JP2004202846A - Image forming apparatus and reservation display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate concealment of a reserved print job and checking of the concealed reserved print job. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus with a print-job reserving function is equipped with: a reservation display control means 1 for generating management information including approval and disapproval of the display of the reserved print job; reservation display means 1 and 20 which display identification information on the reserved print job permitted to be displayed, and display the presence of the identification information on the reserved print job unpermitted to be displayed, while suspending the display of information on the identification of the reserved print job unpermitted to be displayed; means 84-86 for specifying one of the reserved print jobs to be displayed; means 95, 88 and 89 for providing instructions on the display of the information on the specified reserved print job; a means 1 for verifying and determining the propriety of the instructions on the display in the disapproval of the display of the specified reserved print job; and information display means 1 and 20 which display the information on the approval of the display of the specified reserved print job in the approval thereof, and display the information on the appropriateness of the instructions on the display only in the case of the appropriateness thereof as the result of verification and determination in the disapproval of the display. The information on the display of the reserved print job is the management information, a reserved printed image or printing setting information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a reservation printing function and a reservation display device used therefor, for example, can be used for a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and the reservation display device can also be used for a personal computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Each of the copying machine, the printer, and the facsimile is provided with an image processing device and an image memory, or is connected to a personal computer so that an image read by an imaging device such as a scanner or a digital camera can be used. All of them are included in the expression "image" below), and advanced functions for printing out facsimile-received images and the like are progressing, and a large amount of images are accumulated and edited as necessary. The number of image forming apparatuses, image processing systems, or document management systems having a storage function for printing out is increasing. Accordingly, the use of a reservation function for reserving another print job while one print job is being executed is increasing. In both the printout of the stored image and the print reservation function, confidentiality of the confidential image becomes a problem.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-292329 discloses that a facsimile-received image, an image of a personal computer, or an image read by a scanner is stored in a mailbox allocated to a hard disk. Is entered, the box No. is entered. A list of images with low confidentiality is displayed on the operation unit, the user selects a confidential document key, enters a password, and if verification is appropriate, displays all confidential document names, and specifies output. An image input / output control (FIG. 7) for printing out a document that has been disclosed is disclosed.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-105690 discloses that a header of a print job for printing a document of a computer is analyzed by a printer controller, and if the document needs to be kept secret, an ID and a secret code are assigned to the document and the print job is assigned. A printing system that stores the print job in a storage device and gives the print job to a printer only when the ID and the password are input is disclosed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-314649 has a keyword table and a password table, and prints an image in a spool corresponding to a department name only when a department name and a password registered therein are input. A combination of a computer, a print server, and a printer that can be output is disclosed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Each of the above Patent Documents 1 to 3 is a system for processing image storage and printout, and does not present any technique relating to confidentiality of print reservation information in print reservation. It is assumed that current image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimile machines have a reservation function or are connected to a network, so that there is a case where a plurality of operators share the image forming apparatus. There are many. In such a case, a reservation list function for displaying information such as a printing order, which is useful for knowing the degree of the print job and the time zone in which printing can be performed, is useful. The reservation list function is also useful for specifying a reservation job when changing the contents of a reservation or canceling a reservation. However, when printing a confidential document with such an image forming apparatus, the printing itself and the information itself displayed on the reservation list are easily known to others.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to facilitate concealment of a reserved print job and confirmation of the confidential reserved print job.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) Image printing means (100), image storage means (MEM / HDD), input means (20 / PC) for specifying print setting information, and reservation specifying means (20 / PC: 81 of 80g in FIG. 6) ) And hold the reserved print job designated by the input means and the reservation designating means, and when the image printing means finishes the preceding print job, instruct the image printing means (100) to execute the reserved print job. Print instruction control means (1),
Scheduled display control means (1: FIG. 8) for generating management information including whether or not to display a scheduled print job;
The display (79) displays information for specifying the reserved print job to be displayed, the display of the information for specifying the reserved print job not to be displayed is displayed, and the presence is displayed. 80i);
Means for designating one of the reserved print jobs displayed by the reserved display means (20: 84-86 of 80i in FIG. 16);
Means (20: 95, 88, 89 of 80i in FIG. 16) for instructing the display of the information of the reserved print job designated by the designating means (84 to 86);
A means (1) for collating and determining whether the display instruction is appropriate if the reserved print job designated by the designation means (84-86) and instructed to display the information by the display instruction means (95, 88, 89) is non-display. 12, 101 to 105 of FIG. 12, 111 to 115 of FIG. 13, 131 to 135 of FIG. 14, 90, 91 of 80j of FIG. 17); and
The reserved print job designated by the designation means (84 to 86) and instructed to display information by the display instruction means (95, 88, 89) displays the information on the display (79) if it is a display, Information display means (20, 1: 101 to 106 in FIG. 12, 101 to 106 in FIG. 13, 111 to 116 in FIG. 13, only when the judgment result of the collation judging means is appropriate when the display is not displayed. 14 131-136);
An image forming apparatus comprising:
[0009]
In addition, in order to facilitate understanding, in the parentheses, symbols or equivalents of the corresponding elements or corresponding items of the embodiment shown in the drawings and described below are added for reference as examples. The same applies to the following.
[0010]
According to this, the information for specifying the reserved print job for which the reservation display control means (1: FIG. 8) has generated the management information that is not displayed is not displayed on the display (79). Can be concealed. However, since its existence is displayed, the user who has reserved the reserved print job designates it by the designation means (84 to 86) and instructs the display instruction means (95, 88, 89) to display the information. it can. Upon receiving this instruction, the collation determination means (1) determines whether the display instruction is appropriate. The information display means (20, 1) displays the information on the display (79) if the scheduled print job indicated to be displayed is a display, and if the judgment result of the collation judgment means is appropriate if it is not displayed. Only that information is displayed on the display (79).
[0011]
Therefore, when the reserved person displays the confidential reserved print job on the list, it is considered that the information that the user wants most to know is the execution order of the print job, but whether or not the confidential reserved print job belongs to the reserved person. Can be confirmed only by the reservation person. That is, even for a reserved print job that is not displayed, the reserving person individually reconfirms the contents, reconfirms the order of the reservation order, or changes the print setting information as necessary. Changes can be made, such as canceling a reservation. The confidentiality of the reserved print job and the confirmation of the confidential reserved print job are facilitated.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(2) The display instruction means (95, 88, 89) includes management information display instruction means (95) for instructing display of management information of the reserved print job; The management information is displayed on a display (79) (FIG. 12); the image forming apparatus according to the above (1).
[0013]
According to this, when the reserving person designates a reserved print job for which no information is displayed but has a presence display by the designation means (84 to 86) and the management information display instructing means (95), and the designation is given, the designation is made. The management information of the reserved print job of the presence display is displayed on the display. As a result, the reserving person knows that the printing job has been reserved by himself and can reconfirm the contents of the management information.
[0014]
(3) The display instruction means (95, 88, 89) includes image display instruction means (88 of 80i in FIG. 16) for instructing display of a print target image of the reserved print job; 1) The image to be printed (FIG. 18) is displayed on the display (79) (111 to 116 in FIG. 13); the image forming apparatus according to the above (1) or (2).
[0015]
According to this, when the reserving person designates a reserved print job which has no information displayed but has a presence display by the designation means (84 to 86) and the image display instructing means (88) and instructs the display, the designated existence is specified. The print target image (FIG. 18) of the reserved print job for display is displayed on the display (79). This allows the subscriber to know that it is the print job he has reserved.
[0016]
(4) The display instructing means (95, 88, 89) includes setting information display instructing means (89 of 80i in FIG. 16) for instructing display of print setting information (FIG. 19) of the reserved print job; The display means (20, 1) displays the print setting information (FIG. 19) on the display (79) (131 to 136 in FIG. 14); the image forming apparatus according to (1) or (2).
[0017]
According to this, when the reserving person designates a reserved print job in which no information is displayed but a presence display is indicated by the designation means (84 to 86) and the setting information display instructing means (89), the designation is made. The print setting information (FIG. 19) of the reserved print job of the presence display is displayed on the display (79). This allows the reserving person to determine whether it is a print job he has reserved.
[0018]
(5) The information display means (20, 1) performs the reserved printing in response to the change designation of the input means (20 / PC) for designating the print setting information with respect to the print setting information (FIG. 19) displayed by the information display means (20, 1). The image forming apparatus according to (4), wherein the print setting information of the job is changed. According to this, the reservation person can easily change the print setting information of the reserved print job.
