JPH01164966A - Image forming device provided with image processing function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify setting and inputting operation for image processing contents by an operator by providing a display means for simultaneously displaying contents of processing images related each other among plural contents of processing images on a display part at the time of setting and inputting the contents of processing images. CONSTITUTION:The contents of processing images related each other are simultaneously displayed on the display part among plural contents of processing images at the time of setting and inputting the contents of processing images. Namely, when a special function mode key 62 is operated, any contents in figure is displayed on a display panel 52 and the operator can set and input a desirable special function by operating level keys 56 and 57. Therefore, the operator can retrieve the desirable contents of processing images with other related contents of processing images and the desirable contents of processing images can be easily selected among the plural contents of processing images. Thus,the setting and inputting operation of the contents of processing images can be simplified and a time for said operation can be shortened.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (a) Industrial Application Field The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and particularly to an image forming apparatus equipped with an image processing function capable of performing image processing such as partial deletion and composition of images. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

(b) Summary of the invention An image forming apparatus equipped with an image processing function according to the present invention includes:
By providing a display means that simultaneously displays mutually related image processing contents among a plurality of image processing contents on the display unit when inputting settings for image processing contents, the work of inputting settings for image processing functions by an operator is simplified. It is something.

(C) Conventional Technology Conventional image forming apparatuses, including copying machines, are equipped with a large number of image processing functions, such as a double-sided image forming function, a composite image forming function, and a trimming/masking function, in response to demands for multifunctionality. In each image processing function, it is essential to input data such as areas related to trimming/masking processing, for example. Providing a key switch for inputting such data independently for each processing function results in an increase in the size of the operation section (and has the drawback of making operations complicated. Therefore, in conventional image forming apparatuses, the operation section is A display section constituted by an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like is provided, and a display is made on this display section to accept the selection input of the image processing function to be executed and the input of data related to the setting. The image processing contents that can be executed by the machine are displayed one after another on the display section, and when the operator selects and inputs the image processing contents, the data necessary to execute the image processing contents is inputted. Settings for a large number of image processing contents can be input using a single display unit, simplifying operations.

(d1) Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in conventional image forming apparatuses, image processing contents that can be executed in the apparatus are sequentially displayed on the display unit according to the operator's operation of a changeover switch, etc. The operator has to operate a changeover switch until the desired image processing content is displayed, and as the number of executable image processing content increases, the selection process becomes more complicated. If there is no context in the display order of the images, there is a problem that the operator cannot find the desired image processing function, and inputting settings for image processing contents becomes extremely complicated.

An object of the present invention is to enable an operator to easily search for a desired image processing content by collectively displaying related image processing content among a plurality of executable image processing content, and to input settings for image processing content. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can simplify the process.

(e) Means for Solving the Problems The image forming apparatus equipped with the image processing function of the present invention allows setting of image processing contents to be executed among a plurality of image processing contents on a display screen displayed on the display unit. An image forming apparatus equipped with an image processing function that accepts input, characterized by being provided with a display means for simultaneously displaying mutually related image processing contents among a plurality of image processing contents on a display unit when setting input of image processing contents is input. do.

(f1 effect) In this invention, mutually related image processing contents among a plurality of image processing contents are simultaneously displayed on the display section when inputting settings for image processing contents.Therefore, the operator can select the desired image processing contents in relation to the image processing contents. It can be searched together with other image processing contents, and inputting settings for image processing contents is simplified.

(gl Embodiment A copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus having an image processing function which is an embodiment of the present invention.

1. Structure Description FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view showing the structure of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

On the top surface of the copying machine main body is a document table 2 made of translucent hard glass.
is located. An image of a document placed on document table 2 is scanned by optical device 3 .

A photoreceptor drum 4 is rotatably provided in the center of the copying machine body 1, and a charger 5, a blank lamp 6, a developing device 7, a transfer charger 8, a peeling charger 13, a peeling claw 14, and a cleaning device are provided on the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 4. Together with the device 15 and the static elimination lamp 16, it constitutes a copying process section.

