JP3756835B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image based on stored image data after reading a document image and storing the image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an image on a document is read by a reading unit such as a scanner, and image data is stored in a storage unit. When a user issues a print instruction, the image data is read from the storage unit and the specified number of sheets is read. An image forming apparatus that performs printing has been proposed. This type of image forming apparatus has both a copy function for immediately copying an image on a document, and a document registration function for storing and registering an image on a document as data. In this copy function, when the user designates the output format of the number of copies using a numeric keypad or the like provided on the operation panel and further inputs a print instruction by pressing the print key, the document is read by the reading unit and printed immediately. In the document management function, a document registration instruction is input from the touch panel of the operation display device, the document is read by the reading unit, and the image data is registered (saved) in the storage unit. Image data is read out when necessary to enable printing.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, when the document registration function is executed by the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to input an instruction by performing an operation different from that at the time of executing the copy function. For this purpose, the user needs to recognize the copy function and the document storage function as completely different functions and use different operations for inputting instructions. Since the image forming apparatus is expected to be multi-functional as technology advances, it is desirable to enable the use of a plurality of functions with as simple an operation as possible.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and allows the user to execute both functions without being aware of the proper use of the copy function and the document storage function, thereby improving usability. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes: an output format designating unit in which an output format including at least the number of copies is designated by a user; and a print command input unit in which a print execution command is entered by the user. In an image forming apparatus that performs printing of the number of copies designated by the user,
Reading means for reading a document;
Storage means for storing image data on the document read by the reading means;
When a print execution instruction is input from the print instruction input unit after the number of prints is specified as 0 by the output format specifying unit, the original is read by the reading unit and image data is stored in the storage unit And a control means for making it.
[0006]
In this configuration, when the user designates the number of copies to be 0 and inputs a print execution instruction, the document is read and the image data on the document is stored in the storage unit. Only a document image reading operation can be executed by an operation similar to an operation for executing a copy function for inputting a print execution instruction after designating the print execution instruction. Thus, the user can only read the original image without performing a cumbersome operation like when registering a document, and the usability is improved. In addition, when the number of copies is specified as 0 and a print execution instruction is input, only the original is read and printing is not performed (that is, 0 pages are printed), so the user specifies how many copies to copy. At such intervals, it is possible to select whether to perform only document reading or copy.
[0007]
The invention of claim 2 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for said reading means to display the document information including a number of documents obtained during document reading,
It said control means, after a document is read by the reading unit as specified in the number of copies is 0 copies in the output format specifying means, in which Ru was displayed the original information on the display means.
[0008]
According to this configuration, the document information that reading preparative unit has acquired, allows the user to check the display unit before printing. Thus, for example, it is possible to perform printing after confirming by the displaying means document information such as document that have become less double feed has been the number of document sheets when the document reading in reading preparative means.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the number of copies is designated as 0 by the output format designation means, and the original is read by the reading means. after being one in which that is possible to specify the output format by the output format specification means.
[0010]
According to this configuration, the-out bets that differ from the original information the user has planned, the user before printing can be changed to a desired output format output format specifying means. Thereby, printing mistakes can be reduced.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the image data of a plurality of documents read by the reading unit is identified for each document and stored / recalled. Storage management means for free storage management;
A management instruction input means for inputting an instruction by a user so that the storage management means stores and manages the image data;
Wherein, when the said managed from the instruction input means stored and managed instruction after the original information is displayed is input on the display unit, those which stores and manages the image data in the storage management unit.
[0012]
According to this configuration, if the user designates the number of copies to be printed by the output format specifying means and causes the reading means to read the original, the image data of the read original is printed in addition to printing the image data of the original. It is also possible to select to store and manage image data. Therefore, even if the user has not decided whether to copy the original or save and manage the image data on the original, if the user specifies the number of copies to be printed and starts the printing operation, It is possible to store and manage document image data and the like even after the start of.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In a multi-function device (an example of an image forming apparatus) 1 having a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, and the like, an original document placed on a document placement unit 2 is read by an original conveyance unit 3 from an in-machine scanner or the like. The image on the original is read at this image reading position. A photosensitive drum and a developing unit for forming an image based on the read image, and a fixing unit for fixing a toner image on a sheet are built in the lower part of the multi function device 1. The paper on which the image is formed is discharged to discharge trays 101, 102, and 103.
[0014]
An operation unit 8 is provided at the front part of the multi-function device 1 to receive an operation instruction from a user. The operation unit 8 displays information about an output format such as the number of copies, print magnification, and paper size for the user, and a display device 10 including a liquid crystal panel or the like on which a message for prompting an operation instruction is displayed. A numeric keypad 82 for inputting the number of copies and the like, and a print key 81 for inputting a copy start instruction are provided.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction machine 1 includes a control device (control means) 4 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The control device 4 includes a scanner unit (reading unit) 5, a printer unit (also functions as a copy unit) 6, A facsimile communication unit 7, an operation unit 8, a memory (storage unit) 9, a display device (display unit) 10 and an HDD 11 are connected. The multifunction device 1 is connected to the personal computer 13 via the interface 12 and is connected to the facsimile apparatus 22 as an external transmission destination via the telephone line 21.