[0019]
(6) The information display means (20, 1) erases the display when the set time has elapsed after displaying the information of the reserved print job, which is not displayed, on the display (79) (107-108a in FIG. 12). -109-108b, 117-122 in FIG. 13, 137-150 in FIG. 14, and the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above (1) to (5).
[0020]
According to this, even if the reserver forgets to return the information of the confidential reserved print job to non-display, the information is automatically returned to non-display. The confidentiality of the information of the reserved print job is high.
[0021]
(7) The information display means (20, 1) displays the print setting information of the reserved print job, which is not displayed, on the display (79), starts a timer for a setting time limit (Th), and designates the print setting information. The image forming apparatus according to (5), wherein the timer is restarted when there is an input from the input means (20 / PC), and when the timer expires, the display of the print setting information is deleted.
[0022]
According to this, even if the reserver forgets to return the print setting information of the confidential reserved print job to non-display, the print setting information is automatically returned to non-display. The confidentiality of the information of the reserved print job is high. Moreover, if there is an input from the input means (20 / PC) for designating the print setting information, the timer is restarted. The workability of the worker is not impaired.
[0023]
(8) When the reservation display control means (1: FIGS. 8 and 7) specifies a reservation print job by the input means (20 / PC) and the reservation specification means (20 / PC: 81 of 80g in FIG. 6) The identification information (password) input by the user to the reserved print job as management information (additional password) not to be displayed (64 in FIG. 8);
[0024]
When a user (reserved person) adds a password when reserving a print job, the reserved job is not displayed. Therefore, the user can set the secrecy of the reserved print job at his own discretion for each print job.
[0025]
(9) The non-display management information is the confidential print designation input by the user when the reserved print job is designated by the input means (20 / PC) and the reservation designation means (20 / PC: 81 of 80g in FIG. 6). (Confidentiality management printing, confidential printing); the image forming apparatus according to the above (1).
[0026]
The printing to which the confidential printing designation (confidentiality management printing, confidential printing) is added requires the confidentiality of the image itself. In this case, the information of the reserved print job is automatically concealed, so that it is difficult for others to recognize that there is a confidential image print reservation, which is useful for concealment of the confidential image.
[0027]
(10) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the display-non-management information includes a confidential user code added to the image of the reserved print job. An image to which a confidential user code for limiting a person or a department who can handle the image also requires confidentiality of the image itself. In this case, the information of the reserved print job is automatically concealed, so that it is difficult for others to recognize that there is a confidential image print reservation, which is useful for concealment of the confidential image.
[0028]
(11) Image printing means (100), image storage means (MEM / HDD), input means (20 / PC) for designating print setting information, and reservation designating means (20 / PC: 81 of 80g in FIG. 6) ) And hold the reserved print job designated by the input means and the reservation designating means, and when the image printing means finishes the preceding print job, instruct the image printing means (100) to execute the reserved print job. A reservation display device used for an image forming apparatus comprising: a print instruction control means (1);
Scheduled display control means (1: FIG. 8) for generating management information including whether or not to display a scheduled print job;
The display (79) displays information for specifying the reserved print job to be displayed, the display of the information for specifying the reserved print job not to be displayed is displayed, and the presence is displayed. 80i);
Means for designating one of the reserved print jobs displayed by the reserved display means (20: 84-86 of 80i in FIG. 16);
Means (20: 95, 88, 89 of 80i in FIG. 16) for instructing the display of the information of the reserved print job designated by the designating means (84 to 86);
A means (1) for collating and determining whether the display instruction is appropriate if the reserved print job designated by the designation means (84-86) and instructed to display the information by the display instruction means (95, 88, 89) is non-display. 12, 101 to 105 of FIG. 12, 111 to 115 of FIG. 13, 131 to 135 of FIG. 14, 90, 91 of 80j of FIG. 17); and
The reserved print job designated by the designation means (84 to 86) and instructed to display information by the display instruction means (95, 88, 89) displays the information on the display (79) if it is a display, Information display means (20, 1: 101 to 106 in FIG. 12, 101 to 106 in FIG. 13, 111 to 116 in FIG. 13, only when the judgment result of the collation judging means is appropriate when the display is not displayed. 14 131-136);
A reservation display device comprising:
[0029]
According to this, the information for specifying the reserved print job for which the reservation display control means (1: FIG. 8) has generated the management information that is not displayed is not displayed on the display (79), and thus the reserved print job is specified. Information can be concealed. However, since its existence is displayed, the user who has reserved the reserved print job designates it by the designation means (84 to 86) and instructs the display instruction means (95, 88, 89) to display the information. it can. Upon receiving this instruction, the collation determination means (1) determines whether the display instruction is appropriate. The information display means (20, 1) displays the information on the display (79) if the scheduled print job indicated to be displayed is a display, and if the judgment result of the collation judgment means is appropriate if it is not displayed. Only that information is displayed on the display (79).
[0030]
Therefore, when the reserved person displays the confidential reserved print job on the list, it is considered that the information that the user wants most to know is the execution order of the print job, but whether or not the confidential reserved print job belongs to the reserved person. Can be confirmed only by the reservation person. That is, even for a reserved print job that is not displayed, the reserving person individually reconfirms the contents, reconfirms the order of the reservation order, or changes the print setting information as necessary. Changes can be made, such as canceling a reservation. The confidentiality of the reserved print job and the confirmation of the confidential reserved print job are facilitated.
[0031]
(12) The display instruction means (95, 88, 89) includes management information display instruction means (95) for instructing display of management information of the reserved print job; The management information is displayed on the display (79) (FIG. 12); the reservation display device described in (11) above.
[0032]
According to this, when the reserving person designates a reserved print job for which no information is displayed but has a presence display by the designation means (84 to 86) and the management information display instructing means (95), and the designation is given, the designation is made. The management information of the reserved print job of the presence display is displayed on the display. As a result, the reserving person knows that the printing job has been reserved by himself and can reconfirm the contents of the management information.
[0033]
(13) The display instruction means (95, 88, 89) includes image display instruction means (88 of 80i in FIG. 16) for instructing display of a print target image of the reserved print job; 1) The print target image (FIG. 18) is displayed on the display (79) (111 to 116 in FIG. 13); the reservation display device according to the above (11) or (12).
[0034]
According to this, when the reserving person designates a reserved print job which has no information displayed but has a presence display by the designation means (84 to 86) and the image display instructing means (88) and instructs the display, the designated existence is specified. The print target image (FIG. 18) of the reserved print job for display is displayed on the display (79). This allows the subscriber to know that it is the print job he has reserved.
[0035]
(14) The display instruction means (95, 88, 89) includes setting information display instruction means (89 of 80i in FIG. 16) for instructing display of print setting information (FIG. 19) of the reserved print job; The display means (20, 1) displays the print setting information (FIG. 19) on the display (79) (131 to 136 in FIG. 14); the reservation display device according to (11) or (12).
[0036]
According to this, when the reserving person designates a reserved print job in which no information is displayed but a presence display is indicated by the designation means (84 to 86) and the setting information display instructing means (89), the designation is made. The print setting information (FIG. 19) of the reserved print job of the presence display is displayed on the display (79). This allows the reserving person to determine whether it is a print job he has reserved.
[0037]
(15) The information display means (20, 1) performs the reserved printing in response to a change designation of the input means (20 / PC) for designating the print setting information with respect to the print setting information (FIG. 19) displayed thereon. The print setting information of the job is changed; the reservation display device according to (14). According to this, the reservation person can easily change the print setting information of the reserved print job.
[0038]
(16) The information display means (20, 1) erases the display when the set time has elapsed after displaying the information of the reserved print job which is not displayed on the display (79) (107-108a in FIG. 12). -109-108b, 117 to 122 in FIG. 13, 137 to 150 in FIG. 14, and the reservation display device according to any one of the above (11) to (15).
[0039]
According to this, even if the reserver forgets to return the information of the confidential reserved print job to non-display, the information is automatically returned to non-display. The confidentiality of the information of the reserved print job is high.
