JPH02108071A - Billing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To cope with various needs of customers by providing a copy number setting means, a copy mode setting means and a specific billing means. CONSTITUTION:The billing device is provided with the copy number setting means 01, the copy mode setting means 02 and the billing means 03. The billing means 03 includes a total copy billing part 031 counting total copies, a black/ white copy billing part 032 counting black/white copies, a modal billing part 033 which counts a prescribed number of copies only and does not count any more, and a specific paper size billing part 034 counting copies of specific paper size. An information table is produced to perform which billing at the time of paper feeding. When paper is ejected, data on the paper is read out to bill. In such a way, a charge system applicable to a multifunctional copying machine and meeting various needs of customers can be attained.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention adapts to the needs of various customers in multi-functional copying machines such as editing functions, double-sided copying functions, color copying functions, etc., and provides a wide range of fee structures. This invention relates to a billing processing device that makes it possible to.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, various functions such as double-sided copying, editing functions, and color copying functions have been added to copying machines. In response to these changes in copying functions, the conventional rate system that uniformly corresponds to the number of copies is no longer able to meet the diverse needs of customers.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Therefore, it may be possible to have different fee structures depending on specific paper sizes such as color copying, black-and-white copying, and A2 paper. 1 s tD
When it is copied with EVE and ejected to the duplex tray, it is billed as a 1st DBVB copy, then 2n
If you try to bill the paper taken with dDEVE and it is ejected from the main unit, at that point the developing machine will change to 1stDEV.
If it has changed to E, there is a problem that billing is done using the information of 1s tDEVE. In addition, in the case of page program mode, in which a JOB is programmed into an IC card and copies can be made with paper of various sizes, the next JOB is fed while the previous paper is being fed from the main unit.
If B is MSI A2 paper, it is in MSI mode when the paper is fed from the main unit and is ejected.
There is a problem with billing of A2 paper.

Because of the time lag between paper feed and billing timing, it has been impossible to realize a variety of billing systems in the past.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a billing processing device that can support various copying functions and set a fee structure according to color, black and white, paper size, set number of sheets, etc. With the goal.

[Means to solve the problem]

To this end, the billing processing device of the present invention includes a copy number setting means 01, a copy mode setting means 02, and a billing processing means 03, as shown in FIG. A total copy billing unit 031 that counts the number of copies, a black and white copy billing unit 032 that counts the number of black and white copies, a modal billing unit 033 that counts the number of copies within a predetermined number and does not count beyond a predetermined number, and copies of a specific paper size. It is characterized by having a specific paper size billing section 034 that counts the number of sheets. This billing processing means creates a billing information table when paper is fed, and performs billing on the ejected paper by referring to the billing information table when paper is ejected. The data specified by the paper feed pointer and the paper EXIT pointer are used to prevent a counting error from occurring due to timing discrepancies during paper feeding and binding. The modal billing section has two soft counters: a counter for counting the number of copies in the 1st job and an interrupt counter for counting the number of copies in the 2nd job,
It also handles interrupt jobs.

Note that whether or not to perform billing is determined based on billing data added to the paper ejection command.

[Effect]

The present invention has a billing function that counts all copies and a billing function that counts only black and white copies.
It is divided into four billing functions: a modal billing function that counts only the set number of sheets and does not count copies exceeding the set number, and a specific paper size billing function that counts only a specific paper size, such as A2 paper. When paper is ejected, if there is no sorter, eject from the main unit,
If a sorter is available, the data for the paper is read and billed when the paper is ejected to the sorter, or when a duplex tray is used, when the paper is ejected to the duplex tray. It is possible to realize a fee structure that is compatible with functionalized copying machines and that can be applied to a variety of customer needs.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be described in detail below based on Examples.

(2) Next, in this embodiment, a copying machine will be explained as an example of a recording device. Prior to the explanation, a table of contents regarding the explanation of this embodiment will be shown. In the following description, (1) and (II) are sections that outline the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and within the configuration, there are sections that explain the present invention in detail. This is item (III).

(I) Overview of the device (1-1) Device configuration (1-2) Functions and features of the system (I-3) Configuration of the electrical control system of the copying machine (1-4)
Serial communication method (II) Specific configuration of each part (n-1) Optical system (II-2) User interface (II-3) Paper transport system (I[-4) Automatic document feeder (II-5) Sorter (II-6) Belt rotation (I) System (I-1) System positioning (III-2) Module correlation (III-3) State management (III-4) Interface correlation diagram (III-5) System environment (III -6) Multifunction (Ill-7) Billing Process (Main Parts of the Present Invention)" Upper and Lower Requirements (1-1) Device Configuration Figure 2 shows one of the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows an example.

A copying machine to which the present invention is applied can be equipped with several additional devices to a base machine 1, and the base machine 1 has a basic configuration including a platen glass 2 on which an original is placed. is arranged, and the optical system 3 and the marking system 5 are arranged below it. On the other hand, the base machine 1 is equipped with an upper tray 6-1, a middle tray 6-2, and a lower tray 6-3, and all of these paper feed trays can be pulled out to the front to improve operability. The layout space of the copying machine is saved, and the copying machine has a neat design that does not protrude from the base machine 1.

Further, an inverter 9.10 and a duplex tray 11 are arranged in the paper transport system 7 for transporting the paper in the paper feed tray. Furthermore, a user interface 12 consisting of a CRT display is mounted on the base machine 1, and a DADF (duplex automatic document feeder) 13 is mounted on the platen glass 2. Further, the user interface 12 is of a stand type, and a card device can be attached to the bottom thereof.

Next, the additional devices of the base machine 1 will be listed. DADF1
Instead of 3, you can use RDH (recirculating document handler, a device that automatically repeats document feeding by returning the document to its original feeding state) 15, or a normal ADF (auto document feeder), editor pad (coordinate input It is also possible to install either a platen with a device or a platen cover. Furthermore, on the supply side of the paper conveyance system 7, there is an MSI (multi-sheet inserter: a manual feed tray that can place multiple sheets of paper at once) 1.
6 and an HCF (high capacity feeder: large capacity tray) 17 can be attached, and one or more sorters 19 can be disposed on the discharge side of the paper conveyance system 7. In addition, when DADF 13 is installed, simple catch tray 20 or sorter 19 can be installed, and when RDH15 is installed, an offset catch tray that alternately stacks each copied set is installed. 21. A finisher 22 that staples each copy of each set can be attached, and a folder 23 having a paper folding function can also be attached.

(1-2) Functions and Features of the System (A) Functions The present invention fully automates the process from entrance to exit of copying operations while providing a wide variety of functions that meet the needs of users. , selection of functions, selection of execution conditions, and other menus are displayed on a CRT display, making it easy for anyone to operate.

Its main function is to change the display screen on the CRT display to classify it into basic copy, advanced copy and specialized copy modes, and display menus for selecting functions and setting execution conditions in each mode. , it is possible to manually move the cascade of screens to select and specify functions and input execution condition data.

The functions of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied include the following main functions:
It has automatic functions, additional functions, display functions, diagnostic functions, etc.

As for the main functions, it can be used not only for standard paper sizes of A6 to A2.86 to B3, but also for non-standard paper sizes, and as explained earlier, it has a built-in tray of three stages.

In addition, it is possible to adjust the fixed magnification in 7 stages, arbitrary magnification adjustment in 1% increments, and fine adjustment in 0.15% increments between 99% and 101%. Furthermore, there are a density selection function in 7 fixed levels and photo mode, a duplex function, a left and right binding margin setting function in the range of 1 mm to 16 mm, a billing function, etc.

Automatic functions include automatic paper selection according to the original size, magnification selection when paper is specified, density control, start when the fuser is ready after power on, and clear and power after a certain period of time after copying is complete. It has functions such as save.

Additional functions include composite copy, interrupt, preheating mode, clearing the set number of sheets, clearing all to auto mode, information explaining the function, P key for using an IC card, maximum lock document return to limit the number of set sheets, etc. Full job recovery using DADF, purge to eject paper other than the jammed area, full copy without blurring, editor to copy or delete parts of the original,
A job program that calls and processes jobs one by one.
There are mounts that insert blank sheets one by one between copies, and center erasers/border erasers used for books.

The display function uses a CRT display, etc. to provide the operator with information on jams, paper remaining, toner remaining, recovered toner full, user waiting time to warm up, function selection inconsistencies, and machine status. It has functions such as displaying messages.

In addition, as a diagnostic function, initialization of NVRAM, input check, output check, history file such as the number of jams and number of paper feeds, setting of initial values used for marking and process codes around the photosensitive material belt, registration gate on timing. It has functions such as adjusting the settings and setting the configuration.

Furthermore, as an option, MS
I, HCF, second color (red, blue, green, brown), editor, etc. can be equipped as appropriate.

(B) Features The entire system of the present invention having the above functions has the following features.

(a) Achievement of power saving A high-speed, high-performance copying machine is realized with 1.5kVA. Therefore, 1.5kVA in each operating mode
We have decided on a control method to achieve this, and also decided on power distribution by function to set target values. In addition, an energy system table is created to determine energy transmission routes, and energy system management and verification are performed.

(b) Lower costs In addition to making expensive parts in-house, improving technology and standardizing them, we are also working to reduce art supplies costs by improving the hardware of art supplies and reducing toner consumption.

(c) Improved reliability We aim to reduce component failures and extend their lifespan, clarify the in/out conditions for each parameter, reduce design defects, and
We aim to achieve 00 kCV nomenclature.

(d) Achievement of high image quality This apparatus uses microcarriers made of ferrite for toner particles to make them finer and develops them using a repulsive magnetic field. The photoreceptor is a high-sensitivity color-mixing organic photosensitive material belt formed by applying multiple layers of organic photosensitive material, and a Victorian mode that makes full use of set points allows for midtones to be expressed.

These things will improve generation copy,
By reducing black spots, it achieves unprecedented high image quality.

(E) Improved operability It has a fully automatic mode in which copies are executed in a predetermined mode by pressing the start key just by setting the original and inputting the number of copies, and the screen is divided into basic copy, advanced copy, and specialized copy. including setting the copy mode by
Various mode settings can be selected according to the user's requests. These user interfaces are C
This is done using the RT display and a small number of keys and LEDs placed around it in correspondence with the screen, making mode setting possible with easy-to-read display menus and simple operations. Further, by storing the copy mode, its execution conditions, etc. in advance in a non-volatile memory or an IC card, it is possible to automate certain operations.

(C) Example of differentiation In a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, the functions of the copying machine can be controlled by a program stored in an IC card. Therefore, by changing the program stored in the IC card on a card-by-card basis, it becomes possible to differentiate the use of the copying machine. This will be explained using some easy-to-understand examples.

The first example is when a multi-tenant building is equipped with a copy machine that is shared by multiple companies, or even within a single company or factory, there are copy machines that are shared between different departments. Explain the case. The latter joint use is necessary for budget management, and conventionally, devices such as copy risers have been used to manage usage in each department.

This copying machine is a relatively advanced system equipped with a base machine 1 shown in FIG. Among the users, some users or departments require the DADF 13 or the sorter 19, while others do not require any additional equipment.

If multiple large departments or departments with different usage patterns try to decide on the cost burden of copying machines based only on their own copy volumes, large companies or departments that only make low-volume copies will need copying machines equipped with various additional devices. This makes it difficult to coordinate with large departments or departments that want to make advanced use of copying machines.

In such a case, IC cards should be prepared according to the usage pattern of each person or each department, and the person or department who wants advanced functions will have to pay more of the basic costs and have many functions. All you have to do is make it available for use. For example, the owner of the most advanced IC card can set the IC card in the IC card device and operate the copying machine to remove the DADF 13, sorter 19, supply trays (6-1 to 6-3), and duplicator. The storage tray 11 can be used freely, and office efficiency can also be improved. On the other hand, those who do not need to sort copy paper can reduce costs by setting an HC card without a sorting program and using only the catch tray 20.

As a second example, a case will be explained in which a copying business operates a self-copying service shop using an IC card.

A plurality of copying machines are arranged in the store, and an IC card device 22 is attached to each copying machine. The customer requests an IC card according to the type of service, sets it in the copier of his/her choice, and makes a self-service copy. Customers who are unfamiliar with copying machines can request an IC card that is programmed to display operating instructions, and by setting this card, the U112 can display various operating information, ensuring that copying operations can be carried out without error. can.

Whether or not the DΔDF 13 can be used and whether multicolor recording can be performed can be determined by the provided IC card, and it is also possible to restrict the types of models used, making it possible to manage customers according to the price. Furthermore, since the actual status of copying operations, such as the number of copies and the size of the copying paper used, can be recorded on the IC card, billing for fees becomes easier, and detailed services such as discounts on copying fees for regular customers are also possible. .

As a third example, a service using an IC card storing a program for a specific user will be described. For example, in patent offices, when considering patent publications that have been reduced by photolithography, it is necessary to make copies of the original size.
I have a job where I have to make copies at a relatively large enlargement rate of 0.00%. Furthermore, when creating drawings to be submitted to government offices, the original drawings are reduced or enlarged in small increments in order to meet the requests. In addition, departments that make copies of resident records, such as city halls or ward offices, remove information about people who are not eligible for claims and areas that should be kept confidential to protect individual privacy. or create an excerpt.

