reading means and the image processing means perform the processing of the original image. Scanning is performed for a plurality of sheets at a high resolution, all the image data is stored in the image memory in the reading order, and the image data stored in the image memory is output with the page order reversed by the electronic sorting means and printed out by the printing means. By letting
The electronic sort function is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory is small at the time of copying by specifying the electronic sort mode, the processing by the low-resolution electronic sort processing means is selected, and the reading of the document image by the document reading means and the image processing means is reduced. By performing the processing for a plurality of sheets at the resolution, storing all the image data in the image memory in the reading order, outputting the image data stored in the image memory by reversing the page order by the electronic sorting means, and printing out by the printing means. Then, the electronic sort function is executed. That is,
In order to execute the electronic sort function, it is necessary to read all the target documents and store the image data in the image memory, but the capacity of the image memory is insufficient. In the situation to obtain, the image data of all the originals is stored in the image memory with the resolution lowered so that the required memory capacity is small,
The electronic sort function can be realized with a large or small image memory.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-function image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the processing by the determination selecting means is performed in a photographic mode when the electronic sort mode is designated with a small image memory capacity. Includes processing to disable selection.

Accordingly, if the low-resolution processing is performed on the photograph mode, the print output of satisfactory quality is not obtained. However, when the image memory capacity is small, the selection of the photograph mode in the electronic sort mode is disabled, and the low-resolution processing is not performed on the photograph mode. Since the processing by the electronic sort processing means is not executed, the execution of the electronic sort mode which results in an undesired result is prevented beforehand.

[0017]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
A description will be given based on FIG. The multi-function image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to an MFP. This MFP
Although a mechanical configuration is not shown in the figure, the configuration includes a scanner 1 and a printer 2 as shown in FIG. An A / D converter 3 for converting image information read by the scanner 1 into digitized multi-value data; and an image memory 4 for storing image data.
And an image processing unit 5 connected between the printer 2, the A / D converter 3, and the image memory 4 to perform various image processing, other processing, and control.

The image processing unit 5 includes, for example, a CPU 6, a memory 7, a facsimile NCU 8 and a modem 9 shown in FIG. 2, and is connected to the scanner 1 and the like by a bus line 10. A personal computer (not shown) is connected to the MFP via the PC interface 11.
Is connected. Further, an operation unit 12 for setting and instructing various modes, the number of copies, and the like is provided.

The scanner 1 functions as a document reading means, and a document fixing / optical system moving system (so-called book scanner) for reading a document set on a contact glass (not shown) by scanning the optical system. ). A photoelectric conversion device (not shown) such as a contact image sensor is used for an image forming portion of the optical system, and is configured to read a document image as an electric signal.

The printer 2 functions as a printing unit that prints out on paper based on the binarized image data, and is configured as a laser printer including a laser writing optical system and an electrophotographic apparatus.

The image memory 4 stores image data. The image memory 4 has a capacity (for example, 2 Mbytes) that can store all image data of an A / D converted document for one page. FIFO (First-In First-Out), a shift register that minimizes the amount of usage
It is configured so that it can be used as well. The image memory 4 can be freely added.

The memory 7 comprises a ROM in which data such as programs are fixedly stored, a RAM in which various information is rewritably stored, and the like.
Executes various processes and controls according to the program data stored in the. In the present embodiment, the predetermined processing / control functions executed by the CPU 6 include the functions of an image processing unit, a read / write parallel processing unit, a read / write sequential processing unit, and a determination selection unit. The image processing means converts multi-value data read by a CCD line sensor in the scanner 1 and digitized by the A / D converter 3 into binary data having a plurality of resolutions in a text mode or a photograph mode. Means function. The read / write parallel processing means uses the image memory 4 as a FIFO memory to perform reading of a document image by the scanner 1 and printing output by the printer 2 in parallel for each print output for each line. Is a function that repeats a specified number of copies. The reading / writing sequential processing means reads the original image by the scanner 1 for 1
Means a function of repeating a process of printing a plurality of copies for a specified number of copies, and temporarily storing all the image data in the image memory 4 and using the image data stored in the image memory 4 to print out by the printer 2 I do. The determination selection means determines the capacity of the image memory 4 when a plurality of copies of the same document are designated for printing (multi-copy mode) by the operation unit 12, and when the capacity is small, the read / write parallel processing means Means the function of selecting the processing by the read / write sequential processing means when the capacity is large. Here, in the present embodiment,
The judgment of the capacity of the image memory 4 by the judgment selecting means is based on whether or not the image memory 4 has an additional memory (image memory installed amount).
Is set as a threshold, and it is determined that the capacity is determined to be large when an additional memory is provided, and is determined to be small when no additional memory is provided.

