JPS5961853A - Operating device of copying machine or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify an operation part by providing a display part and a function key on an operation part of a copying machine, etc., and improving its efficiency of utilization. CONSTITUTION:A soft key 200 is provided to the operation part 100 of the copying machine, etc. This soft key 200 includes function keys F1-F6 having different functions according to the utilization state of the copying machine, and the liquid crystal display part which displays a key label of the keys F1-F6, a message to an operator, input data from a ten-key, etc. Thus, the functions keys for the functions are provided without corresponding displays one to one, and plural pieces of information are displayed on one display part, so while the operation part is simplified, the addition and change of the functions are performed easily.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Technical field The present invention relates to an operation unit of a copying machine or the like.

PRIOR ART Conventionally, as a means of displaying the setting status of the manual key copying function, etc. on the operation unit of a copying machine, etc., the LEI corresponding to each key or switch is turned on, or the setting position of each key or switch is displayed. The setting status of the function was displayed in one-to-one correspondence with the key.

However, as the functions become more diverse, as described above, if an operating section with a one-to-one correspondence between keys and functions is used, the size of the device increases.

Purpose The present invention has been made in view of the above point [8], and an object of the present invention is to simplify the operation of a copying machine, etc. by equipping the operation section of the copying machine, etc. with a display section and function keys, and increasing the efficiency of use. The purpose is to provide the following:

In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to use operator input data such as keys as soft key labels.
An object of the present invention is to provide an operation unit for a copying machine or the like that selects a soft key label appropriate for a setting state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned points and provide an operation unit for a copying machine, etc., which allows easy operation to add and change functions, and allows easy confirmation of currently set functions. shall be.

Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention in a copying machine will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of the operating section in this embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 represents an operation unit commonly used in conventional copying machines, etc., and its explanation will be omitted. 200 is a soft key! >, 201 is F 1 (Function
+1) to F6 function keys (hereinafter referred to as nft key) and fi 202 is function key 2
This is a liquid crystal display section that displays a label of 01. Note that the label is used to indicate the function since the function corresponding to one key is not uniquely determined.

20 is a reset key for resetting the function set by soft key (function key) 201, and 204 is a lamp (LED) indicating the reset state. Function key label display area (LCD display area)
A detailed diagram of 200 is shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A dot matrix liquid crystal display is used for 62 characters. An enlarged view of one character (within the dotted line) in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, 1 is a 5×7 dot portion of the liquid crystal display for displaying characters, and 2 is a 5×1 dot portion for displaying under par.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the liquid crystal display in this embodiment. Reference numeral 6 denotes a liquid crystal display controller, which judges key data from the key input section 5 and sends a display liquid crystal address and display gearactor data to the liquid crystal driver 4 through the D line.

A detailed view of the driver No. 4 is shown in FIG. 81'I, 8.

Note that 6 is a peripheral CPU for liquid crystal display, which is included in the driver 4 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the driver drives the liquid crystal display section 202 in a matrix manner. Tsuma υ, driver is peripheral c
There are 4 including PU 6, and there are 40 lines from each driver in the vertical direction, so 160 lines. The oak direction is
8 out of 16 lines from COMl to COMxe of peripheral CPU 6 are used, so there are 8 lines. Total 1
As shown in Figs. 2 and 6, 60 x 8 lines are used to drive 62 5 x 8 dots (160 x 8 dots) on the liquid crystal display, and the address data from the controller 6 is used to drive 62 5 x 8 dots (160 x 8 dots). Characters are displayed on the LCD. For more details, please refer to Hitachi's HD 44780 and i-i D 4410.
Please refer to the connection example of 0.

One embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above.

Hereinafter, the display will be briefly explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

These are function keys F1 to 1i''6, △ key labels, messages to the operator, and display of input data on the numeric keypad.In order to distinguish between soft key labels and messages, messages are with quotation marks and softkey labels with
Adds an under par and also makes the under par flash to request input from the numeric keypad.

A question mark is attached after the label for soft key labels that have not been set or selected, and an exclamation mark is attached if the soft key label items have been set or selected. For this purpose, each function has a function set flag that determines whether it has been set or not.
The controller 6 in FIG. 4 turns on the flag when the function setting is completed.

When setting the copy function using the soft keys 200, various soft key labels are displayed on the LCD label display section 20.
Table 1 shows the soft key labels commonly used for each function.