As described above, some users have a demand for using copying machines in special ways. If the functions of the copying machine were set to satisfy all of these requirements, the console panel would become complicated and the ROM inside the copying machine would become large. Therefore, by preparing an IC card for each specific user and having the IC card set therein, it is possible to realize a copying machine having functions most suitable for that user.

For example, in the case of a patent office, by purchasing a dedicated IC card, it becomes possible to easily select a fixed magnification of 200% in addition to the usual several types of magnification. Furthermore, it becomes possible to set the reduction ratio in steps of, for example, 1% within a range that requires fine adjustment. Furthermore, the department issuing resident records can now use keys such as a numeric keypad to instruct the type of resident record and fields and items to be deleted on a display such as a liquid crystal display, and then press the start button. By pressing this button, only the desired range of the original will be copied, or only the necessary parts will be edited and recorded.

N-3) Configuration of electrical control system of copying machine FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a subsystem of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration using a CPU.

A copying machine system to which the present invention is applied includes an SQMGR subsystem 32 on a main board 31, as shown in FIG.
, CHM subsystem 33.1 MM subsystem 34,
Four subsystems consisting of the marking subsystem 35, the surrounding U/I subsystem 36, and the INPUT
Subsystem 37.0UTPUT Subsystem 38, O
It is composed of nine subsystems including five subsystems including a PT subsystem 39 and an IEL subsystem 40. In contrast to the SQMGR subsystem 32, the CHM subsystem 33 and 1MM subsystem 34 are executed by software under the main CPU 41 shown in FIG. 4 together with the SQMC;R subsystem 32, so communication is unnecessary. Connected by inter-subsystem interface (solid line). However, since the other subsystems are executed by software under a CPU separate from the main CPU 41, they are connected through a serial communication interface (indicated by dotted lines). Next, these subsystems will be briefly explained.

The SQMGR subsystem 32 is the U/I subsystem 3
Receives copy mode setting information from 6, issues work instructions to each subsystem, and constantly monitors the status of each subsystem while synchronizing each subsystem so that copy work can be performed efficiently. , is a sequence manager that quickly assesses the situation when an abnormality occurs.

The CHM subsystem 33 is a subsystem that controls the paper storage tray, duplex tray, manual feed tray, copy paper feed control, and copy paper purge operation.

The 1MM subsystem 34 is a subsystem that performs panel division on the photosensitive material belt, control of running/stopping of the photosensitive material belt, control of the main motor, and other controls around the photosensitive material belt.

The marking subsystem 35 is a subsystem that controls the corotron, the exposure lamp, the developing machine, the potential of the sensitive material belt, and the toner density.

The U/I subsystem 36 is a subsystem that performs all user interface control, machine status display, job management such as copy mode determination, and job recovery.

The INPUT subsystem 37 is an automatic document feeder (DA).
DF), semi-automatic document feed (SADF), large size (
A2) document feed (LDC), computer form document feed (CFF), automatic 2-sheet document feed (2-UP)
This is a subsystem that controls the automatic document feeding (RDH), and detects the document size.

The 0UTPUT subsystem 37 is a subsystem that controls a sorter and a finisher, and outputs copies in sorting, scooking, and non-sorting modes, as well as binding and outputting.

The OPT subsystem 39 is a subsystem that controls the opening, lens movement, shutter, and PIS/N0N-PI3 during exposure of the original, and also moves the carriage during the LDC mode.

The placement subsystem 40 is a subsystem that erases unnecessary images on the photosensitive material heald, erases the leading and trailing edges of the image, and erases images according to the editing mode.

The above system is configured with seven CPUs shown in FIG. 4 as the core, and can flexibly respond to combinations of the pace machine 1 and additional devices surrounding it.

Here, the main CPU 41 is located on the main board of the base machine 1, the SQMGR subsystem 32, and the CHM
Subsystem 33.1 includes software of the MM subsystem 34, and is connected to each CPO 42 to 47 via a serial path 53. These CPUs 42 to 47 have a one-to-one correspondence with each subsystem connected through the serial communication interface shown in FIG. Serial communication is 10
The communication is carried out between the main CPU 41 and each of the other CPUs 42 to 47 according to a predetermined timing, with 0 m5ec as one communication cycle. Therefore, for signals that mechanically require strict timing and cannot match the serial communication timing, an interrupt port (INT terminal signal) is provided for each CPU and the serial bus 53 is provided with an interrupt port (INT terminal signal).
Interrupts are handled by a separate hotline. Zunawaji, for example 64cpm (A4LEF), 309mm
Copy operation at a process speed of /sec,
If the control accuracy of the registration gate is set to ±1 mm, jobs that cannot be processed in the communication cycle of 100 m5 e c as described above will occur. A hotline is required to guarantee the execution of such jobs.

Therefore, since this copying machine can be equipped with various additional devices, it is also possible to adopt a system configuration corresponding to each of these additional devices for software.

One of the reasons for adopting such a configuration is (1) If the operation control programs for all these additional devices were to be prepared in the base machine 1, the memory capacity required for this would be enormous. Depends on what happens. Also,(
11) If a new additional device is developed in the future or the current additional device is improved, the ROM (
This is to make it possible to utilize these additional devices without replacing or expanding the read-only memory.

For this reason, the base machine 1 has a basic storage area for controlling the basic parts of the copying machine and an additional storage area for storing the program loaded from the IC card together with the functional information of the present invention. Additional storage area includes DADF 1
Various programs such as the control program No. 3 and the control program U112 are stored. and,
I with the specified additional equipment attached to the base machine 1.
When the C card is set in the IC card device 22, U11
2, the programs necessary for the copying operation are read out and loaded into the additional storage device. This loaded program controls the copying operation in cooperation with the program written in the basic storage area, or has a priority position over this program. The memory used here is non-volatile memory consisting of random access memory backed up by batteries. Of course, other storage media such as IC cards, magnetic cards, floppy disks, etc. can also be used as nonvolatile memory. In order to reduce the operational burden on the operator, this copier allows settings such as image density and magnification to be preset, and these preset values are stored in non-volatile memory. ing.

(I-4) Serial Communication Method FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the transfer data structure and transmission timing of serial communication, and FIG. 6 is a time shard showing mutual communication intervals in one communication cycle.

In the serial communication performed between the main CPU 41 and each CPU (42 to 47), data amounts as shown in FIG. 5(a) are allocated to each. In the same figure (a), for example, in the case of 01, the transmission data TX from the main CPU 41 is 7 bytes, the reception data RX is 15 bytes, and the next slave, that is, the optical CPU 4
Transmission timing for 5.1. (Figure (C)) is 26m
5. According to this example, the total communication amount is 86 heights, and at the communication speed of 96008 PS, the period is about 100 m5. And the data length is as shown in the figure (
As shown in b), it consists of a header, commands, and data. When the transmission and reception using the maximum data length shown in FIG. 6(a) is targeted, the entire communication cycle is as shown in FIG. Here, from the communication speed of 96008 PS, the time required to send one hide is 1.2 mS, the time from when the slave finishes receiving to when it starts sending is 1 mS, and as a result, 100 mS is one communication cycle. .

(II-1) Optical system FIG. 7(a) is a schematic side view of the optical system of the copying machine, and FIG.
) is a plan view, and the same figure (c) is a side view in the XX direction of figure (b). The scanning exposure device 3 of this embodiment moves the second scanning system B in the opposite direction when the first scanning system A scans the document, and moves the image onto the photosensitive material at a speed faster than the moving speed of the photosensitive material 4. The second scanning system B is fixed and the first scanning system A is movable independently.

In FIG. 7(a), the first scanning system A includes an exposure lamp 1
02 and a first carriage 1 with a first mirror 103
01, and a second carriage 105 having a second mirror 106 and a third mirror 107, and scans an original placed on a platen glass 2. On the other hand, the second scanning system B includes a third carriage 109 having a fourth mirror 110 and a fifth mirror 111, and a fourth carriage 112 having a sixth mirror 113. Also, the third
A lens 108 is arranged on the optical axis between the mirror 107 and the fourth mirror 110, and is moved by a lens motor according to the magnification, but is fixed during scanning exposure.

These first scanning system A and second scanning system B are driven by a carriage motor 114 which is a DC servo motor. Transmission shafts 116 and 117 are arranged on both sides of the output shaft 115 of the carriage motor 114, and a timing bell is provided between the timing pulley 115a fixed to the output shaft 115 and the timing pulleys 116a and 117a fixed to the transmission shaft 116.117. 119a and 119b are stretched.

Further, a capstan pulley 116b is fixed to the transmission shaft 116, and a driven roller 12 disposed opposite to the capstan pulley 116b.
A first wire cable 121 is connected between 0a and 120b.
a is stretched in a sash shape, and the wire cable 121a
The first carriage 101 is fixed to the
The wire cable 121a is wound around a reduction pulley 122a provided on the second carriage 105, and when the carriage motor 114 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, the first carriage 101 moves at a speed V in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. At the same time, the second carriage 105 moves at speed ■1/2.
so that they move in the same direction.

Additionally, the timing pulley 11 fixed to the transmission shaft 117
7b and the timing pulley 123a of the transmission shaft 123 disposed opposite thereto, there is a timing bell) 119.
c is tensioned, and the capstan pulley 12 of the transmission shaft 123
A second wire cable 121b is stretched between the driven roller 120c and the driven roller 120c arranged opposite to the driven roller 120c.

The fourth carriage 112 is fixed to the wire cable 121b, and the wire cable 121b
is the reduction pulley 12 provided on the third carriage 109.
2b, and when the carriage motor 114 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, the fourth carriage 112
is moved in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure at a speed of 2, and the third carriage 109 is moved in the same direction at a speed of 2/2.

FIG. 7(b) is a plan view for explaining the power transmission mechanism of the optical system of the copying machine shown in FIG. 7(a).
17, a PIS clutch 1 for transmitting the rotation of the timing pulley J7a to the timing pulley 117b.
25 (electromagnetic tarlatch) is provided, and when the PMS clutch 125 is de-energized, it is engaged and the rotation of the rotating shaft 115 is transmitted to the transmission shafts 117 and 123.

Further, when the PIS clutch 125 is energized and released, the rotation of the rotary shaft 115 is not transmitted to the transmission shafts 117 and 123.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the timing pulley 1
A locking protrusion 126a is provided on the side surface of the LD 16a.
When the C-lock solenoid 127 is turned on, the engagement piece 126b
engages with the engagement protrusion 126a, fixes the transmission shaft 11G, that is, fixes the first scanning system A, and turns on the LDC lock switch 129. Furthermore, a locking protrusion 130a is provided on the side surface of the timing boot') 123a.
is provided, and when the PIS lock solenoid 131 is turned on, the engagement piece 130b engages with the engagement protrusion 130a, and the transmission shaft 123 is not fixed, that is, the second scanning system B is fixed, and the PIS lock solenoid 131 is turned on.
The lock inch 132 is turned on.

In the scanning exposure apparatus configured as shown below, the PIS
By disengaging and disengaging the clutch 125, the exposure methods of PIS (Preset Imaging System) mode and N0N-PIS mode are selected. In the P■S mode, for example, when the magnification is 65% or more, the PIS clutch 125 is engaged and the second scanning system B is moved at a speed v2.
The exposure point of the photosensitive material heald 4 is moved in the opposite direction to the photosensitive material belt 4, and the scanning speed VI of the optical system is made relatively faster than the process speed (2), thereby increasing the number of copies per unit time.

At this time, if the magnification is M, then v, = v, x3゜5/(3
, 5M-1), M=1, ■, -308.9mm/
s, it becomes V+ -432,5 mm/S. Also,
(2) is determined by the diameters of the timing pulleys 117b and 123a and is V2-(1/3 to 1/4)V. On the other hand, in the N0N-PIs mode, for example, if it is 64% or less, the PIS clutch 125 is released and the PIS rotor solenoid is turned on to fix the second scanning system B, fix the exposure point, and scan. . This is because in the PIs method, the speed of the scanning system increases and the illumination power must also be increased during reduction, and an increase in the load on the drive system and the illumination power is avoided.

The lens 108 is mounted on a lens carriage 13 disposed below the platen glass 2, as shown in FIG. 8(a).
It is slidably attached to a support shaft 136 fixed to 5. The lens 108 is connected to a lens motor Z137 by a wire (not shown), and the lens motor Z
] 37 moves the lens 108 in the X direction (vertical direction in the figure) along the support shaft 136 to change the magnification.

The lens carriage 135 also has a support shaft 1 on the base side.
39 and is connected to the lens motor XI40 by a wire (not shown),
The lens carriage 135 is moved along the support shaft 139 in the X direction (horizontal direction in the figure) by rotation of the lens motor X140 (7) to change the magnification. These lens motors 137 and 140 are four-phase stamping motors. When the lens carriage 135 moves, the small gear 142 provided on the lens cam 14
3, the large gear 144 rotates, and the mounting base 146 of the second scanning system is moved via the wire cable 145.

