JP2998151B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to recording of a copier, a facsimile apparatus, a printer, and the like for setting function selection and execution conditions using a display on a user interface and recording image information. Related to the device.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, recording devices such as copiers have been using advanced control technology and data processing technology with the introduction of computers, so the available functions have been diversified, and many functions have been used for selecting functions and setting conditions for function execution. In addition, various operations are required. For the operator, since there are many types of operations to be learned and the operations are complicated, erroneous operations due to differences in operation procedures and the like are likely to occur. Therefore, a console panel is employed to make the operation of the operator as easy as possible. The console panel is provided with various key switches for operation selection, operation means such as a numeric keypad, and further, a display lamp and a display for displaying selection, setting status, and operation guidance messages by key operation.

Conventional user interfaces are mainly composed of console panels on which keys, LEDs, and liquid crystal displays are arranged, and include, for example, a backlit type and a type with a message display. The backlit console panel is designed to be readable by selectively illuminating a display plate on which a fixed message is arranged at a predetermined position in advance with a lamp or the like from behind, and has a message display. The console panel is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display element and displays various messages as needed without increasing the display area. Which of these console panels is adopted is determined for each copying machine in consideration of the complexity of the system configuration of the copying machine, operability, and the like.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of a console panel used in a copying machine, which has already been separately proposed by the present applicant (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
No. 118858, JP-A-1-118860, JP-A-1-11
No. 8861).

On the console panel 701, a menu display board 702 is disposed at the top, and each panel portion (7
03-708) are displayed in characters.

Among them, the sorter panel 703 has one switch 7
09 and two display lamps 710 are arranged so that a sorting mode (stack mode and collation mode) when a sorter is connected can be selected.

The function selection panel 704 includes a switch 711 for editing, correcting, and confirming an image, a switch 712 for storing the image in the job memory, a continuous page copying function, a frame erasing function, a binding function, and various other copying modes. Switch 713 for copying and switch 7 for duplex copying
14 and a display lamp 715 for displaying the presence or absence of selection of these switches.

On the monochromatic color enhancement panel 705, four display lamps 715 indicating the type (color) of the color developer are arranged at the top, and four switches 716 to 719 and these switches 716 are provided on the remaining part. An indicator lamp 710 for displaying which of the settings 設定 719 has been set is arranged. These are a marking color switch 716, a partial color conversion switch 717, a continuous shooting color synthesis switch 718, and a single color switch 719.

On the copy density panel 706, a display lamp 710 indicating which of the five levels of copy density has been selected, and shift keys 720 and 721 for selecting one of these copy densities
Is arranged. When the upper shift key 720 is pressed, the copy density is set to be lower, and when the lower shift key 712 is pressed, the copy density is set to be higher. The density can be adjusted in, for example, 16 steps. An automatic density adjustment switch 723 is provided below the copy density panel 706.
22 lights and the automatic density adjustment mode is set.

On the magnification / paper selection panel 707, a portion for setting and displaying a magnification is disposed on the left side, and a portion for selecting a paper is disposed on the right side. Shift key for setting the desired magnification
724, 725 and a magnification display unit 723 are arranged, next to them,
Fixed magnification key 726 for selecting a predetermined fixed magnification
And a magnification display plate 727 and a display lamp 710 are arranged. Eight types of display boards 728 indicating the paper size or the type of paper, and shift keys 729 and 730 for selecting one of them are arranged in a portion for selecting the copy paper. Further, a display lamp 710 indicating which paper size or paper is selected is disposed on the left side of the eight types of display boards 728. In addition,
Below the paper selection panel 707, an automatic paper / magnification selection switch 731 for selecting a preset combination of magnification and paper size is arranged.

On a display panel 708 located on the right side of the magnification / paper selection panel 707, a symbol 732 and a liquid crystal display 733 of the copying machine are arranged. The pattern 732 displays the selection state of the supply tray and the place where a paper jam has occurred by lighting a lamp, etc.The liquid crystal display unit 733 displays various messages with sentences including kanji, and selects functions and execution conditions. Make settings.

Further, various keys or buttons are arranged below the display panel 708. These are all clear buttons for returning the copier to the basic state, that is, the priority mode.
734, Numeric keypad 735 used to set the number of copies and specify the contents of diagnosis when performing copier diagnosis, etc.When performing continuous copying, it is necessary to make another emergency copy. An interrupt button 736 used at a certain time, a stop clear button 737 used as a clear button when stopping copy work in the middle, setting the number of copies or setting a sorter bin, and starting a copy work There are a start button 738, a selection key 739 for moving a cursor for a message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit T33, a setting key 740 for setting a position designated by the cursor, and the like.

The console panel described above is arranged so that an area for basic operations such as selection of paper and setting of copy density is separated from an area for applied operations such as function selection and monochromatic color emphasis. In addition to this, a liquid crystal display
By displaying the sentence mixed with Kanji and Kana on 733 to assist the application operation, it is devised to reduce the occurrence of mistakes in panel operation as much as possible.

In the case of a copier, the number of combinations of those having various functions in the main body machine and those equipped with a sorter, an automatic document feeder, a paper tray, an IC card device, and the like as additional devices are extremely large. Of course, the functions that can be used differ depending on these combinations, so the number of switches for selecting functions arranged on the console panel and the processing in the device associated with the operation also differ, and the corresponding indicator lamps Also, the arrangement and the number of the indicators are different. Therefore, the console panel is designed by determining the arrangement and size of switches and indicators according to the scale of the copying machine.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

Recording devices, such as copiers, are indispensable equipment for offices, but as office space costs are soaring, in order to use office space efficiently, recording devices such as copiers There is a strong demand for a compact device and a small occupied area. Further, with the increasing use of copiers and the like, the demands of users are diversified, and the tendency for high performance and multifunctionality is increased. But,
In the case where a copier or the like is to be multifunctional and more compact, there is a problem that the console panel is limited in terms of compactness because the multifunctionality and compactness of the console panel contradict each other. That is, in the console panel, as the functions increase, the display contents and the operation contents also increase, the number of keys to be arranged increases, and the number and size of the display devices increase, so that a large space is required. Therefore, if the space is limited, the arrangement density of the display means and the operation means becomes high, and the display contents become complicated and the operation becomes complicated. There is an example in which a full graphic element is used as a display, but also in this case, there is a problem that sufficient luminance cannot be obtained and it is difficult for an operator to confirm display contents.

In addition, especially in the case of a multifunctional device, a menu for selecting each function is displayed one by one, and a copy cannot be executed unless a confirmation operation of the menu is performed. On the contrary, it can be cumbersome. For example, in a copying machine, a paper tray selection function, a reduction / enlargement function, a two-sided function, a copy density setting function, a sorting function, and the like are commonly used and known. Therefore, the choice of these features,
In settings, it can be used without any problems, but when it comes to applications such as special manuscript copy function and editing / synthesis function, and specialty copy functions, the functions themselves are not well understood or the meaning of the function settings is not understood. Because
A state occurs in which the operation of the function setting cannot be performed smoothly.
In addition, at the stage immediately after the introduction of the device, the functions of the device cannot be used effectively, and the operation is inexperienced, so that the device cannot be fully used. There is a problem of feeling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus which has an automatic document feeder and a sorter and is easy for a user to use when a set number of recording sheets is plural. It is assumed that.

[Means for solving the problem]

For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides an automatic document feeder 02 for automatically feeding a document onto a platen glass, and a sorter 03 having a plurality of bins for storing recorded sheets.
And displaying a plurality of selection mode screens for selecting a recording operation mode so as to be selectively and mutually switchable, and distributing recorded paper to a plurality of bins in any of the plurality of selection mode screens. Control device for automatically selecting the output mode on condition that the number of set recordings is plural, in a recording device 01 comprising: a display device 04 for displaying an option for selecting an output mode for conveying the paper. 05, and when the control means 05 automatically selects the output mode, the output mode is selected on a selection mode screen other than the selection mode screen on which the output mode options are displayed among the plurality of selection mode screens. Display control means 0 for displaying the selection state of the default mode
6 or a plurality of selection mode screens, the setting contents are displayed on one screen, and when the control means 05 automatically selects the output mode, the output contents are displayed on the setting contents displayed on the one screen. Display control means 06 for including a display of the selection state of the output mode, and further, a selection means 07 for selecting whether or not to enable the automatic selection of the output mode by the control means 05. It is characterized by having.

It should be noted that a plurality of selection mode screens for selecting a recording operation mode are displayed so as to be alternately and mutually switchable, and recorded in any one of the plurality of selection mode screens. Displaying an option for selecting an output mode for distributing the paper to a plurality of bins and transporting the paper "means, for example, in FIGS. 27 (a) to 27 (c), a basic copy as a plurality of selection mode screens, an application The three screens of copy and specialty copy are displayed so as to be alternately and mutually switchable, and the option of “collate” for “sorter” is displayed on the basic copy screen.

Further, the “control means for automatically selecting the output mode on condition that the number of set recording sheets is plural” according to claims 1 and 3 is described in, for example,
In page 142, line 13 to line 19, "output mode is set to copy reception for one copy and collation mode for two or more copies, depending on the input content of the set number. The set number of bytes 19 and 20 of the copy mode table of Fig. 32 (e) described above is referred to.The selection of this collation mode automatically depends on the setting of the nonvolatile memory. 143
From page line 14 to page 19, "Fully automatic screen (YES)
In the case of, the contents of the non-volatile memory are set to the fully automatic mode, the input mode information is ADF, and it is checked whether the set number is 2 or more. If all the conditions are YES, the output is checked. Set the mode information to the collation mode, ".

2. The selection mode screen other than the selection mode screen on which the output mode options are displayed among the plurality of selection mode screens when the control unit automatically selects the output mode. "Displaying the selected state of the output mode in" means, for example, in FIG. 27 (a) and (b), a selection mode screen in which a "collation" option is displayed for "sorter". In the application copy screen which is a selection mode screen other than the screen, a selection state related to “sorter” is displayed in the setting state display area B. In the case of cascade move or other copy mode update, message or count value update, the display controller 369 Analyzed by receiving command is described with performing. "To update the display control data 367.

The method according to claim 3, wherein the setting contents in the plurality of selection mode screens are displayed on one screen, and when the control unit automatically selects the output mode,
To include the display of the output mode selection state in the setting contents displayed on the screen ”means, for example, that the review screen in FIG. 28 (b) shows the setting contents in a plurality of selection mode screens in one screen. However, the display on the review screen includes the display of the setting contents related to the “sorter”.
From page 7, line 14 to line 18, `` In the case of cascade movement and other copy mode updates, message and count value updates, the display control unit 369 receives an interface command from the job controller and analyzes it. The display control data 367 is updated. "

[Action]

In the recording apparatus of the present invention, when an automatic document feeder and a sorter are used and the set number is plural, an output mode for distributing and conveying the recorded paper to a plurality of bins is often selected. In such a case, the output mode selection setting is automatically performed. Further, when the output mode selection setting is automatically performed, the output mode selection state is displayed on a selection mode screen other than the selection mode screen in which the output mode options are displayed among the plurality of selection mode screens. Therefore, if a selection mode screen other than the selection mode screen that displays the output mode options is displayed, you can switch to another selection mode screen without switching to the selection mode screen that displays the output mode options. The output mode selection status can be confirmed. In addition, when the selection contents in a plurality of selection mode screens are displayed on one screen, and the output mode is automatically selected,
Since the setting contents displayed on one screen include the display of the output mode selection state, it is easy to confirm the setting contents on a plurality of selection mode screens including the output mode selection state on one screen.

As described above, when the output mode that is not directly selected by the user is automatically selected, the user is likely to make a mistake in selecting the function. However, in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the output device that is not directly selected by the user is used. When the output mode is automatically selected, the selection state of the output mode is displayed on the screen displaying the selection state, so that the user can be prevented from erroneous recognition.

〔Example〕

In this embodiment, a copying machine will be described as an example of a recording device. Prior to the description, a table of contents for the description of the present embodiment is shown. In the following description, (I) to (II)
Is a section explaining the outline of the overall configuration of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and the section explaining the embodiment of the present invention in the configuration is (III).

(I) Outline of device (I-1) Device configuration (I-2) Function and features of system (I-3) System configuration (I-4) Serial communication method (I-5) State division (II) Specific (II-1) Optical system (II-2) Around the belt (II-3) Paper transport system (II-4) Automatic document feeder (II-5) Sorter (III) User interface (U / I (III-1) Advantages and ideas of using display for user interface (III-2) Display screen configuration (III-3) Key / LED board (III-4) User interface control system configuration (III-5) All Automatic Mode Control (I) Outline of Apparatus (I-1) Apparatus Configuration FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied.

The copying machine to which the present invention is applied can be equipped with some additional devices to the base machine 1. The base machine 1, which is a basic configuration, has a platen glass 2 on which an original is placed. Are arranged, and the respective devices of the optical system 3 and the marking system 5 are arranged below it. On the other hand, the base machine 1 has an upper tray 6-1, a middle tray 6-2,
The lower tray 6-3 is attached, and all of these paper feed trays can be pulled out to the front, so that operability can be improved and the copier layout space can be saved, and the tray does not protrude from the base machine 1. A neatly designed copier has been realized. In addition, inverters 9 and 10 and a duplex tray 11 are arranged in the paper transport system 7 for transporting the paper in the paper feed tray. Further, a user interface 12 composed of a CRT display is mounted on the base machine 1, and a DADF (Duplex Auto Document Feeder: automatic double-sided document feeder) 13 is mounted on the platen glass 2.
Is attached. The user interface 12
Is a stand type, on which a card device can be attached.

Next, an additional device of the base machine 1 will be described. Instead of DADF13, RDH (recycled document handler: a device that returns originals to the original feed state and automatically repeats document feeding) 15 or ordinary ADF (automatic document feeder: automatic document feeder), editor pad (coordinate input device) It is also possible to attach either the attached platen or the platen cover. The supply side of the paper transport system 7 includes an MSI (multi-sheet inserter: manual tray) 16.
And an HCF (high capacity feeder: large capacity tray) 17 can be attached, and one or a plurality of sorters 19 can be arranged on the discharge side of the paper transport system 7. When the DADF 13 is arranged, the simple catch tray 20 or the sorter 19 can be attached.
When the H15 is attached, an offset catch tray 21 for alternately stacking the copied sets and a finisher 23 for stapling the copied sets can be installed. Can be attached.

(I-2) Function and Features of System (A) Function This copying machine is fully equipped with various functions corresponding to the needs of the user and fully automates from the entrance to the exit of the copying operation. Is
The main feature is that the selection of functions, the selection of execution conditions, and the display of other menus and the like are performed on the CRT display, and anyone can easily operate them.

The main function is to switch the display screen on the CRT display to display menus such as function selection and execution condition setting in each mode by classifying into basic copy, applied copy and specialty copy modes. At the same time, the cascade of the screen is moved by key input to select and specify a function, and input of execution condition data is enabled.