Table 1 The detailed operation of the display section will be explained below.

When the power is turned on or when each copy state is canceled, the liquid crystal display unit 202 enters the reset mode. In other words, in normal copy status, the copy magnification is 100%.
becomes. The display of this state is as follows: Transition state 7-
Shown in 1. Thereafter, by pressing the soft keys 200 in FIG. 1, the system enters an option mode in which copy functions such as changing the copy magnification can be added or changed.

Hereinafter, the display state after the reset mode will be explained with reference to the state transition diagram of FIG. 7 and the flowchart of FIG. 5. When the soft key F6 labeled "Option" is pressed in the reset mode display state (5, 1, 5, 2) of the open space state 7-1 in FIG. 7 (5, 3), There is no display in the open state 7-2, and it has been added and changed to the reset state.5
The items to be displayed are displayed as soft key labels ( 5
．． 4).

In roaming state 7-2, softkey labels that cannot be displayed are displayed as in transition state 7-6 by pressing the softkey labeled "ETC" (5.6)
. Here again, if the JET CJ key is pressed and there is no optional soft key label to display, it returns to the display state of the reset mode of transition state 7-1 (5, 7).

By inputting the soft key of the option label desired to be set in the display state of transition state 7-2, the corresponding option can be set (5.8).

The setting procedure for each option will be described in more detail later.

Each time at least one optional function is set, the reset mode display L E I) in FIG. 1 204 disappears, indicating that the device is not in the reset mode.

Also, when the setting of each option is completed, the transition state 7
-2 or 7-3 setting returns to the starting state. As an example, a case will be described in which there is a "negative" soft key input in transition state 7-6. For the "negative" input, the operation section sets a copy function of forming a black and white inverted image. Thereafter, the display section changes the question mark after the soft key label to an exclamation mark to indicate that negative input has been set, as shown in transition state 7-4. Then, when the "ETC" key is input in the transition state 7-4, the ``ETC'' key is input in the transition state 7-6.
-1, and from 7-4 to 7-1'. Hierarchically, transition states 7-1' and 7-1 are equivalent, but since an optional function has been set, the reset mode is displayed as an option. This state is called option mode. However, if you want to change an optional function that is set with an exclamation mark, you can change it by inputting the soft key with that soft key label, but in some cases you cannot change it. That is, if the settings of that function are changed by other set option functions, in transition state 7-2, "Henshuu" is an abbreviation for editing machine △ settings, and the copy magnification is uniquely determined by the settings of this editing function. If it is determined, the soft key F4, which means changing the copy magnification setting, will not be accepted in step 7-2. Then, the display section flashes BXCLAMATIONMAJ (K [l J) of the soft key label that had the human power to change the setting as a means of indicating that it cannot be changed.In the previous example, the soft key label that indicates the same size of transition state 7-2 Flash the “!” for “4 mouths!” (5.10
).

Further, in order to return to the reset mode from the option mode, the reset key 203 shown in FIG. 1 is input. By inputting this reset key 206, all optional functions that have been set up to now are cleared.The reset mode display LED of Sale 2OA lights up and the LCD display (1, CD) 20
2 also shows the reset mode as shown in Fig. 7-1 (5.1).

Above, the display state of the liquid crystal display unit 202 and the soft key input state due to the transition between the reset mode and the option mode have been described.
The copy function setting procedure using the soft keys will be explained below.

Copy functions that are considered effective when set using soft keys include setting the copy magnification, specifying the sorter operation mode and the sorter/bin to be used, specifying the document reading position, and selecting the paper feed stage from the multi-stage paper feed section. Various options are possible, such as specifying the paper size, setting the image editing procedure, and setting the image transfer destination for copying machines with a 7-axis function. The state transition diagram of the figure and FIG.

This will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Reset mode In transition state 7-1 in Figure 7, a soft key label (4 ports) indicating 1-size copy is displayed, but this is done considering that the reset mode is often used in which only the magnification is changed. This is intended to make it easier to change the magnification and improve operability.

(Fig. 5, 5.11) To change the magnification, press the magnification display soft key labeled with an underbar. This makes it possible to change the magnification (Fig. 5.5.
8).

There are two methods for specifying the magnification: a method of specifying the magnification using the numeric keypad as an original ratio with a key, and a method of selecting from among fixed magnifications. Change the magnification in Figure 7 7-I <Press the F4 soft key and the display will change to Figure 9 9-1
It will look like this and start setting the magnification (6.1)09-1
The labels corresponding to Fl to F6 are sequentially reduced between fixed sizes (Fl).

