JP4297871B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to an apparatus for controlling a display unit on which a function for setting image forming conditions is displayed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile are known as apparatuses for printing an image on recording paper. In this image forming apparatus, when the printing operation is completed, a built-in timer is started. After the printing operation is completed, until the elapsed time by the timer reaches a predetermined time, the standby mode in which the transition to the printing operation can be performed immediately is maintained, and the elapsed time by the timer is predetermined after the printing operation is completed. When the time is reached, the standby mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, and the power supply to other parts except the control system is stopped (see Patent Document 1).

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, a display unit that is installed on the operation panel and displays a plurality of functions (paper size, print density, etc.) for setting printing conditions is a so-called touch panel type. Many of the screens are configured by a liquid crystal display screen (hereinafter referred to as “display screen”). In such an image forming apparatus, when a user presses a key or button displayed on the display screen, information according to the user's instruction is input and stored in the memory.

  In addition, when a user presses a key or button displayed on the display screen in order to set printing conditions, the character and background drawn on the key or button pressed by the user are highlighted, etc. The user can visually confirm the set printing conditions. When a printing operation is performed, the printing conditions set by the user are read from the memory, and the character and background drawn on the key or button pressed by the user are displayed in reverse on the display screen.

  However, after a short time has elapsed since the end of the printing operation, the printing conditions set by the user during the standby mode are deleted from the memory, and the display screen is in a default state (that is, no printing conditions are set by the user). (Not in the state). For this reason, when the display screen is returned to the default state (that is, the state in which no printing conditions are set by the user) after a short time has elapsed since the printing operation ended, the user performs the previous printing operation. It is impossible to visually confirm the printing conditions set at times through the display screen.

  On the other hand, in recent years, as the energy saving of the image forming apparatus progresses and the warm-up time is shortened, the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode in a shorter time after the printing operation is completed. In other words, if the warm-up time is shortened, it is possible to shift to the printing operation from the energy saving mode in a short time, and even if the transition to the energy saving mode is completed in a short time after the printing operation is completed, Therefore, the waiting time until the printing operation is restarted is reduced and the burden on the user is reduced. Then, by shortening the time from the end of the printing operation to the transition to the energy saving mode, it is possible to save energy in the image forming apparatus.

Further, as the time from the end of the printing operation to the transition to the energy saving mode, that is, the time of the standby mode is shortened, the display screen is in the default state (i.e., during the standby mode after the end of the printing operation). The time until the user returns to a state in which no printing conditions are set is also being shortened.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-122201

  Here, in recent years, as the functions (paper size, print density, etc.) provided in the image forming apparatus become multi-functional, the level of the screen displayed on the display screen becomes deeper and the setting of printing conditions becomes complicated. ing. For this reason, in order to set a desired printing condition, the user needs to change the screen displayed on the display screen many times to enter a deep hierarchy.

  On the other hand, as described above, when a short time has elapsed since the end of the printing operation, the printing conditions set by the user during the standby mode are deleted from the memory, and the display screen is in a default state (that is, the printing conditions set by the user are not changed). (Nothing is set.) When the time until the display screen shifts to the default state (that is, the state in which no printing conditions are set by the user) after the printing operation is completed in the standby mode is shortened, the user can While the original is set on the original glass to read the image, the display screen returns to the default state (that is, the state in which no printing conditions are set by the user) and is set during the previous printing operation. It becomes necessary to set the printing conditions again.

  Therefore, the previous printing operation is performed in order to set the desired printing conditions as the functions of the image forming apparatus (paper size, printing density, etc.) become multi-functional and the screen hierarchy displayed on the display screen becomes deeper. There is a problem that it takes a lot of time to reset the printing conditions set at times.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it improves operability of the image forming apparatus and improves usability of the image forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a display screen for displaying a plurality of functions for setting image forming conditions and a function selection for selecting a plurality of functions displayed on the display screen. An image forming apparatus configured to perform an image forming operation based on an image forming condition set by selecting a plurality of functions displayed on the display screen by the function selecting unit. A storage unit that stores image forming conditions set by selecting the plurality of functions by the function selection unit, and a plurality of functions displayed on the display screen by the function selection unit. A setting call key for reading out image forming conditions from the storage unit and displaying them on the display screen after the image forming operation based on the image forming conditions is completed. When the setting call key is selected, image forming conditions set by selecting a plurality of functions displayed on the display screen by the function selection unit are read from the storage unit, and the display screen Is switched from a default state to a state in which a plurality of functions are selected by the function selection unit.

  As a result, when the setting call key is selected after the image forming operation based on the image forming conditions set by selecting the function displayed on the display screen by the function selection unit, the function displayed on the display screen is selected. The image forming conditions set by the selection by the unit, that is, the image forming conditions set by the user during the previous image forming operation are read from the storage unit. Then, the display screen display is in a default state, that is, a state in which a plurality of functions are selected by the function selection unit from the state in which no image formation condition is set when the display screen is turned on. That is, the state is switched to the state when the user has set the image forming conditions during the previous image forming operation.

