JPH01149068A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the number of times of operations of a selecting means and to simplify display by selecting a processing mode in the order that an external storage medium is inserted and the selecting means is operated. CONSTITUTION:The recorder is provided with a reading means 12 reading out data stored in the external storage means 11, a selecting means 13 selecting the type of mode processing the external storage medium 11, a detecting means 14 detecting the insertion of the external storage medium 11, a discriminating means 15 discriminating which operation is performed first, either the operation of the selecting means 13 or the insertion of the external storage medium 11, and a setting and controlling means 16 selectively setting the mode processing the external storage medium 11 based on the result discriminated by the discriminating means 15. Thus, the processing mode can be selected according to the order that the external storage medium 11 is loaded and the selecting means is operated. The number of times of operations of the selecting means can be reduced and display can be simplified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording device for recording image information such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, and particularly relates to an IC
The present invention relates to a recording device that can perform main recording control using a storage medium such as a card.

"Prior Art" Taking a copying machine as an example, in recent years, products with advanced functions have been actively developed. For example, regarding the copying magnification of originals, in addition to copiers that only make copies at the same size, there are also copiers that allow you to select from several different magnifications, and even copiers that can change the magnification continuously. Regarding development, in addition to copying machines that use one type of toner to reproduce images in so-called black and white, there are also copying machines that use two or more types of toner to perform multicolor recording or select colors for recording. has appeared. Handling of manuscripts! Once you get the hang of it, it automatically reads the manuscript! Copying machines equipped with a device for changing the number of sheets have been introduced, and copying machines that can copy a two-page spread of a bound manuscript one page at a time without moving the manuscript itself have also appeared.

Copying machines with more advanced functions have the advantage of being more convenient and having a wider range of uses than the general copying machine. However, incorporating many functions into a single copier makes the machine larger and more complex, and for customers who do not need these functions, they are forced to use relatively expensive products or products that are prone to operational errors. I will have to. In addition, even if copiers are manufactured by the same copier manufacturer, as the functions of each copier become more subdivided, it may become difficult to use the various buttons and switches on the operation panel. Otherwise, you would make an unexpected operational error and have to make a new copy. Therefore, in the past, the most frequently used copying conditions (recording conditions) were memorized, and these is a priority! There was a copy machine with the functions you selected. In this copying machine, when the power is turned on, copy paper size, copy density, magnification, etc. are automatically set to those most frequently used by the user.

However, copying machines do not normally perform copying operations under exactly the same conditions. For example, for certain tasks, recording conditions may be set such as setting the copy paper size to a larger size than the size normally used, setting a binding margin for filing, or enlarging the original for copying. It changes depending on the content of the work. Therefore, even if preferential recording conditions are set, it is often useless.

Although the copying machine has been described above, similar problems occur with other recording devices such as facsimile machines and printers.

Therefore, we prepare an external storage medium in which one type of copying conditions, or generally recording conditions, are written in one or more areas, and set these to two recording devices as appropriate to obtain the desired recording conditions! Proposals are being made to make it false.

FIG. 48 shows the content of this proposal.

With this recording device: As shown in the same diagram,
It is equipped with a read/write means 2 for reading and writing data from a predetermined external storage medium 1 such as an IC card. The display means 3 is for displaying when the external storage medium 1 has a plurality of partitioned storage areas M1 to MV.

Further, the storage area specifying means 4 performs the above-mentioned plurality of items 1. This is means for specifying a desired area from the key areas M1 to MN. 7
The storage section 5 stores data read from the storage area specified by the storage area specifying means 4, and the control section 6 controls each section based on the data stored in the storage section 5.

That is, in this proposed recording device, when the external storage medium is provided with a plurality of storage areas M1 to MN,
By registering data regarding recording conditions in each of these, it is possible to select desired recording conditions, write them into the storage section 5, and use them to control the apparatus. Especially IC
With an external storage medium that can be owned by an individual, such as a card, it is possible to easily select recording conditions that suit each individual's needs.

In addition, when such an external storage medium is used, the specific copying conditions set by the copying machine are first written into the storage areas M, ~MNj of the external storage medium by the reading/writing means 2, and this data is stored in the external storage medium. The same copying conditions can be automatically set and used repeatedly by reading them as appropriate and using them to reset the copying conditions. Furthermore, it is also effective to use an external storage medium when it is desired to use copying conditions set for another copying machine on another copying machine.

In a recording device using an external storage medium as described above, it is necessary to select whether to write or read data from the external storage medium.

FIG. 49 shows an example of such selection work. When operation of a selection key specifying data processing on an external storage medium is detected in step ■ (Y)
, In step (2), the display means j displays the processing mode options. Here, when a predetermined key operation is performed: 2), the data registration or recall processing mode for the external storage medium is selected. The display changes to "Please insert a storage medium" (step ■). Therefore, when the operator attaches the external storage medium to the recording device, this is detected on the recording device side (step ■), and the external storage medium and read/write are connected.
Data processing is performed with the writing child actor (step ■
). Note that when the external storage medium has a plurality of areas, key operations and options for specifying the area are further performed.

``Problems to be Solved by the Invention'' However, when processing data using such an external storage medium, it is difficult to both read and write data to the external storage medium, as shown in the illustrated example. For devices that can perform these processes selectively, it is necessary to select which process to perform. Furthermore, if the external storage medium has a plurality of storage areas, it is necessary to specify these areas as well.

Therefore, if these selections are made by key operations based on the options displayed by the display means,
The number of displays and key operations increases to multiple levels, such as the above-mentioned "Please insert external storage medium" display and selection key operations for options, which increases the burden on the recording device and complicates the operator's work. There are problems that arise.

Further, even in a recording device that only performs data recall, similar problems arise due to this selection when a plurality of recall modes exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording device that can smoothly select a wide variety of functions by using an external storage medium and that is easy to perform the selection operation.

"Means for Solving Problems" In the present invention, as shown in principle in FIG.
, a selection means 13 for selecting the type of processing mode for the external storage medium 11 , a detection means 14 for detecting insertion of the external storage medium 11 , and a sequence of operations of the selection means 13 and insertion of the external storage medium 11 a discriminating means 15 for discriminating;
Setting control means 16 for selectively setting the processing mode for the external storage medium 11 based on the determination result of the determination means 15
It is characterized by having the following.

As a result, the processing mode can be selected depending on the order in which the external storage medium 11 is attached and the selection means is operated, and the number of operations on the selection means 13 can be reduced and the display can be simplified accordingly.

The reading means 12 is configured as a reader/writer that registers and retrieves data with the external storage medium 11,
After the selection means 13 is operated, when insertion of the external storage medium 11 is detected, the setting control means 16 may set the main device to a data registration processing mode for the external storage medium 11.

Thereby, the process of registering data in the external storage medium 11 can be easily separated from other processes.

Further, when the detection means 14j detects insertion of the external storage medium 11 without any operation of the selection means 13, the setting control means 16 causes the main device to be inserted into the external storage medium 11.
By setting the data recall processing mode to the external storage medium 11, the display and key operations when selecting the data recall processing from the external storage medium 11 can be omitted.

The recording device is provided with an internal storage means capable of registering and recalling data of the same type as data stored in the external storage medium 11, and data is transferred between this internal storage means and the external storage medium 11. You can do it like this.

A display means may be provided for displaying various mode selections for instructing selection operations of the recording processing mode and data processing mode by the recording apparatus. And external storage medium 11
and an internal storage means, the display means is conditioned on the operation of the selection means 13, and performs data registration processing on the external storage medium 11 or processing of data on the internal storage means. It is also possible to display a data processing mode selection display for instructing a selection operation to be performed. Further, when the selection means 13 is operated and the display means displays the data processing mode selection display, when the detection means 14 detects insertion of the external storage medium 11, the setting control means 16 controls the main unit. External storage medium 11
By setting the data registration processing mode to the external storage medium 11, the display on the display means may be switched to select the registration processing to the external storage medium 115).

The reader/writer may read data for performing multiple types of processing registered in the attached external storage medium 11 all at once.

In this case, the display means displays a recording processing mode selection display for instructing a selection operation when data for performing multiple types of processing is read out at once from the external storage medium 11 by the reader/writer. The data can be selected based on this display.

The setting control means 16 sets the main device to a data recall processing mode for the external storage medium 11, and after this call processing is executed, the read data! Accordingly, the recording operation may be performed. This operation is particularly effective when performing a recording operation on the external storage medium 11 that stores dedicated data for performing one type of processing. Furthermore, for the external storage medium 11 that stores data for performing multiple types of processing, recording operations may be performed using predetermined priority data of one type among the multiple types of processing. good.

An IC card can be used as the external storage medium 11, and other storage media such as a magnetic card, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape may also be used.

When an electrostatic copying machine is configured as the recording device, the data stored in the external storage medium 11 may include copying conditions that define various conditions for performing copying work with the copying machine. can.

Further, the recording device may be an image information processing device including a facsimile device and a printer.

``Example'' Hereinafter, the present invention will be described as a copying machine! One embodiment and a modified example will be described in detail by taking the case where the present invention is applied as an example.

table of contents First, this example! Display the second table of contents.

(1) Copier system configuration (2) Software configuration (2-1) Advantages of software combinations (2-2)
Example of differentiation (3) An example of the configuration of the device (4) Circuit configuration of the device (5) Specific circuit configuration of the copying machine (5-1) Surroundings of the photoreceptor drum (5-2) Switching mechanism of the developing device (5-3) Optical system (5-4) Fixing device (5-5) Console control (5-6) Pilling counter (5-7) Power supply (5-8) Transport system (5-9) DADF (5 -10) Sorter (5-11) Intermediate tray (5-12) Editor pad (5-1'3) Large capacity tray (6) Control of copier by IC card (6-1) Types of control information (6- 2) Advantages of IC cards (6-3) Structure of IC card device (6-4) Overview of control (6-5) Retrieval of data 6-5-1) Retrieval by specification 6-5-2) - Batch call 6-5-3) Priority call 6-6) Data flow (6-7) Data registration (6-8) Program size (6-9) Program transfer (7) Modifications (7) -1) Control using a dedicated RC card (7-2) Automatic start of data recall and copying (7-3) Selection control of automatic start function (1) System configuration of copying machine Fig. 2 is an embodiment of the present invention This figure shows the system configuration of a copying machine.

As shown in this figure, the copying machine of this embodiment has a base machine 21, which has the most basic configuration, and can be increased in functionality by attaching desired additional devices. Here, the base machine is a device that is equipped with a single-stage supply tray and a tray for manual feeding, and can make copies by manually setting originals on a platen glass. The following additional devices can be attached to this base machine.

(1) IC card device 22; The IC card device 22 is used to supply necessary data to the base machine 21 using an IC card as a storage medium, or to write data from the base machine 21 to the IC card. It is a device. When manually editing data (coordinate data) using an editor pad, which will be described later, the editor pad is connected to the IC card device 22 and the manual operation is performed. The IC card device 22 of this embodiment is an I
The C card and editor pad are controlled selectively, and it is not possible to use both at the same time to manually manipulate data.

The IC card used in the IC card device 22 of this embodiment has an ISO type interface and has a memory capacity of 32 kilobytes.

By using an IC card, it is possible to store a number of complex recording conditions on the card, making it possible to fully cope with the automation and multifunctionality of copying machines. For example, by preparing IC cards for each department or individual, even copiers with complex functions can be operated in a way that suits each owner, making it easy for anyone to use and avoid mistakes. You will be able to operate the copy machine without any problems.

Further, in the device of this embodiment, only the IC card device 22 is used as a card reader, but a magnetic card reader may be provided as necessary, or a reader for other cards may be provided. A device may be provided.

(2> ADF23 and DADF24; ADF23 is usually called an automatic document feeder, and feeds the documents one by one onto the platen glass of the base machine 21.
After exposure: This is to be discharged. Exposure of the original (exposure to the original) is performed only on one defined side.

On the other hand, the DADF 24 is an automatic document feeder for denuplex, that is, double-sided copying.

In the DADF 24, the document is transported with one side facing the platen glass, and the first exposure is performed. When the original after exposure is returned to the tray of the DADF 24, it is turned upside down. As a result, when this document is sent out again, the opposite surface to the previously exposed surface will be exposed. The base machine 21 is capable of copying the front and back sides of copy paper separately using an additional device to be described later.

In the copying machine of this embodiment, ADF23 and DAD F
By enabling the use of 24 pages, copying operations using various combinations such as double-sided originals and double-sided copying can be automatically performed.
Two can be done.

The ADF 23 has basically the same structure as the automatic document feeder conventionally used in copying machines, but in the case of the device of this embodiment, the direction of insertion of the document is from the left side when facing the base machine 21. It is shaped so that it does not protrude from the inside.

(3) Ordinary platen 25 and platen 26 with editor pad; The platen 26 with editor pad has a structure in which a coordinate manual device called an editor pad is placed on the platen for editing a document. A normal platen 25 does not have such a mechanism.

(4) Console panel: There are two types of console panels: a back lift type 27 type and a 28 type with a message display.

Here, the back lift type console panel 27 is
A display board on which a message is fixed at a predetermined position is selectively illuminated with a rear lamp or the like so that the message can be read.

The console panel 28 with a message display employed in this embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal display element.
It has the advantage of being able to display various messages at any time without increasing the size of the display interview. Which console panel to adopt is determined for each copying machine, taking into consideration the complexity of the system configuration and operability of the copying machine.

(5) Addition of supply tray: This has the following typical forms. That is, this embodiment does not simply add a high capacity tray (HCF) as proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-77140, but also realizes a combination of supply trays that better suits the needs of the customer. Such a combination of supply trays is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 61-08101 filed by the present applicant.
It is also disclosed in detail in No. 6, "Multi-stage paper feed copying machine."

(a) Second and third supply trays 31-2, 31-3
; By adding these two supply trays, up to 3
Copy paper of various sizes can be fed to the base machine 21.

(b) Second and third supply trays 31-2.31-3
and intermediate tray 33 Here, the intermediate tray 33 is a tray that temporarily stores the copied paper when copying is performed multiple times on one side of the paper or when copying is performed alternately on two sides. be.

(C second and third supply trays 31-2, 31-3, intermediate tray 33, and fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4.
31-5° (d) Second and third supply trays 31-2.31-3
, intermediate tray 33, and large-capacity tray 36. Here, the large-capacity tray 3G is a supply tray that can accommodate several thousand sheets of copy paper.

(5) A storage device for ejected copy paper.

Copy sheets are normally stored in an output tray 37, but this system is equipped with an IO bin sorter 38 and a 20-bin sorter 39. Therefore, by setting one of these sorters, copies can be sorted into a maximum of 10 or 20 distribution destinations.

As mentioned above, in this copier system, the base machine 21
Since various additional devices can be selectively attached to the copying machine, it is possible to provide the copying machine that best suits the user.

