JPS5832695B2 - copying device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a copying apparatus that can automatically and continuously copy a plurality of original documents.

For example, when a microfilm is used as a document for copying, examples of the microfilm on which an original image is recorded include a roll film F1, a fish film F2, an aperture card F3, etc. as shown in FIGS. 1A, B, and C.

Roll film F1 is a long film with many frames a1~
A4, BL, . . . are arranged in parallel, and a search or positioning mark M is provided on the side of each piece.

Fish film F2 has many frames a on a rectangular film.
1 to a4yk'l .

A reader printer is used to copy such an original image on a microfilm onto a copying material.

With a reader printer, the image of the desired frame on the microfilm is projected onto a screen and the image is observed.
After positioning the part of the frame to be copied at a predetermined position on the screen, the player presses the copy button to operate the printer and obtain a copy.

Normally, a plurality of frames with related information contents are arranged consecutively on a microfilm. For example, in the roll film F1 and the fish film F2 shown in FIG.
Three pieces a1, a2, a3.

The a4 image constitutes one piece of related information.

In addition, in the aperture card F3, multiple aperture cards constitute one piece of related information, and when a plurality of such related image frames are continuously copied, the printer device performs a single copying operation. After copying, the operator must advance the film, replace the aperture card, project the next image on the screen, observe it, position it in a predetermined position, and then move on to the next copying operation. It is necessary to operate the copy button.

For this reason, when one piece of information is composed of many image frames or many aperture cards, the operator has to perform image exchange/positioning operations and pressing the copy button many times. This method has the disadvantage that operations are complicated and copying takes time.

In order to overcome these drawbacks, it is known to have a repeat mechanism that performs automatic copying so that the automatic copying cycle can be set arbitrarily. There was a problem in that automatic copying started while the original was being replaced, positioned, or considering the contents of the original because the user did not know when to copy the original, resulting in a copy error.

There is also the inconvenience of not being able to leave the copying machine when doing other work while copying.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a copying machine that eliminates such inconveniences and allows copying operations to be carried out with peace of mind.

The present invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows a reader printer to which the present invention is applied, which includes a printer device 1, an operating device 2, and an observation device 3.
It is composed of.

The printer device 1 is composed of an electrophotographic photoreceptor, an exposure means, a charging means, a developing means, a transfer means, a copying material feeding means, a drying fixing means, etc., and the details thereof are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1983-1991.
This is described in Japanese Patent No.-8247, etc., and is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The microfilm F is stretched between two reels 4 and 5, and by rotating the handles 6°7 provided on each reel 4 and 5, it can be moved from the left reel to the right or from the right reel to the left. Film can be fed to the reel.

The microfilm F is illuminated by a lamp in an exposure section formed at the top of the printer device 1.

The illuminated film image is selectively enlarged and projected onto either the photoreceptor of the printer device 1 or the screen 9 of the viewing device 3 by the projection lens 8 .

This selection is made by rotating a mirror (not shown).

The screen 9 is a transmissive type screen, and is provided with a copy frame 10 for positioning an image to be copied on the film.

It is configured so that only the image projected within this copy frame 10 is copied.

The observation device 3 is composed of optical means such as a □ mirror,
For details, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 51-23174, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 50
Since it is publicly known from the publication No.-80124, etc., the explanation will be omitted.

The front panel 11 of the operating device 2 includes a power switch 12 for supplying power to a printer device, etc., a copy density adjustment dial 13, a copy cycle adjustment dial 14, and a repeat/repeat switch.
Manual mode selector switch 15, copy skip button 16, repeat stop button 17, copy button 18, and display section 19 that displays the elapsed time of the copy cycle.
are arranged respectively.

FIG. 3 shows a printer control circuit for controlling the operation of the printer device 1. As shown in FIG.

In Figure 3, 20 and 21 are OR gates, 22° 23
．． 24 and 25 are AND gates, and 26 is an inverter.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a printer operation circuit that operates various processing means of the printer device 1 in a predetermined time order, and outputs a completion signal from an output terminal a when a predetermined copying operation is performed.

