JP2002077478A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To overcome the problem in the prior art such that an operation mode has been shifted to a predetermined setting mode for a fixed time, irrespective of the time, if the operating frequency is low or high every predetermined time, i.e., because of a fixed proceeding time, if the operating time every fixed time is low, the shifting time was long relatively to the operating time to result in a much loss, but if the frequency is high, the shifting time is short relatively to the operating time to result in a loss in worker's jobs. SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus having a means for inputting setting operation mode of an image forming apparatus, an indicator for indicating the setting operation mode, and a control means having a function for shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to a specified setting ode upon lapse of a predetermined time after the last input operation ends, comprises a shifting time determining means for determining the predetermined time every time according to the operating frequency every predetermined time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine, a laser printer, a facsimile, etc., and more particularly to an auto-clear function, an auto-shut-off function, an auto-preheat function,
It relates to a screen save function and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an image forming apparatus is used, an auto clear function, an auto shut off function, an auto preheat function, a screen save function, and the like are set as required by a user. When the predetermined time (auto clear time, auto shut off time, auto preheat time) elapses, the operation setting is automatically returned to the initial setting operation mode in which the most commonly used operation setting is registered, for example. I do.
By doing so, the next operation can be performed by the initial operation setting when used by the next user. The auto clear time is selected by the user according to his preference,
Alternatively, a mode that does not return can be set.

[0003]

However, according to the prior art, in a case where the frequency of use at a predetermined time is low or a frequency of use at a predetermined time is high, a predetermined setting mode is set for a fixed time regardless of time. Had been migrated to. That is, since the transition time is constant, if the frequency of use at each predetermined time is low, the transition time is relatively slow with respect to the frequency of use,
There was much waste. On the other hand, when the frequency of use is high at each predetermined time, the transition time is relatively short with respect to the frequency of use, and the job of the operator is lost.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an input unit for inputting a setting operation mode of an image forming apparatus; An image forming apparatus having a display unit for displaying a mode and a control unit having a function of shifting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to a predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the last input operation has been completed. And a transition time determining means for determining a predetermined time for each time according to a frequency of use for each predetermined time.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transition time is set short when the user wants to use (when the frequency of use is high), and the transition time is set when the user does not use much (when the frequency of use is low). Is set longer so that quick operation can be performed when the frequency of use is high, and energy saving can be achieved when the frequency of use is low.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display for displaying the setting operation mode, and after the last input operation is completed, A control means having an auto-clear function for shifting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed. And an automatic clearing transition time determining means for respectively determining the following.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the user wants to use (when the frequency of use is high), the auto clear transition time is set short, and when the user does not use much (when the frequency of use is low). Since the auto clear transition time is set long, the auto clear is not easily performed when the frequency of use is high, so that quick operation can be performed.
When the frequency of use is low, the automatic clearing is performed early, so that energy can be saved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the predetermined setting mode to be returned is an initial setting operation screen. is there.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined setting mode to be returned is the initial setting operation screen, the user returns to the initial setting screen, so that the operation can be improved.

Next, according to the invention, an input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode, and after the last input operation is completed, A control unit having an auto-shut-off function for turning off the power of the image forming apparatus after a predetermined time elapses, wherein the predetermined time for each time is determined based on the frequency of use at each predetermined time. An image forming apparatus having an automatic shut-off transition time determining means is provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the transition time is set short when the user wants to use (when the frequency of use is high), and when the user does not use much (when the frequency of use is low), the automatic shutdown is performed. Since the off-shift time is set long, it is difficult to use it when the frequency of use is high, so that quick operation can be performed. Can be.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode, and a power supply of the image forming apparatus in an ON state In the image forming apparatus having an auto-preheating function of setting the display unit to a standby state and a control unit having a function of controlling the temperature of the fixing unit while maintaining the display unit,
Auto-preheat transition time determining means for shifting the set operation mode of the image forming apparatus to preheating after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the last input operation according to the usage frequency at each predetermined time, and determining the predetermined time at each time. An image forming apparatus characterized by having:

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the user wants to use (when the frequency of use is high), the auto preheat transition time is set short, and when the user does not use much (when the frequency of use is low), The auto-preheat transition time is set to be long, so if the frequency of use is high, the auto-preheat is not easily performed, so that quick operation can be performed. Can be achieved.