  In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the image forming operation is completed, the image forming apparatus shifts to a standby mode in which the transition to the image forming operation can be immediately performed, and a first predetermined time elapses after the shift to the standby mode. Then, during the standby mode, the display on the display screen is switched from a state in which a plurality of functions are selected by the function selection unit to a default state, and the setting call key appears on the display screen.

  As a result, the user selects a plurality of functions by the function selection unit, and the image forming conditions are set, and the image forming operation is performed under the image forming conditions set by the user. When the first predetermined time elapses after the image forming operation ends, the display screen display is switched from the state in which a plurality of functions are selected by the function selection unit to the default state during the standby mode. After that, when the setting call key that appears on the display screen is selected, the image forming conditions set by the user during the previous image forming operation are read from the storage unit, and the display on the display screen is changed from the default state to a plurality of by the function selecting unit. The function switches to the selected state.

  At this time, when the image forming operation is completed, the mode is shifted to the standby mode in which the transition to the image forming operation is immediately possible, and when the second predetermined time elapses after the transition to the standby mode, the control system When a transition is made to an energy saving mode in which power supply to all electronic components inside the apparatus except the device is stopped and the energy saving mode is subsequently released, a default state is displayed on the display screen and the display screen The setting call key may appear on the screen.

  As a result, the user selects a plurality of functions by the function selection unit, and the image forming conditions are set, and the image forming operation is performed under the image forming conditions set by the user. Then, after the image forming operation ends, when the second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time described above elapses, the standby mode is shifted to the energy saving mode and the display screen is turned off. After that, when the energy saving mode is canceled, the display screen is turned on to display a default state on the display screen, and a setting call key appears on the display screen. When the setting call key that appears on the display screen is selected, the image forming conditions set by the user during the previous printing operation are read from the storage unit, and the display on the display screen is changed from the default state to a plurality of functions by the function selection unit. Switches to the selected state.

  In addition, at this time, when the energy saving mode is canceled before the third predetermined time elapses after shifting to the energy saving mode, the setting call key appears on the display screen, and When the energy saving mode is canceled after the third predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the energy saving mode, the setting call key may not be displayed on the display screen.

  In this way, when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the energy saving mode, it is determined that it is not necessary to identify and display the image forming conditions set by the user during the previous image forming operation on the display screen, The setting call key is prevented from appearing on the display screen when the energy saving mode is canceled after the third predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the energy saving mode. That is, after a sufficient time has elapsed since the end of the image forming operation, there is a low possibility that the image forming operation is performed under the same image forming conditions set by the user during the previous image forming operation. For this reason, when the energy saving mode is canceled after a sufficient time has elapsed after the image forming operation is completed, the user can set the image forming conditions by preventing the setting call key from appearing on the display screen. In this case, only one option can be reduced, and the operability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

  Furthermore, at this time, when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the energy saving mode, image formation set by selecting a plurality of functions by the function selection unit stored in the storage unit The condition may be deleted from the storage unit.

  Thereby, when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the energy saving mode, the image forming conditions set by selecting a plurality of functions by the function selecting unit are deleted from the storage unit. Even if the energy saving mode is canceled after the third predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to, the setting call key does not appear on the display screen.

  Each of the image forming apparatuses described above includes a sheet number setting unit that sets the number of image forming sheets of recording paper as part of the function selection unit, and the image forming number set by the sheet number setting unit is an image forming condition. The image forming conditions set by selecting a plurality of functions by the function selecting unit in addition to the image forming number set by the number setting unit during the image forming operation are stored in the storage unit. It is also possible to prevent the setting call key from appearing on the display screen when it is confirmed that it is not stored in the display unit.

  This is because, as described above, the number of image formations on the recording paper is set by the number setting unit, so when an image forming operation is performed without setting image formation conditions other than the number of image formations on the recording paper, This is because even if the setting call key appears on the display screen after that, the operability of the image forming apparatus is not improved. That is, in order to set the number of image formations, either the number setting part or the setting call key may be selected. On the other hand, by preventing the setting call key from appearing on the display screen at this time, the user can reduce only one option when setting the image forming conditions, improving the operability of the image forming apparatus. Can be made.

