JP2006261810A - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology providing the ease of operation wherein the possibility of wrong operation can be decreased even if an image forming apparatus can be operated in a copy mode, a facsimile mode, and a scanner mode. <P>SOLUTION: A mode switching control means shifts to the facsimile mode in a step S4 when a numeral first entered by a ten-key is "0" in a step S2 and the number of total input digits exceeds the number of digits of an identification number in a storage section in a step S3, shifts to the scanner mode when the numeral first entered by the ten-key is "0" in the step S2 and the number of total input digits is equal to the number of digits of the identification number in the storage section in the step S3, or shifts to the copy mode when the numeral first entered by the ten-key in the step S2 is a numeral other than the numeral "0" in the step S2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention can be operated in a copy mode for copying image data read by an image reading means onto a sheet, a facsimile mode for transmitting via a communication line, and a scanner mode for storing in a storage unit readable by a personal computer terminal. The present invention relates to a composite image forming apparatus and a control method thereof.

In a composite type image forming apparatus, for example, the switch to the facsimile mode is operated to switch to the initial screen of the facsimile mode during operation in the copy mode, or conversely, the copy mode is not operated during operation in the facsimile mode. To switch to the initial screen, it is necessary to operate the switch key to copy mode. For this reason, this operation is troublesome especially for a user who is in a hurry, and forgetting this operation may also cause an erroneous operation. From this point of view, for example, even when the switch key to the facsimile mode is not operated during operation in the copy mode, the telephone number is automatically input when the numeric keypad is entered when the facsimile mode is selected. There is a technique for switching to the initial screen of the facsimile mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this technique, for example, when the numeric key “0” is first input, the initial screen of the facsimile mode is automatically switched.
JP 2002-57828 A

  By the way, the above-described image forming apparatus has both a copy mode in which image data read by the image reading unit is copied onto a sheet and a facsimile mode in which the image data read by the image reading unit is transmitted via a communication line. In addition to these modes, the MFP can be operated in scanner mode, where image data read by the image reading means is stored in a storage unit that can be read by a personal computer terminal connected via a LAN line. There are possible image forming apparatuses. In such an image forming apparatus, since there is a new operation mode that the scanner mode does not exist in the above-described image forming apparatus, the operation becomes more troublesome for the user, and the possibility of erroneous operation increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a purpose of the present invention is to enable easy operation and reduce the possibility of erroneous operation even when operation in copy mode, facsimile mode, and scanner mode is possible. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation unit including a numeric keypad, an image reading unit that reads an image, and the number of copies of image data read by the image reading unit by the ten key. A copy means for copying on a separation sheet; a facsimile means for transmitting image data read by the image reading means via a communication line in accordance with a telephone number input with the numeric keypad; and an image data read by the image reading means. A scanner unit that stores data in a storage unit corresponding to a multi-digit identification number specified by the numeric keypad among a plurality of storage units, a copy mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the copy unit, and the image reading unit And a facsimile mode in which operation is performed by the facsimile means, and the image reading means and the scanner means Mode switching control means for switching the mode to the scanner mode that performs the operation, and the image data stored in the storage unit can be read from the storage unit by a personal computer terminal via a LAN line, and the identification number In the image forming apparatus, it is possible to set from a number in which all the digits are “0” to a number in which the maximum digit is “0” and the remaining digits are all “9”. If the first digit entered on the numeric keypad is “0” and the total number of digits entered exceeds the number of digits of the identification number, the mode is shifted to the facsimile mode, and the first digit entered on the numeric keypad Is “0” and the total number of input digits does not exceed the number of digits of the identification number, the scanner mode is entered, and the number first input to the numeric keypad is a number other than “0” The above Characterized in that it proceeds to Modo.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the number of copies can be set up to a predetermined maximum number of digits, and the mode switching control unit is a number other than “0”, the number first input to the numeric keypad is all When the number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of copies, the facsimile mode may be entered. On the other hand, when the total number of input digits does not exceed the maximum number of copies, the copy mode may be entered.