Next, according to the invention, an input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode, and after the last input operation is completed, In the image forming apparatus having a preheating function of shifting the setting operation mode auto of the image forming apparatus to preheating after a predetermined time has elapsed and a control unit having a function of controlling the temperature of the fixing unit, depending on the frequency of use at each predetermined time Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a control temperature determining means for determining a temperature for each time of auto preheating.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the screen save transition time is set short when the user wants to use (when the use frequency is high), and when the user does not use much (when the use frequency is low), The screen save transition time is set long, so when the frequency of use is high, the screen save is not easily performed, so that quick operation can be performed. When the frequency of use is low, the screen save is performed early, so energy saving. Can be achieved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the frequency of use at each predetermined time is the number of times the set operation mode is input. Things.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the use frequency at each predetermined time is the number of times the set operation mode is input, the use frequency can be linearly counted.

Next, according to the invention described in claim 8, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frequency of use at each predetermined time is the total time for inputting the set operation mode. Is what you do.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the use frequency at each predetermined time is the total time for inputting the set operation mode, the use frequency can be linearly counted.

Next, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, at least two or more transition times determined for each time according to the frequency of use for each predetermined time, and the following relational expression B The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: A: auto clear time B: auto shut-off time C: auto preheat time D: screen save time Things.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, each transition time is controlled by the above relational expression.
For the user, smooth operation control is possible.

Next, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention,
At least two or more transition times determined at each time according to the usage frequency at each predetermined time, and the following relational expressions B>C>D> A A: auto clear time B: auto shut-off time The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein C: auto preheat time, D: screen save time.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, each transition time is controlled by the above relational expression.
For the user, smooth operation control is possible.

Next, according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
12. An upper limit value or a lower limit value of a transition time can be input for a transition time determined for each time by a use frequency for each predetermined time. And an image forming apparatus according to (1).

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention,
When the user or the like inputs the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the transition time, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the values may be significantly different from each other, and the user's request may be reduced. The respective transition times can be determined while fulfilling.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus employing the present invention, FIG. 2 is a basic screen of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention, and FIG. 3 employs the present invention. FIG. 4 is a function screen of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a frame erase mode selection screen of the operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention.

The operation section of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the basic screen shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The display unit 1 is an LCD display unit, and serves as a touch panel together with a display. On this screen, you can set magnification, selection of cassette and bypass, setting of both sides, photo mode, exposure and so on. Basic tab 1
When the user touches each of the 11, the scaling tab 131 and the function tab 151, the screen shifts to a setting screen of the function. The basic guidance display unit 112 displays a message such as "Can be copied. 1 (sheet by sheet)" to inform the user. The setting display unit 120 displays the current setting such as “100%, automatic paper”. Others are masked as shown in the figure except for those selected in the settings, so that the current setting operation mode can be easily understood. On this screen, magnification: 100
%, The number of copies: 1, the first cassette in which A4 landscape is set by automatic paper selection is selected, and the exposure is almost at the middle intensity. Photo mode etc. are not selected.

On the right side of the figure, a ten key 2, a stop / clear key 3, an all clear key 4, and a start key 5 are provided. The numeric keypad 2 is used for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies, the stop / clear key 3 is a key for canceling the immediately preceding input, and the all clear key is a key for returning the set operation mode to the initial operation mode with one touch. It is. The start key 5 is used as a copy start key or a key for determining a mode.

When the magnification tab 131 is selected, the screen is switched to the magnification screen shown in FIG. Zoom guidance display section 132
Displays information such as "Please set the magnification." When the release key 133 is selected, the screen returns to the basic screen while returning the input magnification to 100% of the initial magnification. The default scaling keys 134 are A3 → A4, A4R → A5, B4 → B5 based on the document size and paper size, respectively.
70% change, B4 → A4 change 81%, B4 → A
3, B5 → A4, B5 → A4 change 115%, A4 →
The change of A3, A5 → A4, and B5 → B4 is a key for performing the default scaling of 141%. 50% keys 135 and 20
When the 0% key 136 is touched, 50%, 200
The zoom ratio is set to%. The magnification setting display section 137 displays the current magnification. Enlarge key 138 and Reduce key 1
When the user touches or keeps pressing 39, the magnification can be changed in increments of 1%. When the setting key 140 is selected, the screen returns to the basic screen while maintaining the input magnification.

