JP2008147873A - Copy apparatus and copy apparatus control method - Google Patents

Abstract

A copy apparatus capable of preventing printing of a tilted image and printing of the recording paper out of the surface of the irregularly shaped recording paper without increasing the size and cost when forming a copy image. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a copying apparatus.
According to one embodiment, a recording unit that performs recording using a recording head, a reading unit that reads a document and a recording sheet, and a skew detecting unit that detects a skew of the document based on reading data of the document read by the reading unit. 1 detection means. Further, based on the read data of the recording paper read by the reading means, second detection means for detecting the skew of the recording paper, document skew detected by the first detection means, and second detection. Difference calculating means for calculating a difference from the skew of the recording paper detected by the means. Further, the image processing apparatus includes a print correction unit that corrects print data that is printed by the recording unit and that is read data of the document read by the reading unit according to the difference in the skew degree calculated by the difference calculation unit.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording on skewed recording paper or irregular recording paper in a copying apparatus.

  An optical line sensor such as CIS, which is a reading means, is fixed at one place in the apparatus, and the method of reading the paper (original or recording paper) to be read in the sub-scanning direction has long existed in facsimiles and the like. This is called a sheet scanning method.

  In this sheet scanning method, paper such as a document is transported by a roller or the like that is driven by a motor, but the paper is tilted during transport and the read document is skewed (that is, skewed). May be.

  As countermeasures for this skew, there are mechanically control of the number, thickness, material, and the like of rollers, and a device for a slider for supporting the paper so as not to skew. Electrically, there are contrivances such as control of motor torque, feed amount, etc., and a sensor for detecting skew.

  It is known that skew of a document during reading is detected by an optical line sensor such as CIS, and recorded at an inclination corresponding to the detected skew when recording (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  It is known to use a plurality of sensors for detecting the edge of the paper such as an optical sensor, detect the width of the recording paper, and record at a recording position corresponding to the width (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  Also, it is known that when a user scans a paper by another operation once in a scanner unit in a copying machine or the like, and then copies it, even if the size of the paper and the document is irregular, it is adjusted and printed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 3).

Further, it is known that the print head is integrated with the scanner and is read in a certain unit in the sub-scanning direction (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
JP 7-154540 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-188955 JP 2001-086326 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-314860

  However, in general, when mechanically preventing skew, the accuracy of the motor is increased, the number of rollers is increased, the paper is changed to a non-slip material, and the slider is large and the paper can be transported stably. I am doing so.

  When measures against electrical skew are taken, the number of sensors is increased, and paper feed control such as motor torque and paper feed amount is adjusted based on information from these sensors.

  Such measures will increase the size and cost in terms of mechanism, and electrically requires a system capable of high-speed processing for performing complex control, a highly accurate motor drive circuit, etc. There is a problem of rising.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the skew of the original is read, but the skew of the recording paper cannot be detected.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 2, a plurality of sensors are prepared to detect the position and size of the recording paper. However, depending on the number and arrangement of the sensors, the outer dimensions of the irregularly shaped recording paper may be detected accurately. Can not.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 3, since a recorded image is read by a user's operation, there is a possibility that correct processing is not necessarily performed due to a user's erroneous operation or the like.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 4, the scanner unit integrated with the print head can read the original, but cannot read the recording paper.

According to the present invention, when forming a copy image, it is possible to prevent printing of a tilted image and printing of the recording paper out of the paper surface even with irregularly shaped recording paper without increasing the size and cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an apparatus and a copying apparatus.

According to the present invention, there is provided a recording means for performing recording using a recording head, a reading means for reading an original and a recording sheet, and a skew detecting degree of the original based on read data of the original read by the reading means. 1 detection means. Further, the present invention provides a second detection means for detecting the skew of the recording paper based on the read data of the recording paper read by the reading means, and the document skew detected by the first detection means, Difference calculating means for calculating a difference from the skew of the recording sheet detected by the second detecting means. Furthermore, the present invention provides a copy correction unit that corrects print data printed by the recording unit, which is read data of a document read by the reading unit, in accordance with a difference in skewing degree calculated by the difference calculation unit. Device.

