EP0301788A1

EP0301788A1 - Copying apparatus with display

Info

Publication number: EP0301788A1
Application number: EP19880306819
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kazuo Watanabe; Tetsuo Kimoto; Chiharu Kobayashi; Tetsuo Hirata; Hideki Endoh; Yoshinori Abe
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Current assignee: Konica Minolta Inc
Priority date: 1987-07-28
Filing date: 1988-07-25
Publication date: 1989-02-01
Also published as: JPS6432273A

Abstract

A copying machine allows display data stored in a memory to be readily modified without preparing a complicated program and a larger memory capacity. In the copying machine (1), there is provided an external memory unit in addition to an internal memory and a connection for connecting with the external memory. The external memory is shaped in a card-like package which comprises a semiconductor memory (61) storing display data and an access part capable of being attached to the connection in order to access the memory. The connection is placed at a position accessible from outside so the external memory is easily attached to or detached from the connection.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a copying apparatus capable of modifying display data which indicate operational instructions, the current conditions on the apparatus, or the like.
With recent copying apparatuses, the operation procedures are increasingly complicated due to the more sophisticated functions of the apparatuses. The copying apparatus with such sophisticated functions usually has an increased number of indicators or the like which indicate the conditions on the apparatus. Accordingly, an operator cannot readily monitor the conditions on the copying apparatus and, at the same time, cannot concisely know what an operation procedures be taken, thus sometimes resulting in mis-operation.
To solve the above problem, an apparatus having a message display part has been proposed, wherein the message display part properly indicates the conditions of the apparatus to the operator. Consequently, the message display part can directly inform the operator of the condition of the apparatus and instruct the operation procedures to the operator, using a native language of the operator.
Unlike the simple indications with indicators and symbols, displaying messages in a certain language makes it mandatory that the language is to be comprehensible to the operator. Therefore, the operational display normally adopts a language which is most commonly used in the area where the copying apparatus is used.
Yet, the copying apparatus cannot be used in a multilingual environment.
More specifically, this type of copying apparatus contains a ROM to which display data for messages are pre-stored, thereby the relevant display data are read from the ROM and the read data are displayed on the display part, in correspondance with the condition of the apparatus detected by a sensor or the result of the operation on an operation control portion. To change a language for conveying the messages however requires the ROM be replaced. The replacement of the ROM necessitates the removal of copying apparatus casing and the exposure of an operation circuit board, thus this work can be performed only by a service person who had been given proper training, and an ordinary user can seldom perform such a work.
The message data for a plurality of languages may be stored in only one ROM, thereby the relevant data are selectively retrieved by switching operation. This arrangement is disadvantageous, however, in that the ROM requires a large memory capacity. Additionally, when the control program other than the message data is stored in only one ROM, storage of data in a plurality of languages readily causes a program error. Furthermore, the modification of data for one language in certain addresses may affect those in other addresses, resulting in malfunction of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a copying apparatus that allows contents of display to be readily modified without causing a program error, and the apparatus does not required a larger internal memory capacity.
To achieve this object, the copying apparatus embodying the present invention comprises: an external storage unit in the card-like package, that cmprises a semiconductor memory for storing display data and means for accessing the memory; and an interfacing part which interfaces with the accessing means, wherein the external storage unit is interfaced with the internal data processing part, and when the external storage unit is mounted to the interfacing part, the display data are read and displayed on the display part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows the appearance of a copying apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a control part of the copying apparatus.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an operation display part.
Fig. 4 is a explanatory diagram of an IC card slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, the embodiment according to the present invention is described in detail. Fig. 1 shows the appearance of a copying apparatus embodying the present invention. Numeral 1 denotes a main body, numeral 2 denotes a platen glass onto which a document is placed, numeral 3 represents an operation display part comprising operation keys 31 and a display part 32. Numerals 4 and 5 denote a copying sheet cassettes. The operation keys 31 include a setting key for the number of duplicates; copying key; magnification setting key; density setting key; duplex copying selection key; cassette selection key; and others. The display part 32 displays various messages using characters and symbols, such as indication for operational instructions; the condition of the apparatus; toner supply; and presence of paper jamming and its location.
In such a copying apparatus embodying the present invention, an IC card slot 7, into which an IC card 6 is loaded, is disposed to the front of the main body 1, and an IC card housing part 8 capable of storing a plurality of IC cards 6 is disposed adjacent to the IC card slot 7.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a control portion of the copying apparatus. Numeral 9 denotes the control part. A control signal representing the contents of operation on the operation display part 3 is transmitted to the control part 9. Similarly, a display signal representing the condition of the apparatus which was detected in the control part 9 is transferred to the operation display part 3.
The control part 9 receives and transmits signals to and from the following portions; an EE sensor which detects the density of a document; micro-switch sensors 11 disposed on the respective mechanisms, and which detect their operating conditions; a DC motor control board 13 which drives DC motors 12 including a main motor, optical system driving motor, and fixing driving motor; a DC load 14 for driving such as a clutch, counter and motor; an AC load 15 for driving such as a heater; a DC motor power source board 16; and the like.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the operation display part 3. The operation display part 3 comprises a CPU 17 which controls the overall operation of the operation display section 3, while transmitting and receiving control data and operation condition data to and from the control part 9; a ROM 18 which stores the control program and a part of the display data; a timer 19; a non-volatile memory (NOVRAM) 20 and working memory (RAM) 21; an I/O port which is connected to the operation keys 31 and to a display 32; and a connector 71 disposed on the IC card slot 7. A fluorescent display module (FIP) is used for the display 32 in the embodiment according to the present invention. However, a liquid crystal, LED, CRT or the like may be used instead of FIP.
Fig. 4 illustrates the relationship between the IC card 6 and the IC card slot 7. The size of the IC card is approximately equal to that of a business card. The IC card 6 comprises a thin card-like package disposed therein a semiconductor memory 61, and an I/O terminal array 62 that is means for accessing the semiconductor memory 61.
As for the semiconductor memory 61, a mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, one-time ROM (OTPROM), non-volatile memory (NOVRAM), battery backup RAM or the like is used. In addition, a CPU and logic circuit can be incorporated into the semiconductor memory. Functions of these elements may also be used in an arbitrary combination. When using a backup battery, the battery is preferably provided with constitution that allows the battery to be readily replaced, and, at the same time, a built-in large-capacity capacitor is preferably provided to maintain, during the battery replacement, the data stored in the memory. When using an erasable element for the memory 61, writing-protecting means should be provided so as not to erroneously write or erase data. The writing-protecting means can be incorporated by disposing a switch on the IC card 6, and by controlling write-enable signal line on the memory by using this switch. The write enable signal line may also be externally controlled via a contact.
To prevent adverse effect of dirt and static electricity, the I/O terminal array 62 is preferably provided with an appropriate shutter mechanism, wherein the shutter opens when the IC card is loaded into the IC card slot 7., thereby the terminal array is connected with the internal connector 71. It is also preferable to provide an appropriate mis-insertion prevention mechanism which prevents misoriented insertion of the IC card into the slot 7, thereby eliminating the breakage of the IC card or the copying apparatus contributable to mis-insertion of the IC card. The mis-insertion prevention mechanism can be be incorporated by asymmetrically constituting the connector. A magnetic accessing system or optical accessing system may be used, instead of an electrical accessing system using a contact, as means for accessing the semiconductor memory 61.
The connector 71 of the IC card slot 7 comprises the terminal array 72, to which the terminal array 61 of the IC card is connected, and a retaining member 73 which, with resilient force, retains the IC card 6 inserted into the slot 7. The asymmetrical mis-insertion preventing portion, as mentioned previously, may also be provided to the connector 71.
The operation of the copying apparatus is controlled based on the instructions entered on the operation display part 3. More specifically, after placing the document onto the platen glass 2, closing the cover, and setting items such as the number of duplicates to be made, the copying operation starts once the copying key among the operation keys 31 is actuated.
The message appearing on the display part 32 is based on the data read, by the CPU 17 on the operation display part, from among the display data stored on the ROM 18, wherein reading is performed based on the data that represent the condition within the copying apparatus or on the nature of manipulation with the operation keys 31. The display data stored in the ROM 18 is written in a most commonly used language, e.g., Japanese. For example, when any of the display conditions described in the left column of Table 1 below is satisfied, a message in the right column correspondingly appears on the display part 32.
Onto the addresses, common to those of the Japanese version data in Table 1, on the semiconductor memory 61 of the IC card 6 may be written, for example in English, the similar messages and display conditions shown in Table 2, wherein the display switching instruction data is also written onto the memory 61. Accordingly, once the English version IC card is connected to the connector 71 on the IC card slot 7, the display data is read from the IC card 6, instead of the ROM 18, the display switching instruction data are transferred to the CPU 17 from the IC card 6, thereby the display data are read from the accessed IC card 6 rather than from the previously mentioned ROM 18.
As can be understood, a plurality of IC cards 6 respectively storing the messages in different languages can be provided to the copying apparatus embodying the present invention. Using these IC cards, the message in specific language determined by a loaded IC card is displayed, once the IC card 6 storing display data of a language a non-Japanese language that is the native language of an operator) is inserted into the slot 7. Once the IC card is unloaded, the display switching signal is no longer transmitted, thereby the display returns to Japanese-version message based on the display data in the ROM 18.
The messages displayed on the display part 32 may include a troubleshooting procedure for paper jamming, other than the messages indicating the conditions of the apparatus and prompts for specific procedures.
