JP2005266062A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and exactly input and refer to setting information regarding image formation of paper stored in a tray. <P>SOLUTION: In an image forming apparatus consisting of a digital copying machine 1 which conveys the paper stored in the tray 10, forms and output an image, it is provided with a storage part which stores the setting information regarding the image formation of the paper to be stored in the tray 10 by associating it with the tray 10, a display part consisting of a display 20 which displays the setting information stored in the storage part and an input part such as a key operation part 22 which accepts an instruction of the contents and input of the setting information to be displayed on the display 20, the storage part holds setting values to each parameter of the setting information as a table and the display 20 performs list display of the table based on the instruction accepted by the key operation part 22, etc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus mainly composed of a digital copying machine that conveys paper stored in a tray, forms an image, and outputs the image.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine, when a user stores paper in a tray and performs image formation using the paper stored in the tray, settings relating to image formation of the paper stored in the tray are performed in advance. There is a need. That is, the image forming apparatus obtains information on what kind of paper is stored in a predetermined tray, and thereby adjusts the conditions for image formation using the paper to an optimum one.

  For example, the tray that stores paper is provided with a mechanical switch for setting the weight and quality of the paper, and the user can set the paper type by switching this switch when storing the paper in the tray. It is carried out. In addition to mechanical switches, the paper type and the like are set with reference to a screen for use as image forming conditions (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP-A-10-326167 JP 2001166664 A

  However, when inputting setting information related to image formation of paper stored in a tray in a conventional image forming apparatus, when a user wants to change from a preset value to another value, or to set a value that suits the user's preference. In some cases, a very complicated operation is required. In other words, it is easy to select a preset value, but if you want to set a value different from this value, the machine administrator must enter the value directly in the administrator mode. Since there is no screen display for confirming the value, there is a problem that a long time is required for the setting, and a trouble such as a paper conveyance trouble or a poor image quality due to a setting mistake is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. That is, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus that conveys paper stored in a tray, forms an image, and outputs the stored information that stores setting information related to image formation of the paper stored in the tray in association with the tray. Unit, a display unit that displays the setting information stored in the storage unit, and an input unit that receives an instruction of contents to be displayed on the display unit and an input of the setting information. The storage unit includes each parameter of the setting information. Is stored as a table, and the display unit displays a list of tables based on instructions received by the input unit.

  In the present invention, the setting information related to the image formation of the paper stored in the tray is stored as a table, and a list of the table is displayed on the display unit, so that the user can easily refer to the paper setting information. At the same time, the setting can be easily changed with reference to this display.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible for the user to easily perform the setting information related to the image formation on the paper, and it is possible to suppress the paper conveyance trouble and the image quality defect due to the setting mistake.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital copying machine that is an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. That is, the digital copying machine 1 conveys the paper stored in the tray 10 along a predetermined path, and transfers and outputs the image onto the paper by the image forming unit inside the apparatus. The digital copying machine 1 is provided with a display 20 for inputting / outputting image forming conditions and the like, and the user refers to the content displayed on the display panel 21 of the display 20 and presses the touch panel provided on the display panel 21. Or a key operation unit 22 provided on the side of the display panel 21 is selected to give a desired setting or image formation instruction.

  The present embodiment is characterized by a user interface that allows a user to easily input setting information related to image formation of paper stored in the tray 10 or to accurately refer to it. The display 20 that implements this user interface has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG.

  The hardware configuration (UI / HW) of the user interface is a key operation consisting of a display panel 21 comprising a liquid crystal display (LCD) on the user interface board (UI PWBA), a control panel (CONTROL PANEL), and a touch panel (TOUCH PANEL). The unit 22 is connected and controlled by a CPU mounted on a user interface board (UI PWBA).

  The user interface board (UI PWBA) includes an image input / output controller (ARTOP), an image control integrated circuit (ASIC), a work storage (WORK RAM), a control storage (CONTROL RAM), a frame ROM (FRAME ROM) is installed.

  In the present embodiment, in such a user interface configuration, various settings relating to a sheet to be performed when the user stores a desired sheet in the tray 10 can be performed easily and accurately. In other words, there is a wide variety of setting information related to image formation of the paper stored in the tray 10, and there is a problem that a special operation must be performed in the conventional image forming apparatus in order to input this information. In particular, since the digital copying machine 1 can handle special paper such as surface-coated paper and OHP sheet in addition to plain paper, various image forming parameters are set to optimum values according to the type of paper to be set. It is necessary to keep. In the present embodiment, the setting values for each parameter of such various setting information are stored as a table, and a list of the table is displayed on the display panel 21 so that the user can easily input the setting information. It is like that.

  Specifically, in order to input and confirm setting information regarding paper, the display panel 21 displays a list of tables, parameters, and setting values for each parameter in a hierarchical manner, and selectable parameters and setting values are displayed. Displayed by button. Thereby, the user can easily check complicated setting information and can easily input a desired setting value.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a hierarchical screen display configuration on the display panel in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. The setting for each paper by the user is called a “user paper type setting” function, and a unique “user paper type” can be set for each tray.

  The “user paper type” can be freely selected from a list of pre-registered profiles, and an optimum paper type setting desired by the user can be obtained by changing the setting value. In the present embodiment, a screen system having 10 profiles is proposed, but the number of profiles can be changed. This profile group can also be prepared as an initial setting when the printing system is commercialized.

  In addition, it is possible to set only a part of profiles to a fixed profile that prohibits the setting value change. The change of the detailed setting value of the profile is a simple setting procedure based on a screen configuration in which the default profile is used as a template.

  Items that can be set as “user paper type setting” are the paper control setting values of the printing system, the setting group related to paper parameters (see the broken line on the left side of FIG. 3) and the setting group related to tray alignment correction parameters (right side of FIG. 3). It can be roughly divided into (see broken line frame). Each set county has detailed parameters.

   To operate the screen, first select the “User Paper Type Setting” menu button from the “Machine Administrator Screen” G1 (see FIG. 4), and then the “User Paper Type Setting Screen” G2 (see FIG. 5). Is displayed. In this “user paper type setting screen” G2, paper switches for each tray are set and assigned to the tray. When the user paper type profile is selected, the “assign user paper type” menu button is selected to display the “user paper type detailed setting screen” G3 (see FIG. 6). On this “user paper type detailed setting screen” G3, a user's desired one is selected from 10 profiles from “user paper type 1” to “user paper type 10”. In the screen display area of the profile number, a specification for displaying a name (product name) unique to the sheet may be used.

  When the ten profile selection buttons are pressed, partial information of the selected profile is displayed in the “paper parameter” and “alignment correction” detailed information selection sections on the right side of the screen. “Paper parameter” displays the paper type and basis weight of the actual paper, and “alignment correction” displays the type number of alignment correction. The alignment correction type number is also a number dedicated to the profile specialized for the alignment correction parameter.

  In this embodiment, the setting of detailed parameter groups has 20 type groups as profiles. In this screen configuration, 20 alignment correction types can be selected for every 10 profiles of user paper types. By selecting the “paper parameter” and “alignment correction” circle menu buttons, the respective detailed settings can be confirmed or changed.

  When the “paper parameter” circle menu button is pressed, a “paper parameter setting information screen” G4 (see FIG. 7) is displayed. On this screen, it is possible to check the setting states of all the detailed setting values of the paper parameters and change the setting values. When a menu button corresponding to each parameter on this screen is pressed, a setting screen G41 corresponding to each parameter is displayed. 8 is a setting screen for “base type of paper sheet”, FIG. 9 is a setting screen for “2nd BTB voltage”, and FIG. 10 is a setting screen for “air assist operation”. In any case, the setting value of each parameter can be changed by button operation.

  When the “alignment correction” circle menu button is pressed, an “alignment correction setting screen” G5 (see FIG. 11) is displayed. On this screen, the type number of alignment correction to be assigned to the user paper type profile can be selected.

  Select the type number you want to use from the "Alignment correction type" button group on this screen. Further, when the circle button for confirming / setting detailed information is pressed, an “alignment correction setting information screen” G6 (see FIG. 12) is displayed. In the display of two or more pages, the next page or the previous page can be displayed by pressing the scroll button (see FIG. 13).

  On this “alignment correction setting information screen” G6, it is possible to check the setting states of all the detailed setting values of the alignment correction parameters and change the setting values. When a menu button corresponding to each parameter on this screen is pressed, a setting screen G61 corresponding to each parameter is displayed. FIG. 14 is a setting screen for “read register”. On this setting screen, the setting value of each parameter can be changed by button operation.

  In addition, when the “return to initial value” button is selected on the parameter setting screen, the paper parameter and alignment correction setting values can be collectively returned to the preset initial values.

  For example, there is a “reset to initial value” button on each of the “user paper type detailed setting screen” G3 (see FIG. 6) and the “alignment correction setting screen” G5 (see FIG. 11). In this button selection operation, the “user paper type” profile and the “alignment correction” profile can be returned to the initial setting of the machine, respectively. When one of the profile buttons is selected and the “return to initial value” button is pressed, all the settings of the profile are initialized. Since the paper parameters and alignment correction of the printing system each require a large number of setting items and their fine adjustment operations, it is convenient for the user to have a setting operation using the initial machine settings as a template. It is very effective.

  Next, confirmation of the setting values of each parameter will be described. Detailed parameters of each setting pattern of “user paper type setting” can be referred to in “paper parameter setting information screen” G3 (see FIG. 6) or “alignment correction setting information screen” G5 (see FIG. 11). These screens are displayed by pressing the “detailed information confirmation / setting” circle menu selection button on the “user paper type setting screen” G2 (see FIG. 5) or the “alignment correction setting screen” G5.

  In the operation method of these screens, the parameter items in the screen are switched and displayed on a page-by-page basis by using the page switching buttons at the upper right and lower directions on the right end of the screen. A parameter can display a list of up to six items per page. In the display column for each parameter item, the name of the parameter and its set value are displayed. This display area is a selectable button, and a detailed confirmation / setting screen for each parameter is displayed by selecting the button. In addition, the screen title area at the top of the screen displays the setting table name of the displayed paper type setting, so it is easy to determine which setting table information is in order to prevent operational mistakes, etc. Is possible.

In addition to the detailed parameters described above, the following setting items can also be included in the paper parameter / alignment correction settings.
(1) Shutter operation mode (2) Heat roll / warm-up control temperature (3) Heater control temperature (4) Number of preliminary blows

  Next, correction of setting values of detailed parameters will be described. The detailed parameters for user paper type setting can be corrected on the “detail confirmation / setting screen” (see FIGS. 8 to 10). These screen groups are displayed on the “paper parameter setting information screen” G4 (see FIG. 7) or the “alignment correction setting information screen” G6 (see FIG. 12) by pressing the parameter selection buttons. Each of the selected parameters has a unique screen, and when the parameter selection button is pressed, the corresponding screen is displayed.

  Since the name of the detailed parameter is displayed in the text area in the screen, it is possible to easily determine which parameter information is, and it is possible to prevent an operation error or the like. The “paper parameter setting information screen” G4 and the “alignment correction setting information screen” G6 are provided with a “confirmation print” button, and by selecting this, a “confirmation print screen” G7 (FIG. 15) is displayed. Browse) is displayed. On this screen, it is possible to confirm the actual sheet control operation by the detailed parameter correction operation. When performing confirmation printing, printing can be started by selecting the number of print outputs and “single side / double side”.

  This parameter group has an initial value for each setting. On these setting value change screens, a “return to initial value” button may be provided to allow an operation to return the parameter to the initial value. It is also effective to provide a reset button to cancel all parameter value change value operations after these screens are displayed.

  Next, confirmation of the setting status of paper assigned to each tray will be described. The paper setting information assigned to each tray can be confirmed by referring to the “user paper type setting screen” G2 (see FIG. 5). Here, setting information assigned to the tray, such as setting information of the paper type and alignment correction type, is displayed.

  In addition to the “user paper type setting screen” G2, by having a screen for displaying paper setting information for the tray, the user paper type setting selection status can be easily confirmed. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating display by button operation on the display of the digital copying machine, and FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen display example for confirming setting information.

  The user can switch the screen display on the display panel 21 by pressing a predetermined key assigned to the key operation unit 22 of the display 20. For example, when the “machine information” key K1 is pressed, a “machine information tray screen” shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. On this screen, the usage status of the paper tray is displayed as “paper remaining amount”, “paper type (coated paper / uncoated paper / OHP)”, “paper weight (basis weight)”, “status of used tray” "," Tray status during failure "," Appearance of machine ", etc. are displayed. Further, when the “job management” key K2 is pressed, a screen for confirming and processing a job is displayed, and when the “function setting” key K3 is pressed, a screen for setting functions relating to copying is displayed.