  An image forming apparatus control method according to the present invention includes: an operation unit including a numeric keypad; an image reading unit that reads an image; and a copy that copies image data read by the image reading unit to a number of copies input by the ten key. Means, facsimile means for transmitting image data read by the image reading means via a communication line in accordance with a telephone number input by the ten key, and image data read by the image reading means in a plurality of storage units. A scanner unit for storing in a storage unit corresponding to an identification number of a plurality of digits designated by the ten key, a copy mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the copying unit, and by the image reading unit and the facsimile unit Facsimile mode for operation and a scan mode for operation by the image reading means and the scanner means. Mode switching control means for switching the mode to the NA mode, and image data stored in the storage unit can be read from the storage unit by a personal computer terminal via a LAN line, and all digits are used as the identification number. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus in which a number from “0” to a number having a maximum digit of “0” and the remaining digits of all “9” can be set, which is first input to the numeric keypad. A first determination step for determining whether or not the number is “0”, and when the number first input to the numeric keypad in the first determination step is “0”, the total number of input digits is A second determination step for determining whether or not the number of digits of the identification number has been exceeded, and a transition to the facsimile mode when the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number in the second determination step Faximi A mode transition step, a scanner mode transition step for shifting to the scanner mode when the total number of input digits does not exceed the number of digits of the identification number in the second determination step, and the numeric keypad in the first determination step. And a copy mode transition step for shifting to the copy mode when the first input number is a number other than “0”.

  In the image forming apparatus control method according to the present invention, the number of copies can be set up to a predetermined maximum number of digits, and the number first input to the numeric keypad in the first determination step is a number other than “0”. In a third case, a third determination step for determining whether or not the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of digits of the number of copies, and the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of digits of the number of copies in the third determination step A second facsimile mode transition step for transitioning to the facsimile mode in the case where the number of input digits does not exceed the maximum number of copies in the third determination step, the copy mode transition step is executed. You may make it do.

  In the copy mode, a numeric value starting with a number other than “0” is entered with the numeric keypad in order to set the number of copies. In the facsimile mode, for example, a 10 digit facsimile starting with “0” for setting the destination. The telephone number as a number is input with the numeric keypad. In the scanner mode, the maximum digit is “0” for all digits starting from “0” for setting the storage unit as the storage destination. One identification number is input up to the number “0” and all the remaining digits are “9”. According to the present invention, paying attention to these, when the first input number on the numeric keypad is “0” and the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number, the facsimile mode is entered, and When the first input number is “0” and the total number of input digits does not exceed the number of digits of the identification number, the mode shifts to the scanner mode, and the first input number on the numeric keypad is other than “0”. If it is a number, it shifts to copy mode. As a result, since the mode can be switched to an appropriate mode without operating the mode switching key, the operation is easy and erroneous operations can be reduced.

  In the copy mode, a numeric value starting with a numeric keypad other than “0” is entered with the numeric keypad to set the number of copies. In the facsimile mode, an area code for setting the transmission destination is included. For example, a telephone number as a 10-digit facsimile number starting from “0” and a telephone number as a 7-digit facsimile number starting from other than “0” not including the area code are input with the numeric keypad. In the case of the number from the number “0” for all digits starting from “0” to the number for which the maximum digit is “0” and all the remaining digits are “9” for setting the storage unit that is the storage destination One identification number is input. According to the present invention, paying attention to these, when the first input number on the numeric keypad is “0” and the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number, the facsimile mode is entered, and When the first input number is “0” and the total number of input digits does not exceed the number of digits of the identification number, the mode shifts to the scanner mode, and the first input number on the numeric keypad is other than “0”. If it is a number and the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of copies, the mode is changed to the facsimile mode. The first input number on the numeric keypad is a number other than “0” and the total number of input digits is the number of copies. If the maximum number of digits is not exceeded, the copy mode is entered. As a result, since the mode can be switched to an appropriate mode without operating the mode switching key, the operation is easy and erroneous operations can be reduced.

  FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. An image reading unit (image reading unit) 12 is provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 11. A document table 13 on which a document as an object to be read is loaded is arranged on the side. When a start key (not shown in FIG. 1) of the operation display unit (operation unit) 15 on the front side of the machine body is pressed while a document is loaded on the document table 13, image reading is performed in conjunction with the document table 13. The unit 12 reads the originals one by one, and the read originals are discharged to the original receiver 16 below the original table 13. The image reading unit 12 can be opened and closed via a plurality of hinges (not shown), and a document placed on a manual placement table (not shown) that is exposed in the open state is also pressed when the start key is pressed. Then it will be read.

  The operation display unit 15 described above is provided below the document receiver 16 and on the front side of the machine body, and a front tray 18 is disposed below the operation display unit 15. The paper on which the toner image based on the image data read by the image reading unit 12 is formed is discharged with the toner image forming surface facing down. In addition, a side tray 19 is disposed at a position that protrudes from the side of the machine body at the lower side of the operation display unit 15, and a sheet on which a toner image based on image data is formed is placed on the side tray 19. It is discharged with the up side.

  A front door 21 is disposed on the front side of the machine body below the front tray 18, and a side door 22 is disposed on the side of the front door 21. By opening the front door 21 and the side door 22, a paper loading unit and a paper transport unit (not shown) are exposed, thereby enabling maintenance such as loading of paper and removal of jammed paper.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 11 includes an operation display unit 15 that receives an operation input by a user and displays guidance for the user, and reads an image of a document to obtain image data. The above-described image reading unit 12 that generates image data, and a copy function unit (copy) that forms a toner image so as to copy an object to be read on a sheet based on the image data generated by the image reading unit 12 and ejects the sheet Means) 24, a facsimile function unit (facsimile means) 26 for transmitting the image data generated by the image reading unit 12 via the communication line 25, and a personal computer separately connected to the image data generated by the image reading unit 12. A scanner function unit (scanner unit) 30 stored in a storage unit 29 that can be read by the terminal 28, and a control unit (mode switching control unit) 32 for controlling them. The it has.

  The operation display unit 15 includes a numeric keypad 34 that can input numerical values from 0 to 9 one by one, and a touch panel screen 35 that displays an operation guide and the like and allows operation input.

  The image reading unit 12 is a so-called scanner that generates image data of an object to be read by irradiating light on a document that is the object to be read and detecting the reflected light.

  The copy function unit 24 includes the original image data generated by the image reading unit 12, the number of copies input using the numeric keypad 34 of the operation display unit 15, the magnification, shading, and paper selected on the touch panel screen 35 of the operation display unit 15. The toner image is formed so that the original is copied on the selected type and the number of copies of the paper on the basis of the type and the like at the selected magnification and shading. Part.

  The facsimile function unit 26 converts the image data generated by the image reading unit 12 into appropriate transmission data, and transmits the data via the communication line 25 in accordance with the telephone number input with the numeric keypad 34 of the operation display unit 15. . In this case, it is assumed that the telephone number entered as the facsimile number is entered from the area code, or zero transmission with “0” unconditionally added.