Therefore, the rotation of the lens motor X140 causes the lens 10 to
8 and the second scanning system B can be set for a predetermined magnification.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a lens shack 147 is provided on one side of the lens 1°8 so that it can be opened and closed by a link mechanism 148, and the lens shutter 147 is turned on and off during image scanning by turning on and off a shutter solenoid 149.
7 is open, and when the image scan is completed, it is closed. The reason why the lens shutter 147 is closed to block the optical path except during image scanning is as follows.
Forming a patch; ■In PIS mode, the second scanning system B returns to catch up with the latent image formed on the heald photosensitive material to prevent image immersion; ■When the platen cover is opened, the photosensitive material The aim is to prevent fatigue caused by ambient light.

FIG. 9 shows a block configuration diagram showing an overview of the subsystem of the optical system. As mentioned earlier, optical C
The PU 45 is connected to the main CPU 41 through serial communication and a hotline, and controls each carriage, lens, etc. in order to form a latent image on the photosensitive material according to the copy mode transmitted from the main CPU 41. The control power supply 152 is for logic (5■), analog (±15v), solenoid, clutch (24■)
The motor power supply 153 is composed of 38V.

The carriage registration sensor 155 is connected to the first carriage 101.
When the document registration position is reached, the actuator 154 provided on the first carriage 101 is placed in a position where the carriage registration sensor 155 is removed, and the actuator attached to the first scanning system A is placed in the position where the carriage registration sensor 155 is removed.
If you miss step 5, a signal will be output. This signal is sent to the optical CPU 45 and serves as a reference for determining the position or timing for performing registration, and for determining the home position P when the first scanning system A returns. Also, a first home sensor 156a for detecting the position of the carriage.

A second home sensor 156b is provided, and the first home sensor 156a is arranged at a predetermined position between the registration position and the stop position of the first scanning system A, and detects the position and sends a signal to the first scanning system. is outputting.

Further, the second home sensor 156b detects the position of the second scanning system and outputs a signal.

The row encoder 157 is connected to the carriage motor 114
It is of the type that outputs A-phase and B-phase pulse signals with a 906 phase shift depending on the rotation angle of the
The axial pitch of the timing pulley of the first scanning system is designed to be 0.1571 mm/pulse in terms of pulse/rotation.

The polarization solenoid 159 moves a polarization lens (not shown) in the vertical direction under the control of the CPU 45, and is confirmed by turning on the polarization switch 161 fixed in the optical path. The lens home sensor 161.162 is connected to the lens 10.
This is a sensor for detecting the X direction and the home position in the X direction of 8, and is arranged on the reduction side at a predetermined interval from the position when the magnification is the same.

The LDC lock solenoid 127 fixes the first scanning system A in a predetermined position under the control of the CPU 45, and indicates that the first scanning system is locked.
This has been confirmed by the ON operation of 29.

The PIS lock solenoid 131 locks the second lock solenoid when the PIS clutch 125 is released in the N0N-PIs mode.
The scanning system B is fixed, and locking of the second scanning system is confirmed by turning on the PIS lock switch 132.

The PIS clutch 125 is of a type that releases the clutch when energized and engages the clutch when not energized.
Reduces power consumption in S mode.

Next, control of the scan cycle of the optical system will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b). FIG. 10(a) shows the relationship between the speed of the carriage motor 114 and time.

This control scans the first scanning system A at a specified magnification and scan length, and is activated when a scan start signal is received from the hotline. An image scan count, which is the count of the encoder crotter from the registration sensor interrupt to the end of the scan, is calculated from the scan length data received from the main unit.

First, after setting the reference clock data corresponding to the magnification, the carriage motor is rotated in the scanning direction (CW) in step
), and in the speed mode, the DAC data is set every time an encoder pulse interrupts to perform acceleration control during scanning (step 2). Next, in step (2), the PLL (phase control) mode is set, and if there is an interrupt signal indicating that the register sensor is off in step (2), the process proceeds to step (3), where the count number of the encoder cross is set to several groups corresponding to the above scan length. When it reaches the top, the PLL mode is canceled, the speed mode is entered, and reverse driving force is applied to the caliper motor to decelerate it.

Next, in step 2, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt from CW to CCW (reverse rotation signal), and if so, acceleration control is performed at the time of return in the speed mode (step 2).
), when the encoder count reaches the preset brake start point (step 7 [phase]), deceleration control is performed at the time of return, and when the registration sensor is depressed, a scan end signal (high level) is sent to the main CPU. notification (step ■), and if there is a reverse rotation signal again, the carriage motor is stopped (step @). In addition, in the CPU, ■, ■, ■, ■,
At point (2), the counter that counts the encoder clock is reset to O.

Further, FIG. 10(b) shows the opening/closing control of the shutter 147. Since there is a time lag between the on/off of the shutter solenoid and the full opening of the shutter, the shutter is controlled so that the solenoid is turned on just before passing the registration sensor and turned off just before the end of the scan. First, the number of counts from the scan start until the shutter is turned on (opened) is called the shutter on count, and then the image scan count and the number of counts from the shutter off (closed) to the end of the scan (shutter off count). Calculate the difference between. These shutter-on count and shutter-off count data are prepared in the ROM as a table. According to this method, since the scan count number is calculated from paper size data, there is no need to have a table of shutter-on counts and shutter-off counts for each paper size.

Next, image scanning is started, and when the encoder clock number exceeds the shutter-on count, the shutter is opened, and if there is a register-off interrupt, the encoder clock number and shutter-off count are compared here, and the encoder clock number is determined. When the shutter off count is exceeded, the shutter is closed and the image scan is completed.

(II-2) User interface (U/I) (If
-2-1) Features of the user interface FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the installation state of the user ink-face using a display, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the appearance of the user interface using the display.

Conventional user interfaces are mainly console panels on which keys, LEDs, and liquid crystal displays are arranged, and include, for example, a butterlit type or one with a message display. A hacklit type console panel is a display board on which a fixed message has been placed at a predetermined position, and is selectively illuminated from behind with a lamp or the like to make that part readable. The console panel is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display element, and is designed to display various messages at any time without increasing the display area.

Which of these console panels to adopt is determined for each copying machine, taking into consideration the complexity of the system configuration and operability of the copying machine.

(A) Features of mounting position The present invention is characterized in that a stand-type display is used as the user interface, rather than using the conventional console panel as described above. If a display is adopted, it can be mounted three-dimensionally above the copying machine main body (base machine) 1 as shown in FIG. 11(a). By placing it in the back right corner of the copying machine body 1, the size of the copying machine can be designed without considering the user interface 12, and the device can be made more compact. The height of the platen, that is, the height of the device, is designed to be at the appropriate waist height for setting a document, and this height regulates the height of the device.Conventional console panels , as mentioned above, will be mounted on the top surface at the same height as this, and the operating section and display section for selecting functions and setting execution conditions will be placed at a fairly warm distance from the eyes. In the user interface 12 of the invention, as shown in FIG. 11(C), it is located at a higher position than the platen, that is, close to eye level, so it is easier to see and the position is in front of the operator instead of below and on the right side. It is also easier to operate.Furthermore, by mounting the display at a height close to eye level, the lower side can be effectively used as space for mounting the user interface control board and card device 24. Therefore, there is no need to make structural changes to attach the card device 24, and the card device 24 can be additionally equipped without changing the appearance at all, and at the same time, the display can be installed in a position and height that is easy to see. In addition, although the display may be fixed at a predetermined angle, it is of course possible to change the angle. Unlike panels, you can easily change the front direction of the panel.
As shown in Figure 11(C), the display screen should be oriented slightly upward to match the operator's line of sight, and
), the user ink face 12 can be provided with even better visibility and operability by orienting it to the left, that is, toward the upper center (direction of the operator's eyes). By employing such a configuration, especially in a compact apparatus, an operator can operate the document set and the user interface without moving from the center of the apparatus.

(B) Characteristics on the screen On the other hand, even when using a display, the amount of information needed to provide information corresponding to multi-functions increases, so if you think about it simply, a large display area is required, making it more compact. This has the aspect that it becomes difficult to respond to the situation. By adopting a compact size display, providing all the necessary information on one screen is not only a matter of display density, but also makes it easier for the operator to see.
It also becomes difficult to provide screens that are easy to understand. Therefore, we have taken various measures to display the information in an easy-to-understand manner even though it is compact in size.

For example, in the user interface of the present invention, the display screen is switched according to the copy mode, and menus for selecting functions and setting execution conditions are displayed in each mode. You can move it around, specify options, and input execution condition data. In addition, depending on the menu option, detailed items are displayed in a pop-up (superimposed display or window display) to expand the displayed content.

As a result, even if there are many selectable functions and setting conditions, the display screen can be kept clean and the operability can be improved. In this way, the present invention has devised techniques for screen division, area division on each screen, brightness adjustment, gray display, and other display modes, and furthermore,
By skillfully combining these functions, we have simplified the configuration of the operating section, diversified and made the display control, display contents, and operation inputs more diverse and light purple, and solved the problem of making the device both compact and multifunctional. There is.

FIG. 12 shows the appearance of a user interface constructed using a CRT display. In this example, keys/LED boards are arranged below and in front of the CRT display 301 on the right side. In the selection mode screen, the screen is divided into multiple areas.
A selection area is provided as one area, and the selection area is further divided vertically so that each can be selected and set as a cascade area. Therefore, on the key/LED board, cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 for cascade selection settings are placed below the selection area of the vertically divided screen, and mode selection keys 319-1 to 319-5 are used to switch the selection mode screen. 308-310 Other keys (302-304.306
．． 307.315-318) and LEDs (305,31
1 to 314) are arranged on the right side.

(n-2-2) The display screen configuration screens include a selection mode screen for selecting the copy mode, a review screen for checking the copy mode setting status, and a full screen for copying in standard mode. It consists of an automatic screen, an information screen that provides an explanation screen about the multi-functional copy mode, a jam screen that appropriately displays the location of a jam when it occurs, etc. (A) Selection mode screen Figure 13 shows the selection mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a screen.

As the selection mode screen, three screens are set as shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(C): basic copy, advanced copy, and specialized copy.
The display will be switched to the RT display. Of these screens, the basic copy screen categorizes and groups the most commonly used functions, and the advanced copy screen categorizes and groups the next most commonly used functions. The specialized copy screen is a grouping of special specialized functions.

Each selection mode screen basically consists of a message area A consisting of two lines from the top, a setting status display area B consisting of three lines,
It is used by dividing it into a selection area C consisting of nine lines. Message area A displays J code messages when there is a conflict in the copy execution conditions, J code messages when there is a hardware failure that requires contacting a service person, C code messages that call for various precautions to the operator, etc. be done.

Among these, the J code message is equipped with a check table for combinations of copy execution conditions based on the settings of each cascade, and when the start key 318 is operated, the table is checked by referring to the table and output if there is a conflict in the copy mode. be done. The setting status display area B displays the selection status of other modes, for example, the selection status of advanced copy and specialized copy with respect to the basic copy screen. In this selection state display, if the cascade state of the selection area C is other than the default (lower row), the cascade is displayed. In selection area C, cascade salt is displayed in the upper row,
The bottom of each cascade area is the default) 8N area, and the areas above it are non-default areas, and each of the five cascade areas can be selected individually by operating the cascade key. Therefore, if there is no selection operation, default)? The il area is selected, and the default state is fully automatic copy mode. Also,
The selection area is selected and set using lower cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 corresponding to cascade areas divided vertically into five areas. The right side of the message area A is used as a count section for displaying the set count and maid count, and the lower line of the setting status display area B is used as a maintenance information section such as toner bottle full, toner replenishment, etc. The contents of the cascade area of each selection mode screen will be explained below.

(B) Basic copy The basic copy screen consists of a cascade of "paper tray", "reduction/enlargement", "duplex copy", "copy density", and "sorter" as shown in FIG. 13(a).

For "Paper Tray", automatic is the default,
In this case, a tray containing paper of the same size as the original is automatically selected. By operating the cascade key, you can use areas other than the default to select the manual feed tray, large capacity tray, upper tray, middle tray, or lower tray.

Note that, as shown in the figure, in the column of each tray, the paper size, type, and icon (pictogram) are displayed so that it is easy to identify the paper stored therein. Paper can be set to be fed in the longitudinal direction or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

"Reduction/Enlargement" defaults to same size, and can be selected from automatic, fixed, or arbitrary by using the cascade key. Automatically sets the magnification according to the selected paper size and copies. The magnification (linear magnification) is
It can be set arbitrarily in 1% increments from 50% to 200%, and when fixed/arbitrary, the specific setting target will be displayed on a pop-up screen by operating the cascade key, 50.7%, 70%. , 81%, 100%, 1
A fixed magnification consisting of seven settings of 21%, 141%, and 200% can be selected, and an arbitrary magnification that continuously changes by 1% can be selected and set.

For "double-sided copy," one-sided is the default, and in addition to the default, you can select from two-sided to one-sided, two-sided to two-sided, and one-sided to two-sided in the relationship of original to copy. For example, double-sided→single-sided is a one-sided copy of a double-sided original, and one-sided→double-sided is a double-sided copy of a one-sided original. When making double-sided copies, the copy paper on which the first side has been copied is first stored in the duplex tray. The copy paper is then fed out again from this duplex tray and a copy is made on the back side.