[0040]
(17) The information display means (20, 1) displays the print setting information of the reserved print job, which is not displayed, on the display (79), starts a timer for the setting time limit (Th), and designates the print setting information. The reservation display device according to (15), wherein the timer is restarted when there is an input from the input means (20 / PC), and when the timer expires, the display of the print setting information is deleted.
[0041]
According to this, even if the reserver forgets to return the print setting information of the confidential reserved print job to non-display, the print setting information is automatically returned to non-display. The confidentiality of the information of the reserved print job is high. Moreover, if there is an input from the input means (20 / PC) for designating the print setting information, the timer is restarted. The workability of the worker is not impaired.
[0042]
(18) When the reservation display control means (1: FIGS. 8 and 7) designates a reservation print job by the input means (20 / PC) and the reservation designation means (20 / PC: 81 of 80g in FIG. 6) The reservation display device according to (11), wherein the identification information (password) input by the user is added to the reserved print job as management information (additional password) not to be displayed (64 in FIG. 8).
[0043]
If a user (reserved person) adds a password when reserving a print job, the reserved job is not displayed. Therefore, the user can set the secrecy of the reserved print job at his own discretion for each print job.
[0044]
(19) The management information that is not displayed is the confidential print designation input by the user when the reservation print job is designated by the input means (20 / PC) and the reservation designation means (20 / PC: 81 of 80g in FIG. 6). (Security management printing, confidential printing); the reservation display device according to (1) above.
[0045]
The printing to which the confidential printing designation (confidentiality management printing, confidential printing) is added requires the confidentiality of the image itself. In this case, the information of the reserved print job is automatically concealed, so that it is difficult for others to recognize that there is a confidential image print reservation, which is useful for concealment of the confidential image.
[0046]
(20) The reservation display device according to (11), wherein the non-display management information includes a confidential user code added to an image of the reserved print job. An image to which a confidential user code for limiting a person or a department who can handle the image also requires confidentiality of the image itself. In this case, the information of the reserved print job is automatically concealed, so that it is difficult for others to recognize that there is a confidential image print reservation, which is useful for concealment of the confidential image.
[0047]
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[0048]
【Example】
FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a multifunction full-color digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The full-color copying machine generally includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 30, an operation board 20, a color scanner 10, a color printer 100, and a paper feed bank 35. A finisher 34 with a tray on which a stapler and an imaged sheet can be stacked, a double-sided drive unit 33, and a large-capacity paper feed tray 36 are mounted on the printer 100.
[0049]
A LAN (Local Area Network) to which a personal computer PC is connected is connected to the in-machine image data processing device ACP (FIG. 3), and a telephone line PN (facsimile communication line) is connected to the facsimile control unit FCU (FIG. 3). Is connected to the exchange PBX. The printed paper of the color printer 100 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 108 or the finisher 34.
[0050]
FIG. 2 shows a mechanism of the color printer 100. The color printer 100 of this embodiment is a laser printer. In the laser printer 100, four sets of toner image forming units for forming images of each color of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (black: K) are arranged in a moving direction of the transfer paper. (From the lower right in the figure to the upper left y), they are arranged in this order. That is, it is a four-drum type full-color image forming apparatus.
[0051]
These magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) toner image forming units include photoconductor units 110M, 110C, 110Y having photoconductor drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K, respectively. 110K and developing units 120M, 120C, 120Y and 120K. The arrangement of the toner image forming units is such that the rotation axes of the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y and 111K in each photosensitive unit are parallel to the horizontal x-axis (main scanning direction), and the transfer paper It is set so as to be arranged at a predetermined pitch in the moving direction y (sub-scanning direction).
[0052]
In addition to the toner image forming unit, the laser printer 100 carries a laser exposure unit 102 by laser scanning, paper feed cassettes 103 and 104, a pair of registration rollers 105, and a transfer paper to transfer each toner image forming unit. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt unit 106 having a transfer conveyance belt 160 that conveys the sheet so as to pass through the position, a fixing unit 107 of a belt fixing type, a sheet discharge tray 108, a two-sided drive (surface reversal) unit 33, and the like. The laser printer 100 also includes a manual tray, a toner supply container, a waste toner bottle, and the like (not shown).
[0053]
The laser exposure unit 102 includes laser light emitters 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K, a polygon mirror, an f-θ lens, a reflection mirror, and the like. Based on image data, the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K is formed. The laser beam is irradiated while being swung and scanned in the x direction.
[0054]
The dashed line on FIG. 2 indicates the transfer path of the transfer paper. The transfer paper fed from the paper feed cassettes 103 and 104 is conveyed by conveyance rollers while being guided by a conveyance guide (not shown), and is sent to the registration roller pair 105. The transfer paper sent to the transfer / conveyance belt 160 at a predetermined timing by the registration roller pair 105 is carried by the transfer / conveyance belt 160 and conveyed so as to pass through the transfer position of each toner image forming unit.
[0055]
The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K of the respective toner image forming units are transferred to transfer paper carried and conveyed by the transfer / conveyance belt 160, and a superimposition of color toner images, that is, a color image is formed. The formed transfer paper is sent to the fixing unit 107. That is, the transfer is a direct transfer system in which a toner image is directly transferred onto a transfer sheet. When passing through the fixing unit 107, the toner image is fixed on the transfer paper. The transfer paper on which the toner image has been fixed is discharged or fed to the discharge tray 108, the finisher 36, or the double-sided drive unit 33.
[0056]
The outline of the yellow Y toner image forming unit will be described below. Other toner image forming units have the same configuration as that of yellow Y. The yellow Y toner image forming unit includes the photoconductor unit 110Y and the developing unit 120Y as described above. The photoconductor unit 110Y includes, in addition to the photoconductor drum 111Y, a brush roller that applies a lubricant to the surface of the photoconductor drum, a swingable blade that cleans the surface of the photoconductor drum, and a static elimination lamp that irradiates light to the surface of the photoconductor drum. And a non-contact type charging roller for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum.
[0057]
In the photoconductor unit 110Y, the laser beam L modulated based on the print data and deflected by the polygon mirror by the laser exposure unit 102 is applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 111Y uniformly charged by the charging roller to which the AC voltage is applied. Is irradiated while being scanned, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111Y. The electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 11IY is developed by the developing unit 20Y to be a yellow Y toner image. At the transfer position where the transfer paper on the transfer conveyance belt 160 passes, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11IY is transferred to the transfer paper. After the toner image is transferred, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 111Y is coated with a predetermined amount of lubricant by a brush roller, is cleaned by a blade, and is discharged by light emitted from a discharge lamp. It is provided for the formation of an electrostatic latent image.
[0058]
The developing unit 120Y contains a two-component developer containing a magnetic carrier and a negatively charged toner. The developing case 120Y includes a developing roller disposed so as to be partially exposed from the opening on the photosensitive drum side, a conveying screw, a doctor blade, a toner density sensor, a powder pump, and the like. The developer contained in the developing case is frictionally charged by being agitated and transported by the transport screw. Then, a part of the developer is carried on the surface of the developing roller. The doctor blade uniformly regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the surface of the developing roller, and the toner in the developer on the surface of the developing roller is transferred to the photosensitive drum, thereby forming a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. Appears on drum 111Y. The toner density of the developer in the developing case is detected by a toner density sensor. When the density is insufficient, the powder pump is driven to supply toner.
[0059]
The transfer conveyance belt 160 of the transfer belt unit 106 is connected to four grounded stretching rollers so as to pass through respective transfer positions in contact with and facing the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y and 111K of each toner image forming unit. It is hung around. One of the stretching rollers is 109. Of these tension rollers, an electrostatic attraction roller to which a predetermined voltage is applied is disposed so as to face an entrance roller on the upstream side in the transfer sheet moving direction indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow. The transfer paper that has passed between these two rollers is electrostatically attracted onto the transfer / conveying belt 160. The exit roller on the downstream side in the transfer paper moving direction is a drive roller that frictionally drives the transfer conveyance belt, and is connected to a drive source (not shown). In addition, a bias roller to which a predetermined cleaning voltage is applied from a power supply is arranged so as to come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transfer conveyance belt 160. The bias roller removes foreign matters such as toner adhered to the transfer / conveying belt 160.