  According to the present invention, the time from the end of the image forming operation to the shift to the energy saving mode is shortened, and accordingly, the time until the display screen shifts to the default state during the standby mode is shortened. For example, even if the display screen shifts to the default state while the document is set on the document glass in order to read the image of the document, the user can select the setting call key at the time of the previous image forming operation. The set image forming conditions can be displayed on the display screen. Therefore, even if the functions of the image forming apparatus are multi-functional and the hierarchy of the display screen is complicated, the image forming conditions set by the user during the previous image forming operation can be called immediately, and the operability of the image forming apparatus The usability of the image forming apparatus can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< Embodiment of the Invention >>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured to print a document image 10 and a document cover 10 that covers a document placed on a document glass (not shown) in order to read the document image. Recording papers 11a, 11b, and 11c, each of which is stored for each size, and recording paper that is fed from each of these paper feeding cassettes 11a, 11b, and 11c and discharged from the inside of the apparatus after printing Is provided with a paper discharge tray 12 and an operation panel 13 for setting printing conditions such as the number of printed sheets and printing density.

  In this image forming apparatus, a charging process for charging the surface of a photosensitive drum (not shown) installed in the apparatus, and a laser beam is irradiated to the charged photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. An exposure process for forming, a developing process for developing by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum, a transferring process for transferring the toner attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum to the recording paper, and a recording paper By performing the fixing process of fixing the transferred toner onto the recording paper in order, printing is performed on the recording paper fed from each of the plurality of paper feed cassettes 11a, 11b, and 11c.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 13 includes a display unit 20 for displaying various functions and a plurality of input keys 40 in order to set printing conditions. The display unit 20 includes a so-called touch panel type liquid crystal display screen 30 (hereinafter referred to as a “display screen”), and a user presses a key or button displayed on the display screen 30 by hand. Information according to user instructions is input.

  Specifically, this image forming apparatus has four functions of copy, printer, scanner, and fax. As shown in FIG. 2, a copy key is provided as an input key 40 at the left end of the operation panel 13. There are four function switching keys 41 for switching to the functions of the printer, scanner, or fax machine. For example, when the function switching key 41 written “copy” is pressed by hand, the image forming apparatus switches to the copy function.

  Further, at the right end of the operation panel 13, as a plurality of input keys 40, a plurality of numeric keys 42 as a number setting unit for setting the number of recording sheets to be printed, a start for starting a recording sheet printing operation. The key 43, the stop / clear key 44 for stopping the recording paper printing operation or stopping the recording paper printing operation, and the content displayed on the display screen 30 in the default state (that is, there are no printing conditions by the user) A reset key 45 for returning to an unset state) and a power saving key 46 for returning the image forming apparatus from the energy saving mode are provided. Each of the function switching key 41, the start key 43, the stop / clear key 44, the reset key 45, and the power saving key 46 excluding the numeric keypad 42 is turned on by a light emitting diode (LED).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus is provided with a control board 14 connected to an operation panel 13 having a display screen 30 and a plurality of input keys 40. An input / output interface unit 51 to which a signal output by manually pressing a key or button displayed on the display screen 30 or a signal output by pressing any of the plurality of input keys 40 is input; A central control unit 53 having a ROM 52 connected to the input / output interface unit 51 and storing a control program to be executed, and printing set by manually pressing a key or button displayed on the display screen 30 A first memory 54 as a storage unit for storing conditions and printing conditions set by pressing any of the plurality of numeric keys 42, and a central control unit A display control unit 55 for controlling the contents displayed on the display screen 30 is connected to a 3, a plurality of functions to be displayed on the display screen 30 and the second memory 56 to be stored, is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this image forming apparatus, a function switching key 41, a start key 43, a stop / clear key 44 installed on the operation panel 13 from the central control unit 53 via the input / output interface unit 51, By transmitting a signal to each of the reset key 45 and the power saving key 46, lighting / extinguishing of the LEDs for lighting each of the input keys 40 is controlled.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus has a printing mode in which a normal amount of power is supplied to the image forming apparatus during the printing operation, and when the printing operation is completed so that the printing operation can be immediately performed. a standby mode in which less power than the print mode to the image forming apparatus is supplied until a predetermined time T ₂ has elapsed since the control board 14 and the operation panel when the predetermined time T ₂ has elapsed since the printing operation is completed And an energy saving mode in which power supply to all electronic components in the image forming apparatus except for the 13 power saving keys 46 is stopped. Then, a timer (not shown) for measuring the elapsed time from the end of the printing operation is installed in the central control unit 53 shown in FIG. 3, and this timer is started when the printing operation is completed. When the time reaches the predetermined time T ₂ , the standby mode is shifted to the energy saving mode.