According to the present invention, when forming a copy image, it is possible to prevent printing of a tilted image and printing of the recording paper out of the paper surface even for irregularly shaped recording paper without increasing the size and cost. There is an effect that can be done.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a copying apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The copying apparatus 100 includes a CPU 1, a reading unit 2, a recording unit 3, a ROM 4, a RAM 5, an image processing unit 6, a display unit 7, an operation unit 8, a skew comparison unit 9, and a print correction unit. 10, a paper feeding unit 11, and a motor 12.

  The CPU 1 controls the overall operation of the copy apparatus 100. The reading unit 2 includes a reading element (optical sensor) such as a CIS, generates a reading synchronization signal, and acquires photoelectrically converted analog data (reading data) that is taken out in synchronization with the synchronization signal from the reading element. .

  The recording unit 3 is a recording unit such as an ink jet printer. The ROM 4 stores a program for controlling the CPU 1 (the program shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2). The RAM 5 temporarily secures the data read by the reading unit 2 and temporarily holds the recording data in the recording unit 3.

  The image processing means 6 processes the read data of the original or recording paper read by the optical sensor, and detects the skew of the original and the skew of the recording paper. The display unit 7 displays the status of the copying apparatus 100 and the like, and is configured by an LCD. The operation unit 8 includes an operation panel operated by a user.

  The skew comparison means 9 compares the skew of the original detected by the image processing means 6 with the skew of the recording paper detected by the image processing means 6. The print correction unit 10 corrects the image by rotating, enlarging or reducing the image to be recorded based on the comparison result by the skew comparison unit 9. The paper feeding unit 11 is a unit that operates the motor 12 in association with the recording unit 3 to feed a document or recording paper.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  2A and 2B are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.

  First, the operation of correcting the skew between the original and the recording paper and performing copy printing while detecting the width of the recording paper will be described.

  S1 is a standby state in the copying apparatus 100. In S2, the original and the recording paper are set at predetermined positions by a user operation, and a copy is started by pressing a start key or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the copying apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the document is first fed through a common paper path that is a common paper transport path for the recording paper and the document. The mechanical details of the paper conveyance by the common paper path will not be described in detail here, but in the first embodiment, the document path P1 which is the conveyance path for the original and the recording which is the conveyance path for the recording paper. It is characterized in that the paper path P2 is almost shared. Since most of the paper conveyance paths are shared, the first embodiment is mechanically simplified and reduced in size as compared with the conventional copying apparatus.

  The copying apparatus 100 includes a document detection sensor 21, a DES 22, a CIS 23, a paper edge sensor 24, a recording paper detection sensor 25, and a print head 31.

  Next, configuration requirements necessary for the copy apparatus 100 will be described.

  First, the recording unit 3 that prints recording paper is a necessary component of the copying apparatus 100. The recording unit 3 ejects ink such as an ink jet method from the print head 31. In the copying apparatus 100, an ink sublimation type ink ribbon thermal transfer type recording unit may be used instead of the ink jet recording unit.

  Second, the reading unit 2 is a necessary component for the copying apparatus 100. The reading unit 2 is a line sensor of an optical reading unit such as the CIS 23, and is a sensor arranged in the main scanning direction (reading width direction) of the document.

  The recording means 3 and the reading means 2 are arranged so that the document or recording paper can pass through a common path and be read and recorded. Further, it is necessary to provide the reading means 2 (CIS 23) before the recording paper passes through the recording means 3 (print head 31) so that the inclination of the recording paper can be read before recording. is there.

  After feeding the original, the reading unit 2 reads the original, and in the case of color reading, the read image is read by each color of the light emitting elements incorporated in the reading unit 2 of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). Get as data. In the copying apparatus 100, an optical line sensor such as a CCD may be used instead of the CIS 23.