  As described above, the scanner function unit 30 stores the image data generated by the image reading unit 12, and a plurality of, for example, 100 storage units 29 are provided. Each of these storage units 29 has an identification number for identifying the other storage unit 29, and is a so-called confidential box accessible only by a specific user. As the identification number of each storage unit 29, a pair of numbers from “000” in which all digits are “0” to “099” in which the maximum digit is “0” and the remaining digits are all “9”. Assigned in one. This identification number can be four digits other than three digits, for example, “0000” to “0999”, but is set to a number of digits smaller than the minimum number of digits of the telephone number.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment is operated by the image reading unit 12 and the copy function unit 24, that is, the copy mode in which the image data read by the image reading unit 12 is copied to a sheet by the copy function unit 24, and the image Operation by the reading unit 12 and the facsimile function unit 26, that is, a facsimile mode in which the image data read by the image reading unit 12 is transmitted via the communication line 25 by the facsimile function unit 26 according to the inputted telephone number, the image reading unit 12 and the scanner The mode is switched to the operation by the function unit 30, that is, the scanner mode in which the image data read by the image reading unit 12 is stored in the corresponding one of the plurality of storage units 29 by the scanner function unit 30.

  The operation display unit 15 is provided in the upper part on the front side of the image forming apparatus 11 and, as shown in FIG. 3, “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5” ”,“ 6 ”,“ 7 ”,“ 8 ”,“ 9 ”and the above-described numeric keypad 34, and the pressing operation to each divided area on the surface of the LCD screen for displaying an operation guide or the like can be detected. The touch panel screen 35 to which a touch panel sheet is attached is provided. The operation display unit 15 is provided with a start button 37 for starting a job, an all clear button 38 for switching the touch panel screen 35 to a basic screen, and a stop button 39 for stopping the job.

  Further, the operation display unit 15 is provided individually for each user, for example, and when an ID card storing ID data set for each user is inserted, the ID data of the ID card is read as shown in FIG. A card reader 41 is provided.

  For example, when the control unit 32 detects that a document is placed on the document table 13 or the manual placement table, the control unit 32 displays the basic screen shown in FIG. 4 on the touch panel screen 35 of the operation display unit 15. That is, the control unit 32 displays on the touch panel screen 35 the copy selection key unit 43 displayed as “copy” to be pressed when selecting the copy mode, and “fax” pressed when selecting the facsimile mode. And a scanner selection key section 45 displayed “scanner” that is pressed when selecting the scanner mode.

  When the copy selection key unit 43 is pressed on the basis of the display on the basic screen, the control unit 32 switches to the operation in the copy mode, and appropriately changes settings such as paper selection, magnification, and number of copies on the touch panel screen 35. The initial screen of the copy mode shown in FIG. 5 for input is displayed. In order to change the basic settings as necessary, an appropriate input is made on the initial screen of this copy mode, and if necessary, the numeric keypad 34 is appropriately set to change one of the number of copies of paper to be copied, which is the basic setting. When the start button 37 is pressed, the control unit 32 reads the document by the image reading unit 12 to generate image data, and forms a toner image based on the image data on the sheet to reproduce the document. To do. That is, copy. Note that the number of copies that can be copied in one job can be set up to a predetermined maximum number of digits, for example, 999 copies of three digits, and copies exceeding that number cannot be copied.

  On the other hand, when the facsimile selection key unit 44 is pressed based on the above, the control unit 32 switches to the operation in the facsimile mode, and the setting change is appropriately input to the touch panel screen 35 in the facsimile mode shown in FIG. The initial screen will be displayed. Then, in order to change the basic setting as necessary, an appropriate input is made on the initial screen of the facsimile mode, and a 10-digit telephone number of the transmission destination is inputted with the numeric keypad 34, and the start button 37 is pressed. The control unit 32 reads the document by the image reading unit 12 to generate image data, changes the document to transmission data that can be reproduced at the transmission destination, and transmits the transmission data via the communication line 25. That is, a facsimile is transmitted.

