JP6070922B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints and outputs an image on a sheet, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that is connected to an external device to constitute an image forming system.

  In an image forming apparatus that prints and outputs an image on paper, the paper fed from a paper feed tray is transported in the apparatus and an image is printed in the image forming unit, and then transported in the apparatus and discharged. Or transported to an external device such as a post-processing device. Further, the conveyance is also performed by an external device connected to the image forming apparatus. In the course of this conveyance, a problem may occur in the conveyance of the paper, and JAM, that is, a paper jam may occur. Paper jams can occur anywhere in the transport path. For this reason, conventionally, there is a function of displaying an illustration of the machine together with the JAM position on the operation panel and guiding the JAM processing visually and intuitively to the operator.

The illustration of the machine used for the above function is installed in the firmware including the figure of the already released external device in addition to the main body diagram.
In the image forming system, an external device connected to the image forming apparatus can be selected from those already released, and the system can be constructed. At this time, the device configuration is recognized, and based on the recognition, a necessary illustration is selected from the firmware and the machine illustration is rewritten (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
An image forming apparatus having a function of editing an image displayed on the image forming apparatus has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2), but does not have a function of editing the illustration of the machine as described above.

  In other words, in the conventional image forming apparatus, it is possible to display the illustration of the machine exclusively using the figure installed in the firmware, and even if the already released external device is replaced, added, or removed, it can handle this The illustration can be displayed.

JP 2003-134424 A JP 2005-8311 A

  However, in the image forming system, user requests are various and sophisticated, and there are cases where it is desired to use not only external devices that have already been released but also external devices that will be released later. However, in the image forming system configured as described above, the illustration of the machine installed in the firmware cannot cope with the later external device, and a standard illustration or the like must be temporarily used. In this case, there is a problem that an illustration that does not correspond to an actual external device cannot accurately indicate the JAM position or guide the JAM processing when, for example, a JAM occurs. For this reason, in order to display an illustration corresponding to a later external device, it is necessary to change the firmware corresponding to a new machine combination. However, there is a problem that if the firmware of each image forming apparatus is changed every time an external apparatus is released later, the work becomes enormous, which is not realistic.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of changing the mechanical configuration diagram of an image forming system without rewriting firmware.

That is, among the image forming apparatuses of the present invention, the first aspect of the present invention is a printer unit that prints and outputs an image on paper,
An operation display for performing display and operation input;
A control unit for controlling the printer unit and the operation display unit,
The control unit can display the machine configuration diagram on the operation display unit based on image data prepared in advance, showing a machine configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by connecting the device and an external device. And making it possible to change and display the machine configuration diagram according to input image data ,
The input image data is data associated with a job,
The job is a job input by being read by an image reading unit or a print job input from the outside.

According to the present invention, the machine configuration diagram based on image data prepared in advance can be changed using input image data. The change of the machine configuration diagram is usually performed on a part of the machine configuration diagram. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire machine configuration diagram can be changed. Changes are made by rewriting or adding. The image data prepared in advance is provided in the form of firmware, for example.
Without changing the firmware, it is possible to replace existing illustrations of external devices and post-processing machines released later, and use illustrations according to the user's intentions.
Further, according to the present invention, input image data can be acquired by inputting a job. The job input method is not particularly limited in the present invention. As the job, it is possible to use a job that has been read and input by an image reading unit or that has been introduced from the outside.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a printer unit that prints and outputs an image on paper,
An operation display for performing display and operation input;
A control unit for controlling the printer unit and the operation display unit,
The control unit shows a machine configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by connecting the device and an external device, and the machine configuration diagram can be displayed on the operation display unit based on the image data prepared in advance. In addition, the machine configuration diagram can be changed and displayed by input image data having data corresponding to an external device and provisional data not corresponding to the external device. The image can be enlarged / reduced to an arbitrary size in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction by the operation of the operation display unit .

  According to the present invention, the machine configuration diagram based on image data prepared in advance can be changed using input image data. The change of the machine configuration diagram is usually performed on a part of the machine configuration diagram, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire machine configuration diagram can be changed. Changes are made by rewriting or adding. The image data prepared in advance is provided in the form of firmware, for example.
  Without changing the firmware, it is possible to replace existing illustrations of external devices and post-processing machines released later, and use illustrations according to the user's intentions.
Further, according to the present invention, the size of the entire image based on the input image data can be enlarged or reduced. At this time, other parts of the machine configuration diagram other than those based on the input image data may be edited together with the above contents.

Third image forming apparatus of the present invention, prior Symbol second present invention, the input image data is characterized by a data associated with the job.

  According to the present invention, input image data can be acquired by inputting a job. The job input method is not particularly limited in the present invention.

