JPH02197861A - Pop-up display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To offer a recording device which can be widely used even if a screen size is small and also has a good operability by introducing a color CRT display as a user interface (UI) and displaying detailed set items about a mode and a function as the pop-up display. CONSTITUTION:The UI 1 is constituted of a display means 2, a touch board 3 and a display control means 4, and the UI 1 is connected to the recording device main body 5 through a communication line 6. It is desirable that the color CRT display is introduced as the display means 2. When a soft button 7 is depressed, the co-ordinate of the soft button is detected so as to be informed to the recording device main body 5 in the display control means 4. In the recording device main body 5, when it is recognized that a pop-up mark as the information for identification is put on the soft button, the display control means 4 is informed of the effect of displaying a prescribed pop-up. Then, the prescribed pop-up 10 is displayed on the prescribed position in the screen 9 by the display control means 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording device such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a printer device that records image information.

In particular, user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI)
The present invention relates to a pop-up display method for a recording apparatus that employs a CR'r display.

[Conventional technology] Chikama With the introduction of computers, recording devices such as copying machines have come to make full use of advanced control technology and data processing technology, so the functions that can be used have become more diverse, and the selection and execution of functions has become more difficult. Many and various operations are required to set the conditions. For the operator, there are many types of operations to memorize, which makes the operations complicated, making it easy for the operator to make mistakes in the operating procedure or make erroneous operations. Therefore, a console panel is used to make operations as easy as possible for the operator. The console panel is provided with operating means such as various key switches and a numeric keypad for selection of operations, and is further provided with display lamps and indicators that display selections made by key operations, setting status, and operation guidance messages.

Conventional UIs are mainly console panels on which keys, LEDs, and liquid crystal displays are arranged, and include, for example, stick-lit type UIs and UIs with message displays. A backlit type console panel is a display board on which a fixed message has been placed at a predetermined position, and is selectively illuminated from behind with a lamp or the like to make that part readable. The console panel is constructed of, for example, a liquid crystal display element and is designed to display various messages at any time without increasing the display area. In these console panels,
Which of these is adopted is determined for each copying machine by taking into account the complexity of the system configuration of the copying machine, the operability, etc.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing an example of a console panel adopted in a copying machine, which has already been separately proposed by the present applicant (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 62-278653 to No. 62-278655). be.

A menu display board 1002 is arranged on the upper part of the console panel 1001, and the contents of each panel section (1003 to 1.008) are displayed in characters.

Among these, one switch 1009 and two indicator lamps 1010 are arranged on the sorter panel 1003, so that the sorting mode (stack mode and collation mode) can be selected when the sorter is connected. It has become.

The function selection panel 1004 includes a switch 1011 for editing, correcting, and checking images, a switch 1012 for storing in job memory, a page continuous copy function, a border erase function, a margin function, and various other copying forms. A switch 1013 for making a double-sided copy, a switch 1014 for making a double-sided copy, and a display lamp 1015 for indicating whether or not these switches are selected are arranged.

The monochromatic color emphasis panel 1005 has four display lamps 1015 at the top that indicate the type (color) of the color developer.
There are four switches 1016 in the remaining part.
~1019 and an indicator lamp 10 for indicating which of these switches 1016 to 1019 is set.
10 are arranged. These are a marking color switch 1016, a partial color conversion switch 1017, a continuous shooting color composition switch 1018, and a single color switch 1.
It is 019.

The copy density panel 1006 includes a display lamp 1010 indicating which of the five levels of covey density has been selected, and a shift key 1 for selecting one of these copy densities.
020.1021 is located. When the upper shift key 1020 is pressed, the copy density is set to become lighter, and when the lower shift key 1021 is pressed, the copy density is set to become darker.For example, the density can be adjusted in 16 steps. Copy density panel 100
An automatic concentration adjustment switch 1023 is placed below 6.
As a result of this operation, the automatic density display lamp 1022 lights up and the automatic density adjustment mode is entered.

The magnification/paper selection panel 1007 has a section on the left side for setting and displaying the magnification, and a section on the right side for setting and displaying the 0 magnification. Shift keys 1024 and 1025 for setting an arbitrary magnification and a magnification display section 1023 are arranged.Next to this is a fixed magnification key 1026 for selecting a predetermined fixed magnification, its magnification display board 1027, and a display lamp 1010. It is located. In the area where copy paper is selected, eight types of display boards 1028 displaying paper sizes or paper types and shift keys 1029 and 1030 for selecting one of these are arranged. Also, on the left side of the eight types of display boards 1028,
An indicator lamp 1010 is arranged to indicate which paper size or paper has been selected. In addition, the magnification
Below the paper selection panel 1007, there is an automatic paper/paper selection screen for selecting a preset combination of magnification and paper size.
A magnification selection switch 1031 is arranged.

A symbol 1032 of this copying machine and a liquid crystal display section 1033 are arranged on a display panel 1008 located on the right side of the magnification/sheet selection panel 1007. The pattern 1032 is
The selected state of the supply tray, the location of the paper jam, etc. are displayed by lighting lamps, and the liquid crystal display section 1033 displays various messages in sentences including Chinese characters, and allows selection of functions and setting of execution conditions.

Furthermore, various keys or buttons are arranged below the display panel 1008 as well. These include an all-clear button 1034 for returning the copying machine to its basic state, that is, priority mode, and a numeric keypad 1035 for entering numerical values for setting the number of copies and specifying the diagnostic content when diagnosing the copying machine. , Interrupt button 1036, which is used when continuous copying is in progress and it is necessary to make another emergency copy, when stopping the copying process midway, when setting the number of copies, and when changing the sorter bin. Stop clear button 10 used as a clear button when setting
37. Start button 1 to start copying work
038, a selection key 1039 for moving the cursor to the message displayed on the liquid crystal display section 1033, a setting key 104 for setting the location specified by the cursor
It is 0 etc.

The console panel described above has an area for basic operations such as paper selection and copy density setting, and an area for advanced operations such as function selection and monochromatic color enhancement, which are separated.

In addition, by displaying sentences containing kanji and kana on the liquid crystal display section 1033 to assist in advanced operations, an effort is made to reduce the occurrence of errors in panel operations as much as possible.

In the case of copying machines, there are many combinations of such machines, such as those equipped with various functions in the main machine, and those equipped with additional devices such as sorters, automatic document feeders, paper trays, and IC card devices. The available functions differ depending on these combinations, so the number of switches placed on the console panel for selecting functions and the processing within the device associated with operation also differ, and the display lamps change accordingly. The arrangement and number of display devices also differ. Therefore,
The console panel is designed by determining the arrangement and size of switches and displays depending on the size of the copying machine.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, since the conventional recording apparatus employs a console panel, all parameters must be set using hard buttons. In particular, in the case of a multi-functional color copier like this copying machine, there are many settings to be made, so adopting a console panel would require many buttons, which would be at odds with making it more compact. In order to make it compact, the size of the buttons is reduced and the buttons are crowded together, making the surface of the console panel cumbersome. Also, for users, the more buttons there are, the more likely they are to get lost and confused.
This is especially noticeable for beginners.

The present invention solves the above problems by adopting a color CRT display as the UI and displaying detailed setting items for modes and functions as a pop-up, so that it can be widely used even if the screen size is small. At the same time, the main purpose is to provide users with only the necessary information when they need it, thereby providing an easy-to-use UI.

Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a psychological sense of security to the user by setting the background color of the pop-up to the same color as the background of the currently selected function selection area (busway).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pop-up display method in which opening, closing, and operation are unified.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pop-up display method that thoroughly guides the user to the operation method.

[Means and Operations for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the pop-up display system of the present invention is constructed as shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 1(a)
As shown in FIG.
, and a display control means 4. The UII is connected to the recording apparatus main body 5 through a communication line d. Since this recording apparatus records color images, it is desirable to use a color CRT display as the display means 2. Further, as the touch board 3, it is preferable to adopt an optical touch board using infrared rays from the viewpoint of operability, and by placing the touch board 3 in front of the display means 2, soft buttons can be formed. I can do it. In other words, the user can select a desired mode or function, input parameters, etc. by simply touching the touch board 3 lightly. The recording device main body 5 may be any device that records images, such as a black and white copying machine, a color copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, etc.

Now, when a soft button is pressed, the display control means 4 detects the coordinates of the soft button and notifies the recording apparatus main body 5 of the coordinates. The recording device main body 5 has the soft button shown in Fig. 1 (
When it is recognized that a pop-up mark as identification information as shown in 8 of b) is attached, it notifies the display control means 4 that a predetermined pop-up is to be displayed. In addition, 7 in FIG. 1(b) indicates a soft button. Then, the display control means 4 displays a predetermined pop-up 10 at a predetermined position on the screen 9 as shown in FIG. 1(c). In this way, the user can open the pop-up 10 and set the necessary parameters in the pop-up 10.

To close the pop-up, just press the save/close button or cancel button provided in the pop-up, and if you close it with the save/close button, the set parameters will be registered in the recording device main body 5.
If you close it with the cancel button, all parameters set in the popup will be invalidated.

When a pop-up is closed, the screen returns to the screen that was displayed immediately before the pop-up was opened. This is because pop-ups have a hierarchical structure. However, for pop-ups with deep layers, it is cumbersome to return to the original screen each time, so they are cycled.

Also, in special cases, i.e. in manual copy mode,
A pop-up will now automatically appear when the start button is pressed, when moving between editing busways, or when it is necessary to specify whether an editing function should be applied to the entire document or an area. It will be done. In other words, the manual copy mode has a high priority and is always selected when paper is inserted into the manual feed tray, so the paper size is automatically selected when paper is inserted into the manual feed tray. This will open a pop-up for you. Furthermore, when the start button is pressed, it is necessary to inform the user of modes or functions that can be set even during copying, so a run frame is automatically displayed. In addition, each editing busway is mutually exclusive, so when moving an editing busway, a pop-up button for confirming the user's intention (
Are you sure pop-up) automatically displayed. Furthermore, some editing functions can be applied to the entire document or to a specified area, and when the editing function is selected, it must be specified whether to apply it to the entire document or to a specified area. Therefore, when the editing function is selected, the entire/area pop-up is automatically displayed.

As a result of the above, even if the screen of the display means 2 is small, the logical space for displaying information can be expanded, and therefore the user can obtain only the necessary information when necessary, without being given unnecessary information. Therefore, there are few selection items, and the possibility of erroneous operation is extremely low.

Furthermore, since the pop-up operation is unified, the user can proceed with the operation by analogy.

[Example code] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Examples.

Table of Contents In this embodiment, a color copying machine will be explained as an example of a recording device, but the present invention is not limited to this (it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to printers, facsimile machines, and other image recording devices).

First, prior to explaining the examples, a table of contents will be shown.

In the following description, (I) to (II) are sections that outline the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and sections that explain the present invention in detail within the configuration. is (m).

(1) Overview of the device (1-1) Device configuration (1-2) System functions and features (1-3) Electrical control system configuration (U) Specific configuration of each part (II-1) System ( n-2) I IT (II-3) IPS (n-4) IOT (n-5) F/P (III) User interface (UI) (m-1)
Adoption of color CRT display and optical touch board (m-2) Installation of UI (m-3) System configuration (nl-4) Display screen configuration (III-5) Busway and its layout (m-
6) Busway interaction (II!-7) Screen transition (m-8) SYSUI software module (m-9
) Other screen controls (m-10) Button method (III-11) Pop-up display method (main part of the present invention) (1) Overview of the device (1-1) Device configuration Fig. 2 shows the present invention applied. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a color copying machine.

A color copying machine to which the present invention is applied has a base machine 30 as a basic configuration, a platen glass 31 on which an original is placed, an image input terminal (IIT) 32.
Electrical system control storage section 33, image output terminal (IO
T) 34, paper tray 35, user interface (U
/I) Consists of 36 options: edit pad 61, auto document feeder (ADF)
62, sorter 63 and film projector (F/P
)64.

Electrical hardware is required to control the IIT% IOT, U/I, etc., but these hardwares include the IIT, IPS, U/I, F/I, which processes the output signals of the IIT, etc. It is divided into multiple boards for each processing unit such as P, etc. It is further divided into multiple boards for each processing unit, and it is further divided into electrical It is stored in the control system storage section 33.

The IIT 32 consists of an imaging unit 37, a wire 38 for driving the unit, a drive pulley 39, etc. The IIT 32 uses a CCD line sensor and a color filter in the imaging unit 37 to convert color originals into primary colors of light B (
(blue), G (green), and R (red), convert them into digital image signals, and output them to Ips.

In IPS, the B, G, and R signals of the IIT32 are converted into toner primary colors Y (yellow), C (cyan), M (magenta), and K (black), and further changes in color, gradation, definition, etc. To improve reproducibility.

Perform various data processing to convert the Pro-7 scalar gradation toner signal into an on/off binary toner signal, l0
Output to T34.

10T34 has a scanner 40, a sensitive material belt 41,
The image signal from the IPS is converted into an optical signal in the laser output unit 40a, and is transmitted to the photosensitive material belt 4 via the polygon mirror 40b, the F/θ lens 40c, and the reflective mirror 40d.
A latent image corresponding to the original image is formed on the original image. The sensitive material belt 41 is driven by a drive pulley 41a, and around it are a cleaner 41b and chargers 41c, Y, M.
, C, and K developing devices 41d and a transfer device 41e are arranged. A transfer device 42 is provided opposite to the transfer device 41e, and holds the paper sent from the paper tray 35 through the paper conveyance path 35a.For example, in the case of a four-color full-color copy.

Rotate the transfer device 42 four times to print Y, M, C on the paper.
Transfer in 5K order. The transferred paper is ejected from the transfer device 42 via the vacuum conveyance device 43 and fixed by the fixing device 45. Further, the paper conveyance path 35a includes an SSI
Paper is also selectively supplied from the (single sheet inserter) 35b.

The U/I 36 allows the user to select a desired function and instruct its execution conditions, and is equipped with a color display 51, a hard control panel 52 next to it, and an infrared touch board 53 to control the software on the screen. Direct commands can be given using buttons. Next, options for the base machine 30 will be explained. One is that an edit pad 61, which is a coordinate input device, is placed on the platen glass 31, and various image edits can be performed using an input pen or a memory card. In addition, the existing ADF
62, it is possible to attach a sorter 63.

Furthermore, the feature of this embodiment is that the platen glass 31
A mirror unit (M/U) 65 is placed on top, and the F
/P 64 to project the film image, IIT32
By reading the image signal as an image signal with the imaging unit 37, it is possible to make a color copy directly from the color film. The target document can be negative film, positive film, or slide, and is equipped with an autofocus device and an automatic correction filter exchange device.

(I-2) Functions and Features of the System (A) Functions The present invention fully automates the process from entrance to exit of copying operations while providing a wide variety of functions that meet the needs of users. A major feature is that function selection, execution condition selection, and other menus are displayed on a display such as a CRT, making it easy for anyone to operate.

Its main functions include start, stop, all clear, numeric keypad, interactive, and
Information, language switching, etc. are performed, and various functions can be selected by touching soft buttons on the basic screen. In addition, by touching the busway tab corresponding to the pathway in the function selection area, you can select various editing functions such as marker editing, business editing, creative editing, etc., and you can copy full color and black and white with simple operations that can be used like a conventional copy. It can be performed.

A major feature of this device is its four-color full-color function, in addition to which three colors and black can be selected.

For paper supply, automatic paper selection and paper specification are possible.

The reduction/enlargement can be set in 1% increments within the range of 50 to 400%, and it also has a partial magnification function that independently sets the vertical and horizontal magnifications, and an automatic magnification selection function.

Copy density is automatically adjusted for black and white originals.

Automatic color balance adjustment is performed for color originals.
Color balance allows you to specify the colors you want to reduce on your copy.

The job program can read and write jobs using a memory card, and up to eight jobs can be stored on the memory card. It has a capacity of 32 gigabytes and is programmable for jobs other than film projector mode.

In addition, additional functions include copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film projector page programming, and margin functions.

For the copy output, if a sorter is attached as an option and tlncollated is selected, the maximum adjustment function will work to adjust the set number of sheets to within the maximum bin storage value.

Copy sharpness, which emphasizes edges, is available as an option with 7-step manual sharpness adjustment,
Photo), Character (Character), Halftone printing (Print), Mixing of photo and text (Photo).

/Character) is provided. You can also set the default and tool bus ways as you like.

Copy contrast can be controlled by the operator in 7 steps, and the default can be set as desired using the tool path.

The copy position is a function for selecting a position on a sheet of paper to place a copy image, and has an optional auto-centering function for placing the center of the copy image on the center of the sheet, and the default is auto-centering.

A film projector is a device that can make copies of various types of film.It has a 35m negative/positive projection, a 35m+a negative platen, and a mounting cm
6 am slide platen holder, 4 inX 4in
Slide platen placement can be selected. With a film projector, A4 paper will not be automatically selected unless you select the paper I7.Furthermore, there is a color balance function in the film projector pop-up, and if you set the color balance to "reddish", it will look reddish, or 'blue'. If you set it to "flavor", it will correct for a bluish appearance.It also has its own automatic density control and manual density control.

Page programming includes a cover function that attaches a front/back cover or front cover to copies, an insert function that inserts blank or colored paper between copies, a color mode that allows you to set the color mode for each page of the original, and a color mode that allows you to set the color mode for each page of the original. There is a paper selection function that allows you to select the paper tray and set it in conjunction with the color mode.

The margin can be set in the range of 0 to 30 degrees in increments of 11, and only one side can be specified for one document.

Marker editing is a function that edits the area surrounded by markers, and is intended for documents. Therefore, the original is treated as a black and white original, and when in black mode, the specified area is
RT, 1: Returns to the palette color, and the area outside the designated area becomes a black copy. In addition, in red-black mode, the image is converted to red, and the area outside the area is a red-black copy.
It has color mesh and black to color functions. Note that the area specification is performed by drawing a closed loop on the document surface or by specifying the area using the numeric keypad or edit pad. The same applies to area specification in each editing function below. The designated area is then displayed in a similar shape in the bitmap area on the CRT.

Trim copies only the image within the marked area in black and white,
Images outside the marked area are erased.

The mask erases the image within the marked area and copies only the image outside the marked area in black and white.

With color mesh, a specified color pattern is placed within the marked area, and the image is copied in black and white.The colors of color mesh are 8 standard colors (predetermined colors), 8
You can select from registered colors (up to 8 out of 16.7 million colors registered by the user at the same time), and you can select from 4 patterns for the mesh.

With black to color, the image in the marked area can be copied in a specified color selected from 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors.

Business editing aims to quickly create high-quality originals mainly for business documents, and manuscripts are treated as full-color manuscripts.All functions require specification of areas or points, and multiple functions can be set for one manuscript. .

When in black/mono color mode, areas other than the specified area are copied in black or mono color, and black images are copied within the area.
The color is converted to the palette color on RT, and in red-black mode, outside the specified area is converted to red-black copy area, and inside the area is converted to red. Then, in addition to the same trim as for marker editing, color mesh, black to color, logotype,
It has the following functions: Line, Paint 1, Collection, and Function Clear.

Logotype is a function that allows you to insert a logo such as a symbol mark at a specified point, and two types of logos can be placed vertically and horizontally. However, only one logo pattern can be set for one document, and the logo pattern is prepared for each customer and supplied from the ROM.

Line is a function that draws perpendicular or horizontal lines to the X-axis using a 22-point display, and the line colors are 8 standard f! - You can select from 8 registered colors for each line, the number of lines that can be specified is unlimited, and up to 7 colors can be used at a time.

Paint 1 is a function that fills the inside of a closed loop with a color selected from 8 standard @, 8 registered colors for each loop by specifying one point inside the closed loop.

The mesh can be selected from four patterns for each area, the number of loops that can be specified is unlimited, and the number of color patterns that can be used is up to seven.

The collection function includes area/point change where you can check and modify the setting function for each area, area/point collection where you can change the area size and point position in increments of one line, and area where you can erase a specified area. / Point cancel mode, which allows you to correct, change, delete, etc. the specified area.

Creative editing includes image composition, copy-on-copy color composition, partial image shift, multi-page enlargement, paint 1, color mesh, color conversion, negative 7 positive repeat paint 2, density control, color balance, copy contrast, copy sharpness, color mode, trim, masking, mirror image, margin, line,
Shift, Logotype, Split Scan, Collection, Function Clear, Add Function
With this function, the document is treated as a color document. Multiple functions can be set for one document, functions can be used together for one area, and the specified area can be a rectangle or a color by specifying two points. Points are based on one point instruction.

Image composition involves copying the base original in color in four cycles, then holding the paper on a transfer device.
This is a function that copies the trimmed original in 4 cycles and outputs 5 copies.

Copy-on-copy is a function that, after copying the first original in four cycles, holds the paper on the transfer device, and subsequently copies and outputs the second original in four cycles.

The color composition is made by copying the first original in magenta, then holding the paper on the transfer device, then copying the second original in cyan, holding the paper on the transfer device, and then copying the third original. This is a function to overlay the image in yellow and output it after copying. In the case of a 4-color composition, it also overlays it in black and outputs it after copying.

Partial image shift is a function that holds the paper on the transfer device after color copying in 4 cycles, and then copies and outputs the paper overlappingly in 4 cycles.

Among the color modes, in full color mode, copies are made in 4 cycles, in 3-color color mode, copies are made in 3 cycles, except when edit mode is set, and in black mode, copies are made in 1 cycle, except when edit mode is set. Copies in cycles, and in plus 1 color mode copies in 1 to 3 cycles.

)K Pathway includes Auditron, Machine Setup, Default Selection, Color Registration, Film Type Registration, Color Correction, Preset, Film Projector Scan Area Correction, Audio Tone, Timer Set, Billing Mechanism Diagnostic Mode, Maximum Adjustment, Memory card formatting is provided. In order to make settings or changes on this busway, you must enter your PIN number. Therefore, set/set in the tool bus way.
Only key operators and customer engineers can make changes. However, only the customer engineer can enter the diagnostic mode.

Color registration is in color mode!・Used to register colors in the register color buttons inside.The color original is read by the CCD line sensor.

Color correction is used to fine-tune the colors registered in the register color buttons.

Film type registration is used to register the register film type used in film projector mode. If it is not registered, the register button cannot be selected on the film projector mode screen.

Presets include reduction/enlargement values, copy density 7 steps,
Copy sharpness 7 steps, copy contrast 7
Preset steps.

Film projector scan area collection
Adjust the scan area in film projector mode.

Audio tone adjusts the volume used for lingering sounds, etc.

The timer setting is for setting a timer that can be released to the key operator.

In addition, there is a crash recovery function that restarts the subsystem when it enters a crash state, a function that puts the subsystem into fault mode if it cannot return to normal even after performing crash recovery twice, and a function that causes jams. There are also functions to deal with abnormal systems, such as an emergency shutdown function in the event of an abnormality.

Furthermore, it is possible to combine basic copy and additional functions, basic/additional functions and marker editing, business editing, creative editing, etc.

The entire system of the present invention having the above functions has the following features.

(B) Features (A) Achievement of high image quality in full color This device improves black image quality, light color reproducibility, generation copy quality, OHP image quality, fine line reproducibility, film copy image quality reproducibility, and copy maintainability. The aim is to achieve high-quality, full-color images that can clearly reproduce color documents.

(b) Lower cost photosensitive image developing nose Reduces the cost of art materials such as toner and consumables, reduces service costs such as UMR and parts costs, and makes it possible to use it as a dual-purpose black and white copying machine, as well as black and white copying. By achieving a speed of 30 sheets/A4 paper, which is about three times that of the conventional model, we aim to lower running costs and reduce the unit price of paper copies.

(c) Improving productivity The input/output device is equipped with an ADF and a sorter (optional) to enable processing of large numbers of originals.The magnification can be selected from 50 to 400%, and the maximum original size is A3, paper!・Rei is in upper B
5-B4, middle row B5-B4, lower row B5-A3. 5SI
B5 to A3, copy speed 4 full color, A
4 in 4. 8CPM.

4.8CPM for B4, 2.8CPM for A3. 4CPfvX,
Black and white, 19.2CPM for A4, i for B4, 9.6CPM for 4A3, warm-up time within 8 minutes, FCOT within 28 seconds for 4 full colors, 7 for black and white
Continuous copying speed is 7.5 full color pages/A4. Aiming for high productivity by achieving 30 black and white sheets/A4.

(d) Improved operability Hard buttons and CR on the hard control panel
By using the soft buttons on the T-screen soft panel, it is easy for beginners to understand, does not bother experts, allows direct selection of functions, and concentrates operations in one place to improve operability. Colors are used effectively to accurately convey the necessary information to the operator. High-fidelity copying can be performed using only the hard control panel and basic screen operations.
Start, stop, all clear, interrupt, etc. that cannot be specified in the operation flow are performed by operating the node button, and paper selection, reduction/enlargement, copy density, image quality adjustment, color mode, color balance adjustment, etc. are performed by operating the basic screen soft panel. This makes it easy for users of conventional single-color copying machines to use it naturally. Furthermore, various editing functions can be opened and selected by simply touching the pathway tab in the pathway area of the soft panel. Further, by storing the copy mode, its execution conditions, etc. in advance in the memory card, it is possible to automate certain operations.

(E) Enhanced functionality By touching the pathway tab in the pathway area of the software panel, you can open a pathway and select various editing functions.For example, marker editing uses a tool called marker to edit black and white documents. Business editing allows you to quickly create high-quality originals mainly for business police boxes, and creative editing provides a variety of editing functions, including full color supervision, monochrome editing with many options, and designers.
We are able to accommodate specialists such as copy service providers and key operators. In addition, the area specified in the editing function is displayed as a bitmap area, allowing you to confirm the specified area.

In this way, the rich editing functions and color creation can greatly improve your ability to express your writing.

(f) Achievement of power saving Achieving a high-performance copying machine with 4 full colors and 1.5kVA. Therefore, 1.5kV in each operation mode
A control method to achieve A has been determined, and power distribution by function has been determined to set target values. In addition, an energy system table is created to determine energy transmission routes, and energy systems are managed and verified.

(C) Example of differentiation The copying machine to which the present invention is applied can be used in both full color and black and white, is easy for beginners to understand, allows experienced users to make copies without bothering them, and is enriched with various functions to make copying easier. Since it is possible not only to take pictures but also to create originals, it can be used by professionals and artists, and in this point, it is possible to differentiate the use of copying machines. An example of its use is shown below.

For example, poster calendars that were traditionally printed
Cards, invitations, New Year's cards with photos, etc. can be produced at a much lower cost than printing if the number of cards is not very large. In addition, by making full use of the editing function, you can create original calendars according to your tastes, for example, and instead of printing uniformly by company, you can create original and diverse prints by section. It becomes possible to create.

In addition, as seen in interiors and electrical products in recent years)
Colors affect sales volume, and by copying colored designs at the production stage of interiors and clothing items, multiple people can consider the colors as well as the design, which can improve consumption. It is possible to develop new colors. In particular, in the apparel industry, when ordering products from distant production sites, by sending a colored copy of the completed drawing, colors can be specified more accurately than before, improving work efficiency. Can be done.

Furthermore, since this apparatus can be used for both color and black-and-white printing, it is possible to make the required number of copies of a single document in black-and-white or color, as required. Therefore, for example, when learning color studies at a vocational school or university,
Colored designs can be expressed in both black and white and color, and by comparing the two, it is possible to understand the impact of brightness and coloring on visual perception, for example, it can be clearly seen that red has almost the same brightness as gray. You can also learn.

(1-3) Configuration of Electrical Control System In this section, the hardware architecture, software architecture, and state division of the electrical control system of this copying machine will be explained.

(A) Hardware architecture and software architecture When a color CRT is used as a UI like this copying machine, the amount of data for color display increases compared to when a monochrome CRT is used, and the display screen size increases. Configuration If you try to create a more friendly UI by devising screen transitions, the amount of data will increase.

On the other hand, although it is possible to use a CPU with a large memory capacity, the board becomes large, making it difficult to store it in the copier itself, and making it difficult to respond flexibly to changes in specifications. However, there are problems such as high cost and so on.

Therefore, in this copying machine, we have made it possible to cope with the increase in the amount of data by distributing CPtJ using a remote technology that can be shared with other models or devices such as a CRT controller.

The electrical hardware is as shown in Figure 3.
It is roughly divided into three types: UI system, sys system, and MCB system. The UI system includes the UZ remote 70 & in the SYS system, "C" is the F/P remote 72 that controls the F/P.
, an IT remote 73 that performs document reading, and an IPS remote 74 that performs various image processing are distributed. II
The T-remote 73 has an IIT controller 73a for controlling the imaging unit, and a VIDEO circuit 73b that digitizes the read image signal and sends it to the IPS remote 74.
74a. SYS (5yst
e+m) A remote 71 is provided.

SYS! Since the J-Mort 71 requires a huge amount of memory capacity for programs and the like to control the screen transitions of the UI, an 8086 equipped with a 16-bit microcomputer is used. Note that in addition to 8086, for example, 68000 etc. can also be used.

In addition, in the MCB system, the video signal used to form a latent image on the photosensitive material belt with a laser is received from the IPS remote 74, and a raster output scan (Raster Output 5 can) is used to send it to the IOT.
: RO3) interface VCB (Video)
o Control Board) remote 76, RCB remote 7 for the servo of the transfer device (turdle)
7. Furthermore, IOT, ADF, Sokyu accessories
The IOB remote 78 as an I10 boat and the accessory remote 79 are distributed and an MCB (Master Con
trol Board) A remote 75 is provided.

Note that each remote in the figure is composed of one board. Also, the thick solid line in the figure is 187°5 kbps.
L N E T high speed communication style The thick broken line is 9600b
The figures show the master/slave type serial communication networks of PS, and the thin solid lines indicate hot lines which are transmission paths for control signals. Also, 76.8 kbps in the figure is used to notify the graphic information drawn on the edit pad, the copy mode information input from the memory card, and the graphic information in the editing area from the UI remote 70 to the PS remote 74. This is a dedicated line. Furthermore, CCC (Co
mmunicati.

n Control Chip) is an IC that supports the protocol of the high-speed communication line LNET.

As mentioned above, hardware architecture can be roughly divided into three types: UI system, SYS system, and MCB system.
The explanation is as follows with reference to . The arrow in the figure indicates the 187.5 kbps LNET high-speed communication lI! shown in Figure 3. 4. This figure shows the relationship between data exchange via a 9600 bps master/slave type serial communication network or control signal transmission via a hotline.

The UI remote 70 is
evel 01) module 80, and a module that processes the edit pad and memory card (
(not shown). The LLtJ4 module 80 is similar to what is normally known as a CRT controller, and is a software module for displaying a screen on a color CRT.The 5YSUI module determines what kind of picture is displayed on the screen at any given time. 81 or MCBU! Controlled by module 86. It is clear that this allows the UK remote to be used in common with other models or devices. This is because the CR and T controllers are used together with the CRT, although the screen configuration and screen transitions vary depending on the model.

The SYS remote 71 includes a 5YSUI module 81, a SYSTEM module 82, and SYS, DI.
It is composed of three modules: an AG module 83;

The 5YSUI module 81 is a software module that controls screen transitions, and the SYSTEM module 82 is an F/F (Feat Ire Function) that recognizes which screen and which coordinates of the soft panel have been selected, that is, what kind of job has been selected. )
Selection software, job confirmation software that ultimately checks the job to see if there are any inconsistencies in the copy execution conditions, and various information such as F/F selection, job recovery, machine state, etc. between other modules. This is a module that includes software that controls communication for sending and receiving information.

The SYS, DIAG module 83 is a module that operates in a customer simulation mode in which a copy operation is performed in a diagnostic state in which self-diagnosis is performed. Since the customer simulation mode operates in the same way as normal copying, the SYS and DIAG modules 83 are essentially the same as the SYSTEM module 82, but since they are used in a special state called diagnostic, the SYSTEM module 82
These are written separately, but with some overlap.

In addition, the IIT remote 73 has an II that controls the stepping motor used in the imaging unit.
T module 84 and IPS remote 74
IPS modules 85 that perform various processing related to SYSTE are stored respectively, and these modules are
Controlled by M module 82.

On the other hand, the MCB remote 75 includes a diagnostic Auditron, an MCBUI module 86 which is software that controls screen transitions in the event of a fault such as a jam, arc control of the photosensitive material belt, arc control of the developing machine, user control, etc. IOT module 90 that performs necessary processing when copying. ADF module 91 for controlling the ADF. Each software module of the 5ORTER module 92 for controlling the sorter, the copier executive module 87 for managing them, the diagnostic executive module 88 for performing various diagnoses, and the audiotron module for accessing the electronic counter with a recited number and processing charges. 8
9 is stored.

Further, the RCB remote 77 stores a turdle servo module 93 that controls the operation of the transfer device, and the turdle servo module 93 is under the control of the IOT module 90 in order to control the transfer process of the xerography cycle. It is located in The reason why the copier executive module 87 and the diagnostic executive module 88 overlap in the figure is the same as the reason why the SYSTEM module 82 and the SYS and DIAG modules 83 overlap.

The division of the above processing will be explained in accordance with the copy operation as follows. The copying operation is a repetition of similar operations except for the difference in the color to be developed, and can be considered divided into several layers as shown in FIG. 5(a).