  With respect to the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the contents displayed on the display screen 30 of the operation panel 13 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  On the display screen 30 of the operation panel 13, a plurality of functions (paper size, print density, etc.) stored in the second memory 56 are displayed in a hierarchy on a plurality of screens. The contents displayed on the display screen 30 will be described below only when the copy function of the image forming apparatus is selected.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the display screen 30 has three tabs 31 for switching the screen on the lower end side. By pressing any one of these tabs 31 by hand, the display screen 30 is changed to the basic screen 60 (hereinafter referred to as “first screen”) shown in FIG. 5 or the user function screen 70 (hereinafter referred to as “first screen”) shown in FIG. 7) and a function list screen 80 shown in FIG. 7 (hereinafter referred to as “third screen”).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first screen 60 (basic screen) among the plurality of screens includes a “paper size” and a user among a plurality of functions stored in the second memory 56. The three most basic functions selected by are displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, the second screen 70 (user function screen) among the plurality of screens has the most basic function among the plurality of functions stored in the second memory 56. Next, up to 10 important functions selected are displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the third screen 80 (function list screen) among the plurality of screens is stored in the second memory 56 and displayed on the first screen 60 and the second screen 70. All functions including the function to be displayed are displayed.

  In the display screen 30 having such a configuration, first, when the user presses the tab 31 for displaying the first screen 60 (basic screen), as shown in FIG. In addition to “size”, as the most basic functions selected by the user from a plurality of functions, for example, three functions of “reduction / enlargement”, “sort”, and “double-sided / divided” are shown in FIG. It is read from the second memory 56 and displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the first screen 60 feeds A3 size recording paper stored in the first paper feed cassette 11a as a function selection unit for setting “paper size”. A first paper selection button 61a for feeding, a second paper selection button 61b for feeding A5 size recording paper stored in the second paper feed cassette 11b, and a third paper feed cassette A third paper selection button 61c for feeding A4 size recording paper stored in 11c, a fourth paper selection button 61d for automatically feeding recording paper, and manually feeding the recording paper A fifth paper selection button 61e for feeding paper is arranged. In FIG. 5, the black and white characters and background drawn on the third paper selection button 61c are highlighted and the user presses the third paper selection button 61c so that the user changes the paper size to A4 size. Indicates that it has been set. Further, the size of the recording paper stored in each of the paper feed cassettes 11a, 11b, and 11c is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first screen 60 has a magnification display area 62 a for displaying the current magnification, and a function selection unit for setting “reduction / enlargement”. An automatic magnification selection button 62b for automatically setting the magnification based on the set paper size, a magnification direct designation button 62c for printing at a predetermined magnification, and setting of printing conditions relating to “reduction / enlargement”. A jump button 62d for jumping to the screen to be performed is arranged. FIG. 5 shows that the user directly designated the magnification by pressing the magnification direct designation button 62c by inverting the black and white of the character drawn on the magnification direct designation button 62c and the background. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first screen 60 has a sort selection button 63a for sorting and discharging as a function selection unit for setting “sort”, and discharging without sorting. A non-sort selection button 63b for performing printing and a jump button 63c for jumping to a screen for setting printing conditions relating to post-processing are arranged. In FIG. 5, the black and white of the character drawn on the sort selection button 63a and the background are highlighted, so that the user presses the sort selection button 63a so that the user sorts and discharges the paper. Is shown.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first screen 60 has a function selection unit for setting “double-sided / divided”. One-side to one-sided setting button 64a for printing one side of a document on one side of a recording sheet. And a single-side-to-double-side setting button 64b for printing one side of the document on both sides of the recording paper, and a jump button 64c for jumping to a screen for setting printing conditions relating to “double-sided / split”. ing. In FIG. 5, the black and white characters and background drawn on the single side → single side setting button 64a are displayed in reverse, so that the user presses the single side → single side setting button 64a so that the user can change one side of the original to one side of the recording paper. Indicates that the printer is set to print.

  Next, when the tab 31 for displaying the second screen 70 (user function screen) is pressed by the user, as shown in FIG. 6, the second screen 70 has the second most important function after the most basic function. Functions include, for example, “Density setting”, “Original image quality”, “Original size selection”, “Collecting”, “Binding margin”, “Frame erase”, “Weekly magazine binding”, and “Bookbinding”. When selected by the user, it is read from the second memory 56 shown in FIG. 3 and displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, a jump button 71 a for jumping to a screen for setting print conditions regarding these seven functions is arranged on the second screen 70 as a function selection unit.

  When the user presses the tab 31 for displaying the third screen 80 (function list screen), as shown in FIG. 7, all functions of the image forming apparatus are displayed on the third screen 80 as shown in FIG. Are read out from the second memory 56 and displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, a jump button 81 a for jumping to a screen for setting print conditions relating to each of these functions is arranged as a function selection unit on the third screen 80.

  Here, when the tab 31 for displaying the third screen 80 is pressed by the user, the jump of the first 16 functions among all the functions stored in the second memory 56 as shown in FIG. A button 81 a is displayed on the third screen 80. When the number of functions stored in the second memory 56 exceeds 16, the page change key 81b shown in FIG. 7 is arranged on the third screen 80. By pressing the page change key 81b, the page changes back and forth. A jump button 81 a for a function not displayed on the first page is displayed on the third screen 80.