In the image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the control unit enables editing of any one of an area, a size, and a color of the image based on the input image data. Features.
An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the input image data is data transferred from the outside to the apparatus .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the input image can be edited with at least one of area, size, and color. At this time, other parts of the machine configuration diagram other than those based on the input image data may be edited together with the above contents. For example, in region editing, it is possible to specify a region including a part other than the input image.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention , input image data can be acquired using an external memory, an external storage device, or the like. Further, the image data may be transferred through a network or the like.

An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit reads the input image data by external data transfer and an image reading unit of the apparatus. it is characterized in that it is possible to select and retrieve one of the job input entered.

  According to the present invention, a method for acquiring input image data can be selected. The selection can be performed by the operator through the display operation unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the control unit is a partial diagram of a mechanical configuration diagram corresponding to each device constituting the image forming system. It can be changed independently.

  According to the present invention, a partial view of the machine configuration diagram can be changed for each apparatus, and the change work is facilitated.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect , wherein the input image data is a partial diagram of a mechanical configuration diagram corresponding to each apparatus constituting the image forming system. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the partial diagram of the machine configuration diagram can be changed by the input image data corresponding to the partial diagram of the machine configuration diagram.

An image forming apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit displays a partial diagram of a machine configuration diagram corresponding to each apparatus constituting the image forming system, based on the input image data. It is possible to replace with.

  According to the present invention, the partial diagram of the machine configuration diagram can be replaced and changed by the input image data corresponding to the partial diagram of the machine configuration diagram.

An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the control section enables editing of an image by the input image data through the operation display section. And

  According to the present invention, an image can be edited with input image data through the operation display unit. The image can be edited after the machine configuration diagram is changed, but the image may be edited before the machine configuration diagram is changed. However, editing the image after changing the machine configuration diagram can edit the image in consideration of the balance of the entire machine configuration diagram. When editing is performed after changing the machine configuration diagram, other parts of the machine configuration diagram other than those based on the input image data may be edited together.

  An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, the control unit can make the change through the operation display unit.

  According to the present invention, the machine configuration diagram can be changed by the input image through the operation display unit. Note that the mechanical configuration diagram may be changed without passing the operation display unit in accordance with the acquisition of the input image.

  In the image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, the control unit passes through the operation display unit with respect to the mechanical configuration diagram changed by input image data. It is possible to set a JAM position associated with a JAM error type.

  According to the present invention, the JAM position can be set in the mechanism configuration diagram changed by the input image data, and appropriate JAM position display and guidance suitable for the apparatus can be performed. Further, data management can be performed by linking a function for renewing a machine configuration diagram without changing firmware and machine-specific information such as a JAM position. In addition, it is possible to set a JAM position for a JAM error type also for a post-processing device for a later release.

  An image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores image data related to the machine configuration diagram in a nonvolatile manner.

  According to the present invention, the image data of the machine configuration diagram and the input image data held in advance can be stored in the non-volatile storage unit and read out for use. The image data of the machine configuration diagram and the input image data may be stored in different devices.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the image data is stored in the storage unit in association with the image forming apparatus or the external apparatus.

  According to the present invention, a machine configuration diagram can be appropriately displayed according to the apparatus configuration.

As described above, according to the present invention, the machine configuration diagram held in advance can be changed by the input image data that is input thereafter, and the machine configuration diagram is also adapted to this in an external device released later. Can be easily changed and no firmware update is required.
For example, by providing an OEM, the user can easily change the machine configuration diagram in response to a request for a desired illustration change or connection of a post-processor by a third vendor.

1 is an overall view of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, an overall block diagram of the image forming apparatus is shown. Similarly, it is a machine illustration replacement mode setting screen example. Similarly, it is an example of a target unit selection screen. Similarly, it is an example of a job selection screen for replacing machine illustrations. Similarly, it is an example of a machine illustration replacement screen. Similarly, it is an example of a selection screen for selecting an image data input method used for replacing the machine illustration. Similarly, it is an example of a job selection screen selected as an input method. Similarly, it is an example of the designated position adjustment screen for the illustration for replacement. Similarly, it is an example of a screen for changing the size of the illustration for replacement. Similarly, it is an example of a JAM position setting screen in the changed machine illustration. Similarly, it is a flowchart in the machine state display. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure of appearance illustration display. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for changing illustrations. Similarly, it is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a jam occurs.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a central sectional view of the entire image forming system, showing a mechanical configuration. The configuration will be described below.
The image forming stem 1 has a large-capacity paper feed tray 161 connected to the front side of the image forming apparatus 1a and a post-processing device (FNS) 180 connected to the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1a. In this embodiment, the large-capacity paper feed tray 161 and the post-processing device (FNS) 180 correspond to the external device of the present invention. In the image forming system 1, paper can be transported between the apparatuses and can communicate with each other.