In such a configuration, a case where copy processing is executed using an MFP will be considered. In the present embodiment, a book mode in which an image of a document manually set on a contact glass is read by the scanner 1 and printed out by the printer 2 is assumed. When the book mode is designated by the operation unit 12, the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is started, and it is first checked whether or not the multi-copy mode is set (step S1). Processing control in the single copy mode in which only one copy is copied is omitted because it does not cause any particular problem. If multi-copy is designated (Y in S1), it is checked whether or not the capacity of the image memory 4 is large (S2). When it is determined that there is an additional memory and the capacity is large (Y in S2), one page of the original set on the contact glass is read by the scanner 1, and all the image data of one page are read. Is temporarily stored in the image memory 4, and a process of continuously repeating the process of printing out by the printer 2 for a designated number of copies using the image data stored in the image memory 4 is executed (S3). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no additional memory and the capacity is small (N in S2), the original set on the contact glass is read by the scanner 1 line by line, and the image for each line is read. By using the image memory 4 as a FIFO memory, the data is immediately output to the printer 2 and the process of printing in parallel with the reading operation is repeated for a specified number of copies (S4). Assuming that the reading operation is indicated by “R”, the printing operation is indicated by “W”, and the parallel processing is indicated by “/”, and the case of copying five copies is considered, the processing of step S3 is “R” “W”
The processing is performed like “W”, “W”, “W”, “W”, and step S4
The processing of “R / W”, “R / W”, “R / W”, “R / W”
This is performed as “R / W”.

That is, the processing of step S3 is executed as a function of the read / write sequential processing means, the processing of step S4 is executed as a function of the read / write parallel processing means, and the processing of step S2 is executed as a function of the judgment / selection means. Is selected.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory 4 is large at the time of multi-copying, the processing by the reading / writing sequential processing means is selected, and the reading processing of the original image by the scanner 1 is performed. Is performed only once, and thereafter, by using the image data stored in the image memory 4, printing output for a plurality of copies is continuously performed by the printer 2, thereby performing high-speed processing as a whole. On the other hand, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory 4 is small during multi-copy, the processing by the reading / writing parallel processing means is selected, and the image memory 4 is used as a FIFO memory, and the scanner 1 uses the image memory 4 for each print output. The reading of the original image and the printing output by the printer 2 are 1
The process performed in parallel for each line is repeated for a plurality of copies. That is, since the capacity of the image memory 4 may be insufficient, the reading method of the document image is switched so as to minimize the usage of the image memory 4. In this case, since the original to be read in the book mode remains on the contact glass as it is, there is no problem in repeating the reading operation by the scanner 1. Therefore, even if the capacity of the image memory 4 is large or small, the multi-copy can be executed without lowering the image quality such as the resolution.