Moreover, the functions of the copying machine can be improved in response to changes in the customer's business style.

For example, customers who do not need to enlarge or reduce the original to make copies, or those who only make a small amount of copies, may use the base machine 21.
It is often appropriate to purchase separately. On the other hand, for customers who make a large number of copies or who require complicated copying operations, the intermediate tray 33 and the large-capacity tray 36 are often required. As a means of realizing these various requirements, this copying machine system has a structure that allows each additional device to be easily attached or removed, and some of the additional devices are equipped with independent CPUs.
<Central Processing Unit>) will be prepared to perform distributed control using a plurality of CPUs. This not only has the advantage that the customer can easily obtain the desired product, but the possibility of installing new additional equipment also teaches the customer the possibility of new copying operations. Become,
Purchasing this copier system is highly attractive as it advances the evolution of office processing.

Incidentally, the system configuration of the copying machine described above can also be explained as a combination of software of the copying machine of this embodiment. In other words, since this copying machine can be equipped with various additional devices, the software can also be designed to have a system configuration compatible with each of these additional devices.

One of the reasons for adopting such a configuration is (i) If the operation control programs for all these additional devices were to be prepared in the base machine 21, the memory capacity required for this would be enormous. By putting it away. Also,(
ii) When new additional equipment is developed in the future or the current additional equipment is improved, the RO in the base machine 21
This is to make it possible to utilize these additional devices without replacing or expanding M (read-only memory).

For this reason, the IC card is provided with a recording condition designation area having a plurality of storage areas M1 to M1 in which various recording conditions are registered, and a program storage area in which additional programs are stored. And in response to this, base machine 21
includes a basic storage area for controlling the basic parts of the copying machine, an additional storage area for storing programs imported from the program storage area of the IC card, and recording conditions imported from the recording condition specification area of the IC card. There is a memory in which a recording condition storage area and a recording condition storage area are arranged. The additional storage area contains the ADF23 control program, DADF2
Various programs such as the control program for the console panel 28 and the control program for the console panel 28 are stored therein. When an IC card is set in the IC card device 22 with a predetermined additional device attached to the base machine 21j, the program necessary for the copying operation is read out and loaded into the additional storage area. This loaded program controls the copying operation in cooperation with the program written in the basic storage area, or has a priority position over this program.

(2-2) Example of differentiation As described above, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the program stored in the program storage area of the IC card can influence the functions of the copying machine, and the recording condition specification area The recording conditions for the functions set by the basic storage area of the IC card and the program storage area of the IC card are specified. Therefore, by changing the program stored in the IC card on a card-by-card basis, it becomes possible to differentiate the use of the copying machine. This will be explained using some easy-to-understand examples.

The first example is when a multi-tenant building is equipped with a copy machine that is shared by multiple companies, or even within a single company or factory, there are copy machines that are shared between different departments. Explain the case. The latter type of joint use is necessary for budget management, and in the past, equipment such as copy rights was used to manage usage in each department.

This copying machine has an IC installed in the base machine 21 shown in FIG.
Card device 22, DADF 24, sorter 38, console panel 28, second to fifth supply trays 31-2 to 31
It is assumed that the copying machine has a relatively advanced system configuration, and includes an intermediate tray 33 and an intermediate tray 33. Among the joint users:
Some departments or departments may require a DADF 24 or sorter 38, while others may not require any additional equipment.

If multiple large departments or departments with different usage patterns try to determine the cost burden of copying machines based solely on their own copy volumes, large companies or departments that only make low-polynym copies will need copying machines equipped with various additional devices. This makes it difficult to coordinate with large departments or departments that want to make advanced use of copying machines.

In such a case, IC cards should be prepared according to the usage pattern of each person or each department, and the person or department who wants advanced functions will have to pay more of the basic costs and have many functions. So that you can take advantage of it! Just strain it. For example, the owner of the most advanced IC card
By operating the copying machine with the card set in the IC card device 22, the DADF 24, the sorter 38,
The second to fifth supply trays 31-2 to 31-5 and the intermediate tray 33 can be used freely, and office efficiency can also be improved. On the other hand, people who do not need to sort copy paper do not have a sorting program.
Cost savings can be achieved by using the top bin of No. 8 as a paper output tray.

As a second example, a case will be explained in which a copying business operates a self-copying service shop using an IC card.

A plurality of copying machines are arranged inside the store, each of which is equipped with an IC card device.

The customer requests an IC card according to the type of service, sets it in the copier of his/her choice, and makes a self-service copy. Customers who are not familiar with copying machines can request an IC card equipped with a function to display operating instructions as a program, and by setting the IC card, various operating information can be displayed on the console panel 28, so that copying operations can be carried out without error. be able to. Whether or not the DADF 24 can be used and whether multi-color recording can be performed can be determined by the lent IC card, and it is also possible to restrict the types of devices that can be used, making it possible to manage customers according to the price. Furthermore, since the actual status of copying operations, such as the number of copies and the size of the copying paper used, can be recorded on the IC card, billing for fees becomes easier, and detailed services such as discounts on copying fees for regular customers are also possible. .

As a third example, a service using an IC card storing a program for a specific user will be described. For example, when a patent office considers patent publications that have been reduced by photolithography! There are jobs where copies are made at a relatively large enlargement rate of 200% because it is necessary to make copies that are exactly the same as the original size. Furthermore, when creating drawings to be submitted to government offices, the original drawings are reduced or enlarged in small increments in order to meet the requests. In addition, departments that make copies of resident records, such as city halls or ward offices, remove information about people who are not eligible for claims and areas that should be kept confidential to protect individual privacy. or create an excerpt.

As described above, some users have a demand for using copying machines in special ways. If the functions of the copying machine were set to satisfy all of these requirements, the console panel would become complicated and the ROM inside the copying machine would become large. Therefore, by preparing an IC card for each specific user and having the IC card set therein, it is possible to realize a copying machine having functions most suitable for that user.

For example, in the case of a patent office, by purchasing a dedicated IC card, it becomes possible to easily select a fixed magnification of 200% in addition to the usual several types of magnification. Furthermore, it becomes possible to set the reduction ratio in steps of, for example, 1% within a range that requires fine adjustment. Furthermore, the department issuing resident records can now use keys such as a numeric keypad to instruct the type of resident record and fields and items to be deleted on a display such as a liquid crystal display, and then press the start button. By pressing this button, only the desired range of the original will be copied, or only the necessary parts will be recorded horizontally.

(3) Example of an apparatus configuration FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the system configuration of the copying machine according to the embodiment described above.

In the copying machine of this embodiment, the DA is mounted on the base machine 21.
DF 24 is attached, and I
A C card device 22 is arranged.

A console panel 28 with a message display is arranged in front of the top surface of the base machine 21.

Although not shown in the figure, a manual feed tray 41 is attached to the right side of the device, and a 10-bin sorter 38 is attached to the left side. The manual feed tray 41 is for manual feeding, but it can also set multiple sheets of paper at the same time and feed them sequentially! It's happening.

It has already been explained that the base machine 21 is equipped with the first supply tray 31-1 as its basic configuration. In the copying machine of this embodiment, the second and third
supply trays 31-2 and 31-3 are arranged, and the fourth and fifth supply trays 31 sandwich the intermediate tray 33.
-4.31-5 is arranged. These supply trays 3
Both 1-1 to 31-4 and the intermediate tray 33 can be pulled out to the front! It is designed to improve operability and save space for the copying machine.

In addition, the copying machine has a clean design with no protruding ADF (automatic document feeder) or paper feed tray.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of this copying machine. A photosensitive drum 51 is arranged inside the base machine 21 . The photosensitive drum 51 is a charge corotron (charger) 5
2, so that it is uniformly charged. The photosensitive drum 51 rotates at a constant speed in the direction of an arrow 53 in the figure, and the charged drum surface is exposed at an exposure location 54. Here, a light image of a document (not shown) placed on a platen glass 55 placed on the top surface of the base machine 21 is incident on the exposure portion 54 . For this purpose, an exposure lamp 56 and a plurality of mirrors 57 that transmit reflected light from the document surface illuminated by the exposure lamp 56 are provided.
and an optical lens 58, of which predetermined ones are scanned to read the original.

Now, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original is formed on the photoreceptor drum 51 by the image information exposed in a slit shape at the exposure portion 54 . This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device 59 to create a toner image. The toner image moves as the photosensitive drum 51 rotates and passes near a transfer corotron (transfer device) 50.

On the other hand, the copy paper 60 stored in the first supply tray 31-1 disposed in the base machine 21 or the copy paper 60 manually fed along the manual feed tray 41 is fed by the feed roll 61-1 or 63. It is sent out, guided by a conveyance roll 69, and passes between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer corotron 50. At this time, the toner image will be transferred onto the copy paper 58. The copy paper 60 after transfer is transferred to a heat roll 66
and a pressure roll 67 to be thermally fixed. Then, it passes between the transport rolls 68, 68 and is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown).

In this embodiment, the base machine 21 includes a DADF 24.
is installed. Therefore, it is also possible to place both sides of the original on the platen glass 55 one after another. In this case, one side of the documents stacked in the document storage section of the DADF 24 is set on the upper surface of the platen glass 55. Then, when the copying is completed, the original is reset into the original storage unit with the front and back sides reversed, and then fed onto the platen glass 55 again.

Furthermore, in the copying machine of this embodiment, five trays 31-2 to 31-5.33 are installed under the base machine 21, but instead of this, a cabinet may simply be placed to store consumables, etc. . More! Second, it is also possible to place this copying machine on a desk as a desktop copying machine with the configuration of the base machine 21 unchanged. Of course, it is also possible to attach only the second supply tray 31-2 below the first supply tray 31-1 and place the copying machine with this configuration on a desk in the same way.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the console panel of this copying machine. Details of the display control technology described below by the present applicant can be found in the "Display device" of Utility Application No. 130320/1982 and the "Character display device" of Utility Application No. 61-066170.
It is disclosed in detail in . For example, Jitsugan 61-1303
No. 20 discloses that a copying machine is provided with a graphic display area using a dot pattern, and suggests that various displays can be performed using this graphic display area. For example, in a copier that can copy parts of a document or move or delete images, an image sensor reads the image of the target area while the document is placed on a platen, and its outline etc. is displayed in a graphic display area. It has been suggested that this should be displayed on the screen, and it is said that this can prevent errors in area settings and operational errors.

The console panel can take a plurality of forms, but as described above, the copier of this embodiment uses the console panel 28 with a message display.

Now, a many display board 71 is arranged on the upper part of the console panel 28, and each panel part 74
The contents of ~79 are displayed in text. Among these, one switch 81 and two display lamps 82 are arranged on the sorter panel 74, so that it is possible to select a sorting mode when a sorter is connected. The sorting mode includes a stack mode for stacking copy sheets in order and a collation mode for sorting copy sheets into bins of the sorter.

The next function selection panel 75 includes (1) switches 83A, 83B, (
ii) a job switch 84 for selecting the data processing mode for the job memory, (iii) a switch 85 for taking various other copying forms, and (i)
v) A switch 86 for making double-sided copies and an indicator lamp 8 for displaying whether these switches are selected.
2 is placed. Here, (1) Editing is a function for manually editing data for editing using an editor, etc., and correction/confirmation is a function for manually editing data by displaying it on the liquid crystal display section (described later), or for checking the data manually. This refers to the function that replaces the (ii) The job memory used here is provided to appropriately store data for the operator to perform various processes using the copying machine. It is possible to use an external storage medium such as 131.The main body job memory is a non-volatile memory consisting of random access memory backed up by a battery. In addition to IC cards configured as nonvolatile memory, other storage media such as magnetic cards and floppy disks can also be used. (ii
i) When switch 85 is pressed, this console panel 2
Character information is displayed on the display panel 79 of 8, and a desired function can be selected from among the "other" functions.

The "other" functions mentioned here include, for example, (a) page continuous copying function, (b) border erase function, and (c) gutter function. Among these, (a) the page quick copying function is a function that divides a two-page spread document, such as a bound document, into two pages and copies them in sequence. In addition, the (mouth) border erasing function does not copy the image information around the edges of the document, but instead creates a “frame” around the image information.
This is a function that makes it appear as if it were set. (c) The binding margin function means that there is a "binding margin" on the right or left edge of the copy.

This is a function to set. The binding margin can be set to a desired length, and the numerical value can be input from the numeric keypad 80 or selected from the numerical values displayed on the display panel 79 at this point.

(iv) Finally, double-sided copying is a function that makes copies on both sides of copy paper. When making double-sided copies,
The copy paper 60 on which the first side has been copied is first stored in the intermediate tray 33 shown in FIG. Next, the copy paper 60 is sent out again from this intermediate tray 33, and a copy is made on the side on which no copy was made. Note that this copying machine performs two copies on one side in the case of monochromatic color copying, which will be explained next. In this case, an arrangement is made so that the front and back sides of the copy paper stored in the intermediate tray 33 are reversed from those in the case of double-sided copying.

At the top of the monochrome color enhancement panel 76 provided below the portion where "monochrome color enhancement" is displayed on the menu display board 71 in FIG. 5, there is a display lamp indicating the type (color) of the color developer. Four 87's are arranged. In this copying machine, the color developer can be set in one or more colors out of four colors such as red and blue, so the lamp corresponding to the currently set color is turned on.

The remaining part of the monochromatic color emphasis panel 76 includes four switches 88 to 91 and an indicator lamp 82 for indicating which of these switches 88 to 91 is set.
is located. Among these, (1) marking color switch 88 is a switch used when performing marking color.

When this switch 88 is pressed to designate an area to be marked, for example, recording is performed with a light color superimposed on that area, making it possible to obtain an effect as if marking had been performed.

(ii) The quick-shot color composition switch 90 is used when recording one color in a predetermined area of a copy. For example, if a figure to be expressed in color is placed on the right side of the platen glass 55 (see Figure 4) and an original is placed on the left side and a copy is made, the image information of the original is copied in black, and then a single color image is printed on top of it. The shape will be drawn. At this time,
If a specified figure is formed by halftone dots, a color figure adjusted to a predetermined density by reproduction of the halftone dots is recorded in a predetermined area of copy paper. In addition, there is also a method of placing the name of a product or a Japanese cypress pattern on one side of the platen glass 55, and placing a sheet of paper with the sale price of the product on the other side to simply display the current price.

(iii) When the partial color conversion switch 89 is selected, only the designated area is copied in one color, and the remaining area is copied in black.

On the other hand, if (iv) the single color switch 91 is selected, the original will be copied in one color.

