JP3304337B2 - Image forming apparatus provided with magnification setting device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming an image by setting an arbitrary magnification when an image is formed by an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus, in particular, in a copying apparatus or a laser printer using an electrophotographic system, a photosensitive member as a recording medium is uniformly charged, and after uniform charging, reflected light from a document or image information is reflected. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor by irradiating the laser beam driven in accordance with the image, and the image is developed using a developer or the like in order to make this an image. The developed image is transferred to a sheet-like sheet that is appropriately conveyed, and the sheet is sent to a fixing device, so that the toner image transferred on the sheet is fixed as a permanent image and then externally. Is output.

Here, after the photoreceptor is charged to a specific polarity, the surface of the photoreceptor is image-exposed at an arbitrary preset magnification. In other words, if it is the same size,
Exposure of the image itself, that is, exposure is performed in a 1: 1 state, but in the case of reduction, a light image to be exposed for an image of one size is formed as an image smaller than one. .

For example, in a copying apparatus, a reflected light image from a document is formed on a photoreceptor in a reduced or enlarged state via an image forming lens or the like. Also, in a digital image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, the size of the laser beam is not controlled according to the magnification, but the number of pixels of the image is controlled. The number of pixels is increased in the case of enlargement.

Heretofore, conventionally, an image can be formed according to a predetermined magnification if the size of the original and the size of the paper to be used are fixed size. For example, if the document size is A3, A4, B4, B5 and the paper size to be used is A4, A5, B4, B5, if the document size is A4 and the paper size for forming an image is B4, then 1. The surface of the photoconductor is exposed at a magnification of 22 times (122%), and if the paper size is B5, 0.86 times (86
%) On the surface of the photoreceptor.

If the original size is B4 and the paper size used is A4 or B5, the original used in B5 is 0.84 times (81%) or 0.70 times (70%). In the case of B4, image exposure at 1.15 times (115%) or 1.41 times (141%) is performed.

As described above, when a fixed-size original and a sheet are used, the entire image of the original can be formed on the sheet by performing image exposure at a predetermined magnification. Such a predetermined magnification is called a fixed magnification, and a setting key (fixed magnification key) dedicated to the fixed magnification is provided in order to obtain an image at the fixed magnification. This fixed magnification key is used when a number of keys corresponding to the above-described magnification are provided, or by using one setting key, for example, 70% → 81.
% → 86% → (100% may be skipped)
Key to set the fixed magnification in the order of → 115% → 122% → 141% → 70% cyclically, or to set the fixed magnification in the enlargement direction (70% → 81%... 141%) And shrink (direction 141% →
122%... 70%) in some cases.

On the other hand, a zoom key or the like is provided which enables the magnification to be set in units of 1%. That is, it is used when the user sets an arbitrary magnification instead of the fixed magnification described above. For example, when the document size is A4 and the paper size on which the image is formed is B5, it is normal to form the image with a fixed magnification of 86%, but there is no problem, but the magnification is slightly smaller (for example, 83%). This is used when forming an image by performing the same.

[0009]

According to the conventional magnification setting apparatus described above, both a key for setting a fixed magnification and a zoom key for freely setting an arbitrary magnification are provided. Therefore, an image with a desired magnification can be formed by operating these keys.

[0010] However, in the above-described magnification setting, a skilled operator can easily operate, but inexperienced operators often cannot understand what the fixed magnification is. In other words, even if it can be understood that the document size is B4, when forming an image on A4 size paper, the magnification is set by operating the fixed magnification key or the magnification is operated by operating the zoom key. I do not understand at all how to set. Also, when a fixed magnification is set using the zoom key, the fixed magnification to be set is not known, and an incorrect setting may be made. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the magnification setting operation with reference to the comparison table, which is very troublesome.

Further, since the fixed magnification key and the zoom key are separately provided as described above, the operator only needs to increase the number of setting keys and can easily determine which key can be operated to easily set a desired magnification. It becomes very difficult to understand, and a cumbersome operation is forced. Moreover, the magnification must be set while visually observing the above-mentioned comparison table. Without the comparison table, an incorrect magnification may be set depending on the feeling and erroneous copying may be performed.

In addition to a fixed magnification key and a zoom key, frequently used magnifications are stored in advance as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-3547, and in order to set the magnifications, The setting key is provided separately from the zoom key and the fixed magnification key. Providing such a setting key simplifies the operation for a magnification setting that is very frequently used. However, it is necessary for the user to memorize the magnification in advance, and an inexperienced user becomes confused by increasing the number of setting keys, and the magnification setting becomes a heavy burden.

Therefore, in order to set the fixed magnification, each setting key corresponding to the fixed magnification is set by the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-3.
It is provided as described in Japanese Patent No. 547, and a fixed size is printed in correspondence with each of the setting keys. For example, corresponding to a fixed magnification key of 70%, B4
The optimum paper size for forming an image corresponding to the document size, such as → B5, A3 → A4, is displayed.

However, a large number of keys, zoom keys, special magnification setting keys, etc., corresponding to each fixed magnification described above are provided.
In the case of performing the above-mentioned display, the space for providing a number of keys on the operation panel is also limited, and at present it is printed or displayed in very small characters, and the display is very difficult to see, and the display is referred to. It is rare to do. Also,
If the combination of all originals and paper size corresponding to each fixed magnification is displayed, it takes time and effort to search for the proper state, in addition to the problem that the display becomes smaller as described above. Troublesome operations are required.
Furthermore, since a large number of zoom keys, fixed magnification keys, frequently used magnification storage keys, and the like are arranged on the operation panel, the user's annoyance precedes and the impression that the operation is troublesome tends to be very strong. Becomes

When a fixed magnification or a magnification in the vicinity of the fixed magnification is set by the zoom key, it is sufficient to be familiar with the magnification itself as described above, but an unskilled operator sets the magnification. The magnification cannot be easily known, making setting very difficult.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
A first object is to simplify the operation for setting the magnification. It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnification setting device that simplifies not only the setting of a fixed magnification but also the setting operation of an arbitrary magnification by using a specific magnification setting key.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve the operability of the zoom key so that a fixed magnification and an arbitrary magnification can be easily set by using the zoom key for setting the magnification.

[0018]

Means for Solving the Problems An image forming apparatus having a magnification setting apparatus for achieving the purposes of the present invention, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with the set magnification A zoom key for increasing and decreasing the magnification in units of a predetermined unit, and a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to the operation of the zoom key. set magnification, and determining means for determining whether the predetermined fixed magnifications, when the magnification set by said discrimination means is determined to correspond to one fixed magnification, corresponding with the fixed magnifications display control means to display the sub messages consisting of combinations such as the paper size on the display unit of the image support
Comprising an image size setting means for setting the size, and the table
The display control means is set by the image size setting means.
Image size and paper size specified by fixed magnification
Display messages by combination in a narrowed state
It is characterized by making it.

[0019]

[0020]

Moreover, the image forming apparatus having a magnification setting apparatus for achieving the object of the present invention, the image formation of the structure
In the apparatus, instead of the image size setting means,
Selection of paper size by display control means
The sub message based on the combination of the paper size selected by the means and the image size specified by the fixed magnification is displayed in a narrowed state.

According to such a configuration, since the content of the sub-message is reduced, the effect that the target magnification can be easily and reliably recognized is promoted.

An image forming apparatus having a magnification setting device for achieving the purpose of setting a fixed magnification more easily by using a zoom key according to the present invention forms an image on a recording medium in accordance with the set magnification. Provided in the image forming apparatus,
A zoom key for increasing and decreasing the magnification for each predetermined unit, and a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key;
Determining means for determining whether or not the magnification set in response to the operation of the zoom key is a predetermined fixed magnification ;
When it is determined that the magnification set by operating the zoom key corresponds to one fixed magnification, a sub message including a combination of the fixed magnification and the corresponding paper size is displayed on the display unit together with the magnification display. , On
Continuously for each unit determined by the continuous operation of the zoom key
When the zoom key operation is canceled within a predetermined time from the time when the set magnification becomes the fixed magnification in a state where the magnification is increased or decreased, the magnification is set beyond the fixed magnification.
Display control means for returning the set magnification to the immediately preceding display of the fixed magnification.

Further, the display control means, said display control means, when the intermittent manner magnification is increased or decreased in units determined by once of the operation of the zoom key, setting without returning to the fixed magnification The maintained magnification is maintained.

According to this, when a fixed magnification is set,
Even if the set magnification is increased or decreased by operating the zoom key and the fixed magnification is passed, if the operation of the zoom key is canceled within a predetermined period, the magnification is returned to the immediately previous fixed magnification. In addition, if the magnification is set in the vicinity of the fixed magnification, if the magnification is intermittently increased or decreased intermittently for each unit determined by one operation of the zoom key, the set magnification is maintained. ing.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a magnification setting device of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a form in which an original and a paper size in an optimal state in the vicinity of a fixed magnification are displayed as a sub-message at the same time as a set magnification in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel for an operator according to the present invention to set a magnification, and FIG. 3 is a control unit of a scanning panel part of FIG. 2 including control of an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the outline of the internal configuration of a digital copying machine having the operation panel shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a copying machine in another image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photoconductor.

First, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in particular, a digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the main body of the copier 1 includes a scanner unit 2, a laser printer unit 3, and a multi-stage paper feed unit 4.
A sorter 5 is provided for performing post-processing of the recording paper discharged outside the apparatus, for example, distribution matching of the recording paper.

The scanner section 2 includes a document table 21 made of transparent glass and a two-sided automatic document feeder (RD).
H) 22, and a scanner unit 23. The scanner unit 23 is for reading an image of a document as a digital image, and includes an exposure assembly 24 for illuminating the document to be read, a plurality of mirrors 25 for reflecting light reflected from the document to a required area, and an image forming apparatus. The optical system 27 includes a system lens 26, and a CCD 28 which is a reading element because the reflected light from the document is imaged by the optical system 27 and photoelectrically changes.