Next, when the function tab 151 is selected, the screen is switched to a function selection screen shown in FIG. The function guidance display section 152 displays information such as "Please select a function." Below that are two-sided keys 153, split keys 154, and a margin key 1 for selecting functions.
55, an OHP interleaf key 156, a sheet key 157, a frame erase key 158, and the like are arranged. The double-sided key 15
When the user selects "3", a double-sided copy mode is set. When the "divide" key 154 is selected, for example, an A3 original is divided into two A4 sheets and copied. When the margin key 155 is selected, the screen is switched to a more detailed screen (not shown), and a margin can be set. When the OHP interleaving key is selected, the OHP sheet is fed from the manual paper feeding unit and copied, and the paper is fed from another cassette to be interleaved. When the sheet key is selected, the screen is switched to a more detailed screen (not shown), and settings such as a front cover, a back cover, and a partition sheet can be made.

When the frame erase key 158 is selected, the screen is switched to a more detailed frame erase mode selection screen 159 as shown in FIG. In the frame erasing mode guidance display section 1591, a message such as "frame erasing copy mode" or "select the type of original" is displayed. Return key 1592
Is selected, the screen returns to the function selection screen 15. A frame erasing width selection key 1593 performs frame erasing of the selected width. When a sheet frame erase key 1594 is selected, a frame around the sheet is erased. When the book frame eraser 1595 is selected, the frame eraser is performed around the paper and near the center in the longitudinal direction of the document. When an arbitrary setting frame erasing key 1596 is selected, the screen is switched to a detailed screen (not shown), and a detailed frame erasing by inputting a numerical value becomes possible.

When the other tab 161 is selected, the screen is switched to a password input screen, a department management screen, a screen such as a fee (not shown).

As described above, the setting operation mode is a simple operation mode that can be set by slightly adjusting the magnification, the number of copies, the exposure, and the like. There are a variety of very complicated setting operation modes for making detailed settings. The present invention allows the user to set an appropriate auto clear time for each of these setting operation modes.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus employing the present invention. Display unit 1 and key input means (2 to 2)
5) is a key input such as the above-mentioned LCD display unit and ten keys and a start key. The control unit 6 is configured by an auto-clear time setting unit 61 for each set operation mode, an auto-clear time determination unit 62, a timer 63, a return unit 64, or the like, or is configured to perform the same operation. . The ROM 7 stores initial setting operation mode data, table data in which the relationship of the auto clear time for each setting operation mode is determined in advance, and other programs. The RAM 8 stores data of the current setting operation mode, setting data of the image forming apparatus, and the like.

The automatic clear time setting means 61, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows a screen for setting the auto clear time for each setting operation mode. In this embodiment, a tab of the basic screen is selected to enter this screen, but a dedicated hardware switch may be provided. On the auto clear time setting screen guidance display section 162 of this screen, a display such as "Please set the time until automatic return when each function is selected." The auto clear time setting screen display section 163 displays which screen is the current screen. The auto-clear time setting key 163 for each set operation mode can change the return time to the initial operation mode after operating the selected operation mode.

The left side of each key is a setting operation mode, which includes simple operations such as magnification and the number of copies, and complex operations such as a frame erasing mode and an OHP interleaving mode. Is displayed. The user selects one of the auto-clear time setting keys 163 for each setting operation mode on this screen, and presses the UP key 167 to sequentially increase the time, and presses the DOWN key 168 to sequentially decrease the time. Pressing the previous function key 165 or the next function key 166 switches to a screen for performing other user settings. The set auto clear time for each set operation mode is stored and held in the RAM 8.

In the first embodiment (claim 1), a function of shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the last input operation has been completed is provided at every predetermined time. And a transition time determining means for determining a predetermined time for each time according to the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus. The processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. . In the drawing, S101, S102... Indicate the numbers of the processing procedures (steps). In S101, A1 to A
Select one of the six. Proceeding to S102, the number of times of use in the selected time zone is counted. Here, for example, from time zone A1 to A6, A1: 0 to 4:00, A2:
4-8 o'clock, A3: 8-12 o'clock, A4: 12-16 o'clock, A
5:16 to 20:00, A6: 20 to 24:00. Further, for example, FIG. Further, in S103, it is determined whether the number of times of use is 20 times or less or 20 times or more. Here, if the number of uses is 20 or less, the transition time is 180
(S) is set (S104), and the process ends. If it is 20 times or more, the process proceeds to S105, and it is determined whether it is 21 to 40 times. If the number of times of use is 21 to 40, the transition time is set to 120 (S) (S106), and the processing ends. If it is 40 times or more, the process proceeds to S107, and it is determined whether it is 41 to 60 times. If the number of uses is 41 to 60 times, the transition time is set to 60 (S) (S10).
7), end. If it is 60 times or more, proceed to S109,
It is determined whether it is zero or not. If the number of uses is 60, the transition time is set to 45 (S) (S11).
0), end. If it does not apply anywhere, S103
And repeat the determination.