This end signal is output when a predetermined step of the copying operation is completed.

For example, in the case of a scanning method in which the document table holding the microfilm is moved to scan the document, the document is scanned when the document table finishes moving and returns to its home position, or by moving the mirror with the microfilm fixed. In the case of the scanning method, when the □ roller finishes its movement and returns to its home position, the position of the document table or mirror is detected by a microswitch or the like, and an end signal is obtained from this microswitch.

Note that this end signal may be transmitted depending on the operation of the developing process, transfer process, copying material feeding process, or mirror movement process that selectively projects the microfilm image onto either the printer device or the observation device. Preferably, this occurs when the exposure scanning process is completed and the document (image) can be replaced.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a transfer control circuit for controlling the film transfer device that feeds the film F, and is activated when receiving an end signal from the printer operation circuit 27 via the OR gate 21.

FIG. 4 shows a film transport device, in which 41 is a light source that illuminates the mark M on the microfilm F placed in the exposure section, 42 is a light receiving element that detects the optical signal of the mark M, and 43 is a mark detection circuit. , 44 indicate motors that drive the feed rollers 6 and 7, and are controlled by the transfer control circuit 40.

When the transfer control circuit 40 receives an end signal from the printer operating circuit 27, it drives the motor 44 to rotate the feed roller 6°7 to feed the microfilm F, and the mark of the next frame is detected by the light receiving element 42. The motor 44 is stopped and a film stop signal is output from the output terminal, thereby completing the exchange of image frames on the exposure section.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 28 indicates a timer circuit, which operates when it receives a film stop signal from the transfer control circuit 40 and starts measuring time, and when a set time has elapsed, a high level copy starts from the output terminal C. It generates a signal, finishes measuring time, and becomes inactive.

Reference numeral 29 indicates a delay circuit, and 30 indicates a skip circuit. The skip circuit 30 is composed of a flip-flop circuit, and a copy skip button 16 consisting of a self-recovery switch is connected to its set input terminal d, and a reset input The output terminal of the AND gate 24 is connected to the terminal e via the delay circuit 29.

In addition, an inverter 26 is connected to the output terminal f of the skip circuit 30.
The input terminal of the AND gate 24 is connected to the input terminal of the AND gate 24, respectively.

Reference numeral 99 denotes a display device that displays the elapse of the set time of the timer circuit 28 while the timer circuit 28 is in operation, and the contents of this display circuit are displayed on the display section 19 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the display device 99 includes a flip-flop circuit 100, an oscillator 101 . Counting circuit 1
It consists of 02.

The flip-flop circuit 100 has its set input terminal S
is connected to the output terminal of the transfer control circuit 40, and its reset input terminal R is connected to the output terminal C of the timer circuit 28.

The oscillator 101 is connected to the set output terminal of the flip-flop circuit 100 and generates pulse signals at regular time intervals, and these pulse signals are counted by the counting circuit 102.

The counting circuit 102 displays the display unit 1 every time a pulse signal is sent.
90 light emitting diodes LED1, LED2...
. . . The LEDs are turned on in sequence, and are reset by the copy start signal output from the timer circuit 28 to return to the initial state.

Therefore, the elapsed state of the set time from when the image frames in the exposure section are replaced until the timer circuit 28 issues a copy start signal for the next copying operation can be known by the number of light-emitting diodes on the display section 190. .

During the copying process, the operator examines the position of the newly placed image in the exposure area, the contents of the image, etc., and prepares for the next copy until the predetermined display state is reached at the end of the set time. All you have to do is to do this, so you can work with peace of mind.

Note that the display device is not limited to one that displays the passage of time in an analog manner, and may also display the passage of time numerically.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a timer circuit, in which 50 is a flip-flop circuit, 51 is a variable resistor, and is connected to the copy cycle adjustment dial 14.
The zero rotation changes the resistance value of the variable resistor 51 and adjusts the set time of the timer circuit.