A manual paper feed tray 9 and a paper feed tray 1-10.1) are attached to one side of the copying machine main body 1, and constitute a paper feed section. Paper is fed to the registration rollers 12 from this paper feeding section. A paper ejection path 2 is provided on the other side of the copying machine main body 1.
0 is open, and a sorter 21 is attached to the outside thereof. The sorter 21 stores the paper discharged through the paper discharge path 20 into a bin 22. A conveyance path is formed between the copying process section and the paper discharge path 20 by a conveyance belt 17, a fixing roller 18, and the like. There is a flapper on this conveyance path.
9 is provided. This flapper 19 transfers the paper that has completed the copying process to a paper discharge path 20 or a sub-conveyance path 28, 29.
Lead to either.

Inside the cabinet 23 in which the copying machine main body 1 is placed, there is a sub-conveyance path 28 that communicates a part of the conveyance path with the intermediate tray 26.
Similarly, a sub-transport path 29 is provided which communicates a part of the transport path with the front side of the registration rollers 12. Sub-conveyance path 2
A flapper 24 is provided at the branching point between the conveyance path 8 and the sub-conveyance path 29, and the flapper 19 selectively transfers the paper drawn from the conveyance path toward the cabinet 23 to either the sub-conveyance path 28 or the sub-conveyance path 29. lead to.

The paper guided to the intermediate tray 26 passes through the switchback conveyance path 28 and the sub-conveyance path 29 to the registration rollers 12.
guided by. For this purpose, the paper with the copying part image formed on one side is guided from the conveyance path to the intermediate tray 26 via the sub-conveyance path 25, and from the registration rollers 12 to the copying process section via the switchback conveyance path 28 and the sub-conveyance path 29. When the paper is guided, the other side of the paper on which the copied image is not formed faces the photosensitive drum 4, making it possible to support a double-sided copying mode. On the other hand, the paper that has undergone the copying process is guided from the transport path through the copying machine 29 and from the registration rollers 12 to the copying process unit again (and the surface of the paper on which the copied image was formed is again placed on the photosensitive drum 4). facing each other and can support composite copy mode.

On the top of the copying machine body 1 is a double-sided document automatic feeder (hereinafter referred to as R).
30 (referred to as ADF) is installed.

This RADF 30 includes a conveyor belt 35 that rotates in contact with the upper surface of the document table 2, and conveys the document 31 guided from the document tray 32 to a predetermined position on the document table 2 by rotation of paper feed rollers 33 and 34. . Further, the RADF 30 is provided with a document reversing unit 36, which inverts the double-sided document that has completed the copying process for the image on one side, and returns it to a predetermined position on the document table 2 via the transport path 37. A normal one-sided original is discharged to the outside by a paper discharge roller 38 after the copying process is completed. The document reversing unit 36 is provided with a flapper 40, which selectively guides the document guided by the conveyance belt 35 toward either the conveyance path 37 or the discharge roller 38 direction.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control section including a part of the operation panel of the copying machine.

A display panel 52 is provided in a part of the operation panel 51. This display panel 52 is composed of an LCD. The display panel 52 performs the display shown in FIG. 1 in the initial state, and its display surface includes a document size display section 52a, a paper size display section 52b, a copy magnification display section 52C, a message display section 52d, and an automatic density adjustment mode display section 52e. and a paper/magnification automatic selection mode display section 52f. On the left side of the display panel 52 is a magnification setting key 59.
, a density switching key 60, a duplex mode selection key 61, and a special function mode key 62. Further, below the display panel 52, an automatic magnification selection key 54, a paper cassette selection key 55, and level adjustment keys 56 to 58 are provided. Furthermore, a display switching key 53 is provided on the right side of the display panel 52.

The operation panel 51 having the above configuration is controlled by the CPU 7L via the panel controller 75. This C
In addition to the panel controller 75, a solenoid driver 76, a clutch driver 77, a motor driver 78, etc. are connected to the PU 71 via an I10 interface 74.