The RDH 22 is provided with a document placing portion (document tray / not shown) on which a plurality of documents can be set at one time, and the documents placed on the document placing portion are scanned one by one. It is transported to the reading position. At this time, the front and back surfaces of the document conveyed as needed are conveyed to the reading position, and these can be sequentially read. The reading position is provided on the same horizontal plane as the document table 22, and a transparent glass plate for reading an image is disposed at that position.

The exposure assembly 24, the optical system 27 and the CCD 28 are supported on the same support member 29. The support member 29 is driven to run parallel to the lower surface of the document table 21 at a predetermined speed. . Thus, the image of the document placed on the document table 21 is formed on the CCD 28, and the images are sequentially read. Further, the support member 29
The image is moved to the document reading position of the RDH 22 and stopped at that position, and the image of the document conveyed to the RDH 22 is formed on the CCD 28 via the optical system 27. It is designed to read. Therefore, the original is placed on the original table 21 or the RDH2
Depending on whether the document is placed on the second side, it is selected whether the travel is controlled along the support member 27 and the document table 21 or the still control is performed by moving to the document reading position on the RDH 22 side. That is, the optical system 27 is scanned along the document table 22 by selecting a mode for forming an image of a document placed on the document table 22 and a mode for forming an image of a document using the RDH 22. It is controlled whether the document is shifted to the document reading position on the RDH 22 side and stopped.

The read image data after the image of the original is read by the CCD 28 is subjected to image processing by a well-known image processing device (not shown) so that the printer unit 3 forms an image on paper and outputs the image. This is temporarily stored.

The printer unit 3 inputs image information processed by the above-described image processing apparatus, and controls a laser writing unit 31 that is driven and controlled in accordance with the image information. Image forming process unit 33 having photoconductor 32 as a recording medium to be irradiated
As a main element, and for recording the image information on a recording sheet conveyed appropriately. In particular, the laser writing unit 31 includes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam (laser beam) corresponding to image information, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular velocity, and a laser beam that is deflected at a constant angular velocity on the photoreceptor 2. F-
A θ lens and the like are provided.

The image forming process section 33 is of a well-known electrophotographic type, and is a charger for uniformly charging the photosensitive member 1 to a specific polarity, and develops an electrostatic latent image formed by irradiating a laser beam. A developing device, a transfer device for transferring the developed image to a recording paper which is appropriately conveyed, a cleaning device for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor after the transfer, and a next device for removing unnecessary charges remaining on the photoconductor. A static eliminator or the like provided for image formation is arranged to face around the photoconductor 1.

The printer unit 3 further includes a recording paper transport system 34 for feeding the recording paper to a transfer position facing the transfer unit of the image forming process unit 33. The transport system 34 includes a manual paper feed tray 35 disposed on the right side of the printer unit 3 so as to protrude therefrom. The paper placed on the paper feed tray 35 is fed and synchronized with the rotation of the photoconductor 32. A registration roller for controlling the start of sheet conveyance at the timing thus set, a fixing section 37 for fixing an unfixed image on the recording sheet after transfer, and a path 38 for discharging the fixed recording sheet to the outside of the printer section 3
And path 3 for sending the image data to the image forming process section again.
9, a path switching unit 30 for switching to any one of the transport paths.

On the other hand, apart from the manual paper feed table 35 for feeding paper to the printer section 3, a multi-stage paper feed unit 4 provided for sequentially feeding paper of a selected size automatically is provided. In the figure, a first paper cassette 41, a second paper cassette 42, and
A third paper feed cassette 43 and a fourth paper feed tray 44 that can be added to the right end by selection are provided. In addition to these paper feeding units, an intermediate tray 46 is arranged to form an image on the other side of the paper on which an image is formed on one side by the printer unit 3. Further, the first, second, and third paper feed cassettes 41, 4
An image-formed sheet stored in an intermediate tray 45 and a merged conveyance path 46 for feeding sheets selectively fed from the second, fourth, and fourth sheet feed trays 44 to the conveyance system 34 of the printer unit 3. Path 4 for feeding
7, and a double-sided conveyance path 48 for guiding the sheet on which an image has been formed sent from the printer unit 3 to be stored in the intermediate tray 45.

The above-mentioned merged transport path 46 and feed transport path 4
7. The two-sided conveying path 48 is provided in a state of communicating with both conveying paths so that the two-sided conveying path 48 can be transferred to and from the conveying system 34 provided in the printer unit 3. Although the description is omitted in the double-sided conveyance path 48, when an image is formed on both sides of a sheet, it is guided to the intermediate tray 45 and stored as it is, while when an image is formed again on the same side. Guides the sheet to the transport path 47 without passing through the intermediate tray 45. Therefore, the sheet guided to the intermediate tray 45 is reversed in the feeding direction at the position of the intermediate tray 45, and is conveyed to the conveyance path 47 to be conveyed to the registration roller 36 with the image forming surface inverted. You. When the sheet is directly fed from the two-sided conveyance path 48 to the conveyance path 47, the image is conveyed such that the image forming surface faces the image forming process unit 33 again.

The sorter 5 receives sheets discharged from the printer unit 3 and distributes and discharges the sheets to the multi-stage bins 51. The sorter 5 sorts the number of pages in the same bin. Alternatively, the stack mode is selectively switched to a stack mode in which a plurality of sheets of paper for the same document are aligned and stored in the same bin.

The above copying machine 1 is a digital copying machine.
The image of the original is once decomposed into pixels, read, and image-processed.
, The image is exposed on the photoconductor 32 in the image forming process. At this time, the image irradiated on the photoreceptor 1 is subjected to magnification processing through the above-described image processing apparatus in accordance with the set magnification, and the image is irradiated through the laser irradiation unit 31, whereby the image is irradiated in accordance with the set magnification. The resulting electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 32. That is,
Assuming that the size of the read document is A4 and the size of the paper to be used for copying is B4, the image is naturally digitally processed at a magnification of 1.22 times (122%) as shown in FIG. Will be.

This copying machine 1 is not limited to a digital copying machine, but is of a type in which an image of a document is directly exposed on a photosensitive member 32. In this configuration, the optical system 27 is configured as shown in FIG. 5, and the reflected light from the original on the original table 21 is reflected by three mirrors 27a, 27b, and 27c, and a zoom lens 27d of an imaging system is formed. The light is further reflected by the fixed mirror 27e through the optical axis and irradiates an image onto the photoreceptor 32. Therefore, the mirror 27a is supported by the same support as the light source 27f and is driven parallel to the document table 21 at, for example, the speed of V, and the two mirrors 27b and 27c are supported by the same support different from the above-described support. It is driven in parallel with the document table 21 at a speed (V / 2) that is half the speed V.

Therefore, the zoom lens 27d focuses the reflected light from the document on the surface of the photosensitive member 32 at a focal point corresponding to the set magnification. Then, the traveling of the mirror 27a and the light source 27f is controlled at a speed corresponding to the magnification. That is, if the set magnification is m, drive control is performed at a speed of V / m, and the two mirrors 27b and 27c are driven at a speed of V / 2m.

The RDH 22 transfers the original placed on the original tray 22a to a feed belt 22b and a reversing roller 2a.
The sheet is conveyed by a conveyance belt 22e arranged on the document table 22 via conveyance means including a roller 2c and a driven roller 22d, and conveyed onto the document table 21. Then, when the image of the original is read, that is, when the image exposure is completed, the original is conveyed by the conveying means including the reversing roller 22f and the driven roller 22g, and is sent to the above-described original tray 22a via the discharge rollers 22h and 22i. Will be returned.

When the RDH 22 operates in the normal RDH mode, the document is conveyed one by one from the lowermost portion, conveyed to the position of the optical system 27 in the figure, and the image is conveyed without stopping the document without stopping. The image is exposed by exposing or positioning the leading end of the document (the rear end in the document conveying direction) at the reference position of the document table 21 and stopping it, and scanning the optical system 27 along the document table 21. In this case, RDH
In the mode, when one exposure of the original is completed, the original is returned to the original tray 22a. When operating in the ADF mode, the original is sent back to the original tray 22a when the exposure scanning for the set number of copies is completed.

(First Embodiment) Next, the details of an embodiment for simplifying the operation of setting the magnification in the copying machine 1 will be described.

In order to set the magnification, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the magnification setting key, a large number of keys for setting various copying conditions other than the magnification and the conditions are sequentially displayed on the operation panel. A display device and the like are provided.

In FIG. 2, an operation panel 101 displays a set magnification and the like according to the present invention and a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as L) as display means for displaying other necessary information.
CD: Liquid Crystal Display) 102, a key for setting the magnification according to the present invention, wherein the magnification is 1
Zoom-up key 103 and zoom-down key 104, which are zoom keys to be changed in units of%, operation guide key 105 for guiding the operation state of the copier as needed, and a set number display unit for displaying the set number of copies 10
6, a copy completion display unit 107 for displaying the number of copies completed, a numeric keypad 108 for setting the number of copies, a clear key 109 for clearing the set number of copies, and a copy start key (print switch) for starting a copy operation ) 110 is provided. Further, on the operation panel 101, a sorter function setting unit 111 for instructing processing in the sorter 51, for example, stacking or dispensing / discharging, a copy mode setting unit 112 for setting a double-sided or single-sided copy mode, other RDH mode, and the like, And a function setting unit 113 for setting various image processing functions such as securing a binding margin of the recording paper on which the image processing has been performed, centering the image, and trimming. Further, reference numeral 114 is a sheet selection key for selecting a sheet.

The zoom up key 103 on the operation panel 101 is operated to gradually increase the magnification by 1%, that is, to zoom up. The zoom down key 104 is operated to gradually lower the magnification in 1% units, that is, to zoom down.

The operation panel 101 is a main CPU 12 for controlling the image forming operation of the copying apparatus as shown in FIG.
4 via a communication interface. In particular, the numeric keypad 108 on the operation panel 101,
A key matrix 152 in which reduction keys 103 and 104, operation guide keys 105, and other various operation keys are connected in a matrix state, an LED display unit 151 for displaying set functions and the like, and an LCD 1 according to the present invention.
02 is controlled via the operation panel control unit 128.