Enlarge between fixed sizes (F2), specify same size (F3).

Specify an arbitrary magnification (F4), independently specify magnification for vertical and horizontal directions (F5), check the setting status before changing the magnification (F4)
6).

Here, 5 of the reduction between fixed sizes (mouth → mouth), tv
When the function key F1 is pressed, a display transition state 9-2 is entered and all or part of the combination of reduction between fixed sizes is displayed as a soft key label C6.2). By inputting the corresponding soft key, the magnification is determined as shown in 9-6, and the function setting flag is set to ONL, (6,
3), exclamation! - Display the following. 7th
The state changes to 7-2 in the figure. If the desired combination is not displayed at 9-2, other combinations are displayed at 9-6 by pressing the soft key F6 labeled ETC. Here, by pressing the soft key of the corresponding reduction rate label, the screen moves to 9-6.

Here, further ET (if there is 5 manpower, if other combinations exist, it will be displayed in the form of 9-6).
．． 4), but if there are no other combinations, it returns to the state of selecting the type of magnification setting in 9-1 (6°5) 0, that is, ETC
By holding down the function key, you can exit the current setting mode and select another setting mode.

Soft key F2 for expansion between fixed sizes in transition state 9-1
(<5, 6) is also 9-4 or less 9-2
The same processing is performed. If there is an equal borrowing force (6, 7) from the soft key 26 at 9-1, the magnification is set to 100 yen, and the transition state 7-2 in FIG. This is the same even if there is a human power F6 of F6 at 9-1.

If there is a magnification designation input from soft key F4 in 9-1 (6, 8), the display section will display 1 frame with a quotation mark as shown in 9-7, and the operation section will be in the state of waiting for magnification input. is displayed, prints an underline above the F4 key, and requests input from the numeric keypad (6.8) oHere, M is an abbreviation that means magnification. Now, the magnification is determined by the input (6, 9) from the numeric keypad 102 in FIG. 1 and the input from the enter key 101 (for example, 126%), and the transition state 9-8 in FIG. (6.10)

If there is an error in the setting magnification, please check the error message 7-k.
- is displayed and the system waits for the magnification input (6.11).

If you want to change the setting value in 9-8, press the soft key where the setting value is displayed (F4 in the example).
From 9-7 condition W! 4 and can be reset (6.
1). In addition, by pressing the soft key labeled OK in transition state 9-8, 9-1
With the magnification of 4 determined, the transition state shifts to 7-2 (6.13). Also, at 9-7, confirm the setting value manually using the enter key after the numeric keypad, and as shown in the dotted line,
It is also possible to transition to state -14 (6.14)
In 09-1, if there is an independent designation input for magnification in the vertical direction and horizontal direction from soft key F5, the display will be as shown in 9-9 (6.15). The current status and input method are displayed as "Numeric keypad)", and after a certain period of time has elapsed due to the timer, it will wait for input in the horizontal direction (X direction) of 9-10 (6.16)
. In addition to time-up by a timer, operator input such as the clear key 104 in FIG. 1 can also be considered as a condition for entering the input waiting state. Now, we are waiting for the input of 9-10, but in the sense of the magnification in the X direction (horizontal direction), MX
After the abbreviation (Magnification X), 9-
The previously set X-direction magnification of 9 and under par are blinked below it to request input of a change value.

Now, when the magnification in the X direction is input using the combination of the numeric keypad and the enter key, the state becomes 9-11 and the system waits for the input of the magnification in the Y direction (horizontal direction) (6.18).

Also, if you input only the enter key without using the numeric keypad, the value initially displayed in 9-10 will be set as is.0 This means that if you change the magnification only in the Y direction, you do not need to change the input in the X direction. There is no need to enter the value twice, leading to improved operability (the same applies when changing only the Displays numeric keypad power (<5.19). Under par in the printer becomes a soft key label for change instruction by pressing the enter key and stops blinking.

If the magnification in the Y direction (horizontal direction) is input using the same procedure, the state becomes 9-12 (6.20). That's Mx.

