JP3437817B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine which forms an image read by image reading means on a recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-15911, setting means for setting a desired printing environment state and the printing environment state set by this setting means are converted into predetermined code information. Encoding means, a printing means for printing the printing environment status code data on the recording medium based on the code information output from the encoding means, and the printing environment status code data printed on the recording medium by the printing means. A printing apparatus having a reading means for reading the information and a reproducing means for reproducing and setting a desired printing environment state in the printing means while decoding code information composed of a barcode based on the printing environment code data output from the reading means. It has been known.

[0003]

According to the printing apparatus having the above-described structure, a desired printing environment state can be set to a desired printing apparatus of the same type at any time by using an inexpensive recording medium, but on the other hand, the operation panel is used. The print environment status code data is printed on the recording medium based on the generated bar code input command to obtain a setting sheet for setting the print environment, and the code data formed on the setting sheet is input command. It is difficult to determine whether or not the printing environment (image forming environment)
There is a problem that erroneous setting of is likely to occur.

In order to allow the operator to easily confirm whether or not the intended information is displayed correctly,
It is conceivable to use the mark sheet on which the predetermined information is displayed instead of the recording medium on which the barcode is printed, but even in this case, if the setting of the image forming environment is changed and in what direction. There is a problem that it is difficult to properly determine whether it is good or not. In particular, when the setting of the image forming environment is repeatedly changed, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine what the original image forming environment was like.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily and properly setting an image forming environment.

[0006]

The invention according to claim 1 is
A sheet data storage unit that stores image data for forming a mark sheet in which information regarding the setting of the image forming environment is stored, and an image for a mark sheet is formed on a recording sheet or the like based on the image data stored in the sheet data storage unit. An image forming unit, an information reading unit that reads information written on a mark sheet by an operator, and an environment control unit that controls to change the setting of the image forming environment according to the information read by the information reading unit. A reference data storage unit for storing reference data of information to be written on the mark sheet, and an image of the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit is used for reading the information read by the information reading unit.
It is configured such that it is formed at a low concentration within the taking range .

According to the above construction, by referring to the reference data formed on the mark sheet, the operator accurately recognizes in what direction and to what extent the current image forming environment should be changed, and the image forming is performed. It is possible to properly set the image forming environment without causing erroneous setting of the environment , and the reference data is stored in the information reading means.
Misrecognized as information read by the operator and entered by the operator
Based on the image of the above reference data while preventing
The original image forming environment,
Allows the operator to easily and properly recognize
At the same time, fill the image of the above reference data, etc.
Enter the information corresponding to the reference data easily and properly
It is possible to

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image forming environment is set up.
Image for mark sheet formation, in which information regarding settings is entered
A sheet data storage section that stores data and this sheet data
Based on the image data stored in the data storage
Image forming unit that forms images for printing on recording paper, etc.
Information to read the information written on the mark sheet by the person
The reading unit and the information read by this information reading unit
Environment that controls to change the settings of the image forming environment
Reference data for the information entered on the control sheet and the mark sheet.
It has a reference data storage unit that stores data
Standard information about the image forming environment and the current setting
One of the information related to the image forming environment
Outside the reading range of the information read by the section, the first reference
Displayed as data and the other of the above information
Is the reading range of the information read by the information reading unit.
In the box, it will be displayed as the second reference data in low concentration.
It is configured in .

According to the above construction, the mark is formed on the mark sheet.
The current image shape can be
The task is to decide how and in what direction the growth environment should be changed.
Is correctly recognized by the user, which may result in incorrect setting of the image forming environment.
Without setting the image forming environment properly.
It becomes possible, and the first reference data and the second reference data
Refer to both standard information and current setting information based on
This makes it easy to see the optimal image forming environment settings.
It is possible to take out and fill out .

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In the image forming apparatus described in, the image for the mark sheet is provided with a test entry field for entering information as to whether or not a test image is to be formed, and the information reading means that the information is entered in the test entry field. When confirmed by the unit, the test image before the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording sheet, and the test image after the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording sheet. It is configured as follows.

With the above arrangement, when the setting of the image forming environment is changed, how much the image forming environment is improved can be easily and properly determined based on the test image formed on the recording paper. It becomes possible.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, an image for a mark sheet in which information regarding setting of an image forming environment is written is
It is configured to be formed on the recording paper with a low density.

According to the above configuration, the contrast between the information entered by filling in the squares in each information entry field and the image for the mark sheet is made clear, and the information is
It becomes possible to read more accurately.