  In the case of monochrome reading, read image data is acquired by a light emitting element of a monochromatic light source such as G (Green). The acquired read image data is stored in the RAM 5.

  Hereinafter, the case of monochrome reading will be described, but the present invention can also be applied to color reading.

  First, the reading unit 2 reads a document. In S3, the reading unit 2 reads all of one page while conveying the document. At this time, the CPU 1 obtains information on the inclination, size, and image area of the document.

  Next, an operation for detecting the inclination of the document or recording paper will be described.

  As described in Patent Document 1, the edge of the paper is detected at the left and right ends of a line sensor such as CIS23, and the inclination of the paper is determined from the relationship with the paper feed amount (rotation angle of the motor) at this time. Can be calculated.

  For paper edge detection, generally a black or high density platen is prepared, and the difference from the paper white is read by the photoelectric conversion element (paper edge sensor 24) as the reading means 2. The platen is a mold member positioned below the paper when viewed from the reading unit 2 in paper conveyance, and the paper is conveyed on the platen.

  In addition, after reading one page, the image processing means analyzes the straight line portion such as a character string, ruled line, or image edge portion and the paper edge portion in the entire image area, and calculates the inclination. It may be.

  When detecting the size of the image, the size of the image can be similarly detected using the CIS 23 (line sensor) for the left and right sides of the sheet. An image area can be detected by detecting a white area (margin) that often exists around the edge of the sheet.

  In S4, it is determined whether or not the document inclination amount X1 calculated in S3 is within the range of X stored in the ROM in advance. The specified value (maximum skew value) X2 is the maximum skew value that can be corrected in the copying apparatus 100, and it is impossible to correct skew that exceeds this value. If the tilt amount X1 is larger than the specified value X2, the process proceeds to S5. If the tilt amount X1 is equal to or less than the specified value X2, the process proceeds to S6.

  In S5, it is determined that the skew of the document exceeds the correctable range X2, the user is notified that an abnormality has occurred during document feeding, the copying operation is stopped, and the process returns to S1.

  In S6, the reading of the original is completed, and the conveyance of the recording paper is started. In S7, the edge of the upper end portion of the recording paper is read. Here, as in the case of the original, the skew value Y1 is calculated by an optical line sensor such as CIS 23, and the process proceeds to S8.

  In S8, the skew feeding comparison means 9 compares the skew feeding degree of the original document with the skew feeding degree of the recording paper. The document skew value Y1 is also compared with the allowable skew value Y stored in the ROM in advance. The specified value (allowable skew value) Y2 is the maximum skew value of the recording paper that can be accepted in the copying apparatus 100. If the skew value Y1 is greater than the specified value Y2, the process proceeds to S9. If the skew value Y1 is equal to or less than the specified value Y2, the process proceeds to S10.

  In S9, it is determined that the skew of the recording sheet exceeds the correctable range, the user is notified that an abnormality has occurred during feeding of the recording sheet, the copying operation is stopped, and the process proceeds to S1. Return.

  In S10, a difference between the document skew value X1 and the recording paper skew value Y1, that is, | X1-Y1 | = Δθ is calculated. The print correction means 10 may perform image correction processing so that the recorded image is rotated in the reverse direction by the inclination difference Δθ. After performing the rotation process, the process proceeds to S11.

  Here, image processing for rotating this image will be described.

  The entire image data read from the document is secured in the RAM 5. The rotation center of the secured image data is obtained. In the case of A4 or B4 paper of a specified size or a square paper such as a square or a rectangle, it is easy to obtain the rotation center of the image data, that is, the intersection of diagonal lines is set as the rotation center. In the case of other irregular-size originals, a large rectangle (a rectangle outlined in the irregular size) in which all of the irregular sizes just fit is virtually set. The diagonal intersection of the virtual quadrangle may be the rotation center.