[0060]
Further, a transfer bias applying member is provided so as to be in contact with the back surface of the transfer conveyance belt 160 forming a contact opposing portion that opposes the photoconductor drums 111M, 111C, 111Y and 111K. These transfer bias applying members are fixed brushes made of Mylar, and a transfer bias is applied from each transfer bias power supply. By the transfer bias applied by the transfer bias applying member, transfer charges are applied to the transfer / conveyance belt 160, and a transfer electric field having a predetermined intensity is formed between the transfer / conveyance belt 160 and the surface of the photosensitive drum at each transfer position. .
[0061]
The sheet on which the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K are transferred by the transfer and transfer belt 160 is sent to the fixing device 107, where the toner image is heated and pressed to form a sheet. Is heat-fixed. After the heat fixing, the sheet is sent to the finisher 34 from a discharge port 34ot to the finisher 34 on the upper portion of the left side plate. Alternatively, the paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 108 on the upper surface of the printer body.
[0062]
Of the four photosensitive drums, the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, and 111Y for forming a magenta image, a cyan image, and a yellow image are one electric motor (color drum motor; color drum motor) for driving a color drum (not shown). M: not shown), and is driven at a one-step speed reduction via a power transmission system and a speed reducer (not shown). The photosensitive drum 111K for forming a black image is driven by one electric motor (K drum motor: not shown) for driving the black drum at a one-step speed reduction via a power transmission system and a speed reducer (not shown). You. Further, the transfer conveyance belt 160 is rotated by driving a transfer drive roller via a power transmission system by the K drum motor. Accordingly, the K drum motor drives the K photoconductor drum 11K and the transfer / transport belt 60, and the color drum motor drives the M, C, Y photoconductor drums 11M, 11C, 11Y.
[0063]
The K developing device 120K is driven by an electric motor (not shown) driving the fixing unit 107 via a power transmission system and a clutch (not shown). The M, C, Y developing units 120M, 120C, 120Y are electric motors (not shown) for driving the registration rollers 105, and are driven via a power transmission system and a clutch (not shown). The developing units 120M, 120C, 120Y, 120K are not always driven, but receive drive transmission by the clutch so that they can be driven at a predetermined timing.
[0064]
FIG. 1 is referred to again. The finisher 34 has a stacker tray, that is, a stacking and lowering tray 34hs and a sort tray group 34st, and a stacker discharging mode for discharging paper (printed paper and transferred paper) to the stacking and lowering tray 34hs, and a paper discharging mode to the sort tray group 34st. It has a sorter discharge mode.
[0065]
The paper fed from the printer 100 to the finisher 34 is conveyed in the upper left direction, passes through an inverted U-shaped conveyance path, switches the conveyance direction downward, and then discharges the paper in the stacker according to the set mode. In the mode, the sheet is discharged from the discharge port to the loading and lowering tray 34hs. In the sorter discharge mode, the sheet currently discharged in the sorter tray group 34st is discharged to the assigned sorter tray.
[0066]
When the sorter paper discharge mode is designated, the paper discharge controller in the finisher drives the sort tray group 34st placed at the lowermost stacking retract position to the use position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Increase the interval. In the sorter discharge mode, one copy (or one copy) of the set number of copies or prints is performed. When the sorter discharge mode is set for the set sort, each transfer sheet on which the same original (image) is printed is sorted into the sort tray group 34st. Sorted and stored in each tray. When the sorter discharge mode is set for page sorting, each tray is assigned to each page (image), and each transfer sheet on which the same page is printed is stacked on one sort tray.
[0067]
FIG. 3 shows a system configuration of an image processing system of the copying machine shown in FIG. In this system, a color document scanner 12 including a reading unit 11 and an image data output I / F (Interface) 12 is connected to an image data interface control CDIC (hereinafter simply referred to as CDIC) of an image data processing apparatus ACP. I have. A color printer 100 is also connected to the image data processing device ACP. The color printer 100 receives recording image data from the image data processor IPP (Image Processing Processor; hereinafter simply referred to as IPP) of the image data processing device ACP to the write I / F 134 and prints out the image at the image forming unit 135. . The image forming unit 135 is as shown in FIG.
[0068]
The image data processing device ACP (hereinafter simply referred to as ACP) includes a parallel bus Pb, an image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC), a memory module which is an image memory (hereinafter simply referred to as MEM), a nonvolatile memory And a system controller 1, a RAM 4, a non-volatile memory 5, a font ROM 6, a CDIC, an IPP, and the like. The facsimile control unit FCU (hereinafter simply referred to as FCU) is connected to the parallel bus Pb. The operation board 20 is connected to the system controller 1.
[0069]
The reading unit 11 of the color document scanner 10 for reading a document optically converts the reflected light of the lamp irradiation on the document by a CCD on a sensor board unit SBU (hereinafter simply referred to as SBU) by CCD, and converts the reflected light into R, G , B image signals are converted to RGB image data by an A / D converter, corrected for shading, and sent to a CDIC via an output I / F 12.
[0070]
The CDIC performs image data transfer between the original scanner 10 (output I / F 12), the parallel bus Pb, and the IPP, and communication between the process controller 131 and the system controller 1 that controls the entire ACP. The RAM 132 is used as a work area of the process controller 131, and the ROM 133 stores an operation program of the process controller 131 and the like.
[0071]
The image memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC) controls writing / reading of image data and control data to / from the MEM and the HDD. The system controller 1 controls the operation of each component connected to the parallel bus Pb. The RAM 4 is used as a work area of the system controller 1, and the nonvolatile memory 5 stores an operation program of the system controller 1 and the like.
[0072]
The operation board 20 indicates a process to be performed by the ACP. For example, the type of process (copying, facsimile transmission, image reading, printing, etc.), the number of processes, and the like are input. Thereby, the input of the image data control information can be performed.
[0073]
The image data read by the reading unit 11 of the scanner 10 is subjected to shading correction 210 by the SBU of the scanner 10, and then to image processing for correcting reading distortion such as scanner gamma correction and filter processing by IPP. Store in MEM or HDD. When printing out the image data of the MEM or HDD, the IPP performs color conversion of RGB signals to YMCK signals and performs image quality processing such as printer gamma conversion, gradation conversion, and gradation processing such as dither processing or error diffusion processing. Do it. The image data after the image quality processing is transferred from the IPP to the write I / F 134. The write I / F 134 performs laser control on the signal subjected to the gradation processing by pulse width and power modulation. Thereafter, the image data is sent to the image forming unit 135, and the image forming unit 135 forms a reproduced image on transfer paper.
[0074]
The IMAC controls the access of the image data and the MEM or the HDD based on the control of the system controller 1, develops the print data of a personal computer PC (hereinafter simply referred to as PC) connected to the LAN, and loads the MEM and the HDD. Compression / expansion of image data for effective use.
[0075]
The image data sent to the IMAC is stored in the MEM or HDD after data compression, and the stored image data is read out as needed. The read image data is expanded, returned to the original image data, and returned from the IMAC to the CDIC via the parallel bus Pb. After the transfer from the CDIC to the IPP, the image is processed and output to the write I / F 134, and the image forming unit 135 forms a reproduced image on transfer paper.
[0076]
In the flow of image data, the function of the digital multifunction peripheral is realized by the bus control by the parallel bus Pb and the CDIC. Facsimile transmission is performed by performing image processing on read image data by IPP and transferring the data to the FCU via the CDIC and the parallel bus Pb. The FCU converts the data into a communication network and transmits it to the public line PN as facsimile data. Facsimile reception is performed by converting line data from the public line PN into image data by the FCU and transferring it to the IPP via the parallel bus Pb and CDIC. In this case, the image is output from the writing I / F 134 without performing any special image quality processing, and the image forming unit 135 forms a reproduced image on transfer paper.
[0077]
In a situation where a plurality of jobs, for example, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a printer output function operate in parallel, the right to use the reading unit 11, the imaging unit 135, and the parallel bus Pb is assigned to the job by the system controller 1 and the process. Control is performed by the controller 131. The process controller 131 controls the flow of image data, the system controller 1 controls the entire system, and manages the activation of each resource. The function selection of the digital multi-function peripheral is performed on the operation board 20, and the processing contents such as the copy function and the facsimile function are set by the selection input of the operation board 20.
[0078]
The system controller 1 and the process controller 131 communicate with each other via the parallel bus Pb, the CDIC, and the serial bus Sb. Specifically, communication between the system controller 1 and the process controller 131 is performed by performing data format conversion for data and interface between the parallel bus Pb and the serial bus Sb in the CDIC.