[0014]

1 shows an embodiment in which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is realized as a color copying machine. The color copying machine 10 includes an image reading unit 20 that reads an image of a color original P placed on a contact glass.
And an image processing unit 30 that performs predetermined image processing using the image read by the image reading unit 20 as an input image, and image data formed by image processing in the image processing unit 30 forms an image on a recording paper. Image forming unit 4
0, and an environment control unit 50 that controls to change the setting of the image forming environment according to the output signal from the image processing unit 30.

The image reading unit 20 includes a contact glass 21.
The light of the exposure lamp 22 is applied to the color original P placed on the upper surface, and the reflected light is reflected by the reflecting mirrors 23a, 23b, 23c, the lens 24, and R (red), G (green), B (blue). ) Is received by the photoelectric conversion element 25 such as a CCD through the color separation filter of), and the image information of the color original P is separated into R component, G component and B component,
Color image data R, G, B proportional to the light intensity of each component
To read. The color image data thus read is A / D converted into a digital value and used as input image data to the image processing unit 30.

The image processing unit 30 is configured as a computer circuit including an arithmetic unit, a storage unit and the like (not shown). The image processing unit 30 has a function of performing various image processes on the input image data read by the image reading unit 20 and forming output image data for use in the image forming process in the image forming unit 40. Have

The image forming section 40 transfers the image transfer section 4 to the recording sheet fed from the sheet feeding cassettes 411, 412, 413 or the manual feed tray 414 arranged in the lower part of the apparatus.
2 forms a toner image based on the output image data,
The toner image is fixed by the heating roller 431 and the pressure roller 432 of the fixing unit 43, and then discharged onto the discharge tray 44. Reference numeral 45 denotes a double-sided unit that reverses the front and back surfaces of the recording paper on one side of which an image has been formed and conveys it again to the image transfer section 42 when images are formed on both sides of the recording paper.

The image transfer portion 42 is formed around a photoconductive drum 421 which is rotatably supported by a shaft and has a high voltage applied thereto in order along the rotation direction thereof from a charging wire (not shown). The charging device 422 that gives a predetermined potential to the surface of the photoconductor drum by the corona discharge and the laser beam corresponding to the output image data from the laser oscillator 423a through the mirror 423b are selectively applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 421. An exposure device 423 that attenuates the electrostatic latent image to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 424 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 421 with toner.
A transfer device 425 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 421 to a recording sheet, a static eliminator 426 that neutralizes the surface of the photosensitive drum 421, and a cleaner that removes residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 421 are arranged. ing.

In this copying machine 10, in order to form a color image, the exposing device 423 is constructed so as to form an electrostatic latent image for each color component of the output image data, and the developing device 4
Reference numeral 24 denotes four developing devices 424c, 424m, 424y, and 424k that develop toner images of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black).
Further, the transfer device 425 includes a photoconductor drum 421.
The toner images of the respective colors developed on the surface are temporarily transferred to the transfer belt 42.
5a, primary transfer is performed, and C is transferred on the transfer belt 425a.
(Cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K
The toner images of respective colors (black) are superposed, and then secondarily transferred onto the recording paper conveyed on the transfer roller 425b.

As shown in FIG.
An information reading unit 26 is provided which reads the information on the mark sheet placed on the contact glass 21 and outputs the data to the environment control unit 50.

As shown in FIG. 3, the mark sheet MS is
A first information entry field M1 for automatic density adjustment, a second information entry field M2 for text and photo document density adjustment, a third information entry field M3 for text and document density adjustment, and a first information for photo document density adjustment. 4 information entry fields M4, a fifth information entry field M5 for margin width setting, a sixth information entry field M6 for setting a frame eraser width, and sides of the first to sixth information entry fields M1 to M6, It has six test entry fields Ma to Mf for entering information as to whether or not to form a test image.

The fifth information entry field M5 for setting the margin width is for setting the length of the margin to be the binding portion on the left side of the recording paper, and is the first for setting the frame erasing width. The 6 information entry field M6 is for setting the width dimension of the peripheral portion of the recording paper which is prohibited to be read by the image reading unit 20.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, how to change the setting of the image forming environment by the operator filling one of the plurality of squares provided in each of the information entry fields M1 to M6 Information such as is written on the mark sheet MS. Further, when the change of the image formed on the recording paper is confirmed by changing the setting of the image forming environment, the operator fills the squares of the test entry fields Ma to Mf.

The mark sheet MS on which the above information is written is placed on the contact glass 21, and when the information reading command signal is input from the input unit 5 provided on the operation panel or the like, the light of the exposure lamp 22 is emitted. The input image data obtained by irradiating the laser beam and detecting the reflected light is read to determine which position in each of the above-mentioned information entry fields is filled with information.