You can change each setting magnification by inputting the soft key corresponding to under par on each setting magnification display section of My (6.21) o 9-1 by change instruction
The magnification display on the blinking under par of 0, 9-9 may be the one before entering 9-9, and may be the original value, or it may be a value changed manually by the enter key. The magnification display in 9-7 is also the same.0 When the soft key labeled "OK" is input in the transition state 9-12 of Fig. 9, the display as shown in 9-13 is displayed, (6.22).

In addition, in Figure 9, if there is a request to confirm the setting state before the magnification change in 9-1, even if the magnification has been changed manually after 9-1, the magnification display will not be set before 9-1. Display the current settings and cancel the current settings (6.23).

In transition state 9-10, "Semei" is displayed as the soft key label of soft key F5. This means that the state of 9-9 and the screen display of the input means are 9-10.
This key label is used to solve the inconvenience that an inexperienced operator is unable to continue inputting after the key label disappears to display operator input data. It has the function of notifying the operator of the current input status and input method by returning the display to the state of 9-9 by inputting this soft key label (6, 17)
.

Although the input means having this function is not shown, it may be a conventionally used fixed function key.

It should be noted that the operation unit may be provided with a preset key that stores a series of the above operations in memory so that the series of operations can be performed on behalf of the user by pressing the key once. Further, when an error occurs and the key cannot be operated manually, the error status and countermeasures for resolving the error may be displayed in detail on the key label display section in addition to those described above.

Further, the key for selecting the desired mode or data may be a different key from the soft keys.

From the above results, it is possible to improve the usage efficiency of the rear label display area by displaying messages to the operator and operator input data in the unused portion of the key label display area of the soft keys. Since there is no need to have a separate display section for display purposes, the operation section can be simplified.

Furthermore, since key labels and operation guidance can be displayed on the same display, the operator can set functions without being distracted by others, improving operability.

7) Distinguish between messages and softkey labels.
By having the means, it is possible to reduce the operator's operational errors, facilitate the operation, and shorten the operation time.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a simple operating device in which function setting is reliable, operability is improved, and a display for confirming the set function is displayed on the soft key display section.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a diagram showing an operation section of a copying machine which is an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the soft keys 201 (200K) and the liquid crystal display section 202 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a detailed diagram of the liquid crystal display section 202. FIG. 4 is a simple block diagram for driving the liquid crystal display section 202 from the L key human power section 5. 5 and 7 are flowcharts and state transition diagrams for setting various functions. 6 and 9 are flowcharts and state transition diagrams for specifying magnification. FIG. 8 is a detailed diagram showing the driver 4 of FIG. 201---Function key 202...Liquid crystal display 3s...Fist/Controller 411/Φ...Driver 203...1...Reset key

Claims (1)

Scope of Claims: (1) A device comprising: a plurality of information display sections displaying arbitrary information; and at least one soft key corresponding to the information display section; An operating device for a copying machine, etc., characterized by selecting formation data. (2) The operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 1, wherein the information display on the information display section is switched by inputting the soft key. (6) An operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 1, wherein the information display section displays predetermined information by turning on a switch of the copying machine or the like. . (4) Operation of a copying machine, etc. according to claim 1, characterized in that the information display section has a display function that distinguishes between certified, selected, uncertified, and unselected functions in accordance with the information display section. Device. (5) The operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 1, wherein the key for selecting the desired image forming mode or image forming data is different from the soft keys. (6) If an error occurs during the selection procedure or a system error in the copying machine, etc. in the copying machine, etc., an error message or a predetermined means for clearing the error may be displayed on the information display section. An operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 1. (7) An operating device for a copying machine, etc., characterized in that the image forming mode is a normal image forming mode before the image forming mode or image forming data is selected. 1) A preset in which a series of soft key manual operations for selecting the desired image forming mode and image forming data is stored in memory, and a series of soft key operations can be performed on behalf of a single key manual operation. An operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a key. (9) The operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 1, wherein the information displayed on the information display section is a label of a soft key, a message to an operator, or input data. (10) The operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 9, characterized in that a label of the soft key, a message to the operator, or information on the input data is displayed to distinguish between the two. (11) Even if the information indicated by the light disappears because the input data tag is displayed as 0, it has a function to inform you to confirm the input status and input method so that subsequent input can be continued. An operating device for a copying machine or the like as claimed in claim 9. (12) When inputting the soft key or a different key to switch the information displayed on the information display section,
13. The operating device for a copying machine or the like according to claim 12, wherein when there is no new information to display in the information display section, the display returns to the first information.