CA2079354A1 - Enabling features and supporting screen dialog - Google Patents
Enabling features and supporting screen dialogInfo
- Publication number
- CA2079354A1 CA2079354A1 CA002079354A CA2079354A CA2079354A1 CA 2079354 A1 CA2079354 A1 CA 2079354A1 CA 002079354 A CA002079354 A CA 002079354A CA 2079354 A CA2079354 A CA 2079354A CA 2079354 A1 CA2079354 A1 CA 2079354A1
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- image processing
- machine
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- enablers
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A technique for providing predetermined features to an operator, the features being selectively stored on a portable memory device of an image processing apparatus including the steps of providing a portable memory device with predetermined features, permitting an operator to load said portable memory device into the machine for reading by the machine control, and in response to the machine control displaying a special dialog frame on the interface screen prompting the operator to confirm the installation of selected features, and automatically setting the control NVM to establish the selected features within the machine.
A technique for providing predetermined features to an operator, the features being selectively stored on a portable memory device of an image processing apparatus including the steps of providing a portable memory device with predetermined features, permitting an operator to load said portable memory device into the machine for reading by the machine control, and in response to the machine control displaying a special dialog frame on the interface screen prompting the operator to confirm the installation of selected features, and automatically setting the control NVM to establish the selected features within the machine.
Description
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P~torney Docket L:l/91198 ENABLING FEATURES AN~ 5UPPQRTING SCREEN DlALOl:i BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a system for the selective enablement of machine features including the alteration of supporting interface screen dialog, and more particularly, to the use of feature cards for such enablement.
As reproduction machines such as copiers and printers become more complex and versatile, the user interface between the machine and the operator or user must necessarily be expanded if full and efficient utilization of the machine is to be realized. A suitable interface must provide the controls, displays, and messages necessary to activate, program, and operate the machine under a variety of conditions and in response to a wide difference level oF skill of operators.
Un1ike simple copiers, in which the only visible operator controls may be a copy count selector for the number of copies, and "ON", "OFF", and "START" buttons, a modern sophisticated copier may present the operator with a large and confusing display of switches, buttons, dials, lights, and instructions, including various operator routines that may be available. To fully utilize the capabilities of the copying machine it may be necessary for ~he operator to appropriately actuate various combinations of these controls before the copying can commence or be successfully cornpletçd.
Another consideration in the use of a machine is that the same features of the machine may not be appropriate to every location or market region. For example, such features as Poster Enlargement, Irregular Eniargement, Auts~ Center, Mirror Irnage, Freehand editing, Merge Image, User Regi~tered Colors, Bi-directional image shift, Book Copying, and Expert Color Adjustment may no~ be suitable for every machine location.
Yet, the machine aiready possesses these features and the rnachine ' .. . .
.. .
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interface screen is equipped to appropriately display and prompt the operator for using these features. The additional assortment of screen displays can be intimidating, confusing and disrup~ive to the operator. Also, it may be disconcerting to ~he owner of the machine thinking that the price of the machine included features that are inappropriate to that particular location.
To overcome the above identified difficulties, it would be desirable to provide a more flexible and adaptable machine, in particular, a more flexible and adaptable machine that selectively provides features commensurate with specific locations and markets.
The prior art is replete with various user interface systerrs. U.S.
Patent No. 5,033,084 to Beecher discloses an apparatus for protecting software used by an electronic system. The apparatus includes means for storing an indicator that is distinctive for the electronic sys~em, means for reading from readable storage meclia, and means for reading an electronic key. The electronic key includes electronic elements programmed according to a modifiable fusemap. The electronic key produces predetermined response levels at its outputs in response to predetermined levels at its inputs in accordance with the fusemap. The electronic system using the protected software receives the electronic key and applies test levels to its inputs. Subsequently, the electronic system reads the software and compares an indicator in the so~tware with the outputs of the electronic key to deterrnine whether the electronic key and the so~tware are associated. If the software and the key are associates, the syste~n then mociifies the software to render it readable and identifies the software with the system by storing an identifier of the system with the software.
Finally, the system modifies the electronic key to render it useless.
U.S. Patent No. 4,817,140 to Chandra et al. discloses a method for controlling access to software. The protected so~tware is broken down into a protected portion (encrypted) and an (optional) unprotected portion. The protected software can only be executed on composite computing systems in which a physically and logically secure coprocessor is associated with a host computer. The coprocessor is capable of decrypting ~793J~
a software decryption key associated with the software so it can ~hereafter decrypt the software for execution purposes; however, the coprocessor will not perform these functions until it is provided with data stored in a physically secure token cartridge (a single inltegrated circuit chip).
Thereafter, the software can only be decrypted and executed by that par~icular secure coprocessor, thus making the software operable only in a unique system incorporating the coprocessor. Further, the secure token cartridge is provided with a destructive read property which ensures that the act of transferring the token data to the coprocessor obliterates that data so that the cartridge cannot be used to enable another coprocessor.
U.S. Patent No. 4,879,645 to Tamada et al. discloses an iC card designed for use with a read/write terminal device. The IC card comprises a CPU, PROM for storing programs, and a RAM for storing results of arithmetic operations. The PROM stores a table in which names of specific programs are registered. The RAM has execution counters which count each time each program is run so that the number o~ times a specific program is run is memorized. When the execution count value for a program exceeds a predetermined value, the running of the program is prohibited.
U.S. Patent No. 4,949,861 to Howlette discloses a security system for computer software employing a plug-in circuit key for enabling associated software. The software includes a cornmunication system for decoding signals generated by the plug-in circuit key. Execution of the software is dependent upon receipt of proper coded signals from the plug-in circuit key. If the proper code is not sensed, the program shuts down.
U.S. Patent No. 4,941,174 to Ingham discioses a digital radio transceiver with a security circuit for selectively enabling software controlled options. The security circuit comprises a programrnable logic array IC chip included in each of plural different front panel escutcheon plate modules for different optional transceiver configurations. A
transceiver controller is capable of performing any of various basic and option functions under control of program control instructions stored in a non-volatile memory which is part of the main transceiver circuitry. Upon .' . . . . . . ........................................ . ~ , .
2~3~'~
initial application of power to the transceiver, the controller transmits a sequence of digital signals to the security circuit of the particular front panel mo~ule attached to the transceiver. The security circuit permutes the sequence of signals into a different sequence depending on the transceiver option features to be enabled for the given front panel module. The security circuit communicates the permuted signal sequence in serial form back to the controller. The controller enables (executes~ portions of the program rontrol instructions stored in its associated non-volatile memory and disables (does not e~ecute) other portions of the stored program control instructions in response to the sequence received by the security circuit.
U.S. Patent No. 4,821,107 to Naito et al. discloses a multi-functional imaging apparatus having an image reading section, an image forming section and a communication section for transmitting and receiving image data. Plural card-iike memory elements are provided for designating individual office automation modes. When a specific card-like memory element is set into the imaging apparatus, the apparatus becomes operable in an office automation mode corresponding to the inserted memory element.
None of the prior art systems, however, heed the difficulty of adapting machine features and the related screen interface dialog to a variety of situations. It is also known to be able to enable various software packages in a machine control by making appropriate entries in non volatile memory. The difficulty with this approach, however, is the required intervention of a service representative to install the feature as weli as any associated hardware and to make the appropriate changes in the non volatile memory. It would be desirable to eliminate a costly call by a service representative .
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a new and improved technique to simply and quickly adapt the features of a machine to the requirements of a predetermined iocation or market. It is still another object of the present invention to eliminate a costly call by a service representative to adopt the machine to changing requirements by , ~7~3 providing feature cards to be loaded into the machine by ~he operator. It is still another object of the present invention to be able to selectively provide to an operator icons and operator prompts on the screen for related machine features. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds, and the features characterizing the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specifica~ion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention is concerned with a technique for providing screen dialog related to predetermined features of a machine to an operator, the features being selectively stored on a portable memory device of an image processing apparatus including the steps of providing the portable memory device with screen dialog related to predetermined features, permitting an operator to load said portable memory device into the machine for reading by the mahine control, and in response to the machine control, displaying a special dialog frame on the interface screen prompting the operator to confirm the installation of selected screen dialog, and automatically setting the control NVM to establish the selected screen dialog within the machine. A further feature is to automatically change the data on the portable memory device to inhibit installation of the screen dialog on another machine.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings wherein the same reference numerals have been applied to !ike parts and wherein:
DETAILED DESCRIPTI(:)N OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schernatic elevational view depicting various operating cornponents and subsystems o~ a typical mathine incorporating the present invention.
Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of the operating control system of the machine Figure 1;
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Figures 3, 4, and 5 are front views of the touch monitor screen of the machine of Figure 1 the machine depicting touch selection icons;
Figures 6 - 10 are front views o~ the touch monitor screen depicting the transfer of machine features to the desk~op in accordance with the present invention.
While the present invention will hereinaf~er be des~ribed in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For a general understanding of the features of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to identify identical elements.
FIG. 1 shows one example of the overall construction of a color copying machine to which this Invention is applied. The color copying machine to which this Invention is applied is formed with the base machine 30, i.e. the basic constituent unit, which is composed of a platen glass plate 31, which carries the original sheet thereon, an image input terminal (IIT) 32, an electrical control system container 33, the image output terminal (IOT~ 34, and a paper tray 35, and a user interface ~U/I) 36 and aiso, as optional items, of an editing pad 61, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 62, a sorter 63, and a film projector (F/P) 64.
Electrical hardware is necessary for performing the control o~
the IIT, IOT, U/l, etc. mentioned above, and a plural number of boards for each of the processing units, such as the IIT, IPS, U/l, F/P, and so forth, which perform the image-forming process for the output signals from the IIT, and these are accommodated further in the electrical control system container 33, together with the SYS board for perfs~rming the control of these, and .
' the MCB board (the Machine Control Board) for controlling the IOT, the ADF, the sorter, and so forth.
The IIT 32 is composed of an imaging unit 37, the wire 38 for driving the said unit, the driving pulley 39, and so forth, and IIT 32 reads a color original sheet for each of the primary colors B (Blue), G ~Green), and R
(Red) by means of a CCD line sensor and a color filter provided inside the imagin~ unit 37, converts the data so obtained into digital image signals and then outputs the signals to the IPS.
In the IPS, the B, G, and R signals mentioned above are transformed into the primary colors of the toner, i.e. Y(Yellow), C~Cyan), M(Magenta), and K(Black), and then, with various data processing being applied to the data so obtained for the purpose of enhancing the . -reproduction fidelity and fineness, and so forth, the IPS converts the toner signals of the process color in harmonious gradation in~o binary toner signals and outputs them to the IOT 34.