In the image forming apparatus 1a, a scanner unit 130 including a CCD 131 and a flow type automatic document feeder (ADF) 135 are provided on the upper side, and an image of a document is passed through a platen glass 137 or an ADF document reading slit glass 138. Reading is possible.
The above-described scanner unit 130, casting type automatic document feeder (ADF) 135, platen glass 137, ADF document reading slit glass 138, and the like constitute an image reading unit.
In addition, an operation unit 140 (shown in FIG. 2) including a touch panel is provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1a where the platen glass 137 is not located, so that an operation and information display by the operator can be performed. . The operation unit 140 constitutes an operation unit and also serves as the display unit of the present invention. In the present invention, the operation unit and the display unit can be configured separately.

A plurality of paper feed trays (1-3) 160 (three stages in the figure) are arranged on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 1a, and a large capacity having a paper feed tray attached to the image forming apparatus 1a. A paper feeding unit 161 is arranged.
In the image forming apparatus 1a, a transport path for transporting paper fed from any of the paper feed trays, a second paper feed roller 162, and the like are provided, and in the middle of the transport path in the image forming apparatus 1a, An image forming unit 151 including a charger 152, an LD 153, a photoconductor 154, a developing unit 155, a transfer unit 156, a fixing unit 157, and the like is provided. Further, the large-capacity paper feeding unit 161 is provided with a conveyance path (not shown) through which each fed paper is conveyed and introduced into the image forming apparatus 1a. Further, the post-processing apparatus (FNS) 180 has a paper discharge path for carrying out paper discharge by carrying out post-processing without conveying the paper on which the image is printed.
The image forming unit 151, the paper feed tray (1-3) 160, the large-capacity paper feed unit 161, the conveyance path, the second paper feed roller 162, and the like constitute the printer unit 150 of the present invention.

  In the image forming unit 151, the charger 152, the developing unit 155, and the transfer unit 156 are arranged around the photoconductor 154. The charger 152 uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor 154 before image writing. The LD 153 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 154 by irradiating the photoconductor 154 having a uniformly charged surface with a semiconductor laser. The developing device 155 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 154 by the LD 153 with a toner member. By this development processing, a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 154. The transfer unit 156 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive member 154 to a sheet conveyed from the sheet feed tray (1-3) 60 or the large-capacity sheet feed tray 161. The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photoreceptor 154 and conveyed to the fixing device 157. The toner member remaining on the photoreceptor 154 is removed by the cleaning unit.

The fixing device 157 fixes the toner image transferred to the front side of the sheet by heating the conveyed sheet. In the case of single-sided printing, the sheet subjected to the fixing process is conveyed as it is to a post-processing apparatus (FNS) 180 positioned on the side of the image forming apparatus 1a.
A post-processing device (FNS) 180 performs post-processing such as stapling, punching, and half-folding. The post-processing device (FNS) 180 is provided with a first paper discharge port 182 and a second paper discharge port 183, and either one is selected and discharged. On the other hand, in the case of duplex printing, the fixed sheet is switched back and a predetermined image is transferred by the image forming unit 151 to the back side of the sheet. The paper on which images are formed on both sides is conveyed to a post-processing device (FNS) 180 after fixing.
The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 1a, a large-capacity paper feed tray 161, and a post-processing apparatus (FNS) 180. However, according to the present invention, an apparatus constituting the image forming system is an image forming system. In addition to the forming device, the number and type of the forming device are not particularly limited, and may include a plurality of post-processing devices. In addition, various external devices such as a relay device and a stack device are connected. be able to.

Next, a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The image forming apparatus 1a includes, as main components, a digital copier body having an image control unit 110, a scanner unit 130, an operation unit 140, and a printer unit 150, and a terminal A (PC) and a terminal B (PC) through a LAN. And image processing means (print & scanner controller) 170 for processing image data input / output between them.

  The image control unit 110 has a PCI bus 112, and the PCI bus 112 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111 in the image control unit 110. Further, the image control unit 110 includes an image control CPU 113, and the DRAM control IC 111 is connected to the image control CPU 113. A non-volatile memory 115 is connected to the image control CPU 113. The nonvolatile memory 115 stores in advance a program for operating the image control CPU 113, setting data of the image forming apparatus 1a, process control parameters, image data for a machine configuration diagram of the image forming system 1, and the like. The image data for the machine configuration diagram can be read by the image control CPU 113 as necessary and displayed on the screen of the operation unit 140. Therefore, the nonvolatile memory 115 functions as a nonvolatile storage unit in the present invention.

The image control CPU 113 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1a and grasps the state of the entire image forming apparatus 1a, and performs sheet conveyance control, image formation control, operation display control, and the like. That is, the image control CPU 113 functions as a control unit of the present invention.
For example, in response to an instruction from the operation unit 140, the printer unit 150 is notified of tray selection / post-processing mode setting / various image forming condition settings, and printing is instructed.