The functions of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied include a main function, an automatic function, an additional function, a display function, a diagnostic function, and the like.

The main functions include the standard paper sizes A6 to A2 and B6 to B3, as well as the non-standard sizes, and the three-stage built-in tray as described above. In addition, fixed magnification of 7 steps and arbitrary magnification adjustment in 1% increments and 0.15% between 99% and 101%
You can fine-tune the pitch. Further, there are a density selection function in a fixed 7-step and a photo mode, a double-sided function, a left and right independent binding margin setting function in a range of 1 mm to 16 mm, a billing function, and the like.

The automatic function automatically selects the paper size according to the document size, selects the magnification in the specified paper state, controls the density, starts the fuser ready after the power is turned on, and clears and saves power after a certain period of time after copying is completed. And so on.

Additional functions include composite copy, interrupt, preheat mode,
Clearing the set number, auto clear to auto mode, information explaining the function, P key to use the IC card, maximum lock original return to limit the set number, full job recovery using DADF, jam other than Editor for purging paper, full-copying without bleeding, partial copying or partial deletion of originals, 1
There are a job program that calls and processes jobs one by one, a slip sheet that inserts blank sheets one by one between copies, and a center eraser / frame eraser that is used for a book.

The display function uses a CRT display etc. to provide the operator with information on jam display, paper remaining amount display, toner remaining amount display, collected toner full display, fuser warm-up wait time display, inconsistency in function selection and machine status. There are functions such as message display.

The diagnostic functions include NVRAM initialization, input check, output check, history files such as the number of jams and the number of paper feeds, adjustment of initial values used for process codes around marking and photosensitive material belts, and registration gate on timing. There are functions such as adjustment and configuration setting.

Further, optionally, MS as described above
I, HCF, second deve colors (red, blue, green, brown), editor, etc. can be equipped as appropriate.

(B) Features The entire system of the copying machine having the above functions has the following features.

(B) Achieving power saving A 1.5kVA high-speed, high-performance copier has been realized. Therefore, a control method for achieving 1.5 kVA in each operation mode is determined, and power distribution by function for setting a target value is determined. In addition, an energy system table for determining the energy transfer path is created, and management and verification by the energy system are performed.

(B) Cost reduction The in-house production of high-priced parts and technical improvement and standardization are being pursued. At the same time, the art material life has been improved from the hardware side and the toner consumption has been reduced to reduce the cost of the art material.

(C) Improving reliability To reduce component failures and extend their life, clarify the in / out conditions of each parameter, reduce design defects,
Aiming to achieve 100kCV no menincinance.

(D) Achieving high image quality The present apparatus employs a method in which toner particles are made fine by using microcarriers made of ferrite, and development is performed by using a repulsive magnetic field. As the photoreceptor, a high-sensitivity panchromatic organic light-sensitive material belt formed by coating the organic light-sensitive material in multiple layers is adopted, and a halftone can be expressed by a pictorial mode utilizing a set point. As a result, the generation copy has been improved and the black spot has been reduced, and an unprecedented high image quality has been achieved.

(E) Improved operability A fully automatic mode in which copying is performed in a predetermined mode by operating the start key just by setting the original and entering the number of copies, and a screen divided into basic copy, applied copy, and specialized copy The user can select various mode settings including a copy mode setting according to the user's request. These user interfaces are performed using a CRT display and a few keys and LEDs arranged in correspondence with the screen around the CRT display, making it possible to set the mode with an easy-to-read display menu and simple operations. Also,
By preliminarily storing the copy mode and its execution conditions in a nonvolatile memory or an IC card, it is possible to automate a predetermined operation.

(C) Example of Differentiation In a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, the function of the copying machine can be controlled by a program stored in an IC card. Therefore, by changing the program stored in the IC card for each card, it is possible to differentiate the use of the copying machine. This will be described with some easy-to-understand examples.

As a first example, a multi-purpose building is provided with a copier shared by a plurality of companies, or a copier shared by different departments even within one company or factory. The case will be described. The latter joint use is necessary for budget control, and in the past, use control of each department was performed using a device such as a copy riser.

This copier has an IC card device, a DADF 13, a sorter 19, and a user interface on the base machine 1 shown in FIG.
It is assumed that the copying machine has a relatively advanced system configuration including the supply trays (6-1 to 6-3) and the duplex tray 11. Some co-users require the DADF 13 or sorter 19, while others do not require any additional equipment.

If a plurality of persons or departments having different usage modes try to determine the cost burden of the copying machine solely from their own copy volumes, those who only make low-volume copies will be required to make copies with various additional devices. This would oppose the introduction of the copier, making it difficult to coordinate with people or departments that want to use the copier to a high degree.

In such a case, prepare IC cards according to the usage of each person or each department, and the more people or departments who want advanced functions will bear more basic costs and utilize more functions. You should be able to do so. For example, the owner of the most advanced IC card operates the copier with the IC card set in the IC card device, thereby obtaining the DADF 13, the sorter 19, and the supply tray (6-1).
6-3) and the duplex tray 11 can be used freely, and office efficiency can be improved. On the other hand, those who do not need copy paper sorting have ICs that lack a program for sorting.
By setting a card and using only the catch tray 20, costs can be reduced.

As a second example, a case where a copy agency runs a self-copy service shop with an IC card will be described.

In the store, a plurality of copying machines are arranged, and an IC card device 22 is attached to each of them. The customer requests an IC card according to the service mode, sets it in a desired copying machine, and makes a copy by self-service. Customers who are unfamiliar with copiers can request an IC card equipped with a program for displaying operation explanations as a program, and by setting this, it is possible to display various operation information on the UI 12 and it is possible to execute copy work without fail it can. Whether the DADF 13 can be used, whether multi-color printing can be performed, and the like can be determined by the IC card to be lent, and the type of use can be limited, so that customers who are charged can be managed. Furthermore, since the actual copy operation such as the number of copies and the size of the used copy paper can be written on the IC card, billing becomes easy, and detailed services such as discounting copy fees to regular customers are also possible. .

As a third example, a service using an IC card storing a program for a specific user will be described. For example, at a patent office, when examining patent publications reduced by photoengraving, it is necessary to make the same copy as the original size.
There are jobs that make copies at a relatively large enlargement rate of 0%. Also, when preparing a drawing to be submitted to a government office, work to reduce or enlarge the original drawing in small steps is performed to meet the request. In addition, in departments that copy resident's cards such as city halls or ward offices, copies of image information of places that are not covered by claims and information that should be kept secret in order to protect personal privacy are copied. And make an abstract.

As described above, some users (users) request to use the copying machine in a special use mode. If the functions of the copying machine are set so as to satisfy all such requirements, the console panel becomes complicated and the ROM inside the copying machine becomes large. Therefore, by preparing an IC card for each specific user and setting the IC card, a copying machine having a function most suitable for the user can be realized.

For example, in the case of a patent office, by purchasing a dedicated IC card, in addition to the normal several types of reduced magnification,
You can easily select a reduction ratio of 200%. In addition, the reduction ratio can be set in a range requiring fine adjustment, for example, in increments of 1%. In addition, the resident card issuance department can indicate the type of resident card and the fields and items to be deleted on the display such as the liquid crystal display by operating keys such as numeric keys, and then the start button is pressed. By pressing, only the desired range of the original is copied, or only the necessary portion is edited and recorded.

(I-3) Configuration of Electric System Control System of Copying Machine FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a subsystem of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration by a CPU.

As shown in FIG. 3, the copier system to which the present invention is applied includes four subsystems including a SQMGR subsystem 32, a CHM subsystem 33, an IMM subsystem 34, and a marking subsystem 35 on a main board 31. , U / around it
It is composed of nine subsystems including five subsystems including an I subsystem 36, an INPUT subsystem 37, an OUTPUT subsystem 38, an OPT subsystem 39, and an IEL subsystem 40. Then, for the SQMGR subsystem 32, the CHM subsystem 33 and the IMM subsystem 34
Since it is executed by software under the main CPU 41 shown in FIG. 4 together with the R subsystem 32, it is connected by an interface between subsystems (represented by solid lines) which does not require communication. However, other subsystems are
Since it is executed by software under the CPU separate from 1, it is connected by a serial communication interface (shown by dotted lines). Next, these subsystems will be described briefly.

The SQMGR subsystem 32 receives the copy mode setting information from the U / I subsystem 36, and synchronizes the subsystems so that the copy operation can be performed efficiently,
It is a sequence manager that issues work instructions to each subsystem, constantly monitors the status of each subsystem, and performs prompt status determination processing when an abnormality occurs.

The CHM subsystem 33 is a subsystem that controls a paper storage tray, a duplex tray, and a manual feed tray, controls the feed of copy paper, and controls the purge operation of copy paper.

The IMM subsystem 34 is divided into panels on the photosensitive belt,
It is a subsystem that controls the running / stop of the photosensitive material belt, the control of the main motor, and other controls around the photosensitive material belt.

The marking subsystem 35 is a subsystem that controls the potential of the corotron, the exposure lamp, the developing machine, the potential of the photosensitive material belt, and the toner density.

The U / I subsystem 36 is a subsystem that performs all control of the user interface, display of machine status, job management such as determination of a copy mode, and job recovery.

The INPUT subsystem 37 includes automatic document feed (DADF), semi-automatic document feed (SADF), large size (A2) document feed (LDC), computer form document feed (CFF),
This is a subsystem for controlling the automatic feed (2-UP) of the original, controlling the automatic repetition of the original (RDH), and detecting the original size.

The OUTPUT subsystem 37 is a subsystem that controls a sorter and a finisher, outputs a copy in each mode of sorting, stacking, and non-sorting, and performs binding output.

The OPT subsystem 39 is a subsystem that controls scanning, lens movement, shutter, and PIS / NON-PIS when exposing a document, and moves the carriage in the LDC mode.

The IEL subsystem 40 is a subsystem that erases unnecessary images on the photosensitive material belt, erases the leading and trailing edges of the images, and erases images according to the edit mode.

The above-mentioned system is constituted by using seven CPUs shown in FIG. 4 as a core, and can flexibly cope with a combination of the pace machine 1 and additional devices surrounding the pace machine 1.
Here, the main CPU 41 is on the main board of the base machine 1 and has the SQMGR subsystem 32, the CHM subsystem 33,
It includes software of the IMM subsystem 34 and is connected to each of the CPUs 42 to 47 via the serial bus 53. These CPUs 42-47
Correspond one-to-one with each subsystem connected by the serial communication interface shown in FIG. The serial communication is performed between the main CPU 41 and each of the other CPUs 42 to 47 according to a predetermined timing with 10 msec as one communication cycle. Therefore, strict timing is required mechanically, and for signals that cannot be synchronized with the serial communication timing, the interrupt port (I
An NT terminal signal) is provided, and interrupt processing is performed by a hot line different from the serial bus 53. That is, for example, 64
Copy operation at cpm (A4LEF), process speed of 309mm / sec, control accuracy of register, etc. ± 1mm
, A job that cannot be processed in the communication cycle of 100 msec as described above occurs. A hotline is required to guarantee the execution of such a job.

Therefore, in this copier, a system configuration corresponding to each of these additional devices can be adopted for software in response to the fact that various additional devices can be attached.

One of the reasons for adopting such a configuration is that (i) if the operation control programs for all these additional devices are prepared in the base machine 1, the memory capacity required for this is enormous. It depends. Also,
(Ii) When a new additional device is developed in the future or the current additional device is improved, the ROM (read only memory) in the base machine 1 is not replaced or expanded.
This is because these additional devices can be used.

For this reason, the base machine 1 has a basic storage area for controlling a basic part of the copying machine and an additional storage area for storing a program taken together with the function information of the copying machine from an IC card. Various programs such as a control program for the DADF 13 and a control program for the user interface 12 are stored in the additional storage area.
When an IC card is set in the IC card device 22 with a predetermined additional device attached to the base machine 1, a program required for a copy operation is read out through the user interface 12 and loaded into the additional storage device. Has become. The loaded program controls the copy operation in cooperation with the program written in the basic storage area or with a priority over the program. The memory used here is a nonvolatile memory composed of a random access memory backed up by a battery. Of course, IC cards,
Other storage media, such as magnetic cards and floppy disks, can also be used as non-volatile memory. In this copying machine, in order to reduce the burden of operation by an operator, setting of image density and magnification can be preset, and the preset values are stored in a nonvolatile memory. ing.

(I-4) Serial Communication System FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transfer data structure and transmission timing of serial communication, and FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a mutual communication interval in one communication cycle.

In the serial communication performed between the main CPU 41 and each of the CUPs (42 to 47), a data amount as shown in FIG. In FIG. 9A, for example, in the case of the user interface, the transmission data TX from the main CPU 41 is 7 bytes, and the reception data RX is 15 bytes.
This indicates that the transmission timing t _i (FIG. 10C) to the next slave, that is, the optical CPU 45, is 26 ms. According to this example, the total communication amount is 86 bytes, and a communication speed of 9600 BPS has a period of about 100 ms. The data length is a header, as shown in FIG.
It consists of commands and data. FIG.
When the transmission and reception according to the maximum data length are performed, the entire communication cycle is as shown in FIG. Here, from the communication speed of 9600 BPS, the time required for transmission of one byte is 1.2 mS, the time from the end of reception of the slave to the start of transmission is 1 mS, and as a result, 100 mS is one communication cycle.

(I-5) State Division FIG. 7 is a diagram showing state division of the main system.

The state division divides the state after the power ON from the copy operation and the state after the copy operation into several parts, decides the job to be performed in each state, and moves to the next state if all the jobs in each state are not completed In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of control by avoiding this, a flag is determined for each state, and each subsystem refers to this flag to determine which state the main system Know what to do and judge what to do. Each subsystem is also divided into states, and a flag is similarly determined for each state. The main system refers to the flag and grasps and manages the state of each subsystem.

First, when the power is turned on, the state of the processor is initialized, and it is determined whether the mode is the diagnostic mode or the user mode (copy mode). The diagnostic mode is a mode used by a service person for repairs and the like, and performs various tests based on the conditions set in the NVM.

In the initialization state in the user mode, the initialization is performed according to the contents of the NVM. For example, the carriage is set at the home position, the lens is set at a position of 100% magnification, and an initialization command is issued to each subsystem. When the initialization ends, the state transits to standby.

Standby is a state until all subsystems have completed the initial setting and the start button is pressed,
Display "Please wait" on the fully automatic screen. Then, the Colt lamp is turned on and the fuser idles for a predetermined time, and when the fuser reaches a predetermined control temperature, the U /
I will display the message "Can be copied" in the message. This standby state is a period of about several tens of seconds at the first power ON.

The setup is a preparatory state for copying started by pressing the start button, and the main motor and the sorter motor are driven to adjust the constants such as the V _{DDP of the} photosensitive material belt. Also, the ADF motor is turned on, the first document feed starts, the first document reaches the registration gate, and the document size is detected.
The magnification is determined and the ADF manuscript is laid on the platen. Then, the second document of the ADF is sent out to the registration gate, and the state shifts to cycle-up.