"Copy Density" is set to automatic by default, and there are seven density settings other than the default, and seven density settings can be made in the photo mode as well. Setting of this content is done using a pop-up screen.

The "sorter" has copy receiving as the default, and T-type and stack can be selected as options other than the default. Collate mode is a mode in which copy sheets are sorted into each bin of the sorter, and stack mode is a mode in which copy sheets are stacked in order.

(B) Advanced copy The advanced copy screen consists of a cascade of "special original j,""bindingmargin,""color,""mountingpaper," and "ejection surface," as shown in FIG. 13(b).

"Special originals" include the function to copy large originals such as A2/B3 (LDC), and the function to count holes and copy page by page from computer continuous output originals (CFF,
computer form feeder), double copy function (2-UP) to copy two sheets of the same size onto one sheet of paper
can be selected other than the default.

The "binding margin" is 1mm at the right or left edge of the copy.
The “binding margin” is set in the range of ~16mm,
You can set right binding, left binding, and binding length other than the default.

"Color" defaults to black, and you can select red other than the default.

"Paper" is a function that inserts a blank sheet in the middle during OHP copying, and can be selected other than the default.

The "ejecting surface" can be selected other than the default so that either the front side or the back side is forcibly specified for ejecting the paper.

(C) Specialized Copy The specialized copy screen consists of a cascade of "Job Memory", "Edit/Composition", "Same Size Fine Adjustment", and "Erase" as shown in FIG. 13(C).

"Job Memory" is a page program that uses a card, and allows you to register multiple jobs and automatically copy them by recalling them and pressing the start key. Call and registration can be selected other than the default.

"Edit/Composition" allows you to select an editing function and a composition function other than the default. The editing function is a function for inputting data for editing using an editor etc. In addition, the pop-up screen allows you to input partial color, partial photo, etc.
Partial deletion and marking color functions can be selected. For partial color, only the specified area is copied in one color, and the rest is copied in black. Partial photos are
Copy the photo to the specified area, and partial deletion will prevent the specified area from being copied. The marking color is
When an area to be marked is specified, for example, a light color is recorded over that area to create an effect as if marking had been performed.

The compositing function is a function that uses a duplex tray to make one copy from two originals, and includes sheet compositing and parallel compositing. Sheet composition is a function that records both the first document and the second document in their entirety on one sheet of paper.
It is also possible to copy the first original and the second original in different colors. On the other hand, parallel composition combines the entirety of the second manuscript into the entirety of the first manuscript.
This function creates a composite copy on a single sheet of paper.

"Same magnification fine adjustment" is 0.15 at a magnification of 99% to 101%.
It is set in % increments, and you can select this function other than the default.

"Frame erase" does not copy the image information on the periphery of the document, but makes it appear as if a frame has been set around the image information. is the default, and you can set arbitrary dimensions and select a full copy mode that does not erase borders.

(B) Other Screens FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen other than the selection mode screen.

(B) Review screen The review screen displays the state of the copy mode selected on each of the above selection mode screens divided into three sections, and each selection mode is displayed as shown in FIG. 14(b). The cascade setting status of the mode screen is displayed on one screen. This review screen displays the selected item, i.e., the cascade name, and the mode selected at that time, i.e., the option. If the selected mode is the default, it is Gray Pack, for example, and if it is other than the default, it is normal. The display is inverted with the brightness of the background.

(b) Fully automatic screen The fully automatic screen is a screen as shown in Figure 14(a) when the power is turned on, when the preheating key 30G is operated in preheating mode, or when the all clear key 316 is operated. When displayed. This screen shows a state where all the cascades of each selection mode screen are set to default. On this screen, when the original is set on the platen as instructed, the number of copies is set using the numeric keys, and the start key 318 is pressed, paper of the same size as the original is selected and the set number of copies are executed.

(c) Information screen The information screen is a screen for providing an explanation screen on how to make copies, etc. for each of the copy modes shown in FIG. 14(C), and is displayed by operating the information key 302. An explanation screen is displayed by inputting the information code displayed on the screen using the numeric keypad.

(d) Jam screen The jam screen is displayed over the screen that was displayed during copying, as shown in Figure 14(d), and is displayed by lowering the brightness of the original screen one rank at a time. I try to make the content clear.

(C) Display Mode The present invention can display images by dividing the screen into a plurality of screens and switching between them as explained in FIGS. 13 and 14.
By reducing redundant information at any given time, simplifying the information on one screen, and changing the display mode according to the display area of these layouts and the state of input settings, etc., a screen with accents that is easy to see and understand is created. . For example, the selection mote screen is divided into the message area (including the counter H1 area), the setting status display area (including the maintenance information area), and the selection N area, as explained above.
The display mode of each area is changed. For example, in the message area including the count section, the hack is black and only the message string is displayed in high brightness, similar to the Punk T Lund type console panel. In addition, in the setting status display area, the background is displayed as a mesh,
In other words, dots are displayed in brightness and darkness at a predetermined uniform density,
The display part of Cascade Salt is displayed in reverse (the text is dark and the background is bright). That is, this display represents each cascade salt as a card image. Furthermore, the bottom line of the setting status display area is used as a maintenance information area such as when the toner bottle is full or toner replenishment, but this information is different in nature from the setting status display information, so the difference is clearly visible. To make it easier to recognize, the same display format as the message area is used.

In the selection area, the surrounding area is displayed as a mesh, and the entire cascade display area is displayed in gray with low brightness, and the options and cascade salts are displayed in reverse.

Furthermore, in addition to this display, the pack in the selected option area will be displayed in high brightness (inverted display), and for example, in the basic copy screen, the option for a tray that has run out of paper in the cascade of paper trays will be displayed in the background. The text is displayed in black with high brightness.

In addition, on the fully automatic screen shown in Figure 14(a), the background of the display area is displayed with a dark mesh, and the area where each operation instruction such as "Set Original" is displayed with a bright mesh, and its boundaries are displayed with a dark mesh. The display is bordered to improve the clarity of the display and make it easier to read. It goes without saying that the display mode of the background can be freely changed and combined as desired.

In particular, bordering areas such as high brightness display (normal brightness with paper white), gray gradation display with reduced brightness, display with a predetermined brightness and darkness dot density, etc., as shown in the illustration, should be used. This creates a visual three-dimensional effect and gives the image of a card. By performing border display while changing the display mode of the background of each area as shown in the figure, the operator can clearly distinguish the display contents of each area, providing an easy-to-read screen. Furthermore, in the display of characters, each display is reversed or blinked to draw the user's attention to each characteristic of the displayed information.

In addition to hacking character strings and changing the brightness of the characters as described above, the present invention adds icons (pictograms) to options, cascading salts, and other character strings to make them more imaginative. It is also distinctive in that it uses a distinctive display mode. For example, on the basic copy screen, cascade salt "reduce/enlarge", "1-sided copy", "
These are the ones added at the beginning of "copy density" and "sorter," and the ones added after the lower, middle, and upper paper sizes in the "paper tray" option. This icon conveys information visually to the user from a different perspective, that is, the accent of information is weakened by text strings alone, and depending on the content of the information, it is necessary to be more accurate and intuitive than text strings. It has a great advantage in that it can convey information to users.

The (I[-2-3) key/LED board user interface is as shown in Figure 12.
Although it is composed of a T-display and a key/LED board, the present invention is configured to use the CRT display screen to display options and set them, so the keys and LEDs on the key/LED board are Efforts are being made to keep the number to a minimum.

Mode selection keys 308-. for screen switching. 310
and cascade key 3 for selection of each cascade area.
Function selection with 8 keys from 19-1 to 319-5,
It allows you to configure settings.

Therefore, if you operate the mode selection keys 308 to 310 to select the basic copy screen, advanced copy screen, or specialized copy screen, then the cascade keys 319-1 to
All functions can be selected by simply inputting numerical values using the numeric keypad 307 other than the operation of 319-5, and copying can be executed using the desired function. Cascade key 319-1~
319-5 is such that the upward and downward movement keys are bare because functions are selected and set by moving the setting cursor up and down in each cascade area. In this way, the selection mode screen is selected from among the three mode selection keys 308 to 310 and only one of them is displayed.
The LEDs 311 to 313 are used to indicate whether the item is selected by 08 to 310. That is, when the mode selection keys 308 to 310 are operated to display the selection mode screen, the LEDs 311 to 313 corresponding to the mode selection keys 308 to 310 are lit.

When a computer has many functions, it becomes difficult for the user to remember and use all of the functions. Therefore, the information key 302 is used to provide a screen explaining how to make a copy for each copy mode. This information function is executed as follows. First, information key 30
When 2 is operated, a list of information codes is displayed on an information index screen as shown in FIG. 14(C). When the specified information code is selected and inputted on this screen using the numeric keypad 307, the screen moves to an information pop-up screen corresponding to that code, and an explanation screen for the copy mode is displayed there.

In addition, as shown above, the selection mode screen is divided into three, and selection settings for various functions defined on the three screens are performed, so you can check the overall setting status including other screens. You are also required to do so. Therefore, the review key 303 is used to check the setting state of such a full screen.

The dual language key 304 is a key for switching the language of the display screen. With internationalization, devices are often shared by users who use various different languages. Even in such an environment, in order to eliminate language barriers, for example, display data and font memory can be prepared in two languages, Japanese and English, and the display data and font memory can be switched by operating the dual language key 304. To output a display screen by freely switching between Japanese and English. Note that it is also possible to provide not only two languages but also a plurality of languages, and to switch between languages in a predetermined order by operating the dual language key 304.

The preheating key 306 is used to set a preheating mode in order to save power consumption when not in use and to enable a quick transition from the not in use state to a copy operation. Switch to fully automatic mode. Therefore, the LED 305 is used to indicate which state it is in.

The all clear key 316 is used to clear the copying machine, that is, to set it to the fully automatic mode set as the default for each selection mode screen, and displays the fully automatic screen. This is the content of the screen that informs the operator that the current copy mode is fully automatic, as shown in FIG. 14(a).

The interrupt key 315 is a key used when continuous copying is in progress and it is necessary to make another emergency copy, and when the interrupt processing is completed, it is used to return to the original copying operation. will also be canceled. LED3
14 indicates whether the interrupt key 315 is in an interrupt state or a released state.

The stop key 317 is used to stop the copying process, to set the number of copies, and to set the bins of the sorter.

The start key 318 is operated when the function selection and its execution conditions are completed and the copying operation is started.

(II-2-4) User Interface Control System Configuration FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user interface, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the user interface.

(A) Hardware Configuration The user interface system equipped with the U/I CPU 46 basically includes a CRT board 331 and a CRT display 301 as hardware, as shown in FIG.
and a key/LED board 333. and,
The CRT board 331 is a U/I CP that centrally controls the entire
U46, CRT controller 335 that controls the CRT display 301, and key/LED board 333! ■Wholesale keyboard/display controller 336 (
In addition, there is also a program memory (ROM) 337 that stores the above-mentioned programs, a frame memory (ROM) 338 that stores frame data, and a part of which is configured as a non-volatile memory that stores each table, display control data, etc. RAM 339.2 sets of v-RAM (video RAM) 3 used for storage and work area
40, a character generator 342, etc.

The CRT display 301 is, for example, 9 inches in size, and has a paper white display color and a non-glare surface treatment.

Using this size screen, 160mm (H) xl
Total number of dots 480 x 2 in 10mm (V) display area
40. If the dot pitch is 0.33 mm x 0.46 mm and the dot configuration of the tile (character) is 8 x 16, the number of tiles will be 60 x 15. Therefore, the kanji kana is 16
When displaying dots x 16 dots and alphanumeric characters and symbols using 8 dots x 16 dots, it is possible to display 30 x 15 characters using two tiles for Kanji characters and characters. In addition, four gradations of normal brightness, gray 1, gray 2, and black level are specified for each tile, and reverse, blink, etc. are also displayed.

The input signal timing for such a display is 64 μs when the dot frequency fd is IOMH2, 480×240.
The video data is processed for 48 μs with a horizontal synchronization signal period, and 15.3 μs with a vertical synchronization signal period of 16.90 m5.
Video data will be processed for 6m5.

The keyboard/display controller 336 is
The output of the clock generator 346 that is input to the I CPU 46 is divided into 1/4 by the counter 347 to 2.7648.
A key/LED scan time of 4.98 m5 is created by inputting a MHz clock and further dividing the frequency by 1/27 to 102 kHz using a prescaler.

If this scan time is too long, it will take a long time to detect the input, causing a problem that manual data will not be captured when the key operation time by the operator is short; conversely, if it is too short, the CPU operation frequency will be reduced. If the number increases, the throughput will decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to select the optimal scan time taking these situations into consideration.

(B) Software configuration The software configuration of the user interface is
As shown in the figure, there is a monitor with I10 management, task management, and communication protocol functions, a video controller with key human power management, screen output management functions, and functions such as job management, control, selection judgment, mode determination, etc. It consists of a job controller with a And regarding key human power, the video controller processes the physical information of the key,
The job controller recognizes the mode, checks acceptance conditions, and controls the job. For screen display, the job controller controls the screen using machine status information, selection mode information, etc. and issues interface commands to the video controller.The video controller then executes the commands and edits the screen.
Perform drawing. Note that the key change detection section 36 described below
2. Blocks that process, generate, and control other data are each shown as a certain program unit (module), and these structural units are summarized for convenience of explanation. Of course, it may be composed of a plurality of modules, or may be composed of a plurality of modules all at once.