One color copy is made by repeating the smallest unit called pitch several times. Specifically, when copying 11 cloudy colors, how to operate the developing device, transfer device, etc., how to detect jams, and how to perform pitch processing for Y, M, and C. For three colors, three color copies are Y, M,
If this is done for the four colors C and K, one full-color copy will be made. This is a copy layer, and specifically, it is a layer that performs a process of transferring each color toner onto a sheet of paper, fixing it in a user, and ejecting the sheet from the main body of the copying machine. The processing up to this point is managed by the MCB-based Cobia executive module 87.

Of course, in the process of pitch processing, the IIT module 84 and the IPS module 85 included in the SYS system are also used, but for this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the IOT module 90 and the IIT module 84
Two signals, PR-TRUE and LE@REG, are exchanged between them. Specifically, P R (PIT
The CHRESET) signal is continuously generated by the MCB by dividing the rotation of the photosensitive material belt into two or three. In other words, in order to make effective use of the photosensitive material belt and improve copying speed, for example, when the copy paper is A3 size, the photosensitive material belt has two pitches.
Since the pitch is divided according to the size of the copy paper used, such as 3 pitches in the case of A4 size, the period of the PR signal generated for each pitch is, for example, 3 pitches in the case of 2 pitches. In the case of 3 pitches, it is as long as 3 sec, and in the case of 3 pitches, it is as short as 2 @ec.

Now, the PR signal generated by the MCB is distributed via a hotline to necessary locations in the IOT, such as a VCB remote that handles VIDEO signals.

The VCB has an internal gate circuit, and selectively outputs only pitches that can be imaged within the IOT, that is, pitches that can actually expose an image onto the photosensitive material belt, to the IPS remote. This signal is the PR-TRUE signal. Note that information for generating the PR-TRUE signal based on the PR signal received from the MCB via the hotline is notified from the MCB via LNET.

On the other hand, during a period when the image cannot actually be exposed on the photosensitive material belt, an empty pitch for one pitch is created on the photosensitive material belt, and for such an empty pitch, PR- A TRUE signal is not output. P like this
An example of a pitch at which R-TRUE does not occur is 1-1.For example, the period from when a sheet of paper on which transfer has been completed in a transfer device is ejected to when the next sheet of paper is supplied to the transfer device can be cited. In other words, for example, if a long sheet of paper such as A3 size is ejected with the final transfer, the image quality will deteriorate due to the shock when the leading edge of the sheet enters the entrance of the user, so if the sheet is longer than a certain length, the final transfer will occur. Even after the transfer is completed, the material is not ejected as it is, but is held by a gripper bar (described later) and rotated one more time at a constant speed before being ejected, so the photosensitive material belt has a skip of one pitch. It becomes necessary.

Furthermore, the PR-TRUE signal is not output from the start of copying using the start key until the end of the cycle-up sequence. This is because the document has not yet been read during this period, and therefore no image can be exposed on the photosensitive material belt.

The PR-TRUE signal output from the vCB remote is
Received via IPS remote and sent directly to IIT
It is also transmitted remotely and used as a trigger signal to start the IIT scan.

This allows IIT remote 73 and IPS remote 7
4 can be synchronized with the IOT to perform pitch processing. Also, at this time, between the IPS remote 74 and the VCB remote 76, a video signal for modulating the laser light used to form a latent image on the sensitive material belt is exchanged. After being converted from parallel signal to serial signal, directly RO3
is applied to the laser output section 40a as a VIDEO modulation signal.

When the above operations are repeated four times, one four-color full-color copy is completed, and one copy and one operation are completed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5(b) to 5(e), a description will be given of the signal exchange and timing from when the image signal read by the IIT is output to the IOT until it is finally transferred to paper at the transfer point.

As shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c), when a start job command is input from the SYS remote 71, the l0T7
At 8b, the cycle-up sequence starts, including driving the main motor and starting up the high-voltage power supply. In order to form a latent image corresponding to the paper length on the photosensitive material belt,
Outputs a PR (pitch reset) signal. For example, each rotation of the photosensitive material belt outputs 3 pitches of PR signals for 4A4 and 2 pitches for A3. When the cycle up sequence of l0T78b is completed, PR
In synchronization with the signal, the PR-TRUE signal is sent to the IIT controller 73a corresponding to only the pitch that requires imaging.
is output to.

In addition, l0T78b is l0T output for each rotation of one line of RO3 (raster output scan).
-LS (line sync) signal to VCP U74
It is sent to the TG (timing generator) in a, and here the IPS-LS whose upper phase is apparently advanced by the total vibration line delay of the IPS with respect to the l0T-LS is sent to the llTllT.
Send to l-ra 73a.

When the IIT:I controller 73a receives the PR-TRUE signal, it enables a counter to count the l0T-LS signal, and when a predetermined count is reached, the stepping motor 21 drives the imaging unit 37.
3 starts, and the imaging unit starts scanning the document. Counts further and outputs LE@REG at the original reading start position for T2 seconds and sends this to l0T7
Send to 8b.

This document reading start position is centered in advance. For example, after turning on the power,
Drive the imaging unit only once to remove the resin sensor 2.
17 position (near the register position, specifically approximately 10m5 on the scanning side from the register position) is detected, the true register position is calculated based on the detected position, and at the same time the normal stop position ( home position) can also be calculated. In addition, since the registration position differs from machine to machine due to machine variations, etc., by storing the correction value in NVM and making corrections when calculating the true registration position and home position, an accurate document reading start position can be set. can do. This correction value can be changed by a factory or a service person, etc., and can be implemented by simply rewriting this correction value electrically, and no mechanical adjustment is required. In addition, Resinsa 217
The reason why the position is shifted about 10 m+s toward the scanning side from the true registration position is to always make the correction a negative value and to simplify the adjustment and software.

In addition, the IIT:I controller 73a is LE@RE
Outputs the IMAGE-AREA signal in synchronization with G. The length of this IMAGE-AREA signal is equal to the scan length, which is defined by the start command transmitted from SYSTEM module 82 to IIT module 84. Specifically) -L When copying by detecting the original size, the scan length is the original length, and when copying by specifying the magnification,
The scan length is set by the divisor of the copy paper length and the magnification (100% is 1). The IMAGE-A and REA signals are sent to the IPS 74 via the VCPU 74a, where they are renamed IIT-PS (page sync). I
IT-PS is a signal indicating the time to perform image processing.

When LE@REG is output, one line of data from the line sensor is read in synchronization with the IOT-LS signal, and the LVIDEO circuit (Figure 3) performs various correction processes and A/
D conversion is performed and sent to the IPS74. r PS74
In this case, one line of video data is sent to the 10T78b in synchronization with the 10T-LS. At this time l0T-B
RTN-BYTE-C which is an inverted signal of YTE-CLK
The LK is sent back to the IOT in parallel with the video data, and the data and clock are similarly delayed to ensure synchronization.

When LE@REG is input to l0T78b, l
Video data is sent to RO3 in synchronization with the 0T-LS signal, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive material belt. IOT7
8b starts counting by IOT-CLK based on the timing when LE@REG is input,
On the other hand, the servo motor of the transfer device is controlled so that the leading edge of the paper is at a transfer position of a predetermined number of counts. By the way, as shown in FIG. 5(d), the PR-TRUE signal output by the rotation of the photosensitive material belt and the 10T-LS signal output by the rotation of the RO3 are originally not synchronized. Therefore, the PR-TRUE signal enters the next l0T-L.
When starting counting from S, moving the imaging unit 37 at count m, and outputting LE@REG at count n, LE@REG is T1 for PR-TRUE.
You will be delayed by time. This delay is equivalent to one line sync at most, and in the case of a four-color full-color copy, this delay accumulates and appears as a color shift in the output image.

To do this, first, as shown in FIG. 5(c), when the first LE@REG is input, the counter 1 starts counting, and when the third LE@REG is input, the counter 2,
3 starts counting, and when each counter reaches the count number p up to the transfer position, it is cleared, and the counters are sequentially used for the fourth and subsequent inputs of LE@REG. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(e), when LE@REG is input, the correction clock counts the time T3 from the pulse immediately before l0T-CLK6.
The latent image formed on the photosensitive material belt approaches the transfer position,
When l0T-CLK counts the count number p to the transfer position, the correction clock starts counting at the same time,
The point where the count number r corresponding to the above time T3 is added becomes the accurate transfer position, and this is added to the control of the transfer position (timing) control counter of the transfer device, and L
The servo motor of the transfer device is controlled so that the leading edge of the paper is accurately synchronized with the E@REG input.

The above is the processing up to the copy layer, but on top of that,
There is a process of setting the number of copies, i.e., how many times a copy job is to be performed for one document, and this is a process performed in the PERORIGINAL layer. Further above it is a job program/brayer that performs processing to change job parameters. Specifically, these include whether or not to use the ADF, and whether or not to use a magnification function that changes the color of a part of the document. These bar original processing and job programming processing are managed by the SYS module 82 of the SYS system.

For this purpose, the SYSTEM module 82
Check and confirm the job contents sent from the LLUI module 80, create the necessary data, and send to 960.
IIT module 8 via 0b ps serial communication network
4. Notify IF'S module 85 and also LNET
The job contents are notified to the MCB system.

As mentioned above, those that perform independent processing, other models,
Alternatively, we distributed those that perform processing that can be shared with devices as remote units, divided them into UI systems, SYS systems, and MCB systems, and defined modules to manage machines according to the copy processing layer. This makes it possible to clarify the work of people, standardize development technology for software, etc., clarify delivery dates and cost settings, and easily respond to changes in specifications by changing only the relevant modules. It is possible to improve development efficiency by obtaining effects such as:

(B) State division Above, we have discussed the division of processing between the UI system, SYS system, and MCB system.
What kind of processing is performed by the system at each time of a copy operation will be explained step-by-step through the copy operation.

In a copier, the state from power-on to copy operation and after the copy operation is divided into several states, and the jobs to be performed in each state are determined.If all jobs in each state are not completed, the next This is done to ensure efficiency and accuracy of control by not transitioning to the state.

This is called state division, and in a single copying machine, state division is performed as shown in FIG.

A characteristic feature of the state division in this copying machine is that in each state, the control right to manage the entire state and the UI master right to use the UI in that state are given to the SYS remote 71 at times, and at other times. is in the MCB remote 75. In other words, by distributing the CPU as described above,
LLUI module 80 of UI remote 70 is 5YSU
Not only I module 81 but also MCBUI module 8
Also, pitch and copy processing are managed by the MCB-based Cobia executive module 87, while bar original processing and job programming processing are managed by the SYS module 82.
Because the processing is divided such that it is managed by
Correspondingly, in each state, the SYS module 8
2. The difference is which one of the Cobia executive modules 87 has the overall control authority and the UI master authority. In FIG. 6, the states indicated by vertical lines indicate that the MCB-based copier executive module 87 has the UL mastership, and the states filled in black indicate that the SYS module 82 has the UI1 mastership.

Of the state divisions shown in FIG. 6, the steps from power ON to standby will be explained with reference to FIG.

When the power is turned on and the power is turned on, s appears in Figure 3.
ys remote 71 to IIT remote 73 and IPS
The IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal supplied to remote door 4 become H (old OH), and the IP
The S remote 74 and the IIT remote 73 are reset and start operating.

Furthermore, when it is detected that the power supply voltage has become normal, the power normal signal rises, the MCB remote 75 starts operating, establishes control rights and U master rights, and tests the high-speed communication network LNET. In addition, the power normal signal is sent to MCBC through the hotline.
Mori (-75 sends to sys remote 71.

MCB! When a predetermined time TO has elapsed after the start of operation of the J-mote 75, the system reset signal supplied from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71 through the hotline becomes H, the reset of the SYS remote 71 is released, and the operation starts. However, at this time, SYS remote 71
The operation starts with the internal signal 86NM! of the SYS remote 71. , 86 reset causes an additional 200 μsec delay after the above 10 hours have elapsed. This 200μsec time is a non-volatile measure of the state the machine is in when the machine stops or runs out of control due to a crash, that is, a temporary problem caused by a momentary power outage, software runaway, or software bug. It is provided for storing data in a physical memory.

When SYS remote 71 starts operating, approximately 3°8se
During step c, core tests are performed, ie, ROM and RAM checks, hardware checks, etc. If undesired data is input at this time, there is a possibility that the SYS
Under its own supervision, the remote 71 sets the IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal to L (
Low), and resets the IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 73 to stop their operations.

SYS remote 71 will be set to 10 when the core test is completed.
Perform CCC self-test for ~3100msec, set IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal to H, and set IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 7
The operations in step 3 are restarted, and each core test is performed.

The CCC self-test is performed by sending predetermined data to the LNET, receiving it by itself, and confirming that the received data is the same as the transmitted data. In addition, CCCC
Regarding the CC self-test, time is allocated to each CCC so that the self-test times do not overlap.

In other words, in LNET, SYS remote 71, M
Each node such as the CB remote 75 transmits data when it wants to transmit data, and if a data collision occurs, it retransmits the data after a predetermined period of time. This is because the SYS remote 71 transmits data when it wants to transmit data. selftes)
This is because if other nodes are using LNET while performing the above, a data collision will occur, making it impossible to perform a self-test. Therefore, SYS remote 71 is
C When starting the self-test, use the MCB remote 7
5 LNET test has been completed.

When the CCC self-test is completed, the SYS remote 71
waits until the core test of IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 73 is completed, and performs SYS during period T1.
This communication test performs a communication test of the TEM node.
This is a test of a 9600bps serial communication network,
Predetermined data is transmitted and received in a predetermined sequence.

When the communication test is completed, an LNET communication test is performed between the SYS remote 71 and the MCB remote 75 during the period T2. That is, the MCB remote 75 requests the self-test results from the sys remote 71, and in response to the request, the SYS remote 71 issues the results of the tests conducted so far to the MCB remote 75 as self-test results.

Upon receiving the self-test result, the MCB remote 75 issues a token pass to the SYS remote 71. The token pass is a tag for exchanging UIl master rights,
By passing the token pass to the SYS remote 71, the UI star right is transferred from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71. This is the power-on sequence. During the period of the power-on sequence,
The Ul remote 70 displays a message such as "Please wait for a while" and also performs various tests such as its own core test and communication test.

In the above power-on sequence, if there is no response to the self-test result request or if there is an abnormality in the self-test result, the MCB remote 75 will mark the machine as dead and the U! Activate control authority and UI
This is a machine dead state in which the remote controller 70 controls the machine and displays an indication that an abnormality has occurred.

After the power-on state is completed, the system enters the initialization state to set up each remote.

In the initialization state, the SYS remote 71 has overall control rights and UI master rights. Therefore, the SYS remote 71 initializes the SYS system and executes rlNITIALIZE SUBSYS.
Issue TEMJ command 7 to MCB remote 75 and MC
Initialize the B series as well. The result is sent from the MCB remote 75 as subsystem status information 5. As a result, for example, in the IOT, the user is heated, the tray elevator is placed in a predetermined position, and preparations are made for copying. This is the initialization state.

When initialization is completed, each remote enters a standby state. Even in this state, the SYS remote 71 has the UI master right, so the SYS remote 71 displays the F/F on the UI screen based on the UI master right.
F is displayed and a state is entered in which copy execution conditions are accepted.

At this time, the MCB remote 75 is monitoring the IOT. In addition, in the standby state, the MCB remote 75 is
A background ball is issued to the SYS remote 71 every 0 m5 ec, and the sys remote 71 responds by returning a self-test result to the MCB remote 75 within 200 m5 ec. At this time, the self-test result is not returned, or When there is an abnormality in the content of the self-test result, the MCB remote 75 notifies the UI remote 70 that an abnormality has occurred,
A display to that effect will be displayed.

When the audiotron is used in the standby state, it enters the audiotron state and MCB! J-Mort 75 performs audiotron control and t
The JI remote 70 is controlled to display information for the audiotron. F/F is set in the standby state. When the start key is pressed, the product enters the production state. The production state is subdivided into six states: setup, cycle up, run, skip pitch, normal cycle down, and cycle down shutdown, and these states will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a timing chart when the platen mode is set and the number of 4-color full-color copies is set to 3.

When the SYS remote 71 detects that the start key has been pressed, it transmits the job contents via the serial communication network.
The contents of the job are sent to the IT remote 73 and the XPS remote 74, and the contents of the job are issued to the Cobia executive module 87 in the MCB remote 75 together with a command "start job" via LNET. This causes the machine to go into setup, where each remote prepares to perform its designated job. For example, in the IOT module 90, parameters such as driving the main motor and adjusting the parameters of the photosensitive material belt are performed.

AC,K (＾Ckn
After confirming that owled(e) was sent back from the MCB remote 75, the SYS remote 71 returns II
The T-remote 73 is made to perform a pre-scan.

Prescanning includes prescanning to detect the document size, prescanning to detect the color at a specified position on the document, prescanning for closed loop detection when coloring, and marker editing for marker editing. There are four types of prescans for reading, and prescans are performed up to three times depending on the selected F/F. At this time, the UI
For example, [Please wait for a while] is displayed.

When the pre-scan is completed, a command "IIT Ready" is issued to the Cobia executive module 87. From here, cycle up begins.

The cycle up is a state in which the startup time of each remote is waited for, the MCB remote 75 starts the operation of the IOT and the transfer device, and the SYS remote 71 initializes the IPS remote 74. At this time, the UI displays that the job is currently in a productionless state and the details of the selected job.

When the cycle up is completed, it enters the run and starts the copy operation, but first, when the first PRO is output from the IOT module 90 of the MCB remote 75, the IIT performs the first scan, and the IOT develops the first color. This completes the process for one pitch. Next, when PRO is issued again, the second color is developed and the processing of the second round pitch is completed.

This process is repeated four times, and when the four-pitch process is completed, the IOT uses the user to fix the toner and discharges the paper. This completes the first copy process. By repeating the above process three times, three copies can be made.

Pitch layer processing and copy layer processing is performed by MCB
The remote 75 manages it, but the process of setting the number of copies to be performed on the bar original layer, which is the layer above it, is done by SYS.
The remote 71 performs this. Therefore, so that the SYS remote 71 can recognize which copy is currently being made,
When the first PRO of each copy is issued, the MCB remote 75 is configured to issue a maid count signal to the SYS remote 71. Also, the last PR
When O is issued, MCB remote 75 sends rRDY FORNXT JO to SYS remote 71.
Issue the command BJ to request the next job. At this time, if you issue an input job, you can continue the job, but if the user does not set the next job, the job will end, so the SYS remote 71 will
A command called JOBJ is issued to the MCB remote 75.

MCB 'J %-When door 5 receives the "END JoB" command and confirms that the job is finished, the machine enters a normal cycle down. In a normal cycle down, the MCB remote 75 stops the operation of the IOT.

During the cycle down, when the MCB remote 75 confirms that all the copied paper has been ejected, it sends a SYS command to that effect using the rDELIVERED JOBJ command.
Notify the remote 71, and also notify the rIOT when the normal cycle down is completed and the machine stops.
Notify SYS remote 71 using the 5TAND BYJ command. This ends the progress state and returns to the standby state.

Although skip pitch and cycle down shutdown are not mentioned in the above example, in skip pitch, the SYS remote 71 initializes the SYS system for the next job, and the MCB remote 75 initializes the SYS system for the next job. Waiting for. Also,
Since the cycle down shutdown is a state in the event of a fault, both the SYS remote 71 and the MCB remote 75 perform fault processing in this state.

As described above, in the progress state, the MCB remote 75 manages pitch processing and copy processing, and
Since the YS remote 71 manages the bar original processing and the job programming processing, both parties have the right to control the processing according to their share of the processing. On the other hand, the U I master right is SYS remote 71
has. This is because the UI includes the set number of copies,
This is because it is necessary to display the selected editing process, etc., which belong to the bar original process or job programming process and are under the control of the SYS remote 71.

If a fault occurs in the progress state, the process moves to the fault recovery state. Fault is a general term for abnormal conditions in the machine such as no vapor, jam, failure or damage of parts, etc. Fault can be recovered by the user by resetting the F/F, etc., and service such as parts replacement is available. There are two types of things that a man must recover from. As mentioned above, the MCBUI module 86 basically displays faults, but the SYS module 82 manages the F/F, so for faults that can be recovered by resetting the F/F, the SYS module 82 is in charge of recovery. and other glue cover
Cobia Executive Module 87 will be in charge of this.

Further, fault detection is performed for each of the SYS system and the MCB system. In other words, IIT, IPS, F/P are SY
Since it is managed by S remote 71, sys remote 71
Since the IOT, ADF, and sorter are managed by the MCB remote 75, the MCB remote 75 detects them. Therefore, it can be seen that there are the following four types of faults in this copying machine.

■If the SYS node is detected and the SYS node recovers.For example, if the start key is pressed before the F/P is prepared, a fault will occur, but the user will be able to restart the F/P.
You can recover by setting .

■If the SYS node detects tt and the MCB node recovers, this type of fault may include, for example, failure of the cash register sensor
Imaging unit speed abnormality, imaging unit overrun, PRO signal abnormality, CCC abnormality,
This includes errors in the serial communication network, ROM or RAM check errors, etc. In the case of these faults, the UI
The details of the fault and a message such as ``Please call a service person'' are displayed.

■Detected on MCBMC When the SYS node recovers If a sorter is set on the F/F even though the sorter is not set, the fault will be detected on the MCB node, but if the user recovers the F/F You can also recover by resetting F and changing to a mode that does not use the sorter. The same applies to ADF. Also, a fault occurs when the toner is low, the tray is not set, or the paper runs out. Normally, these faults can be recovered by the user replenishing toner, setting a tray, or replenishing paper, but if one tray runs out of paper, another tray must be used. It can also be recovered by specifying another color if the I-ner of a certain color is used up. In other words, it can be recovered by selecting F/F.

Recovery is performed at the SYS node.

■Detected by the MCB node When the MCB node recovers For example, if the developing machine is malfunctioning, if the toner distribution is abnormal, if the motor clutch is damaged, etc., it will be detected by the MCB node, and the UI The location of the failure and a message such as ``Please call a service person'' are displayed. Furthermore, if a jam occurs, the location of the jam is displayed as well as a method for clearing the jam, leaving the recovery to the user.

As described above, in the fault recovery state, depending on the control rights and UI master rights, the location where the fault has occurred, and the recovery method, the SYS node may have the control rights and the MCB node may have the rights.

When the fault is recovered and an IOT standby command is issued from the MCB node, the job recovery state is entered and the remaining jobs are completed. For example, suppose that the set number of copies is 3 and a jam occurs while copying the second copy. In this case, after the jam is cleared, the remaining two sheets must be copied, so the SYS node and MCB node perform their respective management processes to recover the job. Therefore, even in job recovery, control rights are
Both the YS node and the MCB node have them according to their respective processing assignments. However, the U-email master rights are SYS
The node has This is because when performing job recovery, for example, [Press start key]
, [Please set the remaining originals] and other messages for job recovery must be displayed, because this is a matter related to bar original processing or job programming processing managed by the SYS node.

Note that even if an IOT standby command is issued in the progress state, the process will move to the job recovery state.
When it is confirmed that the job is completed, it moves to standby state and waits for the next job. In the standby state, a diagnostic (hereinafter simply referred to as "diag") state can be entered by performing a predetermined key operation.

The diagnosis state is for checking the input and output of parts, setting various parameters, setting various modes, and NVM.
This is a self-diagnosis state for initializing (nonvolatile memory), etc., and its concept is shown in FIG. As is clear from the figure, TECHREP mode is used for diagnosis.
Two modes are provided: customer simulation mode.

TECHREP mode is a mode used by service personnel to diagnose the machine, such as input/output checks, and customer simulation mode is a mode in which the customer simulation mode, which is normally used by the user when copying, is used for diagnosis. .

Now, assume that the TECHREP mode is entered from the standby state of the customer mode by a predetermined operation via route A in the figure. In TECHREP mode, if you want to exit after just setting parameters and modes and return to customer mode (route B in the diagram), press the specified key and the screen in Figure 6 will appear. It is possible to move to the power-on state as shown and return to the standby state using the sequence shown in Figure 7. However, since this copier makes color copies and is equipped with various editing functions, various operations can be performed in TECHREP mode. After setting the parameters, it is necessary to actually perform copying and check whether the colors requested by the user appear and whether the editing functions function as specified. This is done in the customer simulation mode, which differs from the customer mode in that pilling is not performed and the UI displays a message indicating that it is a diagnostic mode. This is the meaning of the customer simulation mode in which the customer mode is used for diagnosis. Note that the transition from TECHREP mode to customer simulation mode (route C in the diagram) and the reverse transition from customer simulation mode to TECHREP mode (route D in the diagram) can be performed by respective predetermined operations. .

In addition, since the TECHREP mode is performed by the diagnostic executive module 88 (Fig. 4), it has control rights.
Both the UI master rights are held by the MCB node, but since the customer simulation mode performs normal copy operations under the control of the SYS and DIAG modules 83 (Figure 4), both the control rights and the UI master rights are held by the MCB node. s
ys node has (II) Specific configuration of each part (II-1) System FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the system and other remotes.

As mentioned above, the remote 71 is equipped with the 5YSUI module 81 and the SYSTEM module 82.
Data is exchanged between the SUI 81 and the SYSTEM module 82 through the inter-module interface.
4 is connected with a serial communication interface.
LN between MCB75, RO376, and RAIB79
Connected via the ET high-speed communication network.

Next, the module configuration of the system will be explained.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the system.

In this copying machine, each module such as IIT, IPS, and IOT is considered to be a component, and each module of the system that controls these is considered to have a brain. By adopting a distributed CPU method, the system side is responsible for bar original processing and job programming processing, and correspondingly, the initialization state,
Since it has the control right to manage the standby state, set-up state, and cycle state, and the UI master right to use the UI in these states, the system is composed of the corresponding modules.

The system main 100 takes in the received data from the 5YSUI, MCB, etc. into an internal buffer, clears the data stored in the internal buffer, calls each lower module of the system main 100 to pass processing, and updates the system state. Update processing is in progress.

The M/C initialization control module 101 controls the initialization sequence from when the power is turned on until the system enters a standby state, and is activated when the power-on processing for performing various tests after the power-on by the MCB is completed.

The M/C set-up control module 103 controls the set-up sequence from when the start key is pressed until starting the MCB that processes the coby layer.
EATURE (M/C to achieve user requirements)
Create a job mode based on the instructions for
Determine the setup sequence according to the created job mode.

As shown in Figure 12(a), job mode creation is as follows:
Analyzes the mode specified by F/F and separates jobs. In this case, a job is an M/
0 refers to the M/C operation from when C starts until all requested copies are ejected and stopped, and is the minimum unit that can divide the work according to the user's request, and is a collection of job modes. To explain in the case of inset compositing, as shown in Figure 12(b), the job mode is deletion and migration.
A job is a collection of these modes. Also, in the case of three ADF originals as shown in Figure 12(c), the job modes are for original 1, original 2, and original 3, respectively. This is feed processing, and a job is a collection of them.

Then, in automatic mode, document scan, in coloring mode, pre-scan, in marker editing mode, pre-scan, in color detection mode, sample scan (pre-scan up to 3 times), and copy cycle. Copy mode required for IIT, IPS, MC
Distributed to B, MC at the end of the setup sequence
Start B.

The M/C standby control module 102
It controls the sequence during C standby, and specifically accepts start keys, controls color registration, and enters diagnostic mode.

The M/C copy cycle control module 104 controls the copy sequence from when the MCB is activated until it is stopped, and specifically determines the end of the paper feed count and requests the startup of the IIT.
It determines whether the MCB has stopped and issues a request to shut down the IPS.

It also has the function of notifying the remote destination of through commands that occur while the M/C is stopped or in operation.

The fault control module 106 is
Monitors the cause of the shutdown from the PS and activates the MCB when the cause occurs.
Specifically, the shutdown is performed by a fail command from IIT and IPS, and the MC
After a shutdown request is issued from B, recovery is determined when the M/C is stopped, and recovery is performed by, for example, a jam command from MCB.

The communication control module 107 is
It sets the IIT ready signal from IT and enables/disables communication in the image area.

The DIAG control module 108 controls the input check mode and the output check mode in the DIAG mode.

Next, the exchange of data between these modules or with other subsystems will be explained.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data flow between the system and each remote and the data flow between child modules within the system. In the figure, A-N indicates serial communication, Z indicates hotline, and ■ to @ indicate inter-module data.

5YSUI remote and initialization control section 1
01, the control right of the CRT is transferred from the 5YSUI to S
The TOKEN command passed to the YSTEM N0DE is sent. Meanwhile, the configuration command is sent from the initialization control section 101.

5YSUI remote and standby control section 102
The 5YSUI sends the mode t engine command, start copy command, job cancel command, color registration request command, and tray command, while the standby control unit 102 sends the M/C
status command, tray status command,
A toner status command, collected bottle status command, color registration ANS command, and TOKEN command are sent.

5YSUI remote and setup control section 10
3, the setup control unit 103 sends M/C status commands (progress), APMS
A status command is sent, and on the other hand, a stop request command and an interwoven command are sent from the 5YSUI remote.

IPS remote and initialization control section 101
Between them, the IPS remote sends an initialize end command, and the initialize control unit 101 sends an NVM parameter command.

IIT remote and initialization control section 101
Between the IIT remote and the
M parameter command and INITIALIZE command are sent.

Between the IPS remote and the standby control unit 102, the IPS remote sends an initialize free hand area, an answer command, a remove area answer command, and a color information command, and the standby control unit 102 sends a color detection point command and an initialize free hand area. command,
A remove area command is sent.

Between the IPS remote and the setup control unit 103, the IPS remote sends IPS ready commands, document information commands, and the setup control unit 103 sends scan information commands, basic copy mode commands, edit mode commands, and M/C.
A stop command is sent.

Between the IIT remote and the standby control unit 102, the IIT remote sends an IIT ready command to notify that the prescan has ended, and the standby control unit 102 sends a sample scan start command and an initialize command.

Between the IIT remote and the setup control unit 103, the IIT remote sends the IIT ready command and the initialize end command. - A document scan start command, a sample scan start command, and a copy scan start command are sent from the roll unit 103.

Between the MCB remote and the standby control section 102, the standby control section 102 sends an initialization subsystem command and a standby selection command, and the twMcB remote sends a subsystem status command.

Between the MCB remote and the setup control unit 103, the setup control unit 103 sends a start job command, IIT ready command, stop job command, and declare system fault command. command is sent.

Between the MCB remote and the cycle control unit 104, the cycle control unit 104 sends a stop job command tA, and the McB remote sends a MADE command.
command, ready for next job command, job deliver command, and IOT standby command are sent.

A declare system fault command and a system shutdown completion command are sent from the fault control unit 106 between the MCB remote and the fault control unit 106, and the declare M
CB fault command and system shutdown command are sent.

I IT! A scan ready signal and an image area signal are sent from the IIT remote between the J-mote and the communication control section 107.

Next, the interface between each module will be explained.

From system main 100 to each module (101 to 10
7), the reception remote No. 1 and reception data are sent to each module, and each module exchanges data with its respective remote. On the other hand, nothing is sent from each module (101 to 107) to the system main 100.

When the initialization process is completed, the initialization control section 101 notifies the fault control section 106 and the standby control section 102 of the system state (standby), respectively.

The communication control unit 107 notifies each of the initialization control unit 101, standby control unit 102, setup control unit 103, copy cycle control unit 104, and fault control unit 106 of communication availability information.

When the start key is pressed, standby control unit 102 notifies setup control unit 103 of the system state (progress).

When the setup is completed, the setup control section 103 notifies the copy cycle control section 104 of the system state (cycle).

(II-2) Image input terminal (IIT) (A)
Original scanning mechanism FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the original scanning mechanism, in which the imaging unit 37 has two slide shafts 202.2.
03, and both ends are connected to the wire 2.
It is fixed at 04.205. This wire 204.2
05 is wound around drive pulleys 206 and 207 and tension pulleys 208 and 209. Tension pulley 208
．． 209 is under tension in the direction of the arrow in the figure. A reduction pulley 211 is not attached to the drive shaft 210 to which the drive pulleys 206 and 207 are attached, and is connected to an output shaft 214 of a stepping motor 213 via a timing belt 212. Note that the limit switches 215 and 216 are connected to the imaging unit 3.
This is a sensor that detects the abnormal operation of the register sensor 21.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a sensor for setting a reference point for a document reading start position.

To obtain one four-color copy, the imaging unit 37 must repeat the scan four times.

In this case, the major issue is how to reduce synchronization and positional deviations within four scans.To do this, it is necessary to suppress fluctuations in the stopping position of the imaging unit 37,
It is important to suppress variations in the arrival time from the home position to the register position and to suppress variations in scan speed. For this purpose, a stepping motor 213 is employed. However, the stepping motor 213
Since the servo motor produces more vibration and noise than a DC servo motor, various measures have been taken to improve image quality (?) and speed.

(B) Stepping motor control method The stepping motor 213 has 10 motor windings connected in a pentagonal manner, with each of the connection points connected to the positive or negative side of the power supply using two transistors. Bipolar drive is performed using switching transistors. In addition, the current value flowing through the motor is fed back, and the current flowing through the motor is controlled and driven to be constant.