A program that defines the operation of the CPU 71 is written in the ROM 72 connected to the CPU 71, and the RA
Data to be input and output is temporarily stored in a predetermined memory area of M73. The CPU 71 is a panel controller 75
Control data is output to the solenoid driver 76, clutch driver 77, motor driver 78, etc. according to the on/off state of each key input from the controller. The solenoid driver 76 operates the solenoid 5O according to this control data.
The clutch driver 77 also drives the paper feed clutch 79 and registration roller clutch 80.
etc. to drive. Further, the motor dryer half 8 similarly drives the main motor Ml and the optical system drive motor M2.

(2) Operational Description (1) Initial State When the power is turned on to the main body of the copying machine 1, warming up including temperature rise of the fixing roller 18 is executed. Also,
At this time, the message display section 52d of the display panel 52 displays 1.
-Please wait for a while.

" is displayed. When the warming amplifier is completed, the lighting color of the print switch (not shown) will be changed, and the message display section 52d will display the message "Copying is possible" as shown in Fig. 1.

" is displayed to indicate the standby state. In this standby state, C
The PU 71 waits for the key switch to be operated on the operation panel 51 (n1). In addition, during this standby, switch key 5
3 is operated, the contents set in (6) special function mode, which will be described later, are displayed in the state shown in FIG. 14 until timer T times up (n6 to n9).
. At this time, if there are no settings, the message display section 52d displays "No settings."

(2) Basic copying operation When the print switch is operated while the copying machine main body 1 is in standby state (n10), it drives the main motor M.1 (n1)) and also activates the paper feed clutch 79. Turn on (n l 2). As a result, the paper is fed from the paper feeding section toward the registration rollers 12. Then, at a predetermined timing, the optical system drive motor M is activated to feed the mirror.
2, and the optical device 3 starts scanning the original image on the original platen 2. Furthermore, the registration roller clutch 80 is turned on at a predetermined timing to guide the paper to the copying process section. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 in the copying process section by the irradiation of light reflected from the original by the light of the optical device 3, and this electrostatic latent image is visualized by the developing device 7.

The developer image thus formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is transferred to the surface of the paper.

When the optical system device 3 reaches the end of the paper, the optical system drive motor M2 is driven for mirror return (n15.n
16). This causes the optical device 3 to move in the opposite direction and return to the stopped position. Further, the paper is transferred from the copying process section to the paper ejection path 2 via the fixing roller 18 by the conveyor belt 17.
0 to the sorter 21. When the paper ejection is completed in this way (n'l 7), the contents of the counter S assigned to a predetermined memory area of the RAM 73 are decremented (n18), and the contents of this counter S become 0.
Repeat the process nll-n18 until (n
19-=nll). This counter S stores the number of copies input by operating a numeric keypad (not shown) at the time of input. Therefore, by repeating the process nll-n1B until the contents of the counter S become 0, it is possible to continuously perform the copying process for the number of copies input by the operator.

(3) When the density adjustment key 60 is operated in the image density adjustment mode standby state (B2)
, the display panel 52 is in the state shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a density scale 64 is displayed at the center of the display panel 52, and level key contents 63 are displayed at positions facing the level keys 56-58. In this state, it waits for the level keys 56 to 58 to be operated, and when the photo mode is selected by operating the level key 57, the density scale 64 changes color to indicate that the image quality has been switched to correspond to the photo original. (n22-n26). When the level key 58 on the level up side is operated, the display scale 64 is moved to the side where the numerical value increases (n23→n27), and when the level key 56 on the level down side is operated, the display scale 64 is moved to the side where the numerical value decreases. (n24-=n28). If the operated key is another key, return to B2 (n25
). As described above, when the density switching key 60 is operated, the display panel 52 is brought into a state suitable for manual mode adjustment,
Accepts mode settings by the operator.

(4) Copy magnification setting mode If the key operated in the standby state is the magnification setting key 59 (B3), the display contents of the display panel 52 are changed to the state shown in FIG. 5 (n31).