The IOT 34, which is provided with a scanner 40 and a photo-sensitive material belt 41, converts the image signals from the above-rnentioned IPS into optical signals in the laster output part 40a and forms a latent image corresponding to the image on the original sheet on ~he photosensitive material belt 41 by way of the polygon mirror 40b, the f/-O
lens 40c, ancl the reflexive mirror 40d. The photosensitive material belt 41, which is driven by the clriving pulley 41a, has a cleaner 41b, a charging unit 41c, the individual developing devices for Y, M, C, and K, and a ~ransfer device 41e arranged around it. And, opposite to this transfer device 41e is provided a transfer unit 42, which takes into it the sheet that comes transported to it from the paper tray 35 via the paper transport channel 35a and transfers the colors in the order of Y, M, C, ancl K, the transfer unit 42 being rotated four turns, for example, for full-color copying in four full colors. The sheet of paper on which the image is so transferred is then transported from the transfer unit 42 via the vacuum transport device 43 to the fixing device 45, where it is fixed, and is thereafter discharged frorn it.
Moreover, the paper transport channel 35a is so designed as to accep~ the paper fed alternatively from the SSI (Single Sheet Inserter) 35b.
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' ' The U/136 is designed for use by the user for making the selections of the desired functions and for giving instructions regarding the conditions for the execution of the selected functions, and this system is provided with a color display unit 51 and a hardlware control panel S~
installed by the side of the said display unit, and it i!i further combined withan infrared ray touch boarcl 53, so that instructions can be given directly with the "soft buttons" on the screen.
Next, a description is made of the optional items -for the base machine 30. One of them is the editing pad 61, which is an input device based on a system of coordinates and, when it is to be placed on the platen glass plate 31, permits the editing of various types of images by means o~ an input pen or a memory card. Moreover, the base machine 30 is so desi~ned as to accept the installation of the existing ADF 62 and the existing sorter 63.
Furthermore, one of the features characteristic of this embodiment is the capability of the system to produce a color copy directly from color film, with a mirror unit (MIU) 65 mounted on the platen giass plate 31 and the film image being projected onto the said unit from the F/P
64, and the projected image being read as image signals by means of the imaging unit 37 of the IIT 32. The original sheet materials for this process are negative film, positive film, and slides, and this unit is provided with an autornatic changing device for the rectifying fi Iter.
This system has a major characteristic feature in its offer of a full automatic systern coveriny the entire copying process from the inlet of copying work to the exit thereof while providing fully variegatecl and multilfarious -functions dealing adequately with the users needs and at the same time producing a system which everybody can operate with ease owing to such features as the selection of the functions, the selection of the executing conditions, and the display of other items on the menu, which are put on display on the CRT screen etc. in the user interface mentioned above.
A principal function of the system is in making it possible to make selectic!n of the various kinds of -functions by touching operations on 2 ~ 3 ~.~
the sc$t buttons on the primary screen, with operations performed on the hardware control panel for making the switching of start, stop, all clear, ten-kiey, interrupt, information, and language i.e. the factors which cannot be delimited in the operational flow. Also, the systern permits full-color and black-and-white copying work with such simple operations that a copying machine embodying this invention can be used with the operating impression of the conventional copying machine, owing to the features permitting the selection of various types of editing functions, such as marker editing, business editing, and creative editing, by a touch on the pathway tab corresponding to the pathway representin~ the region for the selection of functions.
This equipment offers the functions of full-color copying in four colors as its major characteristic feature, and additic~nally it permits the selection of three-color copying and black-and-white copying. For the feeding of paper, this system permits automatic paper selection as well as the selection of a specified paper size. For reduction or enlargement, this equipment accepts the setting of magnification by one percent in the range from 50% to 400%, and also the equipment is provided with the function of differential magnification, which sets the vertical magnification and the horizontal magnification inclependently of each other, and the function for the automatic selection of magnification.
The copying density is determined by automatic density adjustment with respect to black-and-white original shee~s. For color original sheets, the system performs automatic color balance adjustment, and for color balance, the system permits the operator to specify the color a reduction of which is to be desired in its reproduction on the copy. For the iob program, the system permits the reading and writing of a job with a memory carcl, which can store eight jobs in the maximum. The rnemory capacity is 32 kilo bytes, ancl it is possible to perform the pro~ramming of the jobs other than those in the film projector mode.
Apart from these, the system is provided with such additional functions as copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film projec~or, page programming, and margin. With the copy Ou~put function, .. . . .
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the selection of "Uncollatecl" while a sorter is attached as an optional item to the equipment sets the maximum adjustment function into operation, with the result that the set number c,f sheets is adjusted to fit within the maximum value of the sheets of paper that can be contained in the bin.
For the sharpness control function, by which the edges of the copied images are emphasized, provides such optional functions as manual sharpness control in seven steps as well as photograph sharpness con~rol fwnctions composed of photographs (Photo), characters (Character), mesh dot print (Print), mixture of photograph and characters (Photo/Character).
These functions can be set voluntarily by default and by the tool pathway.
The contrast of copies can be voluntarily adjusted in seven steps by the operator, and the default can be set voluntarily by the tool pathway.
The copy position function is the function for selecting the position where a copied image is to be placed on the paper, and, as an optional function, the system features the automatic centering function, which positions the center of the copied image in the center of the paper, and the default is automatic centering. The margin function rnakes it possible to set the margin by 1 mm within the range from 0 mm to 30 mrn and this function is specifiable only for one side of one original sheet. The marking editing function is a function for performing editing and processing work in the area surrounded with markers.
This function is applicable to documents~ and consequently the original sheets are treatecl as black-and-white original sheets, the images within the specified are being restored to the palette colors on the CRT and the areas other than the specified one being re~ersed in black on the copy.
In the black and red mode, moreover, the image is changecl into red while areas other than the specified area is rendered in black and red on the copy.
This function i5 accompanied with the trimming, m~skins, color mesh, black to color functions. Furthermore, the specification of the area is done either by drawing a closed loop on the original sheet or by specifying the area by means of the editing pad. The same procedure applies also to the specifications of the area for processing in each of the editing flJnctions mentioned hereinbelow. ~dditionally, the area so specified is displayed in an analogous figure in the bit map area on the CRT.
The trimming function works for copying only the images within the marked area in black-and-white rendition and to erase the images positioned outside the marked area. The ~olor mesh function places a specifieJ color mesh dot pattern in the marked area and reproduces the image in black and white on the copy, with the color of the said mesh being selected out of the eight standard colors ~the specified colors as determined in advance) or out of the eight registered colors (the colors reyistered by the user; a maximum of eight colors can be registered at the same tirne out of 1,670 available colors), and a mesh pattern can be selected out of four patterns.
The business editing function aims at quickly producing high-quality original documents mainly for business documents, and the original sheet is treated as a full-color original sheet, for which it is necessary to specify the area or the point with respect to all the functiom and for which a plural number of functions can be set for each original sheet. And, in the black and mono color mode, the areas other than the specifiecl one are reproduced in the form a mono-color copy while the image in black in the specified area is converted into the palette color on the CRT. In the black and-red mode, moreover, the areas other than the specified one are rendered in black-and-red copy while ~he image in the specified area is converted into a red color. And, in addition to the trimming, rnasking, color mesh, and black-to-color functions available for marker editing, the functions of logotype, line, paint 1, collection, and function ciear are`
provided.
The logotype function is the function which makes it possible to insert a logogram or logograms, such as a symbol mark, at a point or points specified therefor, and this function makes it possible to place two types of logograms in a vertical position and a lateral position respectively.
However, only one such logogram can be set up for each original sheet, and the logogram patterns are prepared for the individual customers and supplied in a ROM.
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P~torney Docket L:l/91198 ENABLING FEATURES AN~ 5UPPQRTING SCREEN DlALOl:i BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a system for the selective enablement of machine features including the alteration of supporting interface screen dialog, and more particularly, to the use of feature cards for such enablement.
As reproduction machines such as copiers and printers become more complex and versatile, the user interface between the machine and the operator or user must necessarily be expanded if full and efficient utilization of the machine is to be realized. A suitable interface must provide the controls, displays, and messages necessary to activate, program, and operate the machine under a variety of conditions and in response to a wide difference level oF skill of operators.
Un1ike simple copiers, in which the only visible operator controls may be a copy count selector for the number of copies, and "ON", "OFF", and "START" buttons, a modern sophisticated copier may present the operator with a large and confusing display of switches, buttons, dials, lights, and instructions, including various operator routines that may be available. To fully utilize the capabilities of the copying machine it may be necessary for ~he operator to appropriately actuate various combinations of these controls before the copying can commence or be successfully cornpletçd.
Another consideration in the use of a machine is that the same features of the machine may not be appropriate to every location or market region. For example, such features as Poster Enlargement, Irregular Eniargement, Auts~ Center, Mirror Irnage, Freehand editing, Merge Image, User Regi~tered Colors, Bi-directional image shift, Book Copying, and Expert Color Adjustment may no~ be suitable for every machine location.
Yet, the machine aiready possesses these features and the rnachine ' .. . .
.. .
~793~
interface screen is equipped to appropriately display and prompt the operator for using these features. The additional assortment of screen displays can be intimidating, confusing and disrup~ive to the operator. Also, it may be disconcerting to ~he owner of the machine thinking that the price of the machine included features that are inappropriate to that particular location.
To overcome the above identified difficulties, it would be desirable to provide a more flexible and adaptable machine, in particular, a more flexible and adaptable machine that selectively provides features commensurate with specific locations and markets.
The prior art is replete with various user interface systerrs. U.S.
Patent No. 5,033,084 to Beecher discloses an apparatus for protecting software used by an electronic system. The apparatus includes means for storing an indicator that is distinctive for the electronic sys~em, means for reading from readable storage meclia, and means for reading an electronic key. The electronic key includes electronic elements programmed according to a modifiable fusemap. The electronic key produces predetermined response levels at its outputs in response to predetermined levels at its inputs in accordance with the fusemap. The electronic system using the protected software receives the electronic key and applies test levels to its inputs. Subsequently, the electronic system reads the software and compares an indicator in the so~tware with the outputs of the electronic key to deterrnine whether the electronic key and the so~tware are associated. If the software and the key are associates, the syste~n then mociifies the software to render it readable and identifies the software with the system by storing an identifier of the system with the software.
Finally, the system modifies the electronic key to render it useless.
U.S. Patent No. 4,817,140 to Chandra et al. discloses a method for controlling access to software. The protected so~tware is broken down into a protected portion (encrypted) and an (optional) unprotected portion. The protected software can only be executed on composite computing systems in which a physically and logically secure coprocessor is associated with a host computer. The coprocessor is capable of decrypting ~793J~
a software decryption key associated with the software so it can ~hereafter decrypt the software for execution purposes; however, the coprocessor will not perform these functions until it is provided with data stored in a physically secure token cartridge (a single inltegrated circuit chip).
Thereafter, the software can only be decrypted and executed by that par~icular secure coprocessor, thus making the software operable only in a unique system incorporating the coprocessor. Further, the secure token cartridge is provided with a destructive read property which ensures that the act of transferring the token data to the coprocessor obliterates that data so that the cartridge cannot be used to enable another coprocessor.
U.S. Patent No. 4,879,645 to Tamada et al. discloses an iC card designed for use with a read/write terminal device. The IC card comprises a CPU, PROM for storing programs, and a RAM for storing results of arithmetic operations. The PROM stores a table in which names of specific programs are registered. The RAM has execution counters which count each time each program is run so that the number o~ times a specific program is run is memorized. When the execution count value for a program exceeds a predetermined value, the running of the program is prohibited.
