JPH02108076A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability by searching a specified copy size from plural paper feeding means according to predetermined priority when a copy size is specified and selecting the paper feeding means with the specified copy size. CONSTITUTION:When a copying mode specifying paper specifies copy size, paper of the specified size is searched from plural paper feeding bases 3, 1 and 2 according to the predetermined priority, that is, the 3rd paper feeding base 3 the 1st paper feeding base 1 the 2nd paper feeding base 2, and the paper feeding base of the specified size is set. If plural paper feeding bases have paper of the same size, one paper feeding base is selected and set according to the priority. It is set in increasing order of paper containing capacity, for example. In such a way, the copy size specifying system improves operability.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying apparatus capable of specifying a copy mode using a copy mode specification sheet.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as copying apparatuses have become multifunctional, the number of keys and switches related to copy mode settings has increased, making operations more complex, and it is possible that a desired copy may not be obtained due to an operational error or the like. This is particularly inconvenient when the copy requester and the copy operator are different. For this reason, the copy requester writes copy mode selection information, such as information on the number of copies, on a copy mode specification sheet, and the copy operator inserts this sheet into an optical reader and reads it. A copying machine has been proposed that automatically sets a copy mode according to information and enables copying.

For example, according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 53-131048, an information card with the number of copies programmed is set in an automatic document feeder (ADF) in the same way as a document, and when the document is transported in the same way as the document, the information on the information card is read. , it is described that the mode should be set so that the number of copies is achieved. However, such copying machines have information reading means installed inside the copying machine, which increases the overall cost of the copying machine.
Second. In particular, for users who do not need to set the copy mode using an information card and think that manually setting the normal keys on the operation panel is sufficient, even though such an information reading means is unnecessary, the built-in There is also the problem that it cannot be removed.

In this respect, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-14-3455, if the information reading device is not built into the copying machine body but is made as an option separate from the copying machine body, only the information reading device can be used by users who need it. This means that the card entry method can be provided.

By the way, in general, it is rare for a copying machine to have one paper feed port for transfer paper, but it is equipped with multiple paper feed ports (equivalent to a paper feed tray or paper feed table) and is designed to selectively feed paper. I have to. Therefore, when copying, it is necessary to select which size of transfer paper to copy. This kind of selection is generally referred to as "copy size" selection, but in reality, the desired size of transfer paper itself is not selected, but the transfer paper of the desired size is set. Select or specify the paper feed slot.

Problem to be Solved by the Invention By the way, if we consider the case where copy size is specified as one of the specification modes using the above-mentioned copy mode specification paper, the information transmitted from the information reading means is It is not information, but only information about the size of the transfer paper. Therefore, on the copying machine side, it is necessary to select an appropriate paper feed port according to the transmitted transfer paper size information.

At this time, in a copying machine, designated transfer sheets of the same size are often set simultaneously in two or more paper feed ports. This is often the case with transfer paper of a size that is frequently used.

Also, transfer paper of the specified size may not be set. In such a case, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-14345
In the method of directly specifying the paper feed tray=paper feed port as shown in Publication No. 5, etc., if the transfer paper size is specified, the paper feed port becomes uncertain and cannot be handled. Therefore, in the end, it becomes necessary for the operator to actually select the paper feed port according to the transfer paper size.
This results in poor operability.

Means for Solving the Problem A copy mode specification form for specifying a copy mode according to a prescribed format, a reading means for reading the copy mode specified by the copy mode specification form, and a copying method according to the copy mode read by the reading means. In a copying apparatus having a copy mode setting means for setting a mode, when a copy size is specified based on the copy mode specification paper, the specified copy size is searched from among a plurality of paper feeding means according to a predetermined priority order. A control means is provided for selecting a paper feeding means having a matching copy size.

Basically, by specifying the copy size on the copy mode specification sheet, it becomes possible to copy to that copy size, resulting in good operability.

Here, when paper of a size matching the specified copy size exists in multiple paper sources, the corresponding paper source is selected and set according to the predetermined priority order of paper sources, and the copy operation is performed. It becomes possible.