In this embodiment, in the processing of the read / write sequential processing means exemplified in step S3, the read image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 4, and then the printing output by the printer 2 is started. However, with regard to the first sheet of print output, a part of the image memory 4 is used as a FIFO memory while a process of reading the original image by the scanner 1 and storing the original image in the image memory 4 is performed, so that one line of the original image is printed. It may be controlled so that the data is read out at a time, output to the printer 2 through the FIFO memory, and printed. That is, referring to the above example, "R / W""W"
"W", "W", and "W", and the processing speed of multi-copy is further improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted (the same applies to the following embodiments). The multi-function image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to an MFP in which an ADF (automatic document feeder) (not shown) is mounted on a part of a contact glass of the scanner 1 so that a sheet scanner part is also configured. Have been. As is well known, the sheet scanner sequentially reads an image of a sheet-shaped document automatically conveyed to a reading position on a contact glass by an ADF by a photoelectric conversion device that is moved and fixed to the reading position, and after reading, reads the image by the ADF. The paper is automatically discharged to a paper discharge tray. A mode for copying using such an ADF is referred to as an ADF mode.

In this embodiment, the functions of the image processing means, the low resolution processing means, the high resolution processing means, and the judgment selection means are provided as the predetermined processing and control functions executed by the CPU 6. The image processing means converts the multi-value data read by the CCD line sensor in the scanner 1 and digitized by the A / D converter 3 into a plurality of resolutions based on a text mode or a photograph mode, as in the case described above. This means a function of converting to binary data, and has a function of switching the resolution between low resolution and high resolution. The low-resolution processing means includes a scanner 1
The image data of one sheet converted into low-resolution binary data by the image processing means is temporarily stored in the image memory 4 and printed by the printer 2 using the image data stored in the image memory 4. This means the function of repeating the output process for a specified number of copies. The high-resolution processing means temporarily stores in the image memory 4 all the image data for one sheet which has been read by the scanner 1 and converted into high-resolution binary data by the image processing means, and is stored in the image memory 4. This means a function of repeating the process of printing out by the printer 2 using the image data for a specified number of copies. The determination selecting means determines the capacity of the image memory 4 when multi-copy is designated for the same document, and selects the processing by the low resolution processing means when the capacity is small, and selects the processing by the high resolution processing means when the capacity is large. Means to select. As a criterion in this case, whether or not an additional memory is provided is used as a threshold value. If the additional memory is provided, it is determined that the capacity is large. If the additional memory is not provided, the capacity is small. Is set to be determined.

In such a configuration, consider a case where copy processing is executed using an MFP. In the present embodiment, an ADF mode for copying using the ADF is assumed. When the ADF mode is designated by the operation unit 12 or by setting a document on the ADF, the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is started, and it is first checked whether or not the multi-copy mode is set (step S6). In the single copy mode in which only one copy is copied, the processing control is as follows.
Since there is no particular problem, the description is omitted. When the multi-copy is designated (Y in S6), it is checked whether or not the capacity of the image memory 4 is large (S7). When it is determined that there is an additional memory and the capacity is large (Y in S7), the scanner 1 and the image processing means automatically read the one page of the document which is automatically conveyed by the ADF and set on the contact glass. After the image data for one page is once stored in the image memory 4 (original is discharged to the paper discharge tray), the printer 2 uses the image data stored in the image memory 4 to perform image processing. Is repeated for a specified number of copies.
8). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no additional memory and the capacity is small (N in S6), the scanner 1 and the image processing means automatically read one page of the document set on the contact glass by automatic conveyance by the ADF. , And all the image data for one page is temporarily stored in the image memory 4.
(The document is discharged to a paper discharge tray), and the process of repeatedly outputting the specified number of copies by the printer 2 using the image data stored in the image memory 4 is repeated. It is executed (S9). Considering the case where five copies are made as in the above example, steps S8 and S9 are performed.
In any of the processes "R""W""W""W""W"
It is performed at a high speed like "W", but is performed in a state where the resolution is different.

That is, the processing of step S8 is executed as a function of the high resolution processing means, the processing of step S9 is executed as a function of the low resolution processing means, and the processing of step S7 is executed as a function of the judgment selecting means. Is selected.