When the magnification setting key 59 is operated, a magnification scale 66 is displayed in the center of the display panel 52 and the level key 59 is displayed.
An adjustment level 65 is displayed at a position opposite to 6 to 58. When the standard mode level key 57 is operated in this state, fixed magnifications such as enlargement from A4 size to B4 size or reduction from A4 size to B5 size are sequentially switched and displayed (n32-n36). Also, when the level key 58 on the increasing side is operated, the copy magnification is increased n33.
= n37), when i7 & small side level key 56 is operated, the copy magnification is decreased (n 34-=n 38
). The copy magnification changed by operating the level keys 56 to 58 is displayed on the magnification scale 66 and the magnification display section 52c. When the magnification setting key 59 is operated in this way, the display panel 52 is brought into the state shown in FIG. 5, and the setting of the copy magnification by the operator is accepted.

(5) When the duplex mode selection key 61 is operated in the duplex copying mode standby state, a check is made to see if the duplex unit of the cabinet 23 in FIG. 2 is installed (n4→n41).
). RADF if a duplex unit is not provided.
30 is attached (n 4
2). If neither the duplex unit nor the RADF 30 is installed, the contents of the display panel 52 are changed to the state shown in FIG. 6(A) for the time counted by the timer T, and the system returns to the standby state (n 43"n 45-n 2) This timer T is allocated to a predetermined memory area of the RAM 73 and measures a time of about 3 to 5 seconds. RADF 30
If only a double-sided document is attached, set the contents of the display panel 52 to the state shown in FIG.
). As a result, the images of the front and back sides of the double-sided original 31 placed on the original tray 32 are each single-sided copied onto a single sheet of paper.

If the duplex unit is installed, the presence or absence of the RADF 30 is detected (n 46), and if the RADF 30 is not installed, the automatic document feeder (not shown) is detected.
Hereinafter referred to as ADF. ) is attached (n47). This ADF is a device that unilaterally transports the original from the original placement position to the original ejection position via the original platen 2, and unlike the RADF30, it cannot reverse the original and transport it onto the original platen 2 again. . A like this
If the DF is also not installed, the display panel 52
In the state shown in Figure (D), the operator copies the image of the document placed on the document table onto both the front and back sides of the paper. In this case, the copying process is executed each time the print switch is operated by the operator. That is, when the operator operates the print switch after placing a document on the document table 2, the paper is fed from the paper feed section. This paper is directed to intermediate tray 26 after the copying process is completed. When the operator replaces the original and then operates the print switch, the paper is guided from the intermediate tray 26 to the copying process unit via the sub-conveyance path 29, and the images of the two originals are printed on both the front and back sides of one sheet. are copied respectively.

When the duplex unit and ADF are installed, the contents of the display panel 52 are set to the state shown in FIG. 6(C), and input as to whether the number of original sheets is an even number or an odd number is accepted (n49. n50). Double-sided unit l- and AD
When F is installed, images from a single-sided original can be automatically and continuously copied onto both sides of the paper. In this case, if the number of single-sided originals is an even number, for collation reasons, the first sheet of paper is led to the intermediate tray 26, and if the number of originals is an odd number, the first sheet of the original is imaged. The paper that has been copied is ejected as a single-sided copy, and the second paper is transferred to the intermediate tray 2.
Lead to 6. In this manner, images of two single-sided originals are automatically copied onto both sides of the paper according to the input data on the number of originals.

When both the duplex unit and the RADF 30 are installed as shown in FIG. 2, the contents of the display panel 52 should be changed to the state shown in FIG. mode for copying on both sides of
A selection is accepted between a mode in which images of a double-sided original are copied onto both sides of a sheet of paper, and a mode in which an image of a double-sided original is copied onto one side of a sheet of paper. In this case, the input is level key 56.
The mode is selected by operating the level key 57, and the setting is input by operating the level key 57. If the mode for copying the image of a single-sided original onto both sides of the paper is selected, the contents shown in Figure 6 (C) will be displayed (n55→n49), and the mode for copying the image of the double-sided original onto one side of the paper is selected. Figure 6 (
The contents shown in F) are displayed (n59-n52). Also,
When the mode for copying the images of the double-sided original onto both sides of the paper is selected, the contents of the display panel 52 are set to the state shown in FIG. 6(E) (n57), and the images of the double-sided original are copied onto both sides of the paper. Set to mode.