[0079]
Various bus interfaces, for example, a parallel bus I / F 7, a serial bus I / F 9, a local bus I / F 3, and a network I / F 8, are connected to the IMAC. The controller unit 1 is connected to related units via a plurality of types of buses in order to maintain independence in the entire ACP.
[0080]
The system controller 1 controls other functional units via the parallel bus Pb. The parallel bus Pb is used for transferring image data. The system controller 1 issues an operation control command to the IMAC to store the image data in the MEM. This operation control command is transmitted from the IMAC and the parallel bus I / F.
7. Sent via the parallel bus Pb.
[0081]
In response to this operation control command, the image data is sent from the CDIC to the IMAC via the parallel bus Pb and the parallel bus I / F7. Then, the image data is stored in the MEM or the HDD under the control of the IMAC.
[0082]
On the other hand, the system controller 1 of the ACP functions as a printer controller, a network controller, and a serial bus controller in the case of calling from a PC as a printer function. In case of network connection, IMAC is network I / F
8, print output request data is received.
[0083]
In the case of a general-purpose serial bus connection, the IMAC receives print output request data via the serial bus I / F 9. The general-purpose serial bus I / F 9 corresponds to a plurality of types of standards, for example, an interface of a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), 1284, or 1394.
[0084]
Print output request data from the PC is developed into image data by the system controller 1. The deployment destination is an area in the MEM. Font data necessary for development can be obtained by referring to the font ROM 6 via the local bus I / F 3 and the local bus Rb. The local bus Rb connects the controller 1 to the nonvolatile memory 5 and the RAM 4.
[0085]
As for the serial bus Sb, besides the external serial port 2 for connection with the PC, there is also an interface for transfer with the operation board 20 which is the operation unit of the ACP. It communicates with the system controller 1 via IMAC instead of print development data, accepts processing procedures, displays system status, and the like.
[0086]
Data transmission / reception between the system controller 1 and the MEM, HDD, and various buses is performed via the IMAC. Jobs that use the MEM and HDD are centrally managed in the entire ACP.
[0087]
FIG. 4 shows a circuit block of the operation board 20. The operation board 20 includes a liquid crystal touch panel (hereinafter, also referred to as a liquid crystal display or a display) 79 having a surface display function and an input reading function, an operation key matrix 271, a display LED (light emitting diode) 272, and the like. . The key matrix 271 includes a power key for instructing switching from the energy saving mode (the sleep mode or the low power mode) to the standby mode and vice versa. When the power key is pressed once while the energy saving mode is set, the mode is switched from the energy saving mode to the standby mode. When the power key is pressed once in the standby mode, the mode is switched from the standby mode to the energy saving mode.
[0088]
The main part of the electric control system of the operation board 20 shown in FIG. 4 communicates with the MPU 61 of the system controller 1, reads the input of the operation board 20, and controls the CPU 253 for controlling the display on the board. ROM 265, a RAM 266 for temporarily storing data at the time of control, a VRAM 268 for storing drawing data of the LCD 260, a liquid crystal display controller (LCDC) 267 connected to the VRAM 268 for controlling drawing timing of the LCD 260, and generating time data. There is a clock IC 273 to be used. The LCDC 267 is connected to an LCD 260 having a CFL light source as a backlight 270. The CPU 253 is further connected with an inverter 269 for driving the CFL backlight 270, a key matrix 271, an LED matrix 272 of display LEDs 261, an LED driving device 73 for driving these LEDs, and the like.
[0089]
The data bus to which the CPU 253 is connected is connected to a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 264 for storing image processing modes, status information, and usage results.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation board 20 includes a numeric keypad 80a, a clear / stop key 80b, a start key 80c, an initial setting key 80d, a mode clear key 80e, and a test print key 80f in addition to the liquid crystal touch panel 79. The test print key 80f is a key for printing only one copy regardless of the set number of print copies and confirming a print result. By pressing the initial setting key 80d, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized. It is possible to arbitrarily set the size set when the paper size stored in the machine is set or when the reset key of the copy function is pressed. When the initial setting key 80d is operated, an "initial value setting" function for setting various initial values, an "ID setting" function, a "copyright registration / setting" function, and a "use record output" function are provided. A selection menu is displayed. In addition, it is also possible to select an application etc. which is preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, to set the transition time to low power according to the International Energy Star plan, and to set the transition time to auto-off / sleep mode It is possible to set.
[0091]
On the liquid crystal touch panel 79, various function keys, messages indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the like are displayed. The liquid crystal display 79 is used for selecting and executing a “copy” function, a “scanner” function, a “print” function, a “facsimile” function, a “reservation” function, an “edit” function, a “register” function, and other functions. Is displayed. An input / output screen determined by the function designated by the function selection key 80g is displayed. For example, when the "copy" function is designated, as shown in FIG. 5, the function keys 79a and 79b, the number of copies and the number of copies of the image forming apparatus are displayed. A status message is displayed. When the operator touches the key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79, the key indicating the selected function is turned gray. When the details of the function need to be specified (for example, the type of page printing), touching a key displays a setting screen for the detailed function. As described above, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses the dot display, the optimal display at that time can be graphically performed.
[0092]
FIG. 6 shows an outline of the image processing control of the system controller 1. When the copier is powered on and an operating voltage is applied from a power supply circuit (not shown) (step 1), the system controller 1 executes a power-on response initialization process (step 2), and A default (standard) copy mode input standby screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 through the CPU 253 of the operation board 20 (step 3).
[0093]
In the following, the word "step" is omitted in parentheses, and only the step number is described.
[0094]
The system controller 1 reads the input to the operation board 20 and switches the display of the operation board 20 via the CPU 253 of the operation board 20. However, in the following, the description that the operation is performed via the CPU 253 is omitted. I do.
[0095]
Next, the system controller 1 reads “menu key-in reading” for selecting input of “scanner” function, “print” function, “facsimile” function, “reservation” function, “edit” function and “registration” function of the function selection key 80g. When the user touches a key for designating a function different from the currently displayed “copy” function, the input screen assigned to the designated function is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (4). To 15).
[0096]
If there is no touch on the function selection key 80g in “menu key-in reading”, “copy mode reading” is performed in the “copy” mode in which the input screen of the “copy” function shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. That is, the user inputs the function keys 79a and 79b of the copy mode displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 and the ten keys 80a, the clear / stop key 80b, the start key 80c, the initial setting key 80d, the mode clear key 80e, and the test print key 80f. The touch or key operation, that is, the key-in is read, the indicator light (LED) of the operation board 20 and the lighting / extinguishing and the status display of the panel 79 are switched in accordance with the key-in, and the copy print setting information in the copy mode register for designating copy print conditions. (Print setting information) is updated (16 to 19,...).
[0097]
When the "stamp print" key is touched in the copy mode reading, the system controller 1 executes "reading of print mode" (17).
[0098]
FIG. 7A shows the contents of "reading of print mode" (17). Here, first, a "stamp print" input screen is displayed in a pop-up on the liquid crystal panel 79 (31). The "stamp printing" input screen has a menu for selecting one of standard printing, confidentiality management printing, and confidential printing, and a printing information selection menu. The information selected by the user is the copy printing condition (print setting information). (32). The standard print is to add copy identification information added by the copy machine, the department of the copy machine, the copy instructor or the supporter to the copy, and the confidential management print is used when copying a document requiring confidential management. Similarly, confidential printing is to add a print for confidential management, and confidential printing is to add a print for making confidential the same when a confidential document is copied. It should be noted that “stamp printing” can be set according to the user's intention even if the original does not have these prints. This stamp print setting function is not limited to the “copy” function, but exists in any of the “scanner” function, “print” function, “facsimile” function, “reservation” function, “edit” function, and “register” function. .
[0099]
If the "password management" key is touched in the copy mode reading, the system controller 1 executes "read password" (19).
[0100]
FIG. 7B shows the content of the “read password” (19). Here, first, the "password management" input screen is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (41). The "password management" input screen displays an alphabet and kana input keyboard and an input display window. When the user inputs a code of a predetermined number of digits using the displayed keyboard and numeric keys 80a and touches the execution key. The input code is added by the system controller 1 to the copy printing conditions (print setting information). If the input code is a security management code, the information for specifying the security management printing described above is automatically added to the copy printing conditions. If the input code is a confidential management code, the information specifying the above-described confidential management printing is automatically added to the copy printing conditions. If the input code is neither a security management code nor a confidential management code, this is treated as an additional password (identification information) used arbitrarily by the user, which stores or registers the target image in the MEM or HDD. It is added to the copy and print conditions for later use in confidentiality management (42). The password setting function is not limited to the “copy” function, but exists in any of the “scanner” function, “print” function, “facsimile” function, “reservation” function, “edit” function, and “registration” function.
[0101]
When the “document management” key is touched in the copy mode reading, the system controller 1 switches the “document management” input screen to the liquid crystal panel 79 and displays the screen. The “document management” input screen displays an alphabet and kana input keyboard, a document name (document ID) input display window, and a user name (user ID) input display window. When a code having a predetermined number of digits is entered using the displayed keyboard and numeric keys 80a and the execution key is touched, the entered code is transmitted to the document name of the copy print management information (print management information) by the system controller 1. Registered in. When the user designates a user name input display window, enters a code of a predetermined number of digits using the displayed keyboard and numeric keys 80a, and touches the execution key, the entered code is copied and managed by the system controller 1. It is registered in the user name of the information (print management information). This management information setting function is not limited to the “copy” function, but exists in any of the “scanner” function, “print” function, “facsimile” function, “reservation” function, “edit” function, and “registration” function. .
[0102]
When the start key 80c is operated (start instruction), the system controller 1 gives copy process conditions (print setting information) and copy print management information (print management information) to the process controller 131 to instruct copying (20). , 21). In response, the process controller 131 starts copying, and the system controller 1 changes the green lighting of the start key 80c to the red lighting that does not accept the instruction until the process controller 131 notifies the end of the copy print job. Switch to. When notified of the end of the copy print job, the system controller 1 switches the red illumination of the start key 80c to the green illumination that accepts the instruction.
[0103]
During the copy operation in which the start key 80c is illuminated in red and the next copy instruction is not accepted, the system controller 1 continues to operate the "print" function key, the "reservation" function key and the "reservation" function key in the function selection keys 80g. It responds to the user's touch on the "facsimile" function key, i.e., the "reservation" function selection, and also responds to "reservation" commands and "registration commands" from the PC and "facsimile reception and storage" from the FCU. During the printout of the image data stored or registered in the HDD by the “print” function, the printout in response to the print command of the PC, or the printout as the facsimile reception output, the system controller 1 operates the function selection key. Responds to the user's touch on the "copy" function key, "print" function key, "reservation" function key and "facsimile" function key in 80g, that is, selection of the "reservation" function, and "reservation" from the PC. It responds to commands, “registration commands” and “facsimile reception and storage” from the FCU.
[0104]
If the "reservation" function key is touched while the copy mode input screen is displayed, the system controller 1 displays the reservation input screen (10 and 11 in FIG. 6).
[0105]
8 and 9 show the contents of "display reservation input screen" (11) and the reservation input screen on liquid crystal panel 79. FIG. When the process proceeds to "display reservation input screen" (11), the system controller 1 saves (stores) the copy input screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 in the RAM 266 (50), and inputs the copy reservation screen registered in the NVRAM 264. A screen 80h (however, the standard mode is initially set) is displayed (51). When this screen is displayed, the function keys 80g are, as shown in FIG. 9, a "copy reservation" key, a "print reservation" key, a "facsimile (reception and accumulation printout) reservation" key, and a "list" key. It changes to the "Return" key to the original screen (the saved copy input screen). The reservation person can switch the reservation job content from the default “copy” to “print” and “facsimile (print)”. That is, when the user touches the "print reservation" key, the system controller 1 switches the copy input screen area on the reservation input screen to the print input screen (52, 53). When the "facsimile reservation" key is touched, the screen is switched to the facsimile reception image print input screen (54, 55).
[0106]
When the reservation person inputs the printing conditions on the copy input screen 80h, the print input screen or the facsimile print input screen on the reservation input screen and operates the start key 80c, the system controller 1 registers the reservation and updates the reservation list. . When the reserved job is copy, when the start key 80c is operated, the copy print conditions (print setting information) and copy print management information (print management information) input by the user are input in the same manner as in normal copy input. That is, the job management information is written into the reservation information register, the original image is read by the scanner 10 and the ADF 30, the read image data is subjected to read correction by IPP, and the job management information of the reservation information register is added to the header information. And store it in the HDD (63, 64). Further, the current print job is added next to the last reserved job in the reserved list (65). That is, the order of registration in the reservation list is the order of input. As shown in FIG. 15, the information to be put together in the reservation list is a document name, a user name, the number of pages (the number of original pages × the number of copies), and the printing time (scheduled start time). The required printing time is calculated based on the number of documents recognized by reading the document image and the color setting by user input, the number of copies, the paper size, and the paper supply / discharge designation tray. This is non-display information, but reserved as supplementary information. In addition to the list, the print time (scheduled print start time) is calculated. Each reservation No. i is the print start scheduled time of the reservation number in the immediately preceding order. i-1 is the print job end time. The reservation No. The print job end time of i-1 is the reservation number of the previous order. At the print job end time of the print job No. i-2, the reservation No. This is the time obtained by adding the required printing time of i-1.
[0107]
When the "return" key 83 of the function keys 80g shown in FIG. 9 is touched, the system controller 1 switches and displays the copy input screen saved in the RAM 266 in step 50 on the liquid crystal panel 79 (58, FIG. 8). 66).
[0108]
When the "list" key 82 of the function keys 80g shown in FIG. 9 is touched, the system controller 1 displays a list (reservation list) screen on the liquid crystal panel 79 (56 and 57 in FIG. 8). 10 and 11 show the contents of "display list screen" (57), and FIG. 15 shows an example of the list screen. The list screen 80i shown in FIG. 15 indicates that the “meeting document” is currently being printed, but there are print jobs of reservations 1 to 3 that need to be executed after the completion thereof. In this case, for all of the print jobs of reservations 1 to 3, their job management information (print setting information + print management information) includes secret designation information (additional password, secret management print designation, confidential print designation, or secret user code). Does not exist.
[0109]
If the job management information of the print job of reservation 1 includes confidential designation information, the list screen 80i is as shown in FIG. 16, and the management information (document name, user name) of the print job of reservation 1 and the number of pages and print The time is covered with the confidential mask 84m, and the information there cannot be read. However, since there is a column display of reservation 1 (the confidential mask 84m), it can be seen that there is a reservation print job there.
[0110]
Please refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. When proceeding to "display list screen" (57), the system controller 1 saves the reservation input screen (FIG. 9) in the RAM 266 (70), and first, a list screen not including reservation information (list screen (blank)). Is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (71). Next, by referring to the reservation list, it is searched for an unreserved reserved print job (72). If there is no reserved print job, it is waited until the "close" key 87 on the list screen is touched. If there is a touch, the reservation input screen saved in the RAM 266 in step 70 is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (72-96-97 in FIG. 11).
[0111]
When there is an unreserved reserved print job, if the process controller 131 is executing the first reserved print job on the reserved list, confidential designation information (additional password, confidential If there is no management printing designation, confidential printing designation, or confidential user code, the document name, the user name, the number of pages, and the printing time of the job are displayed on the list screen 80i (FIG. 15 or FIG. 16). ) Is displayed in the above-described print job display field as "printing" (73, 74, 76). If there is the confidential designation information, the confidential mark 84m is displayed in the management information (document name, user name) of the job, and in the columns of the number of pages and the printing time (74, 75). If the first reserved print job is not being printed, the information is displayed as reserved 1 on the first line (84 in FIG. 15) of the reserved display area (73-78-79 to 82).
[0112]
Similarly to the above, the second and subsequent reserved print jobs are sequentially described in the reserved standby display area so as to continue with the first reserved print job (80 to 85). Only a maximum of five reserved print jobs can be displayed in the reserved standby display area. Therefore, display processing of five reserved print jobs is performed. The user touches the “next” key 86 to check whether there is a reserved print job after the five reserved print jobs. The system controller 1 advances the display of the reserved print job for one line for each touch (88, 89). The user touches the “Previous” key 86 when he wants to check it back. The system controller 1 returns the display of the reserved print job for one line for each touch (86, 87).
[0113]
On the first line of the reservation standby display area on the list screen 80i, a designation frame 84 is attached, and the display in the designation frame 84 is indicated by a “confidential field display” key 95, a “detailed display” key 86, and a “ This is an object of a reserved print job confirmation process or the like using the “change content” key 89. If a user who has reserved a print job with confidential information wants to know where it is in the reservation list and when printing is started, regardless of the presence of confidential information, When it is desired to confirm whether or not the printing of the image (document) has been reserved, or when the user who has reserved the information wants to change the printing condition irrespective of the presence / absence of the confidential designation information, a “next” key 86 and a “previous” key are used. Key 86 to display the reserved print job considered to be the target in the designation frame 84, and then touch the key 95, 86 or 89.
[0114]
When the user touches the "display secret field" key 95, the system controller 1 proceeds to "display secret field" (91) (90-91). When the user touches the "details confirmation" key 88, the system controller 1 proceeds to "details display" (93) (92-93). When the user touches the "content change" key 89, the system controller 1 proceeds to "content change display" (93) (92-93). When the user touches the "close" key 87, the system controller 1 switches and displays the reservation input screen saved in the RAM 266 in step 70 on the liquid crystal panel 79 (97).
[0115]
FIG. 12 shows the contents of the “display of secrecy column” (91). When proceeding to this step, the system controller 1 searches for confidential designation information in the job management information of the reserved print job displayed in the designation frame 84 (101). Since the information is displayed in the designated frame 84, the “confidential field display” (91) ends, and the processing state returns to the processing state immediately before proceeding to the “confidential field display” (91). However, when there is confidentiality designation information, a password input screen 80j shown in FIG. 17 is pop-up displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (102), and waits for a password input (103).
[0116]
If the entered password matches the secret designation information (additional password, secret management print designation, confidential print designation, or confidential user code), the system controller 1 deletes the confidential mark 84m displayed in the designation frame 84. Then, the document name, the user name, the number of pages, and the printing time of the print job are written in the designated frame 84 (106). Then, the timer Th having the time limit value Th is started (107), and the timer Th waits for the time to expire (time measurement of the time limit value is completed) (109). If the "confidential field display" key 95 is touched again while waiting, this is regarded as an instruction to cancel "confidential field display" and a confidential mark 84m is displayed in the designated frame 84 (108a-108a). . When there is no touch on the key 95 and the timer Th times out, a secret mark 84m is displayed in the designated frame 84 (109-108a). If there is no password input and the "cancel" key 92 is touched, the password input screen is erased and the display returns to the list screen display (104-86 in FIG. 11).
[0117]
FIG. 13 shows the contents of the “detailed display” (93). When proceeding to this, the system controller 1 saves the currently displayed list screen (FIG. 15 / FIG. 16) in the RAM 266 (110), and specifies confidentiality in the job management information of the reserved print job displayed in the specification frame 84. It is searched for information (111), and if there is no information, the image portion of the top page of the print target image of the print job is displayed in the detailed image display area 80k set on the liquid crystal panel 79 ( 111-116). FIG. 18 shows an example of this display. If there is confidentiality designation information, a password input screen 80j shown in FIG. 17 is displayed in a pop-up on the liquid crystal panel 79 (112), and waits for a password input (113).
[0118]
If the input password matches the secret specification information (additional password, security management print specification, confidential print specification or confidential user code), the system controller 1 prints the print job displayed in the specification frame 84. The image portion of the head of the top page of the target image is displayed in the detailed image display area 80k set on the liquid crystal panel 79 (115, 116). Then, the timer Th whose time limit value is Th starts (117), and waits until the timer Th expires (121). If the "content change" key 89 is touched while waiting, the process proceeds to "content change display" (119). The contents of the "content change display" (119) are the same as the "content change display" (95) described below. If the "reset" key 93 is touched while waiting, the list display screen saved in the RAM 266 is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (120-122). When these touches are absent and the timer Th times out, the list display screen saved in the RAM 266 is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (121-122). If there is no password input and the "cancel" key 92 is touched, the password input screen is erased and the display returns to the list screen (114-122).
[0119]
FIG. 14 shows the contents of "content change display" (95). When proceeding to this, the system controller 1 saves the currently displayed list screen in the RAM 266 (130), and searches whether the job management information of the reserved print job displayed in the specification frame 84 includes confidential specification information. (131) If not, the print setting information of the print job is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 in the form of a print condition input screen 80h (131-136). FIG. 19 shows a print condition input screen 80h when the reserved print job is set in the “copy” mode. This displays a reserved copy input screen 80h (FIG. 9) when the reserved print job displayed in the designated frame 84 is set. However, another function key is displayed in the display area of the function key 80g shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG.
[0120]
If there is confidential designation information, a password input screen 80j shown in FIG. 17 is displayed in a pop-up on the liquid crystal panel 79 (132), and waits for a password input (133).
[0121]
If the input password matches the secret specification information (additional password, security management print specification, confidential print specification, or confidential user code), the system controller 1 transmits the reserved print job displayed in the specification frame 84 The print setting information is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 in the form of the print condition input screen 80h (135, 136). Then, the timer Th whose time limit value is Th starts (137), and waits until the timer Th expires (149). If there is an input to change the printing conditions on the printing condition input screen 80h while waiting, the changed contents are saved (stored) in the change information register and the timer Th is restarted (138 to 140). . That is, the current time measurement is canceled, and the time measurement for the Th time period is newly started. When the "execute" key 94 is touched, the print setting information of the reserved print job displayed in the designated frame 84 is changed to the change content saved in the change information register (141, 142). The display is returned to the list screen saved in the RAM 266. At this time, if the secret designation information is gone, the management information is displayed in the designation frame 84, and if the secret designation information is added, the secret mark 84m is displayed.
[0122]
If the "cancel reservation" key 96 is touched, the reservation print job on the HDD and the reservation list is deleted, and the display returns to the copy input screen of step 3 in FIG. 6 (143 to 145). However, this is because when the result of the password collation in steps 131 to 135 is appropriate and when this collation is not performed, the user touches the “password management” key to register the registered erase permission. Limited to entering a password.
[0123]
When the "detailed confirmation" key 88 is touched, the process proceeds to "detailed confirmation display" (147). The content of the “detailed confirmation display” (147) is the same as that of the “detailed display” (93). When the "reset" key 93 is touched, the list display screen saved in the RAM 266 is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (148-150). When these touches are absent and the timer Th times out, the list display screen saved in the RAM 266 is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 (149-150). If there is no password input and the "cancel" key 92 is touched, the password input screen is deleted and the display returns to the list screen (134-150).
[0124]
In the above description, the print job reservation in the copy mode has been mainly described. However, the print mode in which the image registered or stored in the HDD is designated and printed out, and the facsimile reception image is stored in the HDD, The print job reservation function and the list display function (FIGS. 8, 10 to 14) are similarly set in the facsimile mode for printing out according to the instruction.
[0125]
When the copy input screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 and the user touches the “print” key among the function keys 8 g, the system controller 1 displays the print input screen on the liquid crystal panel 79. Although displayed, the function key 80g shown in FIG. 5 is also displayed on the print input screen, so that switching to each function can be instructed. When the user touches the reservation key 81 here, the system controller 1 displays a print mode reservation input screen on the liquid crystal panel 79. This reservation input screen is obtained by replacing the copy condition setting screen 80h of the copy mode reservation input screen shown in FIG. 9 with a print condition setting screen. On the reservation input screen of the print mode, the user inputs the registration name (document name) of the image stored or registered in the HDD. Other reservation work, reservation data processing, and the contents of the list display are the same as those in the copy mode described above. The reservation work and reservation data processing in the facsimile mode when the facsimile reception image is stored in the HDD, and the contents of the list display are the same as those in the print mode described above.
[0126]
In the print mode (PC output mode) in which a print command is given from the PC to the system controller 1 to print out a document on the PC, the print job reservation function and the list display function described above (FIGS. 8, 10 to 14). Is similarly set. The PC has a reserved input / output function similar to the input / output function of the operation board 20 required to execute these functions, and an image input / output to the system controller 1 (scanner image reading to PC, print printout of PC). ) Is installed, and the user of the PC inputs a command to the PC by an input operation similar to the operation of the operation board 20 of the multifunction copying machine shown in FIG. Copiers (scanner 10, image data processing device ACP and printer 100) can be used.
[0127]
In a print mode (PC output mode) in which the PC sends the document data held by the PC to the image data processing apparatus ACP and instructs printout, the PC sends the document data to the ACP, and the ACP registers the data in the HDD. Other details of the reservation work and reservation data processing regarding this reserved print job and the contents of the list display are the same as those in the above-described print mode.
[0128]
FIG. 6 is referred to again. When the printer 100 finishes (ends) one reserved print job, the process controller 131 notifies the system controller 1 of ready. In response to this, the system controller 1 deletes the currently completed reserved print job from the reserved list. That is, the first contents (reserved job information) of the reservation order in the reservation list are cleared. Then, the second and subsequent reserved print jobs are advanced by one rank (22, 23). Next, when there is reserved job information in the first rank of the reserved list, the system controller 1 gives the print setting information and the management information to the process controller 131 and instructs the printout (24, 25). When the printer 100 (process controller 131) is performing a printing operation (image formation), the system controller 1 displays an input screen on the liquid crystal panel 79 (3) and performs menu key-in reading (4 to 15). It responds to commands from the PC and FCU.
[0129]
In the above-described embodiment, the user is proved that the user is the reservation person of the confidential print job by inputting the password. However, if the user can be proved, the key card, the fingerprint collation, and other methods can be used. Are equivalent.
[0130]
【The invention's effect】
Even for reserved print jobs that are not displayed, the reserving person individually reconfirms the contents, reconfirms the order of the reservation order, changes the print setting information as necessary, Changes such as cancellation can be made. The confidentiality of the reserved print job and the confirmation of the confidential reserved print job are facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a copying machine having a multifunction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view schematically showing an image forming mechanism of the printer 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image processing system of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing electric components of the operation board 20 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of a control operation in a copy mode of the system controller 1 shown in FIG. 3;
6 is a flowchart showing an outline of input screen switching control of the operation board 20 and control of a print job instruction to the printer 100 of the system controller 1 shown in FIG.
7A is a flowchart showing an outline of “reading a print mode” (17) shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing an outline of “reading a password” (19) shown in FIG. .
8 is a flowchart showing the contents of "display reservation input screen" (11) shown in FIG.
9 is a plan view showing a copy mode reservation input screen on a liquid crystal panel 79 of the operation board 20 shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the contents of “display list screen” (57) shown in FIG. 8;
11 is a flowchart showing the rest of the contents of “display list screen” (57) shown in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of “display confidential field” (91) shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of “detailed display” (93) shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the content of “contents change display” (95) shown in FIG. 11;
15 is a plan view of an example of a list screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 in “display list screen” (57) shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a plan view of another example of the list screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 79 in “display list screen” (57) shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a plan view of a password input screen 80j displayed in response to a user input on the list screen.
FIG. 18 is a plan view of a detailed image area 80k displayed when the user touches a “detail confirmation” key 89 on the list screen.
FIG. 19 is a plan view of a change input screen 80h displayed when the user touches a “content change” key 88 on the list screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
10: Color document scanner 20: Operation board
30: Automatic document feeder 34: Finisher
34hs: loading and lowering tray 34ud: lifting platform
34st: Sort tray group
41M, 41C, 41Y, 41K: Laser emitter
100: color printer PC: personal computer
PBX: Switch PN: Communication line
102: Optical writing unit 103, 104: Paper cassette
105: registration roller pair 106: transfer belt unit
107: Fixing unit 108: Output tray
110M, 110C, 110Y, 110K: Photoconductor unit
111M, 111C, 111Y, 111K: photosensitive drum
120M, 120C, 120Y, 120K: developing unit
160: transfer conveyance belt ACP: image data processing device
CDIC: Image data interface control
IMAC: Image memory access control
IPP: Image data processor HDD: Hard disk drive

Claims (20)

An image printing unit, an image storage unit, an input unit for designating print setting information, a reservation designating unit, and a reservation print job designated by the input unit and the reservation designation unit. When the printing unit is completed, a print instruction control unit that instructs the image printing unit to execute a reserved print job.
Reservation display control means for generating management information including display of the reserved print job;
Reservation display means for displaying information for specifying a reserved print job to be displayed on a display, suspending display of information for specifying a non-display reserved print job, and displaying presence thereof;
Means for designating one of the reserved print jobs displayed by the reserved display means;
Means for instructing display of information on the reserved print job designated by the designation means;
Means for collating and judging whether or not the display instruction is appropriate if the reserved print job designated by the designation means and designated by the display instruction means to display the information is non-display;
If the reserved print job designated by the designation means and instructed to display information by the display instruction means is a display, the information is displayed on the display, and if the display is not displayed, the judgment result of the collation judgment means is appropriate. Information display means for displaying the information on the display only when;
An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display instruction unit includes management information display instruction unit for instructing display of management information of the reserved print job; and the information display unit displays the management information on a display. The image according to claim 1, wherein the display instruction unit includes an image display instruction unit that instructs display of a print target image of the reserved print job; and the information display unit displays the print target image on a display; Forming equipment. 4. The display instruction means includes setting information display instruction means for instructing display of print setting information of a reserved print job; the information display means displays the print setting information on a display; An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information display unit changes the print setting information of the reserved print job in accordance with a change specification of the print setting information displayed by the input unit that specifies the print setting information. 6. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information display unit erases the display when a set time elapses after displaying information of the reserved print job that is not displayed on the display. The information display means displays the print setting information of the reserved print job, which is not displayed, on a display, starts a timer for setting time, and restarts the timer when there is an input from the input means for specifying the print setting information. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the timer expires, the display of the print setting information is deleted. 2. The reservation display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the reservation display control unit adds, to the reservation print job, identification information input by a user when the reservation print job is designated by the input unit and the reservation designation unit as management information of non-display. Image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display / non-display management information includes a confidential print designation input by a user when a reserved print job is designated by the input unit and the reservation designation unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-display management information includes a confidential user code added to an image of the reserved print job. An image printing unit, an image storage unit, an input unit for designating print setting information, a reservation designating unit, and a reservation print job designated by the input unit and the reservation designation unit. A printing instruction control device for instructing the image printing device to execute a scheduled printing job when the printing device is finished;
Reservation display control means for generating management information including display of the reserved print job;
Reservation display means for displaying information for specifying a reserved print job to be displayed on a display, suspending display of information for specifying a non-display reserved print job, and displaying presence thereof;
Means for designating one of the reserved print jobs displayed by the reserved display means;
Means for instructing display of information on the reserved print job designated by the designation means;
Means for collating and judging whether or not the display instruction is appropriate if the reserved print job designated by the designation means and designated by the display instruction means to display the information is non-display;
If the reserved print job designated by the designation means and instructed to display information by the display instruction means is a display, the information is displayed on the display, and if the display is not displayed, the judgment result of the collation judgment means is appropriate. Information display means for displaying the information on the display only when;
A reservation display device comprising: 12. The reservation display apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display instruction means includes management information display instruction means for instructing display of management information of the reserved print job; and the information display means displays the management information on a display. 13. The reservation according to claim 11, wherein the display instruction unit includes an image display instruction unit that instructs display of a print target image of the reserved print job; and the information display unit displays the print target image on a display. Display device. 14. The display instruction means includes setting information display instruction means for instructing display of print setting information of a reserved print job; the information display means displays the print setting information on a display; 3. The reservation display device according to 1. 15. The reservation display according to claim 14, wherein the information display unit changes the print setting information of the reserved print job in accordance with a change specification of the print setting information displayed by the input unit that specifies the print setting information. apparatus. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the information display unit erases the display when a set time has elapsed after displaying information of the reserved print job, which is not displayed, on the display. The information display means displays the print setting information of the reserved print job, which is not displayed, on a display, starts a timer for setting time, and restarts the timer when there is an input from the input means for specifying the print setting information. 16. The reservation display device according to claim 15, wherein when the timer times out, the display of the print setting information is deleted. 12. The reservation print job according to claim 11, wherein the reservation display control unit adds identification information input by a user when the reservation print job is designated by the input unit and the reservation designation unit to the reservation print job as management information of non-display. Reservation display device. 12. The reservation display device according to claim 11, wherein the display / non-display management information includes a confidential print designation input by a user when a reservation print job is designated by the input unit and the reservation designation unit. The reservation display apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the display / non-display management information includes a confidential user code added to an image of the reservation print job.

Images