Therefore, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory 4 is large during the multi-copy in the ADF mode, the processing by the high resolution processing means is selected, and the reading processing of the original image by the scanner 1 and the image processing means is performed. Is performed only once at a high resolution, and thereafter, by using the image data stored in the image memory 4, the print output of a plurality of copies is continuously performed by the printer 2, and the high speed processing is performed as a whole. . On the other hand, when it is determined that the capacity of the image memory 4 is small during the multi-copy in the ADF mode, the process by the low resolution processing unit is selected, and the reading process of the original image by the scanner 1 and the image processing unit is performed at the low resolution. Is performed only once, and thereafter, by using the image data stored in the image memory 4, printing output for a plurality of copies by the printer 2 is continuously performed, and high-speed processing is performed as a whole. That is, the image memory 4
However, since the same document does not remain on the contact glass after reading because the ADF is used, it is necessary to perform the reading operation by the scanner 1 only once. The resolution is switched so that the required memory capacity is small. Therefore, regardless of whether the capacity of the image memory 4 is large or small, it is possible to execute multi-copy without lowering the processing speed.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The multifunction image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is also applied to an MFP in which the scanner 1 includes a book scanner (first document reading unit) and a sheet scanner (second document reading unit). Whether to copy in the ADF mode can be freely selected. The predetermined processing and control functions executed by the CPU 6 include image processing means, read / write parallel processing means, read / write sequential processing means, low-resolution processing means, and a combination of the first and second embodiments. It has the functions of high-resolution processing means and judgment selection means. In addition, it has a function of a determination unit. This determination means determines whether or not the ADF is used,
This means a function of determining whether or not the camera is set to the F mode.

In such a configuration, consider a case where copy processing is executed using an MFP. First, it is checked whether the copy mode is the book mode or the ADF mode (S10). In the book mode, the processing shifts to the processing control described in FIG. 3, and depending on the size of the image memory 4, the step S3 or S4 is performed. Be executed. On the other hand, in the case of the ADF mode, the processing shifts to the processing control in the case described with reference to FIG. 4, and depending on the size of the image memory 4, the step S8 or S9 is performed. The copy is performed. In the present embodiment, the process of step S10 is executed as a function of the determination unit, and the processes of steps S2 and S7 are executed as a function of the determination selection unit.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to execute the multi-copy in the book mode / ADF mode, and in an image processing method capable of maximizing the function of the MFP according to the capacity of the image memory 4. Can be.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the MFP according to the present embodiment, in addition to the image processing unit described in the second embodiment, an electronic sort unit, a low-resolution electronic sort processing unit, It has the functions of a resolution electronic sort processing means and a judgment selection means. The electronic sorting means has a function of sequentially accumulating image data of a plurality of originals in the image memory 4 in the reading order, reversing the page order, and outputting the data to the printer 2. The low-resolution electronic sort processing means reads a plurality of original images at a low resolution by the scanner 1 and the image processing means, stores all the image data in the reading order in the image memory 4, and stores the image data in the image memory 4. Means that the image data is output in the reverse order of the page by the electronic sorting means and printed out by the printer 2. The high-resolution electronic sort processing means reads a plurality of original images at high resolution by the scanner 1 and the image processing means, stores all the image data in the reading order in the image memory 4, and stores the image data in the image memory 4. Means that the image data is output by reversing the page order by the electronic sorting means and printed out by the printer 2. The determination selection means determines the capacity of the image memory 4 when the electronic sort mode is designated by the operation unit 12, selects the processing by the low-resolution electronic sort processing means when the capacity is small, and selects the processing when the capacity is large. This means a function of selecting processing by the high-resolution electronic sort processing means. In this case, the criterion is
Whether or not an additional memory is provided is set as a threshold value. If the additional memory is provided, the capacity is determined to be large, and if the additional memory is not provided, the capacity is determined to be small. ing.