FIG. 15(a) shows a scan cycle of the imaging unit 37 driven by the stepping motor 213. The figure shows the relationship between the speed of the imaging unit 37, that is, the frequency applied to the stepping motor, and time when performing forward scanning and back scanning at a magnification of 50%, that is, the maximum movement speed. During acceleration, for example, 259 Hz is multiplied to a maximum of about 11 to 12 KHz, as shown in FIG. 2(b). Providing regularity to the pulse train in this way simplifies pulse generation. Then, as shown in FIG. 3(a), regular acceleration is performed in a stepwise manner at 259 pps/3.9 ms to create a trapezoidal profile.

In addition, a pause time is provided between the forward scan and back scan to wait for the vibrations of the IIT mechanical system to decrease and to synchronize with the image output from the IOT. In this embodiment, the scan cycle time is shortened by increasing the acceleration to 0.7G compared to the conventional one.

As mentioned above, when reading a color original, a major problem is how to reduce the positional deviation during four scans and the resulting color deviation or image distortion for the system. Figures 15(C) to 15(e) are diagrams for explaining the causes of color shift, and Figure 15(C) shows that the position at which the imaging unit scans and stops at the original position is different. , when starting next time, the time to the registration position will be different and color misregistration will occur. Also, the same figure (
As shown in d), due to excessive vibration of the stepping motor (speed fluctuation until reaching a steady speed) within 4 scans, the time required to reach the registration position deviates and color misregistration occurs. In addition, the same figure (e) shows the variation in constant speed scanning characteristics from passing through the registration position to the tail edge, and it is clear that the variation in speed fluctuation in the first scan is larger than the variation in speed fluctuation in the second to fourth scans. It shows. Therefore, for example, during the first scan, Y is developed in which the color shift is less noticeable.

Possible causes of the color shift described above include mechanical instability factors such as aging of the timing belt 212 and wires 204 and 205, and viscous resistance between the slide pad and slide rails 202 and 203.

(C) IIT Control Method IIT Remote has a sequence control service support function for various copy operations, a self-diagnosis function, and a fail-safe function. IIT sequence control is divided into normal scan, sample scan, and initialization. Various commands and parameters for IIT control are sent from the SYS remote 71 via serial communication.

FIG. 16(a) shows a timing chart of normal scanning. The scan length data is set from 0 to 432 m (1+OA steps) depending on the paper length and magnification.The scan speed is set according to the magnification (50% to 400%).Prescan length (distance from the stop position to the register position) data is also set by a magnification (50% to 400%). When a scan command is received, the FL-ON signal turns on the fluorescent lamp, the 5CN-RDY signal turns on the motor driver, and after a predetermined timing, a shading correction pulse WHT-REF is generated to start scanning. When passing through the registration sensor, the image area signal IMG-AREA becomes low level for a predetermined scan length, and in synchronization with this, the IT-PS signal is output to the IPS.

FIG. 16(b) shows a timing chart of sample scan. The sample scan is used for color detection during color conversion, color balance correction and shading correction when using F/P. Stop position from cash register position
Based on the data on the moving speed, number of micro-movements, and step interval, it goes to the target sample position, pauses, or repeats the micro-movement multiple times, and then stops.

FIG. 16(e) shows a timing chart of initialization. When the power is turned on, a command is received from the SYS remote to confirm the registration sensor, release the imaging unit operation using the registration sensor, and correct the home position of the imaging unit using the registration sensor.

(D) Imaging unit FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 37, in which the original 220 is set with the image surface to be read facing downward on the platen glass 31, and the imaging unit 37 moves its lower surface in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. Then, the document surface is exposed to light using a 30W daylight color fluorescent lamp 222 and a reflecting mirror 223. Then, by passing the reflected light from the original 220 through the SELFOC lens 224 and the cyan filter 225, a royal life-size image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD line sensor 226. The SELFOC lens 224 is a compound lens consisting of four rows of fiber lenses, and has the advantage of being bright and having high resolution, allowing the power of the light source to be kept low, and being compact. Further, the imaging unit 37 is equipped with a circuit board 227 including a CCD line sensor drive circuit, a CCD line sensor output buffer circuit, and the like. In addition, 228 is a lamp heater, 229 is a flexible cable for lighting power supply, 23
0 indicates a flexible cable for control signals.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the arrangement of the CCD line sensors 226. As shown in FIG. 18(a), five CCD line sensors 226a to 226e are arranged in a staggered manner in the main scanning direction X. This is because with multiple line sensors, it is difficult to form a large number of light-receiving elements without missing parts and with uniform sensitivity, and when multiple line sensors are arranged on one line, both ends of the line sensor are difficult to form. This is because it is difficult to configure pixels up to this point, resulting in unreadable areas.

The sensor section of this CCD line sensor 226 is shown in FIG.
), three color filters of R, G, and H are arranged repeatedly in this order on the surface of each pixel of the CCD line sensor 226, and three adjacent bits constitute one pixel during reading. The reading pixel density of each color is 16 dots/ugly 1
If the number of pixels per chip is 2928, the length of one chip is 2928/(16X 3) = 6111
III, and the total length of the 5 chips is 61 x 5 = 305 m. Therefore, as a result, a CCD line sensor of equal magnification capable of reading A3 size can be obtained. Also, R,G
, B are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees to reduce moiré.

In this way, a plurality of CCD line sensors 226a to 22
When the CCD line sensors 6e are arranged in a staggered manner, adjacent CCD line sensors scan different document surfaces. That is, when the CCD line sensor is moved in the sub-scanning direction Y orthogonal to the main scanning direction X of the CCD line sensor and a document is read, signals from the first row of CCD line sensors 226b and 226d that scan the document in advance are detected. A time difference corresponding to a positional difference between adjacent CCD line sensors occurs between the signal and the subsequent signals from the second row of CCD line sensors 226a, 226c, and 226e.

Therefore, in order to obtain one line of continuous signals from image signals divided and read by a plurality of CCD line sensors, at least the signals from the first row of CCD line sensors 226b and 226d that scan the document in advance are stored. A second row of CCD line sensors 226a, 226 follows.
It is necessary to read out the data in synchronization with the signal output from 226e and 226e. In this case, for example, if the amount of deviation is 250 μm and the resolution is 16 dots/ym, a delay of 4 lines is required.

Generally, reduction/enlargement in an image reading device is performed in the main scanning direction by IPS thinning and padding and other processing, and in the sub-scanning direction by increasing/decreasing the moving speed of the imaging unit 37. Therefore, the reading speed (the number of lines read per unit time) in the image reading device is fixed, and the resolution in the sub-scanning direction is changed by changing the moving speed. That is, for example, the reduction rate is 100%
At a resolution of 16 dots/ws, r 7 ---7- ---r-
--11 Reduction ratio 1 Speed 1 Resolution 1 Staggered correction 11
% 1 times 1 bit/■ Number of 1 line -
−10−−−−+ −−−−+ −−−−15012l
81 21 To −−−+ −−−−+ −−−−+ −−−−4F
−−−−+ −−−−+ −−−−+ −−−−−+1
1400 11/
The relationship is as follows: 4 l 64 1 16L-1111111111121111. Therefore, as the reduction/enlargement ratio increases, the resolution increases, and accordingly, the number of line memories required to correct the staggered arrangement difference of 250 μm also increases.

(E) Video signal processing circuit Next, as shown in FIG. 19, a CCD line sensor 226 is used to read a color original as a reflectance signal for each of R, G, and B, and convert this into a digital value as a density signal. The video signal processing circuit will be explained below.

The original is divided into 5 parts and separated into 5 channels into R, G, and B by five CCD line sensors 226 in the imaging unit 37 and then read.
After each signal is amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier circuit 231, it is transmitted to the circuit on the main body side via a transmission cable connecting the unit and the main body (FIG. 20, 231a). Next, in the sample-and-hold circuit 5H232, noise is removed and waveform processing is performed using the sample-and-hold pulse SHP (FIG. 20, 232a). However, since the photoelectric conversion characteristics of a CCD line sensor differ from pixel density to each chip, the output will vary even when reading originals with the same density, and if this is output as is, streaks and unevenness will occur in the image data. For this purpose, various correction processes are required.

Gain adjustment circuit A G C (ALITOMATICGA
IN C0NTR Kano) 233 converts the output of each sensor into A/
This is a circuit for amplifying the signal to a level that matches the input signal range of the D converter 235. Before reading the original, each sensor reads white paste reference data, digitizes it, stores it in the shading RAM 240, and stores this data in the SYS. The remote 71 (Fig. 3) compares and judges with a predetermined reference value. An appropriate amplification factor is determined, and digital data corresponding to the amplification factor is D/A converted and sent to the AGC 2.
33, each gain is automatically set.

Offset adjustment circuit AOC (AUTOMATIC0FS
ETCONTROL) 234 is called a black level adjustment, and adjusts the dark output voltage of each sensor. To do this, the fluorescent lights are turned off and the dark output is read by each sensor, and this data is digitized to create a shading R.
This one line of data is stored in AM240 and is stored in SYS.
Compare and judge the offset value with the predetermined reference value in the remote 71 (Figure 3).Convert the offset value to AOC234.
The offset voltage is adjusted in 256 steps. The output of this AoC is adjusted so that the output density becomes a specified value with respect to the density of the document to be finally read, as shown in FIG. 20 234a.

The data thus converted into digital values by the A/D converter 235 (235a in FIG. 20) is GBRGBR/
It is output in the form of a continuous 8-bit data string. The delay amount setting circuit 236 is a memory that stores a plurality of lines, has a FIFO configuration, and has a first row of CCD line sensors 226b, 22 that scan the document in advance.
6d is stored, followed by the second column of CC.
It is output in synchronization with the signal output from the D line sensors 226a, 226c, and 226e.

The separation and synthesis circuit 237 has R, R, and R for each CCD line sensor.
After separating the G and B data, one line of the original is serially combined and output for each R, G, and B data of each CCD line sensor. Converter 238 is a ROM
A logarithmic conversion table LUT "1" is stored, and when a digital value is input as a ROM address signal, R, G,
Information on the reflectance of B is converted to information on density.

Next, the shading correction circuit 239 will be explained.

Shading characteristics may be caused by variations in the light distribution characteristics of the light source, the amount of light decreasing at the edges of a fluorescent lamp, variations in sensitivity between each bit of a CCD line sensor, or variations in reflector, etc. These appear when there is dirt.

To this end, at the start of shading correction, the reflected light when irradiating the white plate, which serves as the reference density data for shading correction, is input to the CCD line sensor, and the signal processing circuit performs A/D conversion and log conversion. The reference density data log(Ri) is stored in the line memory 240. Next, scan the original and read the image data! o g (D i) to the reference concentration data log
If (Ri) is subtracted, log(D i) −log
(Ri)=log(D i /Ri), and the logarithm value of each pixel data subjected to shading correction is obtained. By performing shading correction after log conversion in this way, there is no need to build a hard logic divider in a complicated and large-scale circuit as in the past, and the calculation process can be simplified by using a general-purpose full adder IC. It can be carried out.

(II-3) Image processing system (IPS) (A)I
Modular configuration of PS FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a summary of the module configuration of IPS.

In a color image forming apparatus, the ITT (image input terminal) uses a COD line sensor to separate the light into primary colors B (blue), G (green), and R (red), reads the color original, and converts these into the primary colors of toner. Y (yellow), M (
Magenta), C (cyan), and then K (black or black) are exposed and developed using a laser beam at an image output terminal (IOT) to reproduce a color image. In this case, a copying process (pitch) is performed once in which each toner image of Y, M, C, and K is separated and Y is used as a process color, and similarly, a copy process is performed in which M, C, and K are each used as a process color. A full-color image is reproduced by executing a total of four copy cycles, one cycle at a time, and superimposing images formed by these halftone dots. Therefore, the color separation signal (
B, G, R signals) to toner signals (Y, M,
When converting to C, K signals), how to adjust the color balance, how to reproduce the color according to the reading characteristics of IIT and the output characteristics of IOT, and how to adjust the balance of density and contrast. The problem is how to emphasize edges, blur, and adjust moiré.

IPS inputs the B, G, and R color separation signals from IIT, performs various data processing to improve color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, definition reproducibility, etc., and processes the colors in the development process. Converts toner signal on/off and IO
It is output to T, and as shown in Figure 21, END
Conversion (Equivalent N neutral D
(equivalent neutral concentration conversion) module 301,
Color masking module 302, document size detection module 303, color conversion module 304. U
CR (Under Co1or Removal) & black generation module 305, spatial filter 30
6. TRC (Tone Reproduction)
n Control; color tone correction control) module 307
, reduction processing module 308, screen generator 309, IOT interface module 310,
It consists of an area image control module 311 having an area generation circuit and a switch matrix, an editing control module having an area command memory 312, a color palette video switch circuit 313, a font buffer 314, and the like.

Then, 8-bit data (256 gradations) for each of the B, G, and R color separation signals from IIT are input to the END conversion conversion module 301, and Y is input.

After converting to M, C, and K toner signals, select the process color toner signal X, binarize it, and use it as process color toner signal on/off data.
It is output from the T interface module 310 to the IOT. Therefore, in the case of full color (four colors), after the document size is detected, the editing area is detected, and other document information is detected in the prescan, a copy cycle is started in which, for example, the process color toner signal X is set to Y. , Subsequently, each time a copy cycle in which the process color I/ner signal X is set to M is sequentially executed, signal processing corresponding to four document reading scans is performed.

At IIT, CCD sensors are used to detect B, G, and H.
For each pixel, 16 dots/mm
The data is read in 24-bit (3 colors x
It is output in 8 bits; 256 gradations).

The CCD sensor has B, G, and R filters attached to the top surface, and has a density of 16 dots/W and an OI of 3°.
I! It has a length of 1, and scans 16 lines/mm at a process speed of 5 mm/sec, outputting read data for each color at a rate of 15 M pixels per second. And at IIT, B.
, G, R pixel analog data is converted into log data to convert reflectance information to density information, which is further converted to digital data.

Next, each module will be explained.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining each module constituting the IPS.

(a) END conversion module The END conversion module 301 is a module for adjusting (converting) the optical reading signal of a color original obtained at IIT into a gray-balanced color signal. The amount of toner in a color image is equal in the case of gray, and gray is the standard. 1 to 1, and when a gray original is read from 11T, the values of the B, G, and R color separation signals inputted are not equal because the spectral characteristics of the light source and color separation filter are not ideal. Therefore, it is best to use a conversion table (LUT; lookup table) as shown in Figure 22(a) to balance the situation.
It is a conversion. Therefore, the conversion table has the characteristic that when a gray original is read, it is always converted into B, G, and H color separation signals at the same gradation corresponding to the level (black → white) and output. It depends on the characteristics of IIT. The conversion table has 16 pages, 11 of which are tables for film projectors containing negative film, and 3 are tables for normal copying, photography, and generation copying.

(b) Color masking module Color masking Mojinir 302 is %B, G.

By performing matrix calculations on the R signal, Y and M are obtained.

It converts into a signal corresponding to the amount of toner C,
The signal after gray balance adjustment by END conversion is processed.

The conversion matrix used for color masking is a 3x3 matrix that calculates Y, M, and C purely from B, G, and R, respectively.
Not only G and R, but also BG, GR, RB% B2, G
2. It goes without saying that various matrices or other matrices may be used to take into consideration the component R2. Two sets of conversion matrices are provided: one for normal color adjustment and one for generating intensity signals in monochrome mode.

In this way, when IIT video signals are processed by ■PS, gray balance adjustment is performed first and foremost. If this were to be done after color masking, it would be necessary to adjust the gray balance using the gray original, taking into account the characteristics of color masking.
The translation table becomes more complex.

(c) Original Size Detection Module Not only standard size originals but also originals of arbitrary shapes such as cutouts or other shapes may be copied. In this case, it is necessary to detect the document size in order to select a paper of an appropriate size corresponding to the document size. Furthermore, when the copy paper is larger than the original size, erasing the outside of the original can improve the quality of the copy. Therefore, the document size detection module 303 performs document size detection during pre-scanning and platen color erasing (frame erasing) processing during document reading and scanning. Therefore, the platen color should be a color that can be easily distinguished from the original, for example black, and the upper and lower limits of the platen color identification should be set in the threshold register 3 as shown in FIG. 22(b).
Set to 031.

During pre-scanning, a signal converted (γ-converted) into information close to the reflectance of the document (spatial filter 9-306 described later) is used.
) X and threshold register 3031
Comparator 303
2, the edge of the document is detected by the edge detection circuit 3034, and the maximum and minimum values of the coordinates (x, y) are stored in the maximum/minimum sorter 3035.

For example, as shown in Figure 22(d), if the document is tilted or not rectangular, the maximum and minimum values (
xi, x2, yl, y) are detected and stored. Also, when scanning a document, the comparator 3033 reads Y, M, C of the document and the threshold register 303.
The upper limit value/lower limit value set to 1 is compared, and a platen color erasing circuit 3036 erases the outside of the edge (It, that is, the platen reading signal) to perform frame erasing processing.

(d) Color Conversion Module The color conversion module 305 enables conversion of a specified color in a specific area, and as shown in FIG. 22(c), a window comparator 305
2. It is equipped with a threshold register 3051, a color palette 3053, etc., and when performing color conversion, sets the upper and lower limits of each Y, M, and C of the converted color in the threshold register 3051, and also sets the upper and lower limits of each Y, M, and C of the converted color. .

The value of C is set in the color palette 3053.

Then, the Nantes gate 3054 is controlled according to the area signal input from the area image control module, and if the area is not in the color conversion area, Y and C of the original are directly sent from the selector 3055, and when the original enters the color conversion area, Y, M.

When the C signal falls between the upper and lower limits of Y, M, and C set in the threshold register 3051, the selector 3055 is output by the window comparator 3052.
The conversion colors ○Y, Ivi, and C set in the color palette 3053 are sent out.

The specified color can be selected by pointing the digitizer directly at the document, and selecting 8% of the area around the coordinates specified during Briscan.
The designated color is recognized by taking the average of 25 pixels each of G and R. Through this averaging operation, for example, even a 150-line original can be recognized with an accuracy within a color difference of 5. B, G, and R density data can be read using IIT shading correction RA.
The specified coordinates are converted into an address and read out from M. When converting the address, it is necessary to readjust the registration adjustment as in the case of document size detection. In Briscan, the IIT operates in sample scan mode. B, G, R read out from shading correction RAM
The density data is subjected to shading correction by software, and then subjected to averaging, END correction, and color masking before being set in the window comparator 3052.

Up to 8 colors out of 16.7 million colors can be registered in the color palette 3053 at the same time, and the standard colors are Y,
There are 14 colors available: M, C, G, B, R, and their intermediate colors, as well as W.

(e) UCR & black generation module If the amounts of Y, M, and C are equal, the result will be gray, so theoretically, the same color can be reproduced by replacing equal amounts of Y, M, and C with black. In reality, if the color is replaced with black, the color becomes muddy and the reproducibility of vivid colors deteriorates. Therefore, UCR & black generation module 30
In step 5, add an appropriate amount of K to prevent such color turbidity.
is generated, and Y, M, and C are reduced by equal amounts (undercolor removal) according to the amount. Specifically, Y, M
, C is detected, K is generated below the minimum value from a conversion table according to the difference therebetween, and a certain amount of undercolor removal is performed for Y, M, and C according to the amount.

In UCR & black generation, as shown in Figure 22(e), for example, when the color is close to gray, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value becomes small, so the minimum values of Y, M, and C are directly removed and K However, if the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is large, the amount of removal is made smaller than the minimum value of Y and KC, and the amount of K generated is also reduced to reduce ink contamination and low brightness. Prevents saturation of highly saturated colors from decreasing.

In FIG. 22(f) showing a specific circuit configuration example, Y and M are detected by the maximum value/minimum value detection circuit 3051.

The maximum value and minimum value of C are detected, the difference is calculated by the calculation circuit 3053, and the conversion table 3054 and the calculation circuit 3 are calculated.
055 to generate K. Conversion Chiful 3054 is K
When the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is small, the output value of the conversion table 3054 becomes zero, so the minimum value is directly output from the arithmetic circuit 3055 as the value of K. If the difference between the value and the minimum value is large,
Since the output value of the conversion table 3054 is no longer zero, the arithmetic circuit 3055 subtracts that amount from the minimum value and outputs it as the value of K. The conversion table 3056 is a table for calculating the value to be removed from C to Y in correspondence with K. Through this conversion table 3056, the calculation circuit 3059 converts Y to Y.
, M, perform the removal corresponding to K from C. Also,
ANDGATE 3057.3058 is monochrome mode,
4 signals and Y, M according to each signal in full color mode.

It gates the signal after removing the C undercolor, and selects one of Y, M, C, and K according to the process color signal of selectors 3052 and 3050 ii. Thus, in fact, YlM.

Since the C halftone color is reproduced, the removal of Y and KC and the generation ratio of K are set using empirically generated curves, tables, etc.

(f) Spatial filter module In the device applied to this copying machine, as mentioned earlier, II
Since the document is read while scanning the CCD with T, if the information is used as is, the information will be blurred.Also, since the document is reproduced by halftone dots, the halftone period of the printed matter and 16
Moiré occurs between the sampling period of dots/m. Furthermore, moiré occurs between the halftone dot period generated by the user and the halftone dot period of the document. Spatial filter module 306
is equipped with a function to recover such blur and a function to remove moiré. To remove moiré, a low-pass filter is used to cut halftone components, and a bypass filter is used to emphasize edges.

In the spatial filter module 306, FIG. 22(g)
Y, M, C, Min and Max as shown in
A selector 3003 extracts one color of the -Min input signal and converts it into information close to reflectance using a conversion table 3004. This is because it is easier to pick up edges with this information, and for example, Y is selected as one of the colors. In addition, a threshold register 3001.4-bit binarization circuit 3002 and a decoder 3005 are used for each pixel.
Y, yLClMin and Max-Min to Y,
M, C, K, B, G, R, W (white)
The colors are separated into eight hues. Decoder 3005 in the same figure (g)
The system recognizes the hue according to the binarized information and outputs 1-bit information indicating whether the color is a required color from the process color.

The output of FIG. 22(g) is input to the circuit of FIG. 22(h). Here, a FIFO 3061, a 5x7 digital filter 3063, a modulation table 3066
Generate halftone removal information using FIF03062 and 5.
×7 digital filter 3°64, modulation table 3067, delay circuit 3065 as shown in the same figure (g)
Edge enhancement information is generated from the output information. Modulation tables 3066 and 3067 are selected depending on the copy mode, such as photo, text only, mixed copy mode, etc.

For example, if you want to reproduce the green characters shown in Figure 22 (i) as ■ with edge emphasis, Y, C'f
i:o, highlighted as shown in ■; M is not emphasized as shown in solid line (■). This switching is performed by an AND gate 3068 shown in FIG. 3(h). To perform this process, ■
When emphasized as shown by the dotted line, the edges become muddy due to the color mixture of M, as shown in ■.

The delay circuit 3065 shown in FIG. 3(h) synchronizes the FIFO 3062 and the 5×7 digital filter 3064 in order to switch such emphasis for each process color using an AND gate 3068. When bright green characters are reproduced using normal processing, magenta is mixed into the green characters, causing them to become muddy.

Therefore, if green is recognized as described above, Y and C are output as usual, but M is suppressed and edges are not emphasized.

()) The TRC conversion module IOT converts Y according to the on/off signal from the IPS.
, M, C, and K process colors are used to perform four copy cycles (in the case of 4 full-color copies), making it possible to reproduce full-color originals. To faithfully reproduce colors, delicate adjustments are required that take into account the characteristics of the IOT. The TRC conversion module 309 is intended to improve such reproducibility, and is used to convert Y, M, C
For each combination of densities, as shown in Figure 22 (i), the RAM has an address conversion table that takes 8-bit image data as address input, and performs density adjustment according to the area signal, contrast adjustment, negative/positive/soft color balance. It has editing functions such as adjustment, character mode, and watermark composition. Bits 0 to 3 of the area signal are used for the upper three bits of this RAM address. Furthermore, the above functions can be used in combination using the out-of-area mode. Note that this RAM is, for example, configured with 2 bytes (256 bytes x 8 sides) and holds a conversion table of 8 sides, and
,? Up to 8 pages are stored during IIT carriage return for each cycle of vi and C. Selected according to area specification and copy mode. Of course, if the RAM capacity is increased, there is no need to load it every cycle.

(h) Reduction/enlargement processing module The reduction/enlargement processing module 308 uses the line buffer 3083
In the process of temporarily holding and transmitting data
1 for sampling pitch signal and line buffer 3083
Generate read/write addresses for. The line buffer 3083 is a 2-line buffer so that the next line data can be written to the other at the same time as one line is read. In the reduction/enlargement processing, the reduction/enlargement processing module 308 performs digital processing in the main scanning direction, but the scanning speed of the IIT is changed in the sub-scanning direction. The scan speed can be changed from 50% to 4 by changing from 2x speed to 1/4x speed.
Can be scaled up to 00%. In digital processing, when reading/writing data to/from the line buffer 3083, data can be reduced by thinning and complementing, and can be expanded by adding and complementing. If the complementary data is located in the middle, it is generated by weighting according to the distance from the data on both sides, as shown in FIG. 1 (1). For example, in the case of data Xi', from the data Xi, Xi+1 on both sides and the distances di, d2 between these data and the sampling point, (Xixd2) + (Xi+1xdl), where d
It is obtained by calculating l+d2=1.

In the case of reduction processing, write to the line buffer 3083 while complementing the data. At the same time, read the reduced data of the previous line from the buffer and send it 6
In the case of enlargement processing, the data of the previous line is complemented, enlarged, and sent out while simultaneously reading the data of the previous line. If complementary enlargement is performed at the time of writing, the clock at the time of writing must be increased according to the enlargement ratio, but if it is done as described above, writing/reading can be performed with the same clock. You can also use this configuration to read from the middle,
Shift image processing in the main scanning direction can be performed by reading out with delayed timing, and repetitive processing can be performed by reading out repeatedly.
Mirror image processing can also be performed by reading from the opposite side.

(2) Screen generator The screen generator 309 converts the process color gradation toner signal into an on/off binary toner signal and outputs it, and compares the threshold matrix with the gradation-expressed data value. Binarization processing and error diffusion processing are performed. In the IOT, this binary toner signal is input, and it is approximately 80 μm vertically to correspond to 16 dots/shoyu.
A half-tone image is reproduced by turning on and off an elliptical laser beam with a diameter of 60 μm and a width of 60 μm.

First, the method of expressing gradation will be explained. Figure 22 (n
), for example, a case where a 4×4 halftone cell S is configured will be explained. First, in the screen generator, a threshold matrix m is set corresponding to such a halftone cell S, and this is compared with the data value expressed in gradation. In this comparison process, for example, if the data value is "5", a signal is generated to turn on the laser beam at a portion of the threshold matrix m that is equal to or less than "5".

A 4×4 halftone cell at 16 dots/ms is generally referred to as a halftone dot of 100 spi and 16 gradations, but this results in a coarse image and poor reproducibility of color images. Therefore,
In this copying machine, as a method of increasing the gradation, this 16 dot/M pixel is divided into four vertically (main scanning direction), and the on/off frequency of the laser beam for each pixel is shown in Figure (0). By raising the image to 1/4 the size of a single Buddha, or raising it four times, a four times higher gradation is achieved. Therefore, in response to this, a threshold value matrix m' as shown in FIG. 6(o) is set. Furthermore, it is also effective to employ a submatrix method to increase the number of lines.

The above example used the same threshold matrix m with the only growth nucleus near the center of each halftone cell, but the submatrix method is constructed by a set of multiple unit matrices, as shown in Figure 2(p). In this way, the growth nuclei of 7 trixes are placed in two or more places (plurality). If such a screen pattern design method is adopted, for example, bright areas can be set to 141 spi and 64 gradations, and darker areas can be set to 200 spi and 128 gradations. You can change the gradation. Such a pattern can be designed by visually determining the smoothness, fineness, graininess, etc. of gradations.

When a halftone image is reproduced using a dot matrix as described above, the number of gradations and resolution have a contradictory relationship.

In other words, there is a relationship in which increasing the number of gradations causes a decrease in resolution, and increasing the resolution causes a decrease in the number of gradations. Also,
If the matrix of threshold data is made smaller, a quantization error will occur in the image that is actually output. In the error diffusion process, as shown in FIG.
4, the correction circuit 3095 and the addition circuit 3091
It uses feedback to improve the reproducibility of gradation when viewed from a macroscopic perspective. For example, it performs error diffusion processing that convolves the corresponding position of the previous line and the pixels on both sides of it through a digital filter. There is.

As mentioned above, the screen generator switches threshold data and error diffusion processing feedback coefficients for each document or area depending on the type of image, such as a halftone image or character image, to improve the reproducibility of high-dark, high-definition images. .

(J) Area image control module The area image control module 311 has a configuration in which the seven rectangular areas and their priorities can be set in the area generation circuit, and area control information is stored in the switch matrix corresponding to each area. Set.

Control information includes color conversion, color mode such as monochrome or full color, and modulation selection information for photos, text, etc. I41. There is TRC selection information, screen generator selection information, etc., including a color masking module 302, a color conversion module 304,
UCR module 305, spatial filter 306, TR
It is used to control the C module 307. Note that the switch matrix can be set by software.

(Le) Editing control module The editing control module reads a manuscript that is not a rectangle but a pie chart, for example, and enables coloring processing in which a specified area of any shape is filled in with a specified color. As shown in (simple), AGDC (
Advanced Graphic Digital
Controller) 3121, font buffer 3
126, Logo ROM128, DMAC (DMACo
ntrolier) 3129 is connected. Then, the encoded 4-bit area command is sent from the CF'U to the plain memory 31 through the AGDC 3121.
22 The font is written to the font buffer 3126. The plane memory 3122 is composed of four sheets, and each point of the document can be set using four bits of planes O to plane 3, such that, for example, in the case of roooOJ, the command is 0 and the original document is output. The decoder 3123 decodes this 4-bit information into commands 0 to 15, and the switch matrix 3124 sets commands to perform fill pattern or fill logic logo processing for commands 0 to 15. It is. The font address controller 3125 generates addresses for the font buffer 3126 in response to patterns such as halftone shade and hatching shade based on a 2-bit fill pattern signal.

The switch circuit 3127 is a switch matrix 3124
The document data X, font buffer 3126, color palette, etc. are selected based on the fill logic signal and the contents of the document data X. The fill logic is information for filling only the back ground (background part of the document) with a color mesh, color converting a specific part, masking, trimming, filling, etc.

As described above, the IPS of this copier first performs END conversion on the IIT original reading signal, then performs color masking, and performs processing such as original size, border erasure, and color conversion, which is more efficient when processing with full color data. After that, I removed the undercolor and created ink to focus on process colors. However, by processing process color data, processing such as spatial filters and color conversion TRC1 reduction can reduce the amount of processing compared to processing full color data, and reduce the number of conversion tables used by 1/3. At the same time, we have increased the number of types to increase adjustment flexibility, color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, and definition reproducibility.

(B) Hardware configuration of image processing system No. 23
The figure is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an IPS.

The IPS of this copier has two bases [IPS-A and I
The parts that achieve the basic functions of a color image forming device, such as color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, and definition reproducibility, are divided into PS-B and edited into the first substrate IPS-A. The part that achieves the applied and specialized functions as in the second board I
It is installed in PS-B. The former configuration is shown in Figure 23 (a
) to (c), and the latter configuration is shown in FIG.
Applications and specialized functions can be flexibly handled simply by changing the design of the second board. Therefore, if it is desired to further enhance the functionality of the color image forming apparatus, this can be achieved simply by changing the design of the other substrate.

The IPS board has CPU buses (address bus ADR3BUS, data bus DAT) as shown in Figure 23.
ABUS, control bus CTRLBU
S) is connected jlA IIT video data B, G,
Video clock IIT/VCLK as R1 synchronization signal
, line synchronization (main scanning direction, horizontal synchronization) signal IIT-L
S, page synchronization (sub-scanning direction, vertical synchronization) signal IIT-
PS is connected.

Since video data is subjected to pipeline processing after the END converter, processing is required at each processing stage, resulting in a data delay in units of locks. Therefore,
The line synchronization generation and fail check circuit 328 generates and distributes horizontal synchronization signals in response to delays in each process, and performs a fail check on the video clock and line synchronization signals. Therefore, the line synchronization generation & fail check circuit 328 includes a video clock I
IT-VCLK and line synchronization signal IIT・LS are connected.In addition, the CPU bus (ADR8BUS, DATA BUS, CT
RLBUS) and a chip select signal CS are connected.

Video data B, G, and R of the IIT are input to the ROM 321 of the END conversion section. Although the END conversion table may be configured to be loaded from the CPU as appropriate using RAM, for example, there is almost no need to rewrite it while the device is in use and image data is being processed.
2 bytes of ROM for each of B, G% R
A ROM-based LUT (look-up table) method is used. It has 16 conversion tables and is switched by a 4-bit selection signal ENDSel.

The output of ROM321 after END conversion is 3 for each color.
3 calculation LSIs 322 with 2 ×1 matrices
connected to a color masking section consisting of Arithmetic LSI
Each bus of the CPU is connected to 322. Matrix coefficients can be set from the CPU. A set-up signal SU and a chip select signal C8 are connected to switch from image signal processing to a CPU bus for rewriting by the CPU, etc. A 1-bit switching signal MONO is connected to select a matrix.