U.S. Patent No. 4,949,861 to Howlette discloses a security system for computer software employing a plug-in circuit key for enabling associated software. The software includes a cornmunication system for decoding signals generated by the plug-in circuit key. Execution of the software is dependent upon receipt of proper coded signals from the plug-in circuit key. If the proper code is not sensed, the program shuts down.
U.S. Patent No. 4,941,174 to Ingham discioses a digital radio transceiver with a security circuit for selectively enabling software controlled options. The security circuit comprises a programrnable logic array IC chip included in each of plural different front panel escutcheon plate modules for different optional transceiver configurations. A
transceiver controller is capable of performing any of various basic and option functions under control of program control instructions stored in a non-volatile memory which is part of the main transceiver circuitry. Upon .' . . . . . . ........................................ . ~ , .
2~3~'~
initial application of power to the transceiver, the controller transmits a sequence of digital signals to the security circuit of the particular front panel mo~ule attached to the transceiver. The security circuit permutes the sequence of signals into a different sequence depending on the transceiver option features to be enabled for the given front panel module. The security circuit communicates the permuted signal sequence in serial form back to the controller. The controller enables (executes~ portions of the program rontrol instructions stored in its associated non-volatile memory and disables (does not e~ecute) other portions of the stored program control instructions in response to the sequence received by the security circuit.
U.S. Patent No. 4,821,107 to Naito et al. discloses a multi-functional imaging apparatus having an image reading section, an image forming section and a communication section for transmitting and receiving image data. Plural card-iike memory elements are provided for designating individual office automation modes. When a specific card-like memory element is set into the imaging apparatus, the apparatus becomes operable in an office automation mode corresponding to the inserted memory element.
None of the prior art systems, however, heed the difficulty of adapting machine features and the related screen interface dialog to a variety of situations. It is also known to be able to enable various software packages in a machine control by making appropriate entries in non volatile memory. The difficulty with this approach, however, is the required intervention of a service representative to install the feature as weli as any associated hardware and to make the appropriate changes in the non volatile memory. It would be desirable to eliminate a costly call by a service representative .
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a new and improved technique to simply and quickly adapt the features of a machine to the requirements of a predetermined iocation or market. It is still another object of the present invention to eliminate a costly call by a service representative to adopt the machine to changing requirements by , ~7~3 providing feature cards to be loaded into the machine by ~he operator. It is still another object of the present invention to be able to selectively provide to an operator icons and operator prompts on the screen for related machine features. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds, and the features characterizing the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specifica~ion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention is concerned with a technique for providing screen dialog related to predetermined features of a machine to an operator, the features being selectively stored on a portable memory device of an image processing apparatus including the steps of providing the portable memory device with screen dialog related to predetermined features, permitting an operator to load said portable memory device into the machine for reading by the mahine control, and in response to the machine control, displaying a special dialog frame on the interface screen prompting the operator to confirm the installation of selected screen dialog, and automatically setting the control NVM to establish the selected screen dialog within the machine. A further feature is to automatically change the data on the portable memory device to inhibit installation of the screen dialog on another machine.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings wherein the same reference numerals have been applied to !ike parts and wherein:
DETAILED DESCRIPTI(:)N OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schernatic elevational view depicting various operating cornponents and subsystems o~ a typical mathine incorporating the present invention.
Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of the operating control system of the machine Figure 1;
. :
. - .
Figures 3, 4, and 5 are front views of the touch monitor screen of the machine of Figure 1 the machine depicting touch selection icons;
Figures 6 - 10 are front views o~ the touch monitor screen depicting the transfer of machine features to the desk~op in accordance with the present invention.
While the present invention will hereinaf~er be des~ribed in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For a general understanding of the features of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to identify identical elements.
FIG. 1 shows one example of the overall construction of a color copying machine to which this Invention is applied. The color copying machine to which this Invention is applied is formed with the base machine 30, i.e. the basic constituent unit, which is composed of a platen glass plate 31, which carries the original sheet thereon, an image input terminal (IIT) 32, an electrical control system container 33, the image output terminal (IOT~ 34, and a paper tray 35, and a user interface ~U/I) 36 and aiso, as optional items, of an editing pad 61, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 62, a sorter 63, and a film projector (F/P) 64.
Electrical hardware is necessary for performing the control o~
the IIT, IOT, U/l, etc. mentioned above, and a plural number of boards for each of the processing units, such as the IIT, IPS, U/l, F/P, and so forth, which perform the image-forming process for the output signals from the IIT, and these are accommodated further in the electrical control system container 33, together with the SYS board for perfs~rming the control of these, and .
' the MCB board (the Machine Control Board) for controlling the IOT, the ADF, the sorter, and so forth.
The IIT 32 is composed of an imaging unit 37, the wire 38 for driving the said unit, the driving pulley 39, and so forth, and IIT 32 reads a color original sheet for each of the primary colors B (Blue), G ~Green), and R
(Red) by means of a CCD line sensor and a color filter provided inside the imagin~ unit 37, converts the data so obtained into digital image signals and then outputs the signals to the IPS.
In the IPS, the B, G, and R signals mentioned above are transformed into the primary colors of the toner, i.e. Y(Yellow), C~Cyan), M(Magenta), and K(Black), and then, with various data processing being applied to the data so obtained for the purpose of enhancing the . -reproduction fidelity and fineness, and so forth, the IPS converts the toner signals of the process color in harmonious gradation in~o binary toner signals and outputs them to the IOT 34.
The IOT 34, which is provided with a scanner 40 and a photo-sensitive material belt 41, converts the image signals from the above-rnentioned IPS into optical signals in the laster output part 40a and forms a latent image corresponding to the image on the original sheet on ~he photosensitive material belt 41 by way of the polygon mirror 40b, the f/-O
lens 40c, ancl the reflexive mirror 40d. The photosensitive material belt 41, which is driven by the clriving pulley 41a, has a cleaner 41b, a charging unit 41c, the individual developing devices for Y, M, C, and K, and a ~ransfer device 41e arranged around it. And, opposite to this transfer device 41e is provided a transfer unit 42, which takes into it the sheet that comes transported to it from the paper tray 35 via the paper transport channel 35a and transfers the colors in the order of Y, M, C, ancl K, the transfer unit 42 being rotated four turns, for example, for full-color copying in four full colors. The sheet of paper on which the image is so transferred is then transported from the transfer unit 42 via the vacuum transport device 43 to the fixing device 45, where it is fixed, and is thereafter discharged frorn it.
Moreover, the paper transport channel 35a is so designed as to accep~ the paper fed alternatively from the SSI (Single Sheet Inserter) 35b.
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' ' The U/136 is designed for use by the user for making the selections of the desired functions and for giving instructions regarding the conditions for the execution of the selected functions, and this system is provided with a color display unit 51 and a hardlware control panel S~
installed by the side of the said display unit, and it i!i further combined withan infrared ray touch boarcl 53, so that instructions can be given directly with the "soft buttons" on the screen.
Next, a description is made of the optional items -for the base machine 30. One of them is the editing pad 61, which is an input device based on a system of coordinates and, when it is to be placed on the platen glass plate 31, permits the editing of various types of images by means o~ an input pen or a memory card. Moreover, the base machine 30 is so desi~ned as to accept the installation of the existing ADF 62 and the existing sorter 63.
Furthermore, one of the features characteristic of this embodiment is the capability of the system to produce a color copy directly from color film, with a mirror unit (MIU) 65 mounted on the platen giass plate 31 and the film image being projected onto the said unit from the F/P
64, and the projected image being read as image signals by means of the imaging unit 37 of the IIT 32. The original sheet materials for this process are negative film, positive film, and slides, and this unit is provided with an autornatic changing device for the rectifying fi Iter.
This system has a major characteristic feature in its offer of a full automatic systern coveriny the entire copying process from the inlet of copying work to the exit thereof while providing fully variegatecl and multilfarious -functions dealing adequately with the users needs and at the same time producing a system which everybody can operate with ease owing to such features as the selection of the functions, the selection of the executing conditions, and the display of other items on the menu, which are put on display on the CRT screen etc. in the user interface mentioned above.
A principal function of the system is in making it possible to make selectic!n of the various kinds of -functions by touching operations on 2 ~ 3 ~.~
the sc$t buttons on the primary screen, with operations performed on the hardware control panel for making the switching of start, stop, all clear, ten-kiey, interrupt, information, and language i.e. the factors which cannot be delimited in the operational flow. Also, the systern permits full-color and black-and-white copying work with such simple operations that a copying machine embodying this invention can be used with the operating impression of the conventional copying machine, owing to the features permitting the selection of various types of editing functions, such as marker editing, business editing, and creative editing, by a touch on the pathway tab corresponding to the pathway representin~ the region for the selection of functions.
This equipment offers the functions of full-color copying in four colors as its major characteristic feature, and additic~nally it permits the selection of three-color copying and black-and-white copying. For the feeding of paper, this system permits automatic paper selection as well as the selection of a specified paper size. For reduction or enlargement, this equipment accepts the setting of magnification by one percent in the range from 50% to 400%, and also the equipment is provided with the function of differential magnification, which sets the vertical magnification and the horizontal magnification inclependently of each other, and the function for the automatic selection of magnification.
The copying density is determined by automatic density adjustment with respect to black-and-white original shee~s. For color original sheets, the system performs automatic color balance adjustment, and for color balance, the system permits the operator to specify the color a reduction of which is to be desired in its reproduction on the copy. For the iob program, the system permits the reading and writing of a job with a memory carcl, which can store eight jobs in the maximum. The rnemory capacity is 32 kilo bytes, ancl it is possible to perform the pro~ramming of the jobs other than those in the film projector mode.
Apart from these, the system is provided with such additional functions as copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film projec~or, page programming, and margin. With the copy Ou~put function, .. . . .
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the selection of "Uncollatecl" while a sorter is attached as an optional item to the equipment sets the maximum adjustment function into operation, with the result that the set number c,f sheets is adjusted to fit within the maximum value of the sheets of paper that can be contained in the bin.
For the sharpness control function, by which the edges of the copied images are emphasized, provides such optional functions as manual sharpness control in seven steps as well as photograph sharpness con~rol fwnctions composed of photographs (Photo), characters (Character), mesh dot print (Print), mixture of photograph and characters (Photo/Character).
These functions can be set voluntarily by default and by the tool pathway.
The contrast of copies can be voluntarily adjusted in seven steps by the operator, and the default can be set voluntarily by the tool pathway.
The copy position function is the function for selecting the position where a copied image is to be placed on the paper, and, as an optional function, the system features the automatic centering function, which positions the center of the copied image in the center of the paper, and the default is automatic centering. The margin function rnakes it possible to set the margin by 1 mm within the range from 0 mm to 30 mrn and this function is specifiable only for one side of one original sheet. The marking editing function is a function for performing editing and processing work in the area surrounded with markers.
This function is applicable to documents~ and consequently the original sheets are treatecl as black-and-white original sheets, the images within the specified are being restored to the palette colors on the CRT and the areas other than the specified one being re~ersed in black on the copy.