In the video controller, the key change detection section 362 performs a double press check or continuous key press state detection on the physical key information passed from the monitor using the physical key table 361. The key conversion unit 363 converts the currently pressed physical key detected in this way into a logical key (logical information), and checks the key acceptance condition of the logical key (current key) in a job. Request to controller. The conversion table 364 is used by the key conversion unit 363 when converting this physical key into a logical key.
For example, even if the cascade key is the same physical key, the logical information differs depending on the screen, so the conversion from the physical key to the logical key is controlled by the display screen information of the display control data 367.

The screen switching section 368 receives a key acceptance signal and a logical key from the job controller, or directly receives a logical key from the key converting section 363 within the video controller, and displays whether the logical key calls a basic copy screen or an advanced copy screen, or a cascade screen. If it is a simple screen switching key that opens a pop-up screen by moving the key, and the key does not update the mode or state, the display control data 367
The display screen number is updated to the corresponding screen number. Therefore, the screen switching unit 368 stores the logical key for expanding the pop-up screen as a table, and when the logical key is operated and there is no other key power within 750 m5ec, the screen is displayed to expand the pop-up screen. The control data 367 is updated. In this process, during the selection process of a certain option, an option that expands the pop-up screen temporarily may be selected by operating the cascade key, and even in such cases, the pop-up screen may be
This is done to prevent this from happening again. Therefore, even if it is a logical key that opens a pop-up screen, 7
If there are other key personnel within 50m5ec, -
This will be ignored as a temporary key human resource. In addition, in the case of updating the state such as the occurrence of a jam, updating the copy mode such as moving cascade, or updating the message or count value, the display control unit 369 receives an interface command from the job controller, analyzes it, and controls the display. Data 367 is updated.

The display control data 367 has data for controlling the display of each screen, such as the screen number to be displayed and display variable information within the screen, and the dialog data 370 has the basic frame of each screen,
It is a hierarchically structured database having display data of each frame and reference addresses of variable data among the display data (addresses of display control data 367 storing display variable information).

The dialog editing unit 366 creates a basic frame of the screen to be displayed based on the screen number to be displayed in the display control data 367;
The display data is read from the dialog data 370, and the display data is determined according to the display variable information of the surface water control data 367, and the screen is edited.
- Render and develop the display screen in the RAM 365.

In the job controller, the key management unit 14 refers to the state table 371 to check whether the logical key is in a state where it can be accepted. On the condition that no key information is input, the key information is determined and sent to the key control section 375. Key control section 375
performs key acceptance processing, updates the copy mode 378, issues mode check and copy execution commands,
Display control is performed by grasping the machine state and passing display control information to the display management section 377. Copy setting information for basic copy, advanced copy, and specialized copy is set in the copy mode 378. Display management section 377
issues an interface command to the video controller based on the processing result by the key management section 14 or the key control section 375, and starts an interface routine (display control section 369). Job control section 3
Reference numeral 76 is for managing to execute a copying operation for one document by receiving machine operation information after operating the start key and issuing a command for controlling the machine. The command control unit 373 updates the status of the received command sent from the main unit to the status 1 management unit 372.
and the job controller unit 3761, and
While a job is being executed, a command for executing the job is received from the job control unit 376 and sent to the main body.

Therefore, when the start key is operated and the key control unit 375 sets a command corresponding to the copy mode in the transmission buffer 380 to execute a copy operation, commands indicating the operating status of the machine are sequentially received in the reception buffer 379. Ru.

By notifying the job control unit 376 of this command from the command control unit 373, the next copy execution command is issued each time copying is completed one by one until a predetermined number of copies have been completed and a command to stop the machine is issued. will be issued. During a copy operation, when a jam occurrence command is received, the state management section 372 recognizes the jam state through the command control section 373, updates the state table 371, and at the same time updates the state table 371 through the display management section 377 through the key control section 375.
issues jam screen control interface commands to the video controller.

(II-3) Paper conveyance system In FIG. 17, the upper tray 6-1 serves as a paper tray.
, middle tray 6-2, lower tray 6-3, and duplex tray 11 are installed in the base machine, and large capacity (large capacity) L, A (HCF) 1 is installed on the side as an option.
7. A manual feed tray (MsI) 16 is equipped, and each tray is appropriately equipped with a no-paper sensor, a size sensor, a clutch, and the like. Here, the no paper sensor is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the supply tray, and the size sensor is a sensor for determining the size of the copy paper stored in the tray. Further, the clutch is a component for controlling on/off the drive of each paper feed roll. By allowing copy paper of the same size to be set in multiple supply trays in this way, when one supply tray runs out of copy paper, copy paper of the same size can be automatically fed from the other supply trays. .

The copy paper is fed by a specially provided feed motor, and a step motor is used as the feed motor. A feed sensor detects whether copy paper is being fed normally. A gate solenoid is used for registration to align the leading edge of the copy paper once it has been sent out.

This gate solenoid is different from ordinary solenoids of this type in that it controls the gate to open when energized and allow copy paper to pass through. Therefore, in a standby state where copy paper does not arrive, no power is supplied to the gate solenoid, and the gate remains open to reduce power consumption. Then, just before the copy paper arrives, the gate solenoid is energized and the gate closes to prevent the paper from passing through. Thereafter, when conveyance of the copy paper is resumed at a predetermined timing, the energization is stopped and the gate is opened. By performing such control, there will be less fluctuation in the gate position when the leading edge of the copy paper is blocked from passing, and even if the copy paper is pressed against the gate with a relatively strong force, its position will be maintained. Can be done accurately.

When copying is performed again using a duplex mode in which copies are made on both sides of a sheet of paper or a composite mode in which copies are made multiple times on the same side, the sheets are guided to a conveyance path where they are stacked on a duplex tray 11. In the duplex mode, the sheets are directly stacked from the conveyance path to the duplex tray 11, but in the composite mode, they are first conveyed from the conveyance path to the inverter 10 for the composite mode, and then reversed and stacked on the duplex tray 11. 1
It will lead you to 1. Note that a gate 503 is provided at the branch point between the paper discharge outlet 502 from the conveyance path 501 to a sorter or the like and the duplex tray 11 side, and a gate 503 is provided at the branch point leading to the composite mode inverter 10 on the duplex tray 11 side. is a gate 505 for switching the conveyance path.
506 is provided, and furthermore, the paper discharge outlet 502 is connected to the gate 5
07 is provided, and by inverting the paper with a tri-roll inverter 9, the paper can be discharged with the copied side facing up.

The upper tray and middle tray hold approximately 5゜sheets of paper, A3-B5, legal, letter, special B4.11X17.
This tray can accommodate paper sizes of . And the first
As shown in FIG. 8, it has a tray motor 551, and has a structure in which a tray 552 tilts when the number of sheets decreases. The sensors include three paper size sensors 553 to 555 for detecting paper size, a no paper sensor 556 for detecting paper out, and a surface control sensor 557 used for adjusting the tray height. Also,
There is an emergency switch 558 to prevent the tray from rising too high. The number of sheets of paper in the lower tray is 11.
This tray can store approximately 1,000 sheets of paper of the same size as the upper and middle trays.

In FIG. 17, the duplex tray is a tray that can accommodate approximately 50 sheets of paper and the same paper size as each of the above trays, and it is possible to copy multiple times on one side of the paper, or copy on two sides. This is a tray that temporarily stores copied sheets when copying is performed alternately. A feed roll 507 and a gate 505 are arranged on the entrance side conveyance path of the duplex tray 11.
This controls switching of paper conveyance according to the combination mode and duplex mode. For example, in duplex mode,
The paper conveyed from above is guided to the feed roll 509 side by the gate 505, and in the case of composition mode,
The paper conveyed from above is once guided to the composite mode inverter 10 by the gates 505 and 506, and then reversed and transferred to the feed roll 510 by the gate 506.
, are guided to the duplex tray 11 side. In order to store paper in the duplex tray 11 and allow it to fall freely to a predetermined edge position, a tray inclination angle of approximately 17° to 20° is generally required. However, in the present invention, since the apparatus is made more compact and the duplex tray 11 is housed in a narrow space, the tilt angle is only 8 degrees at maximum. Therefore, the duplex tray 11 is provided with side guides 561 and end guides 562 as shown in FIG. 19. In controlling these side guides and end guides, once the paper size is determined, the paper is stopped at a position corresponding to the paper size.

A high capacity tray (HCF) is a supply tray that can accommodate dozens of sheets of copy paper. For example, for customers who do not need to enlarge or reduce originals to make copies, or for customers who only make a small amount of copies, it is often appropriate to purchase a base machine alone.

On the other hand, customers who make a large number of copies or who require complex copying operations often require a duplex tray or a high-capacity tray. As a means to meet these various demands, this copier system has a structure that allows each additional device to be easily attached or removed, and some of the additional devices are equipped with independent CPUs (central processing units). and multiple C
It is decided that distributed control will be performed by PU. This not only has the advantage that the customer can easily obtain the desired product, but the possibility of installing new additional equipment also teaches the customer the possibility of new copying operations. This makes the purchase of this copier system very attractive as it advances the evolution of office processing.

The manual feed tray (MSI) 16 holds approximately 50 sheets of paper.
This is a tray that can accommodate paper sizes A2F to A6F, and in particular can use large-sized paper that cannot be accommodated in other trays. Since this type of conventional manual feed tray manually feeds sheets one by one, it is only necessary to preferentially feed copy sheets from the manual feed tray when manual feed is performed, and there is no need for the operator to select the manual feed tray itself. In contrast, the manual feed tray 16 of the present invention can set a plurality of copy sheets at the same time. Therefore, when you set the copy paper, you can
If you start feeding from the printer, there is a possibility that the feeding will start when multiple sheets of copy paper are set. In order to prevent such a situation, the manual feed tray 16 is selected.

In the present invention, compactness is achieved by adopting a configuration in which the nuja roll 513, feed roll 512, and takeaway roll 511 are integrally attached to the tray. After the leading edge of the paper is nipped by the take-away roll 511, a fit-out sensor detects the leading edge and pauses the paper, thereby performing pre-registration to align the transfer position and reducing paper feeding variations at the feeder unit. Absorbing. The fed paper is fed to the transfer position of the photosensitive material belt 4 via the aligner device 515.

(TI-4) Automatic document feeder (DADF) In FIG. 20, the DADF 3 is attached to the bottom of the platen glass 2 of the base machine 1. This DADF
13 is equipped with a document tray 602 on which a document 601 is placed. A delivery paddle 603 is arranged on the original delivery side of the original tray 602, and the originals 601 are sent out one by one. 60 manuscripts sent out
1 is a first driving roller 605 and its driven roller 606
and a second driving roller 607 and its driven roller 608
is transported to an arcuate transport path 609.

Further, the arcuate conveyance path 609 is a manual feed conveyance path 610.
A third driving roller 612 and its driven roller 613 are provided at the exit of the arcuate conveying path 609. The third drive roller 612 is movable up and down by a solenoid (not shown), and is configured to be able to approach and separate from the driven roller 613. The horizontal transport path 611 is provided with a stop gate 615 that is rotated by a drive motor (not shown), and a reversing transport path 616 is connected from the horizontal transport path 611 to the arcuate transport path 609 .

A fourth drive roller 617 is provided in the reversing conveyance path 616. Further, a heald drive roller 619 is provided on the platen glass 2 facing the exit of the horizontal conveyance path 611, and a belt 6 stretched between the driven rollers 620.
21 can be rotated forward or reverse. A fifth drive roller 622 is provided at the exit of the belt conveyance section, and a sixth drive roller 623 is provided in the manual feed conveyance path 610. Two driving rollers 623 are provided in the front and rear directions of the base machine 1 (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the figure), and are configured to be able to simultaneously feed two originals of the same size. Note that 625 is a cleaning tape for cleaning the surface of the delivery paddle ¥03 by the seventh drive roller 626.

Next, referring to FIG. 21, photosensors 81 to S1□
I will explain about it. Sl is the document 6 on the document tray 602.
01 is a no-paper sensor that detects the presence of a document, S2 is a take-away sensor that detects the passage of a document, S, , S4
are feed sensors provided before and after the manual feed conveyance path 610, S5 is a registration sensor that corrects the skew feeding of the document by the skew roller 627 and detects whether the document is at a predetermined position at the stop gate 615, and 36 to S+o are document sensors A paper size sensor S1 detects the size of the document, a discharge sensor S1 detects whether the document has been discharged, and an end sensor S1□ detects the end of the cleaning tape 625.

Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the DADF consisting of the above configuration
The effect of No. 13 will be explained. (A) is a platen mode, in which the original 601 is placed on the platen 2 and exposed.