In addition, a power-down signal PD is input to stop the internal video clock when the IIT is not scanning, that is, when not performing image processing.

8% G, R to Y by calculation LSI322,
M.

The signal converted to C is transferred to the second substrate I shown in FIG.
After color conversion processing is performed through the PS-B color conversion LSI 353, the signal is input to the DODMLS I 323. The color conversion LSI 353 has four color conversion circuits consisting of a threshold register for setting non-conversion colors, a color palette for setting conversion colors, a comparator, etc., and the DOD LSI 323 has a document edge detection circuit, a frame eraser, etc. It owns circuits, etc.

The output of the DOD LSI323 that has undergone frame erasing is UCR.
The data is sent to the LSI 324 for use. This LSI includes a UCR circuit, a black generation circuit, and a necessary color generation circuit, and includes a process color X corresponding to the toner color in the copy cycle.
, necessary color Hue, and edge signal are output. Therefore, this LSI includes a 2-bit process color designation signal C0LR and a color mode signal (4CO
LR, MONO) are also input.

The line memory 325 stores the process color X, necessary color Hue, and edge E d output from the UCR LSI 324.
F I F that accumulates data for 4 lines in order to input each signal of ge to the 5 × 7 digital filter 326
0 and a FIFO for matching the delay. Here, 4 lines of process color X and Edge are accumulated and a total of 5 lines are sent to the digital filter 326, and the necessary color Hue is
The signal is delayed by the FO, synchronized with the output of the digital filter 326, and sent to the MIX LSI 327.

Digital filter 326 is L of 2x7 filter.
There are two sets of 5x7 filters (low-pass LP and bypass HP) each consisting of three SIs, one of which processes process color X, and the other which processes edge.

The MIX LSI 327 performs halftone removal and edge emphasis processing on these outputs using a conversion table, and mixes them into process color X. Here, EDGE and SHARP S are used as signals for switching the conversion table.
har p is input.

The TRC 342 consists of a 2 byte RAM holding eight conversion tables. The conversion table is configured to be rewritten using the carriage return period before each scan, and is switched by a 3-bit switching signal TRC3el. Then, the processing output from here is sent to the LS for reduction processing from the transceiver.
Sent to I345. The reduction/enlargement processing section has 8 bytes of R.
Two AM344's are used to configure a Bing Bong buffer (line buffer 1), and an LSI343 is used to generate the address of the main point of the resampling pitch line buffer.

The output of the reduction/enlargement processing section returns to the EDF LSI 346 through the area memory section of the second board shown in FIG. 3(d). E
The DF LSI 346 is a DF that holds information on the previous line.
It has an IFO and performs error diffusion processing using information from the previous line. and.

The signal X after the error diffusion process is output to the IOT interface via the SG LSI 347 that constitutes the screen generator.

In the IOT interface, the signal from the SG LSI347 input as a 1-bit on/off signal is sent to the LS.
It is compiled into 8 bits using I349 and sent in parallel to the IOT.

In the second board shown in FIG. 23, the data actually flowing is 16 dots/lll1.

The reduction LSI 354 reduces the size to 1/4, binarizes it, and stores it in the area memory. The expansion decoding LSI 359 has a fill pattern RAM 360, and when reading area information from the area memory and generating a command,
It is enlarged to dots and generates logo addresses, color palettes, and fill patterns. DRAM3
56 stores 4-bit coded area information composed of four planes. The AGDC 355 is a dedicated controller that controls area commands.

(II-4) Schematic structure of image output terminal (A) FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the image output terminal (IOT).

This device uses an organic photosensitive material belt (Photo) as a photoreceptor.

A developing machine 404 consisting of black (K), magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) for four full colors, and a transfer device (Tow Roll Transfer) that conveys paper to a transfer unit.
L.

op) 406, a vacuum conveyance device (Vacuua + Tran) that conveys the paper from the transfer device 404 to the fixing device 408;
sfer) 407, paper trays 410, 412, and paper conveyance path 411, the three units of the label, photosensitive material belt, development limit, and transfer device are configured to be pulled out to the front side.

Information light obtained by modulating the laser light from the laser light source 40 is irradiated onto the sensitive material 41 through the mirror 40d to perform exposure and form a latent image.

The image formed on the photosensitive material is developed by a developing device 404 to form a toner image. The developing machine 404 is %M,
It consists of C and Y, and is arranged in the positional relationship as shown in the figure. This arrangement takes into account, for example, the relationship between dark decay and the characteristics of each toner, and the difference in the influence of mixing other toners with black toner. however,
The drive order for full color copying is Y→C-hM→
It is.

On the other hand, the paper fed from the two-stage elevator tray 410 and the other two-stage tray 412 are transported through the transport path 41.
1 to the transfer device 406. Transfer device 40
6 is placed in the transfer section. It consists of two rolls connected by a timing chain or belt and a gripper bar as described below. The gripper bar grips the paper and conveys the paper, and the toner image on the photosensitive material to be transferred onto paper.

In the case of 4 full colors, the paper rotates 4 times in the transfer unit,
Y, C, M, and K images are transferred in this order. After the transfer, the sheet is released from the gripper bar, passed from the transfer device to a vacuum conveyance device 407, fixed by a fixing device 408, and discharged.

The vacuum conveyance device 407 is connected to the transfer device 406 and the fixing device 40.
It absorbs the speed difference with 8 and maintains synchronization. In this device, the transfer speed (process speed) is 190 w/
see, and in the case of full-color copying, the fixing speed is 90 ml/aeC, so the transfer speed and fixing speed are different.

In order to ensure the degree of fixation, the process speed is reduced, while 1. To achieve 5kVA, power cannot be distributed to the user.

Therefore, in the case of small paper such as B5 or A4, the transferred paper is released from the transfer device 406 and transferred to the vacuum conveyance device 40.
7, the speed of the vacuum transfer device is set to 190ns/s.
ee to 90 m/see to make it the same as the fixing speed. However, in this device, the distance between the transfer device and the fixing device is made as short as possible to make the device compact, so if A3 paper cannot fit between the transfer point and the fixing device, the speed of the vacuum conveyance device will be reduced. Otherwise, since the rear edge of the A3 sheet is being transferred, the brakes will be applied to the paper, resulting in color misregistration. Therefore, a buckle plate 409 is provided between the fixing device and the vacuum conveyance device, and A3
In the case of paper, the baffle plate is tilted downward to make the paper draw a loop to lengthen the conveyance path, and the vacuum conveyance device is set at the same speed as the transfer speed so that the leading edge of the paper reaches the fixing device after the transfer is complete. to absorb the speed difference. Further, in the case of OHP, heat conduction is poor, so the same method as in the case of A3 paper is used.

In addition, this device is capable of copying not only full color but also black without reducing productivity. In the case of black, there is less toner layer and it is possible to fix even with a small amount of heat, so the fixing speed is 190+n/see. Do not reduce the speed using the vacuum transfer device. This is done in the same way when there is only one toner layer other than black, such as a single color toner layer, since there is no need to reduce the fixing speed. When the transfer is completed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive material is scraped off by a cleaner 405.

(B) Structure of transfer device The transfer device 406 has a structure as shown in FIG. 25(a).

The transfer device of this apparatus is characterized by having a structure that does not have a mechanical paper support to prevent color unevenness and the like, and by controlling the speed to increase the transfer speed.

The paper is ejected from the tray by a feed head 421, conveyed through a buckle chamber 422 driven by a paper bus servo 423, and supplied to the transfer device via a registration gate 425 whose opening and closing are controlled by a registration gate solenoid 426. The arrival of the paper at the registration gate is detected by the registration gate sensor 424. The transfer device is driven by a servo motor 432 driving a roller 433 via a timing belt.
It is rotating counterclockwise. The rollers 434 are not particularly driven, and two timing chains or belts are hung between the rollers.The chains (perpendicular to the conveying direction) are normally closed elastically, and the transfer Gripper bar 4 whose mouth is opened by a solenoid at the entrance of the device
30 is provided, and conveys the paper by holding it in its mouth and pulling it around at the entrance of the transfer device. Conventionally, Myra-
Because the paper was supported by attaching a sheet or mesh to an aluminum or steel support, unevenness occurred due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients, resulting in poor flatness for transfer (which resulted in partial differences in transfer efficiency). However, by using this gripper bar, there is no need to provide a special support for the paper, and the occurrence of color unevenness can be prevented.

The transfer device is not equipped with a support for the paper to be transported, and the paper will be thrown outward by centrifugal force at the rollers.To prevent this, two rollers are vacuumed to prevent the paper from rolling. When it passes the rollers, it is transported while fluttering. At the transfer point, the paper is attracted by electrostatic force to the sensitive material on which the buttsuku corotron and transfer corotron are placed, and the transfer is performed. After the transfer is completed, the gripper home sensor 436 detects the position at the exit of the transfer device, and at an appropriate timing, a solenoid opens the gripper bar to release the paper and transfer it to the vacuum conveyance device 413.

Therefore, in the transfer device, the - sheet is transferred four times in the case of full color and three times in the case of three colors.

The timing control of the servo motor 432 is shown in FIG. 25(b).
This is explained by: In the transfer device, the servo motor 432 may be controlled at a constant speed during the transfer, and once the transfer is completed, the lead edge transferred to the paper may be controlled to synchronize with the transfer point of the next latent image. On the other hand, the length of the sensitive material belt 41 is such that latent images are formed on three sheets of A4 paper and two sheets of A3 paper, and the length of the belt 435 is slightly longer than the length of A3 paper (approximately 4 /3 times) is set.

Therefore, when making color copies on A4 paper, 1
When transferring the colored latent image II, the servo motor 432
is controlled at a constant speed, and when the transfer is completed, the servo motor is rapidly accelerated and controlled so that the lead edge transferred to the paper is synchronized with the leading edge of the second color latent image I2.

In addition, in the case of A3 paper, when the transfer of the first color latent image II is completed, the servo motor is decelerated and waits so that the lead edge transferred to the paper is synchronized with the tip of the second color latent image 2. control to do so.

(II-5) Film image reading device (A) Schematic structure of film image reading device As shown in FIG. 2, the film image reading device includes a film projector (F/P) 64 and a mirror unit (M
/U)65.

(A-1) Configuration of F/P As shown in FIG. 26, the F/P 64 includes a housing 601, which includes an operation confirmation lamp 602, a manual lamp switch 603,
An autofocus/manual focus changeover switch (AF/MF changeover switch) 604 and manual focus operation switches (M/F operation switches) 605a and 605b are provided. Further, the housing 601 includes an opening/closing part 606 that can be opened and closed.

A document film 6 is provided on the top and side surfaces of this opening/closing section 606.
Holes 608 and 609 are respectively formed in a size that allows the film holding case 607 holding the original film 633 to be inserted vertically or horizontally into the housing 601 depending on how the subject recorded on the original film 633 is to be photographed. has been done. A hole (not shown) through which the film holding case 607 can protrude is also provided on the opposite side of the holes 608 and 609. The opening/closing part 606 is rotatably attached to the housing 601 by a hinge, or detachably attached to the housing 601. By making the opening/closing part 606 freely openable and closable,
When a small foreign object enters the housing 601 through the holes 608, 609, it can be easily removed.

The film holding case 607 includes a case for 35+ani negative film and a case for positive film. Therefore, F/P64 is designed to be compatible with these films. Also, F/P
64 is 6 cm x 6 am or 41 nch x 51 nc
We hope to be able to handle H negative film as well. In that case, this negative film is brought into close contact with the platen glass 31 between the M/U 65 and the platen glass 31.

As shown in FIG. 29, a projection lens holding member 611 holding a projection lens 610 is movably supported on the right side surface of the housing 601 in the drawing.

Further, inside the housing 601, a beam flap 612 and a light source lamp 613 made of a halogen lamp or the like are arranged coaxially with the projection lens 610. A cooling fan 614 for cooling the lamp 613 is provided near the lamp 613. Further, on the right side of the lamp 613, there is an aspherical lens 615 for converging the light from the lamp 613. A heat ray absorption filter 616 and a convex lens 617 for cutting light rays of a predetermined wavelength are arranged coaxially with the projection lens 610, respectively.

To the right of the convex lens 617 is a correction filter holder that supports a correction filter 635 (the correction filter for one film is shown in the figure) for adjusting the film density for, for example, 35 mm negative film and positive film. A member 618, a motor 619 for driving the correction filter holding member 618, and first and second position detection sensors 620 that detect the rotational position of the correction filter holding member 618.
621 and a control device (provided within the F/P 64, but not shown) for controlling the drive motor 619. Of the correction filters 635 supported by the correction filter holding member 618, the original film 63
The correction filter 635 corresponding to No. 3 is automatically selected so as to match the use position coaxially with each lens such as the projection lens 610. The correction filter 635 of this correction filter automatic exchange device can be placed anywhere on the optical axis of the projection light, such as between the platen glass 31 and the imaging unit 37, for example.

Further, an autofocus device includes a light emitter 623 and a light receiver 624 for an autofocus sensor that are linked to the projection lens holding member 611, and a sliding motor 625 that slides the projection lens holding member 611 of the projection lens 610 with respect to the housing 601. equipment is provided. When the film holding case 607 is inserted into the housing 601 through the hole 608 or 609, the original film 633 supported by the film holding case 607 is placed between the correction filter holding member 618, the light emitter 623, and the light receiver 624. Being located.

A film cooling fan 626 for cooling the original film 633 is provided near the position where the original film 635 is set.

The power source for the Kono F/P 64 is provided separately from the power source for the base machine 30, but is housed within the base machine 30.

(A-2) M/U configuration As shown in FIG. 27, the mirror unit 65
includes a bottom plate 627 and a cover 628 rotatably attached to the bottom plate 627 at one end. A pair of support pieces 629, 629 are pivotally mounted between the bottom plate 627 and the cover 628, and these support pieces 629, 629 support the cover 628 and the bottom plate 6 when the cover 628 is opened to the maximum.
The cover 628 is supported so that the angle formed with the cover 628 is 45 degrees.

A mirror 630 is provided on the back surface of the cover 628. Further, a large opening is formed in the bottom plate 627, and a Fresnel lens 631 and a diffusion plate 632 are provided so as to close this opening.

As shown in FIG. 29, the Fresnel lens 631 and the diffusion plate 632 are made of a single acrylic plate, and the Fresnel lens 631 is formed on the front surface of this acrylic plate, and the diffusion plate 632 is formed on the back surface of the acrylic plate. A plate 632 is formed. The Fresnel lens 631 has a function of preventing the peripheral part of the image from becoming dark by converting the projection light that is reflected and diffused by the mirror 630 into parallel light. Further, the diffusion plate 632 diffuses a small amount of parallel light in order to prevent the line sensor 226 from detecting the shadow of the Selfoc lens 224 in the imaging unit 37 formed by the parallel light from the Fresnel lens 631. It has a function.

When the mirror unit 65 is not making color copies using the F/P 64, it is folded and stored in a predetermined storage location. When the mirror unit 65 is used, it is opened and placed at a predetermined location on the platen glass 31 of the base machine 30.

(B) Main functions of the film image reading device The film image reading device has the following main functions.

(B-1) Correction filter automatic exchange function The halogen lamp commonly used as the light source lamp 613 in the F/P 64 has a spectral characteristic of -numerically more red (R) and less blue (B). Therefore, when a film is projected using this lamp 613, the projection light is red (R).
), green (G) and blue (B) are affected by the spectral characteristics of the lamp 613. Therefore, when projecting using a halogen lamp, it is necessary to correct the spectral characteristics.

On the other hand, there are many types of films for recording images, including not only negative films and positive films, but also several types of negative films and positive films.

Each of these films has different spectral properties. For example, a negative film has a first/red color, and has a high transmittance of R but a low transmittance of B. Therefore, in a negative film, it is necessary to correct the spectral characteristics so as to increase the amount of B light.

Therefore, the F/P 64 is provided with a correction filter for correcting such spectral characteristics.

The F/P 64 allows these correction filters to be replaced automatically. The correction filter is replaced by the above-mentioned correction filter automatic exchange device.

That is, the system (SYS) causes the correction filter corresponding to the original film 633 to be set at the use position.
2b from the microprocessor (CPU) in the remote
When the it command signal is output, the control device
2bi from the first and second position detection sensors 620, 621
The drive motor 619 is controlled so that the t signal matches the CPU signal. And Yansa 620.621
When the signal from the CPU matches the signal from the CPU, the control device stops the motor 619. When the motor 619 stops, the correction filter corresponding to the original film is automatically set to the use position.

Therefore, the correction filter can be replaced easily and accurately.

(B=2) Original film insertion direction detection function The original film 633 is inserted into the insertion holes 608 and 60 formed in the opening/closing part 606.
In other words, the original film 633 can be inserted from any of the holes 9, that is, the original film 633 can be inserted from any two directions, vertically and horizontally, depending on how the subject is to be photographed. In that case, the insertion holes 608, 60
A film detection switch is provided on at least one of 9. That is, at least one film detection switch is provided. When the film detection switch is provided on the hole 608 side but not on the hole 609 side, the film holding case 607 is
When a film is detected after being inserted from 0B, it turns on and outputs a detection signal. When this detection signal is present, the required area of the line sensor 226 is set to be five vertical areas, that is, the sub-scanning direction is set to be the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

Furthermore, when the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 609, this switch remains off and does not output a detection signal. When there is no detection signal, the necessary area is set to be a tank, that is, the main scanning direction is set to be the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

Similarly, when the film detection switch is provided only on the hole 609 side, or when the film detection switch is provided on both the holes 608 and 609 sides,
When the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 608, the required area of the line sensor 226 is such that the sub-scanning direction is the long plane direction of the projected image, and when the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 609, the line sensor 226 is required area. 2
In the required area 26, the on/off signal of the film detection switch is set so that the main scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

(B-3) Autofocus function (AF function) When the film holding case 607 is attached to the F/P 64, an accuracy of several tens of μm is required for the attachment position of the original film 633. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the focus after mounting the original film 633. When performing this focusing manually, the image of the original film 633 is projected onto the diffuser plate 632 of the M/U 65 set at a predetermined position on the platen glass 310, and the projection lens holding member 611 is slid while viewing the projected image. must be carried out.

In that case, the image projected onto the diffuser plate 632 is extremely difficult to see, making it extremely difficult to focus accurately.

Therefore, when the original film 633 is mounted on the F/P 64, the F/P 64 is configured to be able to automatically adjust the focus.

This AP function is performed by the above-mentioned AF device as follows.

By operating the keys on the display of the U/I 36 to switch to F/P mode, the light emitter 623 emits light, and in FIG. 26, the AF/MF changeover switch 604 of the F/P 64 is selected to AF. By doing so, the AF device becomes ready for operation. As shown in FIG. 29, the film case 6 containing the original film 633
07 to the F/P 64, the light from the light emitter 623 will be reflected by the original film 633, and the reflected light will be transmitted to the two-element type light receiver 6 for AF, for example.
24.

Then, the two elements of the light receiver 624 output to the CPU 634 a signal of a magnitude corresponding to the amount of reflected light detected by each element. The CPU 634 calculates the difference between these signals, and when the result of the calculation is not 0, it issues an output signal and drives the motor 625 in a direction that reduces the difference between the signals from the two elements. Therefore, as the projection lens holding member 611 slides, the light emitter 623 and the light receiver 6
24 move together. Then, when the difference between the output signals from the two elements becomes O, the CPU 634 stops the motor 625. The image is in focus when the motor 625 stops.

In this way, AF operation is performed. This eliminates the need for manual focusing each time a film case containing original film is attached to the F/P 64. Therefore, not only is it time-saving, but also copying failures due to out-of-focus can be prevented.

(B-4) Manual focus function (MF function) AF
By switching the /MF changeover switch 604 to MF, the lamp 613 is automatically turned on for a predetermined period of time, allowing manual focusing. To operate the MF, press the operation switch 605 while viewing the image of the original film projected on the diffuser plate 632 of the mirror unit 6'5.
This is done by pressing a, 605 b. This MF makes it possible to focus on a specific part of the film image.

(B-5) Manual lighting function of light source lamp By pressing the manual lamp switch 603, the lamp 613 can be turned on unconditionally. This switch is not normally used, but it is used when backlighting images recorded on relatively thick objects, when viewing images for a long time during AF, and when checking if the lamp is burnt out. used for.

(B-6) Automatic magnification change and scan area automatic change function By setting the paper size using the U/I 36, the magnification can be automatically set. Also,
By selecting the type of original film using the U/I 36, a copy area can be automatically selected according to the film.

(B-7) Automatic shading correction function CE'U634
The ROM generally contains FUJI (registered trademark) and KODAK (registered trademark), which are negative films often used for photography.
(registered trademark) and KONICA (registered trademark) ASA
Density data for 100 orange masks are stored, and when one of these films is selected, the CPU 634 can automatically perform shading correction based on the stored density data.

In that case, the base film of these films is F/P.
There is no need to install it on 64.

Therefore, not only can the trouble of attaching the base film be saved, but also it is possible to prevent the base film from being attached by mistake, and there is no need to manage the base film.

Furthermore, for one type of film other than these three types of films, the density data of the orange mask of that film can be registered. This data is stored in RAM within the copier system. In the case of this registered film, shading correction is automatically performed as in the case of the three types of films described above.

(B-8) Automatic image quality adjustment function It is possible to perform corrections such as γ correction based on various conditions such as the density characteristics of the original film and the exposure conditions when shooting the film, and automatically adjust the density and color balance. That's what I do.

(C) Image signal processing (C-1) Necessity of image signal correction and principle of correction Generally, the density range of a film is wider than that of an original. Furthermore, even for the same film, the density range differs depending on the type of film, for example, the density range of photo film is wider than that of negative film.

Furthermore, the density range of the film is influenced by the photographing conditions of the original film, such as the exposure amount of the film, the density of the subject, or the brightness at the time of photographing. In fact, the subject density is widely distributed within the film's density range.

Therefore, when an image recorded on such a film is to be copied using a copying machine that copies an original using reflected light, good reproducibility cannot be obtained by performing the same signal processing. Therefore, good reproducibility is obtained by appropriately correcting the image reading signal so that the density of the main subject becomes appropriate.

FIG. 28 shows the density characteristics of a certain negative film and the principle of density correction. In this figure.

On the horizontal axis, the right half represents the exposure amount of the subject (corresponding to the subject density), and the left half represents the density after shading correction. Further, on the vertical axis, the upper half represents the video circuit output (equal to the negative density), and the lower half represents the output copy density.

In other words, the first quadrant describes the density characteristics of the negative film,
The second quadrant shows the relationship between shading correction, and the third quadrant shows the relationship between γ
The fourth quadrant represents the relationship between the correction and the relationship between the subject exposure amount and the corrected output copy density.

The density characteristics of this negative film are shown by the line α in the first quadrant of FIG. In other words, when the amount of exposure from the subject is large, the density of the negative film is thick (as the amount of exposure from the subject decreases, the density of the negative film decreases linearly. When the amount of exposure from the subject decreases to a certain extent, The linearity between the amount of exposure from the subject and the density of the negative film disappears.If this amount of exposure is small, for example, if the image recorded on the film is a bust of a human, the face and hair will be different. Further, even when the exposure amount is large, the slope of the line α, that is, the value of γ is smaller than 1, so unless γ correction is performed, the copy will be soft.

For this reason, γ correction is necessary.

Next, the principle of correction will be explained using FIG. 28.

In the third quadrant of the figure, an END curve β for γ correction is set. The slope γ' of this END curve β is the fourth
In order to make the relationship between the exposure amount from the subject and the output copy density a linear relationship of 45 degrees in the quadrant, γ
=1/γ.

For example, in the case of area a where the amount of exposure from the subject is relatively high, if the density adjustment value set in the register of the shading correction circuit is a value represented by a straight line ■ in the second quadrant, then after shading correction The concentration is in area a
'. This region a' no longer falls within the conversion range of the END curve β, and this region becomes white when copied. Therefore, in the second quadrant, the density adjustment value is shifted from the straight line ■ to the straight line ■ so that the density after shading correction falls within the conversion range of the END curve β. By doing this, the relationship between the amount of exposure from the subject and the output copy density will follow a 45 degree straight line (2) in the fourth quadrant, and the copy will have a density with gradation.

Furthermore, in the case of a region where the amount of exposure from the subject is relatively small, the linearity between the amount of exposure from the subject and the negative film density is lost. In this case, the density adjustment value of the shading correction circuit is set to the value of the straight line ■ in the second quadrant. Then, the END curve β represented by the line ■ is selected in the third quadrant. By selecting this END curve β, the exposure amount from the subject and the output copy density can be adjusted to the fourth
It can be represented by a 45 degree straight line (■) in the quadrant. In other words, when the amount of exposure from the subject is within the range, for example, if a person with black hair is wearing a brown hat, this will prevent the hair and hat from having almost the same density. You will be able to clearly bring out the contrast between.

In this way, correction is performed so that the density of the subject becomes appropriate.

(C-2) Image signal processing method As shown in FIG. 29, one line sensor 226
reads the projection light of the image on the original film 633 in an analog manner as a light amount for each R2O and B, and the image signal represented by this light amount is amplified to a predetermined level by an amplifier 231. The amplified image signal is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter 235 and a log converter 238.
The light quantity signal is converted into a density signal by

The image signal expressed in density is sent to the shading correction circuit 2.
Shading correction is performed in step 39. This shading correction removes from the image signal uneven light intensity of the SELFOC lens 224, uneven sensitivity of each pixel in the line sensor 226, variations in each spectral characteristic and light intensity level of the correction filter and lamp 613, and influence valves due to changes over time. .

Before performing this shading correction, first, when the above-mentioned three types of films and registered films are selected as the original film, the correction filter is set in the positive film filter. After reading the light amount signal from 613, amplifying the signal and converting it into a digital signal, the data obtained based on the converted density signal is stored in the line memory 240 as reference data.

That is, the imaging unit 37 scans and samples each R, G, and B pixel in 32 line steps, and these sampling data are stored in the line memory 240.
The CPU 634 calculates the average density value of the 32 lines of sampling data and obtains shading data. By taking the average in this way, errors for each pixel are eliminated.

Furthermore, when an original film is loaded and an image of the original film is read, the CPU 634 calculates a density adjustment value DADj from the density data of the negative film stored in the ROM, and stores it in the register of the LSI in the shading correction circuit 239. Rewrite the set DADj value. Further, the CPU 634 adjusts the light intensity of the lamp 613 and the gain of the amplifier 643 in accordance with the selected film.

Then, the shading correction circuit 239 shifts the read density value by adding the DADj value to the actual data read from the original film. Further, the shading correction circuit 239 performs shading correction by subtracting shading data for each pixel from the adjusted data.

In addition, in the case of a film that is not recorded in the ROM of the CPU 634 and is not registered in the RAM of the system, the base film is attached, the density data of the film is obtained, and the DADj value is calculated from the obtained density data. Must.

After shading correction is completed, IIT32 becomes IPS3
Outputs R, G, and B density signals to 3.

Then, the CPU 634 selects an END curve based on the actual data of the original film, and outputs a correction signal to perform γ correction based on the selected curve. Based on this correction signal, the IP'S 33 performs γ correction to correct the fact that γ of the original film is not 1 and the unclear contrast caused by nonlinear characteristics.

(D) Operation procedure and signal timing Based on FIG. 30, the operation procedure and signal timing will be explained. Note that a signal indicated by a broken line indicates that the signal may be used.

The operation of the F/P 64 is mainly performed using the U/I of the base machine 30.
36. That is, by operating the F/P operation key displayed on the display screen of the U/I 36, the base machine 30 is placed in the F/P mode. Assuming that the original film is one of the three types of films mentioned above and one of the registered films, the third
As shown in Figure 0, the message ``Please select the film type after placing the mirror unit'' is displayed on the U/136's display screen. Therefore, first, the M/U 65 is opened and set at a predetermined position on the platen glass 31.

Next, when the film selection key on the screen is pressed, the screen displays the message "Please wait without loading film." At the same time, the lamp 613 is turned on and the correction filter control (FCC0NT) signal becomes (0, O) to perform the FC operation. That is, the correction filter automatic exchange device is operated and the positive correction filter is set in the use position. When the correction filter is set, the correction filter exchange end (FC5ET) signal becomes LOW.

In addition to this being LOW, the lamp 613 is lit and 3
The acquisition of shading data for shading correction is started using the elapse of ~5 seconds as a trigger. When this shading data collection is completed, this completion is used as a trigger to set FCC0NT to (0, 1), the correction filter automatic exchange device is activated, and the film correction filter is set in the use position. In addition, the shading correction is triggered and the screen displays "Focusing. Please insert film."
Lamp 613 turns off. Therefore, the original film 6
The film case 607 containing the film 33 is attached to the F/P 64. As a result, the light from the light emitter 623 is reflected by this film and the reflected light is detected by the light receiver 624.

When the difference in the amount of reflected light received between the two elements of the light receiver 624 is not O, the motor 625 of the AF device is activated to focus. That is, AF operation is performed. When focusing is completed, F/P is ready for operation (F/P
RDY) signal becomes LOW. After this F/PRDY signal becomes LOW and one second has elapsed since FCSET becomes LOW, "Copy ready" is displayed on the screen. When you press the start key on the U/I 36, the message ``Copying in progress'' will be displayed on the first screen.And when the lamp 613 lights up, wait until the lamp 613 starts up, and then start automatic density adjustment (A/E). Data collection begins. That is, in order to obtain data for performing density adjustment, color balance adjustment, gamma correction, etc., the imaging unit 37 partially scans and reads part or all of the projected image.

Next, in the case of full color, the imaging unit 37 scans four times to perform copying. In that case,
Shading correction and density adjustment are automatically performed based on the shading data and automatic density adjustment data. When the copying is completed, the lamp 613 turns off and the screen displays "Copy ready".

Therefore, when the start key is pressed again, a new copy is performed. If you want to copy another image, you have to change the frames of the film. When changing frames, FPR
DY becomes HIGH and the screen displays ``Focus J.'' Then, when a new frame is set, the AF operation begins.At the same time, F/P RDY becomes LOW and the screen displays "You can copy" is displayed. Then, by pressing the start key,
A copy is made.

(III) User interface (UI) (m-1)
Adoption of a color CRT display and optical touch board As mentioned above, this copier can not only make color copies such as 4-color full color and 3-color copies, but also black and white copies, and also has various editing functions. In addition to providing
This is a highly functional digital color copier that is fully automated, so it is useful not only for so-called beginners who are not familiar with the functions or configuration of copiers who simply want to copy the required number of black and white documents, but also for designers. It is also possible for so-called experts, who often make use of copying machines such as -, to create novel and original documents using various editing functions.

Now, when using not only this copying machine but also any copying machine, it is necessary to set copy execution conditions (copy mode) and necessary parameters depending on the type of copying to be performed.

During these settings, the UI intervenes between the user and the copying machine and supports interaction.

Therefore, the operability of the UI is a very important point. In other words, if it has various functions and is highly reliable, its reputation as a copier will be higher, but if those functions are difficult to use, its value will drop dramatically even if it has excellent functions. On the contrary, it becomes expensive, and the overall evaluation deteriorates significantly. In particular, in a copying machine that has many editing functions like this copying machine, many operations are required to select functions and set parameters, making it easy for errors in operating procedures and erroneous operations to occur (
It will become.

From this perspective, the UI is a factor that greatly influences whether or not a copying machine is easy to use, especially in a multifunctional copying machine like this one.
The operability of the UI becomes a problem.

So, how can we configure the UT to improve its operability?

First of all, even if it is a high-performance copying machine, if it requires operations that are completely different from those of conventional copying machines, it will only confuse the user and make it extremely difficult to use. Therefore, it is obvious that it is desirable to have operability similar to that of a conventional copying machine.For example, if you want to make three copies on A4 paper at 100% magnification, press the button or key for setting the magnification. 100
%" button, and press the "A4J" button for paper settings.
It is important that the machine can be operated in the same way as a conventional copying machine, such as pressing the ``4'' button and then pressing ``4'' on the numeric keypad to start copying.

Furthermore, it is important to provide users with as much information as they need, when they need it. This is because redundant information not only confuses the user but also causes operational errors.

Furthermore, if the operating units are distributed, the user will have to look here and there, which will not only be cumbersome, but also make the operating procedure unclear, so it is desirable to have the operating units concentrated in one place.

Further, as described above, this copying machine can be used by everyone from beginners to experts, and the usage differs depending on the user's skill level, so the UI needs to have operability that corresponds to the usage by various users.

In other words, if you are simply making copies, use double-dispersion paper.
You only need to specify basic modes such as color or black and white, and if you want to perform advanced editing,
In order to eliminate troublesomeness, it is desirable to have goal-oriented operability.In order to satisfy all of the above requirements, this copying machine uses a color CRT display as the UI display device. We decided to use an optical touch board that uses infrared rays to select modes or parameters.

According to this configuration, for example, if you want to set the magnification to 100%, you can directly touch the area where "100%" is displayed in the magnification column on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as a soft button). Hopefully, this has the same operational feel as pressing a conventional hard button. Note that pressure-sensitive touch boards are also known, but these require you to actually press with a certain amount of force, whereas optical touch boards only require you to block infrared rays with your finger or other object. So,
It has an excellent operating feel. In the following description, the operation of blocking infrared rays will be referred to as "press J" or "push down."