The operation panel control unit 128 includes a program ROM 141, a data ROM 142, a CPU 143,
Attribute RAM 144, V-RAM 145, 14
6. Character generator ROM (hereinafter CG-ROM)
147), a graphic ROM 148, a color palette 149, and an LC for performing magnification display according to the present invention.
A D controller 150 is provided.

The program ROM 141 stores the CPU 1
The display control means of the present invention is constituted together with the LCD controller 43, the LCD controller 150, and the like, and stores in advance a control program of the CPU 143, particularly a program for controlling the operation panel. The data ROM 142 stores character message data indicating a series of operation procedures for jam processing in each unit such as the copying machine main body 1 and the RDH 22, storage addresses and display color information of the data in the graphic ROM 148, and a magnification according to the present invention. Information such as a sub-message in the setting is stored in advance in, for example, a code. The CPU 143 is connected to the main CPU 124 of the image forming apparatus via a communication interface, and performs a control operation based on a program in the program ROM 141 in accordance with an input from the CPU 124.

The attribute RAM 144 stores the display data written in the RAM 144 in the L format.
It instructs the CD controller 150 to blink the displayed image, invert black and white, and the like in the display on the LCD 102. The V-RAMs 145 and 146
Is a memory for temporarily storing, as code data, display data such as a magnification display and message data to be displayed graphically according to the present invention. CG
-The ROM 147 stores the font of each character. The graphic ROM 148 stores graphic data such as a display of magnification (display in large characters), a document size of a copying machine, a selected paper size, and the like according to the present invention.

Therefore, in order to better understand the above configuration, its simple operation will be described. First, when the zoom-up key or the zoom-down key 103 or 104, which is a zoom key on the operation panel 101, is operated, the operation signal is input to the CPU 143 of the operation panel control unit 128 via the key matrix 152. Check the operation status and send it to the main CPU 1 of the copying machine.
24 via the communication interface. Main C
Upon receiving this operation signal, the PU 124 sequentially counts the magnification. That is, the zoom up key 10
If it is 3, the counter is incremented by "1". This is a magnification setting in units of 1%. The contents of the counter are usually initial values when the power is turned on.
00% (1: 1), for example, “100” is preset.

The main CPU 124 sends the counted copy magnification (image magnification) data to the operation panel control unit 128 via the communication interface. In response to the magnification data, the CPU 143 executes the program R
According to the contents of OM141, the magnification data is stored in the CG-ROM.
147 and the graphic ROM convert the data into bit data and the like, store them in the V-RAMs 14 and 15,
It is displayed on the LCD 102 via the controller 150. At this time, in the magnification setting according to the present invention, in a state near the fixed magnification, a message is displayed separately from the magnification display, for example, the document and paper size which are the optimum conditions for forming an image at the fixed magnification are displayed. A4 → B
In order to display a sub message such as 5 ″ according to the present invention, the sub message is written into the V-RAMs 145 and 146 and the like, and is displayed on the LCD 102.

Therefore, the LCD controller 150 reads the data stored in the V-RAMs 145 and 146 as described above, for example, via the CG-ROM 147, and drives and displays the LCD 102 according to the read data. At this time, when displaying a graphic other than the magnification and the message on the LCD 102, the graphic RO
It is read via M148.

The attribute RAM 144 is used for partially blinking and inverting the display on the LCD 102 as necessary as described above, and the color palette 149 is used for performing color display on the LCD 102. Are stored in the V-RAMs 144 and 145, and are particularly used for color display of the data in the color display area stored in the V-RAMs 144 and 145.

The main CPU 124 not only controls the operation panel unit via the communication interface with the operation panel control unit 128 as described above, but also controls the image forming operation of the main body of the copying machine 1. I go along. For example, by inputting detection signals from various detection sensors of the copier 1 and the like, the image forming process unit 33 of the printer unit 3 is controlled, and at the same time, the automatic selection, paper feeding, and conveyance of the paper are controlled, and the image formation is sequentially performed Control. Also, by inputting signals from various detection sensors from the RDH 22, the document transport control by the RDH 22 is simultaneously controlled.

In the first embodiment of the present invention described below, only the zoom key is used as a magnification setting key, and any zoom key, particularly any zoom-up key or zoom-down key 103 or 104, is operated in accordance with the operation of the key. A description will be given of a case where the magnification can be easily set. Therefore, it is a matter of course that a fixed magnification key or the like may be separately provided as needed in addition to the zoom key as in the conventional case. In the present invention, a fixed magnification and other arbitrary magnifications can be easily set by using a zoom key as compared with the related art, and the operability of the key is improved.

Therefore, prior to a detailed description, the features of the present invention for setting the magnification will be briefly described. For example, when a fixed magnification is set as the image formation magnification, one of the zoom up key or the zoom down key 103 or 104 is operated. In response to this operation, the magnification at the start (initial time) is sequentially increased and decreased in 1% units and displayed.
At that time, a predetermined fixed magnification, for example, 86% or 115
%, The LCD 102 displays, as a sub-message, an optimal combination of the original and the paper size based on the standard size at the fixed magnification of 86% or 115% in accordance with the fixed magnification display. Here, the document size is not limited to the sheet-shaped document size,
In the case of a digital image, it includes, for example, an image size input via a scanner or an image input unit (a word processor, a personal computer, or the like).

In the key operation for setting the magnification described above, the operator can see the sub-message at the same time as the displayed magnification to know the state of the fixed magnification. Therefore, the user can easily set the fixed magnification based on the content for each fixed magnification displayed in the sub message. If you want to set an arbitrary magnification near the fixed magnification,
Since the magnification can be set with reference to the display of the sub message, the operation is simplified.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a basic control flow in a state in which the zoom-in key 103 or the zoom-down key 104 is operated to enlarge (zoom up) or reduce (zoom down) in 1% units. . The control state of zooming up or zooming down will be described with reference to FIG. This is an example in which the magnification is changed in units of 1%, and the present invention is not limited to this case.

First, an enlargement key (Z-
7 is operated in FIG.
Zoom-up control for increasing the magnification in units of% is performed.
When the zoom-up key 103 is operated, the operation state is confirmed (S1), and the content of the counter is set to "0".
It is confirmed whether or not this is the case (S2). This counter is used to continuously increase or decrease the magnification while the state in which the zoom-up key 103 or the zoom-down key 104 is operated (ON). If the operation is continued for a long time, control is performed so as to shorten the cycle in which the increasing / decreasing magnification changes, thereby shortening the time for setting the desired magnification.

Here, the content of the counter (C) is "0", the timer T is set to 400 msec, and the timer operation is started (S4). Thereafter, the content of the counter (C) is incremented by "1" (S4), and the content of the magnification counter (M) is similarly incremented by "1" (S5). The set magnification is sent to the operation panel control unit 128 (S6).

On the other hand, on the main CPU 124 side, S
Return to 1. At this time, by confirming in step S0 that the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated, the flow shifts from S1 to S2, and the content of the counter becomes "0".
The timer T set earlier is 40
It is confirmed whether or not 0 msec has been counted (S7). If not, the operation of S1 → S2 → S7 is repeated. And
If the timer T counts 400 msec, it is checked whether or not the content of the counter (C) is less than 5 (S8), and 400 msec is set again in the timer T (S9) to start the time counting operation and the counter (C). Is "1"
The count is incremented (S4), the magnification counter (M) is counted up by "1" (S5), transferred to the operation panel control unit 128 (S6), and the contents are displayed via the LCD 102.

As described above, the zoom-up key 10
3 is continuously operated, the zoom-in is performed in units of 1% every 400 msec, and when the counter C is increased by 5%, the counter C becomes "5", and then S8 → S10 → S11.
The timer T is set to 200 msec from the next time (S11), and the timer T is shifted by 1% every 200 msec.
Is being improved. If there is a 10% change in magnification, the zoom is performed in increments of 1% every 100 msec via S12 → S13. In step S12, if the content of the magnification counter M has reached "141", no further magnification can be set, and the process returns to S1 without counting up the magnification counter M or the like. That is, the zoom up key is operated continuously (O
N), when the upper limit of the magnification is reached, the magnification state is maintained, and further setting of the magnification is prohibited.

When the zoom-down key 104 is operated, the zoom-down is performed in units of 1%, as shown in FIG. 8, and the state is sequentially displayed on the LCD 102. If the operation of the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is released (OFF),
This state is detected in step S0 (or step S00), and in this state, the content of the counter C is cleared,
It becomes "0" (S15 or S015). However, the magnification counter M maintains the set content. However, when the power of the copier is turned on or when the copier is not used for a predetermined time, the magnification is set to 100% as an initial value, and the magnification counter M is preset to “100”. Therefore, if the zoom up or zoom down key 103 or 104 is operated in this state, 100%
Is increased or decreased in the above-described 1% unit.

Therefore, on the operation panel control unit 128 side,
Displaying the set magnification data sent from the main CPU 124 on the LCD 102 is as described above. Moreover, in the present invention, the main CPU 124
A sub-message is displayed on the LCD 102 simultaneously with the magnification display according to the magnification data transferred from the sub-message.

This will be described in accordance with the control flow shown in FIG. 9. In the operation panel control unit 128, the main CP
When the magnification data is transferred from U124, it is confirmed in step S20 that the magnification data has been transferred.
The process proceeds from S21 to S22, and it is confirmed whether the transferred magnification data is near a fixed magnification (S22). For the fixed magnification data, for example, the data ROM 14
The stored data is compared with the set magnification data.

The data ROM 142 stores 64% to 14%.
When the magnification can be set up to 1%, as shown in FIG. 6, the fixed magnification is 70%, 81%,
86%, 115%, 122% and 141% are stored. In comparison, in this embodiment, for example, confirmation is made within a range of ± 5% of the fixed magnification. For example, from 81% to 76% to 86%, it is determined as Yes in step S22. This step S22 is a determination means for determining whether the set magnification (magnification counted by the magnification counter M) in the present invention is a fixed magnification or a magnification near the fixed magnification.