  The image data is rotated by an inclination difference Δθ with respect to the calculated rotation center. The image data may be rotated after the image is converted to the bitmap format. When the calculation process increases the load on the CPU 1, the calculation process may be executed by another processor other than the CPU 1. Since there are a number of prior art image processing methods for the print correction means 10, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The reason why the prescribed values (maximum skew value) X2 and Y2 are provided in S4 and S8 is not to limit the image processing but to notify abnormality. That is, in the image processing, it can be rotated at any rotation angle of 360 degrees, but the skew values X1 and Y1 exceeding a certain angle can be clearly determined to be abnormal due to the mechanism of the copying apparatus 100. The user is notified of the abnormality without performing the image rotation process.

  In S11, the integrated circuit processes data processing in accordance with the print unit, print definition, print cycle, and the like in the print head 31. In general, in ink jet recording, the print head 31 simultaneously performs printing for a certain length unit in the sub-scanning direction, and the unit of printing for printing in the sub-scanning direction is referred to as a “belt”. That is, when printing the read image, it is divided and printed for each belt unit to be recorded. A detailed description of an ink jet recording technique in which the print head 31 reciprocates in the main scanning direction and prints by the print head 31 in which ink discharge ports (hereinafter referred to as “nozzles”) are arranged in the sub scanning direction is omitted here. To do.

  After the print data for one belt is prepared, the process proceeds to S12. Before printing for one belt in S12, the paper width information of the recording paper corresponding to one belt is extracted from the image data stored in the RAM 5 in S3.

  The planned print width of the print data for one belt is compared with the paper width information of the recording paper. In S13, if the result of the comparison in S12 is that the width of the recording paper is smaller than the planned printing width, the image is reduced. Conversely, if the width of the recording paper is larger than the width to be printed, enlargement processing is performed. However, since the enlargement / reduction process is executed for each belt, there is a variation in the character size and the like for the entire page. Therefore, the appearance may deteriorate. For this reason, these enlargement / reduction processes may be permitted or not permitted according to user settings. Further, when the enlargement / reduction processing can be permitted, the magnification setting for suppressing the enlargement / reduction ratio can be executed to the extent that the appearance does not deteriorate. When extremely unusually shaped recording paper is used, the user can print with a width suitable for the recording paper size by increasing the magnification setting.

  Also, the length of one belt in the sub-scanning direction can be shortened. By setting the unit length of one belt to be short, even if there is a variation in character size, it can be seen as a linear change, not in steps. For this reason, when printing on an irregular size, for example, a disk-shaped recording medium, etc., by setting one belt unit short and increasing the magnification setting, smooth enlargement / reduction processing can be achieved, and the appearance is good.

  If the user's magnification setting range is exceeded, the process proceeds to S14. If it is within the range, the process proceeds to S16.

  In S14, when writing print data having a large width outside the set size compared to the recording paper width size, or when trying to write print data having a small width, the user is notified of an abnormality. If the user notified of the abnormality in S15 interrupts copying, the process returns to S1. If continue is selected as it is, the process proceeds to S16. If the enlargement / reduction image processing is completed in S16 and the print data can be prepared, the process proceeds to S18. If an abnormality occurs in image processing or print data for some reason, the process proceeds to S17.

  In S17, after notifying the user of the abnormality, the copy operation is stopped, and the process returns to S1.

  In S18, the current printing for each belt is completed, and the process proceeds to S19. When the printing of all pages is completed in S19, the process proceeds to S20, and if there is a next print belt, the process returns to S11 and shifts to printing of the next belt. In S20, assuming that printing is completed for one page, the process returns to S1.

  That is, the reading unit 2 is an example of a reading unit that reads a document and a recording sheet. The image processing means 6 is an example of a first detection means for detecting the skewing degree of the original based on the read data of the original read by the reading means, and the read data of the recording paper read by the reading means. It is an example of the 2nd detection means which detects the skewing degree of a recording paper based on it.