(b) is the simplex mode, and the document tray 60
2, the originals 601 are stacked with the first side to be copied facing upward. When the start button is pressed, first the first drive roller 605 and the second drive roller 6
07 rotates, but the third driving roller 612 moves upward and separates from the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 6
15 descends and blocks the horizontal conveyance path 611. As a result, the original 601 passes through the arcuate conveyance path 609 and is pressed against the stop gate 615 (■ to ■). This stop gate 6
At position 15, the document is corrected by the skew roller 627 so that its edge is perpendicular to the horizontal conveyance path 611, and the document size is detected by sensors S6 to S81 (1). As the roller 612 moves downward and comes into contact with the driven roller 613, the stop gate 615
rises to open the horizontal conveyance path 611, and the third drive roller 612, heald drive roller 619, and fifth drive roller 622 rotate, and the document is placed at a predetermined position on the platen 2 with the side to be copied facing down. After being exposed to light, it is discharged. Note that the same effect occurs when sending a single document from the manual feeding path 610, and in addition to the function of feeding documents one by one, the function of feeding two documents of the same size at the same time (2-
UP), large document feed function (LDC), computer form feeder (C) that feeds continuous paper for computers.
CF) function.

(C) is the duplex mode, and the process of exposing one side of the document is the same as the steps (2) to (2) in (B) above, but when the one side exposure is completed, the belt drive roller 619 is reversed, and The third driving roller 612 moves upward and separates from the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 lowers to block the horizontal conveyance path 611. Therefore, the document is conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 616, passes through the arcuate conveyance path 609, and is pressed against the stop gate 615 by the fourth drive roller 617 and the second drive roller 607 (■ to ■). Then, the third drive roller 612 moves downward and comes into contact with the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 rises to open the horizontal conveyance path 611, and the third drive roller 612, the heald drive roller 619, and the fifth
The drive roller 622 rotates, and the document is sent to a predetermined position on the platen 2 with its back side facing down, and exposed. When the exposure of both sides is completed, the belt drive roller 619 is reversed again,
The sheet is again conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 616, passes over the platen 2 in the same manner, and is discharged by the fifth drive roller 622 (■ to [phase]). Therefore, the ejected original is first placed in the original tray 600 with the first side to be copied facing downward.
They will be stacked in the order they were stacked.

(IT-5) Sorter In FIG. 23G, the sorter 19 has a sorter main body 652 and 20 bins 653 on a movable cart 651.

Inside the sorter body 652, there are a heald drive roller 656 that drives the conveyance heald 655 and its driven roller 657.
A chain drive sprocket 660 and a driven sprocket 661 for driving the chain 659 are also provided. These heald drive rollers 6
56 and chain drive sprocket 660 are driven by a single sorter motor 658. Transport heald 65
5, there are a paper inlet 662, a paper outlet 663, and a switching gate 665 driven by a solenoid (not shown).
is provided. The chain 659 also includes an indexer 666 for switching and supplying copy paper to each bin.
is installed. As shown in FIG. 24, the rotation of the drive shaft 671 of the sorter motor 658 is transmitted to a pulley 673G via a timing heald 672. The rotation of the pulley 673 is transmitted to the belt drive roller 656 and to the chain drive sprocket 660 via a gear device 674.

Next, the operation will be explained with reference to FIG. 25. (A) shows the non-sort mode, and the switching gate 665 is in the non-sort position and sends the copy paper to the uppermost discharge tray. (B) indicates the sort mode, and the switching gate 6
65 is switched to the sorting position, the odd-numbered sheets are conveyed from the top to the bottom bin to the odd-numbered bins, and the even-numbered sheets are conveyed from the bottom to the top bin and conveyed to the even-numbered bins. transported to. This reduces sorting time.

(c) and (d) show the stack mode, (c) shows an example of four copies of four originals per original, and (d)
This is a case where the maximum number of sheets stored per bin is exceeded. For example, when the number of sheets exceeds 50, the sheets are stored in the next bin.

Jll-6 Held The area around the held consists of an imaging system and a marking system.

The imaging system is managed by the IMM subsystem 34 and writes and erases latent images.

The marking system is managed by a marking subsystem 35, which performs charging, exposure, surface potential detection, development, transfer, etc. In the present invention, the IMM subsystem 34 performs panel management on the belt, patch formation, etc. to achieve high copy speed and high image quality as described below.
and marking subsystem 35 cooperate with each other.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an outline of the belt.

An organic sensitive material heald 4 is arranged inside the base machine 1. Since the organic photosensitive material belt is coated with multiple layers such as a charge generation layer and a transfer layer to form the photosensitive material, it has a greater degree of freedom than a photoreceptor drum, which forms the photosensitive material by vapor depositing Se.
, the cost can be reduced because it is easier to manufacture.
Also, since the space around the belt can be increased, the layout can be easily done.

On the other hand, the heald expands and contracts, and the diameter of the roll also changes due to temperature differences, so a belt hole is installed at a certain distance from the heald seam to detect this, and the halberd is adjusted according to the rotational speed of the main motor. A pitch signal is generated by an encoder to form a machine clock, and by constantly counting the -period machine clock, a pitch signal is generated as a reference for starting the carriage according to the expansion and contraction of the belt.
Correct the registration timing.

The organic photosensitive material belt 4 in this device has a length of 1 m or more, and is designed to hold 4 A4 size sheets and 3 A3 size sheets, but since the belt has a seam, the image formed on the panel (image formed on the heald) is always Formation area) If you do not manage it, you will not be able to make a copy of the specified panel. Therefore, the position of the panel is determined based on the belt hole provided at a certain distance from the seam, the number of panels to be placed on the belt (number of beaches) is determined according to the copy mode and paper size specified by the user, and then the start is started again. When the panel for first copying by pressing the button comes to the get park position near the roll 201, it issues a signal, indicating that a copy can be made from here.

The organic sensitive material belt 4 is a charge corotron (charger) 21
1, and is uniformly charged and driven clockwise in the figure at a constant speed. Then, when the first panel arrives a certain time before the register (exposure location) 231, a pitch signal is output, and the timing of carriage scan and paper feed is determined based on this signal. The belt surface charged by the charge corotron 211 is exposed at an exposed location 231
exposed to light. A light image of a document placed on a platen glass 2 placed on the top surface of the base machine 1 is incident on the exposure portion 231 . For this purpose, the exposure lamp 1
02, a plurality of mirrors 101 to 113 and an optical lens 10 that transmit reflected light from the illuminated document surface.
8 are arranged, among which mirror 101 is scanned to read the original. Also mirror 110.
111.113 constitutes the second scanning optical system, which is P
I S (Precession Image Sc
Since there is a limit to increasing the process speed, the second scanning optical system scans in the opposite direction to the belt movement direction so that the copy speed can be increased without increasing the process speed. The relative speed is increased to achieve a maximum of 64 sheets/min (CPM).

An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original is formed on the organic sensitive material belt 4 by the image information exposed in a slit shape at the exposure location 231 . And IEL (Interimage Lamp)
After erasing unnecessary images, images between images, and side erasing in step 215, the electrostatic latent image is transferred to a developing device 21, which normally uses black toner.
6 or developed by a color toner developing device 217 to create a toner image. The toner image moves with the rotation of the organic sensitive material belt 4 and passes near a pre-transfer corotron (transfer H) 218 and a transfer corotron 220. The pre-transfer corotron 218 is generally used to weaken the electrical adhesion of toner by applying an alternating current to facilitate the movement of toner. In addition, since the heald is made of a transparent material, before transfer, a pre-transfer lamp 225 (also used for erasing) irradiates light onto the belt from the back to further weaken the electrical adhesion of the toner, and transfer is performed. make it easier

On the other hand, the tail copy paper stored in the supply tray of the base machine 1 or the copy paper manually fed along the manual feed tray 16 is sent out by the feed roll, guided to the conveyance path 501, and transferred to the organic photosensitive material belt 4. It passes between corotrons 220. In principle, paper feed is LEF (Long Edge Feed).
), and the registration gate is controlled to open and close so that the leading edge of the paper and the exposure start position match at the picking point, and the toner image is transferred onto the copy paper. Then, the paper and the photosensitive belt 4 are peeled off by a corotron 221 and a strip finger 222, and the copy paper after transfer passes between a heat roll 232 and a pressure roll 233 to be thermally fixed, and then transferred to a conveyor roll 234, 235. and is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown).

The sensitive material belt 4 from which the copy paper has been peeled off is made easy to clean by a pre-clean corotron 224, unnecessary charges are erased by light irradiation from the back side by a lamp 225, and unnecessary toner, dust, etc. are scraped off by a blade 226. It will be done.

Note that a patch generator 212 forms a patch between images on the heald 4, and the electrostatic potential of the patch portion is detected by an ESV sensor 214 for density adjustment. Further, as described above, the belt 4 has holes, which are detected by the belt hole sensor 213 to detect the belt speed and control the process speed. Also A
DC (Auto Density Control)
The sensor 219 detects the degree of toner adhesion by comparing the amount of reflected light from the toner on the patch with the amount of reflected light when there is no toner, and the pop sensor 223 detects whether the paper is wrapped around the belt without being peeled off. The case is detected.

FIG. 27 shows how the photosensitive material belt 4 is divided into panels.

Since the heald 4 has a seam part 251, the image is not placed there, and a belt hole 252 is provided at a certain distance 2 from the seam part, for example, with a circumference of 1158 m.
In the case of m, l is 70 mm. 253.25 in the figure
4 are the first and last panels when the photosensitive material belt surface is divided into N pitches, B in the figure is the panel interval, C is the panel length, and D
is the pinch length of the panel, and in the case of 4-pitch division, it is 2
89°5mm, 386+nm for 3 pitch division, 2
In the case of pitch division, it is 579 mm. The seam 251 is set at the center of the LE (Lead Edge) of the panel 253 and the TE (Tail Edge) of the panel 254 so that A=B/2.

Note that the LE of the panel needs to match the LE of the paper, but the TE does not necessarily match, but rather matches the maximum paper TE to which the panel can be applied.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the 1MM subsystem.

To outline the functions of the 1MM subsystem 34, it performs serial communication with the marking subsystem 40 via a pass line, sends interrupt signals via a hotline to perform high-precision control, and manages image formation. 35, sends a control signal to the CHM subsystem 33 to control the belt.

It also detects the holes made in the organic sensitive material heald 4 to control the main motor, and also determines the panel formation position and performs panel management. In addition, in a low-temperature environment, the fuser roll is rotated idly to maintain the fixing roll at a predetermined temperature so that rapid copying can be performed. and,
When the start key is pressed, the printer enters the setup state, and before copying, constants such as V DDF are adjusted, and when the copy cycle begins, edges are erased at the leading and trailing edges of the image based on the original size. Form an image area. A patch is also formed in the inter-image area to form a patch for toner density adjustment. Furthermore, if a hard down factor such as a jam or a belt failure is detected, the belt is stopped or the machine is stopped by communicating with the sequence manager.

Next, the input/output signals and operation of the 1MM subsystem will be explained.

Black toner bottle 261, color toner bottle 26
The toner detection signal in step 2 is input and the remaining amount of toner is detected.

An optical registration signal is input from the optical registration sensor 155, which serves as a reference for the PC request signal, bias request signal, and ADC request signal sent from the 1MM subsystem to the marking subsystem.

The document size is input from the platen document size sensors S6 to S1.degree., and the area to be erased by the IEL 215 is determined from this and the paper size.

A belt hole signal is input from the heald hole sensor 213, and the main motors 264 and 265 control the process speed to correct for variations in the time it takes for the belt to make one revolution.

Two main motors are provided to enable operation at an efficient operating point, to enable efficient output of motor power depending on the load condition, to use electric power effectively, and to improve stopping position accuracy. The motor performs regenerative braking. The motor can also be driven in reverse. This is to remove paper powder and toner scum that accumulates on the front side of the blade when cleaning is performed with the blade in close contact with the photosensitive material belt. In addition, belt drive by the motor is performed via a belt clutch 267.
Only the belt can be stopped selectively. Pulses are generated from the encoder in synchronization with the rotation of this motor, and are used as machine clocks to obtain machine clocks that correspond to the belt speed.

Note that if the belt hole sensor 213 cannot detect a hole for a certain period of time or if the size of the hole changes, the IMM will notify the sequence manager of this and the machine will be stopped.

In addition, the 1MM subsystem is the IEL subsystem 40
It performs serial communication with the bot line, and also sends interrupt signals through the bot line, as well as a position enable signal, an IEL image signal, an ADC path signal, and an IEL black hand signal. Unnecessary images are erased using the IEL image signal, and the IEL subsystem 40 uses the ADC patch signal to define the shape and area of the punch area formed by the patch generator 212, and adjusts the amount of charge to adjust the electrostatic potential. is adjusted to a constant potential of 500 to 600 cm. In order to prevent the belt 4 from being damaged by the blade 226, the IEL black hand signal forms a blank band between the images at predetermined intervals to adhere toner and act as a kind of lubricant. Even when copying, when the amount of toner is extremely low, such as under
be careful not to damage it.

Furthermore, the IMM communicates with the marking subsystem 35 via a hotline, and uses the optical registration signal as a reference to generate patch formation request signals, bias request signals,
Sends an ADC request signal.

In response to this, the marking subsystem 35 drives the power generator 212 to form a patch, and also
The SV sensor 214 is driven to detect electrostatic potential, and the developing devices 216 and 217 are driven to form a toner image. It also controls the drive of the pretransfer corotron 218, transfer corotron 220, and pig corotron 221.