The image processing section 30 includes the mark sheet M.
A sheet data storage unit 31 that stores image data for forming S and a reference data storage unit 32 that stores reference data referred to when writing information on the mark sheet MS.
And are provided.

The reference data storage section 32 stores, for example, the standard set values of the above information set at the time of factory shipment, the current set values of the above information, and stores these data as necessary. It is configured to output to the image forming unit 40.

The image forming section 40 reads the image data for mark sheet formation stored in the sheet data storage section 31 at the time when the mark sheet creation command signal is input from the input section 5, and based on this image data. , 1st to 6th information entry fields M1 to 1 each having a plurality of squares
M6 and a test entry field Ma with a single grid each
The mark sheet MS is created by forming Mf to Mf on the recording paper.

Further, when the mark sheet MS is created, the image forming means 40 is based on the output signal of the reference data storage unit 32 and stores the first reference data including the reference information regarding the image forming environment set at the time of factory shipment. An image and an image of the second reference data consisting of the current setting values of the above information are formed on the mark sheet MS in a state in which the information reading unit 26 has not read the information and can be recognized by the operator. Is configured to.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, dot-shaped images A1 to A6 are provided in the vicinity of one of the plurality of boxes provided in each of the first to sixth information entry fields M1 to M6. By being formed, the reference information regarding the image forming environment set at the time of factory shipment is displayed on the mark sheet MS as the first reference data.

Further, the entry columns M1 to 1 for the above-mentioned first to sixth information
By forming the shaded images B1 to B6 on one of the squares provided in each of M6, information about the currently set image forming environment is displayed on the mark sheet MS as the second reference data at a low density. Then, the contrast between the density of the mark written by the operator and the shaded images B1 to B6 is made clear, and only the mark is read by the information reading section 26. Images C1 to C6 made up of numbers or the like are formed outside the squares provided in the entry fields M1 to M6 for the first to sixth information, and are displayed as second reference data.

The environment control section 50 outputs a control signal to each adjusting section of the image forming section 40 according to the information read by the information reading section 26 to adjust the image density, the margin width, the frame erasing width and the like. As a result, the image forming environment when the image is formed in the image forming section 40 is changed.

Further, the environment control section 50 includes the image forming section 40.
When the image forming environment at the time of forming an image is changed, the data is output to the reference data storage means 32. Thereby, the reference data stored in the reference data storage means 32 is rewritten.

In the image forming section 40, one of the squares provided in the test entry fields Ma to Mf is filled in by the operator in accordance with the output signal of the information reading section 26, and the information is entered. If confirmed, the test image before the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording sheet, and the test image after the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording sheet. ing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a grid of test entry fields Ma provided on the side of the first information entry field 311 and
If it is confirmed in accordance with the output signal of the information reading section 26 that the squares of the test entry section Me provided on the side of the fifth information entry section 315 are filled, the environment control section 50 After forming the test image on the recording paper before the automatic density adjustment value and the margin width setting value are changed by the above, the automatic density adjustment value and the margin width setting value are changed by the environment control unit 50. A test image is formed on the recording paper.

The setting change control of the image forming environment executed in the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the control operation starts, it is determined whether or not the mark sheet creation signal signal MS is output from the input section 5 (step S1). If YES is determined in step S1, the data D1 stored in the sheet data storage section 31 and the data D2 stored in the reference data storage section 32 are read out and output to the image forming section 40 (step S2).

Specifically, the sheet data storage unit 31
Image data D1 for forming a mark sheet stored in
The data D2 including the basic information of the image forming environment set at the factory and the information of the image forming environment currently set, which are stored in the reference data storage unit 32, are read and output to the image forming unit 40. . Then, based on the data read from the reference data storage unit 32, the image forming unit 40 forms an image for the mark sheet on the recording paper to create the mark sheet MS shown in FIG. 3 (step S3).

Next, the information reading command signal JS is input from the input section 5.
It is determined whether or not is input (step S4). When YES is determined in this step S4 and the operator performs an operation of changing the setting of the image forming environment, that is, after the operator writes information on the mark sheet MS, the mark sheet MS is placed on the contact glass 21. When it is confirmed that the operation button for the information reading command is pressed in the mounted state, the image reading unit 20 is operated and the information written on the mark sheet MS is transferred to the information reading unit 2.
It is read in step 6 (step S5).