In the black and red mode, moreover, the image is changecl into red while areas other than the specified area is rendered in black and red on the copy.
This function i5 accompanied with the trimming, m~skins, color mesh, black to color functions. Furthermore, the specification of the area is done either by drawing a closed loop on the original sheet or by specifying the area by means of the editing pad. The same procedure applies also to the specifications of the area for processing in each of the editing flJnctions mentioned hereinbelow. ~dditionally, the area so specified is displayed in an analogous figure in the bit map area on the CRT.
The trimming function works for copying only the images within the marked area in black-and-white rendition and to erase the images positioned outside the marked area. The ~olor mesh function places a specifieJ color mesh dot pattern in the marked area and reproduces the image in black and white on the copy, with the color of the said mesh being selected out of the eight standard colors ~the specified colors as determined in advance) or out of the eight registered colors (the colors reyistered by the user; a maximum of eight colors can be registered at the same tirne out of 1,670 available colors), and a mesh pattern can be selected out of four patterns.
The business editing function aims at quickly producing high-quality original documents mainly for business documents, and the original sheet is treated as a full-color original sheet, for which it is necessary to specify the area or the point with respect to all the functiom and for which a plural number of functions can be set for each original sheet. And, in the black and mono color mode, the areas other than the specifiecl one are reproduced in the form a mono-color copy while the image in black in the specified area is converted into the palette color on the CRT. In the black and-red mode, moreover, the areas other than the specified one are rendered in black-and-red copy while ~he image in the specified area is converted into a red color. And, in addition to the trimming, rnasking, color mesh, and black-to-color functions available for marker editing, the functions of logotype, line, paint 1, collection, and function ciear are`
provided.
The logotype function is the function which makes it possible to insert a logogram or logograms, such as a symbol mark, at a point or points specified therefor, and this function makes it possible to place two types of logograms in a vertical position and a lateral position respectively.
However, only one such logogram can be set up for each original sheet, and the logogram patterns are prepared for the individual customers and supplied in a ROM.
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The line function offers the function of drawing a vertical line or a horizontal line in relationship to the axis X by marking two points for such a line, and the color of such a line can be selected for each such line out of the eight standard colors and the eight registered colors, the number of specifiable lines being unlimited and the number of usable colors in seven colors in the maximum at any given time.
The paint 1 function performs the function of painting the overall area within a closed loop in any color selected for each such loop out of the eight standard colors or the eight registered colors, one point within a closed loop being specified therefor. The mesh function permits the selection of any mesh out of the four patterns for each area, the number of the specifiable loops being unlimited and the number of the usable color mesh patterns being seven patterns in the maximurn.
The correcting function possesses the area/point change mode, by which the function set for each area can be ascertained and modified, the are/point correction mode, by which the area size and the position of the point can be changed by 1 mm, and the area/point canceling mode, by which the specified area can be ascertained, modified, changed, or erased.
The creative editing function contains the functions of image compositions, copy-on-copy, color composition, partial irnage shi-fting, multiple-page enlargement, paint 1, color mesh, color conversion, negative/positive reversal, repeat, paint 2, density control, ~olor balance, copy contrast, copy sharpness, color mode, trimming, masking mirror image, margin, line, shift, logotype, split scanning, correction, function clear, and add function. In this function, the original sheets are treated as color original sheets, and the system permits the setting of a plural number of functions for each original sheet, the setting o~ functions in combination for each area, and the areas to be speci-fied are a rectangular area with two points specified therefor and a point with one point specified therefor.
The image composition function consists in the function for copying the base original in color in four cycles, and then, holdiny the paper on the transfer device, continuing to copy again the trimmed original sheet in four cycles, and thereafter outpu*ing the copy. The copy-on-copy . . .
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function consists in the function for copying the first original in four cycles,and then, hoiding the paper on the transfer device, continuing again to copy the second original sheet in four cycles, and thereafter outputting the copy.
The color composition function consists in the function for copying the first original sheet in magenta, and, holding the paper on the transfer device, continuing to copy again the second original sheet in cyan, and then, holding the paper on the transfer device, continuing fu~her to copy the third original sheet in yellow, and thereafter outputting the copy.
In the case of the four-color composition, the copying process is performed again further to add black onto the copy, and then the copy is output from the system. The partial irnage shift function consists in performing the copying process in color in four cycles and then, holding the paper on the transfer device, continuing to copying again in four cycles, and thereafter outputting the copy.
In the full-color mode as a part of the color mode, the copying process is per~ormed in four cycles. In the three-color mode, the copying process is performed in three cycles unless the editing mode is turned on. In the black mode, the copying process is performed in one cycle except for the case where the editing mode is turned on. In the plus-one-color rnode, the copying process is performed in one to three cycles.
In the tool pathway function, the system provides the auditron, rnachine set-up, default selection color registration, filrn-type registration, color collection, presetting, film projector scanning area correction, audio-tone, timer setting, billing meter, diagnostic mode, the maximum adjustment, and memory card formatting functions. For the setting and changing operations by this pathway function, it is required to input the appropriate cipher code. Otherwise, ~he system does not accept any attempt at putting this function into action. Therefore, it is the key operator and the customer engineer that can perform any setting operation or changing operation by the tool pathway. However, it is only the customer engineer that can enter into the di3gnos~ic mode.
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. ' ' , ~ , The color registration function is to be used for ;he registration of colors on the register color buttons on the c.olor palette, and such registration is read by the CCD line sensor into the system from the color original sheet.
The color collection function is employed for making fine adjustments of the colors registered on the register color buttons. The film-type registration function is used for the registration of the registered ~ilm type which is to be used in the film projector mode, and in, in case such a film type has not yet been registered, the system will be in the state in which it is not possible to select any register button on the screen in the filmprojector mode. ~he presetting function performs the presetting of the reduction/enlargemen~ values, the copy density in seven steps, thle copy sharpness in seven steps, and the copying contrast in seven steps. The film projector scanning area correction function is used to making adjustrnents of the scanning area at the time the operation is performed in the film projector mode. The audio-tone fwnction is put into action for making adjustments of the volume of the sounds used in the selecting operation.
The timer-setting function is used for performing the setting of the time which can be released to the key operator.
In addition to these functions, the system also provides such functions for dealing with abnormal conditions in the system as the crash recovery func~ion, whici initiates a restart in case the sub-system falts into the state of a crash, the function for initiating the fault mode in case the sub-system cannot be restored to its normal state even though the crash recovery operation is performed two times, and the function o~ making an emergency stop in the event of the occurrence of a jam. Furthermore, it is possible also to use in combination the basic copying functions/the additional functions and the marker editing functions, the business editing functions, the creative editing functions.
This copying machine features enhanced operating facility with operations integrated in one piace as much as possible, with the hardware buttons on the hardware control panel and the soft buttons on the soft panel on the CRT screen available for use side by side, so that the selection .
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of the functions can be made directly in a manner easy for the beginners to understand and yet not troublesome to the highly skilled operators, and, at the same time, this machine has been designed to be capable o~
communicating the necessary information to the operator accurately through its effective utilization of colors. This copying machine has been so designed that its high-fidelity copying process is put into action only by operations at the hardware control panel and the primary screen (i.e. the opening menu screen) while the processes which cannot be regulated by the operational flow, such as start, stop, all cllear, and insertion, are performed by the operations at the soft panel on the primary screen, but such operations as the selection of paper, size reduction and enlargement, copy densi~y, picture quality adjustment, color mode, and color balance adjustment are put into action by operations on the soft panel on the primary screen, making it possible for the users of the conventional monochromatic copying rnachines to use this machine well enough in a manner natural to them. Furthermore, this machine is designed to allow the users to open the proper pathway and to select the various types of its functions, such as the editing functions, merely by touching operations at the pathwày tabs in the pathway region on the soft panel. Furthermore, this machine permits the automatic execution of the predetermined operations. With the copying modes, the conditions for their execution, and so forth being stored in advance in the mernory card.
With touching operations on the pathway tab for the pathway region on the soft panel, it is possible to open the pathway and to select the various types of editing functions. In the marker editing function, for example, it is possible to perform the editing and processing of documents in black and white using the tool called the marker, and, in the business editing ~unction, high-quality original documents can be produced quickly mainly for use as business documents. Moreover, in the creative editing function, various types of editing functions with many choices are made available in such a manner that this copying machine will be able tn satisfy the needs of various specialists, such as designers, copying service agents, and key operators. In addition, the area specified by the editing functions ,, ,: . : : ,, , is put on display in the form of a bit map area, so that the specified area can be ascertained thereby. Thus, such abundant editing functions and color creation capabili~ies of this system make it possible to achieve very considerable enhancements of the power of expression in wri~ings.
In a case a color CRT is used as a user int~erface (Ul~ as is the case with the present system, the amount of data will be increased because of the color displaying features as compared with the case where a monochroma~ic display is used, and also there will be an increase in the amount of data if it is attempted to construct a friendlier Ul by incorporating therein contrivances regarding the composition of the display screen and the transition of the screens.
In dealing with such an increase in the amount of data, it will be possible to employ a CPU mounted with a memory device with a larger capacity, and yet such a step would resuit in using a larger board, which will present such problems ~s the difficulty in accommodating it in the main unit of the copying machine, the difficulty in taking flexible measures -for dealing with the changes in the speci~ications, and a resulting increase in the costs. Therefore, it has been designed, with respect to this copying machine, to deal aclequately with such an increase in the amount of the data by setting up separate CPU's as remote units, embodying therein those techniques which can be used in common with other models or machines, such as the CRT controller.
The electrical system hardware is divided into the three types of systems, the Ul system, the SYS system, and the MCB system, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The Ul system includes the Ul remote unit 70 while the SYS system contains in separate units the F/P remote unit 72, which performs the control of the F/P, the IIT remote unit 73, which performs the reading of the origina~ sheets, and the IPS remote unit 74, which performs the various forms of the processing of the images. The IIT remote unit 73 is provided with the IIT controller 73a, which performs control over the imaging unit, and the VIDEO circuit 73b, which converts the image signals read into digital signals and transmits them to the IPS remote unit 74, and this IIT
remote unit 73, as well as the IPS remote unit 74, i5 controlled by means of .
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the VCPU 74a. The SYS (System) remote unit 71 is provided to function as a system which performs the overall and coordinating control of the above~
mentioned remote units and those individual remote units to be mentioned laten The SYS remote unit 71 is in need of memory capacity for the execution of such programs as the one for controlling the transition of the screens for Ul, 8086, which is mounted with a 16-bit microcomputer. A
microprocessor other than 8086, such as 68000, for example, can be employed. Moreover, the MCB system is provided with the VCB (Video Control Board) remote unit 76, which is a Raster Ou~put Scan (ROS) interface for receiving the video signals from the IPS remote unit 74 for use of the said signals in the formation of latent images by laser on the photosensitive material belt (Photo Receptor Belt) and for sending forth the said signals to the IOT, with the RCB remote unit 77 for the servo operation of the image transfer device ~turtle), and further with the IOB
remote unit 78 for operation as the l/O port for the IOT, ADF, the sorter, and the accessories, and with the accessory remote unit 79, all of these forming separate units and being coordinated and controlled by the MCB
(Master Control Board) remote unit 75, which is provided for the purpose of coordinating all these remote units for their overall control.