  In addition, an IO unit 119 is connected to the image control CPU 113. The IO unit 119 operates as an interface that exchanges information with each unit in the image forming apparatus 1a. For example, detection results of a plurality of paper passing sensors provided in the conveyance path are transmitted to the image control CPU 1113. If the sheet is not detected by the sheet passing sensor for a predetermined time during sheet conveyance, the image control CPU 113 can determine the occurrence of JAM and the JAM occurrence position based on the position of the sheet passing sensor that is not detected.

  The scanner unit 130 includes a CCD 131 that performs optical reading and a scanner control unit 132 that controls the entire scanner unit 130. The scanner control unit 132 is connected to the image control CPU 113 so as to be capable of serial communication, and is controlled by the image control CPU 113. The scanner control unit 132 can be configured by a CPU or a program for operating the CPU. The image data read by the CCD 131 is subjected to data processing by the reading processing unit 116. A compression IC 117 that compresses image data is connected to the reading processing unit 116, and the compression IC 117 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111 described above.

  The operation unit 140 includes a touch panel type LCD 141 and an operation unit control unit 142. The LCD 141 and the operation unit control unit 142 are connected, and the operation unit control unit 142 and the image control CPU 113 are serially connected. It is connected so that it can communicate. With this configuration, the operation control unit 140 is controlled by the image control CPU 113. The operation unit control unit 142 can be configured by a CPU, a program for operating the CPU, and the like. The operation unit 140 can input operation control conditions such as settings and operation commands in the image forming apparatus 1a, and can display setting contents, machine states, information, and the like. Controlled by By the operation unit 140, a predetermined operation and display can be performed. For example, in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 140, the image control CPU 113 is instructed to select a tray to be used, set a post-processing mode such as stapling or punching, or set various image forming conditions. Displayed on the LCD 141.

  The DRAM control IC 111 is connected to an image memory 120 including a compression memory 121 and a page memory 122. The image memory 120 stores image data acquired by the scanner unit 130 and image data associated with a job acquired through the LAN 3. As described above, the image memory 120 is a storage area for image data, and stores image data of a job to be printed. The DRAM control IC 111 can store image data relating to a plurality of jobs in the image memory 120. That is, the image memory 120 can store image data of a reserved job.

  Further, a decompression IC 125 that decompresses the compressed image data is connected to the DRAM control IC 111, and a write processing unit 126 is connected to the decompression IC 125. The write processing unit 126 is connected to the LD 153 of the printer unit 150 and processes data used for the operation of the LD 153. The printer unit 150 includes a printer control unit 159 that controls the entire printer unit 150. The printer control unit 159 is connected to the image control CPU 113 and is controlled. That is, the printing operation is started / stopped according to the parameters given from the image control IC 113. The printer unit 150 includes the paper feed tray (1-3) 160, the image forming unit 151, the second paper feed roller 162, a conveyance path, and the like. The operation of the printer unit 150 is controlled by the image control CPU 113. .

  Further, a LAN interface 118 is connected to the DRAM control IC 111, and the LAN interface 118 is connected to the LAN 3. Thereby, image data can be received from the external terminal A (PC) or terminal B (PC).

  Further, the PCI bus 112 connected to the DRAM control IC 111 is connected to the DRAM control IC 171 of the image processing means (print & scanner controller) 170 described above. In the image processing means (print & scanner controller) 170, an image memory 172 is connected to the DRAM control IC 171. In the image processing means (print & scanner controller) 170, a controller control CPU 173 is connected to the DRAM control IC 171, and a LAN interface 175 is connected to the DRAM control IC 171. The LAN interface 175 is connected to the LAN 3.

Next, the basic operation of the image forming apparatus 1a will be described.
First, a procedure for accumulating image data in the image forming apparatus 1a will be described.
When the scanner unit 130 reads an image of a document and generates image data, the scanner unit 130 optically reads the document image from the document by the CCD 131. At this time, the operation of the CCD 131 is controlled by the scanner control unit 132 that receives a command from the image control CPU 113. The image read by the CCD 131 is subjected to data processing by the reading processing unit 116, and the image data subjected to the data processing is compressed by the compression IC 117 by a predetermined method and stored in the compression memory 121 via the DRAM control IC 111. The image data stored in the compression memory 121 can be managed as a job by the image control CPU 113.