Furthermore, since the display screen of a CRT display can be configured as appropriate, it is possible to provide the user with the necessary amount of information at the necessary time. 4) By switching the display screen as appropriate, it is possible to clearly indicate the relationship of information or operating procedures.

This also allows for goal-oriented operability.

This goal-oriented operability can be explained using, for example, the case of ``fitting synthesis'' as follows. As shown in Figure 50, the inset composition is performed on the manuscript A.
The editing involves fitting a predetermined portion a of the document B into a predetermined portion of the document B. To perform this editing, first trim and copy a predetermined area a of the document A, and then copy the predetermined area a of the document B. Several operations must be performed, such as masking the area A of the document A and enlarging or contracting the area a of the document A to fit the area A of the document B. Some of these operations may be necessary for other edits as well.

In the past, when several operations had to be performed in succession, such as inset synthesis, the required operations were checked one by one, and the operations were performed one by one. However, this is extremely troublesome, and if even one necessary task is omitted, the desired editing task cannot be performed. On the other hand, for example, items such as ``Inset Composition'' may be displayed on the screen, and the screen can be switched by pressing the corresponding soft button.

Alternatively, by displaying a pop-up screen that guides the user as to what settings to make and how to perform the editing, the above-mentioned annoyances and erroneous operations can be eliminated. This is goal-oriented operability, which allows easy and direct operation.Furthermore, since a color CRT display is used, not only can you build a good-looking screen, but you can also use color effectively. By doing so, the information can make a strong impression on the user, and as a result, the information can be conveyed to the user more accurately and more quickly. Also, since this copying machine is a color copier, it has color-related functions such as tone adjustment and one-color conversion, but when using these functions, it is difficult to determine what color the output copy will be. You can also check on the screen.

As mentioned above, by combining a color CRT display and an optical touch board, it is easy to understand for beginners, hassle-free for experts, and allows you to
Moreover, it is possible to construct a UI that allows direct copy mode settings.

(III-2) Fig. 31 shows the installation of the UI on the main body of the copying machine using a color CRT monitor, and Fig. 32 shows the state and appearance of the UI.
The attachment of I is a diagram for explaining the angle and height.

In order to obtain the above-mentioned operability, the UI of this copying machine is
A 12-inch color CRT monitor 501 as shown in the figure
and a hard control panel 502 next to it. The size of the color CRT monitor 501 can be selected as required, but it is not a good idea to make it too large since it needs to be attached to the copying machine body. In order to arrange the necessary information in an easy-to-see manner, the screen needs to be of a certain size. Taking these into consideration, this copying machine uses 12
We are using inches.

Further, the reason why the hard control panel 502 is provided is as follows. Of course, it is possible to use all the buttons as soft buttons, but there is also a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies and entering a code number, a start button for starting copying, restarting copying after an interruption, and a button for interrupting copying. Stop buttons, etc. for copy mode settings must be kept in a state where they can be pressed at any time, and if these buttons are formed using soft buttons, they must be displayed on the screen at all times. The area becomes narrower, and you will have to switch screens frequently or reduce the size of the soft buttons to accommodate the required number of buttons. However, frequent screen switching is only a nuisance for the user, and smaller soft buttons make them harder to press and make it harder to see the screen, which is undesirable.Therefore, it is desirable to have a numeric keypad that can be pressed at any time, such as a start button. Buttons that require these functions are formed as a hard control panel, separate from soft buttons.

In addition to providing users with easy-to-read and easy-to-understand menus through the use of color displays, the color CRT monitor 50
1 is combined with an infrared touch board 503 to allow direct access using soft buttons on the screen. In addition, the hard buttons of the hard control panel 502,
To the soft buttons displayed on the screen of the color CRT monitor 501.

By efficiently distributing the operation contents, it is possible to simplify the operation and to efficiently configure the menu screen.

On the back side of the color CRT monitor 501 and the hard control panel 502, there is a monitor control/power board 504 and a video engine board 5, as shown in FIGS.
05, various boards such as the CRT driver board 506 are arranged.The hard control panel 502 is shown in the same figure (
As shown in C), the color CRT monitor 501 is arranged at a certain angle so as to face further toward the center of the monitor 501.

Further, the color CRT monitor 501 and the hard control panel 502 are not mounted directly on the base machine (copying machine main body) 507 as shown in the figure, but on a support arm 508 erected on the base machine 507. If a stand-type color CRT monitor 501 is used instead of a conventional console panel, it can be mounted three-dimensionally above the base machine 507 as shown in FIG. By arranging the color CRT monitor 501 at the right corner of the copying machine 507 as shown in FIG. It can be made more compact.

In a copying machine, the height of the platen, that is, the height of the device, is designed to be at an appropriate waist height for setting a document. This height regulates the height of the device.

Conventional console panels are mounted on the top of the copying machine, so they are located at waist height and close to the hand, making them easy to operate, but they are also placed at a fairly comfortable distance from the eyes to select functions and set execution conditions. An operation section and a display section will be arranged for this purpose. In this regard, the UI of this copier is positioned higher than the platen, close to eye level, as shown in FIG. It will be on the right side and will be easier to operate.

Moreover, by bringing the height of the color CRT monitor 501 close to eye level, the lower side can be used as an effective space for installing optional kits such as a UI control board, memory card device, key counter, etc. Can be used. Therefore, there is no need to make any structural changes to install the memory card device, and the memory card device can be additionally installed without changing the appearance at all.
The monitor 501 can be mounted at a height of about 1 cm for easy viewing. Furthermore, the color CRT monitor 501 is
Although it may be fixed at a predetermined angle, it is of course possible to adopt a structure that allows the angle to be changed.

(III-3) System Configuration Next, the electrical system configuration of the UI of this copying machine will be explained. The UL electrical system includes software and hardware, and the configuration of the UI software module is shown in FIG. 33, and the UI hardware configuration is shown in FIG. 34. The software is LLU in Figure 4.
It corresponds to the I80, and the hardware corresponds to the UI remote 70 in FIG.

The software module configuration of the UI of this copier is
As shown in FIG. 3, a video display module 5 controls the display screen of a color CRT monitor 501.
11, and edit pad 513, memory card 5
A system tJI517.519 for controlling these, a subsystem 515, a touch screen 503, and a control panel 502 are connected to a video display module 511.

The edit pad interface module 512 receives the X and Y coordinates from the edit pad 513 and the job and X coordinates from the memory card 514.

In addition to inputting the Y coordinate, video map display information is sent to the video display module 511, and UI control signals are exchanged with the video display module 511.

By the way, area specification includes marker specification, which specifies an area on the document with a red or blue marker, and performs cropping and color conversion.
There are two-point specification using the coordinates of a rectangular area, and a closed-loop specification by tracing with the edit pad, but marker specification does not have any particular data, and two-point specification has less data, while closed-loop specification allows you to specify the area as an editing target. Requires large amounts of data. This data is edited using IPS remote, but the amount of data is too large to transfer at high speed. Therefore, such X, Y coordinate data is transferred to IIT/IPS516 separately from the general data transfer line.
The configuration is such that a dedicated transfer line (the 6.8 kbps transfer line in FIG. 3) is used.

The video display module 511 inputs the vertical and horizontal input points (coordinate positions of the touch screen) on the touch screen 503, recognizes the button ID, and inputs the buttons on the control panel 502. Then, the button ID is sent to the system UIs 517 and 519, and display requests are received from the system UIs 517 and 519. Further, a subsystem (ESS) 515 is connected to, for example, a workstation or a host CPU, and is a printer controller when the present apparatus is used as a laser printer. In this case, information on the touch screen 503, control panel 502, and keyboard (not shown) is transferred as is to the subsystem 515.The contents of the display screen are sent from the subsystem 515 to the video display module 511.

The system UI 517.519 exchanges information on the copy mode and machine state with the master controller 518.520. Corresponding to FIG. 4 explained earlier, one of the system UIs 517 and 519 is the 32
5YSUI module 81 of the sys remote shown in the figure, and the other is the MCBUI module 81 of the MCB remote shown in FIG.
It is Mogicor 86.

The UI of this copying machine consists of two control boards consisting of a UICB 521 and an EPIB 522 as hardware as shown in FIG. 34, and its functions are broadly divided into two in correspondence with the above module configuration. And U.I.C.
The B521 includes a CPU (for example, Intel's 80
85 or equivalent) and a CRT controller (e.g., Intel's 6845 or equivalent), and since 8 bits is insufficient for the EPIB522 to draw in the bitmap area, a 16-bit CPU (e.g., Intel's 80C196KA) is used. ), and the drawing data of the bitmap area is transferred to the UICB 521 by direct memory access (DMA), thereby achieving functional distribution.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the configuration of the UICB.

In addition to the above-mentioned CPUs, the UICB has a CPU 534 (for example, equivalent to Intel's 8051), and the CCC 531 is connected to the high-speed communication line L-NET and the communication line of the optional keyboard, and the CPU 534 and CCC 531 control communication. is also used for touch screen drives. The touch screen signal is sent from CCC531 to CCC5 with its coordinate position information intact.
CPtJ53
2, the button ID is recognized and processed. It is also connected to the control panel through the input boat 551 and output boat 552, and from the EPIB 522 and subsystem (ESS) through the subsystem interface 548, receiver 549, and driver 550.
It receives and receives video data at IMbps along with a MHz clock, and allows commands and status information to be exchanged at 9,600 bps.

The memory is BootR, which stores the bootstrap.
OM535's enemy Frame ROM538 and 539, RA
M536, bitmap RAM537, V-RAM54
It has 2. Frame ROMs 538 and 539 are memories in which display screen data is stored not as a bit map but in a data structure that is easy to handle with software.
Drawing data is first generated here by the PU 532 using the RAM 536 as a work area, and written to the V-RAM 542 by the DMA 541. Also.

For bitmap data, DMA 540 is EPrB5
22 to the bitmap RAM 537 and written therein. Character generator 544 is for graphic tiles, text character generator 543
is for character tiles.

The V-RAM 542 is managed by tile code. The tile code consists of 24 bits (3 bytes), 13 bits are tile type information, 2 bits are text, graphic, or bitmap identification information, and 1 bit is tile code. is the blink information, 5 bits is the background color information E,
Three bits are used for each foreground color information. The CRT controller 533 has a V-RAM5
The display screen is developed based on the information of the tile code written in 42, and the video data is sent to the CRT through the shift register 545, multiplexer 546, and color palette 547. The drawing of the bitmap area is switched by a shift register 545.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the configuration of EPIB.

EPIB is a 16-bit CPU (for example, equivalent to Intel's 80C196KA) 555, a boot page computer.
"Do ROM556. OS page code ROM557,
Area memory 558, RAM used as work area
559. And interface 561
, bitmap data transfer and commands to the UICB through the driver 562 and driver/receiver 563,
It sends and receives status information, and sends it to the IPS through the high-speed communication interface 564 and driver 565.
Transferring Y coordinate data. In addition, memory card 5
Reading/writing to/from 25 is performed through interface 560. Therefore, when closed-loop editing area designation information and copy mode information are input from the edit pad 524 or memory card 525, these information are appropriately transmitted to the UICB through the interface 561 and driver 562, and to the IPS through the high-speed communication interface 564 and driver 565. are transferred respectively.

(m-4) Display screen configuration Next, how to configure the screen to create an easy-to-use UI
Let's think about whether we can build it.

Even when using a color CRT monitor for the UI,
Providing information compatible with multi-functionality requires a large amount of information, so if you think about it simply, a large display area is required, which makes it difficult to support miniaturization. Furthermore, when a compact size display device is adopted, it becomes difficult to provide all necessary information on one screen not only due to display density issues, but also because of the need to provide a single, easy-to-understand screen that is easy for the operator to view.

Therefore, various measures are required to provide a screen that is easy to view and understand by using a compact color CRT monitor like the UI of this copying machine.

Now, since this copying machine is a color copier equipped with various editing functions, the copy mode set on the UI is as follows.
In addition to the basic copy mode settings that are essential for copying, such as setting the paper size, setting the magnification, etc., you can , When using an editing function, instructions for the editing function to be used and necessary parameters must be set.

However, since the screen size is 12 inches, it is neither possible nor advisable to display this information on one screen. This is because the more information that is displayed, the more difficult it is to see and understand the screen, and the more items that need to be set, the more it causes unnecessary confusion for beginners.

Therefore, it is necessary to divide the screen for setting the copy mode into several parts, but it is desirable to first have a screen for setting the basic copy mode. This is because a copy mode cannot be executed unless it is set, and is necessary not only when simply copying, but also when using editing functions.

By the way, the basic copy mode includes, in addition to the above-mentioned color mode, paper size, and magnification, the use of binding margin setting EF/P, copy density adjustment, color adjustment, copy contrast adjustment, and the like. However, while the settings for color mode, paper size, and whether or not to use the sorter when double pemo and sorter are installed are essentially basic setting conditions, other binding margin settings and F/P Whether or not to use it, copy density adjustment, color adjustment, copy contrast adjustment, etc. are items that can be done as necessary.
Separate screens will be used to set these items.

By dividing the screen in this way, basic setting conditions such as color mode, paper size, double power, and sorter device 1 can be adjusted.
The settings for whether or not to use the sorter at the time of arrival can be done on one screen (hereinafter, this screen is referred to as the basic copy screen), and when you want to adjust the density of 5 copies, etc., you can use another screen. You can call it up and make desired adjustments and settings.

It is also very effective to display a pop-up screen. For example, when considering the magnification settings, the automatic magnification and 100% are usually used, but there are also cases where you want to enlarge or reduce the document as needed. , also has a biasing function that allows copying at different magnifications in the horizontal direction, so you must also select whether or not to perform biasing, but if you make these settings within the basic copy screen, the screen The display becomes complicated. Therefore, on the basic copy screen, there are three types of magnification setting items: auto double 100% and variable pull, and when variable pull is selected, a pop-up will open and you can set the desired magnification. Good.

As is clear from the above, by dividing the screen appropriately in this way and displaying pop-up screens as appropriate, it is possible to provide the user with ``only the information that is needed when it is needed''. Since the relevant information is hidden and can be called up as needed, it does not confuse the user, making it possible to construct a UI with good operability.

The basic mode settings have been explained above, and now the editing function settings will be explained.

There are two ways of thinking about setting the editing function:

One is to display all of the editing functions that the copier has and let the user select the desired editing function from among them. In this copying machine, the latter is adopted.

One reason for this is that goal-oriented operability cannot be achieved with the former method. In other words, if we take "fitting synthesis" as an example, in the former, as mentioned above, you have to perform trimming of a predetermined area of document A, masking of a predetermined area of document B, etc. one by one in order, whereas in the latter This can be done directly by pressing the soft button of "Inset Composition J".Also, some users are accustomed to using the editing function, while others are not, and depending on their level of proficiency, they may not be able to do the same thing. Editing functions may also be used in different ways, for example:

Now, if we consider the case where the background of a predetermined area of a document is to be colored with a desired color, one possible way to designate the area is to first surround the desired area with a marker pen. The machine recognizes the color of the marker pen, so
It is possible to automatically detect a closed loop and apply a specified mesh in a specified color to the area surrounded by the closed loop. This is the simplest way to specify an area,
Even users who have just learned how to edit can easily do this. However, in the method of using a marker pen, a closed loop is written on the document with the marker pen, which results in the document being smeared. To avoid this, use the edit pad to specify the desired area, but this method requires inputting the coordinates of the desired area using the edit pad, which increases the number of operations and Since inputting coordinates still requires a certain degree of skill, this method can be said to be a more advanced editing function than the method using a marker pen described above.

Furthermore, there are cases where it is desired not only to simply shade the area, but also to perform other editing functions such as trimming on the area at the same time. In this case, the operation becomes more complicated and requires considerable skill to master.

In this way, some editing functions can be extremely difficult to use depending on the user's skill level, and it is therefore desirable to divide the editing functions into several stages and layer them. I understand that. Moreover, this makes it possible to achieve the goal of the UI of this copying machine, which is to "provide the user with the necessary amount of information when necessary."

In other words, when you want to perform simple editing, you only need to call up the corresponding screen, specify the desired editing function, and set the necessary parameters. This is because it will not cause any confusion.

Another advantage is that by layering editing functions, it becomes easier to create software. In other words, if all editing functions are grouped together, there will be a large number of branches, which will be very difficult to create software, but if the various editing functions are divided into similar functions and layered, the number of branches will be reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier to create software.

As mentioned above, the screen for guiding copy mode settings is roughly divided into basic copy mode and edit mode, and by layering each of basic copy mode and edit mode as appropriate, information can be accurately and To construct an easy-to-use UI without causing erroneous operations, since it is possible to transmit information to the user as much as necessary when necessary.

It is possible.

Next, the question is how to layer the basic copy mode and editing mode, and what setting items should be provided in each layer.As mentioned above, the basic copy mode has color mode, paper size,
Double kite The sorter is used as one set, and other copy density adjustments etc. are handled separately.

Furthermore, it is possible to decide how many layers the editing modes should be divided into, but as mentioned above, for example, the stage of using markers,
It is preferable to have at least three stages: a stage where only one editing function can be performed using the edit pad, and a stage where all editing functions can be used.

(III-5) Busway and its layout Next,
The problem is how to lay out the screen.

First, when setting items for functions or modes are hierarchically arranged as described above, it is obvious that a display area must be provided for each hierarchy. However, in order to be able to set the desired mode with minimum steps at any level, it is recommended that the display area of each level display only the basic items in that level, and display the rest as a pop-up5. ．． Furthermore, the display area of each hierarchy needs to be able to be called up at any time. This is because there will be problems in terms of operability unless a hierarchical display area in which desired editing can be immediately called up whenever the user wants to edit an AI collection.

These display areas are areas for selecting functions for each layer (
(function selection area), hereinafter referred to as the busway.

Based on the above considerations, we decided to provide the following busways in this copying machine. (A) Basic Feature Busway The busways adopted in this copying machine will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

What is shown in FIG. 37(a) is a screen displaying a basic feature busway, and the overall screen layout will be explained using this screen first.

As shown in FIG. 37(a), the display screen is divided into two areas: message area A and busway B.

Message area A uses the top three lines of the screen,
Predetermined messages are displayed on the first line for state messages, and on the second and third lines for guidance messages when there is a contradiction in function selection, messages regarding abnormal conditions of the device, and warning information messages.

Further, the right end of message area A is used as a number display area.The set number of copies input using the numeric keypad and the number of copies being made are displayed.

Busway B is an area for selecting various functions,
Basic features Azoid features Copy quality, tools, marker editing Business editing
Freehand Editing Each creative editing busway is provided, and a busway tab C is displayed corresponding to each busway. Busway B has a soft button D that is an option and selects a function when touched, and an icon (picture) E that changes depending on the selected function and displays that function.
, an indicator F that displays the reduction ratio, etc. are displayed.

In addition, each busway has a pop-up to improve operability, and those whose pop-up is opened by pressing the soft button D are marked with a pop-up mark G of Δj. By touching , the busway can be opened, so the desired busway can be displayed whenever needed.

Now, in the basic feature busway, mode settings are made for each item of color mode, paper size, and religious sorter, which are essential modes when executing copying.

The color modes are full color, which makes copies using four types of toner: Y, C, and K (black), three-bath color, which makes copies with three types of toner except K, and red/black, which makes regular black and white copies. The default that is automatically selected when the power is turned on can be set as desired by the user. In addition, Red/Black mode a is a mode in which copies are made using only red and black toner, which allows you to convert the black part of the original to red, delete the red part of the original, or color the original with red. If you select the red/black mode and start copying, the red parts of the original will become redder and the black parts darker, so you can also perform generation copying. .

The paper size is set to automatic paper selection (APS), tray 1.
2.3 options, default is APS.

The magnification has three options: 100%, automatic magnification selection (AMS) that sets the magnification based on the paper size and document size when paper is selected, and variable magnification (arbitrary magnification change). The calculated double power, calculated double power, or automatic is displayed. When barrier pull is selected, a pop-up as shown in Figure 37(b) will be displayed.Using the preset double power or scroll button H, you can set the magnification in 1% increments in the range from 50% to 400%, for example. It is done like this.

The pop-up in the same figure says "rAnamorphic".

This is a biasing function that allows you to independently set the vertical and horizontal magnifications of the original. When you press the corresponding soft button, the pop-up shown in Figure (c) opens and the vertical and horizontal magnifications of the original can be set independently. Moreover, it can be set arbitrarily.

In this way, detailed setting information for a specific function can be displayed in a pop-up, and 1-1 By opening the pop-up as necessary, the pathway screen display can be made easy to see and simple, and can be kept to a minimum. Since only the necessary information can be displayed, the user can be guided accurately. Note that the default is, for example, 10.
It can be set to 0%.

The sorter is an item for selecting whether to output copies to the top tray or to use a sorter. However, the sorter items are not always displayed, but are hidden when the sorter is not attached, as shown in FIG. 37(d). If the sorter is not installed, the output will be limited to the top tray. This is because there is no need to select whether or not to use the sorter, so the user is not given unnecessary information. , it is possible to avoid the occurrence of erroneous operations.

The above are the mode settings for the ゝ-thick feature busway, and with these mode settings, normal high-fidelity copying can be performed without any editing.

Now, how to arrange the menus to be displayed is an important issue, not only for the basic feature busway but also for other busways to be described later. In other words, as can be easily understood from FIG. 32, when pressing a soft button, the user inevitably covers the screen with his or her hand or arm. Therefore, it is not enough to simply arrange the menus provided for each pathway, but it is necessary to arrange them so that the mode can be set in an ideal order by selecting from the left or right side. For example, when arranging the color mode, paper size, and double power sorter items, since this copier is a color copier, it is desirable to select the color mode first, and then select the paper size. If you proceed with the settings in the order along the paper transport path, such as what size to copy and where to output the copied paper, you will be able to make the necessary mode settings in an orderly manner. It will be clear that the arrangement of the menus in the basic feature busway of FIG. 37(a) is done based on the above considerations.

In the case of a right-handed user, the right side of the screen will be hidden; for a left-handed user, the left side of the screen will be hidden, so for a right-handed user the For left-handed users, the layout should be reversed to that shown in FIG. 37(a), so that the display can be switched so that the settings can be made in order from the right side. is also valid.

However, it is not appropriate to prioritize the order of selection. If modes can only be set in a certain order, pressing a button may not function, which may confuse the user.

Note that the job program shown in the lower right of FIG. 37(a) is a soft button used to read jobs from the memory card and write jobs to the memory card. The display as shown in the figure can be made only when the card is inserted into the slot of the reading device. This is to prevent unnecessary information from being provided to the user as described above.

Although it is desirable that the memory card has a larger capacity, for example, if a memory card with a capacity of 32 bytes is used, it is sufficient to store information for about 8 jobs.

(B) Azoid feature pathway The azoid feature pathway is shown in FIG. 37(e).

This pathway belongs to the basic mode, not the edit mode, but it is not a mode that absolutely cannot be copied unless it is set, like the basic feature pathway, but it can be set as necessary. This is the function setting area where all modes are grouped together, and is the 37th function setting area.
As shown in figure (e), copy position, book copy F/P, execution pages (
It is configured to set each item of page programming).

The copy position is Auto Center, which aligns the center of the copy image with the center of the paper, and Margin, which allows you to set the width from the edge of the paper to the edge of the copy image in increments of 1+m++ on the top, bottom, left, and right of the copy within a range of 0 to 30 mm. There are three options: Shift, and Corner Shift, which aligns the corners of the copy image with the corners of the specified paper, and the margin amount to be set with Margin Shift is done on a pop-up screen. Note that it is preferable to set the default to auto center.

This is because setting margins is necessary in special cases.

Book copy is a mode used when copying books, and there are 4 modes: normal, side A, side B, side A & B.
There are two options. Normal is a normal copy with the book spread out, and Side A is a one-sided copy L of the book spread.
For example, only the right side (or left side) is copied, and side B is the other side of the spread (Ill,
For example, only the left side (or right side) is copied, and sides A & B are also called continuous page copying, in which each page of a facing spread is copied onto a single sheet of paper.

The film projector is a mode for taking color copies of various films, and has two options: off and on.
When you press the on button, a pop-up like the one shown in Figure 37(f) opens and displays the various parameters required when using a film projector, i.e., 35m negative, 350 positive, IL or 35mm negative when copying on platen, 6c
m x 6 cm slide, 4s x 5" section of slide. Then, you will be able to set color correction.

Page programming is a function that inserts the front cover, back cover, and mount paper, changes the color mode settings for each page, and changes the paper feeding tray.

(C) Copy quality pathway As shown in Figure 37 (g), this pathway is a pathway that performs copy-related adjustments such as copy density, color adjustment, sharpness, and contrast, and although it belongs to the basic mode, it This is not an absolute condition when performing this, but can be done as needed, so it is set in a pathway different from the basic feature pathway.

The copy density has two options: automatic and manual. Auto is a button that performs automatic density adjustment for black and white originals, and when the manual button is selected, a pop-up opens and seven steps of density control can be performed.

For color adjustment, press 0 to perform automatic color adjustment. When pressed, a pop-up will open and select C, M, Y, RlB,
Color suppression allows you to reduce any color among the six colors of G, and when pressed, a pop-up opens,
It has three color balance options that allow you to arbitrarily adjust the balance of C, M, Y, and K.

Figure 37 (h) shows the color suppression pop-up, and Figure 37 (i) shows the color balance pop-up. In the color suppression pop-up, six color names and six tubes are displayed. Each tube are assigned different colors. Now, if you are trying to reduce the red color and press the soft button labeled "RedJ" (third from the top of the diagram), a red tube will be displayed on the soft button, and the third red tube from the left will be displayed. This indicates that the length of the tube has been shortened and a reduced color of red has been set.In this way, the UL of this copier does not just display the icon, but also changes the display mode of the icon according to the mode setting. Since the settings can be changed, the user can easily check the settings just by looking at the icon.

FIG. 37(i) is a color balance pop-up, in which soft buttons for selecting C, M, Y, and K toner colors and scroll buttons for balance adjustment are displayed. Therefore, by selecting a color and setting its amount using the scroll button, it is possible to copy with the desired color balance.

There are two sharpness options: standard (Nor+*al) and manual, which allows you to select the type of original and 7-step sharpness control via pop-up. A pop-up of the manual is shown in Figure 37 (j). How to sharpen documents with only text (Text)
t), photos (Photo), prints, and documents with text and photos (lrxed), so it is necessary to set the document type, and there are soft buttons and
A soft button for setting the degree of sharpness is also provided.

There are two contrast settings: standard and manual with a pop-up 7-step contrast control.
It has two options.

(D) Marker Edit Busway Marker Edit Busway Overcast This proposes a unique way to use a tool called marker, which allows you to directly encircle the desired area of the document with a marker in a color that the machine can recognize.Specify the command. You can perform simple editing by just doing this.

It is up to you what kind of editing functions the busway is equipped with, but since this is a busway that performs the most basic editing, for example, the one shown in Figure 38 (
As shown in a), it is sufficient to have four editing functions: trim, mesh (coloring), and black to color conversion.

In addition, the pathway is characterized by being able to be edited with simple operations, so that even beginners who have just learned the editing function can perform it without making mistakes, so only one editing function can be set for one manuscript. Good. That is, even if a plurality of areas are set with markers, it is preferable that only one editing command can be set for the plurality of areas. This is because, as will be described later, another busway is prepared for users who perform more advanced editing. This is a feature of the layered editing functions. However, since the marker color is not limited to one color, it is possible and useful, for example, to have blue and red markers perform different editing operations.

Furthermore, in this pathway, it is preferable to treat the manuscript as a black and white document. In fact, in black and white documents,
Editing such as trimming and masking is useful, and in black and white documents, it is easy to determine the color of the marker, and it is also easy to determine whether there is an image, i.e. whether it is white or black, so judge and color the area. It is also easy to determine the background.

This is also a feature that can only be obtained by layering. In other words, if editing for color originals and editing for black-and-white originals are in separate layers, it is possible to create designs that take advantage of the characteristics of black-and-white originals and color originals, and it is also easier for users to copy with a clear sense of purpose. Because you can.

Each editing function of the marker editing busway will be explained below.

Trim is a function that copies only the image within the marked area in black and white and erases the other areas.

Masking is a function that erases the image in the marked area and copies the image in other areas in black and white.

Coloring is a function that copies the image in a marked area in black and white and also applies a specified color density pattern to the area, and the color and density pattern are specified on a pop-up screen.

The pop-up is shown in FIG. 38(b). There are 8 preset standard colors (R, B, G, Y.

It is possible to select from a total of 16 colors, including C, M, lime, orange) and 8 registered colors that the user has registered in advance.For example, if you press the soft button for the third registered color, the color will appear as shown in Figure 1. An icon showing paint coming out of a tube is displayed, making it easy to tell at a glance that the color has been set.

Furthermore, four types of density patterns are prepared, and one can be selected from them.

Note that in the area indicated by A in the figure, a message for guiding mode setting, such as "Please select color and density pattern", is displayed.

Black → color conversion is a function that copies the image within the marked area in a specified color, and the color is specified using a pop-up. The pop-up is shown in Figure 38(c).
This pop-up is similar to the coloring pop-up shown in FIG. 38(b), and a desired color is designated from a total of 16 colors, 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors. An icon filled with paint is displayed on the soft button of the specified color.
) has been specified.

In the above explanation, it is assumed that the machine treats the original as a black and white original (5), but it is clear that the red/black mode described in the section of the basic feature pathway is also useful. In other words, red is a conspicuous color in black and white manuscripts, and in fact, marking exams, checking manuscripts or draft documents, etc. is usually done in red on black and white documents. In some cases, you may want to perform some kind of editing on the file. Therefore, it is meaningful for users to be able to use not only black and white documents but also red/black mode. Of course, converting the image to red or applying a red density pattern is the 38th
This can be done by specifying red in the pop-up in Figures (b) and (C), but since the area outside the 2 mark is determined to be a black and white document, even if there is red, it will be copied in black.

Therefore, in the marker editing pathway, you can convert the image of the marked area to red or apply a red density pattern, and the other unmarked areas can be colored red/black so that red/black generation copy can be performed. I decided to set up a mode.

Now, as described above, in addition to the ring mode in which all documents are treated as black and white documents, if the red/black mode in which red and black documents are to be used can also be used, there are several methods of mode switching.

First, it is conceivable to provide a red/black mode selection soft button on the marker editing pathway screen shown in FIG. 38(a). Second, Fig. 37(a)
The "red/black" soft button provided in the color mode column of the basic feature pathway can also be used for editing, first press red/black on the basic feature pathway, then select the marker editing pathway. It is conceivable to make it possible to perform desired editing in red/black mode. Third, it is also conceivable to do the opposite, ie select the marker editing pathway and then return to the basic feature pathway and select red/black there. Furthermore, as a fourth method, it is conceivable that any of the above three methods can be used.

You can decide which of the above methods to use depending on your needs, but in this copier, the red/black mode is a special mode, the number of operation steps should be minimized, and the number of operation errors should be avoided. The second method described above is adopted in consideration of the fact that even if there is, it does not affect other modes.

Figure 38 shows the marker editing pathway in red/black mode (
Shown in d). As mentioned above, if you select "red/black" in the color mode column of the basic feature pathway shown in Figure 37 (a) and then press the marker editing pathway tab in the same figure, the screen shown in Figure 38 (d) will appear. screen will be displayed. As is clear from comparing this screen with the screen in FIG. 38(a), [MeshJ and rBlack to
The display Co1oprJ is rRed
It has been changed to MeahJ and rBlack to RedJ. This is because in the red/black mode, the color of the density pattern is limited to red, and black is only converted to red. Therefore, as shown in Figure 38(e), the pop-up of rRed MeshJ does not select a color, but only selects a density pattern. ,
This pathway targets color documents and aims to enable the creation of high-quality originals easily and quickly. Further, in marker editing, the area is set by directly coloring the document with a marker, whereas in business editing, the area is set using an edit pad, which has the advantage of not having to stain the document.

Therefore, since it is intended for color originals, there are many editing functions that can be used, and the operation is complicated because it uses an edit pad, but it allows more advanced editing than marker editing.

As shown in Figure 39 (a), the business editing pathway is equipped with six types of editing functions: trim, mass coloring, black → color change logo insertion (Logo TYDe>, and paint 1). Area correction A collection for correcting the functions set in the Oyohi area (Correc
tion) function is provided.

Trim, mass coloring, and black to color conversion are functions that are also provided in marker editing, but the functions shown in Figure 38 (a)
As you can see, Business Edit Pathway opens pop-ups for all functions. This is because in marker editing, you can set the area by drawing a desired closed loop with a marker, so there is no need to open the popup, whereas in business editing, you need to set the area using the edit pad. for example,
When you press color, a pop-up will open and the screen will appear as shown in Figure 39 (
As shown in b), in addition to setting the color density pattern for coloring, the area to be colored is set in the bitmap area indicated by A in the figure. The bitmap area A is used to display the set area as a bitmap when an editing area is set on the edit pad, and since it is only necessary to recognize the area, it is designed to be displayed in black and white. . The same is true for trim and mass black → color conversion.