Furthermore, each of the individual remote units shown is composed of a single board. Moreover, the bold solid line represents the LNET high-speed communication network at 187.5 kbps, and the bold broken line indicates the master/slave system serial communication network at 9,600 bps, while the slender solid line indicates the hot line, which is the transmission channel for the control signals. Also, the line marked 76.8 kbps is the exclusive-purpose transmission line for use in the issuing of notices of the inforrnation on the images drawn on the editing pad, the information on the copying modes as input from the memory card, and the graphic information in the editing area from the Ul remote unit 70 to the IPS remote unit 74. Furthermore, what is marked CCC
(Communication Control Chip) in Figure 2 is the integrated circuit ~IC) which supportsthe protocol forthe high speed communication iine LNET.
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FIG. 3 is illustrates the basic user interface screen while FIG. 4 shows an example of the pop-up screens put on display on the basic copying screen, and FIG 5 shows by way of example the screen for Paint 1 for the creative ecliting process.
In the user interface for the Inven~ion, ~the basic copying mode screen shown in FIGS. 3-5 which is used for setting the copying modes, is put on display as the initial menu screen. The screen for setting the copying rnodes forms a "soft" control panel, which is a screen divided into two parts, i.e. between the message area A and the pathway B, as shown in FIG.
3.
The message area A occupies the area equivalent to three lines in the uppermost area on the screen, the first line being used for the state message and the second line and the third line forming an area for use for guiding messages in case there is any contradiction in the se!ection of the functions, for use for messages concerning any abnormal state of the equipment, and for use for messages representing warning information, and the prescribed messayes are put on display in this area. Moreover, the right-hand margin of the message area A is assignecl to thle area for indicating the number of sheets, and here the set number of sheets to be copied as input with the ten keys and the number of copies being procluced are indicated.
The pathway B constitutes the area where selection is to be made of various kinds of functions, and it has the pa~hways of basic copying, editing features, marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, creative editing, and tools, and, in correspondence to each of these individual pathways, the pathway tabs C are put on display. Additionally, each of the pathways is provided with pop-up menus for improving the operating ease and efficiency. in the pathway B, the system puts on display the "soft" button D, which forms a list o~ branched choices, with which selection is to be made of the functions by touching on the ~ppropriate button, the icon E (picture), which changes, depending on the selected function, and represents the specific function, the indicator F, which indicates the reduction/enlargement ratio, and so forth. Those functions '' ', , 2 ~
which are shown on the pop-up menus by operations on the "soft" buttons are indicated by the pop-up mark G ~triangle mark]. And, by touching on the pathway tab C, the pathway can be opened, and the functions of the particular pathway can be selected by touching on the sof~ button. The selection of functions by touches on the so-ft buttons is so designed in consideration of its operating efficiency that the operation are to be performed from the upper left part of the screen l:owards the lower right-hancl side thereof in regular steps.
As mentioned, the display system features the division between the basic copying screen and the rest of the screens in order ~o provide the maximum compatability with the other models of equipment and the maximum compatability with the harclware console panel, and the editing screen, moreover, is designed to have a hierarchical structure composed of a plural number of levels so as to offer screens and functions in a manner suitable for the operator's skill level. Furthermore, this system offers a set of screens enabling the operator to use the functions with ease in a highly variegated way with the advantage of the pop-up representation of high-levei functions and complicated functions among those presented on a given single screen through the cornbination of the screen composition as described 50 far and the pop-up functions.
The pop-ups contain detailed information for the setting of particular functions, and the composition for the screen for each pathway is made easy to observe and simple by providing the pop-up opening function and by having the detailed function-setting information as required frorn time to time. The pop-up menu is opened when a soft button with a pop-up mark thereon is touched. And, the pop-up menu is closed, for instance, when 3 close button or 2 cancel button is selected, or when the "all-clear"
but~on is selected, or when the "all-clear" button is pushed, or when the "all-clear" operation is put into action by the au to-clear function. I t is FIG. 4 that shows the appearance of the screen where a pop-up is opened by a touch on the soft button for variable magnification in the reduction/enlargementfunction.
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When the pathway tab for creative editing is touched upon in the basic copying screen, the screen for the pathway for creative editing appears by a shift of the screen on display, and it is FIG. 5 that illustrates the screen for Paint 1 in that particular pathway. On this screen, there are the bit map area H and the inductive message area I. The bit map area H
occupies the upper left-hand part of the screen and this area is designed to produce i~s indication of the bit map in black and white when the editing area is specified, for example, on the editing pad. In addition, the inductive message area I uses the lower left-hand part of the screen and ~he message performs the function of inducing or guiding the user in correspondence to the editing job and it changes in accordance with the particular job being performed. On the screen, the area excluding these areas i.e. the bit map area H, the inductive message area I, and the message area A in the upper region of the screen, is used as the work area.
The pathway for the basic copying function is provided with so~t buttons (i.e. branched choices) for the selection of the individual functions for the color mode, paper selection~ reduction ancl enlargement, copy quality, color balance, and job program, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and is also provided with the individual pathway tabs for marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, and creative editing, as well as aided features and tools. These pathways are the initial-phase pathways, which are put on display, for example, after the power-on operation or after turning on the all-clear button, or when the auto-clear button is turned on.
The color mode is providecJ with the branched choices of full-color copying (four path color) for copying in the four kinds of clor, Y, M, C, and K, three path color for copying with toners in the three kinds of color excluding K, single-color copying, which offers the choice of one color out of 12 colors, black and black/red, and the default choice, which is selected automatically, is designed to permit its voluntary setting. Here, as the choices for black/red has detailed items to be set, those items are developed on the pop-up menu.
The selection of paper offers the four choices of au~oma~ic paper selection (APS), trays 1 and 2, and casse~tes 3 and 4, and the APS works .
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when a specific magnification is set for reduction or enlargement, but does not work when the autornatic magnification system (AMS) remains set. The default setting is for the APS.
The reduction and enlargement function permits the choices of 100-percent reproduction, the AMS, which is to be used for setting the magnification for copying on the basis of the paper size and original sheet size when the paper size is selected, and the voluntarily chosen magnification, and puts the set magnification, the computer magnification, or the automatic setting on display on the indicator in the tvp area of the equipment. For the variable magnifications, this system permits the setting of magnification by one percent in the range from 50% to 400~0 and also permits the setting of the vertical magnification and the hori20ntal magnification independently of each other (differential magnification).
Therefore, the detailed setting items for these are ~eveloped on the pop-up menu. Moreover, the default magnification setting is 100 percent.
As mentioned, this reduction and enlargement process is performed by changing the scanning speed for the subsidiar~/ scanning direction (i.e. in the X-axis direction) and through reduction or enlargement in the main scanning direction (i.e. in the Y-axis direction) by a change in the manner of reading the signals out of the line memory for the IPS. The copy quality function offers the choices of the automatic processes by which the system forms density control for original sheets in black and white and performs automatic color balancing for color original sheets and the manual processes by which the system permits the operator to perform density control in seven steps with the pop-up menu, and the IPS performs control over these processes. The color balancing function enables the operator to specify the color to be reduced on the copy out of Y, M, C, B, G, and R by operations with the pop-up menu, and the IPS performs control over the process.
The job programming function offers branched choices that work effectively only while a memory card remains inserted in the slot of ~he reading device thereof, and, in this mode, it is possible tv select the reading of the job data frc;m the memory card, as well as the writing of 2~7~
such data to the .memory card, by operations on the pop-up menu. As for the memory card, this system uses, for example, a memory card with the memory capacity of 32 k-bytes, with which the system is capable of performiny the programming of all the jobs except for those in the film projector mode.
The pathway for the aided features is provided with sof~ buttons (i.e. branched choices) for the selection of the individual functions for copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film projector, page programming, job programming, and binding margins and it is also provided with the pathway tabs for marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, creative editing, and, in addition, basic copying and tools.
The copy output pathway offers the branched choices between the output of the copied paper to the top tray and the output of such paper in the sorting mode. The copy contrast pathway offers the choices of control over copy contrast in seven steps. The copying position function provides the default choice of the automatic centering function, which position the center of the copied image in the center of the paper.
The film projector pathway offers the mode for taking copies from various types of film as described under a separate item and permits access to the branched choices of 35 rnrn negatives or 35 mm positives by the projector and the 35 mm negatives, 6 cm X 6 cm slides, or 4" X S" slides on the piaten, with operations on the pop-up menu.
The page programming pathway gives access to the branched choices of the covering function, which puts cover on the copies, the inserting function, which inser~s white paper or color paper between copies, the color mode, which sets the color mode for each page of the original sheets, the tray selecting function, by which the tray can be selected for each page of the original sheet. In this reyard, this item witl not be put on display unless the ADF is installed.
The binding margin pathway makes i~ possible to specify the binding margin by 1 mm in the range from O to 30 mm, and ~he said margin can be set only in one pQsition for one original sheet. The amount of the binding margin i5 the amount of space from the top edge of the paper to .
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the top edge of the irnage area, and the main scanning direction is set by shifting operations by means of the line buffer in the IPS and by a lag in the scanning ~iming of the IIT in the subsidiary scanning direction.
The editing screens are offered through the four pathways, which are marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, and creative editing. The marker editing pathway and the free-hand editing pathway provide the branched choices of the various individual functions relating to the extraction, deletion, color application (mesh/line/solid), and color change, and further have the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided feature, and tools. The business editing pathway provides the branched choices of the individual functions reiating to extraction, deletion, color applicatior, ~mesh/line/solid~, color change, color painting, logogram insertion, and binding margin, and has the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided featwres, and tools in the same way as the marker editing pathway, etc.
The creative editing pathway offers the branched choices of the individual ~unctions relating to extraction, deletion, color application (n~esh/line/solid), color change, color painting, logogram insertion, binding margin, negative-positive reversal, image setting and synthesis, openwork synthesis, painting, mirror image formation, repeating, enlargement ancl continuous copying, partial shifting, corner/center shifting, manual/automatic variable magnification, coior mode, color balance control, continuous page copying, and chromatic synthesi~ and furthermore has the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided features, and tools as is the case with the marker editing pathway, etc.
With reference to Figure 6, to illustrate the present invention, there is shown screen 51 displaying a simplified version of ~ontrol buttons such as full color, black, and single color under the color mode column, auto paper size, tray 1, ancl tray 2 uncler the paper selection column, and automatic R /E, 100%, and variable R/E under the reduction/enlargement column. It should be noted that this is oniy a samplin~ of various control buttons normally displayed on the screen as shown in Figure 3. However, on the screen 51 in Figure 6, there is illus~rated a space area 101 shown by ' ;~7~
dotted lines representing the marker edit, the business edit, freehand edit, and creative edit functions as illustrated in Figure 3 at the right hand of the screen. It is assumed that these marker, business, freehand, and creative edit functions are already available in the machine control as operator functions.