When acquiring image data from the outside, for example, print job data transmitted from the terminal A (PC) or terminal B (PC) through the LAN 3 is transmitted via the LAN interface 175, and the DRAM control IC 171 obtains the image data. And stored in the image memory 172. Data in the image memory 172 is temporarily stored in the page memory 122 via the DRAM control IC 171, the PCI bus 112, and the DRAM control IC 111. Data stored in the page memory 122 is sequentially sent to the compression IC 117 via the DRAM control IC 111 and compressed, stored in the compression memory 121 via the DRAM control IC 111, and managed by the image control CPU 113 in the same manner as described above. Made.
The image data transferred from the terminal A (PC) or the terminal B (PC) through the LAN 3 is input to the DRAM control IC 111 through the LAN 3 and LAN interface 118, and further stored in the compression memory 121 in the same manner as described above. Management by the image control CPU 113 is performed.
Further, the image data may be transferred from an external memory or a device temporarily connected to the image forming apparatus 1a and stored in the compression memory 121 in the same manner as described above.

  When the input image data for the machine configuration diagram is obtained by reading, transferring image data, or inputting a print job, the image control CPU 113 is stored in the image memory 120 and then used in the machine configuration diagram. Is stored in the non-volatile memory 115 according to the instruction.

  When image output is performed by the image forming apparatus 1a, that is, when used as a copying machine or a printer, the image data stored in the compression memory 121 is sent to the decompression IC 125 via the DRAM control IC 111 to decompress and decompress the data. The data is sent to the writing processing unit 126, and the LD 153 writes to the photoconductor 154.

In the printer unit 150, each unit is controlled by the printer control unit 159 that receives a command from the image control CPU 113. That is, printing and post-processing are performed based on the image forming conditions and post-processing mode instructed from the image control CPU 113.
Specifically, in the image forming unit 151, the toner image written on the photoreceptor 154 is transferred to the paper supplied from the paper feed tray (1-3) 160 or the large capacity paper feed tray 161 in the transfer unit 154. Fixing is performed by the fixing device 157. The paper on which the image has been formed is transported to a post-processing apparatus (FNS unit) 180 through a transport path, where post-processing is performed when post-processing is designated, and when post-processing is unnecessary, the first discharge is performed as it is. Paper is discharged from the paper outlet 182 and the second paper outlet 183. When there are a plurality of reserved jobs, the image output is sequentially performed according to the setting order.
In the photosensitive member 154, after the toner image is transferred to the paper by the transfer unit 156, the residual toner is removed by a cleaning unit (not shown).

Next, a menu screen for changing the machine configuration diagram of the image forming system will be described.
FIG. 3 shows an operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400 displayed on the LCD 141 of the operation unit 140.
The operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400 is displayed by pressing an operation screen customization setting screen button 1401 on the menu screen. Various operation screens can be set on the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400, and a part of the machine configuration diagram of the image forming system is replaced with the image of the input image data by pressing the machine illustration replacement button 1402. Transition to the menu screen.

On the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400, setting items are confirmed and registered by pressing an end button 1403. Also, when the close button 1404 is pressed, the setting contents are canceled and the screen returns to the menu screen which is the parent screen.
When the machine configuration diagram is replaced and changed with an image based on the input image data, the changed machine configuration diagram is stored in the nonvolatile memory 115 in a readable manner corresponding to each device. At this time, the image data of the machine configuration diagram before the change may be stored together.

FIG. 4 shows an operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1410 displayed when the machine illustration replacement button 1402 is pushed on the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400.
On the operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1410, the machine configuration diagram 1411 of the image forming system 1 is displayed on the screen in the central display area. At this time, in the machine configuration diagram 1411, partial views are independently displayed according to the respective devices constituting the image forming system 1, and can be selected and operated for each partial view. The selection operation can be performed by pressing a corresponding partial view area. In this example, it is possible to select partial views 1411a, 1411b, 1411c, 1411d, and 1411e according to each device, and the partial view 1411d is selected and a frame is displayed. In each partial view, an illustration of each device is read according to the device configuration recognized by the image control CPU 113, and an illustration of the entire image forming system 1 is displayed according to the connection order and the like. In the present invention, the machine configuration diagram may be displayed without being independent for each device.

On the operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1410, an OK button 1412 and a cancel button 1413 are displayed in a display area on the lower right side of the screen so that they can be pressed. When the OK button 1412 is pressed, the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400 is returned with the change of the machine configuration diagram held, and when the cancel button 1413 is pressed, the change of the machine configuration diagram is held. The screen returns to the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400.
In addition, a display 1415 for prompting selection is displayed in the upper left display area of the operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1410.

FIG. 5 shows a machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1420 for acquiring input image data corresponding to the partial view of the apparatus selected on the operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1410. The job is provided by reading an image or inputting a print job by the image reading unit.
On the machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1420, a job list 1421 is displayed so as to be selectable from the center to the right side of the screen. When a display portion corresponding to each job in the job list 1421 is pressed, the job is selected and a job content display field 1422 indicating the job setting content is displayed in the display area on the left side of the machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1420. An image display unit 1423 showing the associated screen is displayed.
When a plurality of jobs are displayed in the job list 1421, when changing to another job, the job selection is changed by pressing a display portion corresponding to the job to be changed.

When changing the machine configuration diagram using the selected job image as an input image, the user can press the OK button 1425 displayed in the lower right display area of the machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1420 to push the job. The selection is tentatively determined. When a cancel button 1426 is pressed, job selection is canceled.
When the OK button 1425 or the cancel button 1426 is pressed, the screen transitions to an operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1430 reflecting illustration replacement.

In the operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1430 shown in FIG. 6, when the job selection is provisionally determined, the partial view of the corresponding device is replaced with the image selected and associated with the job. A configuration diagram 1431 is displayed. In the machine configuration diagram 1431, in the other partial diagrams other than the modified partial diagram 1411d, the previous partial diagrams 1411a, 1411b, 1411c, and 1411e are used, and the part corresponding to the modified device is replaced with the partial diagram 1431d. Yes.
On this screen, when the OK button 1432 displayed in the lower right area of the screen is pressed, the machine configuration diagram 1431 replaced with the partial diagram 1431d is confirmed, and the image data corresponding to the partial diagram 1431d is stored in the external device. It is stored in the nonvolatile memory 115 in association with the identification information. When the cancel button 1433 is pressed, the selection of the partially selected partial diagram 1431d is canceled.
When the OK button 1432 or the cancel button 1433 is pressed, the screen returns to the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400.

In the above example, it has been described that acquisition of input image data for changing the machine configuration diagram is acquired only from a print job. However, an acquisition method may be selected.
FIG. 7 shows an input method selection menu screen 1440 for selecting an image data input method. The input method selection menu screen 1440 can be displayed by, for example, pressing the machine illustration replacement button 1402 on the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400 of FIG.

In the input method selection menu screen 1440, a job data selection button 1441 and an external memory selection button 1442 are displayed in the center display area side by side so as to be pushable, and either can be selectively pushed. For example, when the job data selection button 1441 is pressed to select job input and then the external memory selection button 1442 is pressed, the external memory selection button 1442 is preferentially switched to input from the external memory. By pressing any one of the selection buttons and pressing an OK button 1443 that can be pushed in the display area on the lower right side of the input method selection menu screen 1440, the input selection is confirmed. The selection of input is canceled by pushing a cancel button 1444 displayed in the same area so as to be pushable. When a cancel button 1444 is pressed, the screen returns to the main screen.
When the OK button 1443 is pressed, a screen corresponding to the selected input method is displayed.

FIG. 8 shows a machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1450 displayed when the job data selection button 1441 is pushed and the OK button 1443 is pushed.
The machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1450 displays a job list 1451, a job content display field 1452, an image display unit 1453, an OK button 1455, and a cancel button 1456, similar to the machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1420 of FIG. 5. ing.
The processing procedure when an operable button or job list 1451 is operated is the same as that of the machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1420 of FIG.

  Next, FIG. 9 shows an area designation screen 1460 for performing area designation in the machine configuration diagram with the partial views replaced. The area designation screen 1460 can be changed, for example, when the OK button 1432 is pressed on the operation screen customization setting (mechanical illustration replacement) screen 1430 of FIG. In addition, an edit button is displayed on the operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1430 in which the partial diagrams have been replaced, and the region designation screen 1460 is transitioned to when the edit button is pressed. May be.

  On the area designation screen 1460, an enlarged configuration diagram 1461 including the replaced partial view is displayed. In the enlarged configuration diagram 1461, a designated area 1462 to be edited is displayed in a frame shape. This area may be the same area as the partial view, or may be smaller than the partial view and larger than the partial view. In this example, the designated area is trimmed smaller than the partial view.

  On the area designation screen 1460, a position adjustment button 1463 for finely adjusting the designated position is displayed in the area on the lower right side of the screen so that it can be pushed. The position adjustment button 1463 includes four direction buttons, upper, lower, left, and right. When any one of the buttons is pressed, the position of the designated area 1462 can be adjusted according to the direction of the direction button. In the position adjustment, after selecting one of the four corners of the designated area 1462 and adjusting the position, the position of the designated area 1462 is changed by changing the position of the selected corner.

  Next, FIG. 10 shows a size change screen 1470 for changing the size of the designated area. The size change screen 1470 can be changed when, for example, the OK button 1432 is pressed on the operation screen customization setting (mechanical illustration replacement) screen 1430 of FIG. In addition, an edit button is displayed on the operation screen customization setting (machine illustration replacement) screen 1430 in which the partial diagrams have been replaced, and the screen is changed to the size change screen 1470 when the edit button is pressed. May be. Further, after the area is designated on the area designation screen 1460, the transition may be made by pressing the OK button 1464.