Next, the information read by the information reading unit 26 is output to the environment reading unit 50, and the setting of the image forming environment is changed by the environment control unit 50 based on the data output from the information reading unit 26. The setting change control of the image forming environment is executed (step S6).

A sheet data storage unit 31 for storing image data for mark sheet formation in which information regarding the setting of the image forming environment is written as described above, and a mark sheet based on the image data stored in the sheet data storage unit 31. Image forming unit 40 for forming an image for recording on a recording sheet, an information reading unit 26 for reading the information written on the mark sheet MS by an operator, and an image forming environment according to the information read by the information reading unit 26. The environment control unit 50 for controlling so as to change the setting and the reference data storage unit 32 for storing the reference data of the information written on the mark sheet MS are provided, and the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit 32 is provided. Image is not read by the information reading unit 26 and is recognizable by an operator, the mark sheet M Since thus constructed is formed in the upper, by referring to the image of the reference data formed on the mark sheet, a setting of the image forming environment can be easily and properly changed.

For example, when an image of reference data consisting of information about the currently set image forming environment is formed on the mark sheet MS, by referring to the reference data, the direction of the current image forming environment can be changed. The operator can accurately recognize how much the change should be made. Therefore, the image forming environment can be properly set without causing an erroneous setting of the image forming environment.

Further, when an image of reference data consisting of reference information relating to the image forming environment preset at the time of factory shipment is formed on the mark sheet MS, even if the setting of the image forming environment is repeatedly changed, The original image forming environment can be checked at a glance based on the reference data that displays the above reference information, so that the image forming environment can be returned to the initial state or brought into a state close to the initial state. Work such as setting can be easily performed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, images A1 to A6 and C1 to C of the reference data are placed outside the reading range of the information read by the information reading means 26, that is, outside the grid.
6 is formed, the reference data is displayed on the image of the reference data while preventing the reference data from being erroneously recognized as the information written by the operator by the information reading means 26. Based on this, it is possible for the operator to easily and properly recognize the state of the original image forming environment and the like.

Further, within the reading range of the information read by the information reading section 26, the image B1 of the reference data is displayed.
Because you configure ~B6 to form at low concentrations, in the information reading means 26, these reference data are being prevented from being erroneously recognized as information that the operator has entered, the reference data image Based on the above, it is possible to make the operator easily and properly recognize what kind of state the current image forming environment is, and to fill the above reference data by filling the above images B1 to B6. There is an advantage that the corresponding information can be entered easily and properly.

[0044] Further, the reference information on the set image forming environment pre Me (image A1 to A6), the information reading section 2
6 is displayed outside the reading range of the information read by 6 as the first reference data, and information about the currently set image forming environment (images B1 to B6) is read by the information reading unit 26. within, because the second and configured to display at a low concentration <br/> as reference data, by referring to both of the reference information and the current configuration information, easily find the optimum setting of the image forming environment You can fill in properly.

The preset reference information relating to the image forming environment is displayed in a low density as the second reference data within the reading range of the information read by the information reading section 26, and the currently set image is displayed. The information about the formation environment may be displayed as the first reference data outside the reading range of the information read by the information reading unit 26.

Further, in place of the embodiment in which the second reference data is displayed by forming the shaded images B1 to B6 within the reading range of the information, the reading range of the information is set to the above. In the information reading unit 26, the second reference data may be displayed by coloring with a low-density color that can be distinguished from the information entered by the operator.

In the above embodiment, the mark sheet image is provided with test entry fields Ma to Mf for entering information as to whether or not a test image is formed, and the information M is entered in this test entry field.
When it is confirmed by the information reading unit 26 that a to Mf are entered, a test image before the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording paper and the setting of the image forming environment is performed. Since the changed test image was formed on the recording paper, how much improved the image forming environment by comparing the two test images formed on the recording paper when changing the above settings There is an advantage that it is possible to easily and properly determine the above.

In the above embodiment, six test entry fields Ma are provided on the sides of the first to sixth information entry fields M1 to M6 for entering information as to whether or not a test image is formed.
Although the example in which ~ Mf is formed has been described, a single test entry field may be provided below the sixth information entry field M6. Then, when the information for forming the test image is entered by filling the squares formed in the test entry field, the test image before the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording paper. ,
A test image after each setting of the image forming environment has been changed may be formed on the recording paper.

Further, the test image before the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording sheet, and the test image after the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording sheet. Instead of the embodiment, only the changed test image may be formed on the recording paper, or the test image before the change and the changed test image are formed on one recording paper at different locations. You may do it.