In the second embodiment (claim 2), an automatic clear function for shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the last input operation is provided. An image forming apparatus having an automatic clear function transition time determining means for determining a predetermined time for each time according to the frequency of use for each time is described. This will be described with reference to FIG. S201, S202 ... in the figure
... indicate the number of the processing procedure (step). S201
Then, one of A1 to A6 is selected from the current time zone. Proceeding to S202, the number of uses in the selected time zone is counted. Here, for example, from time zone A1 to A
Up to 6, A1: 0 to 4:00, A2: 4 to 8:00, A3: 8 to
12:00, A4: 12-16 o'clock, A5: 16-20 o'clock, A
6: 20 to 24 o'clock. Further, for example, table data is shown in FIG. Further, in S203, the number of uses is
It is determined whether it is less than 20 times or more than 20 times. If the number of uses is equal to or less than 20, the transition time is set to 180 (S) (S204), and the process ends. If more than 20 times,
Proceeding to S205, it is determined whether it is 21 to 40 times. Here, if the number of uses is 21 to 40 times, the transition time is 1
20 (S) is set (S206), and the process ends. 40
If the number of times is equal to or more than the number of times, the process proceeds to S207, and it is determined whether the number of times is 41 to 60 times. Here, if the number of times of use is 41 to 60, the transition time is set to 60 (S) (S207), and the processing ends. If the number is 60 or more, the process proceeds to S209, and it is determined whether the number is 60 or not. Here, if the number of uses is 60, the transition time is set to 45 (S) (S210), and the process ends. If no, the process returns to S203 and repeats the determination.

In the third embodiment (claim 3), the predetermined setting mode to be returned is an initial setting operation screen.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The predetermined setting mode to return is
An initial setting operation screen, for example, a scaling screen (FIG. 3),
This refers to a state in which a transition is made from the function screen (FIG. 4), the others (FIGS. 3 and 4), etc. to the basic screen (FIG. 2) according to the transition time determined. That is, by shifting to the initial setting operation screen (for example, the basic screen (FIG. 2)) according to the determined shift time, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with good handling.

In the fourth embodiment (claim 4), an automatic shut-off function for shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the last input operation, FIG. 9 illustrates an image forming apparatus having an auto-shutoff function transition time determining unit that determines a predetermined time for each time according to a frequency of use for each predetermined time. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. S3 in the figure
01, S302... Indicate the numbers of the processing procedures (steps). Here, for example, from time zone A1 to A6, A
1: 0 to 4 o'clock, A2: 4 to 8 o'clock, A3: 8 to 12 o'clock, A
4: 12-16 o'clock, A5: 16-20 o'clock, A6: 20-
It is 24:00. Further, for example, the table data is stored in FIG.
Shown in In S301, one of A1 to A6 is selected from the current time zone. Proceeding to S302, the number of times of use in the selected time zone is counted. Further, S303
Then, it is determined whether the number of times of use is 20 times or less or 20 times or more. If the number of uses is equal to or less than 20, the transition time is set to 180 (S) (S304), and the processing ends. If it is 20 times or more, the process proceeds to S305, and it is determined whether it is 21 to 40 times. Here, if the number of times of use is 21 to 40, the transition time is set to 120 (S) (S30).
6), end. If it is 40 times or more, proceed to S207,
It is determined whether it is 1 to 60 times. Here, the number of uses is
If 41 to 60 times, the transition time is set to 60 (S) (S307), and the processing ends. If it is 60 times or more, S309
It is determined whether or not it is 60 times. Here, if the number of uses is 60, the transition time is set to 45 (S) (S310), and the process ends. Nowhere, if not applicable,
Returning to S303, the determination is repeated.