  Further, based on the above, when the scanner selection key unit 45 is pressed, the control unit 32 switches to the operation in the scanner mode, and the setting change is appropriately input to the touch panel screen 35 in the scanner mode shown in FIG. The basic screen will be displayed. Then, in order to change the basic setting as necessary, an appropriate input is made on the initial screen of the scanner mode, and any one of the 100 identification numbers “000” to “099” of the storage destination is not displayed. When the identification number of the storage unit 29 in use is input with the numeric keypad 34 and the start button 37 is pressed, the control unit 32 reads the document with the image reading unit 12 to generate image data, and the image data is stored as described above. The identification number storage unit 29 set as described above is stored in association with the user ID data read by the card reader 41, for example.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the control unit 32 displays the basic screen as described above, and any of the copy selection key unit 43, the facsimile selection key unit 44, and the scanner selection key unit 45 is not pressed. The operation mode is selected based on the operation of the numeric keypad 34.

  That is, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the first input has been made to the numeric keypad 34 as shown in FIG. 8 on the condition that, for example, a previously set job has been completed, in addition to the above-described control. (Step S1), and waits in step S1 until the first input is made on the numeric keypad 34. When the control unit 32 determines in step S1 that the first input has been made to the numeric keypad 34, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the number first input to the numeric keypad 34 is “0” (step S2 (first step Judgment step)). That is, when the operation in the facsimile mode is assumed, the operator inputs the area code of the destination telephone number or the first “0” of zero transmission, and the operation in the scanner mode. Is assumed, the operator inputs the first “0” of the storage destination identification numbers “000” to “099” in the scanner mode, and any number other than “0” is input in any case. On the other hand, when the operation in the copy mode is assumed, the operator inputs a numerical value starting from other than “0” with the numeric keypad 34 in order to set the number of copies. is there.

  In this step S 2, if the number first input to the numeric keypad 34 is “0”, whether or not the total number of digits input by the numeric keypad 34 has exceeded the number of digits of the identification number in the storage unit 29, that is, three digits. Determination (step S3 (second determination step)).

  In this step S3, when the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number, that is, 3 digits, the operation shifts to the operation in the facsimile mode (step S4 (facsimile mode transfer step)). In other words, as described above, when the operation in the facsimile mode is assumed, the operator can use, for example, a 10-digit number exceeding the number of digits of the above-described identification number, that is, 3 digits as the telephone number of the transmission destination. Due to the input. Then, the number input to the numeric keypad 34 in this way is used as the destination telephone number, and the subsequent operation can be continued.

  On the other hand, if the total number of input digits does not exceed 3 digits, such as stopping at the number of digits of the identification number, that is, 3 digits, in step S3, the operation shifts to the operation in the scanner mode (step S5 (scanner mode transfer step)). In other words, in the case where the operation in the scanner mode is assumed, the operator inputs a three-digit number smaller than the number of digits of the telephone number described above as the identification number of the storage unit 29 of the storage destination. It depends. Here, the determination of the stop with three digits is made on the condition that the start button is pressed after inputting the three digits, or that a predetermined waiting time has elapsed after inputting the three digits. Then, the number input to the numeric keypad 34 in this way is used as the identification number of the storage unit 29 as the storage destination, and the subsequent operation can be continued.

  On the other hand, when the number initially input to the numeric keypad 34 in step S2 is a number other than “0”, the control unit 32 shifts to operation in the copy mode (step S6 (copy mode shift step). ). In other words, in the case where the operation in the copy mode is assumed, the operator inputs a numerical value starting from “0” with the numeric keypad 34 in order to set the number of copies. The area code of the destination telephone number or the first “0” of zero transmission is not input, and the first “0” of the storage destination identification numbers “000” to “099” in the scanner mode is not input. This is because there is no input. The number input to the numeric keypad 34 in this way is used as the number of copies, and the subsequent operation can be continued.

  Note that the image data stored in the storage unit 29 having a predetermined identification number in the scanner mode can be read out by the personal computer terminal 28 connected to the image forming apparatus 11 via the LAN line 27. However, since the user ID data is stored in the storage unit 29 in association with the image data as described above, for example, the user ID data is stored in the personal computer terminal 28, and the correspondence of these ID data is stored. The associated image data can be read only when the image is removed.