[0016]
The scanner unit 5 reads an image on the document when the document set on the document placing unit 2 in FIG. 1 is conveyed to the image reading position, converts the image on a line basis into an image signal, and converts the image signal to a predetermined value. The signal processing (level correction, γ correction, A / D conversion, etc.) is performed and sequentially output to the control device 4 to exhibit the scanner function.
[0017]
The printer unit 6 prints image data input from the personal computer 13, image data read by the scanner unit 5, or image data received from the external facsimile apparatus 22 via the telephone line 21 on a sheet. . Therefore, the printer function is exhibited when printing image data from the personal computer 13, and the copy function is exhibited when printing image data from the scanner unit 5. The printer unit 6 is composed of a laser printer, for example, and forms a latent image of the image composed of the image data by irradiating the photosensitive member with laser light based on the image data, and electrostatically attaches toner to the latent image. Thus, the image is formed by transferring the visible image onto a sheet.
[0018]
The memory 9 includes a ROM 91 that stores an operation control program for each part of the apparatus, and a RAM 92 that stores information such as the image data, an output format such as the number of copies set by the user, and functions as a work area. .
[0019]
The operation unit 8 inputs an instruction to select a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, a facsimile function, a document registration function, and the like, and each of the scanner unit 5, the printer unit 6, and the facsimile communication unit 7 has predetermined instructions (for example, The scanner unit 5 is provided with a document reading, signal conversion, signal processing, and output instruction). The operation unit 8 includes a print key (print instruction input means) 81 for inputting a copy execution instruction, a numeric keypad (output format specifying means) 82 for inputting the number of copies, and the like.
[0020]
The display device 10 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). For example, when the copy function is executed, information on the output format such as the number of copies, print magnification, and paper size is displayed. When the fax function is executed, the line connection state and the transmission state are displayed. In addition, various states such as a communication state with the facsimile apparatus 22 and information (FAX No.) of the transmission destination of the image data are displayed on the LCD as character information. Various messages for prompting the input of the output format are displayed on the display device 10, and by touching the display portion, an instruction such as a corresponding output format and document registration is input to the control device 4. Touch panel (output format designation means, management instruction input means) 101 is provided.
[0021]
The facsimile communication unit 7 performs a facsimile function by performing image data transmission / reception processing. The facsimile communication unit 7 includes an encoding / decoding unit 71, a modem unit 72, and a network control unit 73. The encoding / decoding unit 71 compresses and encodes data (image data) to be transmitted by facsimile, and decompresses and decodes data (image data) received by facsimile. The modem unit 72 modulates the compressed / encoded image data into an audio signal and demodulates the received facsimile signal (audio signal) into the image data. The network control unit 73 corresponds to an NCU (Network Control Unit) and controls the connection of the telephone line 21 with the external facsimile apparatus 22 which is a transmission / reception partner.
[0022]
The HDD 11 stores and registers image data of a document read by the scanner unit 5, an output format set for the document, and the like. Thus, the image data and document information are stored in the HDD 11, and the control device 4 calls the image data and document information in the HDD 11 in accordance with an instruction input from the operation unit 8. Serves as a management tool.
[0023]
The control device 4 is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and controls the operations of the printer unit 6 and the facsimile communication unit 7, and directly controls the operations of the scanner unit 5, the memory 9, the operation unit 8, the display device 10 and the HDD 11. is there.
[0024]
An operation when the copy function is executed in the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of display screens when the copy function is executed, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing when the copy function is executed. When the start screen 101 (FIG. 3) is displayed on the display device 10 (S1), various output of the manuscript such as the number of copies, the paper size used for printing, the printing magnification (enlargement or reduction), the printing density, the sorting function, etc. A prompt to enter the format is displayed. For example, on the start screen 101, when a display portion of “automatic paper” on which paper having a size corresponding to the size of the original placed on the original placement portion 2 is automatically fed is pressed, the display portion is displayed in color. The automatic paper feed function is selected. The same applies to printing magnification (enlargement or reduction), printing density, sorting function, and the like. When a tab portion on which “user function”, “function list”, and “program” are displayed is pressed, a function menu corresponding to each display is displayed on the display device 10, and each function setting can be performed. .
[0025]
When an output format is input on the start screen 101 (YES in S2), the print format is set to the output format (S3). Thereafter, when a print execution instruction is input by pressing the print key 81 (YES in S4), the image on the document placed on the document placement portion 2 is read (S5). The read image data is stored in the RAM 92 and the HDD 11.