In the fifth embodiment (claim 5), an auto-preheat function for shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to a predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the last input operation is provided. Depending on the frequency of use at each time,
An image forming apparatus having an auto-preheat function transition time determining means for determining a predetermined time for each time is described.
0 will be described. In the figure, S401,
S402... Indicate the number of the processing procedure (step).
Here, for example, from time zones A1 to A6, A1: 0
4 o'clock, A2: 4 to 8 o'clock, A3: 8 to 12 o'clock, A4: 12 o'clock
~ 16: 00, A5: 16 ~ 20: 00, A6: 20 ~ 24: 00. Further, for example, table data is shown in FIG.
In S401, one of A1 to A6 is selected from the current time zone. Proceeding to S402, the number of times of use in the selected time zone is counted. Further, in S403, it is determined whether the number of times of use is 20 times or less or 20 times or more. Here, if the number of uses is 20 or less, the transition time is 180
(S) is set (S404), and the processing ends. If it is not less than 20, the process proceeds to S405, and it is determined whether it is 21 to 40 times. Here, if the number of uses is 21 to 40, the transition time is set to 120 (S) (S406), and the processing ends. If it is 40 times or more, the process proceeds to S407, and it is determined whether it is 41 to 60 times. Here, if the number of uses is 41 to 60 times, the transition time is set to 60 (S) (S40).
7), end. If it is 60 times or more, proceed to S409,
It is determined whether it is zero or not. Here, if the number of uses is 60, the transition time is set to 45 (S) (S41).
0), end. If it does not apply anywhere, S403
And repeat the determination.

In the sixth embodiment (claim 6), a screen save function for shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the last input operation has been completed is provided. Depending on the frequency of use at each time,
An image forming apparatus having a screen save function shift time determining means for determining a predetermined time for each time is described.
1 will be described. S501 in the figure
S502 indicate the number of the processing procedure (step).
Here, for example, from time zones A1 to A6, A1: 0
4 o'clock, A2: 4 to 8 o'clock, A3: 8 to 12 o'clock, A4: 12 o'clock
~ 16: 00, A5: 16 ~ 20: 00, A6: 20 ~ 24: 00. Further, for example, table data is shown in FIG.
In S201, one of A1 to A6 is selected from the current time zone. Proceeding to S502, the number of times of use in the selected time zone is counted. Further, in S503, it is determined whether the number of times of use is 20 times or less or 20 times or more. Here, if the number of uses is 20 or less, the transition time is 180
(S) is set (S504), and the processing ends. If it is not less than 20, the process proceeds to S505, and it is determined whether it is 21 to 40 times. Here, if the number of times of use is 21 to 40, the transition time is set to 120 (S) (S506), and the processing ends. If it is 40 times or more, the process proceeds to S507, and it is determined whether it is 41 to 60 times. Here, if the number of uses is 41 to 60 times, the transition time is set to 60 (S) (S50).
7), end. If it is 60 times or more, proceed to S509, 6
It is determined whether it is zero or not. Here, if the number of uses is 60, the transition time is set to 45 (S) (S51).
0), end. If it does not apply anywhere, S503
And repeat the determination.

The seventh embodiment (claim 7) describes the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frequency of use at each predetermined time is the number of times the set operation mode is input. Yes, I will explain. Here, the transition time is determined by the number of times the setting operation mode is input as a parameter for determining the use frequency.

In the eighth embodiment (claim 8), the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frequency of use at each predetermined time is the total time for inputting the set operation mode. This will be explained. Here, the transition time is determined based on the total time for inputting the setting operation mode as a parameter for determining the use frequency.

The ninth embodiment (Claim 9) has at least two or more transition times determined for each time according to the frequency of use for each predetermined time, and the following relational expression B> C >A> DA A: Auto clear time B: Auto shut off time C: Auto preheat time D: Screen save time The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: Yes, and will be described with reference to Table 1. That is, when the table data is used 0 to 20 times as shown in Table 2, B (240 (S))> C (2
10 (S))> A (180 (S))> D (120
(S)), and if the number of times of use is 21 to 40, B
(180 (S))> C (160 (S))> A (120
(S))> D (100 (S)), and the number of uses 41 to 41
In the case of 60 times, B (120 (S))> C (100
(S))> A (60 (S))> D (45 (S)), and B (100
(S))> C (60 (S))> A (45 (S))> D
(30 (S)) is set in advance.

[0047]

[Table 1]

The tenth embodiment (Claim 10) has at least two or more transition times determined for each time according to the frequency of use for each predetermined time, and the following relational expression B> C >D> A A: Auto clear time B: Auto shut off time C: Auto preheat time D: Screen save time The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Yes, and will be described with reference to Table 2. That is, the processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, S201, S202... Indicate the numbers of the processing procedures (steps). As shown in Table 2, when the number of times of use is 0 to 20, B (240 (S))> C
(210 (S))> D (180 (S))> A (120
(S)), and if the number of times of use is 21 to 40, B
(180 (S))> C (160 (S))> D (120
(S))> A (100 (S)), and the number of uses 41 to
In the case of 60 times, B (120 (S))> C (100
(S))> D (60 (S))> A (45 (S)), and B (100
(S))> C (60 (S))> D (45 (S))> A
(30 (S)) is set in advance.