In such a configuration, a case is considered where copy processing in the electronic sort mode is performed using an MFP. In the present embodiment, when a necessary document is set on the ADF and the electronic sort mode is designated by the operation unit 12, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is started. In this mode, first, it is checked whether or not the capacity of the image memory 4 is large (S11). If it is determined that there is an additional memory and the capacity is large (Y in S11), the reading operation by the scanner 1 and the image processing means is continuously performed on the original document automatically conveyed on the contact glass by the ADF while maintaining the high resolution. The image data of all pages is stored in the image memory 4 in the reading order, and after reading of all the originals is completed, the image data is transferred from the image memory 4 to the The process of printing out on paper by sending it to the second side is continuously executed for the number of originals (S12). That is, the printout is performed in the reverse order of the reading order. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no additional memory and the capacity is small (N in S11), it is determined whether or not the photograph mode is designated (S13). When the photograph mode is designated, The processing in that mode is prohibited (S14). If the photograph mode is not specified (usually the text mode), the same processing as in step S12 is executed, but the resolution of the reading operation by the scanner 1 and the image processing means is switched to the low resolution. (S15). As described above, "R"
A case where four originals are copied in the electronic sort mode using “W” will be schematically described.
2 and S15, "R1""R2""R3"
Processing is performed as “R4”, “W4”, “W3”, “W2”, “W1” (numbers indicate pages), but with different resolutions.

That is, the processing in step S12 is executed as a function of the high-resolution electronic sort processing means, and the processing in step S1 is performed.
5 is executed as a function of the low-resolution electronic sort processing means, and one of them is selected by the processing of step S11 executed as a function of the judgment selection means. Further, the functions of the determination selecting means of the present embodiment include steps S13 and S13.
The processing in step S15 is also included, and the image quality is reduced in the photograph mode, so that the processing in step S15 is controlled so as not to be executed. That is, in the photo mode, the capacity of the image memory 4 is sufficient, and the electronic sort mode can be executed only when the processing in step S12 is possible.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in order to execute the electronic sorting function, it is necessary to read all of a plurality of target documents and store the image data in the image memory 4. In consideration of the above point, in a situation where the capacity of the image memory 4 may be insufficient, the image data of all the originals is stored in the image memory 4 at a reduced resolution so that the required memory capacity can be reduced. Even if the capacity of the image memory 4 is large or small, the electronic sorting function can be realized. In addition, if low-resolution processing is performed in the photo mode, print output of satisfactory quality will not be obtained. However, in the state where the capacity of the image memory 4 is small, selection of the photo mode in the electronic sort mode is disabled, and low-resolution electronic Since the processing by the sort processing means is not executed, it is possible to prevent the execution of the electronic sort mode having an undesired result beforehand.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the switching of the image processing method is performed automatically.
Realistically, when the image processing method is switched, the operation unit 12 is used.
It is preferable to make a form for inquiring the user through such as.
This may be accompanied by a decrease in resolution = copy quality,
This is because it is appropriate to leave the final decision to each user. That is, when the image processing method is switched according to the capacity of the image memory 4 or the like, a different result is obtained even if the user performs the same operation as the previous copy (low-resolution copy).
Is sometimes inconvenient.
In particular, regarding the use of the electronic sort mode, there are many cases in which the user does not want to use the electronic sort mode until the resolution is lowered, so it is better to rely on the user's judgment.