To set an area using the edit pad, you only need to specify two points on the edit pad, and a rectangle with diagonal corners of the two points will automatically be displayed on the bitmap area. Ru.

Also, in order to differentiate business editing from marker editing, it is best to do the following. In other words, in marker editing,
You can set as many areas as you like, but only one function can be set in common for all areas, whereas business editing allows you to set different functions for each area. . For example, if you set two areas, one area has a coloring function,
In the other area, a mask function can be set.

This allows more advanced editing than marker editing to be performed with the same simple operations as marker editing.

Logo insertion is a function that allows you to copy a logo such as a symbol mark to a specified point.The pop-up shown in Figure 39(c) allows you to set three parameters: logo type, insertion position, and insertion direction. is being done.

The number of logo patterns to be provided can be set arbitrarily, taking into consideration the necessity, ROM capacity, etc., but it is preferable to have two as shown in the figure. Also, in the figure, there are two insertion directions: vertical and horizontal.
Normally this is sufficient, but it will be obvious that oblique insertion may be possible if necessary.

Paint 1 is a function that fills in an existing loop by specifying one point within the loop on the document.The pop-up shown in Figure 39(d) allows you to select the color and density pattern to be filled in for each set area. It is designed to be set. Colors can be selected from a total of 16 colors (8 standard @, 8 registered colors), and 4 density patterns are available. Note that the number of loops that can be set is arbitrary, but is preferably unlimited. It is similar to coloring in that it fills in a predetermined area, but unlike coloring, which requires setting a rectangular area by specifying two points on the edit pad, Paint 1 uses a closed shape on the manuscript. The difference is that by specifying a point inside the area, the area within the closed area is filled.

The collection function is used to modify the size of the area, delete it, correct the position of the pointing point, and confirm or modify the functions that have been set for each area. ) pop-up opens, allowing you to delete or change setting points, or change editing functions. Note that when there are a plurality of setting areas, deletion can be performed by sequentially specifying the areas using the scroll button arranged below the bitmap area.

The reason why the collection function is provided is as follows. In other words, in business editing, different editing functions can be set for many areas, so it is possible to make mistakes in the size of the area or the functions that should be set. This collection function is provided because there are cases where you want to confirm the information.

The business editing pathway has been described above, but like marker editing, it is preferable to provide a red/black mode.

Business editing is for color manuscripts, while red/black mode is a function used for text manuscripts that include red in some parts of black and white manuscripts. The functions that can be performed with business editing include all the functions that can be performed with marker editing, so it is better to make it possible to do what can be done with marker editing with business editing.

This allows business editing to be a busway at a higher level than marker editing.

To switch the mode at this time, first select the red/black mode on the basic feature pathway, and then press the business editing pathway. The reason for doing this is the same as mentioned for marker editing, but another reason is that when using red/black mode for marker editing and when using red/black mode for business editing. , if the mode switching methods are different, it will confuse the user, so
Another example is the desire to unify the way to enter red/black mode, regardless of pathway.

The business editing busway when the red/black mode is selected is shown in FIG. 39(f). rMeahJ is rRedM
eshJ, rBlack to Co1o
Changing rJ to rBlack to RedJ is similar to marker editing, but in business editing, in addition, the functions of logo insertion and paint 1 are removed, and red deletion (Re
d Delete) function is added. This is the result of a collection of functions specific to the red/black mode, and in fact, in the business editing concerned, the manuscript is treated as a full-color manuscript, so if you want to insert a logo into a red/black document, see Figure 39 (a).
), if you select Insert Logo in the normal black mode business editing pathway, blacks other than the logo will be copied blacker and reds will be copied redder. In addition, the pop-up operation is the same as in the black mode, except that the G'-s editing function is changed as described above, similar to the marker editing.

(F) Freehand Edit Pathway In the Business Edit Busway, each area where an editing function is set is a rectangle, but in this Freehand Edit Pathway, any polygon or loop (closed curve) can be traced on the I-L edit pad. By doing this, it is possible to set an area with an arbitrary shape (free shape). Of course, it is possible to always be able to set a region of any shape using the edit pad, but using a free shape is often a special, advanced edit, and it is also possible to draw a desired free shape. This may require some skill, and in addition, in normal editing, it is sufficient to set a rectangular area, so it is designed so that it can be used as an independent busway only when a free shape is required. There is.

Freehand editing includes trimming, mass coloring, and black to color conversion (Black t), similar to marker editing.

It is equipped with four types of functions: Co1or). The contents of these functions are the same as those described for marker editing except that the area to be set is free-form, and the busway screen is different in that pop-up marks are provided for all functions. It is only different from the marker editing busway in Figure 38(a), and the pop-up display is similar to Figure 39(b) except that a free shape is displayed in the bitmap area.
Since it is similar to the screen shown in , illustration thereof is omitted.

(G) Creative Editing Pathway This busway is designed for designers, copy service providers,
This is a busway aimed at experienced people such as key operators, and is the highest-level editing busway that includes all the editing functions that this copying machine has. Therefore, all originals are treated as full-color originals. Further, unlike the busway described above, sophisticated editing cannot be performed with one function per area, so it is preferable to allow multiple functions to be set for one area.

The creative busway, as shown in Figure 40(a), includes trim, mask, mask/shift (partial movement),
Copy-on-copy (watermark composition), logo insertion, inset composition (Tma (e Composition)),
A cut/paste column about cutting and pasting images, Paint 1. Paint 2, chromaticity, color columns related to color processing such as coloring (color mesh), color mode, repeat, mirror image, negative/positive reversal, enlarged continuous copying (Multi Pa (e Enlarge+ient)
), which applies special effects to images, and an image quality column, which deals with image quality adjustments such as color balance and copy quality.

In this way, there are many options for creative busways, and therefore, unlike the busways mentioned above, icons are not displayed due to the display area, but the people who use these pathways are skilled key operators, designers, etc. It is sufficient to display the function name. Also, for experienced users, even if there are many options, they will not get confused and there is no need to guide them through each operation, but if there are many screen changes, there will be more opportunities for erroneous operations, so use pop-ups as much as possible. It is necessary to make it possible to set the desired editing mode with the minimum number of steps.

Each function will be explained below.

Trim and mask are the same functions as described above. Now, if you press the trim soft button, the 4th
The pop-up shown in Figure 0 (b) will open and the area to be trimmed can be set in the bitmap area. Note that the area set at this time is a rectangle formed by specifying two points on the edit pad.

The same goes for the mask, and when the soft button is pressed, Figure 40 (
The pop-up shown in C) opens and allows you to set the area to be masked.

Partial movement is a function of masking a predetermined area of the document and moving the image of the desired area to a desired position. This function is a package of two functions, mask and shift, and the package function can be easily set by pressing one soft button, thereby achieving goal-oriented operability.

Watermark composition is a function that after copying a first original, holds the paper on a transfer device, and then copies a second original overlappingly. This function is also clearly in line with goal-oriented operability, since it is possible to package several functions that should be performed in the future, such as copying and compositing two manuscripts.

Logo insertion is the same function as explained in business editing, and the insertion position and
The logotype and insertion direction can be set.

Inset compositing is a function that makes a color copy of the first original that serves as the base, then holds the paper on the transfer device and then copies the trimmed second original overlappingly. As mentioned above, this is the case.

When the inset composition soft button is pressed, the screen shown in Figure 40 (
The pop-up shown in e) opens and allows you to set the necessary parameters. In the bitmap area, the first
Set the area to be masked on the original and the area to be trimmed on the second original. The magnification is used to set the size of the area of the second document to be inserted into the first document, and has three options: 100%, automatic double, and variable. Note that the soft button called At-Function in the figure is used when adding other editing functions. For example, if you want to convert the color of the area to be trimmed on the second document to a desired color, Simply press this button, select the color conversion function, and specify the color to be converted and the color after conversion.

Paint 1 has the same functions as described in Business Editing,
When the button is pressed, a pop-up shown in FIG. 40(f) opens and the area color and mesh type are selected.

Paint 2 is a function that once masks a specified area and then colors the area with the specified color. It is functionally similar to coloring, but differs from coloring in that coloring copies the image within the specified area as is, whereas coloring erases the image within the specified area.

Color Conversi
on) is a function that converts a desired color in a desired area of the document to another color, and when the button is pressed, the screen shown in Fig. 40 (g
) pop-up opens, allowing you to set the converted color, converted color, and detection sensitivity. You can specify the color to be converted and the color to be converted by pressing the point button and specifying the desired color on the document using the edit pad, or by using the palette button to specify 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors, a total of 16 colors.
You may choose from among the colors. That is, when you press the palette button for the color to be converted (From side), the pop-up shown in Figure 40 (h) opens, and when you press the palette button for the converted color (To side), the pop-up shown in Figure 40 (i) opens, Each color can be selected.

In addition, the detection sensitivity of the color of the original is "Co1" in Figure 40 (g).
or 5 sensitivityJ, it is possible to switch to, for example, seven levels.

Coloring is similar to the functionality described above.

The color mode is similar to the color mode selection in the basic feature busway, and 4-color full color, 3-color black and white, or red/black mode can be selected by pop-up.

Repeat image is a function that repeatedly copies a predetermined image vertically or tangentially, and is an effective function when copying multiple logos, service marks, etc.

Mirror image is a function to obtain a mirror image.

Negative/positive inversion is a function that performs negative/positive inversion using a specified single color.

Multi-page enlargement is a function that enlarges the double-page spread of a book to a predetermined magnification and copies each page successively onto paper of a predetermined size.
The pop-up shown in Figure 0 (j) opens and allows you to select the magnification and paper size.

The magnification is 100% both horizontally and vertically, final output size,
There are three options with arbitrary magnification. The final output size is a function that directly sets the size of the image to be output, rather than setting the magnification, and when the button is pressed, the pop-up shown in Figure 40 (k) will open and the output size of the image can be set. It is done like this. Further, when the arbitrary magnification button is pressed, a pop-up shown in FIG. 40 (1) opens, and a preset magnification or a desired magnification can be set for each of the vertical and horizontal directions.

The color balance is the same as described in the copy quality busway, and when the button is pressed, the color balance shown in Figure 40' (m
) pop-up opens and the area where you can adjust the color balance allows you to set the toner color and amount as desired.

Copy quality is a function for making adjustments similar to those described in the copy quality busway, such as copy density adjustment, and allows desired adjustments to be made by pop-up.

Although color balance and copy quality can be set in the basic mode as mentioned above, there may be cases where it is necessary to adjust color balance etc. only within a desired area of the document, so Creative Busway has these settings. It has an adjustment function.

Correction is the addition of setting functions, deletion,
This is a function for making changes, deleting a setting area, adjusting the size, correcting the position, deleting designated points, correcting the position, etc.

When the collection button shown in FIG. 40(a) is pressed, the pop-up shown in FIG. 40(n) opens and a bitmap area and collection menu are displayed. If you select to modify the area, the pop-up shown in FIG. 40(0) will open, and you can change the size of the area in 1 m+a increments using the scroll buttons on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the area display. Also, for example, use the upper scroll button to expand upwards by 5B, and use the lower scroll button to expand upwards by 5B.
By reducing the size by 11, the entire setting area can be moved upward by 5 cities.

When the point correction is selected in the pop-up shown in FIG. 40(n), the pop-up shown in FIG. 40(p) opens, and the position can be moved in increments of III by using the scroll button.

The above is the creative busway, and as is clear from the above, it is designed to allow a skilled person to perform desired editing in the minimum number of steps.

(H) Tool Pathway The busway described so far is used when the user sets the copy mode, but the tool path (
The Toola) pathway differs from these pathways in that it does not set the copy mode, but rather sets the machine state such as setting up initial values. Therefore, in order to prevent general users from making settings, settings on the tool bus way cannot be made unless the password number is entered. This allows only key operators and customer engineers to make settings on the busway.

The tool pathway is shown in FIG. 41(a).

Color registration is a function used to register a desired color to the register color button in the color palette, and when the button is pressed, the color shown in FIG. 41(b)
A pop-up will open, displaying the color point to be registered in the color document in a bitmap area, and setting the button to which the color should be registered. For example, when the "1" button is pressed to register a desired color in the "1" button, a tube icon is displayed as shown in the figure, so the operator can easily confirm the color. Also, if you want to fine-tune the tone of the registered color, press the color correction button shown in Figure 41 (b) and the pop-up shown in Figure 41 (C) will open. Here you can adjust the amount of toner for each color. Can be adjusted. In addition, in the figure, the paint is falling from the magenta tube.

You can see that the amount of magenta toner is being adjusted.

Film registration is a function for registering the type of film used in a film projector.

Default setting is a function to set defaults for each mode such as color mode, paper size, and magnification.

Machine Setup is a function that performs settings related to the entire machine, and is similar to the default setting described above in that it sets defaults, but it sets defaults for parameters for functions that have default settings. , Machine Setup differs in that it sets machine defaults, which is a higher level concept.

The general accessory is a function for setting the accessory when using it.

Pilling is Total Pilling, Full Color Copy
This is a function to view the value of each pilling meter for 3-color color copy and black-and-white copy.

Service diagnostics is a function that uses a self-diagnosis mode to check the machine condition, and is available only to customer engineers.

(I[l-6) Interaction of busways The configuration of the pathway as a function selection area has been described above. Next, the interaction between each busway will be described.

As mentioned above, pathways are broadly divided into basic features and editing, and both basic features and editing are hierarchical.

Therefore, unless the interaction between each busway is defined, the user may move between the busways without permission, which may result in the copy mode or parameter settings being messed up. Therefore, we decided to specify the following interaction.

The base of each pathway is displayed in a different color.

This is so that the user can easily determine which pathway is currently open by color. However, the azoid feature copy quality and tool pathways are similar to the basic feature pathway, as well as the pathway related to basic mode settings (hereinafter referred to as
These pathways are collectively referred to as the basic copy busway. ), it is good to use the same color as the basic feature busway. The color of each pathway is up to you, but it is better to display it in calm tones using intermediate tones rather than primary colors.For example, basic feature azoid feature
Copy quality and tool pathways should be gray-colored, Marker editing busway should be blue-ish, Business editing busway should be green-ish, and Creative editing busway should be pink.

(1) Basic feature Azoid feature Copy quality, interaction between each pathway of the tool In principle, these busways can be freely moved. This is because these pathways include the basic copy modes that must be set when performing any kind of copying, so they must be freely movable at any time. However, if a pop-up is open, the user must close the pop-up before moving to another pathway.

In other words, when a pop-up is open, it means that the user is trying to set some mode or parameter using the pop-up, so give priority to the pop-up and wait until the settings in the pop-up are complete before starting other settings. The goal is to move them to the pathway.

Furthermore, since the job has not yet been completed from the time job recovery is completed until the start button is pressed, movement between busways is prohibited.

(1-2) Timeout and priority Azoid feature pathway will time out and automatically return to the basic feature pathway if no operation is performed within a predetermined period of time after it is opened. It will be done. This is because the azoid feature can be set as necessary, and copying can be executed even if it is opened and no settings are made. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined time is set in the machine setup of the tool bus way.

While the tool pathway is open, the modes set in the basic features and azoid features are retained. As mentioned above, some modes and parameters can be changed in the tool pathway, so it is necessary to specify at what point the mode and parameters set in the tool pathway become effective. On the copier's UI, while the tool pathway is open, the previous mode and parameters are retained, and when the tool pathway is closed by selecting another pathway after setting the tool pathway, the settings will be saved. The mode and parameters were set to be valid.

Tool bus ways close when another pathway is selected or when the clear all button on the hard control panel is pressed.

If a fault occurs while some mode is set and copying is being executed, a message indicating that a fault has occurred is displayed on the screen of the busway in question.

At this time, the copy mode is not canceled and the state at the time the fault occurred is maintained. This regulation determines what should be prioritized and displayed on the display when an abnormality occurs.
This defines what mode the machine should be in at that time. In other words, it is possible to prepare a fault screen to display when an abnormality occurs, and then erase the busway and display the fault screen. Therefore, the fault is displayed while the pathway is displayed. Also,
Since it is necessary to continue the remaining jobs once the fault is resolved, the mode at the time the fault occurred is maintained.

There is an information button on the hard control panel, which will be described later, and when the button is pressed, instructions on how to operate the copier will be displayed on the busway. At this time, the machine retains the set mode. In other words, if the pathway is deleted when the information button is pressed during mode setting, there is a possibility that you will not know which pathway was opened up to that point, so the information is displayed on the screen where the pathway is displayed. In addition, if the information button is pressed during mode setting, the mode set up to that point will be canceled, and the setting will have to be set from the beginning, making it inconvenient to use. Therefore, the previously set mode was retained.

(1-3) Interrelation of modes within the busway In a column consisting of multiple options, the soft buttons for each option are mutually exclusive.

This is clear. For example, there are four options for the color mode shown in FIG. 37(a). Now, when full color is selected and in the on state, if you press rRed and BlackJ to switch to red/black mode, the rRed and BlackJ soft button will be turned on, and the full color soft button will be turned off.

Note that the soft button can be turned on or off by changing the brightness of the button area.

That is, by displaying the display with high brightness when it is on and with low brightness when it is off, it is possible to clearly distinguish between operation and non-operation.

Buttons placed in different columns are not mutually exclusive, but when one button is pressed.

Buttons of modes that are mutually inconsistent with the current mode are rendered unselectable. For example, automatic magnification and automatic paper selection are mutually contradictory modes. This is because automatic magnification is a mode that functions only after the original and paper sizes are determined, whereas automatic paper selection is a mode that functions only after the original size and magnification are determined. This is because when is selected, neither the paper size nor the magnification is determined. In such a case, 1'L Conventionally, it is common to display a warning message or message to alert the user, but in the UI of the present invention, for example,
When the user selects the automatic magnification, the automatic paper selection button is disabled so that the user does not press the soft button.

This prevents conflicting modes from being selected by mistake, saving users the hassle of warning messages and reducing machine downtime. It can be shortened.

As a means for this purpose, for example, as shown in FIG. 42(a), a shadow (hereinafter referred to as shadow) 921 is displayed on a soft button 920 for a selectable soft button, and , the shadow is not displayed, as shown in FIG. 3(b). If you add a shadow to a button, the button will stand out and give the impression that it can be pressed. If you do not add a shadow, the button will feel pushed into the background, giving the user the feeling that it cannot be pressed. This is because you can let them know.

However, it is still possible that contradictory modes may be selected. For example, suppose you are currently in the default state, the magnification is 100%, and the paper size is automatic paper selection.
In this state, if the user wants to copy with automatic magnification, it is easy to imagine that the user will press the automatic magnification button whose shadow disappears and selection is disabled. In such a case the machine will not work and therefore the only option is to change the mode, so a warning message will be displayed requesting the mode change.

There are other modes that contradict each other.

A combination of black and white mode and color balance, SSI (S
InlHle 5heet In5erter) and other paper selection combinations, combinations of the package function described in creative editing and other package functions, etc.

(2) Interaction between editing pathways Here, interactions between marker, business, and creative editing pathways are defined.

First, the basic interactions between each editing pathway are as follows:
It is assumed that each editing pathway is mutually exclusive. As mentioned above, one editing busway is layered according to the user's proficiency level and editing functions, and desired editing can be performed only within one pathway.Moreover, business editing includes all the editing functions of marker editing. This is because creative editing includes all the editing functions of business editing, so each editing busway can be treated as an independent entity. However, it should be clear that each editing pathway is not entirely independent, but is always used in conjunction with basic features and other basic copies.

(2-1) Function carryover Here, it is defined whether or not to influence each other when different pathways have the same function. For example, the copy density can be adjusted using the basic feature busway or the creative editing busway, but when the density adjustment is performed using the basic feature pathway, the density adjustment cannot be reflected in the creative editing. The question arises whether to do so or not.

There is no carryover of functionality between editing pathways. This means, for example, that even if coloring is selected in creative editing, coloring in business editing is not automatically selected. It is clear that this regulation is natural since each editing pathway is mutually exclusive.

This also means that when a function is selected in one editing pathway, e.g. the Marker Edit Busway, if you press the Busway tab to open another busway, e.g. the Creative Edit Busway, the Creative Pathway will not immediately open. means not open. In other words,
If functions were to be carried over between editing pathways, the functions selected in marker editing would be automatically selected in creative editing, but because carryover of functions was prohibited between editing pathways, This is because when the creative editing busway is opened, the function selected in marker editing is automatically canceled.

Therefore, in such a case, "Are you sure?"
Are you 5ure? ) It is necessary to confirm the user's intention through a message such as J or a pop-up.

In this way, since there is no carryover of functions between editing pathways, it is easy for the user to understand and therefore has good operability.

(3) Interaction between basic copy pathway and editing busway, and action within editing busway (3-1) Interaction between basic copy pathway and editing busway Here, basic copying busway such as basic feature and editing pathway specifying the interaction between

Settings made in the basic copy busway are valid in each editing pathway. This is evident since the edit busway is used in conjunction with the basic copy busway.

If the basic copy busway and the edit busway have a common function, the settings are retained even when moving between the pathways.

Specifically, this is as follows. For example, the copy quality pathway for basic copy allows copy density to be set, while the creative editing pathway has its own copy quality function as described above. If the copy density has been set to a dark state in the basic copy busway, the copy density will remain in a dark state even if the copy is moved to the creative busway. This is clear from the above item (3-1-1). Therefore, if the copy density is reduced in the creative pathway, the copy density in the basic copy busway is also reduced accordingly. In other words, if the copy density of the creative busway and the basic copy busway are made independent, the user will not know which pathway is set to what copy density, causing unnecessary confusion. , so that copies can be made at the same concentration in any pathway. The above example uses copy density, but the same applies to color balance, contrast, sharpness, etc.

(3-2) Duplication of functions within the editing pathway In creative editing, it is possible to select whether to apply a desired function to the entire surface of the manuscript or only to a desired area, but some functions is set for the entire document, the buttons for other functions that are mutually exclusive with the function concerned are rendered unselectable with their shadows erased, as shown in FIG. 42(b).

As mentioned above, in the Creative Editing Pathway, multiple functions can be set for one area, but when a certain editing function is set for a given area, the The related editing function buttons are shaded and rendered unselectable. Examples of functions that have this relationship include partial movement (Maak).
and 5hift), inset synthesis, and watermark synthesis (Copy on Copy). In other words, each of these functions is a package of several functions, and since these processes cannot be performed at once, they are performed in a mutually exclusive relationship. Therefore, for example, when a partial move is selected, the buttons for inset composition and watermark composition will have their shadows erased and become unselectable. It is made impossible to set watermark compositing. Also, mirror image and partial migration
Also, the combination of mirror image and inset composition is prohibited.0 part transfer Both inset composition are performed through complex processing, and if you combine mirror images and copy, whether the copied result is the desired image or not. It is prohibited because it often causes confusion in determining the Therefore, when a mirror image is set, the inset synthesis and partial movement buttons are rendered unselectable. Furthermore,
The combination of area enlargement continuous shooting and trimming is also prohibited. This should be obvious. This is because trim is a function that copies only the image within the desired area, and area enlargement continuous shooting is also a function that enlarges the image within the desired area to the desired magnification and copies it, so the functions overlap. It is. Therefore, if trim is set, continuous enlarged shooting of an area is disabled. Conversely, if continuous enlarged shooting of an area is set, trim is disabled.

Note that when all settable functions are set in one area, the at-function button used when adding a function is disabled. This is because there are no other functions that can be additionally set.

(m-7) Screen Transition Now that we have discussed pathways and their interactions, let's move on to screen transition, that is, when.

An overview of what kind of screen to display under what conditions will be explained with reference to the diagram.

First, when the power is turned on and the machine starts up, it is necessary to display some kind of pathway so that the copy mode can be set. 922 in Figure 43(a)
Shown below. Here, the walk-up frame (Walkup
Frame) means a collection of all busways. If the information on button on the hard control panel is pressed while this pathway is displayed, the information frame 923 will be displayed. If the information off button or interrupt button is pressed while the information frame is displayed, a walk-up frame will be displayed. The original pathway is returned to. Furthermore, if a fault such as a jam occurs during copying by setting the mode with an oak up frame, the fault frame 924 will not be displayed. When the jam is cleared, the original pathway will be returned. The same applies to the diagnosis screen 925, and by performing a predetermined operation, it is possible to enter diagnosis or return to the original pathway from diagnosis.

In addition, Phosphor Saver (Phosphor 5a
ver) means a screen that displays a moving clock to prevent burn-in on the fluorescent screen of a color CRT monitor, and if the same screen continues to be displayed for a predetermined period of time, a moving clock is automatically displayed. When the key is pressed, the screen changes to the screen immediately before the phosphor saver screen appears. However, if the machine is auto-clearing while the phosphor saver screen is displayed, the screen will transition to the walk-up frame when a key is pressed. In the figure, numerical values such as "1" for the walk-up frame and "2" for the information frame indicate the hierarchy, and the same applies hereafter.

The above is the overall screen transition, but the pathway transition will be explained below.

FIG. 43(b) shows the transition between busways.

First, when startup of the machine is completed, the basic copy busway 927, that is, the basic feature busway shown in FIG. 37(a) is displayed. This is because, as mentioned above, this pathway has a mode that must be set for any type of copying.

In addition, in the figure, the thick solid line circle indicated by A indicates the pathway screen, the thick solid line rectangle indicated by B indicates a frame other than the walk-up frame, and the broken line circle indicated by C indicates that the screen does not change but the machine state changes. D indicates the condition for screen transition in the direction of the arrow. The same applies below.

Now, as mentioned above, the basic copy busway can be used in combination with each edit busway, so
It is necessary to be able to directly transition to the desired pathway by pressing the busway tab from the screen where the basic copy busway is displayed. FIG. 43(b) shows this, and it can be seen that you can transition from the basic copy busway 927 to the desired pathway by pressing the busway tabs for marker edition, business edition, freestyle edition, and creative edition. For that purpose, Figure 37 (a)
), (e), (g) and FIG. 41(a), the screen on which the basic copy busway is displayed includes an edit bus that allows you to transition to the desired edit busway whenever necessary. This is what the busway tab for the way is displayed.

It can be understood that this allows the transition to the desired pathway in one step and has excellent operability.
-Although it is possible to first erase the basic covey busway, display the edit busway menu, and then select the desired edit busway, it is obvious that the operability is inferior.

Furthermore, from this figure, it can be seen that the editing pathways are mutually exclusive because the only way to transition between the editing pathways is to return to the basic Covey pathway and then select another desired pathway. For this reason, FIG. 38(a),
As shown in FIGS. 39(a) and 40(a), the busway tabs of other edited busways are not displayed on the screen where the edited pathway is displayed.

Furthermore, I mentioned earlier that when setting red/black mode in marker edition business editing, first select red/black mode in the basic copy pathway, and then select marker editing or business editing. , this transition state is also shown in the figure. The reason for this was briefly mentioned earlier, but it is also mentioned in the previous section (
This also depends on the provisions of 3-1-2). That is, since marker editing is originally intended for black and white documents, when marker editing is selected, the black and white mode is automatically set, and the red/black mode button in FIG. 37(a) is in a non-selectable state. done to. So if you select the Marker Edit Pathway and then go back to the Basic Copy Pathway and want to be able to set the Red/Black mode there,
The black mode button must be returned to a selectable state, and to do so, marker editing must be canceled once. In other words, there will be a contradiction, and therefore the operation will be very complicated. Therefore, in order to unify the operation method and to easily set the desired mode with minimum steps, the screen transitions as shown in FIG. 43(b) were adopted.

This also means prioritizing by operating procedure. In other words, if editing is selected, editing takes priority and red/black mode cannot be selected unless it is canceled, and conversely, if red/black mode is selected,
This takes priority and editing is set to red/black mode.

Further 1. = For example, the conditions for returning from the marker editing pathway to the basic copy busway are when the All Clear, Interrupt, Save/Close, and Cancel buttons are pressed, as shown in D in the diagram, or
The marker editing pathway is displayed for a specified period of time and times out, the marker editing pathway tab is pressed again, or the basic feature
This is the case when each basic copy busway tab of the Azoid feature tool is pressed, but this condition also applies when returning from the business editing pathway to the basic copy busway, and when returning from the creative editing pathway to the basic copy busway. It turns out that this also applies. In other words, the conditions for returning from each edit busway to the basic copy busway are all the same regardless of which edit busway the return is made from. This is important.

This is because if the conditions for returning to the basic copy busway differ depending on the edit busway, the user would have to remember all of these operations, which would be extremely troublesome and cause operational errors.

Of the conditions for returning from each edit busway to the basic copy busway, the all clear button and interrupt button are located on the hard control panel and can be pressed at any time. ), 4th
As shown in Figure 0 (a), save/close and cancel buttons are arranged on each edited busway, and a basic copy busway tab is also displayed.

This guarantees the above conditions.

FIG. 43(C) shows the transition within the basic copy pathway. From the figure, you can see that after the power is turned on, the basic feature pathway is displayed first. By pressing the busway tab of the azoid feature pathway or tool pathway, you can transition to the respective busway. Although the copy quality pathway is not shown in the diagram, it is clear that a similar transition can be made.

Also, from the figure, it can be seen that diagnosis can be entered from the tool bus way by a predetermined operation. This is shown in Figure 41 (a
), some machine adjustments such as machine setup are open to key operators, but service diagnostics are operated differently so only customer engineers can access them. In other words, depending on how the machine is operated, it can be operated by either the key operator or the customer.
It is designed to determine whether the user is an engineer and decide whether to open the diagnostic screen or not.

FIG. 43(d) shows a pop-up transition state in the basic feature busway. Note that the thin solid circle in the figure indicates a pop-up. The same applies hereafter.

From the figure, it can be seen that in the basic feature busway of FIG.
, ) You can see that the pop-up opens by pressing the button. The same applies to job programming. Also, although the "single color" button is not shown in FIG. 37(a), if the "single color" button is shown in FIG.
This shows that when a single color mode is provided as a color mode option, it is possible to open a pop-up as shown in FIG. 43(f) and set a desired color.

Also, according to Fig. 43 (d), all pop-ups can be closed automatically by pressing the Save/Close, Cancel, All Clear, Interrupt, etc. You can see that it will return to .

In other words, the way the pop-up opens and closes is all unified, and a user who has memorized one operation can guess the other operations as well.

In Fig. 43(d), when the button of arbitrary magnification is pressed, rVariable R/E'' and r Anam
Two pop-ups of orphic R/El are shown open, but this is a point that requires attention, and specifically has the following meaning. In this copier,
In addition to being able to set the same magnification both vertically and horizontally as shown in Figure 37(b), it also has a biasing function as shown in Figure 37(C), each of which can be set in a pop-up. There is. Therefore, when a button with an arbitrary magnification is pressed, the problem is which pop-up should be displayed with priority. Therefore, when an arbitrary magnification is selected, if the same magnification was previously used, the pop-up of the same magnification shown in Fig. 37(b) will be opened, and if it was previously used with the biased magnification, the pop-up of Fig. 37(c) will be opened. It opens up a pop-up of bias. This is the meaning of the pop-up at an arbitrary magnification in FIG. 43(d). It would be possible to set both the same magnification and the bias rate in one pop-up from the beginning, but that would only confuse the user with too many options, and it would be necessary to open the same magnification pop-up first. It is also troublesome for users who use a lot of biases to determine the priority order in advance so that the pop-up of the bias rate is not opened. Therefore, if it was used before at the same magnification, there is a high possibility that it will be used at the same magnification next time, and if it was used with a bias before, there is a high possibility that it will be biased next time. We adopted the pop-up opening method shown above.

FIG. 43(g) is a diagram showing a transition state in which a single color pop-up opens when a single color is selected in the basic feature busway shown in FIG. 43(e). The small circle with the mark indicates that in addition to single color, full color, three-way color, black and white, and red/black buttons are selectable, and the same applies hereafter.

The outline of the screen transition of the basic feature busway has been described above, but the same applies to other basic copy busways such as the azoid feature busway, copy quality busway, and tool busway. For example, as is clear from FIGS. 37(e), (g), and 41(a), the busway tab of the edit busway is always displayed on the screen where these basic copy pathways are displayed. It is displayed so that desired editing can be performed at any time.

In addition, Fig. 44(a) shows the screen transition when the copy position button is pressed in Azoid Feature Pathway, but when the margin shift button is pressed, a pop-up opens, and there you can perform reset, fine adjustment in the left and right direction, etc. It can be seen that fine adjustment in the vertical direction is also possible. An example of the pop-up is shown in FIG. 44(b), and fine adjustment of the upper, lower, left, and right positions can be performed using the respective scroll buttons. The same applies to corner shift. Also, according to FIG. 44(a).

Other copy position options include no shift,
It can be seen that the auto center button is selectable.

In this way, in the basic copy pathway, the editing pathway tab is always displayed, and you can open the editing pathway whenever you want, and the conditions for returning to the basic copy pathway from each editing pathway are all the same. is being done.

Also, to open a pop-up, you need to press each button, but to close it, just press the save/close button or cancel button for all pop-ups.

Since the operation methods are unified in this way, even a novice user can learn how to perform one operation and then analogize how to perform other operations, which proves that the operability is good.

FIG. 45 shows screen transitions within the marker editing pathway.