Example An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

First, FIG. 2 shows the overall external configuration, in which a copying machine main body 4 is provided, which has first and second paper feed trays 1 and 2, and further has a third paper feed tray 3 that can be additionally connected as an option. ing.

Further, an ADF 5 for automatically transporting a document (not shown) is mounted on the -1 part of the main body 4 of the copying machine. 6 is an operation section, and 7 is a paper output tray.

A reading device 8 serving as reading means for reading information on a copy mode designation sheet (described later) is attached to a part of the upper part of the copying machine main body 4.

This reading device 8 is formed with an insertion slot 9 into which paper designated for copying mode is inserted, and when a paper sensor detects that paper is inserted into the insertion slot 9, an internal transport motor is driven and the transport rollers are activated. (not shown), and the information (marks) written on this copy mode designation sheet is read by an optical reading sensor. After reading,
The paper is ejected from the insertion slot 9 again by the transport roller by reversing the transport motor. The reading device 8 transmits the reading mark information to the control system within the copying machine main body 4. Furthermore, an insertion prohibition indicator 10 and an insertion permission indicator 11 are provided on the upper surface of the reading device 8. The on/off of these indicators 10 and 11 is controlled by signals from the copying machine main body 4, and when the insertion prohibition indicator 10 is lit, the transport motor will not operate even if paper is inserted into the insertion slot 9. It does not rotate and paper is not conveyed. In addition, these indicators 10, 1
1 will not turn on or off at the same time.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the configuration of various keys, switches, and displays in the operation section 6. First, the key switches include the start key 12, numeric keypad 13, clear/stop key 14, interrupt key 15, stack key 16, sort key 17, mode clear key 18, preheat key 19,
Timer key 20, 5ADF key 21, ADF key 22
, an automatic density key 23, and a manual density key 24 are provided. Furthermore, paper selection key 25, same size key 26, variable size key 27, up/down/left/right control keys 28, special variable size key 29, duplex key 30, binding margin key 3■, edit key 32
, an enter key 33, a program key 34, a timer set key 35, etc. are provided. Some of these keys have mode display LEDs that indicate the mode depending on the key operation.
36 (shown in black) is provided. Also,
A fixed pattern display section 37 using liquid crystal is provided to display paper size, number of copies, abnormality display, etc. moreover,
A liquid crystal full-dot display section 38 is also provided for displaying the mode when setting the mode mainly by key operation.

The block diagram of the control system is shown in FIG.
, and RAM42. Here, the RAM 42 that stores control flags and data is backed up by a battery 43, and is made into a non-volatile memory so that the contents of the RAM 42 do not disappear even when the copying machine is turned off. ROM41
A program is written in the , and processing is performed according to this program. Further, a programmable clock 44 IC is connected to the CPU 40, and is configured to turn on or off the AC power source of the copying machine and various displays on the operation section 6 at predetermined times.

Serial interface 45 for this CPU 40
An operating section control circuit 46 for the operating section 6 is connected through the. This operation unit control circuit 46 includes various keys (for example, the start key 12, etc.) shown in FIG.
D36, fixed pattern display section 37 and full dot display section 38 are connected, and serial interface 45
It is possible to import operation key data into the CPU 40 or control the display state via the CPU 40.

Further, a reading device control circuit 48 for the reading device 8 is connected to the CPU 40 via a serial interface 47. This reading device control circuit 48 includes the above-mentioned insertion prohibited indicator 10 and insertable indicator 11, as well as a transport motor 49 that transports the copy mode designation paper, and an optical system that detects marks written on the copy mode designation paper. A reading sensor 50 is connected to read the information. This makes it possible to read mark data on copy mode designated paper.

Next, copy mode designation paper 51 used in this embodiment
is shown in Figure 5. This copy mode designation sheet 51 can designate the main mode among various copy modes in a mark sheet format according to a predetermined format, and specifically includes a number of copies designation section 52, a copy size designation section 53, It consists of a copy magnification specifying section 54, a double-sided copy specifying section 55, a sorter mode specifying section 56, a program specifying section 57, and a preliminary specifying section 58. The black portion 59 at the right end is address information. In each designation section, by writing a "single dot mark" or a "-" mark in the white square of the place you want to designate, the reading device 8 detects this mark and sends it to the copying machine main body. It is something. Areas where nothing is entered or mode portions are ignored and set to standard mode. Furthermore, if a mode that cannot be incorporated, for example, a sort mode and a stack mode, is specified at the same time, it is determined that a reading error has occurred, and the copy mode specification sheet 51 is ejected from the insertion slot 9, invalidating the read data. do.