[0049]

[Table 2]

In the eleventh embodiment (claim 11), an upper limit value of the transition time is determined for the transition time determined for each time.
Alternatively, an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a lower limit value can be input, will be described with reference to Tables 3 and 4. For example, if the user sets the upper limit to 180 (S) in advance, all values exceeding 180 (S) in the table data are changed to 180 (S) and rewritten to table data as shown in Table 3. Can be If the user sets the upper limit value to 100 (S) in advance, 100
All values below (S) are changed to 100 (S) and rewritten into table data as shown in Table 4. And according to the new Table 3 or Table 4 which has been changed,
The transition time is determined.

[0051]

[Table 3]

[0052]

[Table 4]

[0053]

According to the present invention, the transition time is set short when the user wants to use (frequent use), and when the user does not use much (frequent use),
Since the transition time is set to be long, quick operation can be performed when the frequency of use is high, and energy saving can be achieved when the frequency of use is low.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus employing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a basic screen of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a magnification screen of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a functional screen of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus employing the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a frame erasing mode selection screen of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus employing the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory screen of an auto clear time setting unit of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the present invention (claim 1);

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the present invention (claim 2);

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the present invention (claim 4);

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the present invention (claim 5);

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the present invention (claim 6);

[Explanation of symbols]

 1; display section (LDC) 2 to 5; key input means 6; control section 61; auto clear time setting means 62; auto clear time determining means 63; timer 64; return means 7;

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) G03G 21/00 384 G03G 21/00 384 398 398 F term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AQ06 HH03 HH11 HJ07 HK19 HN20 HT07 2H027 DA38 DA40 DA44 DA45 ED25 ED30 EE07 EF15 EF16 EJ19 FA35 FB07 FB19 FC02 GA12 GA14 GA20 GA23 GA34 GA59 GB14 ZA01 ZA07 2H033 AA32 CA04 CA05 CA30 CA32 5C062 AA05 AB23 AB40 AB42 AB46 AC05 AC22 AC58

Claims (11)

[Claims] An input unit for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus; a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode;
When a predetermined time elapses after the end of the last input operation, the control unit has a function of shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined setting mode. And a transition time determining means for determining a predetermined time for each time. 2. An input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode,
A control unit having an auto-clear function for shifting the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to the predetermined setting mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the last input operation. An image forming apparatus comprising: an auto clear transition time determining unit that determines a predetermined time for each time according to frequency. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined setting mode to be returned is an initial setting operation screen. 4. An input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode,
A control unit having an auto-shutoff function for turning off the power of the image forming apparatus when a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the last input operation. An image forming apparatus comprising: an auto-shutoff transition time determining unit that determines a predetermined time for each of the automatic shut-off times. 5. An input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode,
In an image forming apparatus having an auto preheating function of setting a display unit to a standby state while maintaining a power supply of the image forming apparatus in a standby state and a control unit having a function of performing temperature control of a fixing unit, Depending on the frequency of use, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the last input operation, the setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus is shifted to preheating, and an auto preheat shift time determining means for determining a predetermined time for each time is provided. Characteristic image forming apparatus. 6. An input means for inputting a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus, a display unit for displaying the setting operation mode,
A control unit having a screen save function of setting a display unit to a screen saver state while maintaining the power of the image forming apparatus in an ON state. An image forming apparatus comprising: a screen save shift time determining unit that shifts a setting operation mode of the image forming apparatus to screen save when a predetermined time elapses after the end and determines a predetermined time for each time. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use frequency at each predetermined time is the number of times the set operation mode is input. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use frequency at each predetermined time is a total time for inputting the set operation mode. 9. At least two or more transition times determined for each time according to the frequency of use for each predetermined time, and the following relational expressions B>C>A> DA A: auto clear time B The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: auto shut-off time C: auto preheat time D: screen save time. 10. At least two or more transition times determined for each time according to the use frequency for each predetermined time, and the following relational expressions B>C>D> A A: auto clear time B The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: auto shut-off time C: auto preheat time D: screen save time. 11. An upper limit value or a lower limit value of a transition time can be input for a transition time determined for each time by a use frequency for each predetermined time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.