  Further, in this image forming apparatus, the second memory 56 shown in FIG. 3 stores the print set by the user before the display screen 30 is in a default state (that is, a state in which no print condition is set by the user). A “setting call” function for calling conditions to the display screen 30 is stored. Then, the “calling setting” function is read from the second memory 56 by the display control unit 55, so that the setting calling key for calling the printing conditions set by the user before the display screen 30 is in the default state to the display screen 30. 90 appears on the display screen 30. This setting call key 90 does not appear on the display screen 30 in the print mode, but appears on the display screen 30 when the display screen 30 is in a default state during the standby mode or when returning from the energy saving mode (FIG. 8). reference).

  In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, when the user sets printing conditions by pressing any of the plurality of buttons displayed on the numeric keypad 42 or the display screen 30, the input / output interface is input from the numeric keypad 42 or the display unit 20. A signal is transmitted to the central control unit 53 via the unit 51, and the printing conditions set by the user are stored in the first memory 54. Then, a signal is transmitted from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55, and the content displayed on the display screen 30 is changed by the display control unit 55. At this time, if it is necessary to switch the screen displayed on the display screen 30, the function to be displayed on the display screen 30 is read from the second memory 56 and displayed on the display screen 30. When the user presses the start key 43 on the operation panel 13, the printing conditions set by the user are read from the first memory 54 and the printing operation is started.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, when the elapsed time by the timer that is started when the printing operation is completed reaches a predetermined time T ₁ in the standby mode after the printing operation is completed, the central control unit 53 performs display control. A signal is transmitted to the unit 55, and the display screen 30 is returned to a default state (that is, a state in which no printing conditions are set by the user). Then, the “setting call” function is read from the second memory 56 to the display control unit 55, and the setting call key 90 appears on the display screen 30 (see FIG. 8). When the user presses the setting call key 90 on the display screen 30, a signal is transmitted from the display unit 20 to the central control unit 53 via the input / output interface unit 51, and the user calls the setting call key 90 in the central control unit 53. It is confirmed that is pressed.

  Further, when a signal is transmitted from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55 and the display control unit 55 confirms that the user has pressed the setting call key 90, the display control unit 55 sets the user during the previous printing operation. The printing conditions that have been set are read from the first memory 54, and the printing conditions set by the user before the display screen 30 enters the default state are displayed on the display screen 30 (see FIG. 9).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user presses the third paper selection button 61 c for automatically feeding recording paper as “paper size” in order to set the printing conditions, input / output is performed from the display unit 20. A signal is transmitted to the central control unit 53 via the interface unit 51, and it is confirmed in the central control unit 53 that the user has pressed the third paper selection button 61c. Then, the first memory 54 stores the content of feeding A4 size recording paper as the printing condition set by the user. Further, a signal is transmitted from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55, and it is confirmed in the display control unit 55 that the user has pressed the third paper selection button 61c. Then, the display controller 55 reversely displays the black and white characters and background drawn on the third paper selection button 61c.

  Alternatively, when the user presses the tab 31 for displaying the second screen 70 (user function screen) in order to set the printing conditions, a signal is sent from the display unit 20 to the central control unit 53 via the input / output interface unit 51. The central control unit 53 confirms that the user has pressed the tab 31 for displaying the second screen 70. Further, a signal is transmitted from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55, and it is confirmed that the user has pressed the tab 31 for displaying the second screen 70 in the display control unit 55. The function to be displayed on the second screen 70 is read from the second memory 56 to the display control unit 55, and the function to be displayed on the second screen 70 is displayed on the display screen 30 by the display control unit 55.

After printing in this manner the printing condition set, the timer elapses the predetermined time T ₁ from the start, highlighting disappears third paper selection button 61c, is the display screen 30 is the default state Then, a setting call key 90 appears on the display screen 30 (see FIG. 8). At this time, when the user presses the setting call key 90, the printing conditions set by the user during the previous printing operation are read from the first memory 54, and the third paper selection button 61c is highlighted by the display control unit 55. (See FIG. 9).

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the printing operation standby mode after the completion of the time course the timer which starts when the printing operation is finished reaches a predetermined time T _2, and from the standby mode to the energy saving mode Transition. Then, a signal is transmitted from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55, the display screen 30 is turned off, and the power saving key 46 of the operation panel 13 is turned on. Thereafter, when the user presses the power saving key 46 to cancel the energy saving mode, a signal is transmitted from the power saving key 46 to the central control unit 53 via the input / output interface unit 51, and the user saves the power saving key 46 in the central control unit 53. It is confirmed that is pressed.