Further, an image for a mark sheet in which information relating to the setting of the image forming environment is written, that is, the squares and the like forming the first to sixth information entry fields M1 to M6 are formed on the recording paper at a low density. You may comprise. When configured in this way, it is possible to read the information more accurately by clarifying the contrast between the information written by filling the squares in each information entry field and the image for the mark sheet. There is.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, the sheet data storage unit for storing the image data for forming the mark sheet in which the information regarding the setting of the image forming environment is written, and the sheet data storage unit for storing the image data. An image forming unit that forms an image for a mark sheet on recording paper based on image data, an information reading unit that reads information written on the mark sheet by an operator, and an image according to the information read by the information reading unit. An environment control unit that controls to change the setting of the forming environment, and a reference data storage unit that stores reference data of information entered on the mark sheet are provided.
The image of the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit is the reading range of the information read by the information reading unit.
Since the image forming environment is formed with a low density, by referring to the reference data, the image forming environment can be properly set without causing the error setting of the image forming environment , and the reference data can be used to read the information. Read by means
It is mistakenly recognized as the information taken and entered by the operator.
The original image based on the image of the above reference data while preventing
The operator can tell what kind of state the image forming environment was in.
It can be easily and properly recognized
In addition, by filling in the image of the above reference data, etc.
It is easy and appropriate to enter information corresponding to the data
There is an advantage that you can .

The present invention also relates to the setting of the image forming environment.
Image data for mark sheet formation in which information to be entered
And a sheet data storage section that stores the
For mark sheet based on image data stored in memory
Image forming unit that forms the image of
Information reading unit that reads the information written on the mark sheet
According to the information read by this information reading unit.
An environment control unit that controls to change the setting of the image forming environment
And reference data of the information entered on the mark sheet above
A reference data storage unit for storing is provided, and the preset image
Standard information about the image forming environment and the currently set image
One of the information related to the image forming environment is read by the information reading unit.
Outside the reading range of the information to be read by the first reference data
And the other of the above information is
Within the reading range of the information read by the information reading unit,
Configured to be displayed as the second reference data at low concentration
Therefore, refer to the reference data formed on the mark sheet.
The current image forming environment in which direction
The operator can accurately recognize whether to change the degree.
This image can be displayed without causing an incorrect setting of the image forming environment.
The formation environment can be set appropriately and the first
Based on the reference data and the second reference data, standard information and
By referring to both of the current setting information, you can
Easy to find and fill in the settings for the imaging environment
There is an advantage that you can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an image reading unit, an image processing unit, and the like.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration of a mark sheet.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which information is written on a mark sheet.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

26 Information reader 31 Sheet data storage 32 Reference data storage 40 Image forming unit 50 Environmental Control Department

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-6-15911 (JP, A) JP-A-7-135545 (JP, A) JP-A-8-224930 (JP, A) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 G03G 21/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sheet data storage unit for storing image data for forming a mark sheet in which information regarding setting of an image forming environment is stored, and an image for a mark sheet based on the image data stored in the sheet data storage unit. An image forming unit for forming on recording paper, an information reading unit for reading information written on a mark sheet by an operator, and control for changing the setting of the image forming environment according to the information read by this information reading unit Environment control section and a reference data storage section for storing reference data of information to be written on the mark sheet, and the image of the reference data stored in the reference data storage section is read by the information reading section.
It is designed so that it is formed in a low density within the reading range of the information to be read.
An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the. 2. Information regarding the setting of the image forming environment is entered.
Image data for mark sheet formation
Stored in the sheet data storage unit and this sheet data storage unit.
Image for mark sheet based on the recorded image data
An image forming unit to be formed on a sheet, etc. and a mark sheet by the operator
The information reading unit that reads the information written on the
The image forming environment is set according to the information read by
Environment control unit that controls to change the
Reference data that stores reference data for the information entered on the sheet.
Data storage unit, and
Standard information and the currently set image forming environment.
One of the information to be read is read by the information reading unit.
Displayed as the first reference data outside the reading range of the information
At the same time, the other of the above-mentioned information is read by the above-mentioned information reading unit.
Within the reading range of the information that can be read by
An image forming apparatus configured to be displayed as consideration data . 3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, the image for the mark sheet, test answer column to fill out information on whether to form a test image is provided,
When it is confirmed by the information reading unit that the information is entered in the test entry field, a test image before the setting of the image forming environment is changed is formed on the recording paper, and the image forming environment An image forming apparatus, characterized in that a test image after the setting is changed is formed on a recording sheet. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the image for the mark sheet information on setting of the image forming environment is filled out, adapted to be formed at a low concentration on the recording sheet An image forming apparatus characterized by the above.