[0040]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the case of multi-copy in the so-called book mode, attention is paid to the point that the same original remains at the reading position by the original reading means, and the capacity of the image memory is small. By using the image memory as a shift register by making the read / write parallel processing means function, the process of reading by the document reading means and printing by the printing means at the same time is repeated by the number of copies, and the capacity of the image memory is sufficient. In such a case, the reading / writing order processing means is operated to read one document and temporarily store the image data in the image memory, and then print the required number of copies continuously by the printing means. High-quality multi-copy without changing the resolution just by switching the scanning method according to the capacity of the image memory It is possible to run.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, with respect to the processing by the read / write sequential processing means, the first one of a plurality of copies of the printed output is output by a process parallel to the reading of the original image. Therefore, processing can be performed at a higher speed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the so-called ADF
In the case of multi-copy in the mode, since the same document does not remain at the reading position after reading, it is necessary to perform the reading operation by the document reading means only once, and the capacity of the image memory is determined. If the number is small, only one original reading is required by switching the resolution so that the required memory capacity is small.
Even if the capacity of the image memory is large or small, multi-copy can be executed without lowering the processing speed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the inventions of the first and third aspects are combined, a so-called book mode / ADF mode, the multi-function image processing apparatus is provided depending on the capacity of the image memory. Multi-copy can be executed by an image processing method capable of maximizing functions.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in a device having a so-called electronic sort function, in order to execute the electronic sort function, all of a plurality of target documents are read and their image data are read. Note that it is necessary to store the image data in the image memory, and in a situation where the capacity of the image memory may be insufficient, the image data of all the originals may be reduced by lowering the resolution so that the required memory capacity may be reduced. Since the image data is stored in the memory, the electronic sorting function can be executed regardless of whether the capacity of the image memory is large or small.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, attention is paid to the fact that low-resolution processing does not result in satisfactory quality print output in the photographic mode. Since the selection is disabled and the processing by the low-resolution electronic sort processing means is not executed in the photograph mode, it is possible to prevent the electronic sort mode from being executed undesirably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing a control system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing control in a book mode.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart showing processing control in an ADF mode as a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing control according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart showing processing control in an electronic sort mode as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Document reading means 2 Printing means 4 Image memory