[0026]
Next, it is confirmed how many copies are input from the numeric keypad 82 (S6). When the number of copies is one or more (NO in S6), printing is immediately executed in the output format having the contents set on the start screen 101 (S17). The printed paper is discharged to a discharge tray set by the user. During the execution of printing, a copy status display screen 105 for displaying the progress of printing is displayed (S18). When printing is completed, the image data and the like stored in the RAM 92 and the HDD 11 are erased immediately after printing (or after a predetermined period has elapsed).
[0027]
If the number of copies to be printed is 0 with the numeric keypad 82 (YES in S6), the display screen 102 during document reading shown in FIG. 4 is displayed (S7). On the display screen 102 during reading of the original, the number of read originals is sequentially displayed in the “original” column. Also, the output format (paper size, double-sided copy, sort, staple, punch, etc.) of the copy destination paper set by the user is displayed. On the other hand, the number of copies is set to 0, and since no copy is printed at the time of reading the original, the number of copies is displayed as 0 in the “Copy” column. It is possible to set the print density and input a work stop instruction while the display screen 102 is displayed.
[0028]
When the reading of the original is completed (YES in S8), the original information display screen 103 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 10 (S9). On this manuscript information display screen 103, the user name, the number of manuscripts to be read, the manuscript size, the manuscript set orientation, the input source (whether it has been read for copying or the registered document has been called), reading resolution, etc. In other words, the document information acquired by the scanner unit 5 at the time of reading the document is also displayed. The user can execute printing after confirming the document information by looking at the document information display screen 103. The document information display screen 103 displays “output as is”, “change and output”, and “document registration”, and each function can be selected by the user touching each part. Yes.
[0029]
When “output as it is” is selected on the document information display screen 103 (YES in S10), the document content confirmation screen 104 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (S22). On the document content confirmation screen 104, an image to be printed, a recording paper size, the number of copies to be printed, an original finishing state, and the like are displayed together with a message “You can copy. Please confirm the document and press the start key.”
[0030]
In the document content display field 1041 of the document content confirmation screen 104, an image to be printed (image on the read original) is displayed as an image for each original. By pressing the arrow display part next to the document content display field 1041, the image of the previous page or the next page is displayed, and when the “delete” display part is pressed, the original displayed in the document content display field 1041 at that time The image can be deleted and not printed (S22, S23).
[0031]
When a “document selection” display portion is pressed, a page selection screen is displayed (not shown), and an image of a desired page can be displayed directly by inputting the desired page from the numeric keypad 82. On the document content confirmation screen 104, the output format such as the print paper size and the print source document size set on the start screen 101 is displayed again, and the output format can be reset.
[0032]
When the document content confirmation screen 104 is displayed, a desired number of copies to be printed is input using the numeric keypad 82, and a print execution instruction is input from the print key 81 (YES in S16). The read image data is printed in the same output format (S17), and the copy status display screen 105 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed (S18).
[0033]
When “document registration” is selected on the document information display screen 103 (NO in S10, YES in S11), a document registration screen (not shown) is displayed (S19). When predetermined items such as a document registration number and a document name are input on the sentence type registration display screen (YES in S20), the image data and the set output format are registered in the HDD 11 (S21). That is, a document registration function (document storage management function) is executed.
[0034]
When “change and output” is selected on the document information display screen 103 (NO in S11, YES in S12), an output format change screen 106 shown in FIG. 8A is displayed (S13). The output format change screen 106 is obtained by adding an application function setting tab to the document content confirmation screen 104 (FIG. 8A). When the “application” tab is set on the output format change screen 106, various application output formats are displayed (FIG. 8B). This applied output format is an advanced function such as image composition that combines a plurality of read image data and prints it on a single sheet of paper. An output format such as processing and printing already read image data It has become. When each function display portion displayed on the “application” sheet is touched, each function setting screen is displayed, and the setting can be changed.
[0035]
If the output format has been changed on the output format change screen 106 (YES in S14), the changed output format is set (S15). Thereafter, when the desired number of copies (one or more) is input with the numeric keypad 82 and a print execution instruction is issued from the print key 81 (YES in S16), printing is executed in the set output format (S17). During printing, the copy status display screen 105 (FIG. 7) is displayed (S18). When printing is completed, the image data, the output format, and the like stored in the RAM 92 and the HDD 11 are deleted when the document is not registered.
[0036]
As described above, according to the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, when the user designates the number of copies to be 0 and inputs a print execution instruction, the document is read and the image data on the document is stored in the storage unit. Thus, only the original image reading operation can be executed by the same operation as the operation for executing the copy function of inputting a print execution instruction after designating one or more copies to be printed. Thus, the user can only read the original image without performing a cumbersome operation like when registering a document, and the usability is improved. In addition, when the number of copies is specified as 0 and a print execution instruction is input, only the original is read and printing is not performed. Therefore, the user can specify the number of copies to be made at an interval. It is possible to select whether to perform only reading or copy.