A copy density panel 77 provided below the portion where "copy density" is displayed on the menu display board 71 has a display lamp 8 indicating which of the five copy density levels has been selected.
2 and shift keys 94 and 95 for selecting one of these copy densities are arranged. When the upper shift key 94 is pressed, density setting is performed in the direction of decreasing the copy density, and when the lower shift key 95 is pressed, the density setting is performed in the direction of increasing the copy density. The copy density can be adjusted by changing the developing bias of the developing device 59 shown in FIG. It can be adjusted by changing the amount. In this embodiment, for example, the developing bias is set to 1.
It can be adjusted in 6 stages. - An automatic density adjustment switch 97 is arranged below the copy density panel 77. When the automatic density adjustment switch 97 is pressed, the automatic density display lamp 98 lights up to enter automatic density adjustment mode. In this automatic density adjustment mode, when a document is being scanned, part of the light that is reflected from the document and reaches the photoreceptor drum 51 is extracted by a half mirror or the like, and the amount of light is reflected in the developing device 59 according to the amount of light. The potential of the developing electrode is to be set.

The magnification/paper selection panel 78 provided below the portion where "arbitrary magnification" etc. is displayed on the menu display board 71 includes the following:
A section for setting and displaying magnification is arranged on the left side, and a section for selecting paper is arranged on the right side.

The part where the magnification is set and displayed includes a magnification display section 99.
is provided. This copying machine can arbitrarily set the magnification (linear magnification) in 1% increments from 50% to 200%, and the set magnification is displayed on a magnification display section 99. To display the magnification, shift key 101.102
There are two types of methods: a method of setting an arbitrary magnification by an operation, and a method of selecting a predetermined fixed magnification.

To set an arbitrary magnification, press shift key 101.1.
Perform operation 02. When the upper shift key 101 is pressed, the magnification increases by 1%, and when the lower shift key 102 is pressed, the magnification decreases by 1%. shift key 101,
If you keep pressing 102, the magnification will change continuously by 1% during that time.

The fixed magnification is selected by pressing the fixed magnification key 103. The fixed magnifications are displayed on the magnification display board 104, and in this embodiment are 141.4%, 86.5%, 81.
6% and 70.7%. In addition, 100 as the same size
% can be selected. Which magnification has been selected can be determined by which of the display lamps 82 arranged to the left of the magnification is lit.

In the area for selecting copy paper, there are eight types of display boards 105 displaying paper sizes or paper types, and a shift key 106.10 for selecting one of these.
7 is placed. On the left side of the eight types of display boards 105, a display lamp 82 is arranged to indicate which paper size or paper has been selected. In this embodiment, the following display is displayed on the display board 105.

(b) Bypass tray display; Select this when using the manual feed tray 41 (FIG. 4).

Since this type of conventional manual feed tray manually feeds sheets one by one, it is only necessary to feed the copy paper preferentially from the manual feed tray when manual feed is performed, and there is no need for the operator to select the manual feed tray itself. In contrast, the manual feed tray 41 of this embodiment can set a plurality of copy sheets at the same time. Therefore, if copy sheets are set and fed from the manual feed tray 41, there is a possibility that the feeding will start when a plurality of copy sheets are set. In order to prevent such a situation, the manual feed tray 41 is made to be selected.

(b) A3 paper display; When using a tray for feeding A3 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction: Select this.

(c) B4 paper display: Select this when using a tray for feeding B4 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(d) A4 paper display: Select this when using a tray for feeding A4 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(e) B5 paper display; Select this when using a tray for feeding B5 size copy paper in the longitudinal direction.

(F) A4 landscape paper display; Select this when using a tray for feeding A4 size copy paper in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

()) B5 horizontal paper display; Select this when using a tray for feeding B5 size copy paper in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

(H) Standard outer circumference paper display: Select this when using copy paper of a size other than the above.

An automatic paper/magnification selection switch 109 is arranged below the magnification/paper selection panel 78.

When this switch 109 is pressed, the automatic paper/magnification selection switch 109 is selected and a preset combination of magnification and paper size is selected. The operator can know whether a desired combination has been selected from the lighting state of the display lamp 82 on the magnification/paper selection panel 78. If it is not the desired combination, automatic paper/
By further pressing the magnification selection switch 109, the combination is changed.

On the right side of the magnification/paper selection panel 78 is a display panel 79.
is located. A pattern 111 of this copying machine and a liquid crystal display section 112 are arranged on the display panel 79. The pattern 111 is designed to indicate the selected state of the supply tray, the location where a paper jam has occurred, etc. by lighting a lamp. The liquid crystal display section 112 of this embodiment can display sentences including Chinese characters.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the copy operation can be started.
This indicates that the set number of copies is one. Further, the liquid crystal display section 112 of this embodiment uses a liquid crystal for color display, so that each designated area is displayed in a designated color.

At the bottom of the display panel 79, the following keys or buttons are arranged.

(a) All clear button 114: This is a button for returning the copying machine to the basic state, that is, the priority mode initially set such as the selection of copy paper 60, etc.

(b) Numeric keypad 80: Used for numerical input to set the number of copies, specify specifications and diagnosis contents when setting and diagnosing the specifications of the copying machine.

(c) Interrupt button 115: Used when continuous copying is in progress and it is necessary to make another emergency copy. It is also used to cancel the interrupt to return to the original copying operation when the interrupt processing is completed.

(d) Stop clear button 116: Acts as a clear button when stopping the copying process, setting the number of copies, and setting the sorter bin.

(E) Start button 117; This is the key to start the copy operation.

(to) Selection key 118: This is a key for moving the cursor to the displayed message, that is, a cursor key.

(g) Setting key 119: This is a key (return key) for setting the location specified by the cursor.

(H) Specification setting button 501; This is for setting the specifications of the copying machine.

In other words, in the copying machine of this embodiment, some of the various functions stored in the copying machine at the manufacturing stage are configured as customer programs that the user can select at will, and the specifications can be adjusted as appropriate. By making settings, it is possible to preferentially obtain desired specifications. For example, the following menus are available for this specification. Note that each menu is provided with a program number (two fingers) and a predetermined selection code (-digit).

Table 1 Among these, priority paper size selection is to set the paper selection order. For example, mode 1 corresponding to code "0" is automatic → non-standard → B5 → A4 ---. The order is as follows, and mode 1 corresponding to 1'' is B5→A4.
The order is →B4→A3...

Auto clear is a function that automatically clears the set copy conditions after a predetermined period of time and switches to a predetermined priority setting state.
Implementation options are selected depending on the situation.

Automatic paper switching is a function that switches the paper size to a predetermined size in conjunction with auto clear.
The implementation is selected in response to the code l'', and the implementation is selected in response to the code l''.

The power saving time setting is for setting the power saving time, and the code “
It is prohibited in response to code 0", and the time is set after code 1".

Automatic copying is a function that automatically copies data using the data retrieved from the IC card 131.
The implementation is selected in response to "Code Pa 1".

In addition to this, various specifications can be prepared.

This specification setting work can be performed using a combination of the specification setting button 501 and the numeric keypad 80. First, by pressing the specification setting button 501 and inputting a predetermined two-finger numerical value indicating the program number using the numeric keypad 80, a menu of specifications to be set is specified. This function is selected by manually entering 0 on the numeric keypad 80 if the function is not selected. And again the specification setting button 501
Press to confirm menu selection.

(4) Circuit configuration of the apparatus FIG. 6 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of this copying machine (FIG. 2).

As shown in the figure, a distributed CPU architecture using serial communication centered around the main CPL 1121 is adopted. This is to enable optimal placement of the controller and provide optimal cost performance. Furthermore, from the perspective of product development for copying machines, modular design can be expected to shorten and improve the efficiency of software development, simplify wiring harnesses, lower costs, and facilitate troubleshooting.

In addition, processing efficiency is improved by distributing processing using multiple CPUs, so for example, complex and high-speed processing is required by using an inexpensive 8-bit CPU instead of an expensive 16-bit CPU. It becomes possible to process such programs.

Furthermore, such decentralization of processing facilitates model expansion. That is, even when developing a new input/output device or the like, it may not be necessary to modify the program on the main body side (main CPU side), and even if changes are necessary, they can be kept to a minimum.

Also, if you look at the printed circuit board on the main body side, CPLI
This distribution eliminates the need for unnecessary I10 ports and program storage. Therefore, the cost of the printed circuit board can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement space can be improved.

This copying machine uses the main CPU in its base machine 21.
<Central processing unit) 121 and Interimage lamp C
The base machine 21 is controlled by the PU 122. Here, the CPU t 22 for the interimage lamp
is a CPU that specializes in controlling the interimage lamp.

The interimage lamp refers to the photoreceptor drum 5 after exposure.
It is used for irradiating light onto the photosensitive material 1 to erase a portion of an electrostatic latent image before development. Conventionally, for example, when copying an 85-size original at the same size, light was irradiated onto an area other than the 85-size area on the photoreceptor drum 51 to prevent toner images from being wasted outside the area. . The copying machine of this embodiment has a function of editing images, etc., as will be explained later. Therefore, it may be necessary to limit the formation of an electrostatic latent image to, for example, a predetermined rectangular or polygonal area, and in order to perform such processing, it may be necessary to partially delete the electrostatic latent image. do. Interimage lamps are also used for this purpose. In this way, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the inter-image lamp is used in a more highly controlled manner than in the past, and for this purpose the main CPU 121
In addition, we decided to use an independent CPU.

Xerox is one of the manufacturers that has introduced such a distributed processing system as a control method for copying machines. and related cited documents are disclosed in detail.

However, the communication method adopted in the present invention is not the "Ethernet method" aimed at high-speed processing adopted in the above publication, but a 9600 baud current loop method, which achieves the same effect. There is.

In addition, the applicant has developed CPU 1 for inter-image lamps.
No. 22 is disclosed in detail in Utility Model Application No. 152591/1988 entitled "Image Copying Apparatus" and Japanese Patent Application No. 62-023392 entitled "Image Erasing Device for Copying Machine".

In addition to the above, the copying machine of this embodiment is provided with the following CPUs, which are connected to communication lines 123.12.4. The main CPU 121 also plays a role of controlling these CPUs and the inter-image lamp CPU 122.

(a) CPU 125 for document feeding; CPU 125 for document feeding is the DADF 2 shown in FIG.
This is a CPU that performs control of 4.

When the ADF 23 (FIG. 2) is used instead of the DADF 24, the CPU included in the ADF 23 will be connected to the communication lines 123 and 124.

(b) The sorter CPU 126 is a 10-bin sorter 3
The CPU is located at 8. A dedicated CPU is also arranged in the 20-bin sorter 39. The main CPU 21 will know which soaks 38 and 39 are connected, and will control the sorting accordingly.

(c) Display CPU 127; The display CPU 127 is used to display various information in kanji on the liquid crystal display section 112 attached to the console panel 28, and to display an area for editing. It is a CPU. In the case of the console panel 27 (FIG. 2) of the backlift type 27, there is no need to perform complicated display control, so a dedicated CPU is not used. Note that when the liquid crystal display section 112 is not used, designation of a figure for editing, etc. is performed using a numeric keypad.

(d) Tray control CPU 128; The tray control CPU 128 controls the fourth and fifth supply trays 31- of the trays added to the base machine 21.
4.31-5 and large capacity tray 36 and intermediate tray 33
This is a CPLI for controlling. This CPU is arranged at the rear side of the tray cabinet that accommodates each tray, and performs these controls according to the trays to be connected. Among these trays, middle tray 3
3 is equipped with its own motor for general feeding of copy paper.
Further, the copy paper stored in this tray requires complicated control such that the storage position differs depending on the size of the copy paper.

The manner in which each tray is controlled by the tray control CPU 128 is as follows.

(i) Control of both or one of the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4, 31-5 and the intermediate tray 33.

(11) Control of large capacity tray 36 and intermediate tray 33.

(iii) Independent control of the intermediate tray 33.

(iv) Fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4.31-5
Control over only one or both of these.

(v) Independent control of the large capacity tray 36.

(E) Card CPU 129; When using the IC card 131 to set recording conditions, add or correct functions of the copying machine, the card CPU 129 reads the IC card 131 and inputs new recording conditions and originals. This is the part where data is written when registering data such as coordinate designation. In addition, the card CPU12
9. is not used in this example, but editor pad 1
32 can also be controlled. The editor pad 132 is used for inputting coordinates, and will be explained in detail later.

Figure 7 shows the main role of the copying machine in this embodiment.
This is a more concrete representation of the circuit configuration centered around the main CPU.

Controlling a copying machine with a control device such as a CPU or a so-called micro combinator is described in the IEEE paper rA Programmable by SIKANDARSHEIKH of Xerox Corporation.
Mouth 1g 1tal Control System
For copying! Jachines
J! εEE Trans, Com, Vol IεC1
-21, No, 1. Feb. 1974 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 50-6264'4 "Electrophotographic Copying Method and Apparatus Therefor", etc., are well known from papers and publications. The other CPU modules are also one-chip CPUROMs, just like the main CPU.

Needless to say, it has a configuration consisting of RAM5I10 and the like.

(a) The main CPU 121 is connected to the following units through serial communication lines 123 and 124, as partially explained in FIG.

(i) DADF 24° (11) Soak 38° (iii) Liquid crystal display section 112° (iv) IC card/editor pad interface (engineering/E interface) 130; IC card device 22
This is an interface circuit placed in the IC card 1.
31 and editor pad 132 are connected to the main body of the copying machine, data is exchanged between them and the main CPU 121 side.

(V) Interimage lamp controller 157° (Vl) Fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4, 31-5,
Tray control unit 133° (b) that controls the intermediate tray 33, etc. The main CPU 121 also has a built-in A/D converter, and is connected to the following units through an analog data line 134. For such a CPU,
For example, NEC Corporation's μPD7810CW, μPD
Examples include 8-bit one-chip CPUs such as 7811CW and Fujitsu's MB89713X.

(i) Light amount sensor 135: This is a sensor used to detect and control the amount of light from the exposure lamp 56 (FIG. 4).

(ii) Temperature sensor group 136; sensors such as a soft touch sensor for controlling fixing temperature, which will be described later.

(iii) Paper size sensor group 137; supply tray 3
This is a sensor that detects the size of paper stored in the first category. According to the system configuration of the copying machine of this embodiment, copy paper 60 can be sent out from a maximum of five types of trays. Therefore, one supply tray has four
If two sensors are arranged and digital data is used for this processing, it will be necessary to send 4-bit digital data from one tray to the main CPU 121, and a total of up to 20 input ports will be required. As well as the number of connectors and goo that make up the harness. The number of pulls will increase. This is undesirable from the viewpoints of cost, miniaturization, and reliability.

Therefore, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the state specified by the states of the four sensors for each tray is sent out as analog data. The main CPU 12.1 side converts the sent analog data into digital data, and determines the size of the copy paper 60 stored in each tray, up to 16 types.

(c) Furthermore, the main CPU 121 is reset by a reset circuit 138 at the time of runaway or initialization, and is also connected to the following parts via a pass line 121A.