Here, a preliminary designation section 58 shown surrounded by a broken line is a designation section that is not limited to specific mode designations, and mode designations specific to various copying machines can be assigned to this section. When a mark is designated somewhere in this preliminary designation section 58, the reading device 8 simply transmits only a signal indicating the designated position to the copying machine main body 4 side. Therefore, which position in this preliminary designation section 58 corresponds to which mode is determined for each copying machine. The mode designation by this preliminary designation section 58 is used for modes not included in the specific mode for this paper, such as special magnification mode designation, color copy designation, and the like. An explanation will be added regarding this preliminary designation section 58. Generally, the copy mode designation sheet 51 and reading device 8 as in this embodiment are
It can be used not only with one model of copying machine but also with different models of copying machines (of course, on the copying machine main body 4 side, the hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 4, that is, the interface and (It is necessary to prepare the software configuration.) Under these circumstances, various types of copying machines have common functions, such as enlarging and reducing, and special functions that are provided only to certain models. Therefore, on the copy mode specification sheet 51, as for the number of copies and modes such as double-sided copying that are common to each model, these modes are printed in advance to make them common, as shown in FIG. The preliminary designation unit 58 is used to select a mode based on a special function that is lacking. For this reason,
Since the preliminary designation section 58 is not common to all models,
The mode name is not printed and is made known to the user in the user manual of each model of copier.

In other words, even if marks are written at the same location in the preliminary designation section 58, their meanings, ie, designation modes, will differ depending on the type of copying machine used. In a copying machine model that does not have functions other than the common function, this preliminary designation section 58 has no meaning, so even if something is read by the reading device 8, it is ignored.

Here, the signals transmitted from the reading device 8 to the copying machine main body 4 will be explained. Data length is bits bO to b7, 8
The lower 4 bits (bO to b3) are address information for identifying data, and the upper 4 bits are marked data. Specifically, for the number of copies, the X1 column shown in FIG. 5 is the first data for the number of copies,
The O column represents the 10th place data, and the X100 column represents the 100th place data. The copy size is B5-A3, each bit B.
4 to b7. Copy magnification, double-sided copy mode, sort mode, and program mode also correspond to bits. Program mode No. 1 to 5 means the memory number that stores the mode set by the program mode, and when one of these is specified,
The mode stored in that memory is set. If these are shown in a table, it will look like Table 1. In addition, as for control data, the input cloth is FF, and the data end is OFF.
, a handshake signal is used. Further, the logic of each bit is "1" which means that it is active and marked. Further, spare-1 to spare-3 in the preliminary designation section 58 indicate marked locations.

Also, the signals transmitted from the copying machine main body 4 side to the reading device 8 will be explained. This also has a data length of 8 bits,
The lower 4 bits are an address for identifying data, and the upper 4 bits are data.

All of these are control data and are allocated as shown in Table 2. Note that whether or not the input of the copy mode designation paper (sheet) is allowed/disabled is data such that "FOR" indicates "possible" and "OOu" indicates that the input is not allowed.

Table 1 1. Based on the control data shown in Table 2,
Transmission and reception operations are performed between the copying machine main body 4 and the reading device 8 in accordance with a data output sequence as shown in FIG.

