JP3537615B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to various image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a laser printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various types of image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers have become more sophisticated and multifunctional.
The operation for setting the image forming mode (function) by the user (user) is becoming more complicated, and the procedure for setting the image forming mode is also increasing.

Also, after the image forming mode is set, the image forming operation is executed and the processing is terminated. After the user once leaves the image forming apparatus, the image forming operation is performed again in the same image forming mode due to a shortage of copies or the like. Even if the user wants to perform the image forming process, the image forming mode (image forming condition) has changed after another user uses the image forming apparatus or the auto clear function is operated. It is necessary to redo the operation for setting the formation mode, and it takes time and is troublesome especially when the image formation mode having many procedures is used for setting.

To solve the above problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-328868, there has been proposed a copying machine in which frequently used copy conditions (image forming mode) are stored in a memory in advance, and can be called up and set with one touch. Also, JP-A-63-909
As disclosed in JP-A-56-296 or JP-A-3-296072, a copy mode (image forming mode) used at the time of a copy operation executed one or more times immediately before is stored, and a new copy mode is started. Copiers that can be sequentially called and set have also been proposed.

[0005]

However, even the former copier does not solve the above problem with respect to copy conditions not stored in the memory. Also, in the latter copying machine, since the copy mode is called sequentially from the new one, it is necessary to perform a plurality of operations until the user calls the desired copy mode. There is a problem that it cannot be determined whether the condition is satisfied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and has as its object to enable a desired image forming mode to be easily called and set in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

[0007]

According to the present invention, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1, a display means A for displaying various information using a display element such as a liquid crystal or a fluorescent display tube, and the means A
A touch position detecting means B which is superimposed as a transparent sheet-like matrix touch switch on the display surface of the touch panel and detects the touch position when the surface is touched, and an image forming mode according to the touch position detected by the means B Mode setting means C for performing the setting, image forming means D for executing the image forming operation in the image forming mode set by the means C, and a history of the image forming mode at the time of the image forming operation by means D. In the image forming apparatus provided with the storage unit E, the following units are provided to achieve the above object.

That is , a list display means F for displaying a plurality of image formation modes stored in the storage means E on the display means A, and a plurality of image formation modes listed on the display means A by the means F A mode calling means G for selectively calling the image forming mode of the touch position detected by the touch position detecting means B from the storage means E and setting the mode setting means C ;
Register and call the contents and display on display means A
To set the mode setting means C
Image forming operation by mode registering means and image forming means D
The image forming mode used for the program mode registration means
If the contents are the same as those registered by
Means for storing only information in the storage means E.

[0009]

[0010]

Furthermore, when the same contents as the image forming mode to be used for image forming operation by the image forming unit D is the result registration program mode registration means, the image forming mode so as not stored in the storage unit E may Ru provided with means for.

[0012]

[0013]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of image forming modes stored in the storage means E of FIG. 1 are displayed in a list on the display means A by the list display means F to notify the user of each image. Since the image forming mode of the touch position detected by the touch position detecting means B among the forming modes can be selectively called from the storage means E by the mode calling means G and set by the mode setting means C, the required image forming is performed. Operability when setting the mode is improved.

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

Further, when an image forming mode is registered in advance , the contents thereof are called up and displayed on the display means A, and the mode setting means C is provided with a program mode registering means. the same as the contents of an image forming mode to be used for image forming operation by is registered by the program mode registration means, that
If only the information to the effect is stored in the storage means E,
A plurality of image forming modes stored in the storage
When a list is displayed on the display means A by the reference display means F,
The above information can be displayed at the same time.
Is the image forming mode used for the executed image forming operation
Knowing that you have already registered in the program mode registration means
Operability is further improved.

In this case, when the image forming mode used for the image forming operation by the image forming means D is the same as the content registered by the program mode registering means,
Do not store the image forming mode in the storage unit E.
Unnecessary memory operation can be avoided, and the
Memory capacity required for storage of memory can be reduced.
You.

[0020]

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this copying machine, reference numeral 1 denotes a copying machine main body which performs a copying operation (image forming operation) for copying (copying) an image of a document onto paper, and corresponds to the image forming means D shown in FIG.