  The skew feeding comparison means 9 is an example of a difference calculating means for calculating a difference between the document skewing degree detected by the first detecting means and the recording paper skewing degree detected by the second detecting means. The print correction means 10 is a print correction means for correcting the read data of the original read by the reading means and the print data printed by the recording means in accordance with the difference in skewing degree calculated by the difference calculating means. It is an example.

  The reading unit 2 is an example of a recording width range detecting unit that detects a recording width range of a recording sheet that is being recorded in a copy that uses irregularly shaped recording paper. The CPU 1 and the ROM 4 are examples of control means that performs control so as to prevent ink from being ejected to a portion where there is no paper.

  The above embodiment is an embodiment corresponding to a skewed manuscript or recording paper, and an embodiment corresponding to a deformed recording paper whose recording paper width is changing. For example, a CD having a hole in the center portion thereof. -It is also effective for a disk-shaped recording medium such as a ROM.

  A CD having a hole in the central portion by the reading means 2 judging the print prohibition portion including the central portion, and performing deformation including enlargement / reduction on the recorded image so as to fit in the portion excluding the print prohibition portion. -It can be copied to a disk-shaped printed recording medium such as a ROM.

  In the copying apparatus 100, in addition to original document inclination detection by an optical line sensor such as the CIS 23, inclination is also detected on a recording sheet in the same manner as an original document. Then, by calculating the inclination of both the original and the recording paper and obtaining the difference inclination Δθ, it is possible to more accurately correct the skew of the recording paper than in the conventional example.

  Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the slider that suppresses the mechanical skew between the original and the recording paper can be further simplified, and can be omitted. On the other hand, even when the slider is present, even if the user forgets the operation of aligning the slider, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to prevent failed printing due to inclined printing.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the recording paper width size is detected when the recording paper is read, so that it is possible to print while confirming the width of the recording paper while performing enlargement / reduction processing and alignment of the read image. It is possible to detect abnormalities in the recording paper during recording. Further, according to the above-described embodiment, an enlarged / reduced image can be printed in accordance with the shape of the irregularly shaped recording paper whose recording paper width changes without deviating from the width.

1 is a block diagram showing a copy apparatus 100 that is a copy apparatus 100 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copy apparatus 100. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copy apparatus 100. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the copy apparatus 100. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100: Copy device,
1 ... CPU,
2 Reading means,
3. Recording means,
4 ... ROM,
9 ... Skew comparison means,
10: Print correction means,
23 ... CIS,
31: Print head.

Claims (3)

Recording means for recording using a recording head;
Reading means for reading a document and recording paper;
First detection means for detecting the skewing degree of the document based on the read data of the document read by the reading means;
Second detection means for detecting the skew of the recording paper based on the read data of the recording paper read by the reading means;
Difference calculating means for calculating a difference between the original skew detected by the first detecting means and the recording paper skew detected by the second detecting means;
A print correction unit that corrects print data printed by the recording unit that is read data of the document read by the reading unit according to a difference in skewing degree calculated by the difference calculation unit;
A copy apparatus comprising: In claim 1,
Recording width range detecting means for detecting the recording width range of the recording paper being recorded in copying using irregularly shaped recording paper;
Control means for controlling so as to prevent ink from being ejected to a portion where there is no paper;
A copy apparatus comprising: A first detection step of detecting the skew of the document based on the read data of the document read by the reading unit that reads the document and the recording paper;
A second detection step of detecting the skew of the recording paper based on the reading data of the recording paper read in the reading step;
A difference calculation step of calculating a difference between the document skewing degree detected in the first detection step and the recording paper skewing degree detected in the second detection step;
A print correction step of correcting print data to be printed, which is read data of the original read in the reading step, according to the difference in skewing degree calculated in the difference calculating step;
A method of controlling a copying apparatus, comprising:

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