If it is confirmed that the set magnification is not in the vicinity of the specific fixed magnification, only the set magnification is graphically displayed in a predetermined area of the LCD 102 in step S23. However, if it is confirmed that the set magnification data is in the vicinity of one specific fixed magnification, step S
At 24, the sub-message is displayed in the normal character form, in particular, the content stored in the CG-ROM 147, simultaneously with the display of the set magnification. This sub-message is a combination of the document size and the paper size under optimal conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, if the fixed magnification is 70%, A4 (document or image size) → A5 (paper size),
The contents are A3 → A4, B4 → B5.

The magnification display according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. For the sake of simplicity, when the initial magnification is 100% (actual magnification), the user operates the zoom-up key 103 to change the magnification displayed on the LCD 102 when the set magnification is zoomed up. ing. As shown in FIG.
When the zoom-up key 103 is operated in the 100% state and the operation is continued, the magnification is sequentially zoomed up to 101%, 102%,..., And is close to the initial fixed magnification of 115%, for example, 110%. When zoomed in, the set magnification is displayed graphically (displayed in large characters) and at the same time, fixed magnification 115%
The original and paper size, which are the optimal conditions for copying at the magnification of, are displayed together as a sub-message. The display of the sub message is performed when the magnification is between 110% and 120%. When the magnification becomes 121% or more, the sub message disappears, and only the magnification set by the continuous operation of the zoom up key 103 is determined. Will be displayed at the specified position. Note that the vicinity of the fixed magnification is set to ± 5%, but this is a value that can be arbitrarily set.

In the above description, the sub message is displayed when the set magnification in the zoom-up operation and the magnification at which the zoom-up is performed are near the fixed magnification, for example, around ± 5% of the fixed magnification. Conversely, when the zoom-down key 104 is operated, similarly, the set magnification for zooming down is ± 5% of the fixed magnification.
, A sub-message at the fixed magnification is displayed in the same manner.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation of the zoom up key 103 or 104 causes
If the set magnification is near a specific fixed magnification, a sub-message is displayed at the same time as the set magnification. By observing this display by the operator, it is possible to visually determine the display of the optimal conditions of the document and the paper size without making a determination based on the set magnification at that time. Therefore, the target magnification setting by the operator is simplified. Also, if the operator is familiar with the magnification itself, the user can easily operate the target magnification state by looking at the set magnification instead of the sub message.
Even if the operator is unskilled, even a skilled person can easily operate similarly.

In FIG. 9, if the set magnification is not near a certain fixed magnification in step S23 or S24, or if it is near the fixed magnification, a sub-message is displayed simultaneously with the fixed magnification. In this display, for example, as shown in FIG.
The document size (for example, B5) set on the document tray and the selected paper size (for example, A4)
May be displayed graphically at the same time. In such a display, a code for displaying a copying machine or the like is stored in the data ROM 142, bit data necessary for display corresponding to the code is read out via the graphic ROM 148, and the LCD controller 150 is read. Displayed via. For the document size and paper size, the main CPU
By sending the data to the PU 143, the size display at that time can be performed.

If the display as shown in FIG. 10 is performed at the same time, the display of the sub-message at that time and the fixed magnification based on the current original size and paper size can be easily grasped. The fixed magnification can be set more easily and reliably. In addition, when setting an arbitrary magnification in the vicinity of the fixed magnification, the display can be referred to, and the magnification can be set accurately.

Here, the fixed magnification in the series A and B is shown as the fixed magnification in accordance with the example of FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies to the inch system. For example, 64% (8.5 × 11 → 5.5 × 8.5,
11 × 17 → 8.5 × 11), 77% (8.5 × 14 →)
8.5 × 11, 11 × 17 → 8.5 × 14), 121%
(8.5 × 14 → 11 × 17), 129% (5.5 ×
The fixed magnification is 8.5 → 8.5 × 11, 8.5 × 11 → 11 × 17). Therefore, even in the inch system, the zoom up or zoom down key 103 or 10
In response to the operation in step 4, if the fixed magnification falls within the range of ± 5%, the sub-messages under the optimal conditions for the original and the paper size at that time are displayed together.

In the description of the above embodiment, when a sub-message is displayed within (near) the range of ± 5% of the fixed magnification, there are areas where the fixed magnifications of 115% and 122% overlap each other. That is, 117% to 120%
In the magnification range of, both are close to the fixed magnification. In such a case, a fixed magnification of 115% is prioritized, and 120%
If the sub-message is changed to 115,
%, And if the set magnification is 121%, 1
What is necessary is just to display a sub message at a fixed magnification of 22%. Thereby, the boundary between the fixed magnifications of 115% and 122% can be clarified, and the fixed magnification can be easily distinguished.

Alternatively, at fixed magnifications of 115% and 122%, in the overlapping portion, the sub-messages at both fixed magnifications may be displayed together. That is, in the range of 117% to 120%, the sub-messages with fixed magnifications of 115% and 122% may be displayed so as to overlap. In this case, 1
The sub-messages “A5 → B5” and “A4 → B4” are displayed at a fixed magnification of 122% in distinction from the fixed magnification of 15%. As a result, the operator can process the fixed magnification according to the display as the determination information.

Therefore, in a magnification area overlapping with each other near the fixed magnification, a range around the fixed magnification may be set so as not to cause the overlap. This is 115%
And 122%, it may be set to ± 3% as a range in the vicinity so as not to overlap. Also, the fixed magnifications at which the magnifications overlap are fixed magnifications of 81% and 86% of the reduction, and the sub-message may be displayed at each of the fixed fixed magnifications as described above. It is.

The above operation is a state in which the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated. If the operation is released (OFF) in the middle, the set magnification at that time is displayed and the sub message is fixed. It is displayed near the magnification. In this case, the sub-message may be erased after a certain period of time after the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is released, or the sub-message may be continuously displayed.

The above sub-messages are stored in the data ROM 142 in the correspondence shown in FIG. 6, and the contents are read out and read out from the V-RAM or CG-RO.
It is displayed on the LCD 102 via M. At this time, if you want to display the number as a graphic as a graphic,
The display data is stored in the graphic ROM 148, read out via the graphic ROM 148, and read out from the LCD 102 via the LCD controller 150.
Will be displayed.

Here, in FIGS. 7 and 8, in connection with the operation of the zoom-up key or the zoom-down key 103, 104, the operation is started every 400 msec.
Finally, the magnification is zoomed up or down by 1% every 100 msec, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, zooming up or zooming down may be performed at intervals determined from the beginning, for example, at intervals of 200 msec, so long as the magnification can be set at such a speed that the operator can visually observe the changing magnification.

In the magnification display described above, there is a case where the magnification changes in accordance with the determined time. In order to speed up the desired magnification setting, the transition time is shortened. Therefore, the timing at which the key operation is canceled after determining the target magnification value may be shifted, and the state may be set before the target magnification or over the target magnification.

In order to solve such a problem, in displaying the sub message near the fixed magnification,
The transition of the change in the magnification set in accordance with the display of the sub message is delayed. For example, at the start of the operation of the zoom up or zoom down key 103 or 104, in the description of the present embodiment, zoom up or zoom down is performed every 400 msec, and after 10% change, zoom up every 100 msec. Alternatively, the zoom may be down, and it may go too far from the target magnification setting, or may stop shortly. Therefore, when the zoom-up or zoom-down key 103 or 104 is continuously operated from the vicinity of the fixed magnification, particularly from the time when the sub-message is displayed, the zoom-in or zoom-down is performed at an initial interval of 400 msec. You can do so.
This can be easily executed by the time set in the timer T as described above, and the cycle for counting up or counting down the magnification counter M including this timer T, in particular, the cycle for changing the magnification in units of 1%. A count control unit for controlling is configured.

In the present embodiment, three-stage switching is performed for zooming up or zooming down. That is, 400 msec in the initial stage and 200 msec in the next stage.
c, and finally switch to 100 msec. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where zoom-in or zoom-down is performed at a fixed time from the initial state, for example, every 100 msec, as described above, 200 msec is displayed during the period in which the sub-message with the fixed magnification is displayed as described above. Even if it changes every time,
You can easily set the desired magnification. In short, at the stage where the sub-message is displayed, the sub-message may be changed every time a little longer than the change time of the zoom up or the zoom down.

However, in the initial change every 400 msec, if the change time is set longer than that, it becomes troublesome. Therefore, the magnification may be changed every 1% while maintaining the 400 msec. In other words, it is sufficient that the time is not changed longer than the longest time.

According to the above embodiment, since the change of the magnification set near the fixed magnification (change every 1%) becomes slow, the magnification setting near the fixed magnification can be easily performed and one operation can be performed. Can be performed more reliably. Therefore, the time required for setting the magnification can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the sub-message is displayed only in the vicinity of the fixed magnification in the first embodiment. For this reason, the sub-message is not displayed unless it approaches the fixed magnification, and the inexperienced operator may not be able to understand what magnification setting should be performed when the display is turned off. Therefore, in this embodiment, when performing zoom-in or zoom-down to set a target magnification, sub-messages corresponding to various fixed magnifications in a state of zooming up to the initial magnification are collectively displayed. .

For example, in the case of a fixed magnification in the A and B systems, when the initial magnification before zooming up or zooming down is 85%, the zoom up key 103
By operating, various sub-messages at a fixed magnification of 85% or more are displayed. That is, as the fixed magnification of 85% or more, 86%, 115%, 122%, and 141%
%, And sub-messages are displayed collectively by combining the document size and the paper size under the optimum conditions at each fixed magnification. By referring to this display, the operator can easily set a desired magnification.

Therefore, control for realizing the above-described operation will be described with reference to the control flow of FIG. Before executing the flow of FIG. 11, the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 10 in the control flow of FIG.
4 will be operated.

When the operation is confirmed, the control flow of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is executed, and step S6 (or step S0) is executed.
In step 6), the set magnification that is increased or decreased by “1” from the initial magnification is transferred to the operation panel control unit 128. When the transferred magnification data is received by the operation panel control unit 128, the control flow shown in FIG.
This is executed in U143.