  Further, when a signal is transmitted from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55 and the display control unit 55 confirms that the user has pressed the power saving key 46, the display control unit 55 turns on the display screen 30 and defaults. A status screen appears, and a setting call key 90 appears on the display screen 30 (see FIG. 8). When the user presses the setting call key 90, the printing conditions set by the user during the previous printing operation are read from the first memory 54, and the third paper selection button 61c is highlighted by the display control unit 55. (See FIG. 9).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, during the energy saving mode, the elapsed time by a timer that starts when the printing operation is finished reaches a predetermined time T _3, the user has set during the previous printing operation by the central control unit 53 The print condition is deleted from the first memory 54. When the user presses the power saving key 46 to cancel the energy saving mode after the elapsed time by the timer activated when the printing operation is completed reaches the predetermined time T ₃ , the setting call key 90 is displayed on the display screen 30. It does not appear and the display screen 30 remains in the default state.

  The operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that a detailed description of the portions overlapping with the operation of the image forming apparatus described above is omitted.

  First, when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, power is supplied to the operation panel 13 and the control board 14 shown in FIG. 3 and each electronic component inside the image forming apparatus. When the user presses any of a plurality of buttons displayed on the display screen 30 of the operation panel 13 or a plurality of numeric keys 42 arranged on the operation panel 13 in order to set printing conditions, the display is performed. Information according to the user's instruction is sent from the unit 20 or the numeric keypad 42 to the central control unit 53 via the input / output interface unit 51, and the printing conditions set by the user are stored in the first memory 54 (step S11). .

  Next, the central control unit 53 checks whether or not the measured value of the timer installed in the central control unit 53 is zero (step S12). Then, after confirming that the measured value of the timer is zero in the central control unit 53 (Yes in step S12), when the user presses the start key 43 arranged on the operation panel 13, the start key 43 A signal is transmitted to the central control unit 53 from the I / O interface unit 51, the printing conditions stored in the first memory 54 are read, and the recording paper printing operation is started (step S13).

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the central control unit 53 that the measured value of the timer is not zero (No in step S12), after the measured value of the timer is returned to zero (step S14), the user operates Pressing the start key 43 arranged on the panel 13 starts the recording paper printing operation (step S13).

  Subsequently, the central control unit 53 checks whether or not the recording paper printing operation has been completed (step S15). When the central control unit 53 confirms that the printing operation of the recording paper has been completed (Yes in step S15), the printing mode is shifted to the standby mode (step S16). Thereafter, a timer installed in the central control unit 53 is started (step S17), and it is confirmed in the central control unit 53 whether or not the standby mode has been canceled (step S18).

  When the central control unit 53 confirms that the standby mode has been canceled (Yes in step S18), that is, when the user operates the operation panel 13, the input / output interface unit is displayed from the display unit 20 or the numeric keypad 42. When it is confirmed that the information according to the user's instruction is sent to the central control unit 53 via 51, the central control unit 53 deletes the printing conditions set by the user during the previous printing operation from the first memory 54. Then, the process returns to step S11, and the printing conditions newly set by the user are stored in the first memory 54.

On the other hand, the central control unit 53, and that the standby mode is canceled not confirmed (No in step S18), and then, whether the timer on the basis of the elapsed time by the timer has elapsed T ₁ after starting Is confirmed (step S20).

When the central control unit 53 confirms that T ₁ has not elapsed since the timer was started based on the elapsed time by the timer (No in step S20), the process returns to step S18 again to enter the standby mode. A check is made as to whether or not it has been released.

On the other hand, when the central control unit 53 confirms that T ₁ has elapsed since the timer was started based on the elapsed time by the timer (Yes in step S20), a signal is sent from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55. And the display control unit 55 returns the display screen 30 to the default state (that is, a state in which no printing conditions are set by the user) (step S21).

  Subsequently, the “calling setting” function is read from the second memory 56 to the display control unit 55, and the setting calling key 90 appears on the display screen 30 (step S22). It is confirmed whether or not the setting call key 90 has been pressed (step S23).

  When the central control unit 53 confirms that the setting call key 90 has been pressed by the user (Yes in step S23), that is, a signal output when the user presses the setting call key 90 is displayed on the display unit. When it is confirmed that the data has been transmitted from 20 to the central control unit 53 via the input / output interface unit 51, the process returns to step S12 and whether or not the measured value of the timer installed in the central control unit 53 is zero. Is confirmed.

  On the other hand, if it is not confirmed in the central control unit 53 that the setting call key 90 has been pressed by the user (No in step S23), then the setting call key 90 displayed on the numeric keypad 42 or the display screen 30 by the user is displayed. It is confirmed whether or not other buttons are pressed (step S24).

  When the central control unit 53 confirms that the user has pressed any button other than the numeric keypad 42 or the setting call key 90 displayed on the display screen 30 (Yes in step S24), that is, the user A signal output by pressing any button other than the setting call key 90 displayed on the numeric keypad 42 or the display screen 30 is transmitted from the numeric keypad 42 or the display unit 20 to the central control unit 53 via the input / output interface unit 51. If it is confirmed that the print condition has been set by the central control unit 53 during the previous printing operation, the print condition set by the user is deleted from the first memory 54 (step S25), and then the process returns to step S11 and the user sets a new one. The printed conditions are stored in the first memory 54.