Such a troubleshooting procedure for paper jamming is described in the operator's manual, and, accordingly, an operator should read the description in the manual and operate an apparatus once paper jamming occurs. However, the apparatus embodying the present invention is capable of displaying, on the display part 32, messages for a troubleshooting procedure against paper jamming. Yet, storing the display data for the procedure in the memory on the copying apparatus is disadvantageous, because the display data requires substantial memory capacity.
By writing data for displaying the procedure of correcting paper jamming onto an IC card, and by using the IC card as that for troubleshooting against paper jamming, an operator is relieved of a cumbersome procedure of consulting an operator's manual, since the troubleshooting procedure again paper jamming appear on the display part, once the IC card is inserted into the slot 7.
Control data may also be stored on the IC card 6, in addition to the display data. In conventional apparatuses, masking or trimming, for example, is performed by specifying a relevant image area by means of a cumbersome key operation with the operation keys 31. If the control data for masking/trimming are stored on the IC card 6, the masking/trimming operation is readily achieved only by inserting the IC card into the slot, and, at the same time, by specifying the area of masking or trimming, resulting in a simpler operation.
Other examples of the control data include control data for condition setting required for copying a non-standard format, such as a resident card and "Noshi" paper (a paper strip used for a special ceremonial occasion in Japan); and control data for the operation of the apparatus which facilitates the removal of jammed paper upon the occurrence of paper jamming.
Additionally, the IC card may store the display data to be copied on a copying sheet. In a digital copying apparatus, the document reading system is totally independent of the latent image forming/developing system. The document information read by the document reading system is digitized and copied based on a electrophotograpic process by using, for example, a laser. If the display data for such as the names of operators or comments have been stored in the IC card, the display data are printed on a copying sheet by transferring the data to the digital processing system via the connector 71.
The above paragraphs have described the case where the IC card is of a read-only type. It is also possible that data is written onto a similar IC card by manipulating the operation keys 31 on the operation display part on the copying apparatus, in order to prepare a new IC card, and that this card is used for, as previously described, message displaying or operation controlling.
For example, there is a copying apparatus that is intended for simplifying a function-instructing procedure, and such an apparatus comprises an operation display part 3 provided with operation keys 31 that incorporate a plurality of function keys, whereby manipulating still other specific operation keys can endow specific function keys with respective specific functions. Accordingly, this apparatus allows a plural types of pre-defined controlling functions by manipulation of these specific function keys. However, the above-mentioned function endowing procedure is significantly cumbersome, and, additionally, this procedure is compulsorily exercises everytime the apparatus is started.
Correspondingly, the above-mentioned procedure for endowing specific functions to specific function keys is capable of writing the control data onto the IC card loaded in to slot. This arrangement makes it possible that loading the IC card readily endows specific function keys with specific functions.
The examples of another mode of data writing include the writing of frequently used data, onto the IC card, such as copying conditions. In this embodiment, the condition setting which has been otherwise specified prior to every copying operation can be set simply by inserting the IC card into the slot, thus simplifying the operation.
The above paragraphs exclusively have described the IC card which is used as a 16-Kbit or 64-Kbit memory card. If a CPU of 8-bit data configuration or the like is incorporated into the IC card 6, and, at the same time, if operation keys and display part are provided on the surface of the IC card, the display data and control data are written in the IC card by using only the IC card alone. Additionally, the written data are verified on the display part.
According to the apparatus embodying the present invention, the contents of the display data are easily modified, since the display data are stored in the auxiliary external memory unit, thus enabling the easy selection of a language to be used. In addition, the adverse effect of display data modification on the control program is eliminated, if the external memory unit stores display data alone, and not so the control program.

Claims

1. A copying apparatus comprising,
a display means for displaying messages composed of characters or figures;
a data processing means for processing data so as to display the data on said display means;
an external storage means having
a memory unit for storing data to be displayed and
an access means for accessing said memory unit, and
a connection means for connecting with said access means so that said data processing means processes the data stored in said memory unit, said connection means being located at a position accessible from outside so that said external storage means is adapted to be connected or disconnected with said connection means from outside of said apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1,
wherein there is further provided a internal storage means having a address same to that of said external storage means, and
wherein, in the case where said external storage means is connected with said connection means, said data processing means processes the data stored in said external storage means, and while in the case where said external storage means is disconnected with said connection means, said data processing means processes the data stroed in said internal storage means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2,
wherein the data to be displayed is a message for copy operator,
wherein the external storage means stores the message with a language different from that of said internal storage means.

4. The apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said external storage means is shaped in a form of card.

5. The apparatus of claim 1,
wherein said memory unit is a semiconductor memory.