(i) Keyboard/Display LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit)' 121 B; This is a circuit that mediates data with the console panel 28.

(11) Timer/counter LS1121C: This is a circuit that controls the driving of the main motor 164 and carriage motor 171.

(iii) ROM 121D: This is a read-only memory having a capacity of 56 bytes and storing basic control information of the copying machine.

(iv) RAMI 21E; Random access memory for data storage with a capacity of 6 bytes. This RAM 121E is connected to a non-volatile memory (NVM) 121F that constitutes the aforementioned joff memory, so that necessary data can be stored even when the power of the copying machine is turned off.

Here, the necessary data stored in the nonvolatile memory (NVM) 121F includes, for example, (a) copy paper 60;
(b) The amount of erasure of the leading edge of the image by the inter-image lamp, which will be explained in detail later, and (C) the height and width when the copy magnification is set to 1x. Fine adjustment values for magnification, (d) Adjustment values for each parameter performed on the copying machine production line, such as the amount of binding margin when copying is performed with a blank space for binding margin, (e) Each supply tray 31, etc. Data for grasping the usage status of the copying machine, such as the actual usage value of the feed counter, etc., can be cited.

(v) First I10 controller 121G; inputs various data via filter circuit 121H.

This is an input/output controller that drives various components via a driver circuit 1211. Here, the filter circuit 12
For example, various switches and sensors are connected to 1H. In addition, the driver circuit 1211 includes a solenoid such as a desolenoid, which will be explained later, and a supply tray 31-1 to 31-3.
Clutch 233, which will also be described later, in 1-5 is connected.

(vi) It is an input/output controller that inputs various data to the second I10 controller 121 via the filter circuit 121K and drives various parts via the driver circuit 121L. Here, various switches and sensors are connected to the filter circuit 121K, for example. Further, the driver circuit 121L is equipped with a well-known D/A (analog-digital) converter and a PWM (pulse width converter), and according to the processing of the program, develops!
Setting of day bias of position 59 and charge corotron 52
It is designed to set the current value such as.

(5) Specific circuit configuration of the copying machine Next, the circuit configuration of the copying machine of this embodiment will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

(5-1) Surroundings of Photoreceptor Drum FIG. 8 shows the surroundings of photoreceptor drum 51. As shown in FIG.

A charge corotron 52 is arranged around the photoreceptor drum 51.
, inter-image lamp 141, sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 of type iii, main developer 1tf59M,)
Lancephacorotron 50, Butatsuku Corotron 147
, pre-clean corotron 148, cleaning device 1
49 and the erase lamp 155 for static elimination are arranged in this order. Here, the first sub-developing device 59S1 is a developing device that performs development with red toner, and the second sub-developing device 59S2 is a developing device that performs development with blue toner. The third sub-developing device 59S3 is a developing device that performs development with green toner, and the fourth sub-developing device 59S4
is a developing device that performs development using brown toner.

Interimage lamps 141 are 12 arranged in a row.
It consists of eight light emitting diodes and one plastic lens placed in front of them in parallel with the light emitting diodes. The plastic lens (not shown) has an aspherical convex portion at a position corresponding to each light emitting diode, and even when adjacent portions of the light emitting diodes emit light, the plastic lens (not shown) remains on the photoreceptor drum 51. Care has been taken to ensure that the light does not have uneven intensity in the border areas. Also, the focus of the plastic lens is on the photoreceptor drum 5.
1, the image is moderately blurred. For this reason,
Even if, for example, triangular graphic processing (extraction or deletion of a graphic) is performed using the inter-image lamp 141, the difference in level that occurs for each unit of light emitting diode at the boundary of the processing can be considerably reduced. become.

The inter-image lamp controller 157 performs on/off control of the light emitting diodes of the inter-image lamp 141, which are divided into 128 segments. The cleaning device 149 includes a doctor blade 150 and is configured to scrape off the toner that has been neutralized by the pre-clean corotron 148 from the photoreceptor drum 51.

By the way, in the copying machine of this embodiment, the doctor blade 15
0 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 51, the main motor 164 starts to be driven 0.2 seconds later. Furthermore, even when the main motor 164 stops, the doctor blade 150 does not immediately separate from the photoreceptor drum 51, but instead separates after 5 seconds have passed. This is because the toner is scattered due to the suction action of the vacuum.
This is a device to prevent situations such as contamination of the inside of the copying machine.

Each of the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 includes the following parts.

(a) Color sensor: This is a sensor for determining which developing device uses which color developer is set in each of the sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4. Even if the sub-developing device 59S is configured with a combination other than the above-mentioned red, blue, green, and brown, the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59 are controlled by this sensor.
The color type can be detected every S4. The detection output is input to the day color detection circuit 230 and transmitted to the main board 230.

(b) Toner sensor; This is a sensor for determining whether or not toner needs to be replenished.

(c) Dispensmoke: This is a motor for stirring and replenishing the toner in the toner box.

The main developing device 59M is for performing black development, and is equipped with a toner sensor and a dispenser smoke. The increase switch 159 is a switch that the operator presses when he wants to increase the amount of toner. When the increase switch 159 is pressed while one of the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 is selected, the amount of toner in the corresponding sub-developing device is increased.

When the main developing device 59M is pressed while being selected, the amount of black toner is increased.

The day (developing device) selection/solenoid 161 has a total of 5 main developing devices 59M and sub developing devices 59S1 to 59S4.
This is a solenoid for selectively switching between two developing devices. This switching operation will be explained in the next section.

A high voltage power supply device (HVPS) 162 is used to create a parallel electric field inside the main and sub developing devices 59M and 59S1 to 59S4 and improve the reproducibility of solid parts (solid black parts) of the original. . The full toner sensor 163 is a sensor that detects whether or not enough toner has been collected in the toner collection container. The main motor 164 drives the photoreceptor drum 51 and the heat roll 66.
Alternatively, it is used to drive a shipping channel system from the time of registration of the conveyance timing of the copy paper 60 to the time of discharge.

(5-2) Developing Device Switching Mechanism FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram showing switching timing between the main developing device and the sub developing device in this embodiment. This figure shows an example in which the first sub-developing device 59S1 performs red color development, and the second time, the main development device performs monochrome development. Copy machine start button 1
17 (Figure 5) is pressed to start copying,
As shown in Figure a, the time 1. From main motor 16
4 is driven. The main motor 164 is continuously driven until time t3 when the copying operation is completed in both developing devices 59S1 and 59M.

The figure shows the drive timing of the day selection solenoid 161. Day selection solenoid 161
is excited until the red copying operation by the first sub-developing device 59S1 is completed.

In this device, the lever is brought into contact with the circumferential surface of a clutch (not shown) by energizing the Depe selection solenoid 161. The clutch receives driving force from the main motor 164, and starts rotation of five sets of cams (not shown) each having one protrusion that is offset by 72 degrees. When one of these protrusions abuts on the first sub-developing device 59S1, this causes the first sub-developing device 59S1 to
is pressed toward the photoreceptor drum 51. At this time, the protruding portions of the remaining cams are at the farthest positions from the main developing device 59M and the other sub developing devices 59S2 to 59S4, and in this state, the main developing device 59M and the other sub developing devices 59S2 to 59S4 are connected to the photosensitive drums. It is located far away from 51.

Projections are arranged at five locations on the circumferential surface of the clutch, and when the lever abuts against the corresponding projection, the corresponding projection of one cam is most strongly pressed against the first sub-developing device 59S1. do. Then, development is performed at this position using the corresponding red color toner. However, in this device, the main developing device 59M is arranged close to the photosensitive drum 51 in the initial state, so the development of colors such as red occurs at time t1.
Instead of starting immediately, the operation waits for one second. At this time, the aforementioned cam sets the first sub-developing device 5951 (or other sub-developing devices 59S2 to 59S4) on the photosensitive drum 51 instead of the main developing device 59M. ' When the copying operation by the first sub-developing device 59S1 is completed, the five cams mentioned above move for one second from time t2, and when the protrusion of the monochrome cam is positioned by the lever, the main developing device 59M is set on the photosensitive drum 51. After this, monochrome development will be performed.

Note that the above is a case where marking is performed with one color, red, but when marking is performed with multiple colors, the sub-developing devices 59S1 to 59S4 are used in a predetermined order.
Applicable ones are selected in order, and monochrome development is performed after these are completed.

In contrast, FIG. 10 shows, for reference, a case in which monochrome development is first performed and red color development is performed later. Figure a shows the operation of the main motor 164.
The diagram also shows the operation of the day selection solenoid 161. In the case of FIG. 10, development is first performed by the main developing device 59M, so there is no need to wait for one second at this point. However, once the monochrome development is completed as the second development, it is necessary to take one second to set the main development device 59M relative to the photosensitive drum 51 again.

(5-3) Optical system Next, the relationship between the optical systems will be explained using FIG. 11.

A carriage (not shown) on which lenses, mirrors, etc. are arranged is reciprocated by a carriage motor 1-71. This carriage motor 171 is constituted by a step motor. Position control when the carriage returns to the home position is performed by the registration sensor 172.

The registration sensor 172 is also used for timing the optical system and the conveyance of the copy paper 60.

That is, an actuator for blocking the transmission of light is disposed on the carriage, and when the carriage moves, the registration sensor 172 detects the temporary blocking of the light beam due to the light blocking by this actuator.

This detection signal is used to determine the position or timing for performing registration, or to determine the home position when the carriage returns.

The density control sensor 173 is a sensor that controls the copy density of the original. As described above, the copying machine of this embodiment controls the copy density by simultaneously adjusting the amount of charge applied to the photosensitive drum 51, the amount of image exposure, and the bias of the developing electrode.

The lens/mirror sensor 174 is a sensor that controls the movement of the optical lens 58, mirror 57 (Fig. 4), etc.
It is composed of one detection element.

The lens/mirror motor 175 has also been changed from a conventional copying machine in which the lens 64, mirror 57, etc. are driven separately to a type in which they can be driven in common.

The exposure lamp 56 has been described above. Optical system fan 1
77 is a fan for cooling the optical system and removing heat from the platen glass 55. The document sensor 178 is a sensor provided to detect the size of the document.

(5-4) Fixing Device Next, the relationship of the fixing device will be explained. The fixing device is the first
This is shown in Figure 2.

The base machine 21 of this embodiment has a main fuser lamp 181 and a sub-fuuser lamp 1 in the heat roll 66.
Two types of fuser lamps, 82 and 82, are arranged. The sub-fuser lamp 182 is shorter than the main fuser lamp 181, and is arranged at a position slightly offset from one end of the main fuser lamp 181. In the copying machine of this embodiment, the copy paper 60 is positioned along one side of the platen glass 55, which is a so-called corner register.
Since a corner registration (corner registration) method is adopted, the required amount of thermal energy in the axial direction of the heat roll 66 varies depending on the size of the copy paper 60 used. In order to correct the resulting deviation in temperature distribution in the axial direction, the sub fuser lamp 182 is controlled to be energized according to the size of the copy paper 60.

By employing the sub fuser lamp 182, it is possible to sufficiently prevent temperature fluctuations in the fixing device.

The fixing device includes a fucosa output sensor 184 and 5-T-5.
(soft touch sensor) 185 are both connected. Here, the 7-kneezer output sensor 184 detects whether or not the copy paper that has passed between the heat roll 66 and the pressure roll 67 is ejected onto the paper ejection tray without being accidentally caught in both rolls 66 and 67. It is for. S-T 5165 has a fuser lamp 181.
182 temperature sensor.

(5=5) Control of the console Next, referring back to FIG. 11, the control relationship of the console will be explained.

The console control unit 191 is equipped with a message ROM 192 for displaying messages in Chinese characters.

Also, an IC card device (IC card reader/writer) for reading and writing the IC card 131 (FIG. 6) and connecting the editor pad 132 (FIG. 6) via the interface port 193 in the console control unit 191.
22 can be connected. As already explained, this IC card device 22 has a card CPU 129 (
(Fig. 6). Console control unit 1
91 is connected to the main board 201. The main CPU 121 described above is mounted on the main board 201.

(5-6) Pilling Counter Next, the pilling counter used for collecting copying fees will be explained with reference to FIG.

Since the pace machine 21 of this embodiment can make copies in five colors, it is equipped with two types of pilling counters. Among these, the main pilling counter 211 is black and white,
To count the number of copies made regardless of color. The count value of the main pilling counter 211 is also used as data for counting control when an accessory 212 such as a coin kit or key counter is attached to the copying machine. The sub-pilling counter 213 is used to count the total number of colors used in each copy when color copies are made.

(5-7) Power supply Next, the power supply relationship will be explained with reference to FIG. 12.

The base machine 21 is connected to a commercial power source of 100V (volts). Also for overseas use 1' 15
It is also compatible with V 60 Hz and 220 V 50 Hz power supplies. Electric power supplied from the outlet 221 reaches the main switch 224 via a 15 ampere circuit breaker 222 and a noise filter 223. The output side of the main switch 224 is supplied as power to an AC driver 226, a fixing control element 227, and a DC power source 228 via an interlock switch 225. Furthermore, the power is also supplied to the DADF 24 and the intermediate tray 33.

The AC driver 226 supplies power to the following components at predetermined timings.

(a) Erase lamp 155 for static elimination (Fig. 8) (b) Exposure lamp 56 and optical system fan 177 (Fig. 11) (c) Main fuser lamp 181 and sub-fuser lamp 182 (Fig. 12) DC power supply 228 supplies power to the following components at predetermined timings.

(B) Interlock switch 225 (Figure 12) (B) AC driver 226 (Figure 12) (C) High voltage power supply device 162 (Figure 8) (D) Sorter 38 (Figure 12) (E) User Exit sensor 184 (FIG. 12) (F) Fixing control element 227 (FIG. 12) (G) Accessory 21
2 (FIG. 12); Accessories here include, for example, a coin kit that allows copies to be made using coins, and key counters and key coders for copy management in each department.

(h) Main pilling counter 211 and sub-pilling counter 213 (Fig. 12) This is a vacuum fan for suction.

(nu) Interimage lamp controller 157 (
(Figure 8) (l) Carriage motor 171 (Figure 11) (W) Registration sensor 172, density control sensor 173, lens/mirror/
Sensor 174 and lens/mirror/motor 175 (Fig. 11) (W) Original sensor 178 (Fig. 11) (Force) Increase switch 159, sub-developing device 59
S1 to 59S4 and the main toner detection sensor of the main developing device 59M, and the day selection solenoid 161 (
(FIG. 8) (Y) Main board 201 (FIG. 8, etc.) (5-8) Conveyance system Next, the copy paper conveyance system will be explained using FIG. 13.

The first to fifth supply trays 31-1 to 31-5 are each provided with a no-paper sensor 231, a size sensor 232, and a clutch 233. Here, the no-paper sensor 231 is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the supply trays 31-1 to 31-5. This copier can load copy paper of the same size into multiple supply trays, and in this case, when one supply tray runs out of copy paper, the same size copy paper is automatically loaded from the other supply trays. It is now possible to send it to The size sensor 232 is a sensor for determining the size of copy paper stored in the tray. Further, the clutch 233 is connected to each feed roll 61.
-1.61-2, . . . are parts for controlling on/off of the drive.

Copy paper is fed by a dedicated feed motor 2.
It is done by 35. A step motor is used as the feed motor 235. A feed sensor 236 detects whether copy paper is being fed normally. The gate solenoid 237 is a registration solenoid for aligning the leading edge of the copy paper that has been sent out. This gate solenoid 23
7 is different from a normal solenoid of this type, and performs control such that when energized, the gate opens to allow copy paper to pass through.

That is, in a standby state where copy paper does not arrive, power is not supplied to the gate solenoid 237 and the gate remains open. Just before the copy paper arrives, gate solenoid 237 is energized and the gate closes to prevent passage. Then, when conveyance of the copy paper is resumed at a predetermined timing, the energization is stopped and the gate is opened. By performing such control, there will be less fluctuation in the gate position when the leading edge of the copy paper is blocked from passing, and even if the copy paper is pressed against the gate with a relatively strong force, its position will be maintained. Can be done accurately.

The manual feed switching solenoid 238 is connected to the first feed tray 31
This is a solenoid for switching the drive between the conveyance roller for the copy paper sent out from the manual feed tray 41 and the conveyance roller for the copy paper fed manually from the manual feed tray 41. The manual tray sensor 239 is connected to the manual tray 41
This sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of copy paper when sending multiple sheets of copy paper. Tray interlock 2
Reference numeral 41 denotes an interlock switch attached to a mechanism that is opened and closed to remove a copy paper jam when it occurs. The tray path sensor 242 is a sensor that detects the copy paper 60 sent from the second and third supply trays 31-2.31-3. It is placed near the joint.

The DADF 24 will be specifically explained together with the 14th vA.

DADF 24 is the platen glass 5 of the base machine 21
It is installed on top of 5. This D A D F 2
'4 is equipped with a document tray 252 on which a document 251 is placed. The originals 251 are stacked on the original tray 252 with the first side to be copied facing downward.

A tart pad 254 and a feed paddle 255 are arranged on the document feed side of the document tray 252, and the documents 251 are fed one by one by these. The sent out document 251 is moved by a driving roller 256 and a driven roller 25.
7, it passes through the S-shaped conveyance section 258 and is pressed against a branch guide 261 arranged at a position where this S-shaped withdrawal section 258 and the vertical conveyance section 259 intersect. Branching guide 2
61 is thereby released, and the document 251 is transferred to the reversing conveyance section 2.
62 side.

When the rear end of the document 251 passes through the branch guide 261, the branch guide 261 is closed toward the S-shaped conveyance section 258 by the action of a spring (not shown).

At this time, passage of the original 251 is detected by a sensor (not shown) arranged near the branch guide 261. The output of this detection signal causes the document reversing drive roller 264 to rotate in the reverse direction. As a result, the conveyance direction of the document 251 is reversed, and the conveyance direction is changed to a direction substantially perpendicular to the platen glass 55.

Thereafter, the original 251 is conveyed while being positioned by the oblique slip paddle 265 with one side of the original 251 abutting against a side positioning guide (not shown). Then, it is transported to a correct position on the platen glass 55 by the endless transport belt 266. In this way, the copying operation for the first side of the original 251 is performed.

After the exposure of the first side is completed, the original 251 is transported in the direction of arrow 267 by the endless transport belt 266. Then, by the action of the exit side guide 268, when copying only this first side is performed, the vertical conveyance section 268
9 is selected, and the original 251 is stored in the original receiving section 271.

On the other hand, if a copy is to be made on the second side opposite to the first side, the horizontal conveyance section 272 is selected. The original 251 sent out to the horizontal (ship channel section 272) is conveyed in the opposite direction to the arrow 267 by the channel roller 273, and is conveyed through the S-shaped conveyance section 258 by the driving roller 256 and the driven roller 257. , the lower surface of the original 251 is the second side opposite to that when it was stored in the original tray 252. Therefore, this original 251 is fed onto the platen glass 55 using the same conveyance procedure as described above. In this state, a copy operation will be performed on the second side.

After the exposure of the second side is completed, the original 251 is moved to the exit side guide 268.
The original document is sent to the vertical conveyance section 269 by the action of the document receiving section 271, and the original document is discharged to the document receiving section 271.

(5-10) Sorter The 10-bin sorter 38 will be specifically explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 shows the appearance of the sorter.

The 1O bin sorter 38 is configured such that ten bins 281 can be moved up and down as one unit. The sorter main body 282 includes a drive source (bin motor) for performing this lifting and a 1
A cam and a cam switch for controlling the movement position of each bin, and a down limit switch (both not shown) for detecting that the bin 281 has reached the lower limit position are arranged.

The copy paper 60 is transported by conveyor rolls 68 and 68 shown in FIG.
It advances in the direction of arrow 284 and is fed into the sorter main body 282. Then, at that point, it is discharged to the bin facing the conveyance path. Note that depending on the sorter, the discharge path may be switched by not raising and lowering the bins 281 but by raising and lowering the sorter body 282 instead.

Mode selection for the sorter 38 is performed by operating a sorter panel 74 shown in FIG.

(5-11) Intermediate tray Next, the intermediate tray 33 will be explained.

FIG. 16 shows a conveyance system centered on the intermediate tray 33.

The copy paper 60 that has been thermally fixed by the heat roll 66 in the base machine 21 is controlled by a duplex gate solenoid 351 also placed in the base machine 21 to output it to the output tray side or feed it to the intermediate tray 33 side. be exposed. A first duplex path sensor 352 is located on the base machine 21 side, and a second duplex path sensor 353 is located on the second supply tray 31-
Paper jams are detected for the copy paper 60 before it reaches the intermediate tray 33.

By the way, the intermediate tray 33 does not have a feed roll for feeding the leading edge of the copy paper 60 to the leading edge of the tray. Depending on the size of the copy paper 60 sent there, it is conveyed to a desired position and "dropped" into the tray.
3 duplex solenoid gates for 35
5 to 357 are arranged. These duplex solenoid gates 355 to 357 are configured to selectively operate the solenoids depending on the size of the paper to be fed, thereby opening and closing the corresponding gates. The skew roll solenoid gate 358 controls one corner of the leading edge of this "falling" copy paper 60 to hit the leading corner of the intermediate tray 33, and separates each sheet of the copy paper 60 that is fed. This is a gate that aligns the tips. Each time this operation is completed for one sheet, the main pilling counter 21
A count up of 1 is performed.

As already explained, the intermediate tray 33 has tray control C.
It is controlled by the PU 128, and the copy paper is conveyed under the control of the duplex motor 361 (FIG. 8). The duplex/no paper sensor 362 detects the copy paper 6 in this intermediate tray 33.
This is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of 0. The duplex feed clutch 363 performs on/off control of the drive source for feeding the copy paper 60.
This is the mechanism.

The inverter gate solenoid 364 is a solenoid that switches between making double-sided copies, marking the same side in multiple colors, and making composite copies. That is, when the inverter gate solenoid 364 is positioned in the direction shown in FIG. After falling, it is then transported upward by transport rolls 367 and 368. And the inverter
Before the gate solenoid 364, the conveyance direction is changed to the right in the figure, and the paper is stored in the intermediate tray 33 with the front and back reversed. If conveyance is restarted in this state, a double-sided copy will be made.

In contrast, the copy paper 60 that has been conveyed downward
When the transport direction is changed to the right in the figure before the inverter gate solenoid 3640, the paper is stored with the original front side facing upward again. If conveyance is resumed in this latter state, a copy will be made again on the same side. Generally, when marking is performed in N types of colors, one sheet of copy paper 60 is stored in the N-time printing tray 33, and then developed in monochrome and then discharged.

The Deniplex feed sensor 369 is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a paper jam in the copy paper sent out from the intermediate tray 33.

(5-12) Editor Pad The editor pad 132 will be specifically explained with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

Of these, FIG. 17 shows the system configuration of a copying machine equipped with an editor pad. That is, in the configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG. 3 as an embodiment of the present invention, the DA
Since the DF 24 is mounted on top of the platen glass 55, the platen 26 with editor pad cannot be mounted on top of the platen glass 55.

In the copying machine shown in FIG.
A platen 26 with an editor pad is attached to the upper part of the base machine 21 equipped with the editor-1. The square part in the figure is the editor pad 132. Note that this copying machine is equipped with a puff-crit type console panel.

Furthermore, a cabinet 401 in which only the second and third supply trays 31-2 and 31-3 are accommodated is arranged below the base machine 21. The base machine 21 is not equipped with a sorter, but is equipped with a discharge tray 37 for storing copy sheets to be discharged.

An IC card device 22A is arranged near the left end of the panel surface on which the console panel 27 is arranged, and an IC card 131 can be set on the upper part of the IC card device 22A. I with a built-in liquid crystal display board on the top
The C card can also function as a display board when it is incorporated into the IC card device 22A, allowing a display function to be added to a copier or a display function to a copier without a display function. .

For the general configuration of the copying machine, please refer to FIG. 2, which has been explained above. Note that the editor pad 132
This is very convenient for manual coordinate adjustment, and can be used alone in a copying machine having a configuration like the present embodiment shown in FIG. In this case, the editor pad 132 is placed on a desk or the like, and the IC card device 22 (
(See Figure 3) or directly connect to the IC card 1.
31, and send this to the IC card device 2.
It will be used by attaching it to 2.

FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the editor pad. The editor pad 132 is equipped with a rectangular coordinate hatch 405 measuring 307 mm in length and 432 mm in width. Width IQm on the front side of this pad
The area m is an editor panel 406, which will be described next. Editor pad 1 including editor panel 406
32 is the first line with a resistance line that specifies the position on the X axis.
The structure consists of a rubber pad and a second rubber pad on which a resistance wire that specifies the position on the Y-axis is placed on top of each other via a spacer. The added position can be sensed as values on the X and Y coordinates. Editor panel 40
In front of 6 is a display panel 4 for displaying various information.
07 is placed. Furthermore, a board for processing coordinate data and a board 408 for an interface circuit are disposed at the inner rear part of the editor pad 132.

FIG. 19 shows the main parts of the editor panel and display panel described in FIG. 18. The following buttons are arranged on the editor panel 406.

(b) Special function button 411; This button is used when using special functions.

(b) Dimension scaling button 412: This button is used to specify a distance and a reduction ratio.

(c) Extract button 413; This button is for extracting a specified area, and is used for monochrome (black and white) recording.

(d) Delete button 414; This button is for deleting a specified area, and is also used for monochrome (black and white) recording.

(e) Quick-shot color composition button 415: This is a function button used to specify the quick-shot color composition function.

(v) Marking color button 416: This is a function button used when specifying a marking color function.

(g) Partial color conversion box 417; This button is used to specify the function of partial color conversion.

(H) Color inversion button 418: This button is used to change a color specified area to black or to convert a black specified area to color. A continuous shooting color composition button 415, a marking color button 416, a partial color conversion button 417, and a color inversion button 418 are function buttons for color recording.

(2) Designation method button 419; This button is used to select whether to designate an area using the coordinate values of two points at both ends of the diagonal of a rectangle or the coordinate values of each point of a polygon.

(nu) Area/color specification button 421; This button is used when setting the area.

(l) Area clear button 422: This button is used to cancel the area designation.

(w) Setting end button 423: This button is used when the designation of one or more areas is completed.

Display lamps 425 are attached to portions of the display panel 407 corresponding to the first eight buttons 411 to 418, respectively, to indicate whether or not those buttons are selected. Regarding the specification method button 419, depending on the specification method, a diagonal specification lamp 426 or a polygon specification lamp 4 is selected.
27 is lit.

(W) Normal marking button 431: This is a button for specifying a normal marking form in which the area is marked uniformly.

(Power) Frame marking button 432: This button is used, for example, when marking a frame-shaped area surrounding a specific area.

(Y) Line marking button 433: This button is used, for example, to set and mark a thick underlined area.

(i) Color designation buttons 434 to 437: Since the marking color can be set independently for each area, these buttons are used to designate the color in relation to the area to be marked. Here, the color designation button 434 designates red, and the color designation button 435 designates blue. The color designation button 436 is used to designate green, and the color designation button 437 is used to designate brown. As already explained, the copying machine of this embodiment can also be equipped with a developing device for a color other than the above. I'll have to replace it with something else. (wa) ~
Each button 431 to 4 dedicated to marking explained in (evening)
An indicator lamp 438 is arranged at each of the 37,
The display now shows which lamp has been selected.

(5-13) Large-capacity tray By the way, a large-capacity tray 36 can be set in this copying machine instead of the fourth and fifth supply trays 31-4 and 31-5. Although the configuration is different from that of this embodiment, this will also be briefly explained.

FIG. 20 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of this large capacity tray.

1,000 to 2,000 sheets of copy paper can be set in the large-capacity tray 36 at one time, and a large number of copies can be made without interruption. The large capacity tray 36 has
It is equipped with the following circuit components: The large capacity tray 36 receives AC power from the output side of the noise filter 223 shown in FIG. 8, and also receives DC power from the DC power supply 228 via the main board 201 shown in FIG. These circuit components are made to operate based on the received signals.

(a) Stop sensor 472: This is a sensor for detecting the lower limit position of the large-capacity tray 36 equipped with an elevator mechanism for raising and lowering the copy paper 60.

(b) Interlock switch 473; Large capacity tray 3
This is an interlock switch for detecting opening/closing of the front panel of No. 6.

(c) No-paper sensor 474: This is a sensor for detecting when the stored copy paper 60 is running low.

(d) Size sensor 475: A sensor for determining the size of the copy paper 60.

(e) Large-capacity tray moke 476: This is a motor for driving the elevator mechanism of the large-capacity tray 471 and raising and lowering the storage portion of the copy paper 60.

Set sensor 477: This is a sensor for detecting the upper limit position of the large-capacity tray 36 equipped with the elevator mechanism described above.

(g) Large capacity tray clutch 478; copy paper 60
This is a clutch for controlling the delivery of the

(H) Feed sensor 479; This is a sensor for detecting a paper jam in the copy paper 60 fed from the large capacity tray 36.

The following FIG. 21 shows the types of programs stored in the IC card used in the copying machine of this embodiment. The IC card 131 has Ml to M)+ and Xl
~X8 storage areas are provided, and the former storage area M
, ~MM each independently have a mode program M
P r to M PN are stored. Here, the mode program is a program for setting copy conditions.

In addition, the latter storage areas x1 to XX are used to store programs (hereinafter referred to as additional programs) XP and ~XPx representing additional control information for the copying machine, as well as other information such as coordinate data. ing. Note that if a relatively small capacity storage medium is used, only the mode program may be stored in the storage areas M1 to M, l.

The number of X and -X may be reduced.

On the other hand, basic control information is stored on the base machine 21 side, and additional control information is added to this.
This is the control content that can be executed by the copying machine. The mode program sets the recording conditions for this control content. RAM121E on the base machine 21 side (7th
(Figure) also has an area for storing mode programs.

The mode program stored in the RAM 121E can be written to the IC card 131 if necessary, and vice versa.

FIG. 22 shows the relationship between basic control information and additional control information. As shown in this figure, ROM121
D includes a program P necessary for basic control of the copying machine, such as control of the copy paper conveyance system and exposure control, and a program A that can be developed or modified in various ways. ,Bo,C
o s Do... are written, and these constitute basic control information as a whole.

On the other hand, the IC card 131 can take a plurality of forms depending on the type of additional control information stored therein. For example, the first IC card 131-1 stores programs A+, BrSC+, D, and Sl. Further, the second IC card 131-2 stores programs A2, D2, and S2.

(i) Here, program A is related to the reduction ratio. Among these, program A is basic control information. is 1
This is related to setting a fixed magnification (100%; same magnification) for each type. In addition to these fixed magnifications, the program AI as additional control information stored in the first IC card 131-1 includes control information that can set arbitrary magnifications in 1% increments from 200% to 50%. ing. Also,
The program A2 as additional control information stored in the second IC card 131-2 includes 11 types of reduction ratios (50%, 61%, 70%, 81%, 86%, 93%).
, 115%, 122%, 141%, 163%,
200%) is added.

(ii) Program B is related to the copy form of the original. Program B as basic control information
1. is normal copying and ADF23 and DADF
This relates to the copying of one page by No. 24. 1st IC
The program B1 as additional control information stored in the card 131-1 includes a function for sequentially copying two facing pages of a bound manuscript (snap copy function) and a DADF
24 has been added to enable double-sided copying functionality. The second IC card 131-2 has program B.
has not been added.

(iii) Program C relates to the form of development. Of these, program Co as basic control information
deals with one-color development control by the main developing device 59M or the sub-developing device 59S.

The program C+, which serves as additional control information stored in the first IC card 131-1, is capable of creating documents in two colors or in multiple colors, such as marking color processing in which specific areas of a document are marked in color. It handles the control information to perform. Program B is not added to the second IC card 131-2.

(iv) Program D is related to the input form of coordinate data used for marking color processing and the like. Among these, program D is basic control information. deals with control for inputting coordinates using the numeric keypad 80. The program D1 as additional control information stored in the first IC card 131-1 handles control such that coordinate data can be input not only from the numeric keypad 80 but also from the editor pad 132 and other IC cards. There is.

In addition, the program D2 as additional control information stored in the second IC card 131-2 includes manual input of coordinate data using the numeric keypad 80 and input from the editor pad 132.
It handles controls that allow input of coordinate data.

(V) Program S is related to starting a copy operation. With the basic control information in which the program S is not stored, copy work can only be started during the working hours of the day, for example, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. That is, copies cannot be made during lunch breaks or overtime hours, and unauthorized copying or personal copying of confidential documents during these times can be prevented. The program Sl as additional control information stored in the first IC card 131-1 eliminates time restrictions on copying operations. In addition, the second IC card 13
The program S2, which serves as additional control information stored in 1-2, prohibits copying after 7:00 p.m., and provides data regarding the date and time of copying and the number of copies.
It handles information to be written to the C card 131-2 itself.

In this way, the first IC card 131-1 has the second
A program that can be used more widely than the C card 131-2 is stored. The surface of the first IC card F131-1 is colored, for example, gold, so that it can be distinguished from the second IC card 131-2, which is colored, for example, silver. In this copying system, a third IC card 131 whose surface is colored green (not shown) is also used.
-3 is available and is used to realize other functions such as self-diagnosis of copying machines.

On the right, on the surface of the storage medium such as the IC card 131, ■
, ■, ■, etc., which represent positions such as general manager, section manager, and rank-and-file employee, may also be used to display functions that can be used by this means. For example, if [phase] T■ko is written on the surface of the storage medium, you can use any function at any time.
If it is written, it is possible to reduce and enlarge the original and use the ADF 23 and HCF 36, and no other functions can be used.

As explained above, in this copying machine, the IC card device 22
The functions of the copying machine will change depending on the type of IC card 131 set therein. Further, by selecting the copying conditions for the set IC card 131, the card owner can perform an optimal copying operation.

(6-2) Advantages of the IC Card In this embodiment, the IC card 131 is used as a storage medium for exchanging data with the copying machine. Typical storage media, limited to those that can be formed into card shapes, include (1) magnetic cards;
There are ii) IC cards and (iii) optical cards.

Among these, (i) magnetic cards store information on magnetic stripes and are mainly used as bank cashico cards and various credit cards. This magnetic card generally has a storage capacity of 72 bytes, and has a storage capacity of 72 bytes.
It is possible to memorize 2 characters. Information can be read and written using a magnetic head, and it can be used repeatedly. Although the price of the card itself is very low, the disadvantages are that calculations cannot be performed on the card and the storage capacity is very small.

On the other hand, (ii) IC cards contain CPI
It is equipped with a J (central processing unit) and memory, and has a storage capacity of, for example, 2.8 bytes, and can store several million characters. In addition, data can be read and written and used repeatedly, and it is expected to be used for emergency medical cards, shopping cards, etc. Although it is possible to perform calculations on the card, the disadvantage is that the manufacturing cost is high.

Finally, (iii) optical cards are devices in which information is written using photolithography and read out using optical sensors, and the storage capacity is extremely large, for example, from 400 bytes to 2M (mega) bytes. Although the manufacturing price becomes considerably cheaper when mass-produced, it is impossible to perform calculations or add information on the card, and currently it is expected to be used for books, dictionaries, telephone directories, educational software, etc.

Since the present invention requires a storage medium that can write and read information, it is impossible to use an optical card. Therefore, in this embodiment, an IC card, which has a larger storage capacity and is much better in security than a magnetic card, is used as a storage medium in the copying machine.

It should be noted that 3.5-inch floppy disks, magnetic tapes, magnetic bubble memories, and the like are also available as storage media that can be applied to the copying machine of this embodiment.

(6-3) Structure of IC Card Device FIG. 23 shows the main part of the circuit structure of the IC card connecting portion in the IC card device. The IC card device 22 is a card CPLI as shown in FIG.
It is equipped with l 29. The card CPU129 is 4K (
It includes a RAM (random access memory) 511 with a storage capacity of 4 kilobytes and a ROM (read only memory) 512 with a storage capacity of 4 kilobytes.

Here, the ROM 512 is a memory that stores a program for controlling the IC card device 22, and the RAM 51
1 is a working memory for temporarily storing various data.

The card CPLI 129 is connected to two serial to parallel converters 513 and 514. The first serial-parallel converter 513 sends and receives serial data to and from the IC card set in the IC card device 22,
Parallel data is sent and received with the card CPU 129. The second serial-parallel converter 514 transmits and receives serial data to and from the base machine 21, performs serial-to-parallel conversion or parallel-to-serial conversion, and transmits and receives parallel data to and from the card CPU 129. Two clock generation circuits 515 and 516 are prepared within the IC card device 22, and the first clock generation circuit 515 supplies a 10 MHz clock signal to the IC card. Further, the second clock generation circuit 516 has a frequency of 7.3728 MHz.
7 signal is supplied to the card CPU 129.

The card CPU 129 connects to the I
Voltage ■ on C card. and VPP, and also supplies a reset signal R3T. Further, an insert signal INS and a card presence signal CARD are supplied from a detection sensor provided in the IC card device 22 via an input port 519.

(6-4) Overview of control In a copying machine equipped with the IC card device 22 as described above,
Two types of processing are performed on the IC card 131 installed in the IC card device 22: data recall and data registration. In addition, in the copying machine of this embodiment, data recall and registration processing is carried out in the memory of the copying machine itself.
This can also be done for the non-volatile memory 121F).

Therefore, the data processing modes selected by the operator are roughly classified into four types in total, and when controlling the copying machine using the IC card 131, it is necessary to first select this processing mode.

However, if all selections of processing modes are made based on key operations such as selection keys, the number of key operations by the operator becomes extremely large and the operations become complicated, which inevitably increases the number of erroneous operations.

Incidentally, the four types of processing modes described above are not all used with uniform frequency. In other words, when using the IC card 131, it is more common to recall and use once registered data rather than registering data, and it is more difficult to use the
Generally, the C card 131 is used more frequently.

In addition, when using the IC card 131, when registering data, it is necessary to perform an operation to set the data to be registered on the console panel 28 other than specifying the area to be registered. When calling data, it is sufficient to specify only the area.

Therefore, in order to provide ease of use and operation according to the type of processing mode, the following control is performed.

FIG. 24 shows an outline of control for performing such processing.

First, when calling and registering data to the IC card 131, cases are determined based on the insertion timing of the IC card 131 and the timing of pressing the job switch 84 (FIG. 5).

In other words, the depression of the job switch 84 is not detected in step ■, and the IC card 131 is not detected in step ■.
If the insertion of IC is detected, in step ■
Data call processing for the card 131 will be performed. This is because when setting the mode for calling data from the IC card 131, there is no need to perform any setting operations on the copying machine side, so it has been decided that the calling processing mode will be automatically set on the condition that only the IC card 131 is inserted. It is. As a result, for example, the most frequently used IC card 131 data recall mode can be efficiently set without displaying a message to instruct processing mode options or card insertion, and without having to perform any key operations. Can be set.

Furthermore, by detecting that the job switch 84 is pressed in step (2), it is determined whether a mode other than the IC card 131 call processing is to be selected, and the other three modes are set on the liquid crystal display section 112. The following options are displayed (step ■). FIG. 25 shows this display state. The LCD display section 112 displays the text "Which one would you like to select?" and the options "Call,""Register," and "Register," and select one of them. A cursor 531 is displayed. here,
"Call" and "registration" mean call and registration to the main body job memory, and "card registration" mean registration to the IC card 131.

Further, in this embodiment, when registering data, the operator sets the copying conditions to be registered in advance by operating the console panel, and then presses the job switch 84.

After setting this registered data, the job switch 84
When insertion of the IC card 131 is detected at the stage where is pressed and the options are displayed (step ■), the copying machine is set to card registration mode and this process is performed (step ■). Therefore, in this case as well, the key operation for selecting card registration from the options, that is, the selection key 1
18 and setting key 119 can be omitted.

Also, when selecting to recall or register data to the main body job memory, in the display state of step ■,
Operate the selection key 118 to move the cursor 531 to the “call” or “registration” position, then press the setting key 119
The operation of pressing is performed. When it is determined that the setting key 119 has been pressed with the cursor 531 indicating "call" (step ■; Y), the process of calling the main body job memory (step ■) is performed, and conversely, the cursor 531
When it is determined that the setting key 119 has been pressed while 31 is instructing "registration" (step 2; N), a registration process for the main body job memory (step 2) is performed.

Note that in a copying machine configured such that data cannot be registered in the main body memory, such options are not displayed and the card registration mode is set on the condition that the IC card 131 is inserted after the job switch 84 is pressed. It is possible to perform the following processing.

In addition, the IC card 13 after each processing mode is selected
The "calling" and "registration" for the job memory 1 and the "calling" and "registration" for the main body job memory are performed in substantially the same procedure. Therefore, in the following explanation, "call" and "call" to the IC card 131 will be explained.
"Registration" processing: Only two will be explained in detail.

FIG. 26 specifically shows the operation when reading data from an IC card.

When the IC card calling mode is set in step 2 of FIG. 24, the IC card device 22
The data representing the format is received from (step ■) and the compatibility with the copying machine of this embodiment is checked (
Step ■) Do.

If it is compatible (step ■; Y), then registration status data and additional control information are received (step ■).

Here, the registration status data refers to the reception of the registered data itself; rather, it is data indicating the registration status of the mode program. The registration status data is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 (step 2).

FIG. 27 shows an example of the displayed content of registration status data. As shown in this figure, the storage areas of types M1 to M0ON are displayed as shapes of plates 535 under the sentence "Which one would you choose?". The numbers “l” to “N” placed to the left of the area indicate the areas. Some of the plates 535 have a symbol "M" displayed on them, while others have nothing displayed on them.

Here, mode programs have already been registered for those for which the symbol "M" is displayed.

A plate on which nothing is displayed is an empty plate and has no mode program stored therein.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show modified examples of these displays. In the example shown in Figure 28,
Numbers are shown only for storage areas in which mode programs are registered.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 29, instead of displaying the symbol "M", a state in which water is contained in the dish 535 is displayed.

Returning to FIG. 26, the explanation will be continued. After the registration status is displayed, the storage area of the mode program corresponding to the operator's desired copying conditions is selected. As a result, when the setting key 119 is pressed (step ■), the cursor 531
The number indicated by is read out, and it is determined whether a mode program is registered in the storage area (memory) corresponding to the number (step 2). If the operator mistakenly specifies an unregistered number "3" (Y), a message such as "Card memory 3 is not registered" is displayed (step ■).

FIG. 30 shows an example of such a display. In this display state, the operator can use the cursor 535 to select one of the following: canceling the retrieval of data from the IC card 131 and changing the number of the storage area. Here, the operator specifies "Cancel" and presses the setting key 1.
19 (step ■; Y), the control of the copying machine by the IC card 131 is stopped, and the IC card device 22 performs the operation of ejecting the IC card 131 (step ■; Y).
). After this, as shown in FIG. 31, a message "Copy possible" is displayed (step @).

On the other hand, if the operator selects "change number" and presses the setting key 119 (N), the process returns to step (2) and the registration status is redisplayed.

On the other hand, if the number specified in step 2 is registered (step 2; N), the mode program in the storage area of that number is read from the IC card 131 (step 0). Copying conditions are set for the functions of the copying machine that have been enhanced or changed by the additional program that has already been read from the IC card 131 (after step 12, the copying machine proceeds to step Of course, in this state, the operator can operate the console panel 28 (or console panel 27) to change the copying conditions to more optimal ones and start the copying operation. .

Also, the step ■ mentioned above! As a result of checking the format here, if it is found to be non-conforming (N),
The IC card 131 is ejected by the IC card device 22 (step ■), and the liquid crystal display section 112 displays "Copy possible" (step @).

Note that when the format is found to be non-conforming as a result of checking the format, the IC card device 22 sends a message to the base machine 21 that there is an error in the format.
The liquid crystal display section 112 may display a message to that effect.