52 and 53 are diodes, 54 are resistors, 55 are capacitors, and 56 and 57 are inverters.

The operating time may be set as a timer circuit by a combination of cams and microswitches having different set times.

Furthermore, various known timers can be used.

FIG. 6 shows signal waveforms at each point A1 to A4 of the timer circuit, and the waveform line A1 t A2 in FIG.

A3. A4 represents the signal waveform at each point having the same sign, tl represents the setting time of the timer circuit, and t2 represents the pulse width time of the copy start signal.

The set time t1 of the timer circuit 28 is set to an appropriate time by operating the copy cycle adjustment dial 14, taking into consideration the time required for the operator to perform observation and positioning of the original.

Next, the operation of the reader printer will be explained with reference to the time chart shown in FIG.

First, turn on the power switch 12, and repeat/manual mode selector switch 1 to obtain multiple copies of images.
5 to repeat mode.

By switching to the repeat mode, a high level signal is input to one input terminal g of the AND gate 22.

On the other hand, the copy skip button 16 and repeat stop button 17 are turned off.

At this time, a low level signal is output from the output terminal f of the skip circuit 30 (FIG. 7F), and a high level signal is output from the output terminal of the repeat stop button 17.

(FIG. 7B) Next, the first frame of the desired pattern is placed in the exposure section using an automatic search device or the like.

The operator correctly positions the frame in the copy frame 10 while observing the image of this frame on the screen, and after completing the positioning, presses the copy button 18 to command the start of copying.

When the copy button 18 is turned on, the image on the screen disappears, and the device shifts from the observation state to the printer state.

When the copy button 18 is turned on, a high-level copy command signal (FIG. 7A) is output, and this signal causes the OR gate 2 to be activated.
The printer operating circuit 27 is activated via the photosensitive drum 0, thereby exposing the image of the frame placed in the exposure section onto the photoreceptor and performing the first copying operation.

After the exposure is completed, the image is projected onto the screen again, and the viewing state is returned to. At the same time, the printer operating circuit 27 outputs a high-level end signal (D in FIG. 7), and this signal causes the transfer control circuit 40 to pass through the OR gate 21. is activated.

As a result, the film F is fed, and when the mark detector detects the mark of the second frame, the film feeding stops.
And from this circuit 40, a high level film stop signal (
Figure 7 E) appears.

This film stop signal activates the timer circuit 28.

The timer circuit 28 generates a copy start signal (FIG. 7G) after a set time t1 after starting its operation.

After replacing the image frame in the exposure section, the operator places the image frame in the exposure section while checking the display on the display section 19 and confirming the elapse of the set time until the copy start signal is output, that is, within the set time t. Perform work such as positioning the second piece.

The above-mentioned work is completed before the display on the display unit 19 reaches the set time.

When the set time is displayed, press repeat stop switch 1.
7 and the skip button 16 are off, and the mode selector switch 15 is switched to repeat mode.
The copy start signal output from the timer circuit 28 causes the ant game to
) 25.23.22 is opened, the printer operating circuit 27 is activated again via the OR gate 20, and a second copying operation is performed.

After the second exposure, the film is fed again and the third frame is automatically placed in the exposure area in place of the second frame.

Observe the image of the third frame on the screen, and if it is not necessary to copy this third frame, look at the display on the display section 19 and press the copy skip button 16 before the timer circuit operates for the set time t1. .

When the skip button 16 is turned on, the output terminal f of the skip circuit 30 becomes high level.

(Fig. 7F) After the third frame is placed in the exposure area, press the skip button 1.
6 is turned on, a copy start signal is generated from the timer circuit 28, but since the AND gate 23 is closed due to the copy skip button 16 being turned on, the printer operation circuit 27 is not activated, and continuous copying is temporarily interrupted. .