A machine configuration diagram 1471 is displayed at the center of the size change screen 1470, and the size of the area 1472 of the replaced partial view can be changed. A size change button 1473 for changing the size is displayed in the area below the center of the screen of the size change screen 1470 so that it can be pushed. The size change button 1473 includes four direction buttons, upper, lower, left, and right. When one of the buttons is pressed, the size of the area 1472 can be adjusted according to the direction of the direction button. The image is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the change in the size of the area 1472. When changing the size, the size of the region 1472 is changed so that the position of the selected corner is changed by selecting one of the four corners of the region 1472 and then changing the size. For this reason, the corner opposite to the selected corner becomes the reference position.
When the OK button 1474 on the lower right side of the size change screen 1470 is pressed, the size change is confirmed, and when the cancel button 1475 is also pressed on the lower right side of the screen, the size change before confirmation is canceled. In the upper left area of the size change screen 1470, a display 1476 indicating that the size can be changed is shown.
Regarding the editing of the input image, the area designation and the size change have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the color designation / change, screen correction, partial deletion, and the like may be performed.

Next, FIG. 11 shows a JAM position setting screen 1480 for setting the JAM position in the machine configuration diagram 1481 changed by the input image data.
On the JAM position setting screen 1480, the machine configuration diagram 1481 is displayed in the center area of the screen, and the changed partial diagram 1482 is highlighted. In the partial diagram 1482, assumed JAM occurrence positions 1482a, 1482b, 1482c, and 1482d are set, and the JAM code can be registered for each assumed JAM occurrence position.
On the JAM position setting screen 1480, a numeric keypad 1483 is displayed on the right side of the screen so as to be pushable, and a JAM code display portion 1484 that indicates a numerical value input by the numeric keypad 1483 is provided on the left side of the screen. On the lower left side of the screen, a JAM position setting button 1485 is displayed so that it can be pushed.

When the JAM position setting button 1485 is pressed, the numeric keypad 1483 and the assumed JAM occurrence positions 1482a, 1482b, 1482c, and 1482d can be operated. On the JAM position setting screen 1480, a display 1486 indicating the input procedure is made. Following this procedure, after inputting a jam code with the numeric keypad 1483, when one of the assumed jam occurrence positions 1482a, 1482b, 1482c, and 1482d is pressed, the jam code is set in association with the expected jam occurrence position and the setting data is non-volatile. Stored in the memory 115.
For example, if it is determined that jamming has occurred at jamming assumed positions 1482a, 1482b, 1482c, and 1482d during paper conveyance, a jam code corresponding to the jamming assumed position is read from the non-volatile memory-115, and the jam code is read. Processing according to is performed. For example, in order to remove the paper, the jam occurrence position is displayed in the machine configuration diagram 1481 in correspondence with the expected jam occurrence position, and guidance display (operation procedure display, etc.) for eliminating JAM is performed.

Next, the procedure for displaying the machine configuration diagram in the machine status display will be described. The following display procedure is executed under the control of the image control CPU 113.
As shown in FIG. 12, the appearance illustration display process is performed in the machine state display (step s1), and other displays such as a JAM position display are performed (step s2).

Next, the detailed procedure of the external appearance illustration display described above will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, an option unit (corresponding to an external device of the present invention) connected to the image forming apparatus and constituting the image forming system is detected. The number of units to be detected is N.
n = 1 is set (step s11), and it is determined whether the illustration of the nth connection unit is held in the nonvolatile memory 115 (step s12). If it is determined that there is an illustration (step s12, Yes), the illustration is read from the nonvolatile memory 115 (step s13), and it is determined whether n has reached N (step s15). On the other hand, if it is determined in step s12 that there is no illustration (step s12, No), the provisional illustration is read from the nonvolatile memory (step s14), and it is determined whether n has reached N (step s15). The provisional illustration is prepared in advance so that it can be used when connecting an unscheduled external device.

  If n has not reached N (step s15, No), 1 is added to n (step s16), the process returns to step s12, and the same procedure is repeated. If n has reached N (step s15, Yes), an external appearance illustration of the image forming system is created based on the connection position of each option unit and the external appearance illustration of each option (step s17). Next, an illustration is displayed as an apparatus configuration diagram on the operation unit 14 (step s18), and the appearance illustration display process is terminated.

Next, the procedure for changing the illustration will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, an appearance illustration is displayed based on the already stored image data (step s20). Next, the target unit to be changed is selected (step s21). For example, the target unit can be selected on the operation screen customization setting menu screen 1400 shown in FIG.
After selecting the target unit, an image input method is selected (step s22). For example, the input method can be selected on the input method selection menu screen 1440 of FIG.