(6-5-2) - Batch call As explained above, in this copier, when the IC card is inserted, the registered mode program is displayed.
Now you can select what you want. The copying machine of this embodiment has a non-volatile mechanism. Several other programs for mode program selection are stored in the J12 IF (Fig. 7), and these modes can be selected by operating the numeric keypad 80 while the copying machine is set to a special mode other than copy mode. It is now possible to switch to. The copying machine of this embodiment provides the following modes for mode program selection.

(i) Designated Call Mode This is the mode described above, and when this is selected, the designated mode program is called.

(ii) - Bulk call mode This is a mode in which all mode programs registered in the IC card 131 are called at once.

In this case, the called mode programs are stored on the base machine 21 side, and these mode programs will be selected in the next step. It is convenient to select this mode when calling several mode programs from the IC card 131 side and using them one after another.

(iii) Priority call mode This is a mode in which one mode program is called preferentially and the copying machine is set to copy conditions specified by the program. This includes a "first selection" mode in which the mode program stored in the first storage area of the IC card 131 is read out unconditionally, and a "latest selection" mode in which the most recently registered or updated mode program is read out. There is a "most selected" mode that reads the mode or mode program most often called by the copier.

First, the bulk call mode will be explained.

FIG. 32 is for explaining the operation in this -batch call mode. In this mode, when the IC card device 22 receives format data from the IC card 131 and checks its compatibility (step
(2), "Data bulk recall" is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 (step (2)). And IC card 131
All mode programs, etc. are read from (step ■). When all data reading is completed, the LCD display section 112:2 will ask "Which one do you want to select?"
is displayed (Step ■, Figures 27 to 29)
. When the operator specifies the number of the storage area to be used this time (step ■; Y), that mode program becomes valid and copy conditions are set (step ■
). Then, the IC card 1 is read by the IC card device 22.
31 is ejected (step ■), and the message "Ready to copy" is displayed (step ■, 31st
), it becomes possible to perform copying operations according to the copying conditions. Further, when the IC card 131 is determined to be non-conforming in step (2) (N), the IC card device 22
The card 131 is ejected (step ■), and the liquid crystal display section 112 displays "Copy ready" (step ■).

(6-5-3) Priority call In contrast, “Priority call” in FIG.
This is to explain the operation when the "No. 1 selection" mode is selected. In this mode, the IC card device 2
2 receives the format data from the IC card 131 and its compatibility is checked (steps ■, ■).
, the IC card device 22 checks whether the mode program is registered in storage area 1 of the IC card 131 (step 2). If it is registered (Y),
The mode program is read out together with other necessary control programs (step ■).

Then, the copy conditions are set (step ■),
``Copy possible'' is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 (step ■).

On the other hand, if the registration has not been made in storage area No. 1 in step ■ (N), the registration status data and additional control information are received (step ■), of which the registration status data is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 (step ■
, FIGS. 27-29).

After the registration status is displayed, the storage area of the mode program corresponding to the operator's desired copying conditions is selected. As a result, when the setting key 119 is pressed (step ■), the number indicated by the cursor 531 is read out, and it is determined whether a mode program is registered in the storage area (memory) corresponding to this number (step ■
). If the operator accidentally specifies an unregistered number (Y
), an unregistered display as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed (step 0). Here, when the operator specifies "Cancel" and presses the setting key 119 (step ■; Y), the control of the copying machine by the IC card 131 is canceled, and the IC card device 22 performs the operation of ejecting the IC card 131 ( Step■
). After this, as shown in FIG. 31, a message "Copy possible" is displayed (step ■).

On the other hand, if the operator selects "change number" and presses the setting key 119 (N), the process returns to step (2) and the registration status is redisplayed.

Also, if the number specified in step (2) is registered (step (2); N), the mode program in the storage area of that number is read from the IC card 131 (step (2)). Copy conditions will then be set using the mode program (step ■).
.

In contrast, Fig. 34 shows how to switch to priority call mode.
This is to explain the operation when the "Latest Selection" mode is selected. In this mode, the IC card device 2
2 receives the format data from the IC card 131 and its compatibility is checked (steps ■, ■),
Among the programs stored as mode programs in the IC card 131, the most recently registered or updated program is selected (step 2).

Then, the mode program is read from the IC card 131 (step ■), copy conditions are set (step ■), and the IC card 131 is ejected (rotep ■). ” will be displayed (step ■). Also, step ■
When the IC card 131 is found to be non-conforming (
N), the IC card 131 is ejected by the IC card device 22 (step ■), and the liquid crystal display section 112 displays "Copy possible" (step ■).

FIG. 35 shows a part of the memory area of the IC card that enables execution of such "latest selection" mode. This IC card 131 is equipped with a non-volatile memory, in which the date and time of registration or update and the number of calls of the program to the copying machine are recorded for each mode program area number "1" to "N". It has become so. For example, the “No. 1” area is June 25th, 10
Time: This registration or update is being performed, and the area “3rd” is being registered or updated at 11:00 on May 3rd.

The reason why the date and time are not written in the "No. 2" area is because a predetermined period of time (for example, 6 months) has passed, so the date and time are checked when the clock mechanism is checked when the machine is set in the copy machine. This is because the data has been deleted. In the example shown in FIG. 35, the "No. 1" area is the latest mode program, and this is called with priority.

On the other hand, the number of times the program is called for the copying machine is used when the copying machine is set to the "most selection" mode. In this example, the area “3rd” is called the most, and in the “most selection” mode, this area is called with priority. In addition, in a system in which data regarding the mode program actually used by the copying machine is fed back to the IC card 131 side, the IC card device 22 reads the current count number,
Add “1” for the mode program used and
What is necessary is to write it to the C card 131.

When the copying machine is set to the "most selected" mode, the selection content in step ■ in Figure 34 is changed from "select the latest program" to "select the most frequently used program." Therefore, the detailed explanation will be omitted.

In this embodiment, one mode program is called in the priority call mode, but the calls may be made in order of priority, and the mode programs may be set in accordance with this order.

FIG. 36 is for explaining a procedure for prioritizing and reading out a plurality of mode programs stored in an IC card. First, the IC card device 22
Determine whether priority is given to 1 (
Step ■). If no priority is assigned (N)
, a message ``Please press ``1'' to ``5'' on the numeric keypad in order starting from the highest priority to set the priority'' is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 112 (step 2).

At this time, even if some areas are unregistered, the operator inputs numbers for all five areas in order starting from the one with the highest priority. When all key personnel are finished (
Step ■;Y), and the order is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 (Step ■).

Thereafter, when a predetermined period of time, for example 6 seconds has elapsed, reading of the mode program from the IC card 131 is started according to the designated priority order (step 2).

On the other hand, at the stage of step ■, the IC card 131 has already (
If a priority order has been assigned (Y), the mode program will be read according to the priority order (step ■).

(6-6) Data Flow For example, the reception of registration status data etc. was explained in step (2) of FIG. 26, but if additional control information is registered in the IC card 131, A relatively large amount of data will be transmitted to the base machine 21 side. Therefore, in the copying machine of this embodiment, a large capacity transfer mode is set so that such data can be transmitted in a short time, and data is transmitted in this mode.

FIG. 37 is for explaining the data writing operation to the base machine 21 side by this large-capacity transmission. When the IC card 131 is set in the IC card device 22 and its suitability is determined, the base machine 21 detects this and starts reading data at a predetermined timing (step 2 in FIG. 26). At this time, data is transferred from the IC card 131 to the IC card device 22 at a transfer rate of 19200 BPS (bits per second).
Convert it to the speed of the main CPU as serial data.
121 for large capacity transfer. Here, large-capacity transfer means that the main CPU 121 temporarily suspends data exchange with each additional device and transfers data to and from the IC card device 22 while the main CPU 121 is not performing copy control on the base machine 21 side. This means devoting oneself to the transfer of information.

This large capacity transfer is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application No. 1987-097440, which was filed by the applicant of the present patent on April 22, 1986, under the title "Serial Communication Control Method."

The additional program of the IC card 131 sent to the main CPU 121 is stored in the RAM 121E. and,
Together with the data stored in the ROM 121D, this becomes a program for controlling the operation of the copying machine.

(6-7) Data Registration FIG. 38 explains the work for registering the currently set copying conditions of the copier, that is, the copying conditions currently displayed on the console panel 28, for the IC card. It is for.

As explained in FIG. 24, in this copying machine, after desired copying conditions are set by operating the console panel 28, the job switch 84 is operated, and the IC card 13 is
1 is detected, the IC card registration mode is automatically set (FIG. 24, step 2).

Once this registration mode is set, the IC card device @ 22 receives data representing the format from the IC card 131 (step ■) in the same way as in the case of calling, and confirms the compatibility with the copying machine of this embodiment. Check (step ■). And if it is compatible (step ■; Y
), and then receives registration status data and additional control information (step ■). The reason why it was decided to receive the additional control information is that since copying operations may be performed after the data registration operation mode, it is necessary to improve or change the functions of the copying machine. The registration status data is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 as shown in FIG. 27 (step 2).

After the registration status is displayed, the operator selects a storage area in which to register copy conditions. This allows setting key 1
When 19 is pressed (step ■), the number indicated by the cursor 531 is read out, and it is determined whether a mode program is registered in the corresponding storage area (memory) (step ■). If the operator mistakenly sets the already registered number "2" as tE (N), a message such as "Card memory 2 has been registered" is displayed (Step 2).

FIG. 39 shows an example of such a display. In this display state, the operator can select one of "cancel,""overwrite,""changenumber," and "clear memory" using the cursor 535. If the operator specifies "Cancel" and presses the setting key 119 (Step 2; Y), the control of the copying machine by the IC card 131 is canceled, and the IC card device 22 operates to eject the IC card 131. (Step ■). After this, as shown in FIG. 31, a message "Copy possible" is displayed (step O).

On the other hand, when the operator selects "overwrite" and presses the setting key 119 (step ■; Y), the copying conditions currently set on the console panel 28 and the area specified by the cursor 531 are displayed. number to the IC card 131 (step 0). When this transmission work is completed, a registration completion display is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 for a predetermined period of time as shown in FIG. 40 (step 0), and then step ○ is displayed. In this case, the display ``Available for copying'' and the message ``Registered'' may be displayed at the same time, or may be displayed alternately, for example, one second at a time.

If the operator selects "Change number" and presses the setting key 119 (step ■; Y), the process returns to step ■, the registration status is displayed, and an opportunity is given to respecify the storage area number. It will be done. In other cases, that is, when "memory clear" is specified (step ■;
N), the contents of that storage area are cleared (step ■
). This is because it is possible to perform data deletion at the same time as data registration. When the contents of the corresponding storage area are cleared, a clearing completion message is displayed as shown in FIG. 41 (step @). After this, a message "Copy possible" is displayed (step @).

Note that overwriting or clearing data involves erasing the previous data, so caution is required. Therefore, taking data clearing as an example, in order to execute clearing, press the setting key 1.
At the stage when 19 is pressed, a clear confirmation display may be displayed as shown in FIG. 42, and data processing may be performed on the condition that setting key 119 is pressed again.

Returning to step (2), if the storage area designated by the cursor 531 is unregistered (Y), the process advances to step @. That is, the copying conditions currently set on the console panel 28 and the number of the area designated by the cursor 531 are transmitted to the IC card 131 to perform the registration work.

Further, returning to step (2), if the format is found to be non-compliant as a result of checking the format (N), the IC card 131 is ejected by the IC card device 22 (
Step ■), the liquid crystal display section 112 displays a message saying "Copying is possible" (Step ○).

Note that although the case where the copying conditions displayed on the console panel 28 of the copier are registered in the IC card has been described, one or more mode programs registered in the job memory on the base machine 21 side can be registered in the IC card. It is also possible to register on the card 131. In this case, for example, instead of pressing the job switch 84 to insert the IC card 131, press the interrupt button 115 and insert the IC card 131.
By inserting the card 131, it is possible to determine whether the settings on the console panel 28 are to be registered or not.

(6-8) Program size As explained above, the copying machine of this embodiment uses an IC card as a portable storage medium.

Since the IC card has a relatively large storage capacity, in this embodiment, in order to actively utilize this, additional control information is also stored as a program for controlling various aspects of the copying machine. has already been explained.

Table 1 below shows the types of programs that can be stored in the IC card 131 and the maximum amount of memory required to store each program for some programs. In each copying machine, a necessary program is selected and written to the IC card 131, taking into consideration the additional devices currently used and future development possibilities. As already explained, the IC card 131 of this embodiment has a capacity of 32 bytes, so if a large number of programs are to be stored, multiple IC cards are prepared as necessary, and these are transferred from the IC card device 22. may be loaded in sequence, or a plurality of IC card devices may be prepared.

Of course, an IC card with a larger capacity may be used, or the IC card may be subdivided into j pieces according to purposes of use to relatively reduce the amount of additional control information required.

(Left space below) Table 2 Although not shown in FIG. 2, a console panel using a CRT display is one in which a CRT and a simple console panel or operation panel are attached to a copying machine. - For example, when setting the copy density, a plurality of marks prepared for each density are displayed on the CRT, and the copy density is selected using the shift key or cursor key.

Further, 5ADH is a semi-automatic document feeding device. When a document is manually inserted into one end of this 5ADH, it is conveyed to a predetermined position on the platen glass at a predetermined timing, and after exposure is completed, it is ejected to the document ejection tray.

Although not shown in Table 1, for example, if a program for a finisher is stored in the main body of the copying machine in addition to the sorter, the purchaser of the finisher can also install it in the main body of the copying machine. Here, the finisher is a device that has a function of not only sorting copy sheets but also automatically binding the copy sheets stacked in each bin with a stapler after sorting is completed.

(6-9> Program Transfer Based on Figure 43, we will explain in more detail the transfer of the program as additional control information.Transfer of the control program: Well, if there is a mistake in this, the operation of the copying machine will be affected. Since this may cause an abnormality, the copying machine of this embodiment takes sufficient consideration to this problem.

Now, when the IC card 131 is set in the IC card device 22, the base machine 21 detects this and starts reading data at a predetermined timing. At this time, 1
Data is transferred from the IC card 131 to the IC card device 22 at a transfer rate of 92008 PS (bits/second). In the IC card device 22, this is stored in RAM in a predetermined unit.
51L (FIG. 23), the data is checked for errors. Then, when the transferred data is free of errors, it is converted to a speed of 9600 BPS, and a large amount of data is transferred to the main CPL 1121 as serial data. Here, large-capacity transfer means that the main CPU 121 temporarily suspends data exchange with each additional device while not performing copy control on the base machine 21 side, and
It means to concentrate on transferring data between the card device 22 and the card device 22.