In this manner, when the duplex mode selection key 61 is operated, the presence or absence of other devices installed in the main body of the copying machine is checked, and contents corresponding to the installation state are displayed on the display panel 52. This allows the operator to perform double-sided copying in a mode depending on the installation state of the apparatus.

(6) Special function mode i When the special function mode key 62 is operated in the standby state for setting input, the process shown in FIG. 3(E) is executed, and the image processing function included in the special function can be selected. do. The image processing functions that can be selected here change depending on the state of the device installed in the copying machine main body 1, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, depending on the basic specifications of the copying machine, some combinations are possible and some cannot be combined, as shown in FIG. When the special function mode key 62 is operated, the counter is first set to 1 (n61). This counter is allocated to a predetermined memory area of the RAM 73, and counts the number of times the level key 58, which corresponds to the next page key to be described later, is pressed. Next, the contents shown in FIG. 8(A) are displayed on the display panel 52 (n62). When the level key 58 corresponding to the next page key is operated in this state (n63), the counter K is incremented (n64) and the contents of this counter are checked (n65, n66). The contents of the counter are 3
If so, the contents of the display panel 52 are changed to the state shown in FIG. 8(C) (n67). If the content in the counter is 2, the display panel 52 is brought into the state shown in FIG. 8(B) (n68).

If the content in the counter is 4, return to n61 (n
65→n61). In the above processing, n62, n67,
n68 corresponds to the display means of this invention.

Note that when the switching key 53 is operated (n69), the contents shown in FIG. 1 are displayed on the display panel 52 for a predetermined time counted by the timer T (n70 to n72). This allows the operator to easily check the current settings such as image density and copy magnification. Further, if the image density is set by manual density adjustment at this time, a density scale 64 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the automatic density adjustment mode display section 52e.

At the time of manual paper selection and manual magnification selection, a magnification scale 66 shown in FIG. 5 is similarly displayed on the display section 52f.

When the special function mode key 62 is operated in this way, the contents of any one of FIGS. 8(A), (B), and (C) are displayed on the display panel 52. 8(A), 8(B) and 8(C) at n63, n77 and n70 each time the operator operates the level key 58.
The contents shown in are sequentially displayed on the display panel 52. Figure 8 (
In a state where the contents shown in A) to (C) are displayed, the operator can manually set a desired special function by operating the level keys 56 and 57. The contents shown in Figure 8 (A) are all functions executed when copying a manuscript bound like a book, and the contents shown in Figure 8 (B) all require input of the image range. This is a function to Since each related function is displayed in this way, the operator can easily select the function to be executed.

When inputting settings for a combination of multiple special functions, the displayed content changes depending on the functions set for each. In other words, as shown in Figure 13, in double-sided copy mode, the cover insertion function or composite copying function cannot be set at the same time, and when the cover insertion function is set, 1
The Set 2 Copy function or Composite Copy function cannot be set. Furthermore, when the 1 set 2 copy 1 function is set, the trimming/masking function cannot be set at the same time. This is unavoidably determined by the functions of the copying machine main body 1 and the devices installed therein. Therefore,
RA the modes and functions that have been entered so far.
When a function is set that cannot be executed at the same time as a function that has been stored in a predetermined memory area of M73, or when a function that cannot be executed due to the relationship shown in Figure 7 is selected. 8(A) to 8(C), the message display section 52d of the display screen shown in FIGS. 8(A) to 8(C) displays "Setting not possible".