[0037]
In addition, if the user designates the number of copies to be 0 and scans the document, the scanned document can be printed, and the image data, output format, and document information of the document can be stored and managed. Even if it is not decided whether to just copy or register the document, if the printing operation is started with the number of copies set to 0, the image on the original is read. Even if it exists, it is possible to select whether to copy or register the document.
[0038]
The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above embodiment, when the copy function is executed by the multifunction device 1, the output screen is set and the copy execution instruction is input using the display screen shown in FIGS. You may make it perform the said setting and input using a screen.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the user designates the number of copies to be 0 and inputs a print execution instruction, the document is read and the image data on the document is stored in the storage unit. Only a document image reading operation can be executed by an operation similar to an operation for executing a copy function for inputting a print execution instruction after designating one or more copies. Thus, the user can only read the original image without performing a cumbersome operation like when registering a document, and the usability is improved. In addition, when the number of copies is specified as 0 and a print execution instruction is input, only the original is read and printing is not performed (that is, 0 pages are printed), so the user specifies how many copies to copy. At such intervals, it is possible to select whether to perform only document reading or copy.
[0040]
The reading means further comprising display means for displaying the document information including a number of documents obtained during document reading, the document is read by the reading means specified in the number of copies is 0 copies in the output format specifying means later, when the control means is configured to display the document information and output format to the display means, comprising the original information that reading preparative means has acquired, it allows the user to check the display means before printing . Thus, for example, it is possible to perform printing after confirming by the displaying means document information such as document that have become less double feed has been the number of document sheets when the document reading in reading preparative means.
[0041]
Further, when the output format designating unit is configured so that the output format can be designated by the output format designating unit after the number of copies is designated as 0 by the output format designating unit and the document is read by the reading unit, the user can schedule the output format. when different document information and document information have is displayed on the display means also, the user before printing can be changed to a desired output format output format specifying means. Thereby, printing mistakes can be reduced.
[0042]
In addition, a storage management unit that identifies and stores image data of a plurality of documents read by the reading unit for each document, and stores and recalls the data, and an instruction is input by the user so that the storage management unit stores and manages the image data further comprising a management instruction input means which is, stored and managed when the storage indication from the management from the management instruction input means after the original information is displayed is input to the display unit, control means for storing management means the image data If the user designates the number of copies to be printed by the output format specifying means and causes the reading means to read the original, in addition to printing the image data of the read original, It is also possible to select to store and manage document image data. Therefore, even if the user has not yet decided whether to copy the original or save and manage the image data on the original, if the user designates the number of copies to be 0 and starts the printing operation, the apparatus Even after the operation is started, it is possible to store and manage the image data of the document.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a copy function is executed.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a copy function is executed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a copy function is executed.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a copy function is executed.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when executing a copy function.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a copy function is executed.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a copy function is executed.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when a copy function is executed.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction machine 2 Original document placement part 3 Original document conveyance part 4 Control apparatus 5 Scanner part 6 Printer part 7 Facsimile communication part 8 Operation part 9 Memory 92 RAM
10 Display device 11 HDD
13 Personal Computer 21 Telephone Line 22 Fax Machine 81 Print Key 82 Numeric Keypad 101 Start Screen 102 Display Screen 103 Document Information Display Screen 104 Document Content Confirmation Screen 105 Copy Status Display Screen 106 Output Format Change Screen 1041 Document Content Display Field

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus that includes an output format designating unit in which an output format including at least the number of copies is designated by a user and a print instruction input unit in which a print execution instruction is inputted by the user, and performs printing of the number of copies designated by the user In
Reading means for reading a document;
Storage means for storing image data on a document read by the reading means;
When a print execution instruction is input from the print instruction input unit after the number of copies to be printed is specified by the output format specifying unit and the image is stored in the storage unit. images forming apparatus and a control means for. Further comprising a display means for the reading means to display the document information including a number of documents obtained during document reading,
Said control means, after a document is read by the reading unit as specified in the number of copies is 0 copies in the output format specifying means, according to the document information to said display means 請 Motomeko 1 Ru was displayed Image forming apparatus. After the document has been read by the reading unit as specified in the number of copies is 0 copies in the output format specifying means, 請 Motomeko 1 or claim 2 in the output format specification means that is possible to specify the output format The image forming apparatus described in 1. A storage management means for identifying and storing image data of a plurality of documents read by the reading means for each document and storing and recalling the data;
A management instruction input means for inputting an instruction by a user so that the storage management means stores and manages the image data;
Wherein, when the said managed from the instruction input means stored and managed instruction after the original information is displayed is input on the display unit, 請 Motomeko that the image data Ru is stored and managed in the storage management unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

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