Figure 45 (a) is a diagram showing the screen transition from Figure 38 (a), and it can be seen that when you press the coloring and color conversion buttons, the pop-up opens respectively.This figure shows the transition in black and white mode. Although it is shown.

In the red/black mode, there is only one pop-up colored in red, as shown in FIG. 45(b). It is clear that these screen transitions correspond to FIGS. 38(a) and (b), respectively.

Also, it can be seen that the way to open and close the pop-up is the same as in the basic copy busway. Therefore, a user who can operate the basic copy busway can use the marker editing pathway by analogy.

FIG. 46 shows screen transitions within the business editing pathway.

First, in black-and-white mode, pressing each function selection button opens each pop-up as shown in Figure 46(a).The figure also shows trim and paint 1 as editing functions. However, the same applies to other functions such as masks as shown in Figure 39 (a).
), it is clear.

Also, the way to close the pop-up is basically copy bus way,
It can be seen that it is the same as the marker editing busway.

Therefore, if you select coloring now, the same figure (b)
As shown in the figure, the coloring pop-up will open and you can set the color and density type, two-point instructions for area settings, enter to confirm those data, area cancel to delete the area, etc. I understand.

Also, when the collection button is pressed on the screen in Figure 39 (a), a pop-up (Figure 39 (e)) opens,
You can delete areas and scroll areas. Now, when you press the coloring button to change the function set for a certain area to coloring, the coloring pop-up (Figure 39 (b)
)) will open, and you can set the color, pattern type, etc. in the same way as above. Then, if you close the pop-up with the Save/Close button, you will be returned to the Collection pop-up, and if you press the Save/Close button again to close the Collection pop-up, you will be returned to the Business Edit Pathway screen.

Although not shown in FIG. 39(a), function cancellation (Functional C
When you press the ``Ancel'' button, a popup will open and display the function set for the area.In this case, you can cancel the coloring.

FIG. 46(C) shows the screen transition when the collection button is pressed on the business editing busway.

It can be seen that when the collection button is pressed in the business edit shown in FIG. 39(a), a pop-up opens and allows deletion of areas/points, scrolling of areas/points, and various editing functions. This is as shown in FIG. 39(e). In addition, in FIG. 46(c), rFu
nctionJ indicates various editing functions shown in FIG. 39(e).

Therefore, if you are trying to change the function set in a certain setting area and select some function, a pop-up will open and you can set the parameters, and when you press the save/close button in the pop-up of the function, the screen shown in Figure 39 will appear. (e
), you can return to the collection pop-up and change the settings. Also, to change the area or point)-L Figure 39(e)
Just press the area/point collection button in the pop-up. Then a pop-up will open and the area/
You can move the point up/down/left/right or reset it. If you press the save/close button after changing the area/point in this way, the
), you can return to the collection popup and change the area/point. Then, when you press the save/close button in the collection pop-up, you return to the business editing busway, where you can change the setting area points or change the editing function set for the area.

The above is the screen transition in black and white mode.

Figure 46(d), (e), (f), Figure 46(a),
Screen transitions in the red/black mode corresponding to (b) and (c) are shown, but as is clear from these figures, the conditions for screen transition are the same except for the editing function. This is an important matter. In other words, if the screen transition conditions for the two mutually exclusive modes of business editing, black and white mode and red/black mode, which are on the same busway, in other words, the operation methods, were different, it would only confuse the user.
Since the screen transition conditions are unified as described above, users who can use black and white mode can also use red/black mode.

FIG. 47 shows screen transitions in Creative Busway.

FIG. 47(a) shows the screen transition from the creative editing busway shown in FIG. 40(a). Note that although only inset synthesis is shown as an editing function in the figure, this is described as a representative editing function, and the same applies to other editing functions.

Now, in the creative editing busway, if you select some kind of editing function, for example, when inset composition is selected, popup 9 will appear.
29 is opened, and a desired editing function can be set on the entire surface of the document or on a set area in the document. Further, when the collection button is pressed, a pop-up 930 opens, and it is possible to change the area size, change the position/point position, and change the editing function set for the area. Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 40(a), when a function cancel button is pressed, a pop-up 931 opens, allowing the user to cancel the editing function set for a predetermined area or point. When the cancel button or the save/close button is pressed after setting predetermined parameters in each of these pop-ups, the pop-up closes and the screen returns to the creative editing busway display screen of FIG. 40(a).

Now, if you select inset composition on the screen of Figure 40 (a), the pop-up 932 (Figure 40 (
e)) opens and allows you to set and delete areas, set magnification, etc. If you only want to perform inset compositing, you can press Save/Close after making these settings and return to the creative editing busway, but if you also want to set other editing functions in the settings area, click popup 932. Press the Add Function button (Figure 40(e)), then,
A pop-up 933 for additional functions opens, and when an editing function to be added to the area is specified in the pop-up, a pop-up 934 for the editing function opens. If you set the necessary parameters in this popup and press the save/close button, the popup 934 will close and you will return to the additional function popup 932. By repeating this operation, a plurality of desired editing functions can be set in the setting area.

The above is the screen transition when setting a new area and setting the desired function to the area. The screen transition when doing so will be explained.

When you press the collection button on the creative editing busway in Figure 40(a), the bottom up 935 (Figure 40(n)) in Figure 47(b) opens, and the area point,
Editing functions can be deleted and changed. If you want to delete the preset editing function, press the function clear button in FIG. 40(n). This will pop up 9
36 will open and unnecessary editing functions can be deleted.

In addition, in Fig. 40(n), the function is changed (Function
When the Change) button is pressed, a pop-up 937 shown in FIG. 47(b) opens, and when a desired editing function is selected in the pop-up 937, a pop-up 938 opens.

If the user cancels the function selected in this pop-up and presses the cancel button, or sets the predetermined parameters and presses the save/close button, the screen returns to the collection pop-up 935. Furthermore, collection pop-up 935
When the Add Function button is pressed, a pop-up 939 listing editing functions opens, and when the button for the editing function desired to be added is pressed, a pop-up 938 opens. If the user cancels the addition of the editing function in the pop-up and presses the cancel button, or sets the predetermined parameters and presses the save/close button, the pop-up 938 closes and returns to the collection pop-up 935. This allows the area editing function to be corrected.

In addition, in the figure, the same pop-up is opened in the transition from 933 to 934 and from 939 to 938, but the screen when the additional function button is pressed is different, so
The transition states are also different. In this way, in this UI, even when the same screen is displayed, the screen transition state differs depending on what kind of screen the button is pressed on, so the user may make a mistake in operation. It can be done without any problems.

Screen transitions have been explained above using the inset synthesis as an example, but the same applies when other editing functions are selected on the creative editing busway in FIG. 40(a).

In this way, in the creative editing pathway, the screen transition when setting a new area editing function is different from the screen transition when making corrections after the area editing function has been set. This allows operations to be performed without causing any problems.

(III-8) SYSUI Software Module In this section, a software module (hereinafter simply referred to as module) for realizing the screen transition as described above will be described.

As mentioned in relation to Figure 4, L L installed in the UI
The UI (Low Level DI) merely has the function of displaying a designated screen, and the 5YSUI determines what kind of screen to display at any given time. This is to make each remote of the copying machine more general-purpose and to reduce the burden of tL design. Therefore,
In this section, SY! What kind of modules does 3UI consist of? We will explain how the next screen is determined when the button is pressed.

FIG. 48 shows the configuration of the 5YSUI module. Fourth
Figure 8 (a) shows its schematic configuration, Figure 8 (b) shows the module configuration for user control, Figure 8 (C) shows the module configuration for user mode, and Figure 8 (d) shows the module configuration for editing mode control. are shown respectively.

As shown in FIG. 48(a), L5YSUI940 is
A user control 941 that controls screen display, and a user mode 9 that interprets the currently displayed screen and pressed buttons to determine the next screen to display.
42. Therefore, user mode 942 is a high-level module and user control 94
1 is a low level module. Also, 5YSUI
940 is the UI via LNET948 (see Figure 3)
943, and imports the coordinate data specified on the edit pad from the PAD 944, button information about which button was pressed from the CRT 945, and memory card information from the memory card 946. The CRT 945 is notified of display information, and the memory card 946 is notified of new data to be written.

Further, the 5YSUI 940 notifies the 5YS 947 of the set mode information, and receives machine state information and the like necessary for display from the 5YS 947. Communication 949 for this purpose is performed via RAM. As is clear from Figures 3 and 4, 5YSUI940 and 5Y
This is because S947 is running on the same CPU.

The module configuration of the user control 941 is shown in FIG. 48(b).

The functions of each module will be explained below.

The button interpretation 950 is a module that mainly checks whether the pressed button can be accepted. Specifically, it receives button information, coordinate information, copy information from the CRT interface 955, and manages state. 952 for the status code, attaches a button receiver based on the status code, distributes the attached button information to each module, outputs an ejection request to a memory card, etc.

The job handling 951 is a module that mainly monitors the job from when the start button is pressed until the copying is completed and displays the maid count, and specifically performs the following processing.

When the start button is pressed, a machine start signal is output to the 5YS947 to notify the copy mode. You can also use the start button as a trigger to manage state 9.
A request to check whether the selected modes are inconsistent with each other is output to the state management 952, and if there is a contradiction between the modes as a result of the check in the state management 952, a message to that effect (
Hereinafter, this will be referred to as J code information. ) to the display 954 to display the message. It also determines whether copy start is possible or not based on the status code, determines color registration/normal copy, notifies SYS 947 of a color registration request, registers/cancels auto start, and so on.

Furthermore, the job is canceled using the all-crit key clear as a trigger, the trigger is provided to the user mode 942, and the job cancellation request is notified to SY 594.7. It also notifies 5YS947- of a stop request triggered by the stop button, notifies SYS947 of an interrupt request triggered by the interrupt button, and performs processing such as auto-clearing the toner replenishment display corresponding to the command.

The state management 952 manages the states 1 to 1 of the entire machine, and updates and creates machine states and UI states, updates job statuses, creates status codes, and the like. Note that the state management performed by this module is for display purposes, and is distinguished from the state management performed by the SYS 947 for job execution.

The machine monitor 953 requests machine state updates, requests for registration/cancellation of display information for the display 954, requests for registration/cancellation of faults and warnings, etc., and requests for job handling 951 of job information among commands received from the 5YS 947. To give notifications, etc.

Display 954 includes user mode 942, job handling 951, machine monitoring 953, and information 95.
Based on the display information received from 7, the actual color CR
Various images are displayed on the T monitor.

The CRT interface 955 receives button information from the CRT and queues information received from the CRT.
The reception of display information and button information on the QueinOl CRT includes notification of results, queuing of transmission information to the CRT, reception of memory contents from a memory card, transmission of written contents to a memory card, and coordinates from the edit pad. Performs data reception, etc.

The SYS interface 956 receives commands from the SYS 947 and sends information to the 5YS 947.

The information 957 requests the display 954 to display an information screen when the information on button is pressed as a trigger.

FIG. 48(C) shows the module configuration of the user mode. As is clear from the figure, there are modules corresponding to each pathway, and each module is configured to manage only the information necessary for the corresponding pathway. Therefore, we can easily respond to changes in specifications.
It is also considered highly secure.

The functions of each module will be explained below.

The operation flow 960 controls screen transitions, and controls screen switching, pop-up control, message display control, button selection enable/disable control, and screen status management. The operation flow 960 receives and receives button information from the user control 941, and distributes the button information to basic copy 961, marker editing 962, business editing 963, and creative editing 964 depending on which pathway the button is in. The display information is notified to the user control 941.

The basic copy 961 controls the modes set in the basic copy pathway, specifically, paper size selection, sorter selection, set number of sheets control, religious color mode, copy density, contrast, sharpness. , Miho Copy mode creation method for color balance
Copy mode initialization and display control when copy initialization is instructed, conversion of internally managed editing data to actual copy mode when copy start is instructed, and when mutually contradictory functions are selected Passing J code information to the state management 952 Holding the current copy mode triggered by an interrupt start instruction, initializing and displaying the current copy mode Holding from the current copy mode triggered by an interrupt end instruction Conversion to copy mode, display recovery control, etc.

Therefore, the basic copy 961 obtains button information from the operation flow 960 and obtains copy start information and copy mode initialization information from the user control 941, and notifies the user control 941 of display information and J code information. The module also receives edit management data from the edit mode control 966 and notifies command creation information.

The marker edit 962 manages information handled by the marker edit pathway, and performs control such as canceling the arc control command for creating a copy mode for each menu.

To this end, marker editing 962 is performed using operation flow 960.
button information is obtained from the edit mode control 966 and screen status information is obtained from the edit mode control 966, display information is notified to the user control 941, and command creation information is notified to the edit mode control 966.

The business editing 963 manages the information handled by the business editing pathway, and specifically includes instructions for creating a copy mode for the menu of each editing function, instructions for canceling commands, instructions for scrolling areas/points, and corrections for areas/points. /Deletion instructions Instructions to correct commands, instructions to register coordinates Instructions to cancel registered coordinates Instructions to cancel operations, etc. For that purpose, business editing 96
3 receives button information from the operation flow 960, coordinate information from the user control 941, and edit mode control 966.
While obtaining screen status information from , user control 941 is notified of display information, and edit mode control 966
The command creation information 2, command correction information, area scroll information, area correction information, area deletion information, coordinate registration information, manual cancellation information, etc. are notified.

The creative editing 964 manages information handled in the creative editing pathway, and specifically includes instructions for creating a copy mode for each editing function menu, instructions for canceling commands, instructions for scrolling areas/points, and instructions for scrolling areas/points. Instructions for modification/deletion Instructions for deleting commands, fingernails for adding commands Instructions for registering coordinates Instructions for canceling registered coordinates Instructions for registered colors Instructions for canceling operations, etc. To this end, the creative editor 964 receives button information from the operation flow 960, coordinate information and registered color information from the user control 941,
While obtaining screen status information from the edit mode control 966, notifying the user control 941 of display information,
The edit mode control 966 is notified of command creation information, area scroll information, area correction information, area deletion information, coordinate registration information, input cancellation information, command addition information, and the like.

The edit pad control 965 is for displaying the area set on the edit pad in the bitmap area, obtains the output pattern from the edit mode control 966, and notifies the user control 941 of coordinate information. .

Edit mode control 966 manages set areas and editing functions, and specifically has a module configuration as shown in FIG. 48(d).

Edit mode 1970 and edit mode 971 are for checking editing, respectively, and check all functions restricted by IPS. ■If a function that cannot be processed by SP is set, if it is notified to IPS as is, it will malfunction. Therefore, in edit mode I, ■, exclusive functions are not set, or in business editing, one function per area. However, it checks whether multiple functions are set for one area.

In other words, the edit mode 1970 and the edit mode 11971 are equipped with a small IPS world, and functions are checked based on that world.

The assignment of editing mode I and editing mode ■ can be done, for example, as follows.

Edit mode 1970 checks repeat dividing line reduction/enlargement control, enlarged continuous shooting control, logo control kaji movement control, binding margin control arc, and mirror image control, and edit mode 971 checks trim arc control, deletion control, and color. Fill control, color conversion division, arc control for coloring, inversion arc control, copy density control, contrast division, sharpness control, color balance opening, color mode arc control, and paint control can be checked. Note that the above division of roles is just one example and can be determined arbitrarily. Also, in the figure, the editing mode is divided into two, I and It is a good thing.

In order to perform the above control, the edit mode 1970 inputs the above command creation information and executes the database control 974.
A database request is output to the database controller 974, and an access result as a response is received from the database controller 974. In addition, the edit mode 971 receives command creation information, registered coordinate information, and registered color information, while the database control 97
Make a database request to 4 and obtain the access results.

Package control 972 is inset composition and watermark composition.
It controls editing in which several functions such as partial movement are packaged, and command creation information is notified to edit mode 1970 and edit mode 971 by inputting button information. It also issues a Gatorbase request to the database control 974 and receives the access results.

The area control 973 controls the area set on the edit pad, and controls the registration of coordinates, the control of arc correction of coordinates, the control of deletion of coordinates, and the control of deletion of commands within the area. Controls command addition, division, command correction control, area scroll control, coordinate registration cancellation, etc. For this purpose, the area control 973 inputs coordinate information, input cancellation information, scroll information, area deletion information, area deletion information, command correction information, command addition information, etc., and sends it to the edit pad control 965 in FIG. 48(C). The output pattern information of the bitmap area is notified. It also issues a database request to the database control 974 and receives access results.

The database control 974 controls the set copy mode,
Manages and controls a database that collectively stores screen status, etc., and passes packets to 5YS947, that is,
It creates information that notifies you of what function has been selected, and specifically, it
Changing the scroll pointer, deleting and adding information on the area pointed to by the scroll pointer, adding one command to the area pointed to by the scroll pointer, and deleting a command,
Registers new commands, registers new coordinates, deletes registered coordinates, marks and cancels registered coordinate pointers, etc.

Therefore, the database control 974 returns as much information as access results in response to database requests from edit mode I, edit mode II, and package control area control, and also outputs display information, screen status information, and the like.

As described above, since a module is provided for each busway meal editing, even if the specifications need to be changed, only the corresponding module needs to be modified, and this can be easily handled. In addition, the data necessary to control the screen is managed collectively in a database, and the necessary data is sent when there is a request from another module, so there is no need to have conflicting data between each module. There is no problem, and it is highly safe.

Above, I have talked about the module configuration of 5YSUI.
Next, the operation will be explained using an example of screen transition.

Now, if the busway tab of the marker editing pathway is pressed on the basic feature busway, the button information will be input from the CRT 945 to the button interpretation 950 via the CRT interface 955. will be judged. If the machine is in the process of copying, etc., it will not be possible to accept a request. If the reception is possible, the button information is sent to the user mode 942. The operation flow 960 notifies the basic copy 961 of button information since the currently displayed basic feature busway is the basic feature busway.

The basic copy 961 recognizes that the marker editing busway tab has been pressed and notifies the display information to the display 954 of the user control 941 in order to turn on the tab.0 display 954 indicates the marker editing busway Command to turn on tab on CRT interface 9
55 to the CRT 945. This will turn on the busway tab for marker editing.

Next, when the user releases the marker editing busway tab, this button information is transferred to the CRT as described above.
The user mode 942 operational flow 960 is entered via the interface 955 and button interpretation 950. The operation flow 960 notifies the display 954 of a screen switching command in order to switch the screen to marker editing. This causes a screen transition from the basic feature busway to the marker editing pathway, but at this time,
Initial settings are performed because it would confuse the user if the last used mode was retained.

Therefore, if, for example, the trim button is pressed on the marker editing screen, the button information will be input to the operation flow 960 through the above-mentioned route. Since it is an edit busway, edit the button information with marker 96
Notify 2. Marker editing 962 creates trim command creation information and passes it to edit mode control 966 if copy mode is available for the trim button that has just been pressed. The edit mode control 966 performs various checks based on the command creation information, creates trim data, and registers it in the database as a copy mode. It also creates a packet to notify the 5YS947 that trim has been selected. Further, screen status information indicating what kind of screen is currently displayed is sent to marker editing 962, and display information is sent to display 954 of user control 941. The trim button is now turned on.

After that, when the start button is pressed, the trim packet is notified from the job handling 951 to the SYS 947 via the SYS interface 956.The job is executed.

When the copy is executed, the SYS 947 notifies the machine monitor 953 of the machine status and job information. The job handling 951 obtains job information from the machine monitor 953, creates one display information, and notifies the display 954. This allows messages such as ``Copying'' and maid counts to be displayed.

(III-9) Other screen control UIs constantly monitor the execution state of copying, and when a jam occurs, display a screen corresponding to the jam. Further, in the function setting, an information screen is provided for the currently displayed screen, and the screen is set to be able to be displayed as appropriate.

Note that the screen display has a width of 3, excluding the bitmap area.
Adopts a tile display of m + * (8 pixels) and height 6 + w (16 pixels), with 80 tiles horizontally and 25 tiles vertically.
It's tile. The bitmap area is displayed with 151 pixels vertically and 216 pixels horizontally.

As mentioned above, the UI of this copier allows basic copy,
Azoid feature: The display screen can be switched according to each pathway such as editing, and menus for selecting functions and setting execution conditions can be displayed in each mode, and options can be specified by touching the soft button. Allows input of execution condition data. In addition, depending on the menu option, detailed items are displayed in a pop-up (superimposed display or window display) to expand the displayed content. As a result, even if there are many selectable functions and setting conditions, the display screen can be kept clean and operability can be improved.

(m-10) Button system It has been described above that the present copying machine has soft buttons and hard buttons. This section explains the nature and function of each button.

(m-10-1) Bird Button Bird Button is a button located on the hard control panel, including numeric keypad, asterisk clear,
Start, stop, interrupt, all clear, audiotron, information on, information off, and language buttons are installed.

These buttons need to be pressed at all times, so they are placed as hard buttons in addition to the soft buttons for setting the copy mode.

The function of each button will be explained below.

The numeric keypad consists of numbers from O to 9, and is used to set the number of copies, enter codes and data in diagnostic mode, and enter the password when using tools. becomes invalid.

The asterisk "*" button is a button used to input a code number or password when selecting a function in the tool pathway. However, the input methods are different for key operators and custom engineers.
This limits the functions that the key operator can use.

(Start button) Upper Used to start a job or restart it after an interruption. In diagnosis mode, it is used to input and save code values and data values, and to start input/output. If the start button is scanned while the machine is preheating, the machine will auto-start when the preheating ends.

The stop button is used to interrupt the job at a copy break during job execution and to stop the machine after ejecting the copy paper. In the diagnosis mode, it is used to stop (interrupt) input/output checks, etc.

The interrupt button is used to enter an interrupt mode during a primary job except when a job is interrupted, and to return to the primary job during an interrupt job.

If this button is operated during execution of the primary job, the printer enters a reservation state, interrupts or ends the job at the end of copy paper ejection, and enters an interrupt job.

The All Clear button is used to return all of the set copy modes to their defaults and return to the basic copy screen except when the tool screen is open.While setting an interrupt job, the copy mode returns to the default. , interrupt mode is not released.

The Auditron button is operated to enter a password when starting a job.

The information button consists of an on button and an off button, and is in a state where it can accept data except when copying is in progress.The on button displays the information screen for the currently displayed screen, and the off button allows it to be evacuated. It is. This button may be a toggle button, that is, it turns on the first time and turns off when pressed again, but an on button and an off button are provided to make it easier for the user to understand.

The language button is operated when switching the language of the display screen. Therefore, each display screen has data for a plurality of languages, such as Japanese and English, so that data can be selected arbitrarily.

In addition, the hard control panel has LEDs as appropriate to display the operation status of each of the buttons above.
(light emitting diode) lamp is installed. You may attach a lamp to all the hard buttons, but there is no need to attach a lamp to the ones where you can see which button is pressed by looking at the screen. Just attach it to the button.

(III-10-2) Soft button The soft button is colored C as shown in Figure 49(a).
A touch board 981 is arranged in front of an RT monitor 980. At predetermined locations on the color CRT monitor 980, patterns of buttons of various shapes, such as rectangular pigs and triangles, are displayed. For example, the touch board 981
As shown in FIG. 9(b), a light emitting diode 982 that emits infrared rays is arranged on the upper side and left side, and an infrared sensor 983 is arranged on the opposite lower side and right side. Therefore, when the user attempts to touch a button and blocks the infrared rays, the infrared sensor output at the blocked location becomes smaller, and the coordinates of the selected button can be determined from the position of the infrared sensor. These processes are performed by the CPU 534 in FIG. 35 as described above.

(I[l-10-2-1) Shape and size of soft buttons As seen in the previous figures, soft buttons come in various shapes, and the size varies depending on the screen on which the same shape is displayed. . This is determined by the nature of the button, such as whether the button is for selecting a function or for scrolling, or how many buttons must be placed in the popup. .

FIG. 51 shows examples of button shapes and sizes. Note that the unit of numerical values in the figure is the number of tiles.

Figures 51 (a) and (b) are buttons that are generally used as selection buttons, and Figure 51 (a) is usually used to select functions on each busway. Figure 51 (b) teeth,
For example, even in the case of a pop-up that is displayed in a narrow area, such as the color selection button in Figure 37 (h), or a full-screen pop-up, the bitmap area as shown in Figure 39 (b) Used when many other buttons are arranged. Therefore, the buttons whose icons are displayed when selected, as shown in FIG. 51(c), have the same size.

Figures 51(d), (e), and (f) are buttons on the busway tab, and Figure 51(d) is similar to Figure 37(a), for example.
This is used as a tab for a busway that is called out on the screen, such as the basic feature busway tab in Figure 37(e). Tags used as tabs Figure 3(f) is used as a tab for the edited busways displayed on the screen where the basic copy busway is displayed, like each edited busway in Figure 37(a). .

FIG. 51(g) is used as a pop-up mark.

Figures 51 (h) and (i) are patterns used for up/down numerical parameters, scrolling when modifying areas, etc., and in relation to the arrangement of other buttons, etc. A pattern may be used, or the pattern shown in FIG.

Figure 51 (j), (k), (1), (m)
is a pattern used as a numerical on/off button, and (j) and (k) in the same figure are used for buttons such as the registered color density pattern in Fig. 38(b). ) is used, for example, to set the sharpness level in Fig. 37 (j).
It is used when buttons are arranged without gaps, such as the color sensitivity button in g).

(Iff-10-2-2) Button operation A soft button must have several states. After a soft button is pressed, 'I '-s The display must be different from before it was pressed, and as mentioned above, when a soft button in a certain mode is pressed, buttons in modes that conflict with that mode must be made unselectable. This is because it must be done.

In addition, it is desirable to not display unnecessary soft buttons to avoid giving unnecessary information to the user.For example, if a sorter is not installed, the sorter selection soft button (see Figure 37) Since reference a) is never selected, it is clear that there is no need to display it.

As described above, it can be seen that the four states of the soft button are necessary: selectable, selected, non-selectable, and invisible.

Each state will be explained below.

In the selectable state, the button should stand out and give the impression that it can be pressed, so the button should be the same color as the background, and a shadow 985 should be added as shown in Figure 52(a). It is attached.

Select thyroid! ii I changed the color of the button to white and it looks like
It gives the feeling that the light is on when it is pressed. Note that if the button has text or an icon, it is preferable to leave the display of the text or icon as is and make only the background of the button white.

This is because if the characters and icons are deleted, it becomes impossible to tell what mode the button is in.

The unselectable state is for example when there are mutually contradictory modes such as automatic magnification and automatic paper selection, so that once one is selected, the other cannot be selected, and the button's background is set to select. As in the case of the enabled state, the color is the same as the background, but no shadow is added as shown in FIG. 52(b). Because of this, it seems that it is pushed into the background and cannot be pressed.
It is possible to express the feeling that

In the conventional console panel UI, all buttons are always selectable, so users may accidentally select mutually contradictory modes, in which case a warning message is displayed. However, if one of the contradictory modes is selected as described above and the other mode is made unselectable, the user will not dare to select it (the warning message that is displayed each time as in the past) This will eliminate the hassle of checking.

However, it is conceivable that the user may accidentally press a soft button that is in a non-selectable state, so in that case, a warning message to the effect that the button is not selectable is displayed.

Note that when one button of a mutually contradictory mode is pressed, the button of the other mode may be deleted.If you do this, the contradictory mode will never be set, so a warning message will be displayed. However, if the button is deleted, it becomes impossible to tell whether the function is provided or not, which is not desirable.

The invisible state is a state in which the button is not displayed. For example, if no sorter is attached, no sorter selection is performed, and therefore there is no need to display a sorter selection button. On the other hand, if the sorter button is always displayed, the user will have to worry about pressing it by mistake and will have to display a message each time. To eliminate this inconvenience, unnecessary buttons are made invisible.

This state also applies to job program buttons. That is, since the job program is a function that becomes effective only after the memory card is inserted, there is no need to display it if the memory card is not inserted, and the job program is rendered invisible.

Note that the machine automatically determines whether or not the button is made invisible. The machine can recognize whether the sorter is attached or not and whether a memory card is inserted, so this can be done automatically.

The above is an explanation of the states given to each button, but soft buttons are classified into several types depending on their relationship with each other's mode or the function of the soft button, which will be explained below.

First, there is a multiple-choice button for selecting functions. This method: When a certain button is pressed, that button is turned on and other buttons are turned off. This is the button that is considered as an option. That is, in the color mode column, if three colors are currently selected and the full color button is pressed, the full color button is turned on and the three color buttons are turned off. This is because two color modes cannot be set at the same time. Therefore, one of the multiple-choice buttons is always selected.

This multiple-choice button is often set to a default state; it is set to the default state when the All Clear button on the hard control panel is pressed. It goes without saying that when a button with a pop-up mark is pressed among the multiple-choice buttons, the #top pop-up will open.

Among the buttons for selecting functions, there is an independent selection button that has only one option for multiple choice. These independent selection buttons include, for example, job program buttons, buttons for each function provided in the business editing pathway shown in FIG. 39<a>, and when these independent selection buttons are pressed, they turn on. And in many cases, pop-ups are held. If you set parameters in that popup and close the popup by pressing the save/close button, the settings will be retained.

To turn off an independent selection button that is on,
Just press the cancel button in the pop-up.

The operation of the independent selection button will be explained below using an example. Now, if you press the solid black conversion button in Figure 39(a) to convert the black part of the document to the desired color, a pop-up similar to Figure 39(b) will open.
As parameters for the black to color conversion function on the popup screen, you must set the area for black to color conversion, the color to be converted, and its density pattern. The pattern button is not turned on, that is, the default state is not set. This is due to the black → color conversion function #1. This is because it is a function that can convert to a desired color from among them, and which color to convert to differs from time to time, and it is not appropriate to set it in advance. In the pop-up, for example, if you press the red button, which is a registered color, the button becomes selected, and if you further press the save/close button, the pop-up closes and you return to the screen shown in FIG. 39(a). At this time, the solid black conversion button will not be displayed in white.
It is in the on state, that is, in the selected state.

If you want to turn off the black to color conversion function in this state, press the button again to open the popup.

At this time, in the pop-up, a paint tube icon is displayed on the red button, as shown in FIG. 37(h), and it is in the on state.

If the cancel button is then pressed, the pop-up is closed and the screen shown in FIG. 39(a) is returned, but at this time, the solid black conversion button is in an OFF state, that is, in a selectable state.

The above are independent selection buttons, but some of these independent selection buttons do not open a popup.

For example, this is the mirror image button for creative editing shown in FIG. 40(a).

In other words, mirror image is a function that inverts the image around the center of the document in the sub-scanning direction and forms an image of the document as seen from the back side, so there are no parameters to set, so there is no need to open the pop-up. It is.

There are two ways to turn off such independent selection buttons that do not open pop-ups.

One is to use the button as a toggle button so that it repeats on/off each time it is pressed, and the other is to use a cancel button.

Although it is up to you which method to use, this UI uses the latter. The reason is as follows. First, it is inappropriate to turn an independent selection button that opens a popup into a toggle button. In other words, since the act of setting parameters in the pop-up is done intentionally by the user, it is necessary to make it impossible to cancel the parameters easily.Therefore, as mentioned above, a cancel button is provided. be. On the other hand, if such a button is used as a toggle button, the function and set parameters will be canceled even if the button is pressed again by mistake, which is obviously not desirable. Next is the unification of operating methods. This is because even if the same independent selection button has different operation methods for turning it off depending on whether the popup opens or not, it will only confuse the user and make it inconvenient to use. For the above reasons, we decided to use the cancel button to turn off independent selection buttons that do not open a popup.

As shown in Figure 51 (h) and (1), the scroll button is a pair of up button and down button, and when the up button is pressed, it turns on and the numerical value increases. When released, it turns off and returns to selectable state. The same goes for the down button; when you press it, it turns on and the value decreases, and when you release it, it turns off.

The scroll buttons are also used to modify the size, position, and delete area points set in the edit pad. Assume that three areas A, B, and C are displayed in the bitmap area as shown in FIG. 53(a). In the initial state, for example, the leftmost and uppermost area (the area indicated by A in FIG. 53(a)) is displayed in black and white inverted.

Therefore, each time one of the scroll buttons 985 is pressed once, areas B and C in the figure are displayed in black and white inverted one after another. The order of movement can be the registration order of the areas or the order of the position of the areas, for example from left to right or top to bottom. Then, for example, by pressing the area/point cancel button while displaying area C in black and white inverted, area C can be deleted. Pressing the other scroll button 986 allows scrolling in the opposite direction. Further, when specifying a region or a point, it is preferable that when the scroll button is continuously pressed, the movement of the region/point is repeated in a predetermined order without stopping.

As described above, the scroll button has two functions, each of which operates differently.

In the case of numeric settings, the numeric value changes while either button is pressed, and stops changing when the upper or lower limit is reached. At this time, the shadow of the button disappears and the button becomes unselectable. Note that while the scroll button is pressed, the button display may be in the normal selection state, but 987 in FIG. 53(b)
As shown in the figure, the width of the shadow may be made half of that in the selectable mode tft (988 in the figure).

Also, the speed of numerical change when the scroll button is continuously pressed may be set to change at regular intervals, but for example, when the scroll button is pressed for the first time, it changes by one step,
After that, it changes by 1 step after 250 m5ec, then after 240 m5ec, 230 m5ec, and 22
After Ortrsec, change by 1 step each, and finally, for example, 1 step every 40 m5ec.
It is also possible to gradually increase the speed of change, such as by changing it step by step.
It has been explained that the button turns on when it is pressed and turns off when it is released, but below we will specifically explain when it turns on and when it turns off, and the conditions.