A pitch reset signal ■ is sent from the IMM,
The carriage start timing is determined based on this.

Further, a detection signal indicating whether or not a color developing unit is installed is input, and it is detected whether the toner in the developing unit is black or color.

A registration gate trigger signal is sent from the IMM to the CHM subsystem 33 to control the paper so that the leading edge of the image coincides with the paper at the picking point, and if it is necessary to correct the opening timing of the registration gate, the amount of correction is is calculated and sent.

Further, the toner scraped off by the blade 226 is collected in a collection toner bottle 268, and a detection signal of the amount of toner in the bottle is input to the IMM, and an alarm is issued when a predetermined amount is exceeded.

The IMM also drives the fan motor 263 to prevent an abnormal temperature rise, so that the environmental temperature is within the permissible temperature range and copies with stable image quality can be obtained.

FIG. 29 shows a timing chart.

The reference time for control is the optical registration sensor position. Predetermined time of optical registration sensor on/off signal (
After T1), IEL is turned off.

In other words, it is on until T1 and the tip is erased,
After T2, it is turned on to erase the rear end. In this way, image formation is performed using the IEL image signal, and by controlling the registration gate timing, the leading edge of the sheet at the picking point and the leading edge of the image are aligned. After the image formation is completed, the patch generator request signal (T from the reference time)
5) generates an ADC patch signal and forms a punch in the inter-image. After punch formation, a bias request signal is issued (after T6) to perform development, and then an ADC request signal is issued (after T7) to detect the toner density. Furthermore, a black band is formed in the inter-image due to the black hand signal.

Note that during AE (Auto Exposure) scanning, ON10FF of the position image signal is not performed.

(III) System (III-1) Positioning of the System FIG. 30 is a conceptual diagram showing the positioning of each subsystem in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the system configuration is roughly divided into a main body, an input/output device, and a user interface.
, an optional INPUT subsystem 37 that controls the ADF, an 0UTPUT subsystem 38 that also controls the optional sorter, and a U/I subsystem 3.
It consists of 6. In addition, CHM33.1MM34, XER○35, and ○PT39 constitute each subsystem of the main body.
, IEL 40 are placed under the control of SQMGR 32, all subsystems exchange necessary data via SQMGR 32, and SQMGR 32 always knows the status of the entire system. Of course, information that only each subsystem needs to know, such as the fact that a document has been placed on the document tray, only needs to be known by the U/I, and that information is not particularly communicated to the SQMGR. do not have. In this way, the entire device is configured to be organically and efficiently controlled by SQMGR.

(III-2) System module configuration FIG. 31 is a module correlation diagram of the system.

The module configuration of the system is the main SQ that oversees the entire system.
It consists of an MGR section 751 and each module under its control.

The main SQMGR unit 751 performs reception/transmission processing, control of M/C state and processor state, management of subsystems, system internal processing, interlock monitoring, etc.

The SYSMNG unit 752 performs state management by checking the transition conditions of the M/C state and rewriting the M/C state when a state transition occurs.

The 5YSPRC unit 753 monitors the current system state and issues instructions to each remote.

The PRCMNG unit 754 checks the transition conditions to the processor state, and rewrites the processor state when the state transition is established.

The PRCPRC unit 755 monitors the processor state,
Depending on the state, instructions are given to the remote, and the PRC3UB unit 756 under its control performs various calculations, such as calculating the scan length from the paper size and magnification.

The UIMGR unit 757 performs job management as well as interface control with other subsystems.

The CHMMGR unit 758 determines paper purge, and determines whether or not paper purge should be performed when an abnormality occurs in the machine, and if purging, which zone of paper should be pass-purged, etc., and also determines paper tray information. is being managed.

The IMMMGR unit 759 manages the unit 59 state, the main motor, and the main morph state.

The MARKMGR unit 760 manages the XERO state.

The OPTMGR unit 761 manages lens state, fixed and arbitrary magnification, and carriage state.

The INMGR section 762 manages 62 departments, calculates the number of returned originals, and determines blank copies such as in the case of original jamming.

The OUTMGR unit 763 manages the state of the sorter.

The 5YSIN section 764 performs billing management, service kit processing, 24V power control, and communication fail check.

Note that the interrupt processing unit 765 is configured to handle, for example, a document register (DA).
DF-3QMGR), scan start (SQMGR
→0PT), register sensor (OPT → marking, IMM
L scan end (OPT → marking, SQMC; R
), manuscript exchange (SQMGR-+DADF) and other hotline interface-centered interrupt processing, pitch processing, etc., and the TXQUE unit 766 performs transmission processing based on transmission requests from other modules, and fills the transmission queue FULL (
Fail check processing is being performed due to the RAM area allocated for transmission data being full.

(III-3) State Management In this device, state management is performed for the main body and each subsystem from the viewpoint of ease of control, and the relationship between these states is in a hierarchical structure. That is,
Above each subsystem such as the held state and marking state, there is a processor state that shows what state each subsystem is in. Furthermore, above the input state, processor state, and output state, there is a processor state that shows what state the entire machine is in. There is an M/C state that indicates the current state.

(A) Machine state Figure 32 shows the M/C state. After power is turned on,
When each application is activated for the first time, the initialization state to which it transitions is stage 1 (■) in which each remote distributes NVM data necessary for control prior to controlling the M/C. In the case of the normal mode, a transition is made from the initialization state to the 5TANDBY state (■), which provides the user with an opportunity to set the copy mode. Also, when in the diagnosis mode, it becomes a diagnosis state where the configuration and control data of the M/C are set (■
). Then, in the 5TANDBY state, when the start button is pressed and a start command is received from the U/I, the PRO performs the copy operation according to the user's request.
It enters the GRESS state (■), and when the requested copy is completed and the M/C must be brought down, it enters the 5OFT DOWN Co1n state (
■). This state is a state that gives the user an opportunity to start a copy restart, and when a start command is received, the process transits to the PROC;RESS state again (■). When it is necessary to stop the M/C due to a failure or operation of the stop key or all clear key, 5OFT DOWN PA is used to wait until the M/C has stopped in the best condition.
The system enters the USE state (■) and the message "Please wait" is displayed. The copy display in 5TANDBY is "Copying possible", the message display in PROGRESS is "Copying", 5OFT DOWN
The copy display on Co1n is "Copy possible".

When INPUT, processor, and 0UTPUT all stop, if there is a jam, PURGE 5T is used to give the user an opportunity to remove the cause of the jam.
Transition to ANDBY state (■). This PURG
E When in the 5TANDBY state, press the start key and SQMGR receives a start command from the U/I, it will enter the PURGE state (@), and the M/
C will perform the recovery work that he can do himself. In addition, in the 5OFT DOWN PAUSE state, INPUT, processor, 0UTPUT
If all have stopped and there is no jam etc., 5TA
Return to NDBY state ([phase]). Also, 5TAND
When the job is canceled while in the BY state and it is necessary to purge the document, it will transition to the verge 5 TANDBY state.■) If it is in the PURGE state and PURGE has finished and the job is in the middle, it will transition to the PROCRESS state.■ L PURGE has finished and JOB
If there is no TANDBY, transition is made to 5TANDBY (o).

Also, I canceled the JOB due to 5TANDBY,
5TAN if document PURGE is not required
Maintain the DBY state (■).

By performing this kind of state management, SQMC;R always knows what state the M/C is in.
In charge of overall management of M/C.

(B) Processor state FIG. 33 is a diagram showing processor states.

State division divides the state from power ON to copy operation and after the copy operation is completed into several parts, determines the jobs to be performed in each state, and moves to the next state if all jobs in each state are not completed. This is to ensure efficiency and accuracy of control by ensuring that the main system is not in any state. Find out what you are doing and decide what you should do. Each subsystem is also divided into states, and a flag is similarly determined corresponding to each state, and the main system refers to these flags to understand and manage the state of each subsystem.

First, when the power is turned on, the processor enters a state of initialization, and it is determined whether it is in diagnosis mode or user mode (copy mode). DIAGMOTO is a mode used by service personnel for repairs, etc., and performs various tests based on conditions set in NVM.

N in the initialized state in user mode
Initial settings are performed depending on the contents of the VM. For example, the carriage is set at the home position, the lens is set at 100% magnification, and each subsystem is commanded to initialize. When initialization is complete, it transitions to standby.

Standby is when all subsystems have finished their initial settings and
This is the state until the start button is pressed, and the message "Please wait" is displayed on the fully automatic screen. Then, the Colts lamp is turned on and the fuser idle rotation is performed for a predetermined period of time.
When the fuser reaches the predetermined control temperature, U/I
displays "You can copy" in the message. This standby state takes about several tens of seconds when the power is turned on for the first time.

Setup is a preparatory state for copying which is activated by pressing the start button, the main motor and sorter motor are driven, and constants such as V DDP of the photosensitive material belt are adjusted. Also, the ADF motor turns ON, the feeding of the first document starts, the first document reaches the registration gate, the document size is detected, the tray and magnification are determined in the APMS mode, and the ADF document is placed on the platen. be included. Then, the second document from the ADF is sent to the registration gate, and a transition is made to cycle up.

Cycle up is a state in which the belt is divided into several pitches and panel management is performed until the first panel reaches the get park point. That is, the pinch is determined according to the copy mode, the magnification is notified to the optical subsystem, and the lens is moved. Then, the CHM subsystem and 1MM subsystem are notified of the copy mode, and when the magnification set is recognized, the scan length is determined based on the magnification and paper size and is notified to the optical subsystem. Then, the marking subsystem is notified of the copy mode, and when the marking subsystem has finished starting up, the TMM subsystem checks the panel L/E determined by the pitch, finds the first copy panel, and goes to the get park point. Once you reach it, you will become Ghent Bar Credi and enter the cycle.

The cycle is in the state where the copy operation is in progress, and the ADC (Auto
atic Density Control),
AE (Automatic Exposure)
The copy operation is repeatedly performed while performing , DDP control, etc. Then, when the R/I count reaches the -count number, the originals are exchanged, and when this is done for a predetermined number of originals, a coincidence signal is output and the cycle down starts.

Cycle down is a state in which carriage scanning, paper feeding, etc. are finished, and the copy operation is cleaned up. Each corotron, developing machine, etc. are turned off, and the panel next to the last used panel is stopped at the stop park position. Manage the panels so that only certain panels are used and do not cause fatigue.

After this cycle down, the machine normally returns to standby, but if you press the start key again while copying in platen mode, the machine returns to set-up. Furthermore, even from set-up or cycle-up, if a cycle-down factor such as a jam occurs, a transition is made to cycle-down.

Purge is the state when a jam occurs, and when the jammed paper is removed, the other papers are automatically ejected. Normally, when a jam occurs, any state transitions from cycle down to standby to purge. Then, when the purge ends, it transitions to standby or set-up, but if a jam occurs again, it transitions to cycle down.

Belt down occurs when a jam occurs on the tray side from the picking point, and by disengaging the belt clutch, the heald drive is stopped and the paper ahead of the belt can be ejected.

A hard down is a situation in which an interlock is opened, resulting in a dangerous situation, or a machine clock failure occurs, resulting in loss of control, and the power supply is cut off.

Then, when the causes of the power down and hard down are removed, the system transitions to standby.

(I-4) Interface Correlation Diagram Next, data exchange between the SQMGR and each subsystem will be explained using initialization processing as an example.

FIG. 34 is an inter-subsystem interface correlation diagram in initialization processing.

When the power is turned on by the user, initialization processing is performed. After power 〇N, SQMGR becomes N after 1.5 seconds.
The various values necessary for each subsystem stored in the VM to start are sent to each subsystem. The sorter sends a C0NFIG command to the SQMGR, and the sorter is informed whether it is one or two series, and when the U/I returns initialization end information, the SQMGR changes the system state to DADF and marking. Inform. After turning on the 24V power, an initialization instruction is given to the OPT. This is because initializing the OPT requires driving the lens and carriage. Next, each subsystem is notified of the RUN mode, normal copy mode or diagnostic mode. This information is U/
SQMG with initialize end command from I
It was sent to R. When information on INPUT TRAY 5TATUS and interlock 5TATUS indicating whether the mode is ADF mode or not is notified from DADF, this information is notified to U/I. Also C
HM sends tray 5TATUS to notify the status of the tray.
When this information is sent, this information is also notified to the U/I. During this time, heating of the fuser started and Col 9971
Two lights are turned on, DEVE retract is activated, user-3 TATUS information is sent to SQMGR, and this information is sent to U/I. When the initialization end is notified from each subsystem, SQMGR
notifies CHM, marking, and U/I of the system state, that is, standby, and also rewrites the processor state to make it standby. The U/I is an automatic screen that instructs 100% magnification and A4 size paper, enters a state in which keys can be accepted, the display shows "Copy ready", and the initialization process ends.

In this way, SQMGR issues necessary instructions to each subsystem, receives reports from each subsystem that processing has been carried out as instructed, constantly grasps the status of each subsystem, rewrites the system state, and , the necessary information is notified to the U/I and displayed.

(I[[-5) System environment T10, which is directly controlled by SQMGR, is capable of processing to turn off the power after a predetermined period of time in the event of billing or failure, or to receive copying services using a key or card. These processes are performed by aggregating data from each subsystem, such as the number of sheets set for CHM, sorter, and U/I, and to have one existing subsystem perform this processing. This is because the processing is different from other functions.