In accordance with the present invention, these edit functions may be selectively made available to the operator by the appropriate icons and text required or is suitable for a particular rnachine location. Thus, even though these edit functions are available in the machine, it may be advisable not to have the functions available to the operator for a variety of reasons such as lack of training for use of the functions by the operator or the lack of need for these functions for the type o~ jobs being completed at the particular machine location. Thus, even though the functions are available in the machine, it would only clutter up the screen S1 and potentially confuse the operator to have a visual representation and prompts for features that will not be usecl. There may be several features available to the operator as illustrated in Figure 3, or none of the features available to the operator as illustrated by the space 101 in Figure 6, or a select number of the functions may be rnade available. It should be noted that, in the particular embodiment being described, there are four functions that may or may not be made avaiiable . I lowever, it should be understood that the invention extends to any number of functions as weli as types of functions that could be selectively be made availabie to the operator on the user interface screen.
In operation, there is a memory configuration table o~ flag indicators in the control to identify which particular feature~ are available and to initiate the display of these particular features on the screen 51.
Assuming that none of the editing features are available as illustrated by the space 101, and that it is desired to install a selected set of these editingfeatures, a memory card as shown at 102 is inserted into the memory card slot illustrated at 104. The rnemory card includes encoded data that is read by the user interface and machine control to initiate the installation of specified editing feature dialog c~n the screen ùesk top 51A. By installation .
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is meant that the feature identification will be a~de~ to the configuration table, presumably in non-volitile memory, to be scanned upon machine start up to be made available on the desk top.
Upon insertion of the memory card 102, the machine control detects the card and provides the pop up window or frame 105 as shown in Figure 7. The pop up frame 105, for illustrative purposes in Figure 7 includes only the rnarker edit function 106, the freehand edit 108, and the creative edit function 110 and includes the appropriate text message to press button to install the features. These are the features available on the card 102 to be conveyed to the desk top 51A of the screen 51. It should be noted that the card 102 could provide for the installation of one or several features and that it is merely a matter of choice to be able to provide a given number of features on any one card.
With the card 102 in the slot, 104, in the particular embodiment shown, there is available to the operator the three edit functions marker, freehand, and creative to be selected for installation on the desktop. As a particular edit function button is engaged, that particular feature is moved to the desktop 51A of the display 51.
For example, with reference to Figure 8, there is illustrated the sequence of the operator pressing the marker edit button 106 to move the marker edit function 10Ga to the screen desktop. In effect, the control is noting in the configuration table in non-volatile memory that the machine now includes the marker edit feature. Thus, upon machine start up the marker edit function will be available to the operator on desktop 51A. At the same time, there is a notation made on the memory card that the feature has been removed from the memory card. This is a preFerred methocl to prevent the same card from being used to install feature dialog on the desktop of other machines. This security and control method makes it possible to monitor use of features at individual sites. It should be noted that there are many other options contemplated within the scope of this invention regarding the identification and use of the rnemory cards and the auditing of feature dialogs that are on specific machine~.
With reference to Figure 9, in ~his particulal example, the operator has moved each of the function dialog marker edit 106, freehand edit 108, and creative edit 110 to the desktop 51a of the screen 51 as shown by marker edit 106a, freehand edit 108a, and creative edit 110a. It should be noted that at the particular machine installation, not all of the edit function dialog had to be moved from the card 102, but only those as required at the particular installation. Upon removal of the mernory card 102 from the slot 104, the pop up frame or window disappears and the moved features are permanently available on the ciesktop 5a as isllustrated in Figure 10. The card 102 can then be returned to an audit center or reproduction center for recording and nnaintaing records of available machine features at available machine installation cites.
While the invention has been described with reference to the structure disclosed, it is not confined to the details set forth, but is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the scope of the following claims.
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The line function offers the function of drawing a vertical line or a horizontal line in relationship to the axis X by marking two points for such a line, and the color of such a line can be selected for each such line out of the eight standard colors and the eight registered colors, the number of specifiable lines being unlimited and the number of usable colors in seven colors in the maximum at any given time.
The paint 1 function performs the function of painting the overall area within a closed loop in any color selected for each such loop out of the eight standard colors or the eight registered colors, one point within a closed loop being specified therefor. The mesh function permits the selection of any mesh out of the four patterns for each area, the number of the specifiable loops being unlimited and the number of the usable color mesh patterns being seven patterns in the maximurn.
The correcting function possesses the area/point change mode, by which the function set for each area can be ascertained and modified, the are/point correction mode, by which the area size and the position of the point can be changed by 1 mm, and the area/point canceling mode, by which the specified area can be ascertained, modified, changed, or erased.
The creative editing function contains the functions of image compositions, copy-on-copy, color composition, partial irnage shi-fting, multiple-page enlargement, paint 1, color mesh, color conversion, negative/positive reversal, repeat, paint 2, density control, ~olor balance, copy contrast, copy sharpness, color mode, trimming, masking mirror image, margin, line, shift, logotype, split scanning, correction, function clear, and add function. In this function, the original sheets are treated as color original sheets, and the system permits the setting of a plural number of functions for each original sheet, the setting o~ functions in combination for each area, and the areas to be speci-fied are a rectangular area with two points specified therefor and a point with one point specified therefor.
The image composition function consists in the function for copying the base original in color in four cycles, and then, holdiny the paper on the transfer device, continuing to copy again the trimmed original sheet in four cycles, and thereafter outpu*ing the copy. The copy-on-copy . . .
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function consists in the function for copying the first original in four cycles,and then, hoiding the paper on the transfer device, continuing again to copy the second original sheet in four cycles, and thereafter outputting the copy.
The color composition function consists in the function for copying the first original sheet in magenta, and, holding the paper on the transfer device, continuing to copy again the second original sheet in cyan, and then, holding the paper on the transfer device, continuing fu~her to copy the third original sheet in yellow, and thereafter outputting the copy.
In the case of the four-color composition, the copying process is performed again further to add black onto the copy, and then the copy is output from the system. The partial irnage shift function consists in performing the copying process in color in four cycles and then, holding the paper on the transfer device, continuing to copying again in four cycles, and thereafter outputting the copy.
In the full-color mode as a part of the color mode, the copying process is per~ormed in four cycles. In the three-color mode, the copying process is performed in three cycles unless the editing mode is turned on. In the black mode, the copying process is performed in one cycle except for the case where the editing mode is turned on. In the plus-one-color rnode, the copying process is performed in one to three cycles.
In the tool pathway function, the system provides the auditron, rnachine set-up, default selection color registration, filrn-type registration, color collection, presetting, film projector scanning area correction, audio-tone, timer setting, billing meter, diagnostic mode, the maximum adjustment, and memory card formatting functions. For the setting and changing operations by this pathway function, it is required to input the appropriate cipher code. Otherwise, ~he system does not accept any attempt at putting this function into action. Therefore, it is the key operator and the customer engineer that can perform any setting operation or changing operation by the tool pathway. However, it is only the customer engineer that can enter into the di3gnos~ic mode.
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. ' ' , ~ , The color registration function is to be used for ;he registration of colors on the register color buttons on the c.olor palette, and such registration is read by the CCD line sensor into the system from the color original sheet.
The color collection function is employed for making fine adjustments of the colors registered on the register color buttons. The film-type registration function is used for the registration of the registered ~ilm type which is to be used in the film projector mode, and in, in case such a film type has not yet been registered, the system will be in the state in which it is not possible to select any register button on the screen in the filmprojector mode. ~he presetting function performs the presetting of the reduction/enlargemen~ values, the copy density in seven steps, thle copy sharpness in seven steps, and the copying contrast in seven steps. The film projector scanning area correction function is used to making adjustrnents of the scanning area at the time the operation is performed in the film projector mode. The audio-tone fwnction is put into action for making adjustments of the volume of the sounds used in the selecting operation.
The timer-setting function is used for performing the setting of the time which can be released to the key operator.
In addition to these functions, the system also provides such functions for dealing with abnormal conditions in the system as the crash recovery func~ion, whici initiates a restart in case the sub-system falts into the state of a crash, the function for initiating the fault mode in case the sub-system cannot be restored to its normal state even though the crash recovery operation is performed two times, and the function o~ making an emergency stop in the event of the occurrence of a jam. Furthermore, it is possible also to use in combination the basic copying functions/the additional functions and the marker editing functions, the business editing functions, the creative editing functions.
This copying machine features enhanced operating facility with operations integrated in one piace as much as possible, with the hardware buttons on the hardware control panel and the soft buttons on the soft panel on the CRT screen available for use side by side, so that the selection .
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of the functions can be made directly in a manner easy for the beginners to understand and yet not troublesome to the highly skilled operators, and, at the same time, this machine has been designed to be capable o~
communicating the necessary information to the operator accurately through its effective utilization of colors. This copying machine has been so designed that its high-fidelity copying process is put into action only by operations at the hardware control panel and the primary screen (i.e. the opening menu screen) while the processes which cannot be regulated by the operational flow, such as start, stop, all cllear, and insertion, are performed by the operations at the soft panel on the primary screen, but such operations as the selection of paper, size reduction and enlargement, copy densi~y, picture quality adjustment, color mode, and color balance adjustment are put into action by operations on the soft panel on the primary screen, making it possible for the users of the conventional monochromatic copying rnachines to use this machine well enough in a manner natural to them. Furthermore, this machine is designed to allow the users to open the proper pathway and to select the various types of its functions, such as the editing functions, merely by touching operations at the pathwày tabs in the pathway region on the soft panel. Furthermore, this machine permits the automatic execution of the predetermined operations. With the copying modes, the conditions for their execution, and so forth being stored in advance in the mernory card.
With touching operations on the pathway tab for the pathway region on the soft panel, it is possible to open the pathway and to select the various types of editing functions. In the marker editing function, for example, it is possible to perform the editing and processing of documents in black and white using the tool called the marker, and, in the business editing ~unction, high-quality original documents can be produced quickly mainly for use as business documents. Moreover, in the creative editing function, various types of editing functions with many choices are made available in such a manner that this copying machine will be able tn satisfy the needs of various specialists, such as designers, copying service agents, and key operators. In addition, the area specified by the editing functions ,, ,: . : : ,, , is put on display in the form of a bit map area, so that the specified area can be ascertained thereby. Thus, such abundant editing functions and color creation capabili~ies of this system make it possible to achieve very considerable enhancements of the power of expression in wri~ings.
In a case a color CRT is used as a user int~erface (Ul~ as is the case with the present system, the amount of data will be increased because of the color displaying features as compared with the case where a monochroma~ic display is used, and also there will be an increase in the amount of data if it is attempted to construct a friendlier Ul by incorporating therein contrivances regarding the composition of the display screen and the transition of the screens.
In dealing with such an increase in the amount of data, it will be possible to employ a CPU mounted with a memory device with a larger capacity, and yet such a step would resuit in using a larger board, which will present such problems ~s the difficulty in accommodating it in the main unit of the copying machine, the difficulty in taking flexible measures -for dealing with the changes in the speci~ications, and a resulting increase in the costs. Therefore, it has been designed, with respect to this copying machine, to deal aclequately with such an increase in the amount of the data by setting up separate CPU's as remote units, embodying therein those techniques which can be used in common with other models or machines, such as the CRT controller.