Cycle-up is a state where the belt is divided into several pitches and panel management is performed, and the first panel reaches the get park point. That is, the pitch is determined in accordance with the copy mode, and the optical subsystem is informed of the magnification and the lens is moved. Then, the copy mode is notified to the CHM subsystem and the IMM subsystem,
When the magnification set is recognized, the scan length is determined by the magnification and the paper size, and the optical subsystem is notified. Then, the copy mode is notified to the marking subsystem, and when the start of the marking subsystem is completed, the panel L / E determined by the pitch is checked by the IMM subsystem, and the first copy panel is found, and the get copy point is set. When it reaches, it becomes get park ready and enters the cycle.

The cycle is a copy operation, and the ADC (Automatic
Density Control), AE (Automatic Exposure), DDP
The copy operation is repeatedly performed while performing controls and the like. When R / L = counted number of sheets, document exchange is performed, and when this is performed for a predetermined number of sheets, a coincidence signal is output and the cycle starts.

Cycle down is a state in which the carriage scan, paper feed, etc. are completed and the copy operation is cleaned up.Each corotron, developing machine, etc. are turned off, and the panel next to the last used panel stops at the stop park position. Panel management to ensure that only specific panels are used and do not cause fatigue.

From this cycle down, it usually returns to standby,
If the start key is pressed again when copying in the platen mode, the process returns to the setup in the case of restart. If a cycle-down factor such as a jam occurs even from setup and cycle-up, the state transitions to cycle-down.

Purging is a state in which a jam has occurred, and when the cause jam sheet is removed, other sheets are automatically discharged. Normally, when a jam occurs, the state transitions from any state to cycle down → standby → purge. Then, a transition is made to standby or set-up due to the purge end, but if a jam occurs again, a transition to cycle down occurs.

The belt-down occurs when a jam occurs on the tray side from the tacking point. In a state where the belt drive is stopped by releasing the belt clutch, the paper before the belt can be discharged.

The 24V power supply is cut off in a state where the interlock is opened and a dangerous state occurs or a machine clock failure occurs and the control becomes uncontrollable.

Then, when these belt down and hard down factors are removed, the state shifts to standby.

(II-1) Optical System FIG. 8A is a schematic side view of the optical system, FIG. 8B is a plan view, and FIG. 8C is a side view in the XX direction of FIG.

The scanning exposure apparatus 3 of the present embodiment employs a PIS (precession imaging system) system for exposing an image on a photosensitive material at a speed higher than the moving speed of the photosensitive material belt 4, and a second scanning system B Are fixed, and the first scanning system A can be moved independently. That is, the first scanning system A includes a first carriage 101 having an exposure lamp 102 and a first mirror 103, a second mirror 106 and a third mirror.
The scanner is configured by a second carriage 105 having 107 and scans an original placed on the platen glass 2. On the other hand, the second scanning system B includes a third carriage 109 having a fourth mirror 110 and a fifth mirror 111, and a fourth carriage 112 having a sixth mirror 113. A lens 108 is disposed on the optical axis of the third mirror 107 and the fourth mirror 110 and is moved by a lens motor according to the magnification, but is fixed during scanning exposure.

The first scanning system A and the second scanning system B are driven by a carriage motor 114 which is a DC servo motor. The transmission shaft 11 is provided on both sides of the output shaft 115 of the carriage motor 114.
6 and 117 are provided, and timing belts 119a and 119b are stretched between a timing pulley 115a fixed to the output shaft 115 and timing pulleys 116a and 117a fixed to the transmission shafts 116 and 117. The transmission shaft 116 has a capstan pulley 1
A driven roller 120 to which 16b is fixed and arranged opposite thereto
A first wire cable 121a is stretched in a cross shape between a and 120b, and the first wire cable 121a is provided with the first wire cable 121a.
The carriage 101 is fixed and the wire cable 1
21a is a deceleration pulley 122a provided on the second carriage 105.
And wound around, in the case of rotating the carriage motor 114 in the arrow direction, the first carriage 101 is the speed V ₁
Move in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
There has been so moved in the same direction at a speed V _1/2.

Also, a timing pulley 117b fixed to the transmission shaft 117
A timing belt 119c is stretched between the timing pulley 123a of the transmission shaft 123 and the driven shaft 120c disposed opposite to the capstan pulley 123b of the transmission shaft 123. Second wire cable 12
1b is stretched. The fourth carriage 112 is fixed to the wire cable 121b, and the wire cable 121b is wound around a reduction pulley 122b provided on the third carriage 109, and rotates the carriage motor 114 in the direction indicated by the arrow. If so, the fourth carriage 112
There together moves in the arrow direction at a speed V _2, the third carriage 109 is so moved in the same direction at a speed V _2/2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the rotation of the timing pulley 117a is
PIS clutch 125 (electromagnetic clutch) for transmission to 7b
When the power supply of the PIS clutch 125 is turned off, the PIS clutch 125 is engaged, and the rotation of the rotation shaft 115 is transmitted to the transmission shafts 117 and 12.
Conveyed to 3. Further, when the PIS clutch 125 is energized and released, the rotation of the rotating shaft 115 is not transmitted to the transmission shafts 117 and 123. FIG. 8 (c)
As shown in FIG. 5, an engagement protrusion 126a is provided on the side surface of the timing pulley 116a, and the engagement piece 126b is engaged with the engagement protrusion 126a when the LDC lock solenoid 127 is turned on, so that the transmission shaft 116
, That is, the first scanning system A is fixed, and the LDC lock switch 129 is turned on. Further, an engagement protrusion 130a is provided on a side surface of the timing pulley 123a, and when the PIS lock solenoid 131 is turned on, the engagement piece 130b is engaged with the engagement protrusion 130a to fix the transmission shaft 123, that is, the second scan. The system B is fixed, and the PIS lock switch 132 is turned on.

In the scanning exposure apparatus configured as described above, the PIS (precession imaging system) mode and the NON-PIS mode are selected by the engagement and release of the PIS clutch 125. In the PIS mode, for example, when the magnification is 65% or more, the PIS clutch 125 is engaged to move the second scanning system B to the speed V _2.
In by moving, it moves the exposure point of the photosensitive material belt 4 in the light-sensitive material opposite direction, increasing the number of copies per relatively quickly to a unit time than the scanning speed V ₁ of the process speed V _P of the optical system Let it. At this time, if the magnification is M, V ₁ = V _P
× 3.5 / (3.5M−1), and if M = 1 and V _P = 308.9 mm / s, then V ₁ = 432.5 mm / s. Also, V ₂ is the timing pulleys _{117b, V 2 = (1 /} 3~1 / 4) determined by the diameter of 123a has a V _1. On the other hand, in the NON-PIS mode, in order to prevent an increase in the speed of the scanning system and an increase in the illumination power at the time of reduction and to suppress power consumption, the PIS clutch 125 is disengaged, for example, in the case of 64% or less. By turning on the PIS lock solenoid, the second scanning system B is fixed and the exposure point is fixed to perform scanning, thereby avoiding an increase in the load on the driving system and the illumination power of the original, and contributing to the realization of 1.5 KVA. .

As shown in FIG. 9A, the lens 108 has a lens carriage 135 disposed below the platen glass 2.
Is slidably attached to a support shaft 136 fixed to the support shaft 136. The lens 108 is connected to the lens motor Z137 by a wire (not shown), and the rotation of the lens motor Z137 moves the lens 108 in the Z direction (vertical direction in the figure) along the support shaft 136 to change the magnification. Let it. The lens carriage 135 is slidably mounted on a support shaft 139 on the base side and connected to a lens motor X140 by a wire (not shown). The rotation of the lens motor X140 causes the lens carriage 135 to support the lens carriage 135. These lens motors 137 and 140 are four-phase stepping motors that move in the X direction (horizontal direction in the figure) along 139 to change the magnification. When the lens carriage 135 moves, the small gear 142 provided on the lens carriage 135 rotates along the cloud surface of the lens cam 143, whereby the large gear 144 rotates, and the second gear of the second scanning system is rotated via the wire cable 145. The mounting base 146 is moved. Therefore, the distance between the lens 108 and the second scanning system B can be set for a predetermined magnification by the rotation of the lens motor X140.

As shown in FIG. 9 (b), a lens shutter 147 is provided on one side of the lens 108 so as to be openable and closable by a link mechanism 148. When the shutter solenoid 149 is turned on and off, the lens shutter 147 is opened during image scanning. , And is closed when the image scan is completed. The purpose of blocking light by the lens shutter 147 is to form a DDP patch and an ADC patch on the belt photosensitive material and to prevent the image from being erased when the second scanning system B returns in the PIS mode.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of a subsystem of the optical system. Optical CPU 45 is the main CPU
41 and connected by serial communication and hot line,
In order to form a latent image on the photosensitive material in the copy mode transmitted from the main CPU 41, each carriage, lens, and the like are controlled. The control power supply 152 includes logic (5 V), analog (± 15 V), solenoid, and clutch (24 V), and the motor power supply 153 is configured with 38 V.

The carriage registration sensor 155 is arranged so as to correspond to the registration position of the first mirror 101, and outputs a signal when the actuator attached to the first scanning system A depresses the carriage registration sensor 155. This signal is an optical CP
The position is sent to U45 to determine the position or timing for performing registration, and the home position P at the time of return of the first scanning system A is determined. A first home sensor 156a and a second home sensor 156b are provided for detecting the position of the carriage.
The home sensor 156a is disposed at a predetermined position between the registration position and the stop position of the first scanning system A, detects the position of the first scanning system A, and outputs a signal. The second home sensor 156b detects the position of the second scanning system and outputs a signal.

The rotary encoder 157 is of a type that outputs A-phase and B-phase pulse signals that are shifted by 90 ° in accordance with the rotation angle of the carriage motor 114.
With rotation, the pitch pitch of the timing pulley of the first scanning system is 0.15
Designed for 71mm / pulse. Magnification solenoid 159
Moves the magnifying lens (not shown) in the vertical direction under the control of the CPU 45, and controls the movement of the magnifying lens to the magnifying switch 161.
On / off operation. Lens home sensor 16
1 and 162 are a lens X motor 140 and a lens Z motor 137
Is a sensor for detecting the home position. The LDC lock solenoid 127 fixes the first scanning system A at a predetermined position under the control of the CPU 45, and confirms that the first scanning system A is locked by the LDC lock switch 129. PIS lock solenoid 131
Is for fixing the second scanning system B when the PIS clutch 125 is released in the NON-PIS mode, and the lock is confirmed by the PIS lock switch 132. PIS clutch 1
Reference numeral 25 denotes a type in which the clutch is released when the power is supplied and the clutch is engaged when the power is not supplied, which contributes to 1.5 KVA by reducing the power consumption in the PIS mode.

FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b) show the control of the scan cycle of the optical system.
It scans with the scan length, and starts when a scan start signal is received from the hot line. From the scan length data received from the main, an image scan count, which is the count number of the encoder clock from the interruption of the registration sensor to the end of the scan, is calculated. First,
After setting the reference clock data corresponding to the magnification, the carriage motor is rotated in the scanning direction (CW) in a step to perform acceleration control during scanning (step). Next, in a step, a PLL (phase control) mode is set, and if there is an interrupt signal for turning off the registration sensor in the step, an image scan is started, and when the count number of the encoder clock becomes equal to or more than the value corresponding to the scan length (step), Release the PLL mode, set the speed mode, and rotate the carriage motor in the return direction (CCW). Next, in step CW to CCW
It is determined whether there is an interruption to the (reverse rotation signal), and if so, acceleration control at the time of return is performed (step). If the count number of the encoder reaches a preset brake start point (step), return is performed. The deceleration control is performed (step), and if there is a reverse rotation signal again, the carriage motor is stopped (step). Also, as shown in (b), a count number for turning on (opening) the shutter is set, and the shutter is opened when the encoder clock number is equal to or greater than the shutter on count, and the encoder clock number is greater than the shutter off count. The shutter is closed with the shutter to end the image scan.

(II-2) Belt rotation The belt rotation consists of an imaging system and a marking system.

The imaging system is managed by the IMM subsystem 34, and writes and deletes a latent image. The marking system is managed by a marking subsystem 35, and performs charging, exposure, surface potential detection, development, transfer, and the like. In this copying machine, the IMM subsystem 34 and the marking subsystem 35 cooperate with each other in order to achieve high-speed copying and high image quality by performing panel management and patch formation on the belt as described below. Moving.

 FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of a belt periphery.

An organic photosensitive material belt 4 is disposed in the base machine 1. Organic photosensitive material belts have many degrees of freedom compared to photoconductor drums that form photosensitive materials by depositing Se, because the photosensitive material is formed by coating the charge generating layer, transfer layer, and other layers. Therefore, the cost can be reduced, and the space around the belt can be increased, thereby facilitating the layout.

On the other hand, the belt expands and contracts, and the diameter of the roll also changes due to the temperature difference.Therefore, a belt hole is provided at a fixed distance from the belt seam to detect this, and a pulse corresponding to the rotation speed of the main motor Is generated by an encoder to form a machine clock, and a machine clock for one round is constantly counted, whereby a pitch signal serving as a reference for starting a carriage and a timing of a registration gate are corrected in accordance with expansion and contraction of a belt.

The organic photosensitive material belt 4 in this device has a length of 1 m or more, and 4 A4 size sheets and 3 A3 size sheets are mounted. However, since the belt has a seam, a panel (image formed on the belt) is always used. (Formation area) A copy of a panel that has not been managed cannot be taken. Therefore, the position of the panel is determined based on the belt hole provided at a fixed distance from the seam, the number of panels (pitch number) to be placed on the belt is determined according to the copy mode specified by the user, and the paper size. A signal is issued when the panel that first makes a copy by pressing the button comes to the position of the get park near the roll 201, and gives a signal that a copy can be made from here.

Organic photosensitive material belt 4 is charged corotron (charger) 21
1 is uniformly charged, and is driven at a constant speed in the clockwise direction in the figure. When the first panel comes a fixed time before the register (exposed portion) 231, a pitch signal is output, and the timing of carriage scanning and paper feed is set based on this pitch signal. Charge Corotron 21
The belt surface charged by 1 is exposed at an exposure location 231. A light image of a document placed on the platen glass 2 arranged on the upper surface of the base machine 1 is incident on the exposure location 231. For this purpose, an exposure lamp 102, a plurality of mirrors 101 to 113 for transmitting reflected light of the document surface illuminated by the lamp, and an optical lens 108 are arranged, of which the mirror 101 is used for reading the document. Be scanned. The mirrors 110, 111, and 113 constitute a second scanning optical system, which is called a PIS (Precession Image Scan). Since there is a limit in increasing the process speed, copy without increasing the process speed. In order to increase the speed, a second
Scan the scanning optics to increase the relative speed, up to 64
/ min (CPM).