ii Binding margin function setting mode When the binding margin function is set in the special function setting mode shown in FIG. 3 (E) and FIG. 8, the content shown in FIG. It is displayed on the display panel 52 (n81 to n83). After this, display the contents shown in FIG. 9(B) (n84), special function mode key 62.
By the operation, the content shown in FIG. 9(C) is displayed and the adjustment of the binding margin amount is accepted (n85, n86). In the state shown in FIG. 9(C), the characters for the binding margin are displayed in black and white inverted, making it easy to confirm that the binding margin function has already been manually set. If the level key 58, which is an adjustment key, is further operated from this state, the contents of the display panel 52 are changed to the state shown in FIG. 9(D) (n87-n88).
With the contents of Fig. 9(D) displayed, use the level key 56.5B to set the binding allowance for both the front and back sides to an arbitrary value (n89, n90), and press the completion key after completing the setting. Operate the level key 57. When the level key 57 is operated, the content shown in FIG. 9(E) is displayed on the display panel 52 for the time counted by the timer T, and the state returns to the standby state (n91
-"n92 to n94-n2). When the binding margin function is set and input in this manner, an input for adjusting the binding margin amount is accepted by operating the special function key 62.

iii When the trimming/masking function is set in the standby state of other function setting modes, the display panel 52 will display Figures 1O (A) to (G).
The contents shown in are sequentially displayed, and the manual setting of the area related to the trimming/masking process is accepted.

In addition, when the movement/centering function is selected, the contents shown in Figs. 1) (A) to (F) are sequentially displayed on the display panel 52.
and accepts centering function settings or movement position settings.

Furthermore, if the cover insertion function is set and input, the 12th
The contents shown in FIGS. (A) to (D) are sequentially displayed on the display panel 52, and input of data related to inserting the cover is accepted.

iv switching key interrupt processing When the switching key 53 is operated during the special function setting input processing shown in FIG. 3(F), the interrupt processing shown in FIG. 3(G) is executed. That is, the contents shown in FIG. 1 are displayed on the display panel 52 only for the time counted by the timer T. This allows the operator to easily check the current settings such as image density and copy magnification.

Note that the present invention can be similarly implemented in a copying machine body 1 equipped with a device not shown in the drawings to enable selection of functions other than those described above. Furthermore, the installation status of a device such as RADF may be written in a non-volatile memory when delivered to the user, and only executable functions may be displayed when inputting function settings. The detection may be performed each time.

(h) Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, when inputting settings for image processing contents, the operator can search for the desired image processing contents together with other image processing contents related to the desired image processing contents, and among a plurality of image processing contents. The desired image processing content can be easily selected from the following. This simplifies the work of inputting settings for image processing details and shortens the time required for this.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control section of a copying machine showing an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with an image processing function according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front cross-sectional diagram showing the configuration of the copying machine. Figures 3 (A) to (G) are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the control unit of the copying machine, Figure 4 is a plan view showing the state of the display panel in image density adjustment mode, and Figure 5 is copy magnification setting mode. 6th plan view showing the state of the display panel in
Figures (A) to (F) are plan views showing the state of the display panel when inputting settings for double-sided copying mode; Figure 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between each device installed in the copying machine and executable functions; Figures 8 (A) to (C) and +*i' are plan views showing the state of the display panel when inputting the binding margin function settings, and Figures 9 (A) to (E) are when inputting the binding margin function settings. Fig. 10 (A) to (F) are plan views showing the state of the display panel when inputting settings for the trimming/masking function; Figures (A) to (F) are plan views showing the state of the display panel when inputting settings for the movement function, and Figure 12 (A).
- (D) are plan views showing the state of the display panel at the time of inputting the settings for the cover insertion function, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship with other image processing functions that can be executed together with each image processing function, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state of the display panel when a confirmation key is operated. 1-copying machine main body, 52-display panel (display section).

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus equipped with an image processing function that accepts setting input of image processing contents to be executed among multiple image processing contents on a display screen displayed on the display unit, multiple image processing contents can be input when setting the image processing contents to be executed. What is claimed is: 1. An image forming apparatus having an image processing function, which includes display means for simultaneously displaying mutually related image processing contents on a display unit.