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A document reading means including at least a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document fixed / optical system moving method, and a digital mode or a photo mode for converting multi-valued data read and digitized by the photoelectric conversion device. Processing means for converting the image data into binary data of a plurality of resolutions based on the image data, an image memory for storing the image data converted by the image processing means and also being usable as a shift register, A multi-function image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints out a sheet based on a document. The image reading unit reads a document image by the document reading unit and prints the document image by the printing unit by using the image memory as a shift register. Read / write that repeats the process of performing print output in parallel for each line for a specified number of copies Parallel processing means, reading one original image by the original reading means, storing all the image data in the image memory once, and printing by the printing means using the image data stored in the image memory Read / write sequential processing means for repeating the output processing for a specified number of copies; and reading / writing parallel processing means for judging a capacity of the image memory when a plurality of copies of the same document are designated for print output, and when the capacity is small, And a determination selecting means for selecting the processing by the read / write sequential processing means when the capacity is large. 2. The processing of the read / write sequential processing means includes the steps of reading an original image by the original reading means and temporarily storing all the image data in an image memory in parallel with the processing of the first print output. The reading of a document image by the document reading means and the printing output by the printing means are performed by using a part of the image memory as a shift register.
2. The multi-function image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising processing performed in parallel for each line. 3. A document reading means including at least an automatic document feeding means for automatically feeding a sheet-shaped document and a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document moving / optical system fixing method, and a document read by the photoelectric conversion device. A variable-resolution image processing means for converting digitized multi-valued data into binary data of a plurality of resolutions based on a text mode or a photograph mode; and an image memory for storing image data converted by the image processing means. A multi-function image processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints out on paper based on the binarized image data; a document image is read by the document reading unit and converted to low-resolution binary data by the image processing unit All the image data for one sheet is temporarily stored in the image memory, and the image data stored in the image memory is stored in the image memory. A low-resolution processing unit that repeats a process of printing and outputting by the printing unit for a specified number of copies using a printer, a document image read by the document reading unit, and converted into high-resolution binary data by the image processing unit. A high-resolution processing unit for temporarily storing the image data of all the sheets in the image memory and repeating a process of printing and outputting by the printing unit using the image data stored in the image memory for a designated number of copies; When print output for a plurality of copies is designated, the capacity of the image memory is determined, and when the capacity is small, the processing by the low resolution processing means is selected, and when the capacity is large, the processing by the high resolution processing means is selected. A multi-function image processing apparatus comprising: a determination selecting unit. 4. A first method for reading a document image including at least a photoelectric conversion device by a document fixing / optical system moving method.
Document reading means, automatic document feeding means for automatically feeding a sheet-shaped document, and second document reading means including a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document moving / optical system fixing method, and reading by the photoelectric conversion device. Variable resolution image processing means for converting the digitized multi-valued data into binary data of a plurality of resolutions based on a text mode or a photographic mode; and storing the image data converted by the image processing means. A multi-function image processing apparatus comprising: an image memory that can also be used as a shift register; and a printing unit that prints out on paper based on binarized image data. A print output using the image memory as a shift register The reading of the document image by the first document reading means and the printing output by the printing means are performed for each sheet. Reading / writing parallel processing means for repeating a process performed in parallel for each line for a plurality of designated copies, and reading the document image by the first document reading means
A read / write sequential processing unit for repeating a process of printing a plurality of copies for a designated number of copies, performing a process of printing all the image data once in the image memory and temporarily printing and outputting by the printing unit using the image data stored in the image memory; The image data stored in the image memory is temporarily stored in the image memory once the image data of one sheet, which is obtained by reading the document image by the second document reading means and converting it to low-resolution binary data by the image processing means. Low-resolution processing means for repeating a process of printing and outputting by the printing means for a specified number of copies using data; reading a document image by the second document reading means to high-resolution binary data by the image processing means; All the converted image data for one image is temporarily stored in the image memory, and the image data stored in this image memory is used for the previous image data. A high-resolution processing unit that repeats a process of printing and outputting by the printing unit for a specified number of copies; a determination unit for determining whether the automatic document feeder is used; and a print output for a plurality of copies of the same document is specified. In the case where the capacity of the image memory is determined, when the capacity is small, if the mode does not use the automatic document transport means, the processing by the reading / writing parallel processing means is selected and if the mode uses the automatic document transport means, If the mode is selected by the low-resolution processing unit, and if the capacity is large, if the mode does not use the automatic document transport unit, the process is selected by the read / write sequential processing unit, if the mode uses the automatic document transport unit. A multi-function image processing apparatus comprising: a determination selecting unit that selects a process by the high resolution processing unit. 5. A document reading means including at least a document automatic conveyance means for automatically conveying a sheet-shaped document and a photoelectric conversion device for reading a document image by a document moving / optical system fixing method, and said photoelectric conversion of said document reading means. Variable-resolution image processing means for converting multi-valued data read and digitized by a device into binary data of a plurality of resolutions based on a text mode or a photographic mode; and converting the image data converted by the image processing means. An image memory for storing, printing means for printing out on paper based on the binarized image data, and sequentially storing image data for a plurality of documents in the image memory in reading order and reversing the page order A multi-function image processing apparatus comprising: an electronic sorting unit that outputs a document; Means for storing all image data of a plurality of sheets converted into low-resolution binary data in the image memory in reading order and outputting the image data stored in the image memory by reversing the page order by the electronic sorting means; A low-resolution electronic sort processing means for printing and outputting by the printing means; a document image read by the document reading means; and image data for a plurality of sheets converted into high-resolution binary data by the image processing means in reading order. A high-resolution electronic sort processing means for storing the image data stored in the image memory, outputting the image data stored in the image memory in a reversed page order by the electronic sort means, and printing and outputting the print data by the printing means, and an electronic sort mode is designated. In this case, the capacity of the image memory is determined, and when the capacity is small, the processing by the low-resolution electronic sort processing means is performed. Multifunction image processing apparatus when the selected capacitance is large, characterized in that and a judgment selection means for selecting the processing by the high-resolution electronic sort processing unit. 6. The processing according to claim 5, wherein the processing by the determination selecting means includes a processing of disabling the selection of the photograph mode when the electronic sort mode is designated in a state where the image memory capacity is small. Multifunctional image processing device.