(1-6) Complex function SQMGR is a job that spans between each subsystem,
Alternatively, various controls are performed for jobs such as state management, and the typical ones are explained below.

(A) Restart The purpose of restart is to increase productivity by allowing the next job to be accepted before the M/C stops. scan 5CAN
M/C state (system state) is 5OFT DOWN from PROGESS by the next pitch signal.
C0INI:: becomes, processor state is CYCLE
INPUT from the time you enter CYCLEDOWN,
Until the main unit, 0UTPUT, is completely stopped, if the start key is pressed again, the job will be accepted.

When the M/C state becomes 5TANDBY state, INPU
The T, main unit, and OUTPUT will come to a complete stop, and subsequent starts will be treated as a normal start from a stop, rather than a start. In the restart, the M/C state is 5OFTDAWNCO as shown in Figure 35 (b).
The state changes from IN to PROGESS, and the processor state changes from CYCLEDAWN to 5ETUP. In addition,
If a restart is made while XER○ is being stopped, the stopping will be immediately stopped and the starting sequence will begin. If a restart is made during stop park, the stop bark operation will be immediately stopped and the starting sequence will begin. Furthermore, if the belt is restarted during a reversal operation, the start-up sequence begins after the reversal operation is completed.

In addition, in the platen mode, a new job is accepted and started using the start button from the scan return of the last copy, and 5ADF2UP, LDC
In this mode, a new job is started if the original is already set at the time of the last scan return of the registered original, or if the original is sent before the machine stops. In addition, in ADF mode, cards can be consecutively (
A restart is only possible if the card is inserted (successively). The timing for starting the machine is after the last paper is ejected. In the OFF mode, job paste start is not accepted.

(B) Panel division Because conventional copying machines determine the number of panel divisions mainly based on paper size, for example, when the magnification is increased and the optical scan speed becomes slower, the scan start signal for the next panel cannot be issued. However, in this embodiment, the number of panel divisions is adjusted according to the magnification, paper feed direction length, set number of sheets, paper feed tray, input mode, etc. has been decided. This determination is made by the SQMGR based on the copy mode in the M/C start command sent from the U/I to the SQMGR when the start key is pressed in the standby state. As a result, optimal panel division is always performed according to the copy mode to maintain CPM at a high level.

(C) Original automatic recovery In this example, ADF, double-sided original/single-sided copy (D/S
), in double-sided original/double-sided copy (D/D) mode, if a paper jam occurs and the side of the original being REGI is different from the side on which the next original should be taken, purge the original as before. The system automatically flips the original and starts copying the next time the machine starts copying. Note that the SQMGR determines the detection of cytes on the surface of the original with REGTL based on the data of the REGI INF command sent from the DADF.

111-7 Billing In this embodiment, a billing system corresponding to new functions such as colorization is prepared, and mainly consists of total billing, modal billing, and color billing.

(1) Total billing counts the number of copies used in 1s tDEVE, and counts the number of sheets in the duplex tray and the number of sheets stored in the sorter. Note that in an M/C without a sorter, the count is performed when the paper is ejected from the main body.

(2) Modal billing is a service for large users by counting each document up to a predetermined number within the range of 1 to 999 set in NVM, and not counting beyond that. We are making it possible to do this.

(3) Color billing uses 1s tDBVB, 2n
The number of copies made using dDEVE is counted, and the number of copies made on A2 size paper that only fits in MSI is counted separately as A2 paper billing.

In this way, for example, when copying in black and red composite mode, when copying in black (1s tDEVE), it is counted in both total billing and color billing, and when copying in red (2n dDEVE), it is counted in both total billing and color billing, and when copying in red (2n dDEVE), Count only by color billing.

Note that the timing at which the billing counter is turned on is when the paper is normally ejected, and jammed paper is not counted. Also, billing OFF timing is billing ON.
This is done 100m5ec later, and although the shorter one is shorter on the software, it is counted by a mechanical counter, so it takes a certain amount of time to operate it, and it also takes a certain amount of time to count the next sheet. This is because you cannot do it for too long.

In addition, although modal billing counts the number of copies per document, the actual counting for fee collection is done using a mechanical counter, and a soft counter is used to determine whether or not to count using the mechanical counter. Counting the number of copies. In that case, sorter EX
IT sensors OF and F control the main body E when there is no sorter.
Billings are counted when the XIT sensor is turned off, and billings are counted when the sensor to the duplex tray is turned off. In addition, an interrupt modal counter is provided, and the count at the time of an interrupt job is performed in the same way as the modal billing counter.

Billing control in the event of an error is the same for jams and interrotters open, and paper ejected due to purge is not counted. In addition, in the case of job cancellation by the clear key or all clear key, the soft counter for modal billing is used in the same way as in the case of a jam, and in the event of an interrupt, the modal counter interrupts counting, and the interrupt modal counter performs counting. In addition, in the case of a no-paper LOWTONER, neither is counted.

Ru.

In the billing information table, the SQMGR determines the pitch and notifies the IMM of this as a get park REQ. In response, the IMM sends a pitch signal to the SQMGRlCHM and marking, and when the CHM receives the pitch, it is started. The paper feed is performed when the timer expires, and the paper feed command is SQMGR.
It is created when it is sent to. This billing information table includes billing information, JOB information, etc., as shown in FIG.
, DEVE, paper size data is written for up to 10 sheets of paper, and as shown in Figure 36 (b), the billing data shows the result of whether or not billing was actually performed. The data indicates whether it is an interrupt JOB or a 1st JOB, and is useless data for modal billing. This is because modal billing, unlike other billing, has two soft counters, including one for interrupts. be. The DEVE data is data indicating whether the DEVE to be used is 2nd DEVE, 1st DEV, or E. Various paper size data are written as the paper size.

FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining modal billing.

In the case of modal billing, as shown in Figure 37 (a), when the power is turned on, the NVM data of DIAC is brought to the RAM of SQMGR, and the modal M
Write the AX value and count the number of copies using the A2 counter in the figure. If there is an interrupt job, the interrupt part is counted by the A3 counter in the figure. This is because it is assumed that another user is copying the interrupt JOB. When the interrupt JOB ends, A
2 counters operate and continue counting from the time the interrupt occurs. Then, compare the value of A2 and the value of A1, and
When the value of A1 exceeds the value of A1, counting is stopped. That is,
As shown in FIG. 37 (b), when the value of R/L reaches the value of A1, counting is stopped. In this way, it becomes possible to provide detailed services to mass copy users.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a feed pointer and an EXIT pointer.

The feed pointer is used to write the billing data of the fed paper into the billing information table shown in FIG. , and is incremented each time paper EXIT is performed, and the data indicated by this pointer is updated or read to prevent a counting error due to a time lag between paper feeding and billing.

Note that the billing information table can be written on up to 10 sheets of paper, so if this is exceeded, the data will be cyclically updated by returning to the original state.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the data structure of the paper EXIT command.

The flEXIT command for use includes paper size data, data on the paper output destination, such as purge tray or sorter, feed tray, pitch data indicating the pitch,
Contains data on whether to bill or not, and data on whether or not this is the last sheet of R/L specified by the pitch coin command from SQMGR, and SQMGR is CHM
It receives this EXIT command from the system and judges whether or not to bill.

1Tl-7-2 Interface FIG. 40 is an interface correlation diagram from M/C start to billing processing.

When the user presses the start key and the M/C start command is sent from the U/T to the SQMGR, the SQMGR
switches the processor state and M/C state from standby to set amplifier and progress, respectively, and simultaneously sends an input start command to DADF. When the DADF receives the input start command from the SQMGR, it feeds the original and sends the original size information to the SQMGR, and the SQMGR sends the received original size data to the U/I. U/r receives the document size information and automatically selects paper and magnification (AP).
MS) is executed, and when a paper tray corresponding to the document size is found, a DOCDECIDE ANS is returned to the SQMGR, and in response, the SQMGR sends an output start to the sorter. Further, the SQMGR sends a set-up request command to the IMM, in response to which the IMM sends a belt start command to the marking, and the SQMGR makes a set-up request to the marking. When setup in each subsystem is completed, a setup end is returned to SQMGR, and SQMGR receives this and switches the processor state from setup to cycle up. Then, it determines the pitch for the current job, sends a start copy command to the IMM, sends a copy mode command such as paper size DEVE information to the CHM marking, receives a start copy accept from the TMM, and then sends a start copy command to the IMM. A get park request is issued to the player and the pitch is determined. When the get park ready signal is returned from the IMM that the lead edge of the next copy panel has been found, the SQM
GR switches processor state to cycle. S
QMGR then informs the marking of the 1st panel number that forms the latent image, and IMM informs SQMGR,,C
Sends a pitch resent signal to HM. In response to this, SQMGR outputs a pitch recent signal which is a reference signal for U/I and marking, and CHM receives a pitch reset signal to set up a timer, feeds the paper after a predetermined time, and sends it to SQMGR. Send to. When the SQMGR receives a paper feed command from the CHM, it sends it to the U/I and creates the billing information table described above. Then, when it receives the scan end command from PT, it issues a command to DADF to replace the original, and IMM sets a timer at the REGI sensor detection timing, and when the timeout expires, the
Call HM. When CHM is called, it sets a timer and opens the regigate when it times out. Then, SQMGR receives a register feed command from CHM, and also receives an input standby command from DADF, switches the processor state to cycle down, and then receives an EXIT command from CHM, and the sorter adds it as an option. If the SQMGR receives an EXIT command from the sorter, the SQMGR performs billing processing by referring to the data attached to the EXIT command indicating whether billing is to be performed or not.

In this way, the SQMGR creates a billing information table showing what kind of billing is to be performed based on the paper feed information from the CHM, and further performs billing processing based on the EXIT command from the CHM or the EXIT command from the sorter.

Note that when paper is ejected to the duplex tray, billing processing is performed based on information from the duplex tray.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform various billing processes according to various customer needs, such as color copying function, editing function, specific paper size, mass copying, etc., and realize a detailed fee structure. becomes possible.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the billing processing device of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the overall schematic configuration, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the control system, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the CPU. 5 is a diagram showing the transfer data structure and transmission timing of serial communication, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a time chart showing mutual communication intervals in one communication cycle.
Figure 7 shows the configuration of the scanning exposure device, Figure 8 shows the configuration of the lens drive system, Figure 9 shows the configuration of the optical system control system, and Figure 10 explains the operation of the optical system. Figure 11 is a diagram showing how the user interface using the display is installed, Figure 12 is a diagram showing the appearance of the user interface using the display, and Figure 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the user interface using the display.
Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the selection mode, Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen other than the selection mode screen, Figure 15 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user interface, and Figure 16 is the software of the user interface. A diagram showing the configuration,
Figure 17 is a side view of the paper conveyance system;
The figure is a side view of the paper tray, Figure 19 is a plan view of the duplex tray, Figure 20 is a side view of the automatic document feeder, Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of sensor arrangement, and Figure 22 is a diagram of the automatic document feeder. 23 is a side view showing the configuration of the sorter, FIG. 24 is a side view showing the drive system of the sorter, and FIG. 25 is a view explaining the action of the sorter.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an overview of the heald area, FIG. 27 is a diagram showing how the panels are divided on the photosensitive material belt, FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the functions of the imaging module, and FIG.
The figure shows a timing chart, Fig. 30 is a conceptual diagram of system positioning, Fig. 31 is a module correlation diagram, Fig. 32 shows a machine state, Fig. 33 shows a processor state, and Fig. 34 is an interface correlation diagram, Figure 35 is a diagram for explaining beam start, Figure 36 is a diagram showing a billing information table, Figure 37 is a diagram for explaining modal billing, and Figure 38 is a diagram for explaining feed pointer and EXIT pointer. Figure 39 shows paper EX
A diagram showing the data structure of IT commands, Figure 40 is M/C
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing interface correlation from start to billing processing. 01... Copy number setting means, 02... Copy mode setting means, 03... Billing processing means, 031...
・All cohesive billing department, 032...Black and white copy billing department, 033...Modal billing department, 034...
Specific paper size billing department. Applicant Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Masanobu Hirukawa (5 others) Figure 7 (b) ) (b) % Figure 38 (Feed point 5I> (EXIT ho 0 iso 5I) Figure 39 Command paper size book 01Sj?',,: Shino

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) The billing processing means includes a copy number setting means, a copy mode setting means, and a billing processing means, and the billing processing means includes a total copy billing section that counts the number of copies;
A black and white copy billing section that counts the number of black and white copies, a modal billing section that counts the number of copies within a predetermined number of copies but does not count beyond a predetermined number, and a specific paper size billing section that counts the number of copies of a specific paper size. A billing processing device comprising: (2) The billing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the billing processing means creates a billing information table when feeding the paper, and refers to the billing information table when discharging the paper to bill the discharged paper. (3) The billing processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data updating and reading of the billing information table is performed for data indicated by a paper feed pointer and a paper exit pointer. (4) The billing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the modal billing section has two soft counters: a counter for counting the number of copies and an interrupt counter. (5) The billing processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to bill is determined based on billing data added to the paper discharge command.