The electrical system hardware is divided into the three types of systems, the Ul system, the SYS system, and the MCB system, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The Ul system includes the Ul remote unit 70 while the SYS system contains in separate units the F/P remote unit 72, which performs the control of the F/P, the IIT remote unit 73, which performs the reading of the origina~ sheets, and the IPS remote unit 74, which performs the various forms of the processing of the images. The IIT remote unit 73 is provided with the IIT controller 73a, which performs control over the imaging unit, and the VIDEO circuit 73b, which converts the image signals read into digital signals and transmits them to the IPS remote unit 74, and this IIT
remote unit 73, as well as the IPS remote unit 74, i5 controlled by means of .
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the VCPU 74a. The SYS (System) remote unit 71 is provided to function as a system which performs the overall and coordinating control of the above~
mentioned remote units and those individual remote units to be mentioned laten The SYS remote unit 71 is in need of memory capacity for the execution of such programs as the one for controlling the transition of the screens for Ul, 8086, which is mounted with a 16-bit microcomputer. A
microprocessor other than 8086, such as 68000, for example, can be employed. Moreover, the MCB system is provided with the VCB (Video Control Board) remote unit 76, which is a Raster Ou~put Scan (ROS) interface for receiving the video signals from the IPS remote unit 74 for use of the said signals in the formation of latent images by laser on the photosensitive material belt (Photo Receptor Belt) and for sending forth the said signals to the IOT, with the RCB remote unit 77 for the servo operation of the image transfer device ~turtle), and further with the IOB
remote unit 78 for operation as the l/O port for the IOT, ADF, the sorter, and the accessories, and with the accessory remote unit 79, all of these forming separate units and being coordinated and controlled by the MCB
(Master Control Board) remote unit 75, which is provided for the purpose of coordinating all these remote units for their overall control.
Furthermore, each of the individual remote units shown is composed of a single board. Moreover, the bold solid line represents the LNET high-speed communication network at 187.5 kbps, and the bold broken line indicates the master/slave system serial communication network at 9,600 bps, while the slender solid line indicates the hot line, which is the transmission channel for the control signals. Also, the line marked 76.8 kbps is the exclusive-purpose transmission line for use in the issuing of notices of the inforrnation on the images drawn on the editing pad, the information on the copying modes as input from the memory card, and the graphic information in the editing area from the Ul remote unit 70 to the IPS remote unit 74. Furthermore, what is marked CCC
(Communication Control Chip) in Figure 2 is the integrated circuit ~IC) which supportsthe protocol forthe high speed communication iine LNET.
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FIG. 3 is illustrates the basic user interface screen while FIG. 4 shows an example of the pop-up screens put on display on the basic copying screen, and FIG 5 shows by way of example the screen for Paint 1 for the creative ecliting process.
In the user interface for the Inven~ion, ~the basic copying mode screen shown in FIGS. 3-5 which is used for setting the copying modes, is put on display as the initial menu screen. The screen for setting the copying rnodes forms a "soft" control panel, which is a screen divided into two parts, i.e. between the message area A and the pathway B, as shown in FIG.
3.
The message area A occupies the area equivalent to three lines in the uppermost area on the screen, the first line being used for the state message and the second line and the third line forming an area for use for guiding messages in case there is any contradiction in the se!ection of the functions, for use for messages concerning any abnormal state of the equipment, and for use for messages representing warning information, and the prescribed messayes are put on display in this area. Moreover, the right-hand margin of the message area A is assignecl to thle area for indicating the number of sheets, and here the set number of sheets to be copied as input with the ten keys and the number of copies being procluced are indicated.
The pathway B constitutes the area where selection is to be made of various kinds of functions, and it has the pa~hways of basic copying, editing features, marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, creative editing, and tools, and, in correspondence to each of these individual pathways, the pathway tabs C are put on display. Additionally, each of the pathways is provided with pop-up menus for improving the operating ease and efficiency. in the pathway B, the system puts on display the "soft" button D, which forms a list o~ branched choices, with which selection is to be made of the functions by touching on the ~ppropriate button, the icon E (picture), which changes, depending on the selected function, and represents the specific function, the indicator F, which indicates the reduction/enlargement ratio, and so forth. Those functions '' ', , 2 ~
which are shown on the pop-up menus by operations on the "soft" buttons are indicated by the pop-up mark G ~triangle mark]. And, by touching on the pathway tab C, the pathway can be opened, and the functions of the particular pathway can be selected by touching on the sof~ button. The selection of functions by touches on the so-ft buttons is so designed in consideration of its operating efficiency that the operation are to be performed from the upper left part of the screen l:owards the lower right-hancl side thereof in regular steps.
As mentioned, the display system features the division between the basic copying screen and the rest of the screens in order ~o provide the maximum compatability with the other models of equipment and the maximum compatability with the harclware console panel, and the editing screen, moreover, is designed to have a hierarchical structure composed of a plural number of levels so as to offer screens and functions in a manner suitable for the operator's skill level. Furthermore, this system offers a set of screens enabling the operator to use the functions with ease in a highly variegated way with the advantage of the pop-up representation of high-levei functions and complicated functions among those presented on a given single screen through the cornbination of the screen composition as described 50 far and the pop-up functions.
The pop-ups contain detailed information for the setting of particular functions, and the composition for the screen for each pathway is made easy to observe and simple by providing the pop-up opening function and by having the detailed function-setting information as required frorn time to time. The pop-up menu is opened when a soft button with a pop-up mark thereon is touched. And, the pop-up menu is closed, for instance, when 3 close button or 2 cancel button is selected, or when the "all-clear"
but~on is selected, or when the "all-clear" button is pushed, or when the "all-clear" operation is put into action by the au to-clear function. I t is FIG. 4 that shows the appearance of the screen where a pop-up is opened by a touch on the soft button for variable magnification in the reduction/enlargementfunction.
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When the pathway tab for creative editing is touched upon in the basic copying screen, the screen for the pathway for creative editing appears by a shift of the screen on display, and it is FIG. 5 that illustrates the screen for Paint 1 in that particular pathway. On this screen, there are the bit map area H and the inductive message area I. The bit map area H
occupies the upper left-hand part of the screen and this area is designed to produce i~s indication of the bit map in black and white when the editing area is specified, for example, on the editing pad. In addition, the inductive message area I uses the lower left-hand part of the screen and ~he message performs the function of inducing or guiding the user in correspondence to the editing job and it changes in accordance with the particular job being performed. On the screen, the area excluding these areas i.e. the bit map area H, the inductive message area I, and the message area A in the upper region of the screen, is used as the work area.
The pathway for the basic copying function is provided with so~t buttons (i.e. branched choices) for the selection of the individual functions for the color mode, paper selection~ reduction ancl enlargement, copy quality, color balance, and job program, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and is also provided with the individual pathway tabs for marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, and creative editing, as well as aided features and tools. These pathways are the initial-phase pathways, which are put on display, for example, after the power-on operation or after turning on the all-clear button, or when the auto-clear button is turned on.
The color mode is providecJ with the branched choices of full-color copying (four path color) for copying in the four kinds of clor, Y, M, C, and K, three path color for copying with toners in the three kinds of color excluding K, single-color copying, which offers the choice of one color out of 12 colors, black and black/red, and the default choice, which is selected automatically, is designed to permit its voluntary setting. Here, as the choices for black/red has detailed items to be set, those items are developed on the pop-up menu.
The selection of paper offers the four choices of au~oma~ic paper selection (APS), trays 1 and 2, and casse~tes 3 and 4, and the APS works .
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when a specific magnification is set for reduction or enlargement, but does not work when the autornatic magnification system (AMS) remains set. The default setting is for the APS.
The reduction and enlargement function permits the choices of 100-percent reproduction, the AMS, which is to be used for setting the magnification for copying on the basis of the paper size and original sheet size when the paper size is selected, and the voluntarily chosen magnification, and puts the set magnification, the computer magnification, or the automatic setting on display on the indicator in the tvp area of the equipment. For the variable magnifications, this system permits the setting of magnification by one percent in the range from 50% to 400~0 and also permits the setting of the vertical magnification and the hori20ntal magnification independently of each other (differential magnification).
Therefore, the detailed setting items for these are ~eveloped on the pop-up menu. Moreover, the default magnification setting is 100 percent.
As mentioned, this reduction and enlargement process is performed by changing the scanning speed for the subsidiar~/ scanning direction (i.e. in the X-axis direction) and through reduction or enlargement in the main scanning direction (i.e. in the Y-axis direction) by a change in the manner of reading the signals out of the line memory for the IPS. The copy quality function offers the choices of the automatic processes by which the system forms density control for original sheets in black and white and performs automatic color balancing for color original sheets and the manual processes by which the system permits the operator to perform density control in seven steps with the pop-up menu, and the IPS performs control over these processes. The color balancing function enables the operator to specify the color to be reduced on the copy out of Y, M, C, B, G, and R by operations with the pop-up menu, and the IPS performs control over the process.
The job programming function offers branched choices that work effectively only while a memory card remains inserted in the slot of ~he reading device thereof, and, in this mode, it is possible tv select the reading of the job data frc;m the memory card, as well as the writing of 2~7~
such data to the .memory card, by operations on the pop-up menu. As for the memory card, this system uses, for example, a memory card with the memory capacity of 32 k-bytes, with which the system is capable of performiny the programming of all the jobs except for those in the film projector mode.
The pathway for the aided features is provided with sof~ buttons (i.e. branched choices) for the selection of the individual functions for copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film projector, page programming, job programming, and binding margins and it is also provided with the pathway tabs for marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, creative editing, and, in addition, basic copying and tools.
The copy output pathway offers the branched choices between the output of the copied paper to the top tray and the output of such paper in the sorting mode. The copy contrast pathway offers the choices of control over copy contrast in seven steps. The copying position function provides the default choice of the automatic centering function, which position the center of the copied image in the center of the paper.
The film projector pathway offers the mode for taking copies from various types of film as described under a separate item and permits access to the branched choices of 35 rnrn negatives or 35 mm positives by the projector and the 35 mm negatives, 6 cm X 6 cm slides, or 4" X S" slides on the piaten, with operations on the pop-up menu.
The page programming pathway gives access to the branched choices of the covering function, which puts cover on the copies, the inserting function, which inser~s white paper or color paper between copies, the color mode, which sets the color mode for each page of the original sheets, the tray selecting function, by which the tray can be selected for each page of the original sheet. In this reyard, this item witl not be put on display unless the ADF is installed.
The binding margin pathway makes i~ possible to specify the binding margin by 1 mm in the range from O to 30 mm, and ~he said margin can be set only in one pQsition for one original sheet. The amount of the binding margin i5 the amount of space from the top edge of the paper to .
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the top edge of the irnage area, and the main scanning direction is set by shifting operations by means of the line buffer in the IPS and by a lag in the scanning ~iming of the IIT in the subsidiary scanning direction.