  When the user sets the user paper type for a certain tray, the set table name is displayed in the “basis weight” display area of the set tray number. Thereby, it is possible to grasp the status of the user paper type setting to the tray.

  Next, the flow of each screen display will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not the user paper type setting operation is finished (step S101), and when it is finished, the determination button is pressed (step S102). If not completed, the number (No.) of the tray to be set is selected as the user paper type setting (step S103).

  Thereafter, the basis weight switch of the paper tray is selected (step S104), and the coat / non-coat changeover switch of the paper tray is switched (step S105). Next, as shown in FIG. 19, a “user paper type setting screen” is displayed (step S201). Thereafter, the button of the tray on which the paper is set is selected from the screen (step S202), and the same combination range as the paper tray switch setting is selected (step S203). In this embodiment, control is performed so that the user paper type is assigned when the combination of the mechanical switches of the tray and the selection of the range match, but an individual switch for setting the user paper type is provided on the tray. Depending on the state of the lever, the user paper type may be assigned.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the user paper type number assignment is confirmed / corrected (step S204), and if not confirmed / corrected, a determination button is selected (step S205). On the other hand, when confirming / correcting, the user paper type detailed setting menu button is pressed (step S206), and the user paper type detailed setting screen is displayed (step S207).

  Next, a profile number to be set is selected (step S208), and setting confirmation or correction of each parameter corresponding to the selected profile number is performed. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the setting operation for the selected profile is to be confirmed (step S209). When confirming, the determination button is selected (step S210). On the other hand, if not determined, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not to use the initial value setting of the selected profile (step S301). If it is to be used, the “return to initial value” button is selected (step S302). If not selected, it is determined whether or not to refer / set the paper parameter (step S303), and when referring / set, the detailed information menu button for the paper parameter is pressed (step S304). By pressing this button, a “user paper type detailed setting information screen” is displayed (step S305), and parameters to be referred to / set from here are selected (step S306).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 21, it is determined whether or not confirmation printing of the current detailed parameter setting values is to be performed (step S401). If so, a “confirmation printing” button is pressed (step S402). . When this button is pressed, a “confirmation print screen” is displayed (step S403). After selecting a duplex / single side (step S404) and selecting the number of prints (step S405), the “confirmation print” button is pressed (step S405). S406). As a result, confirmation printing is performed using the current detailed parameters.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the detailed parameter reference / setting is to be ended (step S407). When the detailed parameter is to be ended, the “close” button is pressed (step S407). On the other hand, if not finished, the process returns to step S306 shown in FIG.

  When the “close” button is pressed in step S407, as shown in FIG. 22, it is determined whether to refer / set alignment correction type information (step S501). If not, the “decision” button is selected. (Step S502). On the other hand, when performing reference / setting, a detailed information menu button for alignment correction is pressed (step S503). By pressing this button, an “alignment correction setting screen” is displayed (step S504). Then, it is determined whether or not to use the initial value setting of the alignment correction type from this screen display (step S505), and when using, the “initial value” button of the alignment correction type group is selected (step S506). . On the other hand, when the initial value setting is not used, the number of the alignment correction type to be set is selected (step S507).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the operation for setting the selected alignment correction type is to be confirmed (step S508). If it is to be confirmed, the “decision” button is selected (step S509). On the other hand, if not determined, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not to use the initial value setting of the selected alignment correction type (step S601). Here, when the initial value setting is used, a “return to initial value” button is selected (step S602). On the other hand, if the initial value setting is not used, it is determined whether or not alignment correction parameters are referred / set (step S602). If not, the “OK” button is selected (step S603).

  Further, when performing reference / setting, the detailed information menu button for alignment correction is pressed (step S604), and the “alignment correction detailed setting information screen” is displayed (step S605), and parameters to be referred / set from here are displayed. A selection is made (step S606). Then, after referring to or correcting the set value of the selected parameter, as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not the confirmation print of the current detailed parameter set value is to be performed (step S4701).

  If confirmation printing is to be performed, a “confirmation printing” button is pressed (step S702). When this button is pressed, a “confirmation print screen” is displayed (step S403). After selecting a duplex / single side (step S404) and selecting the number of prints (step S405), the “confirmation print” button is pressed (step S405). S406). As a result, confirmation printing is performed using the current detailed parameters.

  On the other hand, if confirmation printing is not performed, it is determined whether or not alignment correction reference / setting is to be ended (step S703). If it is to be ended, a “close” button is pressed (step S703). On the other hand, if not finished, the process returns to step S606.

  By such screen operation, the user can easily and accurately set various parameters by hierarchical screen display.

  Next, acquisition of a table via an external network will be described. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of transferring a table from the outside to the digital copying machine. In this example, a setting file is downloaded from a server to a download PC (personal computer) via a network, and the setting file is transferred to the digital copying machine 1 according to a parallel communication protocol such as RS232C.

  That is, the server connected to the network stores, for example, each setting file for Company A, Company B, Company C, and the like, and the necessary setting file is transferred to the download PC via the network. Next, the download PC is connected to the digital copying machine 1, and the setting file transferred from the server is sent to the digital copying machine 1. As a result, the digital copying machine 1 can use the setting file as a table.

  FIG. 26 is a screen display example of a download tool activated on the download PC. That is, the setting file is transferred from the server to the download PC in advance, and is transferred to the digital copying machine 1 by this download tool. When transferring, the location of the setting file stored in the download PC is designated, and the “start download” button is selected.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the download procedure. First, a download tool is activated on the download PC (step S801), and a download file (setting file) is selected (step S802). Thereafter, since the setting of the selected download file is displayed (step S803), this content is confirmed to determine whether or not this download file is acceptable (step S804). If the files are different, the process returns to step S802 to select again, and if the files are correct, the “download start” button is pressed (step S805). As a result, the download is started, and after the download, the setting value written in the file is reflected in the digital copying machine (step S806).

  In the file transfer shown in FIG. 25, the setting file is transferred via the download PC. However, the digital copying machine 1 is directly connected to an external network, and the digital copying machine 1 itself has a server. If a file download function is provided, it is possible to directly download the file from the server and reflect the setting value.

1 is an external view of a digital copying machine that is an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of a display. It is a figure explaining the structure of the hierarchical screen display on the display panel in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a "machine administrator screen". FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a “user paper type setting screen”. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a “user paper type detailed setting screen”. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a “paper parameter setting information screen”. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for “base type of paper sheet”. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the setting screen of "2nd BTB voltage." It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the setting screen of "air assist operation | movement." It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the "alignment correction setting screen". It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the setting information screen of alignment correction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen of the next page. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a “lead register” setting screen. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a “confirmation print screen”. It is a schematic diagram explaining the display by button operation of a display. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen display for confirmation of setting information. It is a flowchart (the 1) explaining the flow of a screen display. It is a flowchart (the 2) explaining the flow of a screen display. It is a flowchart (the 3) explaining the flow of a screen display. It is a flowchart (the 4) explaining the flow of a screen display. It is a flowchart (the 5) explaining the flow of a screen display. It is a flowchart (the 6) explaining the flow of a screen display. It is a flowchart (the 7) explaining the flow of a screen display. It is a schematic diagram explaining transfer of the table via a network. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen display of a download tool. It is a flowchart explaining the procedure of download.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital copying machine, 10 ... Tray, 20 ... Display, 21 ... Display panel, 22 ... Key operation part

Claims (11)

In an image forming apparatus that conveys paper stored in a tray and forms and outputs an image,
A storage unit that stores setting information related to image formation of paper stored in the tray in association with the tray;
A display unit for displaying the setting information stored in the storage unit;
An input unit that receives an instruction of content to be displayed on the display unit and an input of the setting information;
The storage unit holds a setting value for each parameter of the setting information as a table,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display unit displays a list of the table based on an instruction received by the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a parameter selected from the list display based on an instruction received by the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a set value after the change of the parameter based on an input received by the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a selectable setting value of a parameter selected from the list display based on an instruction received by the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays an initial value input button for collectively inputting preset initial values of the setting values for the parameters. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a confirmation print button for performing trial printing for image formation on the paper with the set value on a screen that displays the set value for each parameter. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit hierarchically displays the list, the parameters, and the set value. An external communication unit that acquires a setting value for each parameter via an external network;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores setting values for the parameters acquired by the external communication unit as the table. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the parameters is a weight per unit area of the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the parameters is presence / absence of a surface coat of the paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the parameters is a position correction amount at the time of image formation of the paper.

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