On the other hand, if the central control unit 53 does not confirm that the user has pressed any button other than the numeric keypad 42 or the setting call key 90 displayed on the display screen 30 (No in step S24), then the timer Based on the elapsed time, it is checked whether T ₂ has elapsed since the timer was started (step S26).

If the central control unit 53 does not confirm that T ₂ has elapsed since the timer was started based on the elapsed time by the timer (No in step S26), the process returns to step S23 and the setting call key 90 is set by the user. A confirmation is made as to whether or not it has been pressed.

On the other hand, when the central control unit 53 confirms that T ₂ has elapsed since the timer was started based on the elapsed time by the timer (Yes in step S26), the standby mode is shifted to the energy saving mode (step S26). S27), power supply to all electronic components in the image forming apparatus except the control board 14 is stopped.

  Subsequently, the power saving key 46 is turned on by transmitting a signal from the central control unit 53 to the power saving key 46 of the operation panel 13 via the input / output interface unit 51 (step S28). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the energy saving mode is canceled (step S29).

  When the central control unit 53 confirms that the energy saving mode has been canceled (Yes in step S29), that is, a signal output when the user presses the power saving key 46 is transmitted from the power saving key 46 to the input / output interface. When it is confirmed that the signal has been transmitted to the central control unit 53 via the unit 51, a signal is transmitted from the central control unit 53 to the display control unit 55 and the display screen 30 is turned on. The “call setting” function is read by the display control unit 55, and the setting call key 90 appears on the display screen 30 (see step S22).

On the other hand, the central control unit 53, and the energy saving mode is canceled is not confirmed (No in step S29), then, whether the timer on the basis of the elapsed time by the timer has elapsed T ₃ from the start Is confirmed (step S30).

If the central control unit 53 does not confirm that T ₃ has elapsed since the timer was started based on the elapsed time by the timer (No in step S30), the process returns to step S29 to determine whether the energy saving mode has been released. Is confirmed. On the other hand, the central control unit 53, the timer based on the elapsed time by the timer is confirmed that has elapsed T ₃ after starting (Yes in step S30), the user at the time of previous printing operation by the central control unit 53 Is deleted from the first memory 54 (step S31), and the process ends. That is, printing the operation is T ₃ has elapsed after completion, because be subsequently released energy-saving mode, the printing conditions set by the user during the previous printing operation is deleted from the first memory 54, a display screen The setting call key 90 does not appear on the screen 30, and the display screen 30 remains in the default state.

  When the user presses only the start key 43 without setting the printing conditions after the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, that is, the display screen 30 remains in the default state and the start key 43 is pressed. Since the printing conditions are not stored in the first memory 54 when printing is performed, the setting call key 90 does not appear on the display screen 30 during the standby mode after the completion of printing and when returning from the energy saving mode. In other words, the display screen 30 always remains in the default state (that is, the state in which no printing conditions are set by the user) while the display screen 30 is lit during the printing operation and after the printing is completed. It does not change.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing condition set by the user is stored in the first memory 54 until a predetermined time has elapsed after the printing is completed, so that the display can be performed during the standby mode or when returning from the energy saving mode. The setting call key 90 appears on the display screen 30 when the screen 30 is in a default state (that is, a state in which no printing condition is set by the user). When the user presses the setting call key 90 on the display screen 30, the printing conditions set by the user during the previous printing operation are read from the first memory 54 and displayed on the display screen 30.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the time from the end of the printing operation to the transition to the energy saving mode is shortened, and accordingly, the time until the display screen 30 transitions to the default state during the standby mode is shortened. Thus, for example, even if the display screen 30 shifts to the default state while the original is set on the original glass in order to read the image of the original, the printing conditions set during the previous printing operation are set again. There is no need to redo. For this reason, even if the functions (paper size, print density, etc.) provided in the image forming apparatus become multi-functional and the hierarchy of the display screen 30 becomes complicated, the printing conditions set during the previous printing operation can be called immediately. The usability of the image forming apparatus can be improved by improving the operability of the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, when the user performs printing without setting printing conditions other than the number of recording sheets, that is, the user presses the numeric keypad 42 arranged on the operation panel 13 to set the number of prints. In addition, when printing is performed by pressing the start key 43 without pressing any button displayed on the display screen 30, the setting call key 90 appears on the display screen 30 in the default state during the standby mode or when returning from the energy saving mode. It may not be possible.