An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document is formed on the organic photosensitive material belt 4 by the image information exposed in a slit shape at the exposure portion 231. And IEL (Inter Image Lamp) 215
After performing unnecessary image and erase between images and side erasing, the electrostatic latent image is usually developed by a developing device 216 for black toner or a developing device 217 for color toner to create a toner image. The toner image moves with the rotation of the organic photosensitive material belt 4, and is transferred to a pre-transfer corotron (transfer device).
218, passing near the transfer corotron 220. The pre-transfer corotron 218 is usually for weakening the electrical adhesion of the toner by applying an alternating current to facilitate the movement of the toner. Also, since the belt is formed of a transparent material, the belt is illuminated with light from the back with a pre-transfer lamp 225 (also used for erasing) before transfer, further weakening the electrical adhesion of the toner and transferring. Make it easier.

On the other hand, the copy paper accommodated in the supply tray of the base machine 1 or the copy paper manually fed along the manual feed tray 16 is sent out by a feed roll, guided by the conveyance path 501, and Pass between Transfer Corotron 220. The paper feed is basically performed by LEF (Long Edge Feed), and the registration gate is opened and closed so that the leading edge of the paper coincides with the exposure start position at the tacking point, and the toner image is transferred onto the copy paper. Then, the paper and the photosensitive material belt 4 are peeled off by the detack corotron 211 and the strip finger 222, and the copy paper after the transfer passes between the heat roll 232 and the pressure roll 233 and is thermally fixed, and is conveyed by the transport rolls 234 and 235. And is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown).

The photosensitive material belt 4 from which the copy paper has been peeled is easily cleaned by the pre-clean corotron 224, and the lamp 2
Unnecessary charges are erased by light irradiation from the back surface by the blade 25, and unnecessary toner, dust, and the like are scraped off by the blade 226.

A patch is formed between images on the belt 4 by the patch generator 212, and the electrostatic potential of the patch portion is detected by the ESV sensor 214 for density adjustment. Also belt 4
Has a hole as described above, and the belt speed is detected by the belt hole sensor 213 to detect the belt speed and control the process speed. ADC (Aut
o Density Control) The sensor 219 compares the amount of reflected light from the toner on the patch with the amount of reflected light when there is no toner to detect the degree of toner adhesion. Is detected when it is wrapped around.

FIG. 13 shows how the panel is divided on the photosensitive material belt 4.

Since the belt 4 has a seam portion 251, an image is not placed on the belt portion 251. A belt hole 252 is provided at a position at a fixed distance l from the seam portion. For example, when the circumference is 1158 mm, l is 70 mm. . 253 and 254 in the figure are the first and last panels when the photosensitive material belt surface is divided into N pitches.
Is the panel interval, C is the panel length, and D is the panel pitch length, which is 289.5 mm for 4-pitch division, 386 mm for 3-pitch division, and 579 mm for 2-pitch division.
Seam 251 consists of LE (Lead Edge) on panel 253 and panel 254
A = B / 2 so as to be at the center with the TE (Tail Edge).

Note that the LE of the panel needs to match the LE of the paper, but the TE does not always match, and matches the maximum paper TE applicable to the panel.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of functions of the IMM subsystem.

An overview of the functions of the IMM subsystem 34 is to perform serial communication with the IEL subsystem 40 via a bus line, send an interrupt signal via a hotline to perform high-precision control, manage image formation, and perform marking control. 35, The control signal is sent to the CHM subsystem 33 to control around the belt.

In addition, the main motor is controlled by detecting a hole opened in the organic photosensitive material belt 4, and a panel formation position is determined to perform panel management. In a low-temperature environment, the fuser is rotated idle to maintain the fixing roll at a predetermined temperature so that quick copying can be performed. When the start key is pressed, the system enters the setup state, _adjusts constants such as _VDP before copying, and when the copy cycle starts, erases the leading and trailing edges of the image based on the document size. Forming an image area. Further, a patch for toner density adjustment is formed by forming a patch in the inter-image area. Further, when a hard down cause such as a jam cause or a belt failure is detected, the belt is stopped or the machine is stopped by communicating with the sequence manager.

Next, input / output signals and operations of the IMM subsystem will be described.

A detection signal of the toner in the black toner bottle 261 and the color toner bottle 262 is input, and the remaining amount of the toner is detected.

From the optical registration sensor 155, an optical registration signal serving as a reference for a PG request signal, a bias request signal, and an ADC request signal output from the IMM subsystem to the marking subsystem is input.

The original size is input from the platen original size sensors S _{6 to} S ₁₀ , and the erase area by the IEL 215 is determined based on the original size and the paper size.

A belt hole signal is input from the belt hole sensor 213, and the process speed is controlled by the main motors 264 and 265 to correct for variations in the time the belt makes one revolution. Two main motors are provided so that they can be operated at an efficient operating point, the power of the motor can be efficiently output according to the load condition, and the effective use of the power and the stop position accuracy are improved. Regenerative braking by motor. Also, the motor can perform reverse drive. This is because if cleaning is performed by bringing the blade into close contact with the photosensitive material belt, paper dust and toner residue accumulate on the front side of the blade, and this is removed. Belt clutch 267
And only the belt can be selectively stopped. A pulse is generated from the encoder in synchronization with the rotation of the motor, and the pulse is used as a machine clock to obtain a machine clock corresponding to the belt speed.

If a hole cannot be detected for a certain period of time by the belt hole sensor 213 or the size of the hole has changed, this is transmitted from the IMM to the sequence manager, and the machine is stopped.

Further, the IMM subsystem performs serial communication with the IEL subsystem 40, sends an interrupt signal through a hot line, and sends out an IEL enable signal, an IEL image signal, an ADC patch signal, and an IEL black band signal. Unnecessary images are erased using the IEL image signal, and A
With the DC patch signal, the IEL subsystem 40 defines the shape and area of the patch area formed by the patch generator 212, and adjusts the charge amount to increase the electrostatic potential to 500 to 600V.
Adjust to a constant potential. The IEL block band signal forms a black band between images at predetermined intervals so that the toner adheres to the belt, and acts as a kind of lubricant so as not to damage the belt 4 by the blade 226. In such a state, when the amount of toner is extremely small, the belt 4 is prevented from being damaged even in the case of copying.

Further, the IMM communicates with the marking subsystem 35 by a hot line, and sends out a patch formation request signal, a bias request signal, and an ADC request signal based on the optical registration signal. Marking subsystem 3
In response to this, the patch generator 212 drives the patch generator 212 to form a patch, drives the ESV sensor 214 to detect an electrostatic potential, and drives the developing machines 216 and 217 to form a toner image. . Pretransfer Corotron 218,
The drive control of the transfer corotron 220 and the detack corotron 221 is performed.

A pitch reset signal is sent from the IMM,
The start timing of the carriage is set based on this.

A detection signal as to whether or not the color developing unit is mounted is input to detect whether the toner of the developing unit is black or color.

A registration gate trigger signal is sent from the IMM to the CHM subsystem 33 to control so that the sheet and the leading edge of the image coincide at the tacking point, and when it is necessary to correct the timing of opening the registration gate, the correction amount is set. Calculated and sent.

The toner scraped off by the blade 226 is collected in a collected toner bottle 268, a detection signal of the amount of toner in the bottle is input to the IMM, and an alarm is issued when the amount exceeds a predetermined amount.

The IMM drives the fan motor 263 to prevent an abnormal temperature rise, so that the environmental temperature is within the allowable temperature range and a copy of stable image quality can be obtained.

 FIG. 15 shows a timing chart.

The reference time for the control is the position of the optical registration sensor. The IEL is turned off after a predetermined time (T1) of the optical registration sensor ON / OFF signal. That is, the front end is turned on until T1 and the rear end is turned on after T2. In this manner, the image is formed by the IEL image signal, and the leading edge of the sheet at the tacking point is made to coincide with the leading edge of the image by controlling the timing of the registration gate. After the image formation is completed, an ADC patch signal is generated by a patch generator request signal (T5 after the reference time), and a patch is formed on the inter image. After forming the patch, a bias request signal is issued (after T6) to perform development, and then an ADC request signal is issued (after T7) to detect toner density. Further, a black band is formed in the inter image by the black band signal.

During AE (Auto Exposure) scanning, I
Does not turn on / off the EL image signal.

(II-3) Paper transport system In FIG. 16, the upper tray 6 is used as a paper tray.
1. Suspended tray 6-2, lower tray 6-3, and duplex tray 11 are installed in the base machine, and optional large capacity tray (HCF) 17 and manual feed tray (MSI) 16 are installed. The tray is appropriately provided with a no-paper sensor, a size sensor, a clutch, and the like. Here, the no-paper sensor is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a copy sheet in the supply tray, and the size sensor is a sensor for determining the size of the copy sheet stored in the tray. The clutch is a component for controlling on / off of driving of each paper feed roll. In this way, by allowing copy paper of the same size to be set in a plurality of supply trays, when one copy tray runs out of copy paper, copy paper of the same size is automatically fed from another supply tray. .

The feeding of copy sheets is performed by a dedicated feed motor, and a step motor is used as the feed motor. Whether or not the copy sheet is normally fed is detected by the feed sensor. Then, a gate solenoid is used for registration for aligning the leading edge of the copy sheet once sent. The gate solenoid is different from a normal solenoid of this type in that the gate is opened at the time of energization so that the copy sheet is passed. Therefore, in a standby state in which no copy paper arrives, power is not supplied to the gate solenoid, and the gate is kept open to reduce power consumption. The gate solenoid is energized slightly before the arrival of the copy sheet, and the gate closes to prevent passage. Thereafter, when the conveyance of the copy sheet is restarted at a predetermined timing, the power supply is stopped and the gate is opened. By performing such control, the position of the gate is less likely to fluctuate when the leading edge of the copy sheet is blocked from passing. Can be done accurately.

When copying again in the duplex mode where copying is performed on both sides of the paper or the composite mode where copying is performed multiple times on the same side,
The sheet is guided to a transport path stacked on the duplex tray 11. In the case of the duplex mode, the sheets are stacked directly on the duplex tray 11 from the transport path. Be guided. A gate 503 is provided at a branch point between the discharge outlet 502 from the transport path 501 to a sorter or the like and the duplex tray 11 side. Gates 505 and 506 for switching are provided, and a discharge outlet 502 is provided with a gate 507 and is inverted by a triroll inverter 9 so that the copied surface can be discharged with its front side facing.

The upper tray and the interruption tray are trays that can store a sheet size of about 500 sheets, A3 to B5, legal, letter, special B4, and 11 × 17. A tray motor 551 is provided as shown in FIG. 17, and the tray 552 is tilted when the number of sheets is reduced. As sensors, three paper size sensors 553-5 to detect paper size
55, a paperless sensor 556 for detecting running out of paper, and a surface control sensor 557 used for adjusting the height of the tray. There is also an emergency switch 558 for preventing the tray from rising too high. The lower tray is a tray capable of storing about 1100 sheets and storing the same sheet size as the upper tray and the middle tray.

In FIG. 16, the duplex tray is a tray that can hold about 50 sheets and can store the same paper size as each of the above-mentioned trays. This is a tray for temporarily storing the copied paper when performing copying. Feed roll 50
7. A gate 505 is provided, and the gate 505 controls switching of sheet conveyance according to the combination mode and the duplex mode. For example, in the case of the double-sided mode, the sheet conveyed from above is guided to the feed roll 509 side by the gate 505, and in the case of the combination mode, the sheet conveyed from the top is temporarily combined by the gates 505 and 506 in the combination mode. After being inverted by the inverter 10 and then inverted, it is guided by the gate 506 to the feed roll 510 and the duplex tray 11 side. In order to store paper in the juplex tray 11 and allow it to fall freely to the predetermined edge position, generally,
A tray tilt angle of about 20 ° is required. However, in this copying machine, the duplex tray 11 is accommodated in a small space to reduce the size of the apparatus, so that an inclination angle of up to 8 ° can be obtained. Therefore, the duplex tray 11 is provided with a side guide 561 and an end guide 562 as shown in FIG. In the control of the side guide and the end guide, when the sheet size is determined, the sheet is stopped at a position corresponding to the sheet size.

A high capacity tray (HCF) is a supply tray that can hold thousands of copy sheets. For example, it is often appropriate for a customer who does not need to make a copy by enlarging or reducing a document or a customer having a small copy amount to purchase the base machine alone. On the other hand, a customer who makes a large number of copies or a customer who requires a complicated copying operation often needs a duplex tray or a large-capacity tray. As a means to fulfill these various requirements, this copier system has a structure in which each additional device can be easily installed or removed, and some additional devices have independent CPUs (central processing units). Then, distributed control by a plurality of CPUs is performed. This not only has the advantage that the product desired by the customer is easily obtained, but also the possibility of installing a new additional device teaches the customer the possibility of a new copying operation. The purchase of this copier system is of great interest in promoting the evolution of office paperwork.

The manual feed tray (MSI) 16 is a tray capable of storing about 50 sheets and paper sizes A2F to A6F, and is particularly capable of using large-size paper that cannot be stored in another tray. Conventional manual feed trays of this type
Since the manual feed is performed one sheet at a time, the copy sheet may be preferentially sent out from the manual feed tray when the manual feed is performed, and the operator does not need to select the manual feed tray itself. On the other hand, the manual feed tray 16 of the copying machine can simultaneously set a plurality of copy sheets. Therefore, if the feeding from the manual feed tray 16 is performed by setting the copy sheets, the feed may be started at the time when a plurality of copy sheets are set. In order to prevent such a situation, the manual tray 16 is selected.

In this copying machine, a compact structure is achieved by adopting a configuration in which a nudger roll 513, a feed roll 512, and a takeaway roll 511 are integrally mounted on a tray. After the leading edge of the paper is nipped by the take-away roll 511, the feed-out sensor detects the leading edge and pauses it to perform pre-registration to adjust the transfer position and absorb variations in paper feeding in the feeder section are doing. The sent paper is
The photosensitive material belt 4 is fed to the transfer position of the photosensitive material belt 4 via the aligner 515.

(II-4) Automatic Document Feeder (DADF) In FIG. 19, the DADF 13 is mounted on the platen glass 2 of the base machine 1. In this DADF13,
A document tray 602 on which a document 601 is placed is provided. A delivery paddle 603 is arranged on the document sending side of the document tray 602, so that the documents 601 are sent out one by one. The fed document 601 is conveyed to an arc-shaped conveyance path 609 by a first driving roller 605 and a driven roller 606 thereof and a second driving roller 607 and a driven roller 608 thereof. Further, the arc-shaped conveyance path 609 joins with the manual conveyance path 610 and is connected to the horizontal conveyance path 611. At the exit of the arc-shaped conveyance path 609, a third drive roller 612 and its driven roller 613 are provided. Is provided. The third drive roller 612 is vertically movable by a solenoid (not shown).
The driven roller 613 is configured to be able to contact and separate from the driven roller 613. The horizontal transport path 611 is provided with a stop gate 615 that is rotated by a drive motor (not shown).
A reversing conveyance path 616 is connected to the arcuate conveyance path 609. A fourth drive roller 617 is provided in the reversing conveyance path 616.
Is provided. Further, a belt driving roller 619 is provided on the platen glass 2 so as to face the exit of the horizontal conveyance path 611, and the belt 621 stretched between the driven rollers 620 can be rotated forward and backward. At the exit of this belt conveyor,
A fifth drive roller 622 is provided, and a sixth drive roller 623 is provided in the manual feed path 610.
The two drive rollers 623 are provided in the front-rear direction of the base machine 1 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1), so that two originals of the same size can be used.
It is configured to be able to send sheets simultaneously. 625
Reference numeral denotes a cleaning tape for cleaning the surface of the delivery paddle # 03 by the seventh driving roller 626.