  Further, even in operation in any one of the copy mode, facsimile mode, and scanner mode, the next operation mode can be selected based on the operation of the numeric keypad 34 in the same manner as described above. That is, the copy mode is in operation and the copy mode initial screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, the facsimile mode is in operation and the facsimile mode initial screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, The operation mode is switched in the same manner as described above in accordance with the operation of the numeric keypad 34 regardless of whether the initial screen of the facsimile mode shown in FIG.

  According to the image forming apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment as described above, in the copy mode, a numerical value starting with other than “0” is input with the numeric keypad 34 in order to set the number of copies, and in the facsimile mode. For example, a 10-digit telephone number starting from “0” of the area code or zero transmission for setting the transmission destination is input with the numeric keypad 34. In the scanner mode, the storage unit 29 which is the storage destination is stored. One identification number is entered from the number where all digits starting with “0” are “0” to the number where the maximum digit is “0” and the remaining digits are all “9”. become. Paying attention to these, when the number first input to the numeric keypad 34 is “0” and the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number, the mode is changed to the facsimile mode, and the first input to the numeric keypad 34 is performed. When the number entered is “0” and the total number of digits does not exceed the number of digits in the identification number, the mode is shifted to the scanner mode, and the number entered first on the numeric keypad 34 is a number other than “0”. Then, the mode shifts to the copy mode. As a result, even if there is no operation of the copy selection key unit 43, the facsimile selection key unit 44, and the scanner selection key unit 45, the number of copies, a telephone number (with an area code or zero transmission, which must be input thereafter) ) Since it is possible to switch to an appropriate mode of the copy mode, the facsimile mode, and the scan mode only by operating the numeric keypad 34 for inputting the identification number in the storage unit 29, the operation is easy and erroneous operations can be reduced.

  Further, for example, even a blind user who is not suitable for the operation on the touch panel screen 35 can switch the copy mode, the facsimile mode, and the scan mode only by inputting the numeric keypad 34, thereby ensuring accessibility. Can provide operation.

  In the above example, the telephone number as the facsimile number is always input from the area code that is initially set with “0” unconditionally, or is set to zero transmission that is initially set with “0” unconditionally. However, in other cases, it is possible to cope with the change by adding steps S10 and S11 shown in FIG.

  That is, when the number first input to the numeric keypad 34 in step S2 is a number other than “0”, the total number of digits input by the numeric keypad 34 is copied before the operation in the copy mode in step S6 is started. It is determined whether or not the maximum number of possible copies, that is, three digits has been exceeded (step S10 (third determination step)). Here, the maximum number of digits that can be copied is set to a number that is less than the minimum number of digits of the telephone number that does not include the area code.

  Then, when the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of copies, that is, the range of 3 digits in step S10, the mode is shifted to the facsimile mode (step S11 (second facsimile mode transition step)). On the other hand, when all the input digits stop within the maximum number of copies in step S10, the copy mode is entered (step S6). In other words, in the case where operation in the facsimile mode is assumed, the operator may input a numerical value starting with a numeric key 34 other than “0”, which has no area code and is not zero transmission, If operation in copy mode is assumed, the number of copies within the range of the maximum number of copies that can be copied will be entered, and if operation in facsimile mode is assumed This is because the number of copies exceeding the maximum number of copies that can be copied is input.

  Even in this case, even if there is no operation of the copy selection key unit 43, the facsimile selection key unit 44, and the scanner selection key unit 45, the number of copies, telephone number (presence / absence of area code or zero transmission) is input after that. Whether or not, can be switched to an appropriate mode of copy mode, facsimile mode, and scan mode only by operating the numeric keypad 34 of the identification number of the storage unit 29, so that the operation is easy and erroneous operations can be reduced. .