Therefore, if it is confirmed that the magnification data has been received (S30), it is recognized that the received data has the set magnification (S31), and the initial value before the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is operated. Is stored in the storage unit M2, and the transferred new setting magnification (m1) is stored in the storage unit M1 (S32, S3).
3) The initial set magnification (m) is usually stored in the storage unit M.
1 and the contents of the storage unit M1 are stored in the storage unit M
2 and stored. The new set magnification (m1) transferred is the content of the magnification counter M set by operating the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 in FIG. 7 or FIG.

Then, the contents of the storage units M1 and M2 are compared in the next step (S34). If the transferred magnification (m1) of the storage unit M1 is larger than the magnification (m) of the storage unit M2, the zoom is performed. It is recognized that the zoom-up state is established by the up key 103. On the other hand, when the magnification of the storage unit M1 is smaller than the magnification of the storage unit M2, it is recognized that the zoom-down state is caused by operating the zoom-down key 104.

Therefore, the storage content M2 (m) of each storage unit>
If it is M1 (m1), the process proceeds to step S35, where a sub-message is displayed on the LCD 102 along with the set magnification and various fixed magnifications existing on the zoom-down side, as shown in FIG. Is done. If M2 <M1, the process proceeds to step S36. As shown in the figure, the sub-message is displayed on the LCD 102 together with the set magnification and various fixed magnifications present on the zoom-up side, under the optimal conditions of the original and the paper size. Is displayed.

In the above display, the operator can easily set the desired magnification by referring to the sub-messages at various fixed magnifications displayed collectively. In FIG. 11, when the magnification data is transferred from the main CPU 124 to the control panel control unit 128 without operating the zoom-up key 103 or the zoom-down key 104, the same magnification is set in step S34. It is assumed that there is a set magnification, for example, initial magnification data.
"100%" is displayed (S37).

The above-mentioned sub-message may be displayed only for a predetermined period after the operation, and thereafter deleted and only the set magnification may be displayed. The predetermined period is set so that the operator can recognize the displayed sub-message, and may be set to, for example, about 5 seconds. Also, the first
As a combination with the third embodiment, the sub-messages that have been erased may be displayed again for a predetermined period of time once the fixed magnification or near the fixed magnification is reached. In this case, as in the first embodiment, only a combination of appropriate conditions of the document and the paper size near a specific fixed magnification may be displayed, or they may be displayed collectively. Therefore, when the magnification approaches the fixed magnification, the sub-message is displayed again so that the operator can recognize the target magnification again, so that the desired magnification can be easily set without fail, and the operation becomes easier.

In FIG. 11, the zoom up key 103
Alternatively, in the case where various fixed magnifications and sub messages existing in the zoom up or zoom down direction are displayed when the zoom down key 104 is operated, the sub message is deleted after a predetermined time. The fixed magnification is always displayed including the magnification, and when passing through one fixed magnification displayed in a lump, the sub-message with the fixed magnification is deleted and the sub-message corresponding to the remaining fixed magnification is displayed. By doing so, the recognition of the target magnification is facilitated by erasing the unnecessary conditions, and the magnification setting can be performed more reliably without mistake.

That is, as shown in FIG.
, For example, the initial value is 100%
When the zoom-up key 103 is operated from (actual magnification) and the operation is continued (ON is continued), the optimal conditions of the original and the paper size at the fixed magnification of 115%, 122% and 141% at the beginning of the operation A sub-message consisting of the combination of is displayed. Then, the display state is maintained up to the 115% magnification state. If the set magnification becomes 116% after passing through the fixed magnification of 115%, 115 is displayed.
The sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification of% is deleted.

Further, by continuing operation of the zoom-up key 103, a corresponding sub-message is displayed together with the fixed magnification in the zoom-up direction until the fixed magnification of 122% elapses. When the magnification becomes 123%, the remaining 141 is displayed. Only the sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification of% is displayed.
As described above, every time the fixed magnification is passed, the fixed magnification that is no longer needed and its sub message are deleted,
The troublesomeness at the time of viewing is reduced, the operability can be improved, and the desired magnification setting can be definitely simplified.

In this description, the zoom-up direction has been described, but a sub-message corresponding to the fixed-magnification display in the zoom-down direction is displayed together with the fixed-magnification display. The fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message are deleted.

FIG. 12 is a description of a case where the fixed magnification that has passed is erased every time the fixed magnification is passed. Separately, when the sub message is displayed together with the fixed magnification displayed collectively, the fixed magnification that has passed is not erased, but the next fixed magnification differs from the other fixed magnification. To display. As a result, the setting of the target setting magnification can be made easier to understand, and the problem of easily recognizing that the target setting magnification has passed can be solved.

FIG. 13 is a display example showing the above case. In FIG. 13, initially, as in FIG.
If the zoom ratio is 00% (actual magnification), the user operates the zoom-up key 103 to zoom up the setting to a magnification of 101%. In this state, various fixed magnifications in the zoom-up direction with respect to 100% and sub-messages corresponding thereto are collectively displayed on the LCD 102 together. At this time, the first display 102a of the sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification of 115% is changed to the first display of the sub-message corresponding to the other fixed magnifications of 122% and 141%.
02b.

Then, when the set magnification becomes 116%, only the next fixed magnification of 122% is displayed separately from the other fixed magnifications.
Is displayed separately from the other magnifications.

Among the various fixed magnifications displayed collectively as described above, the fixed magnification next to the magnification displayed on the display of the set magnification is highlighted in the figure, and can be easily distinguished from the display of other fixed magnifications. . Therefore, the next fixed magnification can be easily recognized, and the desired magnification can be easily set. In addition, since the relationship between the display state of the set magnification and the fixed magnification can be easily recognized, it is easy to determine whether or not the target set magnification has passed. If the target magnification has passed, the operation is continued. The user can reliably operate without setting a desired magnification. Then, if you check the passing status,
By operating the zoom-down key 104 separately from the step 03, the target magnification can be easily set. At this time, the fixed magnification in the zoom-down direction is displayed collectively, and the first fixed magnification is displayed separately from the other fixed magnifications, so that the magnification setting in the vicinity thereof can be set very easily. .

The above is the description of the operation of the zoom up key 103, but the same applies to the operation of the zoom down key 104, so that the description is omitted.

The display can be distinguished by, for example, changing the color, displaying in large characters, or adding a mark such as → at the head, in addition to the reverse display. In the reverse display, as described above, the attribute RAM 144 is used, and when the color is changed, the color palette 149 or the like is used. When changing colors, the LCD 102 is a display device for displaying a color image.

As a final mode according to this embodiment, as the collective display including the fixed magnification of the sub message, the area to be collectively displayed according to the mode in which the copying machine 1 is set is limited. For example, in the copying machine shown in FIG.
Since the image is read at D and the read digital image is subjected to image processing according to the set magnification, the reading scan is always performed at a fixed relation regardless of the set magnification.

However, when an image of a document as shown in FIG. 5 is directly formed on the photosensitive member 32, it is necessary to control the scanning speed of the optical system according to the set magnification. Here, when the document is placed on the document table 21 and the image of the document is exposed on the photoconductor 32 by scanning the optical system 23, problems such as speed fluctuations are solved and the optical speed is set at the set speed. Scanning can be performed. However, in the case where the reflected light is imaged on the photoconductor 32 via the fixed optical system 27 while conveying the original in the RDH 22 or the like, the allowable range of the magnification is set on the original table 21. It is smaller than when scanning a document. For example, the magnification that can be obtained by scanning the optical system 27 is 64
If it is １４141%, when an image is formed on the photoconductor 32 while the original is being conveyed, it is limited to about 70 to 121%. This is for accurately forming an image on the photoconductor 32.

Therefore, if the mode in which the image formation by the RDH 22 is performed is selected, the fixed magnification and the sub-message within the above-described magnification range are also displayed. This case is as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 14, when the zoom up key 103 is operated when the initial value is 69%, 70%
A fixed magnification of 70% in the zoom-up direction together with the set magnification of%
%, 81%, 86%, and 115% are displayed together with a sub-message that is the optimum condition for the original and paper size at that time. When the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated, the magnification is gradually zoomed up and the magnification becomes 71
%, 72%... 100%, and in the 100% state, sub-messages and the like are deleted. Also, 11
After passing through the fixed magnification of 5%, the display of the sub-message is deleted, the zoom up is performed to the magnification of 121%, and the subsequent zoom up is prohibited.

Normally, the original is not placed in the RDH mode,
In a mode in which copying is performed in a state where the copying machine is stopped at 1, the fixed messages of 122% and 141% are combined in addition to the above-mentioned fixed messages, and a sub-message corresponding to the fixed messages is displayed. In the RDH mode, 122% and 141% outside the allowable range are not displayed. As described above, the sub-message is displayed in such a manner that the correspondence between the original and the paper size permitted in each mode is displayed as the sub-message according to the preset copy mode. Or, an arbitrary magnification can be easily and reliably set.

As another mode in which the magnification range to be set is determined as in the RDH mode, the original is set in a state where the original is stationary on the original platen 21, and the left and right images are separated from the set original. There is a one-set two-copy mode for copying on paper. This is used, for example, when a book document is set on the document table 21 in a spread state and the images of the left and right pages are copied on individual sheets or on both sides of one sheet. Therefore, the magnification that can be set at that time is 64% to 100% (when the allowable setting magnification of the copying machine is 64% to 141%), and enlargement copying cannot be performed. Even in such a mode setting,
The various fixed magnifications existing in the above range are displayed together with the sub message.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, simultaneously with the display of the sub-message, the entire copying machine, the original size, the selected paper size, the paper size that can be fed, and the like are displayed together. Needless to say, this may be done.

(Third Embodiment) Next, in the first and second embodiments, an embodiment in which the display of the sub-message is further simplified and the desired magnification can be set reliably and easily will be described in the third embodiment. An embodiment will be described below.

That is, in the sub-message, the optimum condition of the combination of the usable document size and the usable paper size is displayed. Therefore, the number of combinations increases as the number of usable originals and papers increases, and the visual confirmation is ambiguous and may be wrong. Therefore, if the document size is set in advance, the used paper size at the magnification for the document is specified and displayed. By doing so, the content of the sub-message is specified, and the operation of setting the magnification can be performed more easily and reliably.