Next, the photo sensor S ₁ to S ₁₂ will be described with reference also to Figure 20. S ₁ is no paper sensor, the take-away sensor S ₂ is for detecting passage of the document, S _3, S ₄ the manual feed conveying path 610 for detecting the presence of a document 601 on the document tray 602
Feed sensor provided before and after the, S ₅ is a registration sensor, which document at the stop gate 615 skewing of the document is corrected by the skew rollers 627 for detecting whether or not in position, S ₆ to S ₁₀ is the size of the document paper size sensor for detecting, S ₁₁ is a discharge sensor, S ₁₂ for detecting whether the document has been discharged is an end sensor for detecting the end of the cleaning tape 625.

Next, the operation of the DADF 13 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. (A) is a platen mode, in which a document 601 is placed on the platen 2 and exposed.

(B) is the simplex mode, and the document tray 60
In the document 2, the original 601 is stacked such that the first side to be copied faces upward. When you press the start button,
While the first drive roller 605 and the second drive roller 607 rotate, the third drive roller 612 moves upward and separates from the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 descends to block the horizontal transport path 611. I do. As a result, the original 601 passes through the arc-shaped conveyance path 609 and is pressed against the stop gate 615 (to
). The skew roller 627 at the position of the stop gate 615, the document with its end portion is corrected so as to be perpendicular to the horizontal conveyance path 611, the document size is detected by the sensor S ₆ to S _10. Next, the third drive roller 612 moves downward to come into contact with the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 is moved.
Rises to open the horizontal transport path 611, and the third drive roller 61
2. The belt drive roller 619 and the fifth drive roller 622 rotate, and the platen 2
After being sent to an upper predetermined position and exposed, it is discharged. The same operation is performed when a single original is sent from the manual feed path 610. In addition to the function of sending originals one by one, a function of simultaneously sending two originals of the same size (2-UP), a large original It has a function to send paper (LDC) and a computer form feeder (CCF) to send continuous paper for computers.

(C) is a duplex mode in which the step of exposing one side of the document is the same as the steps (1) to (4) above, but when the one-sided exposure is completed, the belt drive roller 619 rotates in reverse and the third drive is performed. The roller 612 moves upward and separates from the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 descends to shut off the horizontal transport path 611. Accordingly, the document is conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 616, and is further pressed by the fourth drive roller 617 and the second drive roller 607 through the arcuate conveyance path 609 against the stop gate 615 (-). Next, the third drive roller 612 moves downward to come into contact with the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 rises to move the horizontal transport path 611.
Is opened, the third drive roller 612, the belt drive roller 619, and the fifth drive roller 622 rotate, and the document is sent to a predetermined position on the platen 2 with the back side down, and is exposed. When the exposure on both sides is completed, the belt driving roller 619 rotates again in the reverse direction, is again conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 616, and is similarly discharged on the platen 2 by the fifth driving roller 622 (-). Accordingly, the discharged originals are stacked in the order in which the originals are first stacked on the original tray 602 with the first surface to be copied facing down.

(II-5) Sorter In FIG. 22, the sorter 19 has a sorter main body 652 and 20 pins 653 on a movable carriage 651. Sorter body 652
Inside the belt drive roller 6 that drives the conveyor belt 655
56 and its driven roller 657 are provided, and a chain drive sprocket 660 for driving the chain 659 and its driven sprocket 661 are provided. These belt drive roller 656 and chain drive sprocket 6
60 is driven by one sorter motor 658. Above the conveyor belt 655, a paper inlet 662, a paper outlet 663, and a switching gate 665 driven by a solenoid (not shown).
Is provided. An indexer 666 for switching and supplying copy paper to each bin is attached to the chain 659. As shown in Fig. 23,
658 Drive shaft 671 rotation timing belt 672
Is transmitted to the pulley 673 through the The rotation of the pulley 673 is transmitted to the belt drive roller 656 and to the chain drive sprocket 660 via the gear device 674.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG. (A) shows the non-sort mode, and the switching gate 665 is for feeding the copy sheet to the uppermost discharge tray at the non-sort position. (B) indicates the sort mode, and the switching gate 665 is shown.
Is switched to the sort position, the odd-numbered sheets are conveyed to the bins in the odd-numbered stages from the top to the bottom bin, and the sheets of the even-numbered sheets are moved to the bins in the even-numbered stages toward the bottom-to-top bin. Conveyed. This reduces the sorting time. (C) and (D) show the stack mode, (C) shows an example in which four copies of four documents are copied for each document, and (D) shows the case where the maximum number of sheets per bin is exceeded. For example, when the number of sheets exceeds 50, it is stored in the next bin.

(III) User interface (U / I) (III-1) Advantages and ideas of using a display for the user interface FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an attached state of a user interface using a display, and FIG. 26 is a user using a display. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an interface.

(A) Features of mounting position This copying machine does not employ the conventional console panel as described above as a user interface,
It features a stand-type display. When a display is employed, the user can mount the display unit three-dimensionally above the copying machine main body (base machine) 1 as shown in FIG. 25 (a). Copier body 1
, The size of the copying machine can be designed without considering the user interface 12, and the size of the apparatus can be reduced. Further, in the copying machine, the height of the platen, that is, the height of the apparatus is designed to be a waist high enough to set a document, and this height regulates the height of the apparatus. As described above, the conventional console panel is mounted on the same upper surface as this height, and the operation unit and the display unit for function selection and execution condition setting are arranged at a considerable distance from the eyes. In this regard, in the user interface 12 of the copying machine, as shown in FIG. 25 (c), the position is higher than the platen, that is, close to the eye level, so that it is easy to see and the position is not downward but forward for the operator. , And it is easy to operate. In addition, by making the mounting height of the display close to the eye level, the lower side can be effectively used as a mounting space for the control board of the user interface and the card device 24. Therefore, a structural change for mounting the card device 24 is not required, and the card device 24 can be additionally provided without changing the appearance at all. At the same time, the mounting position and height of the display can be easily viewed. Further, the display may be fixed at a predetermined angle, but it is needless to say that the angle may be changed. In this way, unlike the conventional console panel which is mounted flat on the front side of the platen, the front direction thereof can be easily changed, and as shown in FIG. 25 (c), the display screen is changed by the operator. It is slightly upward according to the line of sight and leftward as shown in FIG. 25 (b), that is, above the center (the direction of the operator's eyes).
By turning to, it is possible to provide a user interface 12 that is easier to see and has better operability. By adopting such a configuration, particularly in a compact apparatus, the operator can operate the document set and the user interface without moving at the center of the apparatus.

(B) Features on Screen On the other hand, even when a display is adopted, a large amount of information is required to provide information corresponding to multi-functionality, so a large display area is required when simply considered.
It has the aspect that it is difficult to respond to compactness. When a display having a compact size is employed, it is difficult to provide all necessary information on one screen, not only because of the problem of display density, but also because it is necessary to provide a screen which is easy for the operator to see and understand.

Therefore, when a display is adopted for the user interface with the proposition of compactness, it is necessary to adopt a display having a compact size in view of the balance, and to devise display control in the display. This copier takes advantage of the fact that the display can adopt a variety of display modes and display controls compared to the LED and liquid crystal displays used on the console panel. Various ideas have been devised for easy display.

For example, in the user interface of the copying machine, the display screen is switched according to each copy mode of the basic copy, the advanced copy, and the specialty copy, and in each mode, a menu such as a function selection and an execution condition setting is displayed. , Screen cascade by key input (cursor)
Is moved so that options can be specified and execution condition data can be input. In addition, depending on menu options, the detailed items are displayed in a pop-up display (overlapped display or window display) to enhance the display contents. As a result, even if there are many selectable functions and setting conditions, the display screen can be refreshed and operability can be improved. As described above, in this copying machine, the screen division structure, the area division on each screen, the brightness adjustment, gray display, and other display modes are devised. With a simple configuration,
The present invention diversifies and simplifies display control, display content, and operation input of a display, and solves a problem for realizing both compactness and multifunctionality of an apparatus.

FIG. 26 shows the appearance of a user interface configured using a CRT display based on such a concept. In this example, a key / LED board is arranged below the CRT display 301 and in front of the right side. As a screen configuration, in the selection mode screen, the screen is divided into a plurality of regions, a selection region is provided as one of the regions, and the selection region is vertically divided so that each can be selected and set as a cascade region. So, on the key / LED board,
A cascade key 319-1 to 319-5 for cascade selection setting is arranged below the selection area of the vertically divided screen, and a mode selection key for switching the selection mode screen.
308-310 Other keys (302-304, 306, 307, 315-31
8) and the LEDs (305, 311 to 314) are arranged on the right side. In this way, reduce the number of keys and LEDs,
In addition, since these are arranged beside and below the CRT display 301, the size need only be slightly larger than that of the CRT display 301, and a compact user interface can be provided.

(III-2) Configuration of display screen The user interface of this copier makes the most of the CRT display and simplifies the configuration of the key / LED board. Among them, the screen is devised in order to make the screen simple and easy to view and to effectively perform the selection setting, confirmation, and message transmission functions. The screen includes a selection mode screen for selecting the copy mode, a review screen for checking the setting status of the copy mode, a fully automatic screen for executing the copy in the standard mode, and a multifunctional copy mode. It is composed of an information screen that provides a screen, a jam screen that appropriately displays the position of a jam when it occurs, and the like. In addition, the selection mode screen has many functions and becomes complicated on one screen, and some of the functions include not only functions that are used in general but also specialized functions. Into three parts. The divided screens can be selected and displayed by mode selection keys 308 to 310 as appropriate, and a desired function can be selectively set on each screen. Furthermore, the screen is divided into a selection area, a setting state display area of another mode, a message area, and the like, so that information can be accurately transmitted to the user according to the operation state.

(A) Selection mode screen FIG. 27 is a view for explaining the selection mode screen.

As the selection mode screen, three screens of a basic copy, an application copy, and a specialty copy shown in FIGS. 27 (a) to 27 (c) are set, and are displayed on the CRT display by operating the mode selection keys 308 to 310. Of these screens,
The basic copy screen categorizes the most commonly used functions into groups, the application copy screen categorizes the most commonly used functions into groups, and the remaining special technical functions. The professional copy screens are grouped by category.

Each selection mode screen is divided into a message area A basically composed of two lines from the top, a setting state display area B composed of three lines, and a selection area C composed of nine lines.
Message area A displays a J-code message when there is a conflict in copy execution conditions, a U-code message when a hardware failure requires contacting a service person, a C-code message that prompts the operator to take various precautions, and the like. Is done. Among them, the J-code message has a check table for the combination of copy execution conditions according to the setting contents of each cascade, and when the start key 318 is operated, the table is checked by referring to the table and output when there is inconsistency in the copy mode. Is done. In the setting state display area B, a selection state of another mode, for example, a selection state of application copy and specialty copy with respect to the basic copy screen is displayed. In this display of the selected state, when the cascade state of the selection area C is other than the default (lower row), the cascade is displayed. In the selection area C, the cascade name is displayed in the upper tier, the lower tier of each cascade area is the default area, and the area above it is a non-default area. You can choose to. Therefore, when the selection operation is not performed, the default area is selected, and all the default states become the fully automatic copy mode. The selection area is selected and set by the lower cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 corresponding to the vertically divided cascade area. Note that the right side of the message area A is a count section for displaying the set count and the maid count.
Used as a maintenance information section for toner supply and the like. The contents of the cascade area of each selection mode screen will be described below.

(A) Basic Copy The basic copy screen is composed of a cascade of “paper tray”, “reduction / enlargement”, “double-sided copy”, “copy density”, and “sorter” as shown in FIG. 27 (a).

In the “paper tray”, automatic is the default, and in this case, a tray containing paper of the same size as the document size is automatically selected. By operating the cascade key, one of the manual tray, large capacity tray, upper tray, middle tray, and lower tray can be selected using an area other than the default area. In the column of each tray, the paper size, type, and icon (pictogram) are displayed as shown in the drawing so that the stored paper can be easily identified. There is a setting for feeding the paper in the longitudinal direction and a setting for feeding the paper in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

"Reduced / Enlarged" defaults to 1: 1
Automatic, fixed / arbitrary can be selected by operating the cascade key. In the automatic mode, the magnification is automatically set according to the selected paper size, and copying is performed. Magnification (line magnification)
Can be set from 50% to 200% in 1% increments. In the fixed / arbitrary setting, the contents of the specific setting target are displayed on the pop-up screen by operating the cascade key, 50.7%, 70% , 81%, 100%, 121%, 141
In addition, it is possible to select a fixed magnification consisting of seven steps of% and 200%, and to select and set an arbitrary magnification that changes continuously by 1%.

"Double-sided copy" is one-sided by default,
Other than the default, two-sided → one-sided, two-sided → two-sided, one-sided → two-sided can be selected in the relation of original → copy. For example, double-sided → single-sided is for performing single-sided copying on a double-sided original, and single-sided → double-sided is for performing single-sided copying of a single-sided original. In the case of making double-sided copy, the copy sheet copied on the first side is first stored in a duplex tray. Next, copy paper is sent out again from the duplex tray, and copying is performed on the back side.

For "Copy Density", automatic is the default,
Seven levels of density can be set other than the default, and seven levels of density can also be set in the photograph mode. The setting of this content is performed by a pop-up screen.

"Sorter" has a default copy receiver, and you can select a collation and a stack other than the default. Collating is a mode in which copy sheets are sorted into each bin of the sorter, and stack mode is a mode in which copy sheets are sequentially stacked.

(B) Application Copy The application copy screen consists of a cascade of "special original", "margin", "color", "interleaf", and "discharge surface" as shown in FIG. 27 (b).

The "special manuscript" has the function of copying large manuscripts such as A2 / B3 (LDC), the function of counting holes in a manuscript output from a computer serial copy and copying one page at a time (CFF; computer form feeder), the same size Two originals
It is possible to select a function other than the default, which is a double hook function (2-UP) for copying on a sheet of paper.

The "margin" is 1mm at the right or left edge of the copy
The "binding margin" is set in a range of up to 16 mm, and the right binding, the left binding, and the length of the binding margin can be set other than the default.

"Color" is black by default, and you can select red other than the default.