1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a plan view showing an operation display unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a basic screen of a touch panel screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an initial screen in a copy mode of a touch panel screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an initial screen in a facsimile mode of a touch panel screen in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an initial screen in a scanner mode of a touch panel screen in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing control details of mode switching control when the numeric keypad is used in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of changing control content of mode switching control when using the numeric keypad in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Image forming apparatus, 12 ... Image reading part (image reading means), 15 ... Display operation part (operation part), 24 ... Copy function part (copy means), 25 ... Communication line, 26 ... Facsimile function part (facsimile means) , 27 ... LAN line, 28 ... PC terminal, 29 ... storage unit, 30 ... scanner function unit (scanner unit), 32 ... control unit (mode switching control unit), 34 ... tenkey, 35 ... touch panel screen.

Claims (4)

An operation unit including a numeric keypad;
Image reading means for reading an image;
A copy means for copying the image data read by the image reading means onto the paper for the number of copies input by the numeric keypad;
Facsimile means for transmitting the image data read by the image reading means via a communication line according to the telephone number input by the numeric keypad;
Scanner means for storing image data read by the image reading means in a storage unit corresponding to a plurality of digits specified by the numeric keypad among a plurality of storage units;
The mode is set to a copy mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the copy unit, a facsimile mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the facsimile unit, and a scanner mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the scanner unit. Mode switching control means for switching,
The image data stored in the storage unit can be read from the storage unit by a personal computer terminal via a LAN line, and the identification number is a number from which all digits are “0” and the maximum digit is “0”. An image forming apparatus capable of setting up to a number whose remaining digits are all “9”,
The mode switching control means shifts to the facsimile mode when the number first input to the numeric keypad is “0” and the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number. When the number entered in “0” is “0” and the total number of digits does not exceed the number of digits in the identification number, the mode is shifted to the scanner mode, and the number entered first in the numeric keypad is other than “0”. The image forming apparatus shifts to the copy mode when the number is. The number of copies can be set up to a predetermined maximum number of digits,
The mode switching control means shifts to the facsimile mode when the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of copies when the first input to the numeric keypad is a number other than “0”. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copy mode is entered unless the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of digits of the number of copies. An operation unit including a numeric keypad;
Image reading means for reading an image;
A copy means for copying the image data read by the image reading means onto the paper for the number of copies input by the numeric keypad;
Facsimile means for transmitting the image data read by the image reading means via a communication line according to the telephone number input by the numeric keypad;
Scanner means for storing image data read by the image reading means in a storage unit corresponding to a plurality of digits specified by the numeric keypad among a plurality of storage units;
The mode is set to a copy mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the copy unit, a facsimile mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the facsimile unit, and a scanner mode in which operation is performed by the image reading unit and the scanner unit. Mode switching control means for switching,
The image data stored in the storage unit can be read from the storage unit by a personal computer terminal via a LAN line, and the identification number is a number from which all digits are “0” and the maximum digit is “0”. A control method for an image forming apparatus in which it is possible to set up to a number in which all the remaining digits are “9”.
A first determination step of determining whether or not the number first input to the numeric keypad is “0”;
A second determination step of determining whether or not the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number when the number initially input to the numeric keypad is “0” in the first determination step;
A facsimile mode transition step of transitioning to the facsimile mode when the total number of input digits exceeds the number of digits of the identification number in the second determination step;
A scanner mode transition step for shifting to the scanner mode when the total number of input digits does not exceed the number of digits of the identification number in the second determination step;
And a copy mode shift step for shifting to the copy mode when the first input to the numeric keypad is a number other than “0” in the first determination step. Method. The number of copies can be set up to a predetermined maximum number of digits,
In the first determination step, when the number first input to the numeric keypad is a number other than “0”, a third determination is made as to whether or not the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of digits of the number of copies. A determination step;
A second facsimile mode transition step for transitioning to the facsimile mode when the total number of input digits exceeds the maximum number of digits in the number of copies in the third determination step;
4. The method of controlling an image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the copy mode transition step is executed if the total number of input digits does not exceed the maximum number of digits in the number of copies in the third determining step.

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