On the other hand, since the output terminal f of the skip circuit 30 is at a high level due to the skip button being turned on, the AND gate 24 is opened by the copy start signal, the transfer control circuit 40 is activated via the OR gate 21, and the motor 44 is driven. The film is transferred, the frame in the exposure section is replaced, and the fourth frame is placed in the exposure section.

After the frame exchange is completed, the timer circuit 28 is activated by the film stop signal.
is activated.

Therefore, by turning on the skip button 16, the transfer control circuit is activated and the mode is switched to a mode in which the original is exchanged without performing the next copying operation.

By opening the AND gate 24, the skip circuit 30 is reset after a predetermined time via the delay circuit 29, and the output terminal f becomes low level (FIG. 7F). This causes the signal output from the timer circuit to perform the copying operation. automatically switches to mode.

Therefore, the operator replaces the third piece with the fourth piece without copying it, and then waits for the set time t while showing the display on the display section 19.
All you have to do is perform the necessary work on the next piece, that is, the fourth piece, within 1 minute.

Furthermore, if you do not want to copy several frames after the fourth frame, you can press the skip button 16 repeatedly at appropriate intervals for the number of frames that do not need to be copied.

After the skip circuit 30 is reset, when the copy start signal is generated again from the timer circuit 28, the AND gate 25,
23 and 22 are opened, the printer operating circuit 27 is activated via the OR gate 20, and the third copying operation is performed.

After that, the operator confirms the position of the image and the content of the image while looking at the display on the display unit 19, and copies each image automatically at preset time intervals without pressing the copy button. It can be performed.

(Hereinafter, this copy style will be referred to as ``repeat copy.''

) To stop repeat copying, press the repeat stop switch 17 to close the AND gate 25. Therefore, the copy start signal from the timer circuit 28 is not sent to the printer operation circuit, and the next copying operation and image exchange are not performed. This is not done, and the repeat copy ends.

Note that repeat copying can be similarly stopped by switching the repeat/manual mode changeover switch 15 to manual mode.

When the mode selector switch 15 is switched to manual mode, a copying operation is performed each time the operator presses the copy button 1B, and the printer can be used in the same way as a normal printer.

According to experiments, the time required for examining the image content, positioning the image, etc. varies depending on the ability and experience of the operator, the content of the image, etc., but is generally about 2 seconds.

Therefore, the set time t1 may be changed to an appropriate time by operating the copy cycle adjustment dial 14 depending on the skill level of the operator.

If the operator is an experienced operator, the copying process can be completed in a short time by shortening the setup time and the copy cycle; if the operator is inexperienced, the setup time can be lengthened. .

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to proceed with the copying operation in accordance with the elapse of the set time of the copying cycle, and it is possible to prevent an accident in which the copying operation is started while the content of the original is being considered or the positioning is being performed, resulting in the creation of a wrong copy. This allows even operators who are not familiar with the machine to perform copying operations with peace of mind.

Also, when the user has other business to attend to, it is possible to easily determine whether or not it is okay to leave the copying machine.

The present invention is not limited to microfilm reader printers, but can also be applied to copying machines that use manuscripts such as documents and drawings, and the copying method is not limited to electronic photography, but can also be applied to methods such as silver halide photography and heat development photography. It can also be applied.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a diagram explaining microfilm, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a reader printer showing one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a printer control circuit, and Fig. 4 is a configuration of a film transport device. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the timer circuit, Figure 6 is a waveform diagram at each point of the timer circuit, Figure 7 is a diagram showing a time chart, Figure 8 is a configuration diagram of the display device, and Figure 9 is the display. The configuration diagram of each section is shown. 1... Printer device, 9... Screen, 10... Copy frame, 16... Skip button, 18... Copy button, 28・
...Timer circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A timer which is activated after the completion of a predetermined step of a copying operation and emits a signal after a set time; a copy control means which causes the next copying operation to be performed in accordance with the signal emitted from the timer; and a set time of the timer which is adjusted. What is claimed is: 1. A copying apparatus comprising: a time limit adjusting means for adjusting the time limit; and a display means for displaying the elapsed time set by the time limit means.