“Slip sheet” is a function to insert a blank sheet in the middle during OHP copying, and can be selected other than the default.

The “discharge surface” can be selected other than the default so that any one of the front surface and the back surface is forcibly specified and discharged.

(C) Specialized copy The specialized copy screen is composed of a cascade of “job memory”, “edit / combine”, “fine adjustment of the same size”, and “frame erase” as shown in FIG. 27 (c).

"Job memory" is a page program that uses a card, in which a plurality of jobs are registered, called up, and automatically copied by pressing a start key. Calling and registration can be selected other than the default.

“Editing / combining” can select an editing function and a compositing function other than the default. The editing function is a function for inputting data for editing using an editor or the like, and a function of partial color, partial photograph, partial deletion, and marking color can be selected on the pop-up screen. As for the partial colors, only the designated area is copied with one color, and the remaining part is copied with black. The partial photo copies the photo to the specified area, and the partial deletion does not copy the specified area. As for the marking color, when an area to be marked is specified, for example, a light color is superimposed and recorded on the area to obtain an effect as if marking was performed.

The synthesizing function is a function of performing one copy from two originals using a duplex tray, and includes a sheet synthesizing and a parallel synthesizing. Sheet combining is a function of recording both the first document and the second document on the same sheet in a superimposed manner. It is also possible to copy the first document and the second document in different colors. It is possible. On the other hand, the parallel composition is a function of creating a composite copy on one sheet of paper in a state where the entirety of the second original is attached to the entirety of the first original.

"Same-size fine adjustment" is set in steps of 0.15% at a magnification of 99% to 101%, and this function can be selected other than the default.

“Erasure” is to copy the image information around the original and not to copy the image information, as if a “frame” was set around the image information. The user can select any size other than the default setting, and the full copy mode without erasing.

(B) Other screens FIG. 28 is a diagram showing examples of screens other than the selection mode screen.

(A) Review screen The review screen displays the status of the copy mode selected on each of the above three divided selection mode screens. As shown in FIG. The setting state of the cascade of the mode screen is displayed on one screen. In this review screen, the selection items, that is, the cascade name and the currently selected mode, that is, the options, are displayed. When the selected mode is the default, for example, gray-back is used. The inverted display with the background is adopted. In this way, by distinguishing between the default state and the non-default state, the options in the case other than the default changed from the fully automatic mode are particularly conspicuous. The screen configuration is divided into the three copy modes of basic copy, applied copy, and specialty copy, and displayed in three levels. By linking this display position to the position of the mode selection key, the review screen is switched to each mode screen. Is easy to understand. This display allows the operator to check the setting status of each cascade, improve operability,
Copy errors can be reduced.

(B) Full-automatic screen The fully-automatic screen is a screen as shown in FIG. 28 (a). When the power is turned on, the preheating key 306 is operated (released) in the preheating mode, or the all clear key 316 is pressed. Displayed when operated. This is a screen in which all cascades of the respective selection mode screens are set to default. On this screen, when the original is set on the platen as instructed, the number of copies is set using the numeric keypad, and the start key 318 is pressed, a sheet of the same size as the original is selected and the set number of copies is executed.

(C) Information screen The information screen is a screen for providing an explanation screen such as how to make a copy in each copy mode as shown in FIG. 28 (c), and is displayed by operating the information key 302. An explanation screen is displayed by inputting the information code displayed on the screen from the ten keys.

(D) Jam screen As shown in FIG. 28 (d), the jam screen is superimposed on the screen displayed during the copy execution, and the jam display is performed by reducing the brightness of the original screen by one rank. To make the content clearer.

(C) Display Mode FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a classification example of the screen layout. Although the copying machine is divided into a plurality of screens and switched and displayed as described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, extra information at each time is reduced and information on one screen is simplified. These are classified into, for example, the screen layout shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 11A shows the layout of a selection mode screen, FIG. 10B shows the layout of a review screen, a fully automatic screen, an edit input screen, a job program screen, and the like, and FIG. , An information screen, a diagnostic screen, and the like.

In this copying machine, an accented and easy-to-read screen is configured by changing the display mode according to the display area of these layouts and the input setting state.
For example, in the layout selection mode screen shown in FIG. 29 (a), as described above, the message area (including the count area), the setting state display area (including the maintenance information area), and the selection area are divided. Changes the display mode of each area. For example, in the message area including the counting section, the back is black and only the character string of the message is displayed in high brightness, and the same expression as that of the back lid type console panel is adopted. Further, in the setting state display area, the background is displayed in a mesh, that is, the dots are displayed with a certain uniform density, and the display portion of the cascade name is displayed in reverse (the characters are dark and the background is light). That is, this display is a representation of each cascade name in a card image. Further, the lower one line of the setting state display area is used as a maintenance information area such as toner bottle fullness and toner replenishment. However, since this information has a different characteristic from the setting state display information, the difference is clearly shown. To enable recognition, a display mode similar to that of the message area is employed. And in the selection area,
The surrounding area is displayed in a mesh, and the entire cascade display area is displayed in gray with low brightness, and options and cascade names are highlighted. Further, in addition to this display, the background of the set option area is displayed as a high-brightness display (inverted display).
For example, in the basic copy screen, the option of a tray that has run out of paper due to a cascade of paper trays has a black background and characters are displayed in high brightness.

The fully automatic screen shown in FIG. 28 (a) has the screen layout shown in FIG. 29 (b). In this screen, the background of the display area is displayed in a dark mesh, and each operation instruction such as "document setting" is issued. The displayed area is displayed in a bright mesh and the border is bordered to improve the clarity of the display and make it easier to see.
As described above, it is needless to say that the display modes of the background can be freely changed and combined as appropriate.

In particular, by bordering the background as shown in the figure, the background is displayed with high brightness (normal brightness by paper white), gray gradation display with reduced brightness, or display with a predetermined light and dark dot density. To give the image of the card. By performing the border display while changing the display mode of the background of each area in this manner, the display contents of each area can be clearly distinguished for the operator, and an easy-to-view screen is provided. Also,
Also in the display of characters, the user can be alerted to the characteristic attention for each display information by performing reverse display or blink display.

In addition to devising the background of the character string and the change in the luminance of the character as described above, the copying machine also adds icons (pictograms) to the options, cascade names, and other character strings to provide a more imaginary image. There is also a feature in that a display mode characterized by (1) is adopted. For example, on the basic copy screen, the cascade names “reduced / enlarged”, “double-sided copy”, “copy density”, and “sorter” are added to the head, and the “paper toilet” option is used to select the lower, middle, and upper tiers. That is what is added after the paper size. This icon conveys information to the user visually from another aspect, that is, the fact that the accent of the information is diminished by the character string alone, that is, the image is more accurate and intuitive than the character string depending on the content of the information. There is a great merit in that important information can be transmitted to the user.

(III-3) Key / LED board The user interface is a CRT as shown in Fig. 26.
Although it is composed of a display and a key / LED board, this copier is configured to use the screen of the CRT display to display options and set them,
The key / LED board is designed to minimize the number of keys and LEDs.

In other words, as described above, in order to effectively use the CRT display, the screen displayed on the CRT display is divided, and the area of each screen is also divided to organize the display contents and construct a screen that is easy to see It is devised to do. For example, the selection mode screen is divided into three parts: basic copy, advanced copy, and dedicated copy.
Further, the selection area of each screen is divided into five cascade areas, and the function selection setting is performed in each cascade area. The function can be selected and set by eight keys including mode selection keys 308 to 310 for screen switching and cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 for selecting each cascade area. Therefore, when one of the basic copy screen, the application copy screen, and the dedicated copy screen is selected by operating the mode selection keys 308 to 310, thereafter, except for the operation of the cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5, numerical input by the ten keys 307 is performed. Alone, all the functions can be selected and the copy by the desired function can be executed. The cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 are a pair of up and down movement keys in order to select and set a function by moving the setting cursor up and down in each cascade area. As described above, since the screen of the selection mode is selected by the mode selection keys 308 to 310 out of the three and only one of them is displayed, it is possible to determine which mode selection key 308 to 301 the screen is selected. LEDs 311-313 are used for display. That is, when the mode selection keys 308 to 310 are operated to display the screen of the selection mode, the LEDs 311 to 313 corresponding to the mode selection keys 308 to 310 are turned on.

When many functions are provided, it is not easy for the user to learn all of the functions and make full use of them. Therefore, the information key 302 is used to provide a copy method and an explanation screen for each copy mode. This information function is executed as follows. First, the information key 302
Is operated, a list of information codes is displayed on the information index screen as shown in FIG. 28 (c). When the information code specified on this screen is selected and input using the numeric keypad 307, the screen shifts to an information pop-up screen corresponding to the code, where a copy mode explanation screen is displayed.

Further, since the selection mode screen is divided into three as described above, and various functions defined by the three screens are selected and set, the entire setting state including other screens can be confirmed. Is also required. Therefore, the review key 303 is used to confirm such a setting state of the entire screen. The review key 303 is a key for displaying a review screen. When this key is operated, a review screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

The dual language key 304 is a key for switching the language of the display screen. With internationalization, users using various different languages often share devices. Even in such an environment, display data and a font memory are prepared in, for example, two languages, Japanese and English, in order to eliminate language obstacles. To be able to output the display screen by freely switching between words and English. The language is not limited to two languages, and a plurality of languages may be facilitated, and the languages may be switched in a predetermined order by operating the dual language key 304. Also, a Japanese dialect may be added.

The preheating key 306 is used to set a preheating mode in order to save power consumption in the non-use state and to enable a quick transition from the non-use state to the copy operation. Switches to the fully automatic mode. Therefore, the LED 305 is used to indicate which of the states is in.

The all clear key 316 is used to clear the copier, that is, to set a fully automatic mode set as a default of each selection mode screen, and to display a fully automatic screen. This is the content of a screen that informs the operator that the current copy mode is a fully automatic mode, as shown in FIG. 28 (a).

The interrupt key 315 is used when continuous copying is being performed and another emergency copy needs to be taken. When the interrupt processing is completed, the interrupt key 315 is used to return to the original copy work. Release is also performed. LED314
Indicates whether the interrupt key 315 is in an interrupted state or in a released state.

The stop key 317 is used to stop the copying operation in the middle, to set the number of copies, and to set the bin of the sorter.

The start key 318 is operated when the function selection and its execution conditions are completed and the copy operation is started.

(III-4) User interface control system configuration Figure 30 shows the main system connected via serial communication with the U / I CPU.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a relationship with a CPU, FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a user interface, FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a software configuration of a user interface, and FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining screen switching control. is there.

(A) Hardware configuration As shown in FIG. 30, the main CPU 41 has a ROM 323, NVRAM
(Non-volatile memory) 324, an interface 321 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the base machine, and an interface 322 for transmitting and receiving data to and from an additional device (OPTION). The bus is connected to the communication control circuit 327 via a bus arbiter 326. It is configured to communicate with the U / I CPU 46 and other CPUs on the serial communication line through the communication control circuit 327. The ROM 323 stores a program including subsystems such as the sequence manager, the imaging module, and the copy handling module described above. The bus arbiter 362 has a system RAM 32
The ROM 328 holds data transmitted from the main CPU 41 to other CPUs and data received from other CPUs so that the main CPU 41 can exchange data asynchronously with the timing of serial communication. , Communication control circuit 327
Stores a communication program for transmitting and receiving data via a serial communication line. Note that the main CPU 41 may be configured to perform all functions related to the bus arbiter 326 and the communication control circuit 327 related to communication. The subsystem of the sequence manager in the main CPU 41 monitors the status of each subsystem by serial communication, and when a copy mode signal is received from the user interface, the subsystem controls each subsystem so that copying can be efficiently performed at a predetermined timing. Give work instructions.

The system of the user interface including the U / I CPU 46 is basically hardware as shown in FIG.
CRT board 331, CRT display 301 and key / LED board 333
It is composed of The CRT board 331 includes a U / I CPU 46 that controls the entire system and a CRT that controls the CRT display 301.
It includes a controller 335, a keyboard / display controller 336 for controlling the key / LED board 333,
A program memory (ROM) 337 for storing the above-described programs as a memory, a frame memory (ROM) 338 for storing frame data, a part of which is configured as a non-volatile memory for storing tables, display control data, etc., and a work area RAM (partially non-volatile memory) 339, used as
It has two sets of V-RAM (video RAM) 340, character generator 342 and the like.

Between the main CPU 41 and the U / I CPU 46 of the CRT board 331,
Data is transmitted and received via a serial communication line via the driver 344 and the receiver 343. TXD is CRT board 331
, RXD is a reception signal to the CRT board 331. For the clock generator 346, for example, a crystal oscillator of 11.0592 MHz is used, and this is divided into 1/12 inside the U / I CPU 46 to generate a basic frequency of 0.9216 MHz. In the communication of the U / I CPU 46, a transfer block is set by dividing the frequency by 1 to 256 (programmable) by an internal timer. Therefore, the fundamental frequency 0.
The frequency of 9216 MHz is determined to be 1/3 by program, and further divided by 1/32, the transfer clock becomes 9600 Hz (the transmission bit rate becomes
9600 BPS).

The U / I CPU 46 receives the machine status signal from the main CPU 41, and also controls the keyboard / display controller.
The operation signal of the key / LED board 333 is input from 336 to switch the screen to be displayed on the CRT display 301, set the copy mode, and generate a message to be displayed on the CRT display 301. Then, in the input process of the operation signal of the key / LED board 333, when the start key 318 is operated,
The copy mode at that time is checked, and if there is no inconsistency, the copy mode is transmitted to the main CPU 41. If there is an inconsistency in the copy mode, a J code message is generated and CR is generated.
Processing such as displaying on the T display 301 is performed. In the display processing of the CRT display 301, a code of the character generator is set corresponding to the display screen, and the code is written to the V-RMA 340. The information that sets the code of the character generator is stored in the frame memory.
338. When the mode is written to V-RAM340, the CRT
Under the control of the controller 335, dot data of the character generator 342 is read out in synchronization with the raster address, converted into serial data by the parallel / direct conversion circuit 355, and displayed on the CRT display 301.

The watchdog timer (WDT) 345 checks the runaway of the U / I CPU 46, and is reset when the U / I CPU 46 reads a specific address, for example, any one of the data areas 7000 to 77FF. You. Therefore, by creating a program to read this specific address within 150 mS, if the U / I CPU 46 runs away, the specific address will not be read even after 150 mS or more, and the watchdog timer (WDT) 345 Is not reset, C for U / I
Processing for PU46 runaway is performed.

Keyboard / display controller 336 is for U / I
The output of the clock generator 346 input to the CPU 46 is divided into 1/4 by the counter 347, and a clock whose frequency is set to 2.7648 MHz is input. Creates key / LED scan time for ms. If the scan time is too long, it takes a long time for input detection.Therefore, there is a problem that the input data is not taken in when the key operation time by the operator is short.
The frequency of operation of U is increased and sleep is dropped. Therefore, it is necessary to select an optimal scan time in consideration of these situations.

(B) Software configuration The software configuration of the user interface
As shown in FIG. 1A, a monitor having I / O management, task management, and communication protocol functions, a video controller having key input management and screen output management functions, job management, control, selection determination, It consists of a job controller having functions such as mode determination. Here, when a predetermined number of copies are to be made, one job is a period from the start of the copy operation to the completion of the predetermined number of copies and termination. In this way, the software is divided and the video controller performs screen editing control and key input conversion processing, so that the job controller can design software irrespective of the display device and keyboard. Therefore, for example, even when the display is replaced with a console panel, it is only necessary to change the design of the video controller according to the console panel without changing the job controller at all. In other words, the video controller may be provided between the display device or the keyboard and the job controller, pass the logical key to the job controller, and reflect the interface command received from the job controller on the display device or the keyboard. Logical keys and interface commands enable such software division.
By controlling the video controller with an interface command from the job controller, the job controller can manage the job without being conscious of the screen at all, thereby facilitating software construction. Therefore, regarding key input, the video controller processes the physical information of the key, the job controller recognizes the mode, checks the key reception condition, and controls the job. In the screen display, the job controller controls the screen based on machine state information and selection mode information and issues an interface command to the video controller, and the video controller executes the command to edit and draw the screen. The key change detection unit 362 described below, processing and generation of other data,
The blocks to be controlled are shown in fixed program units (modules), and these constituent units are grouped together for convenience of description, and some of them are configured with a plurality of modules. Or, of course, a plurality of modules may be configured collectively.

"Video Controller" The key change detection unit 362 performs double-press check and key continuous-press state detection on physical key information passed from the monitor by the physical key table 361. The key conversion unit 363 converts the currently pressed physical key detected as described above into a logical key (logical information), and checks the key reception condition of the logical key (current key) in the job. Ask the controller. The conversion table 364 is referred to by the key conversion unit 363 when converting the physical key to the logical key. For example, even if the cascade key is the same physical key, the logical information differs depending on the screen, so the display control The conversion from the physical key to the logical key is controlled by the surface screen information of the data 367.

The screen switching unit 368 receives the key reception signal and the logical key from the job controller, or receives the logical key from the key conversion unit 363 directly in the video controller, and the logical key calls the basic copy screen or the application copy screen, or cascades. When the key is a simple screen switching key for expanding a pop-up screen by moving the key, and does not have a mode update or a state update, the display control data 367 is updated to the screen number corresponding to the screen number. Therefore, the screen switching unit 368 stores a logical key for developing the pop-up screen as a table, and displays the pop-up screen to be expanded when the logical key is operated and no other key is input within 750 msec. Control data
Update 367. In this process, in the process of selecting a certain option, the option of expanding the pop-up screen may be temporarily selected by operating the cascade key,
Even in such a case, the pop-up screen is prevented from being opened one by one. Therefore, even if a logical key for expanding the pop-up screen is input within 750 msec, another key input is ignored as a temporary key input. In the case of updating a state such as occurrence of a jam, moving a cascade or other copy modes, and updating a message or count value, the display control unit 369 receives an interface command from the job controller, analyzes the received command, and performs display control. The data 367 is updated.

The display control data 367 has data for controlling the display of each screen, such as a screen number to be displayed and display variable information in the screen, and the dialog data 370 includes a basic frame of each screen,
This is a hierarchically structured database having display data of each frame, and reference addresses of variable data among the display data (addresses of the display control data 367 storing display variable information). The dialog editing unit 366 reads the basic frame of the screen to be displayed based on the screen number displayed by the display control data 367, the display data from the dialog data 370, and further displays the variable data according to the display variable information of the display control data 367. Determine the data, edit the screen, and edit the V-RAM3
Draw and expand the display screen on 65.

"Job controller" The key management unit 14 checks whether or not the logical key is in a receivable state by referring to the state table 371. The key information is determined on condition that no input is made, and sent to the key control unit 375. The key control unit 375 performs a key reception process and performs a copy mode 378.
Update, a mode check and a copy execution command are issued, and the display control is performed by grasping the machine state and passing the display control information to the display management unit 377. In the copy mode 378, copy setting information of basic copy, application copy, and dedicated copy is set. Display management unit 37
7 issues an interface command to the video controller based on the processing result by the key management unit 14 or the key control unit 375, and activates an interface routine (display control unit 369). The state management unit 372 updates the state table 371 for key reception by determining a change in the state from the state information of the machine such as a key reception state, occurrence of a jam or a failure, opening of an interlock, and the like. Then, the key reception condition is checked based on the state information. The job control unit 376
After operating the status key, the operation information of the machine is received, a command for machine control is issued, and management for executing a copy operation for one document is performed. The command control unit 373 notifies the state management unit 372 and the job control unit 376 of the state of the received command transmitted from the main unit, and receives a command for execution from the job control unit 376 during job execution. Send to Therefore, when the start key is operated and the key control unit 375 sets a command corresponding to the copy mode in the transmission buffer 380 to execute the copy operation, the command of the operation state of the machine is sequentially received in the reception buffer 379. You. The command control unit 373 notifies the job control unit 376 of this command, so that a predetermined number of copies are completed and a command for executing the next copy is executed each time the copy is completed until a machine stop command is issued. Is issued. During the copy operation, when a jam occurrence command is received, the jam state is recognized by the state management unit 372 through the command control unit 373, and the state table 371 is updated and at the same time the key control unit 375 is updated.
The display management unit 377 issues a jam screen control interface command to the video controller through the interface.

"Table" The job controller provides various tables. The state table 371 is one of them, and is used for managing the reception of keys as described above. FIG. 32 (b) shows the structure of the table.
It is. The state information includes job state, machine state, run case, con state, state case, and mode information.

The job state indicates the state of the job controller, and as shown in FIG.
t job) or interrupt job (2nd job), and whether the job is in the completed state (COMPLETE) or running (INCOMPLET
E) or duplex mode (S / S, D / S, S / D, D
/ D), and in the mode (S / D, D / D) that uses the duplex tray, further manages information on whether the job is finished or running in that mode. . For example, when the original is set on the platen and the set number of copies is executed five times, the INCOMPLETE is performed during the execution of the five copies, that is, until the execution of the five copies is completed. COMPLETE.

The machine state is information to be remembered when the state of the machine is received from the main unit as shown in FIG. 32 (d). , The copying cycle is over and the machine is about to stop (SOFTDOWN COIN), the jam or the belt is cut abnormally (SOFTDOWN PAUS
E), a state in which paper is automatically discharged after a jam (PURGE), a state in which the machine is stopped (STAND-BY), a state in which purging is performed by a start command (PURGE STAND-BY), and a state in which the machine is stopped due to a jam (JAM ) There is information. Accordingly, the relationship with the machine operation is PROGRESS when the start key is operated from STAND-BY, and STAND-BY again when the operation ends normally after SOFTDOWN COIN. However, if a jam occurs on the way, it becomes SOFTDOWN PAUSE, and if it stops,
Become JAM. And if you need to eject paper, PURGE
It becomes STAND-BY, it becomes PURGE when the paper is discharged, and it moves to PROGRESS when copying is continued again.

The run case is one of the key management-specific states created by the state management unit, and is information on the machine state. Whether the stop key is pressed or not pressed during progress or purging, or the platen mode of the soft down coin. The start key has not been pressed or has been pressed, and the purge standby has job complete or incomplete information. In the present copying machine, since there is communication with the main body, the reception of the key changes depending on the communication, and therefore, the copying machine has such information. A table corresponding to a key is provided in each state such as a job state, a run case, and a state case, and a search is made from this table as to whether the key is acceptable.

The constate is a state created by state management, and has information of a ready (RDY), a weight (WAIT), a J code, a caution, a U code, and a jam, and has a J code number in a state case. The displayed messages and priorities differ depending on the state. The mode information has information such as auto start, power save, and edit input. Key management is performed based on each of the above state information.

FIG. 32 (e) shows the structure of the copy mode table 378. The main unit transmission information of bytes 0 to 12, the FEATURE RECOVERY information of bytes 13 to 24, and the bytes 25 and 2
It consists of 6 job statuses and the key control section 375
When receiving the key from the key management unit 374, the key is sequentially updated in accordance with the key content.

In addition to the above, the command control unit 373 has a U code table, jam status information, a caution table, and the like. The U code table is generated from the information sent from the main unit when an abnormality occurs in the machine. To determine if the U code is acceptable. The caution table has information such as an interlock open, a toilet dropout, and a state of no paper.

"Interface command" The interface command is a registration command,
For example, there are No., paper size, orientation for the toilet, device name, presence / absence for the additional device, presence / absence for the second device, color, and the like. Normal setting commands include cascade, cascade, set number of sheets, margin, and the like. The edit setting commands include box display, coordinate display, etc., and the job setting commands include calling values, registered numerical values, and the like. Display commands include normal messages, state displays, maid displays, residual toner displays, collected toner displays, and no paper displays. Mode commands such as display include jam, clear jam, change information, preheat, interrupt, return, and change. Further, there are a display control command, a machine operation state command, an initialization command, a diagnosis command, and the like. The display controller 369 of the video controller analyzes these commands and updates the display control data 367. For example, with the registration command, the initial setting of each screen is performed. With the normal setting command, the setting status of the cascade in the normal setting screen, the elimination of unnecessary cascades, the display of the set number (set count), and the display of the binding margin are performed. With the conversion command, the display of each mode screen and the ON / OFF of an LED (not shown) are performed.

In the operation of the cascade key as described above, when the cascade key is turned off from on, 750 msec continues
When it is kept pressed, it continues to be pushed further after that
When 5 msec elapses, if the corresponding key is acceptable, it moves one rank. If the destination is incapable of accepting the mode, one rank is stopped and the next key is selected. In this operation, when the cascade is up, a logic code corresponding to the cascade is passed to the job controller as a key reception, and is fed back as display data from the job controller to the video controller.

“Screen Change” The screen change is triggered by the conditions shown in FIG. 33, respectively. First, when the power is turned on and initialization (initialization) is completed, a basic copy screen is displayed if there is no instruction to shift to the diagnostic mode. This basic copy screen is displayed by further operating the all clear key, the basic copy mode selection key, and the preheat key during the preheat screen.The advanced copy screen, specialized copy screen, and review screen are displayed by pressing the respective mode selection keys. The display is switched by operation. The start key is accepted only on these screens, and the copy operation can be executed.
In the dedicated copy screen, when the editing is selected, the input screen is changed to a job program, and when the input is completed, the screen returns to the original professional copy screen. Further, from these screens, the operation of the information key and the input of the code shift to the information screen, and the operation of the preheating key (power save key) shifts to the preheating screen. Then, when a jam occurs, the jam screen is superimposed on the selection mode screen when the copy is executed. The burn-in prevention screen is shifted by the operation of the timer when there is no key input even if a predetermined time elapses with any of the above screens, and returns to the original screen by key operation.

“Overview of Overall Process” Next, an example of a process corresponding to the operation by the operator and the state of the machine will be described.

First, when the power is turned on and initialized, the key management unit 374 issues an initial screen command to the screen switching unit 368 on condition that the state table 371 is in the initial state and there is no key input. In the video controller, the screen switching unit 368 sets the display screen of the display control data 367 as an initial screen in response to the instruction.

When the initial screen is the basic copy screen in the display control data 367, the dialog editing unit 366 reads the frame of the basic copy from the dialog data 370. In this frame, the address of the display control data 367 is indicated for each area, and the dialog control unit 366 reads and edits the display control data 367 based on this address, and draws a basic copy screen in the V-RAM 365. . At the same time, the LED of the basic copy is turned on. Here, when the mode selection key of the application copy or the specialty copy of the keyboard is operated, the key management unit 374 checks the key reception condition, and similarly issues a screen instruction corresponding to the screen switching unit 368. If the initial screen is set to the fully automatic screen in the display control data 367, the fully automatic screen is drawn. This setting is performed in the diagnostic mode.

When the cascade key is operated by the operator and the physical key table 361 is updated in the display state of these screens, the key change detection unit 361 detects it and converts it into a logical key by the key conversion unit 363. The cascade key is
Since the conversion into the logical key differs depending on the screen, the reference position of the conversion table 364 is controlled based on the screen information of the display control data 367, and the conversion into the logical key is performed. For example, when the cascade key 19-3 is operated in FIG. 26, if the screen is the basic copy screen shown in FIG. 27 (a), the screen is converted into the logical key of the screen copy cascade. In the case of the application copy screen shown in FIG.

The key management unit 374 determines from the state table 371 whether or not the current state is acceptable. In this case, acceptance is permitted under the condition of a cascade key on the selection mode screen. The state is sent to the state management unit 372. The key control unit 375 updates the copy mode 378 from this key and passes the cascade display information to the display management unit 377. The display management unit 377 generates an interface command and issues it to the display control unit 369. The display control unit 369 receives this interface command and updates the cascade setting information of the display control data 367. Hereafter, this content will be
Is reflected on the screen as described above. When each selection mode screen is switched in this manner and each cascade is set, the setting state is displayed on the display, and the copy mode 378 and the state table 371 of the job controller are updated.

When the start key is operated, the key control unit 375 checks the copy mode 378 and issues a copy execution command. This copy execution command is issued by setting it in the transmission buffer 380, and transmitted to the main CPU via a serial communication line by the monitor. If the mode settings are inconsistent, the display control unit 377 generates and issues a display control interface command to control the message.

Upon issuing the copy execution command, the job control unit 376 manages the copy operation for each copy. For example, when the machine starts a copy operation and a machine status command is received every moment in the reception buffer 379, the command control unit 373 analyzes this and notifies the state management unit 372 and the job control unit 376. The job control unit 376 receives the machine status command and executes copy 1
Issue commands necessary for machine operation up to the set number of sheets for each sheet. This is set in the transmission buffer 380 through the command control unit 373. On the other hand, state management unit 3
72 updates the state table 371 according to the machine state command. Therefore, in this state, the key management unit 374 cannot accept the mode selection key, the cascade key, and the like.

When a jam occurs during copy execution and a jam occurrence command is received from the machine, the information is passed to the job control unit 376 and the state management unit 372 through the command control unit 373. As a result, the state table 371
Is updated in the jam occurrence state, and the job is suspended. Then, the key control unit 375 recognizes the occurrence position of the jam and passes the information to the display management unit 377.
The display management unit 377 generates and issues an interface command based on a jam processing code by, for example, mode classification to which a parameter of the jam zone is added. Then, the display control unit 369 processes this command and updates the display control data 367 to the contents of the jam screen display, thereby lowering the screen brightness by one rank and overwriting the screen representing the jam zone. The jam screen appears on the display.

In the machine status command, the key control unit 375 recognizes the remaining amount of toner, the status of the collection bottle, the out of paper, the open of the interlock, and the like. Perform control.

The diagnosis mode is shifted by a special operation of simultaneously operating the all clear key when the power is turned on. This mode is also recognized by the key control unit 375 through the key management unit 374. And
Issue a diag command through the display management unit 377,
Control the diagnostic screen. In this mode, a specific area of the display control data 367 can be registered and set, and cannot be set in a normal mode other than the diagnostic mode. For example, setting whether to display a fully automatic screen or not to display the fully automatic screen is one of them.

(C) Display Control of Key / LED and Display FIG. 34 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a keyboard scan setting map, and FIG. 34 (b) is a diagram showing an example of an LED scan setting map. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing display timing.

Key / LED is 4.98mse from 102kHz clock by keyboard / display controller 336 as described above
The scan time of c is created and processed. In the scan, as shown in FIG.
Eight scans up to “7” are defined as one cycle, and each scan is composed of 1-byte data from “0” to “7” to generate the above-described physical table. Similarly, the LED is turned on / off by a scan map as shown in FIG. 34 (b).
Controlled off.

The CRT display 301 has, for example, a 9-inch size, and has a display color of paper white and a non-glare surface treatment. Using a screen of this size, if the total number of dots is 480 x 240, the dot pitch is 0.33 mm x 0.46 mm, and the dot configuration of tiles (characters) is 8 x 16 in a display area of 160 mm (H) x 110 mm (V), The number of tiles is
It becomes 60 × 15. Therefore, if you display kanji and kana at 16 dots x 16 dots and alphanumeric characters and signals at 8 dots x 16 dots,
Kanji and Kana can display 30 x 15 characters using two tiles. In addition, display is performed by specifying four levels of normal luminance, gray 1, gray 2, and black level in units of tiles, and displaying reverse, blink, and the like. Input signal timing of such display, when the dot frequency f _d 10 MHz, 480 × and 240, a 64μS as shown in FIG. 35 in a cycle of the horizontal synchronizing signal
The video data is processed for 48 μS, and the video data is processed for 15.36 mS with a period of the vertical synchronization signal of 16.90 mS.

The clock generation circuit 353 generates a clock of the frequency of the dot output from the parallel / serial conversion circuit 355,
The counter 354 divides the frequency into the read cycle of the parallel dot data read from the character generator 342. Accordingly, a plurality of bits of dot data are input from the character generator 342 to the parallel / serial conversion circuit 355 in accordance with the output clock of the counter 354, and are transmitted as serial data to the attribute addition circuit 356. The attribute adding circuit 356 inputs a blanking signal from the CRT controller 335 and controls a video signal according to the attribute data only during the display period. In addition, the one-shot circuit 348 includes the CRT controller 33
The vertical synchronizing blanking signal among the blanking signals output from 5 generates an interrupt signal for the U / I CPU 46.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of V-RAM address correspondence, FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the address of the first V-RAM and the CRT display position, and FIG. 38 is a diagram explaining the readout circuit of the character generator. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of correspondence between dot patterns, data, and scan addresses.

The video data written to the V-RAM 340 is composed of 16 bits per tile, of which 12 bits represent the character generator code and the remaining 4 bits represent the attribute. Therefore, V-RAM340
Is configured so that the lower 8 bits of the character generator code are written to RAM-L, the upper 4 bits and the attribute 4 bits are written to RAM-H in correspondence with the address of the CRT screen, and these are stored for 2 screens. ing.

The address of the V-RAM 340 is, as shown in FIG.
PU46 and CRT controller 335 independently manage
-Writing of video data to the RAM 340 is performed by the U / I CPU 46, and display on the CRT display 301 is performed by the CRT controller 335.
Do with. For example, when the address of the V-RAM 340 is viewed from the CRT controller 335, it is as shown in FIG.
The code and the attribute of the character generator are written at addresses "1",... Respectively. Accordingly, the CRT controller 335 uses the circuit shown in FIG. 38 to synchronize the data “D0 → D7” (L side) of the corresponding address in synchronization with the display timing,
By reading “D0 → D4” (H side), generating a raster address “RA” and accessing the character generator, the scan line data “D0” of each tile is obtained.
→ D7 ”is output to the parallel / direct conversion circuit 355. For example, "wealth"
The dot pattern of the kanji can be represented as shown in Fig. 39. However, as described above, the kanji is composed of two tiles. The output “D0 → D7” using the “を” as a tile and the output “D0 → D7” using the right half as a tile are the outputs of the character generator 341.

Note that a 4-bit attribute is also read in response to the output of this tile. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a video signal control circuit according to the attribute data. As shown in this figure, the attribute control is performed by logically processing the video data and the attribute data of the reverse signal by an EXOR circuit. In the case where the blink signal is turned on by the above processing, the signal may be turned on / off by a clock and the signal level may be changed by the gray signal. As described above in the selection mode screen, the background is changed so that the divided area is clearly displayed or the attention area such as the position of the cascade is changed. Display and reverse display are used. Further, for example, as shown in FIG.
Generated by the dot pattern of the tile. That is, the background of the display area of “document set”, “number of sheets set”, and “start” in FIG. 28A and the background outside the display area are changed by changing the dot density of the tile. .

The video signal displayed on the CRT screen as described above is obtained by dynamically changing the start address of the CRT controller 335 and the first V-RAM and the second VR.
After switching AM, one of them is selected and read out and displayed. For this purpose, the U / I CPU 46 is provided with a port for inputting a blanking start signal and a display period signal, and a port for outputting a display permission signal. And U / I
The CPU 46 interrupts at the falling edge at the start of the blanking period of the CRT by the blanking start signal, and recognizes the CRT display state by the display period signal. The display permission signal instructs display permission and prohibition on the CRT.

(III-5) Full-automatic mode control The fully-automatic mode in the user interface of the copying machine displays one of the selection mode screens as described above, and a state in which each cascade is set to the default setting, and a fully-automatic screen. There are two types of states. Even in the same fully automatic mode, the status of each cascade can be confirmed in the former case, but not in the latter case. However, in situations unaccustomed to the apparatus in use early, when the selection mode screen is displayed, any operation for five cascade is displayed, there is a problem that feel embarrassed or manipulated can I set, In such a case, the full-automatic screen is likely to be easy to use, but if the user is accustomed to the operation, there is a request to display the selection mode screen and check the setting status of each cascade. Come.

Therefore, the copying machine sets and stores in the nonvolatile memory in the diagnostic mode whether to display the fully automatic screen or the selection mode screen as the screen in the all clear state. Triggers for displaying this screen include, for example, when an all clear key is operated, when an interrupt mode is entered, when a preheating key is used to return from a preheating state, when an all clear function is activated, and when power is turned on. On the other hand, the display of the fully automatic screen is stopped when the mode selection key, the review key, and the information key are operated in the job end state.

In the fully automatic mode, the toilet is automatically selected, the magnification is the same, the copy density is automatic, and the double-sided function is set to the single-sided mode, as is clear from the selection mode screen described above. Therefore, only the direct key and the screen change key can be used for accepting keys on the fully automatic screen. The key management unit 374 performs such key reception management according to the state table 371 as described above.
A copy mode 378 as shown in FIG. 7E is generated to manage the copy mode.

In the output mode, the copy mode is set for one copy and the collation mode is set for two or more copies according to the input content of the set number. In this processing, the set number of bytes 19 and 20 in the copy mode table of FIG. 32 (e) described above is referred to. Whether or not this collation mode is automatically selected depends on the setting of the nonvolatile memory. In the interrupt mode, the sort mode is not set automatically because there is an interrupt in the sort mode.

Next, the flow of the check control in the fully automatic mode will be described with reference to FIG.

In the user interface of the copying machine, the final mode is determined when the start key is operated as described above. Therefore, even in the check of the fully automatic mode, it waits for the start key to be operated, and when the start key is operated, it is checked whether or not the screen is a fully automatic screen (step 1).

If the screen is not a fully automatic screen (NO), the contents of the mode screen are determined, the execution conditions are checked, and the copy mode is set (steps to).

In the case of the fully automatic screen (YES), the contents of the nonvolatile memory are set to the fully automatic mode, and the input mode information is
Check if the ADF is set and the set number is 2 or more.If all conditions are YES, set the output mode information to collation mode.If at least one of the conditions is NO, The output mode information is set in the copy receiver (step to).

Then, a machine command is transmitted from the user interface to the main CPU in the setting mode (step).

FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining a flow of an input determination process, and FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining a flow of a set number input check process.

Between the user interface and the main unit (sequence manager), the copy mode is determined in accordance with the operation input on the user interface, and a machine start command is transmitted to the main unit. Machine control. Whether a document is set or not and where the document is set are always detected by a sensor, the presence or absence of the document is determined, and an input status command is transmitted to the user interface. In the user interface, the input mode is determined from the command. In the fully automatic mode, the priority is determined in the order of SADF, ADF, and platen, and the input mode is determined according to the priority.

In the input determination process, first, as shown in FIG. 42, the process waits for an input status command to be received. When the command is transmitted, it is next determined whether the input status information is in a state where a document is set in the SADF of the first priority. Find out.

If there is an original in SADF (YES), input mode information is set in SADF.

If there is no original in the SADF (NO), check whether the input status information is a DADF original or not. If YES, set the input mode information to the ADF. Set to.

In the set number input check process, first, as shown in FIG. 43, the input of the numeric keypad is waited, and whether the set number input is the first digit or the second digit is recognized based on the input of the numeric keypad. The input value is set in the first digit of the set number information of the RAM as it is, and in the case of the second and subsequent digits, the numerical value of the set digit of the set number information of the RAM is shifted one digit higher by one digit to one digit Set the input value to the eye.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a CRT display is used for the user interface. However, a plasma display, an EL display, a liquid crystal display, a fluorescent display tube, or the like may be used, or a touch panel may be attached. Although the arrangement is made at the back right corner, the arrangement may be at the back left corner. Also, the display mode with the accent is controlled by controlling the display mode of the CRT display. Although the area is divided into an area, a setting state display area, and a selection area, it goes without saying that the message area and the setting state display area can be allocated to both sides of the selection area in the middle, and various modifications can be made. Furthermore, although the mode selection keys are arranged corresponding to the number of divided screens, the screen switching operation may be performed with only one mode selection key.

〔The invention's effect〕

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when an automatic document feeder and a sorter are used and a set number of sheets is plural, an output for distributing recorded paper to a plurality of bins and conveying the paper is provided. In many cases, the mode is selected. In such a case, the output mode selection setting is automatically performed. Furthermore, when the output mode selection setting is automatically performed, the output mode selection status is displayed on the selection mode screens other than the selection mode screen where the output mode options are displayed among the multiple selection mode screens If a selection mode screen other than the selection mode screen displaying the output mode options is displayed, other selection mode screens can be displayed without switching to the selection mode screen displaying the output mode options. Can be used to check the output mode selection status. In addition, the setting contents of the plurality of selection mode screens are displayed on one screen, and when the output mode is automatically selected, the selection of the output mode is displayed on the setting contents displayed on one screen. Since it is included, it is easy to confirm the settings on a plurality of selection mode screens including the output mode selection state on one screen.

As described above, when the output mode that is not directly selected by the user is automatically selected, the user is likely to make a mistake in selecting the function. However, in the recording apparatus of the present invention, the output device that is not directly selected by the user is used. When the output mode is automatically selected, the selection state of the output mode is displayed on the screen displaying the selection state, so that the user can be prevented from erroneous recognition.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall schematic configuration, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a control system, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transfer data configuration and transmission timing of serial communication, FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a mutual communication interval in one communication cycle, FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram of a processor, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a scanning exposure apparatus, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a lens driving system, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control system configuration of an optical system, and FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a marking system, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining panel division on a light-sensitive material belt, and FIG. 14 shows an outline of functions of the marking system. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing the timing chart of the marking control sequence. Shows the over preparative, side view for FIG. 16 for explaining the sheet transport system, FIG. 17 is a side view of the paper toilet, FIG. 18 is a plan view of a duplex toilet,
19 is a side view of the automatic document feeder, FIG. 20 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of sensors, FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of automatic document feed, and FIG. 22 shows a configuration of a sorter. Side view,
FIG. 23 is a view for explaining the drive system of the sorter, FIG. 24 is a view for explaining the operation of the sorter, FIG. 25 is a view showing an attached state of a user interface using a display, and FIG. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an appearance of a user interface using a display, FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a selection mode screen, FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a screen other than the selection mode screen, and FIG. 29 is a classification of screen layout Diagram showing an example,
Figure 30 shows the main CP connected to the U / I CPU via serial communication.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a user interface, FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a software configuration of a user interface, and FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining screen switching control. FIG. 34 (a) shows an example of a keyboard scan setting map.
FIG. 3B shows an example of an LED scan setting map, and FIG.
FIG. 5 shows the display timing, FIG. 36 shows an example of V-RAM address correspondence, and FIG. 37 shows the address of the first V-RAM and C.
FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the RT display position, FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the readout circuit of the character generator, FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence between dot patterns, data, and scan addresses, and FIG. 40 is attribute data. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a video signal control circuit according to FIG. 41;
The figure is a diagram for explaining the flow of the input determination process.
FIG. 43 is a view for explaining the flow of a set number input check process, and FIG. 44 is a view showing an example of a conventional user interface using a console panel. 01 ... User interface, 02 ... Display,
03: Keyboard, 05: CPU for U / I, 06: Main CP
U, 07: Automatic document feeder, 08: Sorter.

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-1-261667 (JP, A) JP-A-61-130970 (JP, A) JP-A-61-178369 (JP, A) JP-A-61-123861 (JP, A) , A) JP-A-56-14447 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/00 510-534

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a document onto a platen glass; a sorter having a plurality of bins for storing recorded paper; and a plurality of selection mode screens for selecting a recording operation mode. A display device for displaying an option to select the output mode for distributing and conveying the recorded paper to a plurality of bins in any one of the plurality of selection mode screens, while displaying the information so as to be switchable one after another. A recording device comprising: a control unit that automatically selects the output mode on condition that the number of set recordings is a plurality of sheets; and a case where the control unit automatically selects the output mode. Out of the plurality of selection mode screens other than the selection mode screen on which the output mode options are displayed. Recording apparatus characterized by comprising a display control means for displaying the selected status of the put mode. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising selection means for selecting whether to enable automatic selection of said output mode by said control means. 3. An automatic document feeder for automatically feeding a document onto a platen glass, a sorter having a plurality of bins for storing recorded paper, and a plurality of selection mode screens for selecting a recording operation mode. A display device for displaying an option to select the output mode for distributing and conveying the recorded paper to a plurality of bins in any one of the plurality of selection mode screens, while displaying the information so as to be switchable one after another. A control device for automatically selecting the output mode on condition that the number of set recordings is plural, and displaying the setting contents of a plurality of selection mode screens on one screen, When the control means automatically selects the output mode, the setting content displayed on the one screen is changed to the output mode. Recording apparatus characterized by comprising a display control unit to include an indication of-option state. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising selection means for selecting whether or not to enable automatic selection of said output mode by said control means.