The copying machine main body 1 has an operation unit 2 described later.
The front loading type paper feed cassettes (paper feed stages) 3a to 3d for accommodating paper of different sizes are detachably mounted on the paper feed side of the copying machine body 1. An automatic document feeder (ADF) 4 for automatically feeding a document is provided on a contact glass of the copying machine body 1.
A sorter 5 for sorting and discharging each copy sheet sequentially sent from the copying machine body 1 is mounted on the discharge side.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation unit 2. The operation unit 2 includes a start key 11, a numeric keypad 12, a clear / stop key 13, a mode clear
Preheat / timer key 14, interrupt key 15, guidance key 16, program key 17, history copy mode key 18, brightness adjustment knob 19, and liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as "L
CD ”).

The start key 11 is used to start a copying operation. The ten keys 12 are used to set the number of copies (number of copies) and the like. The clear / stop key 13 is a key for clearing the set number of copies and for stopping the copy operation.

The mode clear / preheat / timer key 14
Cancel the set copy mode or set the preheat mode (can be set by pressing continuously for a certain period of time or longer)
Or use it when canceling. It is also used to release the copier in the timer mode when the copier is in the OFF state and to turn the copier on. The copy mode refers to various copy conditions such as the number of copies, transfer paper size, image density, and magnification mode.

The interrupt key 15 is used to interrupt during a copying operation and to copy another original. The guidance key 16 is used when shifting to a mode for displaying a description of the copy mode and an operation method. The program key 17 is used to register and call frequently used copy modes.

The history copy mode key 18 is used to set the copy mode in the copy operation executed several times in the past to LC.
Used to display a list on D20. The brightness adjustment knob 19 is used when adjusting the contrast of the display screen of the LCD 20.

The LCD 20 corresponds to the display means A shown in FIG. 1, and can display various information such as a copy mode (image forming mode) using a liquid crystal (LCD). Instead of the LCD 20, display means using another display element such as a fluorescent display tube may be used.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of the copying machine. The copying machine body 1 includes a CPU 31,
ROM 32, RAM 33, non-volatile RAM 34 (corresponding to storage means E shown in FIG. 1), serial interface (hereinafter, "interface" is referred to as "I / F") 3.
5 and a main control unit 30 incorporating a timer 36 and the like.

The main control unit 30 includes a motor for driving the photosensitive member, various AC loads 5 such as a paper feed motor and a clutch in the paper feed unit 51 and the duplex unit 52.
4 and various DC loads 55 are connected. Further, a post-processing device 53 such as the operation unit 2, the ADF 4, and the sorter 5 is connected to the main control unit 30 via the serial I / F 35.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of the operation unit 2. As shown in FIG. The operation unit 2 includes a hard key group 61 including the start key 11 shown in FIG.
0, a touch panel 62, a CPU 63, an address latch 64, a ROM 65, a reset circuit 66, an address decoder 67, an LED driver 68, an optical transceiver 6
9, LCD controller 70, ROM 71, and RAM
72 and the like.

The touch panel 62 corresponds to the touch position detecting means B shown in FIG. 1. The touch panel 62 is superimposed on a display surface of the LCD 20 as a matrix touch switch in the form of a transparent sheet. It detects the position and outputs the position information to the LCD controller 70. The CPU 63 is a central processing unit that controls the operation unit 2 as a whole.

The address latch 64 latches and outputs an address input from the CPU 63. ROM65
Stores various fixed data including a program for causing the CPU 63 to execute various processes. The reset circuit 66 outputs a reset signal to the CPU 63 when a predetermined signal is input from the address decoder 67.

The address decoder 67 decodes the address from the address latch 64 and generates a signal (such as a chip select signal) to each section. LED driver 68
Turns on / off an LED embedded in a predetermined key (for example, the start key 11) in the hard key group 61 in response to a signal from the address decoder 67. Optical transceiver 6
Reference numeral 9 is connected to the CPU 63 and performs serial communication with the outside (copier main body 1).

The LCD controller 70 controls display of the LCD 20. The ROM 71 stores the LCD controller 7
Various fixed data including a program for causing 0 to perform display control is stored. The RAM 72 is used as a work memory used when the LCD controller 70 performs display control and a video memory for storing image data to be displayed on the LCD 20.

Here, the main control unit 30 shown in FIG. 4 and the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 5 function as the mode setting means C, the list display means F, and the mode calling means G shown in FIG. Fulfill. In addition, a copy mode is registered in advance, the contents thereof are called up and displayed on the LCD 20, and a program mode registration unit for setting, a unit for setting a user code for identifying a user, and a unit set by the unit. It also functions as means for setting whether or not the copy mode is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34 for each user code.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a normal copy mode setting screen displayed on the LCD 20. On this copy mode setting screen, 81 indicates “copy is possible”
A message display area for displaying a message such as "Please wait", 82 is a number display section for displaying a set number (number of copies), and 83 is automatically adjusted for copy density according to the background density of the document. An automatic density key for designating a process.

Reference numeral 84 denotes an automatic paper selection key for designating a process for automatically selecting a transfer paper (paper feed stage) having an optimum size according to the document size and copy magnification. Reference numeral 85 denotes a manual selection of a transfer paper to be used. A tray selection key 86, a normal-size key 86 for designating a normal-size copy, and a paper designation 87 for designating a process for automatically enlarging or reducing an image of a document in accordance with the selected transfer paper size. A zoom mode key.

Reference numeral 88 denotes a sort mode key for designating a process for aligning copy sheets one by one in a page order; 89, a stack mode key for designating a process for sorting copy paper for each page; and 90, a sort process. Staple mode key for specifying the process of binding objects one by one,
91 is a special original feed mode key, 92 is a punch mode key, 93 is a scaling mode key, 94 is a duplex / aggregate / split mode key, 95 is an erase / move mode key, and 96 is a cover /
A slip sheet mode key.

The copy mode setting screen is a screen showing the contents of the default copy mode set after the mode clear processing. In this example, the set number = “1”,
Copy density (hereinafter simply referred to as “density”) = automatic density, selected paper feed stage = first stage, and copy magnification (hereinafter simply referred to as “magnification”) = 100% (other copy modes are reset).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a program mode screen displayed on the LCD 20 when the program key 17 of FIG. 3 is pressed. On this program mode screen, reference numeral 101 denotes a program registration key for designating a mode for registering the current copy mode (program);
Is a program call key for designating a mode for calling the registered copy mode.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a program number key for inputting the number of a copy mode to be registered or called,
Reference numeral 104 denotes a cancel key for canceling the program mode. The program mode can also be canceled by pressing the program key 17 again.

Here, the user operates the program call key 10
When "1" is input by pressing the program number key 103 after pressing 2, the control unit of the copying machine calls and sets the content of the copy mode registered with the input number from a memory (not shown). For example, FIG.
The copy mode setting screen showing the contents
Display on CD20.

Next, the operation procedure when the user sets the copy mode according to the convenience and the processing by the control unit of the copying machine will be described with reference to FIGS. When the power is on, the user (copier user or administrator) presses the mode clear / preheat / timer key 14 in FIG. 3, for example, and then presses the clear / stop key 13 continuously (for example, for 5 seconds). Then, the control unit performs the following processing.

That is, the user program mode is set, and the display screen of the LCD 20 is switched to the menu screen of the user program mode as shown in FIG. This screen is actually provided for a plurality of screens of the LCD 20 as shown in FIGS.
Can scroll the entire screen.

When the menu screen in the user program mode is displayed, the user operates the item number key 11 on the screen.
By operating 3, the control unit can set the auto clear time,
Set the automatic preheating time, etc., set that special transfer paper is set in the paper feed tray (specify the special tray), set the specifications of the operation unit 2 with / without buzzer sound, etc. Various settings such as setting a user code for identifying a user can be performed. By pressing the end key 114, the user program mode can be ended and the screen can be returned to the normal copy mode setting screen.

Here, the user operates the item number key 113 on the menu screen in the user program mode to enter "6".
Is input, the control unit displays the display screen of the LCD 20 in FIG.
When the user switches to the user code setting screen shown in FIG.
The control unit switches the display screen of the LCD 20 to a user code registration screen as shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the user inputs a user code (for example, a six-digit number) for identifying himself / herself by using the ten keys 12 and simultaneously presses the “OK” key 12
When the user presses the 5 or "impossible" key 126 and finally presses the enter (#) key 127, the control unit sets (registers) the input user code, and further inputs the user code to use the copying machine. Whether the history copy mode can be used (whether the copy mode can be stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34) is set.

When the user code setting screen is displayed,
When the user presses the user code change key 122 on the screen, the display screen of the LCD 20 is switched to a user code change screen for changing the user code, or when the user code delete key 123 is pressed, The display screen can be switched to a user code deletion screen for deleting the user code.
By pressing the table of contents key 124, it is possible to return to the menu screen in the user program mode.

On the other hand, when the menu screen of the user program mode is displayed, the user operates the item number key 1 on the screen.
13 inputs “3”, the control unit
Is switched to the operation section specification setting screen as shown in FIG.

Then, the user inputs a limit value of the number of copies to be set (number of copies) using the numeric keypad 12, and presses the "YES" key 131 or the "NO" key 132, and
When the “Yes” key 133 or the “No” key 134 is pressed, and the enter key 127 is finally pressed, the control unit sets the limit value of the number of input copy sets and the presence / absence of a buzzer sound of the operation unit. Set or cancel management mode.

When the user management mode is set, the display screen of the LCD 20 is subsequently switched to a user code input screen as shown in FIG. 15, where the user inputs a user code with the ten keys 12 and the enter key 1
When the user presses 27, the control unit determines whether the user code matches any of the set user codes.

Only when the entered user code matches one of the set user codes, the use of the copying machine is permitted, and the display screen of the LCD 20 is switched to a normal copy mode setting screen. After the user management mode is set, the user code input screen is displayed on the LCD 20 when the power is turned off and then turned on again. As described above, during the setting of the user management mode, this copier cannot be used unless a user code that matches the set user code is input.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a first example of a copy mode storing process by the control unit of the copying machine. First, FIG.
When the start key 11 is pressed (ON), the storage processing of the currently set copy mode (to be used for the copy operation to be executed hereinafter) is performed.

That is, the number of copies, photo mode, density, selected paper feed stage, magnification, special original feed mode, punch mode, sort / stack / staple mode, scaling mode, double-sided / aggregate / divide mode, erase / move mode , And the cover / interleaf mode are sequentially stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34 of FIG. When the storage process is completed, a copy operation is started in the copy mode, and the process is terminated when the copy operation is completed.

FIG. 17 shows the nonvolatile R obtained by the processing of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of storage contents of AM34. Non-volatile R
In the AM 34, a memory area is divided for each job (copy operation), and the memory area 34 is divided by the processing of FIG.
.., the history of the copy mode used for each job (for example, the past 10 copy modes) is stored.

FIG. 18 shows the history copy mode key 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a history copy mode screen displayed on the LCD 20 when 8 is pressed. When the user presses the history copy mode key 18, the control unit sets the history copy mode, reads a plurality of copy modes shown in FIG. 17 from the nonvolatile RAM 34, and displays a list on the LCD 20 in job units as shown in FIG. I do. That is, LCD2
The display screen of 0 is switched to the history copy mode screen.

The history copy mode screen includes an LCD 2
A copy mode call key 141 for selectively calling and setting the copy mode for each job listed in 0 from the nonvolatile RAM 34 is also displayed for each job. This screen is actually a plurality of screens of the LCD 20, and the entire screen can be scroll-displayed by the up arrow key 111 or the down arrow key 112. If no copy mode is selected, the cancel key 10
The history copy mode can be canceled by pressing 4 or by pressing the history copy mode key 18 again.

FIGS. 19 to 21 are flowcharts showing an example of a copy mode call setting process by the control unit of the copying machine. First, when any one of the copy mode call keys 141 is pressed, the number (storage No.) input by pressing the key is determined, and is stored in the memory area of the nonvolatile RAM 34 corresponding to the determined number. The current copy mode.

That is, in accordance with the contents of the called copy mode, the number of copies, the photograph mode, the density, the selected paper feed stage, the magnification, the special original feed mode, the punch mode, the sort / stack / staple mode, the variable-magnification mode, the duplex / aggregation The setting of the / split mode, the erase / move mode, and the cover / interleaf mode is performed, and when the setting is completed, the process ends.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a copy mode setting screen displayed on the LCD 20 when the copy mode is called in the history copy mode. When the user inputs “1” using the copy mode call key 141 shown in FIG. 18, the control unit determines the input number (storage No. 1),
The copy mode stored in the memory area 34a in the nonvolatile RAM 34 shown in FIG. 17 is called and set.

Along with this, the display screen of the LCD 20 is changed to a copy mode setting screen (FIG. 22) showing the set contents.
Switch). In this example, the setting number = “1”, the selected paper feed stage = the second stage, the density = the automatic density, the magnification = 71%, the scaling mode = the fixed size scaling, the duplex / aggregation / division mode = single side → double side (Even number) mode, sort / stack / staple mode = sort mode are set.

As described above, when the user presses the history copy mode key 18, a plurality of copy modes stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34 are displayed on the LCD 20 as a list, and any one of the copy modes is displayed in the copy mode. Since the call key 141 can be selectively called and set from the nonvolatile RAM 34, the required copy mode can be set easily and reliably, and the operation time at that time can be shortened.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a second example of the copy mode storing process by the control unit of the copying machine. In this case, the control unit of the copying machine, in addition to the units shown in FIG. 1, operates only when the copying operation ends normally.
The image forming mode used for the copy operation is changed to a nonvolatile R
It also functions as means for storing in the AM.

First, when the start key 11 is pressed (ON) by the user, the copy operation is started in the currently set copy mode, and it is determined whether or not the copy operation has been completed normally. If did not finish on
That is, when an abnormality (error) occurs, the state is in a state of waiting for the abnormality to be released, and waits until the cause of the abnormality is resolved.

When the cause of the abnormality has been eliminated and the system is in a state of waiting for restart, and the user presses the start key 11 again, the copy operation is restarted. On the other hand, when the copy operation is completed normally, the copy mode used for the executed copy operation (job) is changed to the nonvolatile RA.
The process is sequentially stored in M34, and the process ends when all the copy modes have been stored.

As described above, if the copy mode used for the copy operation is stored in the non-volatile RAM 34 only when the copy operation is normally completed, the copy operation is performed due to an error such as paper end or jam. Is interrupted, and the copy operation is resumed after the error is resolved, the operation of storing the copy mode in the nonvolatile RAM 34 only needs to be performed once. Therefore, storage of the copy mode having the same contents and unnecessary storage operation can be avoided, and the memory capacity for storing the copy mode can be reduced and control efficiency can be improved.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing a third example of the copy mode storage processing by the control unit of the copying machine. In this case, the control unit of the copying machine also functions as a unit for storing a copy mode other than the default copy mode set after the mode clear processing in the nonvolatile RAM 34, in addition to the units shown in FIG. .

First, when the user presses (turns on) the start key 11, a default copy mode (default condition) set after the mode clear processing is checked. Here, the default copy mode is stored in a memory area different from the memory area of the nonvolatile RAM 34 that stores the other copy modes.

Then, the copy mode used for the copy operation to be executed is compared with the default copy mode to check whether or not they match, and among the copy modes used for the copy operation to be executed, the default copy mode is used. Only the copy mode different from the copy mode of the nonvolatile RAM 3
After performing the process of storing the data in the copy mode, the copy operation is started in the copy mode, and the process is terminated when the copy operation is completed.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the storage contents of the nonvolatile RAM 34 by the processing of FIGS. 24 and 25.
In the memory area 34a of the nonvolatile RAM 34, a copy mode different from the default copy mode among the copy modes shown on the copy mode setting screen in FIG. 22 is stored.

That is, paper feed stage = second stage, magnification = 71
%, Magnification mode = fixed magnification, double-sided / aggregation / split mode =
1-sided → 2-sided (even number of originals) mode, sort / stack /
Staple mode = sort mode is stored. While the storage content of the memory area 34a shown in FIG. 17 is a result of storing all copy modes, the storage content of the memory area 34a shown in FIG. 26 stores only copy modes different from the default copy mode. This is the result.

As described above, if the copy mode other than the default copy mode set after the mode clear processing is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34, the copy mode to be stored and retained can be limited.
The memory capacity for storing the copy mode can be reduced.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the copy mode storing process by the control unit of the copying machine. In this case, in addition to the units shown in FIG. 1, the control unit of the copying machine is provided as a unit for preventing the copy mode used for the copy operation from being stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34 when the copy operation is interrupted. Also performs the function of.

First, when the start key 11 is pressed down (ON) by the user, the copy operation is started in the currently set copy mode, and the user operates (presses the clear / stop key 13) during the copy operation. When a suspend request is issued, the copy operation is suspended.

Thereafter, when the start key 11 is pressed again, the copy operation is restarted. However, when a cancel operation is instructed by the user's operation (the clear / stop key 13 is pressed), the copy operation is canceled ( (Interruption), and ends the processing. On the other hand, if there is no interruption request and the copy operation ends, the copy mode used for the copy operation is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34, and the process ends.

As described above, when the copy operation is interrupted, if the copy mode used for the copy operation is not stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34, the copy mode which is unnecessary by the user is not left in the nonvolatile RAM 34. , Because the memory contents can reflect the user's will,
Operability is further improved.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a fifth example of the copy mode storing process by the control unit of the copying machine. In this case, when the copy mode used for the copy operation is the same as the content registered by the program mode in addition to the units shown in FIG. It also functions as means for preventing the data from being stored in the RAM 34.

First, when the start key 11 is pressed (ON) by the user, the contents of the copy mode (currently set) used for the copy operation to be executed are checked, and then the copy mode registered by the program mode is checked. (Registered contents) is checked, and if a copy mode having the same content as the copy mode used for the copy operation to be executed is registered, the copy operation is immediately started in the copy mode, and the process is performed when the copy operation is completed. finish.

Here, the copy mode registered by the program mode is stored in a memory area different from the memory area of the nonvolatile RAM 34 for storing the other copy modes. On the other hand, if the copy mode having the same contents is not registered, the copy mode to be used for the copy operation to be executed is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34, and then the copy operation is started in the copy mode. When the process is completed, the process ends.

As described above, when the copy mode used for the copy operation is the same as the content registered by the program mode, the copy mode is
If the information is not stored in the storage unit 4, unnecessary storage operation can be avoided, and the memory capacity required for storage in the copy mode can be reduced.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a sixth example of the copy mode storage processing by the control unit of the copying machine. In this case, when the copy mode used for the copy operation is the same as the content registered by the program mode, in addition to the units shown in FIG. It also functions as means for storing in the nonvolatile RAM 34.

First, when the start key 11 is pressed (ON) by the user, the contents of the copy mode used for the copy operation to be executed are checked, and then the copy mode (registered contents) registered by the program mode is checked. If a copy mode having the same contents as the copy mode used for the copy operation to be executed is registered, only the information to that effect is stored in the non-volatile RAM 34, and then the copy operation is started in the copy mode. When the process ends, the process ends.

On the other hand, if a copy mode having the same contents is not registered, the copy mode to be used for the copy operation to be executed is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34, and then the copy operation is started in the copy mode. When the copying operation is completed, the process ends.

FIG. 30 shows the nonvolatile R by the processing of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of storage contents of AM34. Non-volatile R
Information indicating that the copy mode used for the copy operation is the same as the content registered by the program mode is stored in the memory area 34a of the AM 34. This example shows that the registered contents are the same as those of the program No. 1.

FIG. 31 shows the history copy mode key 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a history copy mode screen displayed on the LCD 20 when 8 is pressed. When the user presses the history copy mode key 18, the control unit sets the history copy mode, reads the storage contents shown in FIG. 30 from the nonvolatile RAM 34, and changes the display screen of the LCD 20 to the history copy mode screen shown in FIG. Switch to.

As described above, when the copy mode used for the copy operation is the same as the content registered in the program mode, only the information to that effect is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 3.
4, the unnecessary storage operation can be avoided, and the memory capacity required for storage in the copy mode can be reduced. Also, the nonvolatile RAM 34
When a list of a plurality of copy modes stored in the LCD 20 is displayed on the LCD 20, the above information can also be displayed at the same time, so that the user has already registered the copy mode used for the executed copy operation by the program mode. And the operability is further improved.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a seventh example of the copy mode storing process by the control unit of the copying machine. In this case, the control unit of the copying machine can use the history copy mode in addition to the units shown in FIG.
Only when a user code set to allow the copy mode to be stored in the M34) is input, it also functions as a means for storing the copy mode used for the copy operation in the nonvolatile RAM.

This processing is started only when a user code matching any one of the preset user codes is input when the user management mode is set, and the user first presses the start key 11 ( O
N), the entered user code is checked, and whether the history copy mode set for the user code is usable or not is checked.

If the history copy mode set for the input user code is not possible, the copy operation is started in the current copy mode.
When the copying operation is completed, the process ends. on the other hand,
If the history copy mode set for the input user code is usable, the current copy mode (copy mode used for the copy operation to be executed) is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34, The copy operation is started in the copy mode, and the process ends when the copy operation ends.

As described above, when a user code matching any one of the preset user codes is input while the user management mode is set, the history copy mode can be used (the copy mode is stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34). Can be stored in the non-volatile RAM 34 only when a user code set as "can be stored" is input, thereby enabling the user to be differentiated.

The embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as an optical printer such as a laser printer and a facsimile machine. is there.

[0093]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the operability in calling and setting a required image forming mode is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit 2 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system of the copying machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of an operation unit 2 in FIG. 2;

6 is a diagram showing an example of a normal copy mode setting screen displayed on the LCD 20 of FIG.

FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the program key 17 in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a program mode screen displayed on a CD 20.

8 is a diagram showing an example of a copy mode setting screen displayed on the LCD 20 when “1” is input by the program number key 103 after the program call key 102 in FIG. 7 is pressed.

9 is a diagram showing a part of a user program mode menu screen displayed on the LCD 20 when the clear / stop key 13 is continuously pressed after the mode clear / preheat / timer key 14 of FIG. 3 is pressed.

FIG. 10 is a view showing another part.

FIG. 11 is a view showing still another part.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a user code setting screen displayed on the LCD 20 when “6” is input by the item number key 113 in FIGS. 9 to 12;

13 is a diagram showing an example of a user code registration screen displayed on the LCD 20 when the user code registration key 121 of FIG. 12 is pressed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation unit specification setting screen displayed on the LCD 20 when “3” is input by the item number key 113 in FIGS. 9 to 11;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a user code input screen displayed on the LCD 20 when a “Yes” key 133 in FIG. 14 is pressed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a first example of a copy mode storing process by the control unit of the copying machine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

17 shows the nonvolatile RAM 3 of FIG. 4 by the processing of FIG. 16;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of storage contents of No. 4;

18 is a view showing an example of a history copy mode screen displayed on the LCD 20 when the history copy mode key 18 in FIG. 3 is pressed.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a copy mode call setting process by the control unit of the copying machine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the processing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the processing.

22 is a diagram showing an example of a copy mode setting screen displayed on LCD 20 when “1” is input by copy mode call key 141 in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a second example of the copy mode storage processing by the control unit of the copying machine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a third example of the copy mode storage process.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

26 is a diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the nonvolatile RAM 34 of FIG. 4 by the processing of FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of copy mode storage processing by the control unit of the copying machine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a fifth example of the copy mode storing process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a sixth example of the copy mode storage process.

30 shows the nonvolatile RAM 3 of FIG. 4 by the processing of FIG. 29.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of storage contents of No. 4;

31 is a diagram showing another example of the history copy mode screen displayed on the LCD 20 when the history copy mode key 18 of FIG. 3 is pressed.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a seventh example of copy mode storage processing by the control unit of the copying machine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Copy machine body 2: Operation unit 11: Start key 12: Numeric keypad 13: Clear / stop key 14: Mode clear, preheating / timer key 17: Program key 18: History copy mode key 20: LCD (liquid crystal display) 30: Main control unit 31, 63: CPU 32, 65, 71: ROM 33, 72: RAM 34: Non-volatile RAM 35: Serial I / F 36: Timer 62 :: Touch panel 70: LCD controller

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A display means for displaying various kinds of information using a display element such as a liquid crystal display or a fluorescent display tube, and a transparent sheet-like matrix touch switch on a display surface of the display means. Touch position detecting means for detecting the touch position, mode setting means for setting an image forming mode in accordance with the touch position detected by the means, and executing an image forming operation in the image forming mode set by the means An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit configured to store a history of image forming modes during an image forming operation performed by the unit; and a display unit configured to display a plurality of image forming modes stored in the storage unit. List display means for displaying a list on the display means, and the touch position detection among a plurality of image forming modes listed on the display means by the means. A mode calling means for the image forming mode of the touch position detected by the stage selectively called from the storage means is set in said mode setting means, registered in advance image forming mode, its
Is called up and displayed on the display means.
Program mode registration procedure for setting
Used for an image forming operation by the step and the image forming means.
The image forming mode is set by the program mode registration unit.
If the information is the same as the information registered in
And a means for storing only the data in the storage means . 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein , when an image forming mode used for an image forming operation by said image forming unit is the same as the content registered by said program mode registering unit , the image forming mode is not changed. An image forming apparatus, further comprising means for preventing a mode from being stored in the storage means.