  This is because the number of printing sheets of recording paper can be set by simply pressing the numeric key 42, and is set on the display screen 30 when the user performs printing without setting printing conditions other than the number of printing sheets of recording paper. This is because even if the call key 90 appears, the operability is not improved. On the other hand, by preventing the setting call key 90 from appearing on the display screen 30 at this time, it is possible to reduce only one option when the user sets the printing conditions, and to improve the operability of the image forming apparatus. Can be improved.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, as described above, when the elapsed time by the timer that is started when the printing operation is completed is less than the predetermined time T ₁ , the printing condition set by the user is displayed on the display screen 30. Then, the display screen 30 does not return to the default state (that is, the state in which no printing conditions are set by the user) (see FIG. 5). At this time, if the user who uses the image forming apparatus next presses the start key 43 without changing the printing conditions, printing is performed under the printing conditions set in the previous printing operation. In some cases, printing cannot be performed under printing conditions desired by a user using the image forming apparatus.

Thus, when the user presses the start key 43 when the elapsed time by a timer that starts when the printing operation is completed is less than a predetermined time T _1, and press again start key 43 If it is correct "set contents on the display screen 30 By displaying a message with a content such as “Please,” and confirming the setting contents, printing can be performed under printing conditions desired by the user.

  In the image forming apparatus, the operation of the image forming apparatus has been described only when the copy function is selected. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the copy function of the image forming apparatus. It is also possible to apply the configuration of the present invention to the functions of fax and fax.

  As described above, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and is particularly useful for controlling a display unit on which a function for setting image forming conditions is displayed.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 4 is a diagram illustrating functions provided on a basic screen displayed on a display screen in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating functions provided on a user function screen displayed on a display screen in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating functions provided on a function list screen displayed on the display screen in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a setting call key is arranged on a display screen in a default state. In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the user presses the setting call key, it is a diagram showing the content displayed on the display screen. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Document cover 11a, 11b, 11c Paper cassette 12 Paper discharge tray 13 Operation panel 14 Control board 20 Display unit 30 Display screen 31 Tab 40 Input key 41 Function switching key 42 Numeric keypad 43 Start key 44 Stop / clear key 45 Reset key 46 Power saving key 51 Input / output interface 52 ROM
53 Central controller 54 First memory 55 Display controller 56 Second memory 60 First screen (basic screen)
61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, 61e Paper selection button 62a Magnification display area 62b Automatic magnification selection button 62c Direct magnification selection button 62d, 63c, 64c, 71a, 81a Jump button 63a Sort selection button 63b Non-sort selection button 64a Single side to single side setting Button 64b One side → Double side setting button 70 Second screen (user function screen)
80 Third screen (function list screen)
81b Page change key 90 Setting call key

Claims (3)

A display screen for displaying a plurality of functions for setting image forming conditions; and a function selection unit for selecting a plurality of functions displayed on the display screen, and the plurality of functions displayed on the display screen. In an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation based on an image forming condition set by selection by the function selection unit,
A storage unit for storing image forming conditions set by selecting a plurality of functions displayed on the display screen by the function selection unit;
The image forming conditions set by selecting a plurality of functions displayed on the display screen by the function selecting unit are read from the storage unit after the image forming operation based on the image forming conditions is completed, and the display screen A setting call key to display on the
With
When the setting call key is selected, the image forming conditions set by selecting the plurality of functions displayed on the display screen by the function selection unit are read from the storage unit, and the display on the display screen is the default. button switches the mode to a state where a plurality of functions is selected by the state the function selection unit,
When the image forming operation is completed, the display mode is shifted to the standby mode in which the transition to the image forming operation can be immediately performed. When the first predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the standby mode, the display screen is displayed during the standby mode. The display switches from a state where a plurality of functions are selected by the function selection unit to a default state and the setting call key appears on the display screen,
When the image forming operation is completed, the apparatus shifts to the standby mode in which the transition to the image forming operation can be immediately performed, and when the second predetermined time has elapsed after the transition to the standby mode, the apparatus except the control system from the standby mode Transition to energy saving mode to stop power supply to all internal electronic components,
When the energy saving mode is canceled before the third predetermined time elapses after the transition to the energy saving mode, the setting call key appears on the display screen, and the mode shifts to the energy saving mode. Then, the setting call key does not appear on the display screen when the energy saving mode is canceled after the third predetermined time has elapsed . An image forming condition set by selecting a plurality of functions by the function selection unit stored in the storage unit when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the shift to the energy saving mode is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image forming apparatus is deleted from the image forming unit. A number setting unit for setting the number of image forming sheets of recording paper is provided as a part of the function selection unit,
The image forming number set by the number setting unit is stored in the storage unit as an image forming condition, and
During image forming operation, it is confirmed that the image forming conditions set by selecting a plurality of functions by the function selecting unit other than the image forming number set by the number setting unit are not stored in the storage unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting call key does not appear on the display screen .

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