The editing screens are offered through the four pathways, which are marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, and creative editing. The marker editing pathway and the free-hand editing pathway provide the branched choices of the various individual functions relating to the extraction, deletion, color application (mesh/line/solid), and color change, and further have the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided feature, and tools. The business editing pathway provides the branched choices of the individual functions reiating to extraction, deletion, color applicatior, ~mesh/line/solid~, color change, color painting, logogram insertion, and binding margin, and has the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided featwres, and tools in the same way as the marker editing pathway, etc.
The creative editing pathway offers the branched choices of the individual ~unctions relating to extraction, deletion, color application (n~esh/line/solid), color change, color painting, logogram insertion, binding margin, negative-positive reversal, image setting and synthesis, openwork synthesis, painting, mirror image formation, repeating, enlargement ancl continuous copying, partial shifting, corner/center shifting, manual/automatic variable magnification, coior mode, color balance control, continuous page copying, and chromatic synthesi~ and furthermore has the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided features, and tools as is the case with the marker editing pathway, etc.
With reference to Figure 6, to illustrate the present invention, there is shown screen 51 displaying a simplified version of ~ontrol buttons such as full color, black, and single color under the color mode column, auto paper size, tray 1, ancl tray 2 uncler the paper selection column, and automatic R /E, 100%, and variable R/E under the reduction/enlargement column. It should be noted that this is oniy a samplin~ of various control buttons normally displayed on the screen as shown in Figure 3. However, on the screen 51 in Figure 6, there is illus~rated a space area 101 shown by ' ;~7~
dotted lines representing the marker edit, the business edit, freehand edit, and creative edit functions as illustrated in Figure 3 at the right hand of the screen. It is assumed that these marker, business, freehand, and creative edit functions are already available in the machine control as operator functions.
In accordance with the present invention, these edit functions may be selectively made available to the operator by the appropriate icons and text required or is suitable for a particular rnachine location. Thus, even though these edit functions are available in the machine, it may be advisable not to have the functions available to the operator for a variety of reasons such as lack of training for use of the functions by the operator or the lack of need for these functions for the type o~ jobs being completed at the particular machine location. Thus, even though the functions are available in the machine, it would only clutter up the screen S1 and potentially confuse the operator to have a visual representation and prompts for features that will not be usecl. There may be several features available to the operator as illustrated in Figure 3, or none of the features available to the operator as illustrated by the space 101 in Figure 6, or a select number of the functions may be rnade available. It should be noted that, in the particular embodiment being described, there are four functions that may or may not be made avaiiable . I lowever, it should be understood that the invention extends to any number of functions as weli as types of functions that could be selectively be made availabie to the operator on the user interface screen.
In operation, there is a memory configuration table o~ flag indicators in the control to identify which particular feature~ are available and to initiate the display of these particular features on the screen 51.
Assuming that none of the editing features are available as illustrated by the space 101, and that it is desired to install a selected set of these editingfeatures, a memory card as shown at 102 is inserted into the memory card slot illustrated at 104. The rnemory card includes encoded data that is read by the user interface and machine control to initiate the installation of specified editing feature dialog c~n the screen ùesk top 51A. By installation .
' ~
.. . .
.. . .
. ~
is meant that the feature identification will be a~de~ to the configuration table, presumably in non-volitile memory, to be scanned upon machine start up to be made available on the desk top.
Upon insertion of the memory card 102, the machine control detects the card and provides the pop up window or frame 105 as shown in Figure 7. The pop up frame 105, for illustrative purposes in Figure 7 includes only the rnarker edit function 106, the freehand edit 108, and the creative edit function 110 and includes the appropriate text message to press button to install the features. These are the features available on the card 102 to be conveyed to the desk top 51A of the screen 51. It should be noted that the card 102 could provide for the installation of one or several features and that it is merely a matter of choice to be able to provide a given number of features on any one card.
With the card 102 in the slot, 104, in the particular embodiment shown, there is available to the operator the three edit functions marker, freehand, and creative to be selected for installation on the desktop. As a particular edit function button is engaged, that particular feature is moved to the desktop 51A of the display 51.
For example, with reference to Figure 8, there is illustrated the sequence of the operator pressing the marker edit button 106 to move the marker edit function 10Ga to the screen desktop. In effect, the control is noting in the configuration table in non-volatile memory that the machine now includes the marker edit feature. Thus, upon machine start up the marker edit function will be available to the operator on desktop 51A. At the same time, there is a notation made on the memory card that the feature has been removed from the memory card. This is a preFerred methocl to prevent the same card from being used to install feature dialog on the desktop of other machines. This security and control method makes it possible to monitor use of features at individual sites. It should be noted that there are many other options contemplated within the scope of this invention regarding the identification and use of the rnemory cards and the auditing of feature dialogs that are on specific machine~.
With reference to Figure 9, in ~his particulal example, the operator has moved each of the function dialog marker edit 106, freehand edit 108, and creative edit 110 to the desktop 51a of the screen 51 as shown by marker edit 106a, freehand edit 108a, and creative edit 110a. It should be noted that at the particular machine installation, not all of the edit function dialog had to be moved from the card 102, but only those as required at the particular installation. Upon removal of the mernory card 102 from the slot 104, the pop up frame or window disappears and the moved features are permanently available on the ciesktop 5a as isllustrated in Figure 10. The card 102 can then be returned to an audit center or reproduction center for recording and nnaintaing records of available machine features at available machine installation cites.
While the invention has been described with reference to the structure disclosed, it is not confined to the details set forth, but is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the scope of the following claims.
': : , :
Claims (12)
1. A technique for providing predetermined feature dialogs to an operator of an image processing apparatus having a control with interface screen, enablers for the feature dialogs being selectively stored on a portable memory device, including the steps of:
loading the portable memory device into the machine for reading by the machine control, displaying a dialog frame on the interface screen manifesting the feature dialog enablers, prompting the operator to select a given enabler, moving the enabler to the screen desk top, and automatically setting the control to establish the selected enablers within the machine.
loading the portable memory device into the machine for reading by the machine control, displaying a dialog frame on the interface screen manifesting the feature dialog enablers, prompting the operator to select a given enabler, moving the enabler to the screen desk top, and automatically setting the control to establish the selected enablers within the machine.
2. The method of claim 1 including the step of automatically changing the data on the portable memory device to inhibit installation of the given enabler on another machine.
3. A technique for providing a predetermined feature to an operator of an image processing apparatus having a control with interface screen and screen dialog, the feature being stored on a memory device, including the steps of:
loading the memory device into the machine for reading by the machine control, displaying a frame on the interface screen prompting the operator with the option to select a predetermined feature for availability on the machine dialog, or to remove the given feature from the machine dialog, acting on the memory device in response to the selection by the operator, and setting a flag in the control to manifest the selection.
loading the memory device into the machine for reading by the machine control, displaying a frame on the interface screen prompting the operator with the option to select a predetermined feature for availability on the machine dialog, or to remove the given feature from the machine dialog, acting on the memory device in response to the selection by the operator, and setting a flag in the control to manifest the selection.
4. The method of claim 3 including the step of automatically placing a status on the memory device that the feature has been removed from the memory device.
5. The method of claim 3 including the step of determining if the predetermined feature was initially provided via a memory device loaded into the machine.
6. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of displaying a frame on the interface screen includes the option of using the predetermined feature only while the memory device is loaded into the machine.
7. In an image processing apparatus having image processing means for forming an image, a controller for directing the operation of the image processing means, the operation of the image processing means being facilitated by predetermined features, the controller including an interface display for activating said predetermined features, the method of providing or inhibiting the predetermined features on the interface display comprising the steps of loading a feature card into the image processing apparatus, the feature card including a predetermined feature, providing the option on the interface display to provide or inhibit said predetermined feature, selecting one of the options and in response setting the interface display dialog in accordance with the selection of one of the options.
8. An image processing apparatus having a given image processing feature for forming an image; a display for providing enablers to initiate machine operations, an enabler medium capable of storing enablers to initiate machine operation, the enabler medium being removable provided in said image processing apparatus, and means for altering the availability of enablers controlling the image processing apparatus comprising:
means to interconnect the enabler medium to the display, means to display an enabler for said given image processing feature, and means to provide the enabler for said given image processing feature on said display to initiate operation of the given feature.
means to interconnect the enabler medium to the display, means to display an enabler for said given image processing feature, and means to provide the enabler for said given image processing feature on said display to initiate operation of the given feature.
9. An image processing apparatus having image processing means and a predetermined set of feature enablers for forming an image;
an interface display for displaying visual representations of a first set of said predetermined set of feature enablers for prompting an operator; and means to alter the interface display to display visual representations of a second set of said predetermined set of feature enablers for prompting the operator, the second set being different than the first set.
an interface display for displaying visual representations of a first set of said predetermined set of feature enablers for prompting an operator; and means to alter the interface display to display visual representations of a second set of said predetermined set of feature enablers for prompting the operator, the second set being different than the first set.
10. The image processing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second set of said predetermined set of feature enablers includes a feature enabler added to said first set of said predetermined set of features.
11. The image processing apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second set of said predetermined set of feature enablers does not include an enabler represented in said first set of said predetermined set of feature enablers.
12. An image processing apparatus having image processing means for forming an image, a controller for directing the operation of the image processing means, the operation of the image processing means being facilitated by predetermined enablers, the controller including an interface display for activating said predetermined enablers and a means for providing or inhibiting the predetermined enablers on the interface display comprising:
means for reading an enabler card, means for providing an option on the interface display to provide or inhibit predetermined enablers and, means for selecting one of the options and in response setting the interface display dialog in accordance with the selection of one of the options.
means for reading an enabler card, means for providing an option on the interface display to provide or inhibit predetermined enablers and, means for selecting one of the options and in response setting the interface display dialog in accordance with the selection of one of the options.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US81234191A | 1991-12-23 | 1991-12-23 | |
| US812341 | 1991-12-23 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2079354A1 true CA2079354A1 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
Family
ID=25209290
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002079354A Abandoned CA2079354A1 (en) | 1991-12-23 | 1992-09-24 | Enabling features and supporting screen dialog |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH05289838A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2079354A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111263023A (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2020-06-09 | 株式会社理光 | Information processing system and method, computer device, and storage medium |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6317141B1 (en) | 1998-12-31 | 2001-11-13 | Flashpoint Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatus for editing heterogeneous media objects in a digital imaging device |
| JP3750683B2 (en) * | 2004-04-28 | 2006-03-01 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Television receiver |
| US9224145B1 (en) | 2006-08-30 | 2015-12-29 | Qurio Holdings, Inc. | Venue based digital rights using capture device with digital watermarking capability |
| JP5527552B2 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2014-06-18 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Information processing device |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH04230517A (en) * | 1990-12-31 | 1992-08-19 | Casio Comput Co Ltd | Hierarchical menu processor |
-
1992
- 1992-09-24 CA CA002079354A patent/CA2079354A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-12-18 JP JP4339126A patent/JPH05289838A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111263023A (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2020-06-09 | 株式会社理光 | Information processing system and method, computer device, and storage medium |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH05289838A (en) | 1993-11-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |