JP3840775B2 - Communication terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication terminal device such as a facsimile device capable of printing image data from an external terminal device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “personal computer”) on a recording sheet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many communication terminal devices having a recording function such as a printer and a facsimile machine connected to a personal computer can perform manual paper feeding in addition to cassette paper feeding. In such a type of apparatus, in order to simplify the configuration, the paper transport mechanism of the manual paper feed unit may be partially shared with the paper transport mechanism of the cassette paper feed unit.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, in such a configuration, for example, when facsimile reception is entered and manual paper is set while paper is being fed from the cassette, since the paper transport mechanism is shared, the recording paper on the cassette side and the manual recording paper are separated. There was a risk of paper jam being sent together.
[0004]
On the other hand, printing on the recording paper of the manual paper feed unit is often performed in response to image data from a personal computer, and image data by facsimile or copying is rarely printed. For this reason, in a conventional facsimile apparatus or the like, image data is not accepted when no recording paper is set in the manual paper feed unit. For this reason, when a print command is issued from a personal computer in a state where the user forgets to set the recording paper in the manual paper feed unit, it is necessary to give another print instruction after setting the recording paper in the manual paper feed unit.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is a communication terminal capable of smoothly printing image data from an external terminal on a recording sheet of a manual sheet feeding unit and preventing paper jam. To provide an apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a cassette paper feed unit and a manual paper feed unit, and is a paper feed unit for carrying recording paper from both paper feed units to the recording unit. In a communication terminal device that shares a part of the mechanism with both paper feed units, even when no recording paper is set in the manual paper feed unit, there is recording paper in the manual paper feed unit with respect to the external terminal device. The gist is that an output means for outputting information is provided.
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device according to the first aspect, when image data from the external terminal device is received, a display for requesting setting of the recording paper to the manual paper feed unit is performed. The gist is that a display means is provided.
[0008]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication terminal device according to the second aspect, when the display means is printing other image data other than the image data transferred from the external terminal device, The gist is to perform a display for requesting the setting of a recording sheet after printing of data is completed.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are attached thereto. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. Unless otherwise described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0010]
This embodiment is embodied in a copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral. First, a circuit configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 1 controls each part of the multifunction machine T via the bus 11. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 6 stores a program necessary for the operation of the multifunction machine T. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 7 stores temporary data generated when the program is executed.
[0011]
The reading unit 2 reads an image on a copy original and outputs black and white binary image data. The recording unit 3 includes an electrophotographic printer, and prints received image data and image data read by the reading unit 2 on a recording sheet (cut sheet).
[0012]
A display unit 4 including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like displays various types of information such as the operation state of the multifunction peripheral T. The operation unit 5 includes various operation keys such as numeric keys for inputting a facsimile number and the like. An operation panel P is provided on the outer surface of the multifunction machine T, and the display unit 4 and the operation unit 5 are arranged on the operation panel P. In this embodiment, the CPU 1, the flash memory 17 and the like constitute output means, and the CPU 1, the display unit 4 and the like constitute display means.
[0013]
The image memory 8 temporarily stores the received image data and the image data read by the reading unit 2. The modem 9 modulates and demodulates transmission / reception data. The NCU (Network Control Unit) 10 has a function of closing and opening the telephone line L1, and detecting a dial pulse corresponding to the fax number of the other party and detecting an incoming call.
[0014]
The paper sensor 12 detects the presence or absence of a recording paper 47 (hereinafter referred to as “manual paper”) on a manual tray 48 serving as a manual paper feed unit, which will be described later, and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 1. The external terminal interface 15 connects a personal computer 16 as an external terminal device and the multi-function device T by a serial port and RS232C.
[0015]
A flash memory 17 as a program recording medium is connected to a data reader 19 via a connector 18 that can be connected and disconnected. Then, the program data on the magnetic disk 20 as the program recording medium is read by the data reader 19 and transferred and stored in the flash memory 17. This program data is for executing the flowchart of FIG. 3 to be described later.
[0016]
Next, mainly the mechanical configuration of the multifunction machine T will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP T includes a document feeding unit 22, a document placing unit 21, a reading unit 2, a cut sheet supply unit 24, a manual sheet supply unit 25, and a recording unit 3. And the discharge part 27 is installed.
[0017]
The document feeding unit 22 includes a document table 29 on which the document 28 is placed, a separation roller 30 that separately feeds the document 28 one by one, a plurality of feeding rollers 31 that feed the separated document 28, A translucent plate 32 through which the document 28 passes and a document discharge table 33 for stocking the discharged document 28 are provided.
[0018]
The document placing section 21 includes a transparent document placing plate 34 for placing the document 28 on the upper surface, and a presser lid 35 disposed on the document placing plate 34 so as to be openable and closable. ing. The document table 29 and the document discharge table 33 of the cut sheet supply unit 24 are disposed on the presser lid 35 of the document placement unit 21 and are opened and closed integrally with the presser cover 35.
[0019]
The reading unit 23 includes a light source 36 for irradiating light to the original 28 passing on the light transmitting plate 32 or the original 28 placed on the original placing plate 34, and a mirror for changing the optical path of reflected light from the original 28. 37, 38, 39, and a movement drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the light source 36 and the mirrors 37, 38, 39 are provided. Further, the reading unit 2 includes a condensing lens 41 for converging light from the mirror 39 and an image pickup device (CCD) 42 for reading an image on the document 28 based on light incident through the condensing lens 41. . The mirror 37 is moved at twice the moving speed by a movement drive mechanism (not shown), and the optical path length from the mirror 37 through the mirrors 38 and 39 is maintained constant. .
[0020]
The document feeding unit 13 and the reading unit 2 constitute a multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF), and the document 28 passing over the translucent plate 32 in a state where the mirror 37 is disposed at the moving end. An image is read. Further, the document placing unit 21 and the reading unit 2 constitute a flat bed reading unit (FBS), and the mirror 37 is moved to the start point P3 of the second document reading position and then moved toward the end point P4. Then, the image of the document 28 placed on the document placement plate 34 is read.
[0021]
The cut sheet supply unit 24 includes a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) cassette sheet feeding units 43 that store cut sheets (hereinafter referred to as recording sheets) 44 of a predetermined size in a stacked state, and each cassette sheet feeding unit 43. A sheet feed roller 45 that feeds the recording sheets 44 of the recording sheet one by one toward the recording unit 3, and a guide passage 46 that guides the feeding of the manual sheet 47 and includes a conveyance roller 49. Further, the manual paper supply unit 25 includes a manual tray 48 on which the manual paper 47 is placed. A paper transport mechanism is configured by the paper feed roller 45, the guide passage 46, the transport roller 49, and the like.
[0022]
The manual paper 47 is fed into the guide passage 46 using the inclination of the manual tray 48 and is conveyed to the recording unit 3 by the conveyance roller 49. Therefore, the recording paper 44 and the manual paper 47 share a part of the conveyance path. The paper sensor 12 detects the presence or absence of the manual paper 47 and the recording paper 44 passing through the guide path. The discharge unit 27 has a discharge tray 40.
[0023]
The recording unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 50, a charger 51 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 50 to a predetermined potential, an exposure unit 52 that forms an electrostatic latent image of the image on the photosensitive drum 50, and a photosensitive drum. A developing unit 53 that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image 50 and visualizes the latent image. The recording unit 3 further includes a transfer unit 54 that transfers the toner image from the photosensitive drum 50 onto the recording paper, and a heating fixing unit 55 that heats and fixes the toner image on the recording paper. The discharge section 27 includes a discharge tray 40 that receives recorded recording paper 44 and manual paper 47.
[0024]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the personal computer 16 is connected to the interface 15, a signal indicating that the manual paper 47 is set is output to the personal computer 16 in step S 1 even when the manual paper 47 is not set on the manual tray 48. Is done.
[0025]
Next, when it is determined in step S2 that there is a data transfer request from the personal computer 16 to the multi-function device T, data from the personal computer 16 is received in step S3. In step S4, it is confirmed that the image data is included in the received data from the personal computer 16, and then in step S5, other documents such as facsimile and copy, that is, image data other than the image data transferred from the personal computer 16 are used. It is determined whether the image data is being printed. If the determination result in step S4 is negative, the process proceeds to step S11 described later.
[0026]
If the determination result in step S5 is affirmative, in step S6, the printing of another document is temporarily stopped after the printing of one page is completed, and a request to set the manual paper 47 on the manual tray 48 is issued in step S7. Done. This request is displayed on the display unit 4. In step S8, when the output of the paper sensor 12 is detected and it is determined that the manual paper 47 is set on the manual tray 48, the display is stopped in step S9, and the manual paper 47 is conveyed from the manual tray 48 and printed. And then discharged.
[0027]
Subsequently, in step S10, it is determined whether or not there is image data from the personal computer 16 that has not finished printing. If the manual feed sheet 47 still remains, the process returns to step S7 and the same operation is repeated. In that case, the printing operation is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S11.
[0028]
In step S <b> 11, it is determined whether or not the manual paper 47 remains on the manual tray 13 based on the output from the paper sensor 12. If it remains, an alarm is issued by a buzzer or the like in step S12. Therefore, in this state, the operator can remove the manual feed sheet 47 from the manual feed tray 48 and prevent subsequent jamming.
[0029]
Thereafter, in step S13, it is determined whether or not printing of other image data is interrupted in step S6. If interrupted, printing of the remaining other image data is continued in step S14.
[0030]
Next, effects that can be found from this embodiment will be described below.
When a data transfer request is made from the personal computer 16 to the multi-function device T, the multi-function device T outputs information indicating that manual paper is present even if the manual paper 47 is not actually set on the manual feed tray 48. The image data can be transferred from the personal computer 16 to the image memory 8 for processing. Accordingly, it is possible to save the trouble of performing a print command from the personal computer 16 again after setting the manual paper 47 on the manual feed tray 48.
[0031]
After receiving the image data from the personal computer 16, a message requesting the manual paper 47 is displayed on the display unit 4, so that the timing for inserting the manual paper 47 into the manual tray 13 and setting it can be easily determined. As a result, not only the workability is improved, but also paper jam caused by erroneously setting the manual feed paper 47 at an early stage can be prevented.
[0032]
When printing image data from the personal computer 16, printing of other image data is interrupted, and after the state in which the recording paper 44 is fed from the cut paper supply unit 24 is resolved, the manual paper is fed to the manual feed tray 48. Since 47 can be set, paper jam or the like can be surely eliminated.
[0033]
The embodiment described above can be configured and embodied as follows.
Instead of displaying a message for requesting setting of the manual paper 47 on the manual feed tray 48 on the display unit 4, the message is displayed on the display surface of the personal computer 16.
[0034]
A program for executing the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the ROM 6 and executed.
The embodiment is embodied in a normal printer connected to the personal computer 16.
[0035]
A paper-making mechanism such as a paper-making roller is provided between the manual feed tray 48 and the guide passage 46 so that a plurality of manual papers 47 set on the manual feed tray 48 are sent to the recording unit 3 one by one. To do. In this case, when a paper rolling roller is provided as a paper rolling mechanism, a sensor for detecting the manual paper 47 on the manual feed tray 48 may be provided so that the paper rolling roller is operated when the sensor is operated. .
[0036]
After the determination result in step S10 of FIG. 3 is affirmative, if the paper sensor 12 detects that the manual paper 47 has run out, a message requesting the manual paper 47 is displayed on the display unit 4. Inform. Further, not only the notification by the display but also the notification by the buzzer sound can notify the operator of the setting of the manual feed paper 47 more clearly.
[0037]
The technical idea grasped from the embodiment will be described below.
A program recording medium for operating the communication terminal device according to claim 1.
[0038]
In this case, the program can be generalized, and the modified or upgraded program can be stored in the program recording medium and supplied to the user even when the specification is changed or upgraded. it can.
[0039]
The communication terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a facsimile device.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, even when the recording sheet is not set in the manual sheet feeding unit, the information on the presence of the recording sheet is output to the manual sheet feeding unit to the external terminal device. It is not necessary to perform the same operation again after the command operation, and the work efficiency can be improved.
[0041]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, when the image data from the external terminal device is received, the manual paper is set on the manual paper feed unit in the display unit. Since the display for requesting to do so is performed, it is possible to easily determine the timing of inserting and setting the recording paper into the manual paper feed unit, and the workability is improved.
[0042]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, printing of other image data is stopped and the state in which the recording paper is fed from the cassette paper feeding unit is eliminated. Since the recording paper is set later in the manual paper feed unit, paper jams and the like can be reliably eliminated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a communication terminal device.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a mechanical configuration of the apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the communication terminal apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU (output means, display means), 3 ... Recording part, 4 ... Display part (display means), 17 ... Flash memory (output means), 16 ... Personal computer (external terminal device), 24 ... Cut paper supply part, 43 ... cassette paper feed unit, 44 ... recording paper (cut paper), 45 ... paper feed roller (paper transport mechanism), 46 ... guide path (paper transport mechanism), 47 ... recording paper (manual paper), 48 ... manual tray (Manual paper feed unit), 49... Paper feed roller (paper transport mechanism).

Claims (3)

In a communication terminal apparatus that includes a cassette paper feeding unit and a manual paper feeding unit, and a part of a paper transport mechanism for transporting recording paper from both paper feeding units to the recording unit, is shared by both paper feeding units. A communication terminal device provided with output means for outputting information indicating that there is a recording sheet in the manual sheet feeding unit to an external terminal device even when no recording sheet is set in the manual sheet feeding unit. The communication terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising display means for performing a display for requesting setting of a recording sheet to the manual sheet feeder when image data from the external terminal device is received. The display means, when printing other image data other than the image data transferred from the external terminal device, performs a display for requesting setting of the recording paper after the printing of the other image data is completed. 2. The communication terminal device according to 2.

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