In addition to specifying or setting the size of the document, even when the paper size is selected, the size of the document according to the set magnification, particularly the fixed magnification, can be specified. Moreover, even if the paper size is not specified, as long as the paper that can be fed is specified, the document size corresponding to those sizes can be specified.

(When Document Size is Set) First, the case where the document size for copying is specified will be described. If this document size is specified,
When the size of a document placed on a platen or the like is automatically detected, and the size of the document is recognized each time. Also,
When the operator himself knows the document size and the operator inputs this document size. Further, in RDH or the like, since a document is placed in advance, a method for automatically detecting the size of the placed document is well known, and there are cases where this is automatically set as the document size.

The automatic detection device for detecting the size of a document placed on the document table 21 is well-known prior to the filing of the present application, and is listed here in the publications showing known technologies and in publicly used devices. do not do. In the RDH 22, ADF, or the like that automatically conveys a document, as described above, the size of the document placed on the document tray 22a or the like is automatically detected in advance.

When the size of the original to be copied is specified and set as described above, a sub-message is displayed according to the detected original size as shown in FIG. For example, if the document size is set to A4, if the zoom-up key 103 is used to zoom in from the initial value of 100%, for example, a sub message for the first fixed magnification of 115% is not displayed. The sub message is displayed with the fixed magnification of 122%. The sub-message includes a document size A4 and a fixed magnification of 1.
The optimum combination of paper sizes that can be copied at 22%, that is, “A4 → B4”.

When the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is continued to achieve a fixed magnification of 141%, a sub message is displayed as a combination of “A4 → A3” at that time. When this document size is A4,
In particular, when the zoom down key 104 is operated,
Sub message is not displayed at a fixed magnification of 1%.
“A4 → B5” is displayed as a sub message corresponding to the fixed magnification of 86%, and “A4 → A5” is displayed as a sub message corresponding to the fixed magnification of 70%.

Here, the sub message is displayed according to the fixed magnification by operating the zoom up or zoom down key 103 or 104. According to the first embodiment, this is ± 5%. May be displayed with the fixed magnification.

According to the second embodiment, various fixed magnifications in the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down direction may be displayed together with the sub-message. in this case,
For example, when the initial value is 100%, the zoom up key 10
In response to the operation 3, “A4 → B4” and “A4” corresponding to the fixed magnifications together with the fixed magnifications of 122% and 141%.
→ A3 "sub-messages are displayed in a lump. On the other hand, in response to the operation of the zoom-down key 104, the fixed magnifications of 86% and 70
"A4 → B5" corresponding to each fixed magnification with the display of%
And the sub-messages “A4 → A5” are displayed collectively.

In this way, by displaying the fixed magnification and the sub message corresponding to the set original size, it is possible to easily recognize and set the target magnification. In particular, since a copyable paper size or the like in the set document size is specified, the sub-message can be easily recognized by referring to the display even if the intended magnification cannot be understood. In this case, the display of the sub-message is the minimum necessary information and can be easily recognized.

FIG. 15 shows the document size to be set.
A display example of not only A4 but also B5 is shown. That is, if the set document size is B5,
As shown in the figure, the fixed magnification of the object is 115% and 141% in the zoom-up direction.
In the zoom down direction, only the fixed magnification is 81% from FIG. By setting the document size in this way, the specified paper size is determined, and the display of the sub-messages is narrowed down. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the desired setting magnification. it can.

Since the set document size (or image size) is sent from the main CPU 124 to the CPU 143 of the operation panel control unit 128,
On the PU 143 side, the combination by the sub-message can be specified as described above.

Note that the set document size is
Displayed as shown in FIG. 10, the selected paper size (A4) can be compared with the paper size based on the combination of the original size displayed in the sub message, and the magnification setting can be performed together with the paper size selection. Operation becomes easier.

(When the paper size is selected) The description has been given of the display of the fixed magnification and the sub message at that time when the document size is set and the zoom-up or the zoom-down is performed. On the other hand, even in accordance with the set paper size, the display can be performed in a state where the fixed magnification and the sub message are narrowed down.

To set the paper size means that the operator manually inputs the desired paper size. That is, the operator selects a target paper size. In accordance with the selected paper size, a sub-message indicating the fixed magnification and the original size under the optimum conditions for this paper size is displayed.

The paper size is set on the operation panel 10 shown in FIG.
It is selected by one of the paper selection keys 114. That is, by operating the paper selection key 114, one of the paper feed cassettes of the paper feed unit 4 is selected, and the paper in this paper feed cassette is fed. At this time, the size of the paper housed (set) in the paper cassette is detected by well-known size detecting means, and at the same time as the selected paper cassette, the paper size is displayed in a specific area on the LCD 102, for example. Is displayed.

FIG. 16 shows an example in which the paper size is selected as described above, and the example will be described in detail. First, when the operator selects A4 as the paper size for forming an image, the zoom up key 103 is operated at an initial magnification of 100%.

In response to this operation, the magnification is zoomed up in units of 1% and increased to 101%... 115%. In this rise, at a fixed magnification of 115%,
The sub message “B5 → A4” is displayed at the same time as the fixed magnification. When the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated, the magnification condition is different from the target paper size B5 at the next fixed magnification of 122%. At that time, the sub message is not displayed, and the magnification becomes 141%. For example, the sub-message “A5 → A4” is displayed simultaneously with the fixed magnification.

As described above, when the paper size is selected, for example, in the case of A4, a sub message with a fixed magnification of 122% is not displayed. Contrary to this zoom up, in the zoom down direction, as can be understood from FIG.
The sub message is not displayed at the fixed magnification of%, and “B4 → A4” at the fixed magnification of 81% is 70%.
"A3 → A4" is displayed as a sub message.

When the selected paper size is B4, as shown in FIG. 16, in the zoom-up direction, the sub-message “A4 → B4” corresponding to the fixed magnification of 122% and 141%. ”,“ B5 → B
Further, in the zoom-down direction, in the display example of the fixed magnification and the sub message shown in FIG. 6, only "A3 → B4" corresponding to the fixed magnification of 86% is displayed. .

In this case, in the first embodiment, as in the case of setting the document size, ± 5% around the fixed magnification is set.
, The sub message is displayed together with the fixed magnification.

In the second embodiment, the keys 103 or 10 for the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down direction are used.
After confirming the operation in step 4, a sub-message is displayed based on a combination of the fixed magnification and the original size related to the paper size selected collectively under the optimal conditions. For example, if A4 is selected as the paper size, the initial magnification of 100%
In the case of, "B5 → A" which is a sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification together with the fixed magnifications of 115% and 141%.
“4” and “A5 → A4” are displayed collectively in accordance with the fixed magnification, and in the zoom-down direction, together with the fixed magnification of 81% and 70%, “B4 →> “A4” and “A3 → A4” are displayed collectively.

Even when the paper size is selected in this manner, the fixed magnification and the document size are narrowed down, so that the target magnification can be easily recognized. Therefore, the operator can easily set not only the desired fixed magnification but also an arbitrary magnification.

In the selection of the paper size, if the paper of the size selected by the operator is not set in the copying machine 1, even if the fixed magnification and the sub-message are displayed, it may be useless. is there. That is, if the selected paper size is not set, the copier 1 cannot automatically select and feed the paper, and makes the copying impossible. Therefore, the above-described display is performed in a state where the paper of the selected size is confirmed to be present in the paper feeding unit, and the paper is selected to be fed.

For this purpose, as is well known, the size of paper to be set is sequentially detected in each paper feeding unit, and the detected paper size is sent to the main CPU 124. Then, the main CPU 124 grasps the set paper size, and selectively drives the operation of the paper feed cassette of the paper feed unit that matches the selected paper size based on the paper feed command. Therefore, when the sheet of the selected size is not set, the state is notified to the operator, and the operator is prompted to set the target sheet. Thus, the operation of the copying machine 1 is stopped until a sheet of the selected size is set.

Therefore, if the paper size selected by the operator is set, the above-mentioned display is performed, and the operation of setting the magnification at that time is simplified. Here, the presence or absence of the paper in the set paper supply unit is detected, and even when the paper is not present, a message for replenishing the lost paper as described above is sent to the operator. Will be notified. Therefore, if there is no paper of the selected size, the state is transferred to the operation panel control unit 128 and the CPU 143
In the above, the operator is prompted to replenish or set the paper, and when the operator sets the magnification without following the prompt, the sub-routine of the first or second embodiment is performed regardless of the selected paper. Control for displaying a message or the like may be performed.

(When paper that can be fed is specified)
On the other hand, even if the operator does not select the paper size and displays the combination of the original size and the fixed magnification corresponding to the paper size set in the copying machine 1 and ready to be fed, the magnification setting may be changed. Easy to do. That is, the copying machine 1, particularly the main CPU 124, detects the paper size set corresponding to each paper feed unit by the well-known paper size detecting means (not shown) as described above. This size signal is received, and the paper of a size that can be fed in each paper feed cassette of the paper feed unit is grasped.

[0139] In this case, the main CPU 124 controls the paper supply unit corresponding to each paper supply cassette of the paper supply unit 4 by:
In addition to grasping the size of paper that can be fed by the paper feeding unit, it also grasps the state of the paper feeding unit that cannot feed paper due to a paper feed roller failure or paper jam. Here, the case in which the paper cannot be fed includes not only a trouble due to a paper feeding failure of the paper feeding unit, but also a paper feeding impossible state in a state where the paper is not set in the paper feeding cassette as described above. That is.

Therefore, the paper size that can be fed from the main CPU 124 is transferred to the operation panel control unit 128, and
Thereby, the combination of the document size and the fixed magnification is displayed. This display example is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 17, assume that the paper sizes that can be fed are, for example, A4 and A3. Initial magnification is 1
When the zoom-up key 103 is operated at 00%, the magnification is zoomed up to 101%, 102%, etc. in 1% units. Then, at a fixed magnification of 115%, a combination of original sizes suitable for the paper size at this fixed magnification is displayed as a sub message. The display examples are “B5 → A4” and “B4 → A3”.
When the zoom-up key 103 is further operated, the zoom is gradually increased. At the next fixed magnification of 122%, there is no fixed original size suitable for the paper sizes A3 and A4 that can be fed. Is not displayed.

At a fixed magnification of 141%, a combination of the paper sizes A3 and A4 and the document sizes A4 and A5 suitable for the fixed magnification is set as a sub message "A5 →
A4 "and" A4 → A3 "are displayed.

In the case where the paper sizes that can be fed are A4 and B5, if the magnification becomes 115% in the same manner, the original size for A4 size paper is adjusted to the fixed magnification at that time. Is displayed as a sub-message with a combination of “B5 → A4” as B5. Then, in accordance with the next fixed magnification of 122%, a sub-message is displayed in a combination of “A5 → B5” with the document size of A5 for A5 size paper, and in accordance with the fixed magnification of 141%, A4 size paper is displayed. Thus, a sub-message is displayed in a combination of “A5 → A4” in which the document size is A5.

Although not shown, in the zoom-down direction from the initial value "100%" state, similarly to the above, when the paper sizes that can be fed are A4 and A3, as shown in FIG. Are 81% and 7% as shown in the figure.
0%, corresponding to this fixed magnification, “B4 → A
4 "and" A3 → A4 "are displayed in a state where the contents as sub messages are narrowed down.
When the paper sizes that can be fed are A4 and B5, as can be understood from FIG. 6, the above-described sub-message “A4 → B5” at the fixed magnification of 86% is changed to “B4 → A4” at the fixed magnification of 81%. Is displayed at a fixed magnification of 70% as well as a sub-message by a combination of “B4 → B5” and “A3 → A4”.

According to the first embodiment, each of the above-mentioned displays is
In the range of ± 5%, a fixed magnification is displayed together with a sub-message according to a combination of the original and the paper size. According to the second embodiment, the corresponding sub-message is simultaneously displayed with various fixed magnifications adapted in the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down direction. Are displayed together.

As described above, in the sub-message according to the combination of the fixed magnification and the original and paper size described in the third embodiment, when the collective display is performed, the fixed magnification that has passed in the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down direction is deleted. The embodiment for distinguishing between the display of the fixed magnification and the other fixed magnification can be combined. According to this, since the combinations by the sub-messages can be further narrowed down, the magnification setting can be made more accurate and easier.

(Change of Period of Magnification Transition) Subsequently, as described in the first embodiment, when the magnification changes very quickly when zooming up or down in the process of setting the magnification. In the above, it is conceivable that the setting of the magnification is erroneous. Therefore, an example in which the transition state of the magnification is delayed near the fixed magnification has been described.

In this case, by changing the change of the magnification in the vicinity of the fixed magnification, it is possible to set a correct magnification without error. On the other hand, in the vicinity of passing the fixed magnification, the change of the magnification changes slowly, so that the operation time of the set magnification increases. Therefore, in the vicinity of the fixed magnification, in the operation of the zoom-up key or the zoom-down key 103, 104, only when the fixed magnification is passed, the transition of the magnification change is made faster without delaying. Try to slow down by approaching the next fixed magnification.
By doing so, the time spent for setting the target magnification can be reduced as much as possible.

FIG. 18 shows that, for example, at a fixed magnification of 122%, the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is temporarily released (OFF), for example, while the magnification is changing in the vicinity thereof, and the zoom-up key 103 is operated again. This is a case where the target magnification is set continuously. In this case, the change in the magnification is a case where the change is performed in 100 msec.
In the vicinity of the fixed magnification of 2%, the magnification changes by 200 msec.

Therefore, if the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is released in a state where the magnification is set to, for example, 123%, and the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is started again from this point, the magnification setting near the fixed magnification 122 is normally performed. Therefore, the magnification change is changed in a cycle of 200 msec,
With the fixed magnification exceeding 122%, zoom up key 1
03 is operated, 2 corresponding to the fixed magnification
Without changing the magnification in the 00 msec cycle, 100
The transition is made by changing the magnification in a cycle of msec.

Then, when the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is continued, and when the next fixed magnification becomes about 141%, the transition state of the change of the magnification becomes a 200 msec cycle. For example, 13
The cycle of transition from the set magnification of 6% is switched from 100 msec to 200 msec, and is delayed. As a result, the time taken to set the target magnification can be reduced because the change in the magnification near the fixed magnification that has passed during zoom-in is not delayed.

As described above, the operation of setting the magnification is simplified by delaying the change of the magnification when the fixed magnification approaches, as described above. This is the same as in the second embodiment. Even when the fixed magnification is displayed in a lump, the effect of delaying the change of the magnification becomes significant when the magnification is near the fixed magnification. FIG.
8, zoom up key 1 once at 123%
When the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is canceled and the zoom-up key 103 is operated again, the zoom-up key 103 may be operated intermittently in setting the magnification around 123%. In other words, at a setting of 125%,
If the zoom up key 103 is operated twice intermittently, the desired magnification can be set without any problem, and the time required for the setting can be shortened.

Further, if there is a fixed magnification or the like whose frequency of use is extremely high, the change in magnification in the vicinity of the fixed frequency with a very high frequency of use can be further delayed. For example, when the usage frequency of 122% of the fixed magnification is very high, the change in the period of 200 msec near the fixed magnification usually takes 400 msec.
It is set to change with c. The magnification frequently used is not limited to a fixed magnification, and the same applies to an arbitrary magnification.

FIG. 19 shows a control flow in the operation panel control section 128. When the zoom-up key 103 is operated, it is determined whether or not the frequency of use of the magnification is high according to the count content of the magnification counter. Is confirmed in S42.
Before that, the operation state of the zoom-up key 103 or the zoom-down key 104 is detected in S40, and the content of the magnification counter is counted up or down by "1". If it is confirmed in S42 that the frequency used at the magnification counted by the magnification counter (M) is high, 400 msec is set as the transition time during which the magnification changes.
Is set (S43). If the usage frequency is not high, the magnification counter checks whether there is any content near the fixed magnification (S44).
0 msec is set (S45). If it is confirmed in S44 that the magnification is not near the fixed magnification, 100 msec is set as the transition time during which the magnification changes (S4).
6) is done.

In the above control flow, the LCD 102
FIG. 20 shows the transition state of the display at. Here, a very frequently used magnification is illustrated as 122% of the fixed magnification, and when the zoom up key 103 is operated from the state where the initial magnification is 100%, 101% and 102%
The magnification changes as follows. At that time, the fixed magnification and the frequency of use are not high.
The magnification changes in the cycle of c. Then, when the initial fixed magnification approaches 115%, the magnification is changed in a cycle of 200 msec. And here, 115% has passed and 11
When it becomes 6%, the magnification is changed in a cycle of 100 msec thereafter. And when it approaches 122%, 400mse
The magnification changes in the cycle of c, and when it reaches 123%, 100m
The magnification is changed in a cycle of sec.

In this manner, the change of the magnification becomes slower than the other fixed magnification transition state in the vicinity of the frequently used magnification, especially in the previous state, so that the setting of the frequently used magnification can be performed easily and The magnification can be easily set in the vicinity thereof.

Here, whether or not the frequency of use is high is determined by counting the number of times of copying at the set magnification when each magnification is set.
It can be determined that the frequency of use is high when the value exceeds 00 ".

For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 19B, the print switch is operated at the set magnification (S4).
When 7 → S48), the number counter corresponding to the magnification is counted up by “1” (S49). That is, each time the print switch is operated, the content of each number counter provided corresponding to each magnification is gradually counted up. Therefore, if the number exceeds the predetermined number, the content of the number counter corresponding to the magnification set in step S42 of FIG. 19A is checked, and when the content exceeds the predetermined number, the usage frequency is reduced. It is determined as high.

When the frequently used magnification is limited to the fixed magnification, a frequency counter may be provided corresponding to each fixed magnification. In order to confirm the frequently used state at any magnification, for example, According to this embodiment, 6
A number counter corresponding to each magnification of 4% to 141% is prepared.

The value determined in advance for judging the use frequency, that is, the value of the number-of-times counter may be arbitrarily set. Further, a frequently used magnification may be registered in advance on the user side, and it may be determined in step S42 whether or not the set magnification is the registered magnification to determine the frequently used magnification. The registered magnification is not limited to the fixed magnification, and any magnification may be freely set, and the number may be arbitrarily set. In addition, each fixed magnification is shown in FIG. 19A as having a higher use frequency than an arbitrary magnification, except for the above-mentioned frequently used magnification, but is not limited thereto. Frequently,
It is up to the user to decide.

The transition of the magnification change when the magnification is set as described above is not limited to the first embodiment, but can be implemented in the same manner in the second embodiment. In other words, when a fixed magnification or a frequently used magnification state occurs, only the transition state of the magnification change is changed.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, another embodiment of a magnification setting in zoom-up or zoom-down according to the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the setting is made centering on the fixed magnification. In other words, in the operation of the zoom-up key 103 or the zoom-down key 104, it is necessary to operate the opposite zoom key when the target fixed magnification is passed. In that case,
When the operation of the zoom key is released within a predetermined period from the state where the fixed magnification is displayed, the display of the fixed magnification is automatically returned to.

That is, the user operates the zoom-up key 103 or the zoom-down key 104 to return to the display of the fixed magnification passed when the user passes the desired fixed magnification during continuous zoom-in or zoom-down. Simplifies the setting of fixed magnification.

Here, “continuous” means a state in which a change in magnification of 2% or more has been made by one key operation, and a change in magnification of 1% in key operation is not considered to be continuous. The magnification can be set in units of 1%.

First, the zoom up key 103 or 104
Is confirmed, the control flow of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is executed, and the magnification counter (M) is incremented or decremented by "1" at an initial magnification, for example, 100%. Therefore, in order to simplify the description, if the zoom-up key 103 is operated and the operation is described according to the control flow of FIG. 7, the key operation is detected (S
0), and if it is confirmed (S1), the magnification counter (M) is counted up by "1" (S5), and the contents of the magnification counter (M) are transferred to the operation panel control unit 128. Before returning to step S1, it is checked whether or not the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated (S0). If the operation of the key 103 is released (OFF) in this check, 1% The processing is performed with the magnification changed. This processing will be described later.

In contrast, the zoom up key 1
If 03 has been operated, the magnification counter (M) is counted up by "1" again. At this time, it is determined that the operation is a continuous key operation. Then, the operation panel control unit 1
On the 28 side, the magnification display shown in FIG. 1 is displayed via the LCD 102.

Then, the first fixed magnification 1 close to 100%
When the value is close to 15%, for example, within a range of ± 5%, a sub-message is displayed simultaneously with the fixed magnification as described in the first embodiment. In this state, when the setting at this magnification is performed with the fixed magnification of 115% displayed, the zoom-up key 103 is released in a state of passing by 115% and 120%. At this time, if the pressing operation of the zoom-up key 103 is released within a certain period of time, in particular, within a period required until the elapse of about + 5%, 115%
Returns to the fixed magnification display. In this case, the magnification counter (M) is also changed to the content of the fixed magnification of 115%.

In this case, when the zoom-up key 103 is in a state of being continuously changed for setting the magnification, the state is returned to the excessively fixed magnification. However, as described above, the operation of the zoom-up key 103 converts 1%,
For example, if the key operation is canceled by performing zoom-in, the change state of 1% is maintained.

FIG. 21 shows a display example in the transition in the above-described magnification setting, and the details of this embodiment will be described with reference to this display example. In FIG. 21, the initial magnification is 100%, and when the zoom-up key 103 is operated, the magnification is 101%, 10% in 1% units.
2%, etc. Then, near the first fixed magnification of 115% in the zoom-up direction, the sub message is displayed together with the fixed magnification of 115%. When the magnification changes to 120%, the user notices that the target magnification has exceeded 115%,
03 operation is released (OFF). At this time, it is assumed that continuous magnification change is performed by operating the zoom-up key 103, and the fixed magnification 1 immediately before the 120% state is changed.
Return to 15%.

Therefore, even if the operator passes the set state of the target fixed magnification while continuously changing the magnification, the operator notices this and within a predetermined time, here, the fixed magnification of 5 is set.
If the operation is canceled within the time period for performing the magnification change of about%, the magnification is returned to the target fixed magnification. Therefore, the setting of the fixed magnification becomes easier.

If the target magnification is not a fixed magnification but a magnification in the vicinity of the magnification, for example, 118%, the zoom magnification key 103 is operated after returning to the above-mentioned fixed magnification of 115%. By performing the intermittent operation of every 1%, an arbitrary magnification other than the fixed magnification can be easily set. This intermittent operation is performed by operating the zoom up key 103 and
The operation of the key 103 is canceled (OFF) in the state where the zoom-up is performed by%, and the operation is sequentially repeated.
Therefore, if the zoom-up key 103 is intermittently operated three times (if the ON / OFF operation is repeated three times), 118%
Can be easily set.

According to the embodiment described above, the setting of the fixed magnification can be more easily and simply set, and the operation becomes very simple. Also, for any magnification,
The magnification can be easily set by intermittently operating the zoom-up key 103 or the like.

In each of the above embodiments, the magnification is set in the copying machine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but it is needless to say that the present invention can be similarly applied to a printer instead of such a copying machine. That is, when the image data sent to the printing is printed on the paper at an arbitrary magnification, the arbitrary magnification needs to be set in advance. In the magnification setting, the above-described magnification setting can be used as it is. For example, if the size of the image data, for example, the size is a standard size as shown in FIG. 6, a sub-message for the paper size corresponding to this size is displayed, and the magnification can be set according to this display.

[0174]

According to the image forming apparatus provided with the magnification setting device of the present invention, the use of the zoom key in the magnification setting eliminates the trouble of selecting and operating a large number of keys, and achieves the desired magnification by a simple operation. Settings can be made.

[0175]

Further, regarding the display of the sub-message, the image size or the paper size is specified, so that a plurality of sub-messages are narrowed down to those of a specific size and displayed, so that the setting operation can be more easily performed. Become.

Further, the operation of setting the fixed magnification is returned to the fixed magnification immediately before passing through the operation within a predetermined time, thereby simplifying the setting of the fixed magnification.
Any magnification can be easily and accurately performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a change in the magnification change in the magnification setting.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a first embodiment of a state in which sub-messages are displayed together under optimal conditions based on a combination of a document and a paper size near each fixed magnification according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of an operation panel according to a magnification setting of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration in a magnification setting according to the present invention, including control for image formation.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a digital copying machine having the magnification setting device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a main part of another copying machine including the magnification setting device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between a sub-message according to the present invention and a fixed magnification based on a combination of an AB series original size and a paper size in a standard size.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for controlling a transition in which a magnification changes in a zoom-up direction by operating a zoom-up key for setting a magnification.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for controlling a transition in which a magnification changes in a zoom-down direction by operating a zoom-down key for setting a magnification.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for displaying a sub message according to the present invention at the same time as the set magnification and the magnification.

10A and 10B show display examples in which a document size in a copying machine and a paper size selected from paper sizes to be fed are displayed together with a set magnification for setting a magnification, and FIG. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a display form in a state irrelevant to a fixed magnification, and FIG.

FIG. 11 is a control flowchart for displaying a sub message simultaneously with a set magnification according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in magnification change and a display form of a sub message according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the transition of the magnification change and the display form of the sub-message according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of the transition of the magnification change and the display form of the sub message according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a view showing a display example in a case where a document size is set in a display example of a change in magnification change and a sub message.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a display example in a case where a paper size is particularly selected in a display example of a change in magnification change and a sub message.

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention, showing a display example of a sub-message relating to a change in magnification change and a sub-message, particularly regarding a paper size that can be fed; It is.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention, and particularly showing a state in which the cycle in which the change of the set magnification changes is changed when displaying the relationship between the set magnification and the sub message. is there.

19A and 19B are diagrams for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19A illustrates a case where a relationship between a set magnification and a sub message is displayed, and a transition cycle of a change in the set magnification is fixed.
6 is a flowchart illustrating control for increasing the magnification state in a frequently used state, and FIG. 6B is a control flowchart illustrating an example for setting a frequently used state.

20 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a transition state of a set magnification in FIG. 18. FIG.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In a display example of a change in magnification change and a sub message, particularly when a fixed magnification is passed, the fixed magnification state is restored immediately before the fixed magnification is passed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example to be displayed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier main body 2 Scanner part 21 Document mounting table (document table) 22 RDH (document conveyance processing apparatus) 27 Optical system 3 Printer part 32 Photoconductor 33 Processing part 4 Paper feed unit 101 Operation panel 102 LCD (display part) 103 Zoom Up key (zoom key) 104 Zoom down key (zoom key) 114 Paper selection key 124 Main CPU (for control of process and magnification setting) 128 Operation panel control unit 143 CPU (display control means) 145 Display storage unit (V-RAM) ) 146 Display storage unit (V-RAM) 147 Character generator (CG-ROM) 150 LCD control unit (display control unit)

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-4-138474 (JP, A) JP-A-5-188705 (JP, A) JP-A-58-9867 (JP, A) JP-A-64-3676 (JP) JP-A-61-80175 (JP, A) JP-A-61-130938 (JP, A) JP-A-64-3677 (JP, A) JP-A-1-214878 (JP, A) 62-100778 (JP, A) JP-A-1-142669 (JP, A) JP-A-3-2488092 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/00 G03G 15/36 G03G 21/00 G03G 21/14 B41J 29/00-29/70 G06F 3/00-3/027 G04G 1/00-19/12

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A zoom key provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification, wherein the zoom key is used to increase or decrease the magnification by a predetermined unit.
In a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key, a determination unit configured to determine whether a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key is a predetermined fixed magnification or not. Display control means for displaying, on the display unit, a sub-message composed of a combination of a paper size and the like corresponding to the fixed magnification together with the fixed magnification when it is determined that the magnification set by the determination means corresponds to one fixed magnification. , comprising an image size setting means for setting an image size, and the display control means is set in said image size setting means
Is an image size and image forming apparatus having a set magnification device, characterized in that the message in combination with the paper size specified, is displayed in a state stopped down at a fixed magnification. 2. An image on a recording medium according to a set magnification.
Provided in an image forming apparatus that forms an image and determines the magnification
Zoom key to increase or decrease each set unit,
Displays the set magnification according to the operation of the zoom key
In a magnification setting device having a display unit, the magnification set in accordance with the operation of the zoom key is set in advance.
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the fixed magnification is determined; and the magnification set by the discriminating means corresponds to one fixed magnification.
When it is determined that the corresponding
The sub message consisting of the combination of paper size etc.
Display control means for displaying on a display unit; and paper size selection means for selecting a paper size, wherein the display control means is selected by the paper size selection means.
Image size specified by the specified paper size and fixed magnification
Sub-messages in combination with
Equipped with a setting magnification device characterized by displaying in the state
Image forming apparatus. 3. A zoom key provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification, wherein the zoom key is used to increase or decrease the magnification by a predetermined unit.
In a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key, a determination unit configured to determine whether a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key is a predetermined fixed magnification or not. When it is determined that the magnification set by the operation of the zoom key corresponds to one fixed magnification, a sub message including a combination of the fixed magnification and the corresponding paper size or the like is displayed on the display unit together with the magnification display. Display, and in units determined by the continuous operation of the zoom key.
When the operation of the zoom key is released within a predetermined time from the time when the set magnification becomes the fixed magnification in a state where the magnification is continuously increased and decreased , the fixed magnification is exceeded.
An image forming apparatus comprising a magnification setting device, comprising: display control means for returning the set magnification to the immediately preceding display of the fixed magnification. 4. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein:
If the increase or decrease is intermittent manner magnification units determined at once of the operation, the magnification setting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that to maintain the set magnification without returning to the fixed magnification Image forming apparatus provided.