If the infrared rays are blocked within the area of a soft button, the button turns on and transitions from the selectable state to the selected state, and if you release it, it will remain in the selected state and the mode will be checked. Confirmation is made. In other words, when the infrared rays are blocked, the button turns on, but at this point the mode is not yet determined, and only when the button is released will the mode be determined if there are no discrepancies. It is conceivable to confirm the mode when the start button is pressed, but it is better for the user to know immediately whether he or she did something correctly or incorrectly when an action is taken, so I decided to do it like this. It was stipulated.

When the user presses the button, the user presses the arrow A in FIG. 53(C).
As shown in , there are cases where the finger is moved from outside the button area into the area. In this case, it is turned on when the button crosses the border indicated by 989 in the figure. Furthermore, if the user moves his or her finger as indicated by arrow B in the figure,
When the user crosses the border of the button indicated by 990, it is determined that the user has left the button.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 53(d), buttons may be pressed one after another in a short period of time. When using a touch board like in this UI, there are no actual buttons like those on a console panel, so the surface of the touch board is smooth with no protrusions. , the finger may slip and a plurality of buttons may be pressed in a short period of time as shown in FIG. 53(d). The figure shows the case where infrared rays are first blocked at point P, then continued to be blocked until point Q, and then released at point Q. In this case, the button 991 is turned on when the finger crosses its boundary 993, but whether or not the button 992 is turned on is determined by
It is best to judge whether the finger movement is done quickly or slowly. If the user moves their finger slowly,
This is because it can be determined that the user is trying to turn on not only the button 991 but also the button 992, and if the user moves quickly, it can be determined that there is no intention to turn on the button 992.

Specifically, after a predetermined time T is determined and the button 991 is turned on, the button 99 indicated by 995 is pressed in the groove for the time T.
2, the button 992 is not turned on and only the button 991 is turned on. Therefore, in this case, only button 991 is turned on, regardless of whether buttons 991 and 992 are multiple selection buttons or independent selection buttons. Further, if one hour or more has elapsed since the button 991 was turned on until the boundary 995 of the button 992 was crossed, the button 992 is turned on. Therefore, in this case,
If buttons 991 and 992 are multiple choice buttons, button 991 will be off and only button 992 will be on,
In the case of independent selection buttons, button 991 and button 992
are both turned on. It should be noted that the predetermined time T may be set to an arbitrary value, for example, about 125 m5ec.

The reason for specifying as above is to prevent flushing. That is, if the button is always turned on when pressed, flashing occurs when the multiple-choice button is pressed continuously within a short period of time, making it very difficult to see. This is particularly noticeable when the buttons are arranged without gaps, as in the case of color sensitivity shown in FIG. 40(g).

On the other hand, if the button is turned on and off based on the conditions described above, flashing will not occur, and even if it does occur, the period will be relatively long, so it will be possible to prevent the display from becoming difficult to see. It can be done.

The above are the general conditions for button on/off and mode confirmation, but the scroll buttons are different.
It is the same that it turns on when pressed, but at this time, it is confirmed that the scroll button has been pressed and scrolling of the numerical value or area point starts. When it is released, it turns off and the scrolling operation stops. This makes sense since scrolling must only occur while the scroll button is pressed.

(III-10-2-3) Control Buttons So far, we have explained the shapes and operations of general buttons, and the types of function setting buttons. This section describes the buttons that control operations.

The busway button is a button for switching busways. For example, if you press the marker edit busway button on the screen where the basic feature busway shown in Figure 37 (ra) is displayed, the busway shown in Figure 38 (a) is pressed. The screen will change to , and you can now switch busways. However, on the basic copy busway screen, the buttons for each edit busway are displayed, so
You can move to the desired editing busway at any desired time, but for example, if you want to move from the marker editing busway to the business editing busway, press the cancel button on the screen shown in Figure 38 (a) and temporarily switch from marker editing to basic feature. Return to Pathways and press the Business Edit Pathway button on the screen shown in Figure 37(a).

The save/close button is a button provided on each edit busway and pop-up. When the button is pressed, the set mode or parameter will be saved. In the case of a pop-up, the pop-up will be closed.
Basically, it returns you to the screen before the popup was opened. Even if you try to close the popup by pressing the save/close button in an incomplete state where all the necessary parameters for the popup are not set, the save/close button will not function and a warning message will be displayed.

For example, if you select coloring in Figure 38(a),
The pop-up shown in Figure (b) opens, but the default color and density pattern are not set. This is because the types of color and density pattern should be set arbitrarily. Therefore, you have to select a color and a density pattern on this screen, but if you select only the color and press the save/close button, this popup will not close and will say, for example, "Please select a density pattern." Messages like this will be displayed.

Also, the save/close button is always shadowed even if it does not function as described above. Without a shadow, users won't know how to close the popup.

Note that once all parameters are set, the start button will function effectively and copying can be performed without pressing the save/close button to close the popup.

A cancel button is provided on each edit busway and popup, and when the button is pressed, the edit busway and popup are closed and all set modes and parameters are invalidated.

When the cancel button is pressed, the screen returns to the previous screen, but the state at that time differs between the multiple choice button and the independent selection button.

If you open a pop-up with the multiple choice button and press the cancel button, it basically returns to the previous state, but
If the previous state has not been canceled, it returns to the default. Specifically, it is as follows. For example, now,
When automatic magnification is selected as shown in Figure 53(e), if you press the barrier pull button and press the cancel button in the popup, the popup will close and the automatic magnification will be the mode immediately before barrier pull was selected. is automatically selected. However, if you press the barrier button again to open the pop-up and then press the cancel button when barrier pull is currently selected as shown in (f) in the same figure, if you press the cancel button, the barrier pull mode is the previous mode to which you should return. has been canceled, so in this case the default 100% is selected.

Next, if you open a pop-up using the independent selection button and then press the cancel button, the function will be disabled, the pop-up will close, and you will return to the original screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 53(g), when the color correction button is selected and some color fine adjustment is being performed, that is, when the color correction button is in the on state, the color correction is performed again. Press the button and the 41st
The pop-up shown in Figure (C) will open, but if you press the Cancel button here, the collection parameters you have been using will become invalid, and the pop-up will close as shown in Figure 41 (
Return to the screen in b). At this time, the color correction button is turned off as shown in FIG. 53(g).

The reason for the above state transition is that it would be desirable to always return to the previous state when the cancel button is pressed, but in order to do so, the entire previous state must be saved in memory. This is because only the minimum necessary basic state is saved, since it requires a huge amount of memory capacity.

Note that the cancel button needs to be selectable at all times, so it is always shadowed and selectable.

The reset button is a button for returning all the parameters in the pop-up to the state they were in when the power was turned on, and can be said to be a partial cancel button. For example, in the color correction pop-up shown in Figure 41 (C), cyan is 10 and magenta is 1 when the power is on.
0, yellow is 50, and magenta is changed to 30 using the scroll button, but if you want to make fine adjustments again from the beginning, press the reset button. magenta 1
0 and yellow 50, so you can reset the settings again. Of course, it is possible to set the desired value using the scroll button, but it takes time, and pressing the cancel button disables the color correction function itself, so a reset button is provided to easily adjust the parameters from the beginning. We are making it possible to fix it.

The enter button is used to confirm the area set on the edit pad and the editing function to be set for the area. Now, consider the case where density patterns are applied to two areas A and B in different colors in the color mesh pop-up shown in FIG. 39(b). At this time, the order of setting the area and the parameter color is not specified in any way, so if you set areas A and B and then specify the color, area A will appear.

The same color will be set for B. The enter button is provided to avoid this kind of thing. First, set area A and specify the color CI, then press the enter button to display the combination of area A and color CI. After that, area B is set.Even if color C2 is specified, the color for area A does not change and the CI is maintained. If you want to change the color for area A,
The user returns to the previous screen, FIG. 39(a), to use the collection function.

Since the last parameter value is confirmed by pressing the enter button, the parameters can be changed at will until the enter button is pressed. In the above example, area A
Initially, color CI was specified for , but when color C2 is next selected and the enter button is pressed, C2 is determined as the color for area A.

Also, until the Enter button is pressed, you can delete the set area using the Area Cancel button, but if you want to delete the area that has been confirmed with the Enter button, open the popup using the Collection button and select Area Cancel there. I will do it.

When the area and parameters are not set, the enter button cannot be pressed, so at this time the enter button's shadow disappears and it becomes unselectable.

Note that although the above description is about areas, the enter button functions not only for areas but also for points. However, when it is necessary to specify only one point, such as when inserting a logo, pressing the save/close button confirms the selection, so no enter button is provided.

The area cancel button deletes the set area, and in collection mode, if you specify the area with the scroll button and press the area cancel button,
The rectangle in the area is erased from the bitmap area. Furthermore, if you specify only one point to set an area and then press the area cancel button, the specified point can be deleted. The same applies to point cancellation.

If no area or point has been set and immediately after the enter button is pressed, there is no area or point that can be canceled, so at this time the area/point cancel button's shadow disappears and it becomes unselectable.

The at-function button is a button provided only for creative editing, and is used when adding an editing function to be set in an area. When this button is pressed, a pop-up will open and a menu of editing functions will be displayed, so all you have to do is select the desired editing function to be added and press the save/close button. Now you can add the desired editing functions.

Function clear button f-1 As shown in Figure 40 (n), specify an area using the button provided in the collection pop-up of creative editing and press the function clear button to clear the settings in that area. A pop-up will appear showing the available editing functions, and you can disable the function by selecting the function you wish to disable.

Similar to the function clear button, the area/point collection button is a button provided in the pop-up of the creative editing collection shown in Figure 40 (n), and when the button is pressed, the pop-up shown in Figure 40 (0) is displayed. opens, and the scroll buttons allow you to fine-tune the position of the region, its size, and the position of the point.

(III-11) Pop-up display system This copying machine is a color copier with many functions.Moreover, as mentioned above, in order to improve the operability, it has a purpose-oriented operability.
Furthermore, we provide users with the amount of information they need, when they need it.
I try not to give out extra information. Therefore, when a certain function is selected, detailed items such as parameters required for the function must be set on a separate screen, but it may be confusing for the user if the screen changes completely. Therefore, when switching screens,
It is necessary to make the user understand that the screen is an extension of the currently displayed screen and give them a sense of psychological security. A pop-up display is used to overwrite one or all sections of the currently displayed screen with a predetermined close-up window. This allows the screen to be used more widely even if the screen size is small.

(A) General pop-up The operation of a general pop-up will be explained below. First, the operation when a pop-up opens is as follows.

As mentioned above, a pop-up can be opened by pressing the button marked with a "△" pop-up mark, but more specifically, the actions of soft buttons should be unified. Therefore, when the finger is removed from the soft button area, the soft button area is opened and displayed.

An example is as follows. Now, for example, on the copy quality pathway screen in Figure 37(g),
Suppose you press the color suppression button to reduce a certain color. Then, the button becomes on, that is, in a selected state, and when the finger leaves the button, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 37(h), and a color suppression pop-up P is displayed.

At this time, a shadow Q is attached to the pop-up P, and the pop-up P is displayed as if it were floating. Furthermore, the background of the pop-up P is displayed in the same color as the background of the busway. This gives the user a sense of security and provides a screen that is easy to view.

Note that pop-up shadows are omitted in other drawings.

Also, the size of the pop-up is determined by taking into account the contents of the pop-up, the number of buttons provided in the pop-up, etc. Therefore, some parts of the busway are overwritten as shown in Figure 37 (h), and some are overwritten as shown in Figure 40 (
In some cases, the entire area is overwritten as shown in b).

As a pop-up display method, as shown in FIG. 54, the button 996 may gradually become larger while zooming to become a pop-up 997. According to this, it is possible to express that the button is gradually enlarged and hidden information is revealed, so it is possible to give the impression that the button is popping up, and it is possible to concentrate the user's attention. However, in order to use this display method, it is necessary to use a high-quality CRT display, and although this can be easily done if the bitmap display method is used, this UI
If a tiled display method is adopted, as in the case of the tile display method, zooming becomes awkward and it is difficult to create software, so this UI does not use it.

When a popup is displayed, buttons may be displayed outside the popup area.

For example, in FIG. 37(h), buttons for copy density and copy contrast are displayed. At this time, there is a possibility that the user presses these buttons by mistake or intentionally, and it is necessary to predefine what kind of operation will be performed in that case. This is because the user does not necessarily perform operations in the correct procedure, and as long as the buttons are visible, there is a possibility that the user will press those buttons. Therefore, buttons outside the pop-up area are, in principle, enabled. This is so that other functions can be set even when the popup is open.

For example, suppose that when the color mode is black and white on the screen shown in FIG. 37(a), you press the variable magnification button and select 50% in the pop-up shown in FIG. 37(b). If you notice that the color mode is black and white and want to change it to full color, see Figure 37 (
If you press the full color button while on the screen shown in b), it will become effective. This saves you the trouble of closing each pop-up and returning to the original screen.

However, the button that opens a pop-up like the copy density manual shown in FIG. 37(h) is disabled. When the button is pressed, it is turned on, but when the button is released, it returns to the off state, that is, the selectable state. Also, at this time, a predetermined warning sound is emitted and, for example, "
A message such as "Please close the pop-up before making your selection" is displayed. Also, like the button in the paper size column in FIG. 37(b), a button whose part is overwritten by pop-up is rendered unselectable with its shadow erased. Therefore, even if the button is pressed, it is not turned on, and a predetermined warning sound is emitted and a predetermined warning message is displayed. Of course, the third
In the screen shown in Figure 7 (b), if you set the pop-up size appropriately, you can hide all the buttons in the paper size column, so there is no need to set the above regulations, but the size of the pop-up and the buttons This is done because there are problems with appearance, such as the balance of numbers, and because by displaying a portion of the buttons, it can be shown that the pop-up is an extension of the original screen.

Next, consider the case where the pathway button is pressed while the pop-up is open.For example, Figure 37(h) is a diagram showing the color suppression pop-up open on the copy quality busway. , since the busway buttons of other pathways are also displayed at this time, there is a possibility that the user will press them. However, changing the busway means entering a completely different category, and it is undesirable to transition to a different pathway while the pop-up is still open, so the job on that pathway is completely completed. The system allows transition to other pathways only after this has been completed. Therefore, when the pop-up is displayed, the busway button is disabled.

Next, regarding how to close a popup, the popup is closed when the save/close button or cancel button within the popup or the all clear button on the hard control panel is pressed.

However, the pop-up opened by the job program button is an exception, and the pop-up will close even if the memory card is removed from the card reader. In other words,
This is because the job program is a function of reading a desired job from a memory card and copying it, so there is no point in leaving the pop-up open if the memory card is removed.

For the same reason, the button method is normally disabled and becomes selectable only after the memory card is inserted into the card reader. In other words, when a memory card is inserted, the button becomes selectable. When pressed, a pop-up opens and you can select the desired job from among the jobs stored on the memory card, or select the currently executed job. You can register existing jobs to the memory card. The pop-up can be closed by pressing Save/Close, but the pop-up will also close even if the memory card is removed while the pop-up is open.

If you close it with the save/close button, all the parameters set on the popup will be validly registered.If you close it with the cancel button, all the parameters set on the popup will become invalid. Furthermore, when the screen is closed using the all clear button, not only the parameters set in the pop-up but all registered parameters are invalidated, and the machine is returned to its initial state.

When the pop-up closes, the screen returns to the one before the pop-up opened. For example, if Color Conversion is selected on the creative editing basic screen shown in FIG. 40(a), a pop-up will open and the screen shown in FIG. 40(g) will be displayed. If you press the palette button on the rFromJ side to set the color to be converted, a pop-up will open and the screen shown in FIG. 40(h) will appear.

If you select the desired color here and press the save/close button, the color will be registered and the 4th screen, which is the screen immediately before that, will be registered.
Return to Figure 0 (g) and then press the Save/Close button on the screen of Figure 40 (g) to register the color conversion function and display the screen in Figure 4.
Return to the screen shown in Figure 0 (a).

In this way, pop-ups have a hierarchical structure, opening one after another and closing them in the opposite order of opening.

However, if there are many settings to be made and the pop-up has many layers, it is time-consuming to go back to the previous screen each time you want to return to the first screen, and it is also difficult to guide the operation steps. From a practical standpoint, it may be better to open pop-ups one after another and return to the first screen when the last parameter setting is complete, rather than returning to the previous screen. In other words, it circulates pop-ups. Such pop-ups include a pop-up that opens with the on button of the Azoid Feature Busway's film projector, and a pop-up that opens with the at-function button provided in creative editing.

Regarding film projectors, it is as follows. First, when the on button of the film projector is pressed on the azoid feature busway shown in FIG. 55(a), a pop-up opens and the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 55(b). The F/P operating procedure is displayed in this pop-up, and the buttons include a cancel button and a calibration plate button. If the cancel button is pressed here, the screen returns to the screen shown in FIG. 5(a), but if the calibration plate button is pressed, white balance adjustment is performed and the screen automatically changes to the screen shown in FIG.

If you select the 35m negative in the projector column, a pop-up will open and the screen shown in Figure (d) will appear. If you press the Other button on this screen, a pop-up will open and the screen shown in FIG. 4(e) will appear.

``Asa'' is not a numerical film and therefore requires special adjustments to open the pop-up. If you press the scan button here, the adjustment will start automatically.
When the process is finished, the process automatically returns to the screen shown in FIG. Save here/
When the close button is pressed, the screen returns to the same figure (c), and when the save/close button is further pressed, the screen returns to the same figure (a).6 As mentioned above, the order in which pop-ups are closed is different from the order in which they are opened.

The pop-up of the at-function is also the same; for example, if you select trim in Figure 40(a),
The screen shown in b) will appear. Set the necessary parameters there,
Furthermore, when you press the at-function button to change the color balance, a menu of additional functions will be displayed as a pop-up, and when you select the desired menu, the pop-up screen for that function will appear, where you can set the necessary parameters and save/close. Then, Figure 40(b)
Return to the trim pop-up screen.

As mentioned above, pop-ups have a hierarchical structure, so when they are closed, they generally return to the previous screen, but some pop-ups transition cyclically to guide the user's operations. It is.

Now, since it is conceivable that the start button will be pressed while the Next & Next pop-up is being displayed, it is necessary to specify the behavior in that case.

The task of the pop-up is completed only when the pop-up is closed, so if the pop-up remains open, the task is not completely completed, but as long as the parameters that should be set in the pop-up are entered. , the conditions necessary to execute the copy are in place, so in this case the start button will function effectively. In other words, the start button is valid even if the pop-up is open as long as the conditions for copying are met.

The reason for establishing such a provision is as follows.

If default conditions are set for all modes or function parameters, the start button is always enabled. This is because default values are set for parameters that are not set by the user. This is possible with a black and white copying machine, but
Since this copying machine is a color copier, it is necessary to set the color, and color preferences vary depending on the user.
Since the color adjustment changes depending on the content of the document, for example, it is possible to set blue as the default color on the color palette, but this would be extremely inconvenient for the user. Therefore, default colors are often not set, and the start button is not always enabled. Therefore, as mentioned above, the start button is enabled only when all the parameters that should be set in the popup are entered.

(B) Special pop-up The operation of a general pop-up opened by pressing a button with a pop-up mark has been described above.Next, a special pop-up will be explained.

Some pop-ups open automatically when certain operations are performed, such as SSI (single-seat inserter) pop-ups, run frames, and Are 7
ou 5ure) This includes pop-ups and full-scale/area pop-ups.

S and SI have high priority functions and are selected when paper is inserted into the manual feed tray. However, since the paper size cannot be detected, the user must specify the paper size. is inserted, the pop-up shown in Figure 56(a) will be automatically displayed.
The user can specify the paper size here. When copying starts and paper is fed from the manual feed tray, this pop-up will automatically close. Therefore, as is clear from FIG. 56(a), the SSI pop-up is not provided with a save/close button and a cancel button, because the SSI is not always selected when paper is inserted, as described above. This is because once the paper is fed, there is no point in opening the pop-up.

However, if other pop-ups are displayed, SS
I cannot open the pop-up.

This is because, as mentioned above, the currently loaded pop-up takes priority. Further, since paper selection is a mode provided only for the basic feature pathway and not for other pathways, the pop-up cannot be opened on any pathway other than the basic feature pathway. Therefore, even if the start button is pressed in a state where these SSI pop-ups cannot be opened, copying will not start and a predetermined message will be displayed. However, it is also possible to do the following. That is, if the start button is pressed under conditions where the above SSI popup cannot be opened, the run frame described later is first displayed, the SSI popup shown in FIG. 56(a) is overwritten on it, and the paper size is If specified, the start button will function effectively.

The run frame is the screen that appears when the start button is pressed to start copying, and even if the start is started with the popup open, it will be overwritten by the run frame. An example is shown in FIG. 56(b). The run frame includes a color path indicating the currently copied toner color,
Copy setting number of copies (Copies 5 selected),
The current number of copies (Copies Made) and magnification are not displayed. Also, although not shown, a menu of modes and functions that can be set in the run state is displayed. As a result, the settable modes and functions can be clearly recognized even during the copying operation. However, such settings can only be made when copying is paused.

Then, when the copying is completed, the original screen returns.

Are You Sure pop-ups appear when moving between pathways. As mentioned above, each editing pathway can coexist with the basic feature pathway, but
mutually exclusive. Then, when moving from one editing pathway to another editing pathway, the job set in the previous editing pathway is invalidated. Therefore,
When moving between editing pathways, it is necessary to confirm the user's will to see if it is okay. What is displayed at this time is the Are You Sure popup, an example of which is shown in FIG. 56(c). For example, if you have been editing a business and then return to the basic feature shown in FIG. 37(a) and press the marker editing pathway button there, the screen will transition to the screen shown in FIG. 38(a).

If you then press the trim button, the Are You Sure pop-up will open and the screen shown in Figure 56(c) will appear. Note that the Are You Sure pop-up will not be displayed when you return to the basic feature from business editing. This is because business editing and basic features can coexist with each other. On the other hand, business editing and marker editing have an exclusive relationship, so a pop-up like the one shown in the figure is displayed to confirm the user's intention.

When ryesJ is pressed in FIG. 56(C), all jobs performed in business editing are invalidated, this pop-up is closed, and marker editing can be performed. "n
If "O" is selected, the pop-up is closed, but the screen remains in the state of the marker editing pathway (FIG. 38(a)) without transitioning. At this time, since the business editing job is still registered in the machine, the newly selected pathway, in the case of Figure 56 (c), the marker editing
is not selected. Therefore, even if trim is selected again in marker editing, the assured pop-up only opens, and it is necessary to press the cancel button on the screen shown in FIG. 38(a) to return to business editing.

Full page/area pop-up is a pop-up that is automatically displayed when an editing function is selected in creative editing, and allows the user to choose whether to set the editing function to the entire document or within a specified area. It is for making a choice. In other words, in creative editing, unlike marker editing and business editing, you can set the desired editing function in the area specified on the edit pad, and you can also set editing functions for a wide variety of manuscripts. . Therefore, in creative editing, when an editing function is selected, it must first be selected whether to apply the editing function to the entire document or only to a designated area. So, for example, if color conversion is selected, at the same time the color conversion pop-up opens, there will be a message in the pop-up as shown in Figure 56(d).
Full/area pop-up is automatically displayed. If Whole is selected here, the color conversion will be performed on the entire document, and if Area is selected, color conversion will be limited to the area specified by the edit pad. Regarding this parameter, for example, the entire surface can be set as the default. In that case, if you want to apply the editing function to the entire surface, you can set other parameters and save/close without pressing the full surface button. . At this time, the full screen/area popup remains open, and the bitmap area and area cancel button are not displayed. Furthermore, if the user wishes to perform the editing function only within a predetermined area, the user presses the area button. Then, the whole page/area pop-up closes and the screen shown in Figure 40 (g
), the bitmap area and area cancel button are not displayed, but you can specify the area using the edit pad. However, the full page/area pop-up is displayed only when the editing function that can be set for both the full document and the area is selected on the screen shown in Figure 40 (a), and trim or mask This will not be displayed if an editing function that requires specifying an area is selected, such as in .

(C) Overwriting pop-ups So far, we have explained that when one pop-up is open, other pop-ups will not open, but even if a pop-up is displayed, in the case of an emergency, a high-priority interrupt will be executed. If this occurs, a predetermined screen must be overwritten and displayed on top of the popup so that the user can clearly recognize the situation. The conditions include when the start button is pressed, when a fault occurs, when the information button is pressed, and when the interrupt button is pressed.

If the start button is pressed, the run frame will be overwritten as described above, even if the popup is open.

If a fault occurs, a predetermined fault frame is overwritten in the popup. This is because a fault is an emergency situation, so the fault frame needs to be displayed with the highest priority regardless of whether a pop-up is displayed or not.

The information button is the button that the user presses to check the features and operation methods of this copier, so even if the pop-up is open, the information frame must be displayed when the information button is pressed. be.

If the interrupt button is pressed, the current job will be interrupted and a new job will be set.
Basic feature pathways need to be displayed. Therefore, even if the pop-up is open, if the interrupt button is pressed, the basic feature pathway will be overwritten.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, details of setting items are displayed as a pop-up, so the logical space for information display can be widened, and the size of the display means is relatively small. Since it only needs to be narrow, the overall size of the recording device can be kept compact.

In addition, the pop-up is overwritten on the current busway, and the background color of the pop-up is the same color as the pathway background, and its outline is shaded, so the user can see that it is on an extension of the busway. can be clearly recognized and can proceed with operations with psychological peace of mind.

Furthermore, the operations of pop-ups, such as how to open and close them, how to prohibit other pop-ups when a pop-up is open, and how to change the screen when a pop-up is closed, are standardized, so users can Once you learn how to operate one pop-up, you can operate other pop-ups by analogy. Furthermore, a pop-up is automatically opened to guide the user when necessary, such as when it is necessary to confirm the user's intentions, so even beginners can easily operate the system.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of a pop-up display system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of the overall configuration of a color copying machine to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 shows the hardware architecture. Figure 4 shows the software architecture, and Figure 5 shows the copy layer.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing state division, Figure 7 is a diagram explaining the sequence from power-on state to standby state, Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the sequence of production state, and Figure 9 is a diagram explaining the diagnostic state. Figure 10 is a diagram explaining the concept. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the system. Figure 12 is a diagram explaining job mode creation. Figure 13 is a diagram explaining the concept.
The figure shows the data flow between the system and each remote and the data flow between the child modules within the system. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the document scanning mechanism. Figure 15 is a diagram explaining the control method of the stepping motor. Figure 16 is the IIT. A timing chart explaining the control method, FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the imaging unit, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the CCD line sensor, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video signal processing circuit, and FIG. 20 is a timing chart explaining the operation of the video signal processing circuit, Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an overview of the module configuration of the IPS, Fig. 22 is a diagram explaining each module that makes up the IPS, and Fig. 23 is a diagram showing the hardware of the engineering PS. 24 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of IOT, FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a transfer device, FIG. 26 is a perspective view of F/P, and FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of IOT. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of U, and FIG. 28 explains the density characteristics of negative film and the principle of correction. FIG. 29 schematically shows the structure of F/P and the relationship between F/P, M/U, and IIT. Figure 30 is a diagram explaining the operating procedure and timing.
Figure 1 shows an example of how to install a UI using a display. Figure 32 shows an example of setting corners and height when installing a UI. Figure 33 shows an example of how to install a UI using a module.
Figure 4 shows the hardware configuration of the UI, and Figure 35 shows the U
Figure 36 shows the configuration of the ICB, Figure 37 shows the configuration example of the basic copy pathway, Figure 38 shows the configuration example of the marker editing pathway, and Figure 39 shows the business Figure 40 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the editing pathway, Figure 41 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the tool pathway, and Figure 42 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the soft button. Figure 44 shows the screen transition for basic copy, Figure 44 shows the screen transition for azoid feature, Figure 45 shows the screen transition for marker editing, and Figure 46 shows the screen transition for business editing. Figure 47 shows screen transitions for creative editing, Figure 48 shows an example of the configuration of a 5YSUI software module, Figure 49 shows an example of a soft button configuration, and Figure 50 explains inset composition. Fig. 51 is a diagram showing the shape and size of the soft button, Fig. 52 is a diagram showing the selectable state and non-selectable state of the soft button, and Fig. 53 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the soft button. Fig. 54 Figure 55 is a diagram showing an example of how to open a pop-up, Figure 55 is a diagram showing the transition of a pop-up display on a film projector, Figure 56 is a diagram showing an example of a special pop-up, and Figure 57 is an example of a conventional UI configuration. FIG. Applicant Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Fu Sugai! lk (5 other people) Fig. Fig. (d) @T11- Fig. (e) ~ Engineering l'cLK control system... ■Plate 0.1.2- r F-T3→ Sansari... Plate No. Figure 12 (A) Figure 14 Figure 15 (a) (b) Figure 16 (a) ) ko1-shitojhi circulation Fig. 16 (b) Fig. 15 (d) (e) RεG+ TAILEOGε offIm Fig. 17 Fig. 18 (b) Fig. 22 (d) (e) C P < CO Fig. 22 (f) Fig. 22 (i) ■C--j-Hee (Hei 2 Bow divination) l\) ('J, Thick) Fig. 22 (n) Figure 22 (p) (q) Figure 23 (c) Figure 24 Figure 25 (a) Figure 25 (b) Figure 28 Figure 33 Figure 34 Figure 45 (b) Figure 48 Figure (a) Figure 48 (C) Figure 49 (a) (b) Figure 48 (d) o 965 Red tag A Paddle B Figure 51 Figure 51

Claims (27)

[Claims] (1) In a recording apparatus comprising a display means, an optical touch board, a display control means, and a recording apparatus main body, soft buttons for selecting functions and setting parameters are provided on the display means and the optical touch board. A pop-up display method characterized in that a particular soft button is provided with a pop-up that expands detailed items of the option. (2) The pop-up display system according to claim 1, wherein the display means is a color CRT display. (3) The pop-up display method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pop-up has a hierarchical structure. (4) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein identification information is added to the soft button having a pop-up. (5) Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the soft button to which the identification information is added is in a selected state when pressed, and is overwritten with a predetermined pop-up when released. Pop-up display method described in Section 1. (6) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the background color of the pop-up is displayed in the same color as the background of the currently selected function setting area. . (7) Any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a shadow is added to the outline of the pop-up.
Pop-up display method described in section. (8) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pop-up is gradually enlarged and displayed from the soft button. (9) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein soft buttons displayed outside the pop-up area function effectively. (10) Any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a soft button displayed outside the pop-up area and partially overwritten by the pop-up is invalidated. Pop-up display method described in . (11) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the pop-up is displayed, soft buttons in other function setting areas are disabled. (12) Claims 1 to 11 characterized in that when a pop-up is displayed, the start button is activated only when input has been completed for all items to be set in the pop-up. The pop-up display method described in any one of the above. (13) The recording device further comprises a card reader, and the job program button is made selectable on condition that a card is inserted into the card reader. The pop-up display method described in any one of paragraphs. (14) The pop-up is characterized in that, on the condition that a save/close button provided in the pop-up is pressed, the settings in the pop-up are registered and the pop-up is closed. The pop-up display method described in any one of the above. (15) The pop-up is characterized in that, on the condition that a cancel button provided in the pop-up is pressed, the settings in the pop-up are invalidated and the pop-up is closed. The pop-up display method described in any one of paragraphs. (16) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when the pop-up is closed, the screen returns to the screen immediately before the pop-up was displayed. (17) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein in the case of a pop-up with a deep hierarchy, even if a certain pop-up is closed, the screen does not return to the original screen, but cycles. (18) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the pop-up of the job program is automatically closed on condition that the card is removed from the card reader. (19) The pop-up display method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein when paper is inserted into the manual feed tray, a pop-up for paper size selection is automatically displayed. (20) The pop-up display method according to claim 19, wherein the paper size selection pop-up is closed on the condition that paper is fed from the manual feed tray. (21) Any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that when moving from one editing function setting area to another editing function setting area, a pop-up for confirming the user's intention is automatically displayed. or the pop-up display method described in paragraph 1. (22) If an editing function that can be applied to both the entire surface of the document and a specified area is selected in the specified editing function setting area, a pop-up will be displayed for selecting either the entire surface or the specified area. Claim 1 characterized by
22. The pop-up display method according to any one of items 21 to 21. (23) Claims 1 to 22, characterized in that when the start button is pressed while a pop-up is displayed, the pop-up is overwritten with a run frame.
The pop-up display method described in any one of the above. (24) A menu of functions that can be set during recording operation is displayed on the run frame.
Pop-up display method described. (25) Claims 1 and 2 characterized in that if a fault occurs while a pop-up is being displayed, the pop-up is overwritten with a fault frame.
The pop-up display method described in any one of 4. (26) The pop-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that when an information button is pressed while a pop-up is being displayed, the pop-up is overwritten with an information frame. method. (27) The pop-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that when an interrupt button is pressed while a pop-up is being displayed, the pop-up is overwritten with a basic feature. method.