  After the selection, it is determined whether the input method is job data (step s23). If it is job data, a job list is displayed on the machine illustration replacement job selection screen 1450 shown in FIG. 8 (step s24), and job selection processing based on the operation of the operator is performed (step s25). Is to be edited (step s27). If the selected input method is not job data, the other option here is acquisition from an external memory, so an image in the external memory is read (step s26), and it is determined whether to edit the input screen. (Step s27).

The input screen editing process starts when the operator selects the editing process.
When the screen is not edited (No at Step s27), the appearance illustration is immediately displayed (Step s32). The processing procedure of step s32 is the same as the procedure of the external appearance illustration display of FIG.
When editing the screen (step s27, Yes), it is determined whether to trim the input screen (step s28). Trimming can be performed on the area designation screen 1460 of FIG. When trimming is to be performed (step s28, Yes), trimming processing is performed (step s29), and then it is determined whether to adjust the size of the input screen (step s30). When trimming is not performed, it is determined whether to adjust the size of the input screen (step s30). When the screen size is adjusted (step s30, Yes), the size is adjusted (step s31), and then the appearance illustration is displayed (step s32). The size adjustment of the input screen can be performed, for example, on the size change screen 1470 of FIG.
When the screen size is not adjusted (step s30, No), the appearance illustration is displayed (step s32).

After the illustration of the appearance is displayed, it is determined whether to set the JAM position (step s33). The setting of the JAM position is performed, for example, using the JAM position setting screen 1480 shown in FIG.
When setting the JAM position (step s33, Yes), a jam code is input (step s34), the jam position is set (step s35), and it is determined whether it is OK (step s36). If the JAM position is not set (step s33, No), it is immediately determined whether it is OK (step s36).
If it is determined in step s36 that it is not OK (No in step s36), the process returns to step s27, and processing such as editing is repeated. On the other hand, if the determination is OK in step s36 (step s36, Yes), the illustration is associated with the unit, the JAM position for the illustration is registered in association with the JAM code (step s37), and the procedure is terminated.

Next, a processing procedure when JAM occurs will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
When JAM occurs, a JAM code is received (step s40), and a JAM generating unit is determined (step s41). Next, it is determined whether there is a JAM location registration associated with the JAM code (step s42). If there is a JAM registration (step s42, Yes), the JAM location is read out and displayed on the external appearance illustration (step s43). finish. If there is no JAM registration (No at step s42), the entire JAM generating unit is identified and displayed (step s44), and the process ends.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiment, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. is there.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 1a Image forming apparatus 3 LAN
113 Image control CPU
115 Non-volatile memory 151 Image forming unit 130 Scanner unit 140 Operation unit 150 Printer unit 161 Large-capacity paper feed tray 161
170 Image processing means (print & scanner controller)
180 Post-processing device (FNS)

Claims (14)

A printer unit that prints and outputs images on paper;
An operation display for performing display and operation input;
A control unit for controlling the printer unit and the operation display unit,
The control unit can display the machine configuration diagram on the operation display unit based on image data prepared in advance, showing a machine configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by connecting the device and an external device. And making it possible to change and display the machine configuration diagram according to input image data,
The input image data is data associated with a job,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job is a job input by being read by an image reading unit, or a print job input from the outside. A printer unit that prints and outputs images on paper;
An operation display for performing display and operation input;
A control unit for controlling the printer unit and the operation display unit,
The control unit shows a machine configuration diagram of an image forming system configured by connecting the device and an external device, and the machine configuration diagram can be displayed on the operation display unit based on the image data prepared in advance. In addition, the machine configuration diagram can be changed and displayed by input image data having data corresponding to an external device and provisional data not corresponding to the external device. An image forming apparatus characterized in that an image can be enlarged / reduced to an arbitrary size in the horizontal and vertical directions by the operation of the operation display unit .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input image data is data associated with a job.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit enables editing of any one of an area, a size, and a color of the image based on the input image data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input image data is data transferred from the outside to the apparatus. The control unit can acquire the input image data by selecting either data transfer from outside or job input read and input by the image reading unit of the apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5.   7. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit can independently change a partial diagram of a machine configuration diagram corresponding to each device configuring the image forming system. 8. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the input image data is a partial diagram of a machine configuration diagram corresponding to each apparatus constituting the image forming system.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit can replace a partial diagram of a machine configuration diagram corresponding to each device constituting the image forming system with an image based on the input image data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enables editing of an image based on the input image data through the operation display unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enables the change to be performed through the operation display unit.   12. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enables setting of a JAM position associated with a JAM error type through the operation display unit for the machine configuration diagram changed by input image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores image data related to the machine configuration diagram in a nonvolatile manner.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image data is stored in the storage unit in association with the image forming apparatus or the external apparatus.

Images