The program of the IC card 131 sent to the main CPU 121 is stored in the RAM 121E. and B.C.C.
After an error check is performed using the method, the ROM121
According to a predetermined program stored in D, various controls are performed on the additional devices that are in a usable state.

Programs stored in the ROM 121D include a job management program, a task management program, an input/output data control program, and the like. Here, the job management program is a program that manages the job execution order of programs stored in the RAM 121E. Further, the task management program is a program that creates and destroys tasks as the smallest unit of independently executable work. Furthermore, the input/output data control program is a program for moving data in the IC card 131 onto the RAM 121E.

In addition to programs for various additional devices, the IC card 131 can also store various data such as coordinate data read by the editor pad 132. Among these, programs for various additional devices are stored in the RAM 121E or, depending on the device, in a program storage area provided in a non-volatile memory U 121F (Fig. 7), and various data are stored in the R
It will be written to the data storage area of AM121E (nonvolatile memory 121F).

Although the flow of data from the IC card 131 to the copying machine main body has been described above, a similar large-volume transfer is performed when data stored in the copying machine main body is written to the IC card 131.

In the above embodiments, the control of the copying machine using the IC card 131 having a plurality of storage areas has been mainly described, but a dedicated IC card may be provided for each individual process to control the copying machine. .

FIG. 44 shows an overview of control by such a dedicated IC card.

What is shown here is an example of control in a copying machine configured so that data is not registered in the main body memory.
When the depression of the job switch 84 is detected (Y) and the insertion of the IC card is detected at step (2) (Y), data registration processing is performed from step (2) to step (2). That is, first, format data is received from the IC card 131 (step ■), its compatibility is checked (step ■), and then it is determined whether data is already registered in this IC card 131 (step ■). , if the registration has already been completed (Y), a message to that effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 112 (step ■), and the user is prompted to select "cancel" or "overwrite".

If it is determined to be "cancelled" (step 2; Y), the IC card 131 is directly ejected (step 2). Also,
If it is determined in step (2) that the data is not registered (Y), or if it is determined that "overwriting" is performed in step (2) (N), the registered data is written (step (2)).

After the data has been registered, the IC card 131 is ejected (step ■), and a message indicating that copying is possible is displayed (
step 0).

On the other hand, if the press of the job switch 84 is not detected in step ■ (N) and the insertion of the IC card is detected in step ■ (Y>), data recall processing is performed from step ■ to step ■. That is, As in the case of registration, I
After receiving the format data from the IC card 131 (step ■) and checking its compatibility (step 0), it is determined whether data is already registered in this IC card 131 (step ■), and the registered data is checked. If there is (Y), this data is read out (step o), and copying conditions are set based on this data (step 2). After the data has been retrieved, the IC card 131 is ejected (step ■), and a message indicating that copying is possible is displayed (step 0). Furthermore, if it is determined in step (2) that there is no registered data (N), the IC card 131 is directly ejected (step (2)).

(7.-2) Automatic start of data call and copy Also, in the process of calling data to the dedicated IC card 131, the call operation from the IC card 131 and the copy operation by the copier are linked to speed up processing. It is possible to obtain

FIG. 45 shows an outline of control in such automatic start processing.

If the job switch 84 is not pressed in step (2) and it is determined in step (2) that the IC card 131 is inserted (Y), data is read from the IC card 131 (step (2)). Since the IC card 131 has only one storage area, this process is automatically performed without requiring any key operations by the operator to select an area. The console panel 28 of the copier is then set to copy conditions based on the data read from the IC card 131 (step ■), and the copier automatically starts copying based on these conditions (step ■). . Note that if the job switch 84 is pressed in step (2), other processing modes are set (step (2)).

Incidentally, such automatic start of copying in response to a data call can be applied in the priority call mode or the like even in the case of the above-mentioned IC card 131 having a plurality of storage areas.

With such a configuration that automatically starts copying, copying operations using the IC card 131 can be performed extremely easily. In particular, copying machines require mechanical setting operations such as optical systems according to copying conditions.
Even if you insert the C card 131 and automatically retrieve the data, the setting operation will not be completed immediately, so wait until the setting operation is completed and the message "Ready to copy" is displayed before pressing the start button 117. It becomes necessary to operate the . However, by adopting this automatic start function, there is no need to perform any key operations between the insertion of the IC card and the copy operation, and there is no need to wait in front of the copier to operate the start button 117. Therefore, it is very advantageous in improving the efficiency of office work. This automatic start function is particularly effective, for example, when it is decided to use only the dedicated IC card 131 in order to repeatedly process routine tasks in a specific department of a company.

(7-3) Selection control of automatic start function (1) Selection of automatic start function By the way, the automatic start function described above is not a necessary function in all cases, and such processing is not performed automatically. This may be inconvenient. For example, it is common for small businesses to use a variety of IC cards, and since some of these cards have multiple storage areas, it is necessary to specify the area, and in some cases This is because, in some cases, it may be necessary to modify and use data that has been recalled several times, and uniform automatic start processing may not be possible. Whether or not such an automatic start function is necessary depends on the usage pattern of the copying machine, so it is effective to let the user of the copying machine select it. Furthermore, if it is determined whether or not automatic start is to be performed depending on the IC card 131 used, the copying machine can be used in a wide variety of ways, which is extremely convenient.

Therefore, in this copying machine, it is possible to set in advance on the copying machine side whether or not to automatically start copying using the IC card 131, or data for selection can be provided in each IC card 131. It is now possible to do so.

Settings on the copying machine side can be made by clicking the specification setting button 501 (
This is done by selecting the customer program according to FIG. That is, first, by pressing the specification setting button 501, the specification setting processing mode is set, and the program number "28" for automatic start selection is inputted using the numeric keypad 80, thereby specifying the program for automatic start selection. When selecting the automatic start function, enter "1" manually. Also, if you do not want to select the automatic start function, enter "0". Finally, the servant setting button 50 again
Press 1 to finish the setting work.

Further, the IC card 131 is provided with a bit for automatic start selection in its format data, for example, and if this value is "1", automatic start is performed.
If it is "0", automatic start is not performed.

(ii) Automatic start control The automatic start function set in the copying machine body and the IC card in this manner executes automatic start of copying based on the data read from the IC card 131.

As this method, for example, there is a method (first method) in which automatic start is executed when automatic start is selected on at least one of the copier main body side or the IC card side, and a method (first method) that executes automatic start on the copier main body side and the IC card side. A method (second method) in which automatic start is executed only when automatic start is selected in both can be adopted. This can be set at the manufacturing stage of the copier, or it can be set by the customer as described above.
This may be done by selecting a program.

FIG. 46 shows an overview of control according to the first method.

First, it is determined whether the automatic start function is selected on the copying machine side (step ■), and if it is selected (Y).
, select the automatic start processing mode (step ■). Also, if the automatic start function is not selected on the copying machine side (N), proceed to step ■ to determine whether the automatic start function is selected on the IC card side, and if it is selected ( Y), select the automatic start processing mode (step ■). Furthermore, if the automatic start function is not selected on the IC card side (N), a normal processing mode in which automatic start is not performed (step ■) is selected.

FIG. 47 shows an overview of control according to the second method.

First, it is determined whether the automatic start function is selected on the copying machine side (step ■), and if it is not selected (
N), select the normal processing mode (step ■) regardless of the conditions on the IC card side. Also, if the automatic start function is selected on the copying machine side, step
), the process proceeds to step (2), where it is determined whether or not the automatic start function is selected on the IC card side, and if it is selected (Y), the automatic start processing mode (step (2)) is selected. Furthermore, if the automatic start function is not selected on the IC card side, the normal processing mode (step ■) is selected.

In addition to this, it is also possible to select the automatic start processing mode based only on the conditions on the copying machine side, or select the automatic start processing mode based only on the conditions on the IC card side.

"Effects of the Invention" As described above, according to the present invention, the processing mode can be selected depending on the order of inserting an external storage medium and operating the selection means, thereby reducing the number of operations of the selection means and displaying can be simplified.

Moreover, if the recording apparatus is set to the data registration processing mode by inserting an external storage medium after operating the selection means, this selection can be made extremely easily.

Conversely, when an external storage medium is inserted without any operation of the selection means, the recording device is set to the data recall processing mode for the external storage medium! If you rub it, you can obtain even higher selection operation ease in conjunction with the data registration processing mode.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of the present invention, Figures 2 to 4
Figure 7 is for explaining one embodiment and modification of the recording device of the present invention, of which Figure 2 is a system configuration diagram showing the system configuration of a copying machine, and Figure 3 is a system configuration diagram of this copying machine. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of this copying machine, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the console panel of this copying machine, and FIG. 6 is an outline of the circuit configuration of this copying machine. Figure 7 is a circuit diagram that shows the main CPU, and Figure 8 is a block diagram that further expands Figure 6, centering on the main CPU.
The figure is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration around the photosensitive drum of a copying machine, and Figure 9 shows the main motor when the sub-developing device performs the first development and the main development device performs the second development. FIG. 10 is a timing diagram showing the operation of the main motor and the day solenoid when the main developing device performs the first development and the sub-developing device performs the second development. Figure 11 is a block diagram specifically showing the exposure system and console control section of the copying machine, Figure 12 is a block diagram specifically showing the copying machine's power supply, fixing device, etc., and Figure 13 is a copying machine. Figure 14 is a block diagram specifically showing the circuit configuration of the paper withdrawal system, Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the DADF, Figure 15 is a perspective view of the sorter, and Figure 16 is an overview of the conveyance system centered on the intermediate tray. 17 is a perspective view showing the system configuration of a copying machine equipped with an editor pad, FIG. 18 is a plan view of the editor pad, and FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the editor panel and i-display panel. , FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the large-capacity tray, FIG. 21 is an explanatory layout diagram showing the types of programs stored in the IC card,
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between basic control information and additional control information, and FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between basic control information and additional control information.
A block diagram showing the main parts of the circuit configuration of the connection part of the card,
Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an overview of the control of this copying machine equipped with an IC card device, Fig. 25 is a plan view showing the display contents of the selection options on the liquid crystal display, and Fig. 26 is a case in which data is called from an IC card. A flowchart specifically showing the operation of
FIG. 27 is a plan view showing an example of displaying registration status data on the liquid crystal display section, FIGS. 28 and 29 are plan views showing modified examples of displaying registration status data, and FIG. FIG. 31 is a plan view showing an example of the display on the liquid crystal display when an area is specified. FIG. 31 is a plan view showing the display state of the liquid crystal display when copying is possible. FIG. 32 is a plan view showing the copying machine set to batch call mode. A flowchart showing how data is retrieved from an IC card when
Figure 3 shows the copying machine in the priority call mode.
Figure 34 is a flowchart showing how data is retrieved from an IC card when the mode is set to "number selection" mode. A flowchart showing how data is called; FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing the registered contents of a part of the non-volatile memory of the IC card;
Figure 36 is a flowchart showing the process of prioritizing calls to the IC card mode program, Figure 37 is a block diagram showing how data is transferred from the IC card to the base machine, and Figure 38 is a A flowchart showing the process of registering data to a card. Fig. 39 is a plan view showing the display contents of the liquid crystal display when a registered storage area is specified as the registration area. Fig. 40 is a liquid crystal display when registration is completed. Fig. 41 is a plan view showing the display contents of the liquid crystal display section when data in a predetermined storage area is cleared, and Fig. 42 is a plan view showing the display contents of the liquid crystal display section when data in the storage area is cleared. A plan view showing a confirmation display in the section;
Fig. 43 is a circuit explanatory diagram showing how the program is read, Fig. 44 is a flowchart showing an overview of control of the copying machine according to a modified example, and Fig. 45 shows automatic start of copying by calling data from an IC card. Fig. 46 is a flowchart showing an overview of the first method for selecting the automatic start function of copying. Fig. 47 is a flowchart showing an overview of the first method for selecting the automatic start function of copying. Flowchart outlining the first method for
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventionally proposed recording apparatus, and FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the operation of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 48. 11...External storage medium, 12...Reading means, 13...Selection means, 14...Detection means, 15...Discrimination means , 16...setting control means, 22.22A...IC card device, 121...
...Main CPL11 121D, 512...ROM. 121E...RAM. 121F...Nonvolatile memory, 129...
...CPU for cards. 130...■・E interface, 131・
...IC card, 511...RAM0 Applicant: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Agent

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Reading means for reading data stored in an external storage medium, selection means for selecting a type of processing mode for the external storage medium, and detection of insertion of the external storage medium. a detection means for determining whether the operation of the selection means is performed or the insertion of an external storage medium; and a setting control means for selectively setting a processing mode for the external storage medium based on the determination result of the determination means. A recording device comprising: 2. The reading means is configured as a reader/writer that registers and retrieves data with the external storage medium, and when insertion of the external storage medium is detected after operating the selection means, the setting control means 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is set to a data registration processing mode for an external storage medium. 3. When insertion of the external storage medium is detected without any operation of the selection means, the setting control means sets the main device to a data recall processing mode for the external storage medium. Range 1st or 2nd
Recording device as described in section. 4. The recording device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it is equipped with an internal storage means capable of registering and recalling data of the same type as data stored in an external storage medium. . 5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising display means for displaying various mode selections for instructing selection operations of processing modes by the recording device. Recording device. 6. It has an external storage medium and an internal storage means, and the display means performs a process of registering data to the external storage medium or performs a process of registering or recalling data to the internal storage means when the selection means is operated. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a processing mode selection display for instructing the selection operation. 7. When the selection means is operated and the display means displays the data processing mode selection display, if the detection means detects insertion of an external storage medium, the setting control means sets the main unit to the external storage medium. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording apparatus is set to a data registration processing mode. 8. The recording device according to claim 3, wherein the reader/writer reads out all at once data for performing a plurality of types of processing registered in an attached external storage medium. 9. The display means is characterized in that when data for performing a plurality of types of processing is read out at once from the external storage medium by the reader/writer, a display is performed to instruct the selection operation. A recording device according to claim 5. 10. A patent characterized in that the setting control means sets the main device to a data recall processing mode for an external storage medium, and after this call processing is executed, further starts a recording operation based on the read data. A recording device according to claim 3. 11. The recording device according to claim 10, wherein a recording operation is performed on an external storage medium that stores dedicated data for performing one type of processing. 12. A patent claim characterized in that a recording operation is performed on an external storage medium storing data for performing multiple types of processing, using predetermined priority data of one type among the multiple types of processing. The recording device according to item 10. 13. Claim 10, characterized by having a storage unit that stores data for selecting whether or not to adopt an automatic start function of a recording operation based on reading data from an external storage medium. recording device. 14. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the external storage medium is an IC card. 15. A patent characterized in that the recording device is an electrostatic copying machine, and the data stored in the external storage medium includes copying conditions that define various conditions for copying with the copying machine. A recording device according to claim 1. 16. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is an image information processing device including a facsimile device and a printer.