In such a configuration, first, the copy mode specification paper 5
The mode designation and mode setting process using 1 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the main switch of the copying machine is turned on to turn on the power, the control circuit shown in FIG. 4 is turned on and the program stored in the ROM 41 is executed. First, a sheet input disable signal is sent to the reading device 8, and the copying machine checks whether there is a sheet input prohibition condition, and then checks whether the copying machine main body 4 side can accept the data on the copy mode specification form 51. . Here, the sheet input prohibition condition includes a jam, an abnormality in the apparatus, an open door cover, etc., and is a condition that prevents the copy mode from being changed. If there is a seat input prohibition condition, a sheet input disable signal is sent, and it is constantly checked again to see if there is a seat input prohibition condition. If there is no sheet input prohibition condition or no longer exists, the insertable indicator 11 lights up to send a sheet input enable signal to the reading device 8), and waits for the copy mode designation sheet 51 to be inserted. When the paper sensor detects that the copy mode designated paper 51 has been inserted, a sheet input presence signal is transmitted from the reading device 8 to the copying machine main body 4. In response, the copying machine main body 4 side transmits a transmission enable signal to the reading device 8 and waits for reception of data by reading the copy mode designation sheet 51. When all the data on the copy mode specification form 51 as shown in Table 1 has been received, the standard copier mode is first set to "-" before setting the specified mode. For modes that are not specifically designated by the designation form 51, the standard mode will be set, and will not be the previously set mode.

Thereafter, the designated mode is set according to the mode information transmitted by reading the copy mode designation sheet 51. When the mode setting is completed, the process returns to checking the seat manual power prohibition conditions.

Incidentally, the designation mode setting process is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 (this corresponds to the copy mode setting means). First, if there is data in the number of copies designation section 52, the value of that data is set on the number of copies display of the main body 4 of the copying machine. We can't do anything without data. Further, if there is data in the copy size designation section 53, the paper feed table 1, 2, or 3 on which paper of that size is set is searched and set. If there is no paper feed tray that matches the specified size data, a paper feed tray containing paper is selected. Priorities are set for paper feed trays 1, 2.3, and in this example, the order of priority is given to the paper feed trays 1, 2, and 3.
Examine the paper feed tray 3 → the first paper feed tray 1 → the second paper feed tray 2 in this order.

This process will be described in detail later. Does nothing if there is no size data. If there is data in the copy magnification specifying section 54, the copy magnification is set. If there is no data, the standard 1x mode will be used. If there is data in the double-sided copy designation section 55, a double-sided copy mode is set; if not, nothing is done. If there is data in the sorter mode designation section 56,
Sets the sorter or stack mode according to the data, and does nothing if not specified. If there is data in the program specifying section 57, the memory No. specified by the data is called and set to the mode of the memory contents. Regarding the data in the preliminary designation section 58, if the copying machine is of a model whose mode has been specified in the preliminary designation section 58, the mode is set according to the data.

Therefore, the copy size (
The details of the processing when the copy size) is specified will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 1 (the processing means in FIG. 1 constitutes the control means). That is, when a copy size is designated by the copy mode designation sheet 51, the mode is set to that size. First, it is checked whether there is copy size data, and if there is, the following selection setting process is performed. Here, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the plurality of paper feed trays 1°2.4 are arranged in advance in order of the largest storage capacity, that is, in the order of the 3rd, 1st, and 2nd paper feed trays 3, 1.2. Priorities are determined, and first, the copy size data and the size of the third paper feed tray 3 are compared,
If there is a match and there is paper, set this third paper feed tray 3. If there is no paper on the third paper feed tray 3, the size of the first paper feed tray 1 is compared with the copy size data, and if they match and there is paper, this first paper feed tray 1 is set. If this still does not match or there is no paper, the size is compared with the size of the second paper feed table 2, and if the size matches and there is paper, the second paper feed table 2 is set.

If there is a mismatch or there is no paper on all the paper feed trays 3, 1.2, the third paper feed tray 3 having a higher priority is set for the time being. Next, if the size of the third paper feed tray 3 does not match the copy size and there is paper, compare the size of the first paper feed tray 1 with the copy size, and if they match and there is paper, the first paper feed tray Set paper stand 1. If there is no paper on this first paper feed tray 1, the size is compared with that of the second paper feed tray 2, and if the size matches and there is paper, this second paper feed tray 2 is set. If there is a discrepancy or there is no paper, then priority 2
Set the first paper feed tray 1 which is the highest. If the copy size data and the size of the first paper feed tray 1 do not match, they are compared with the size of the second paper feed tray 2, and if they match, the second paper feed tray 2 is set. However, if there is no paper, the third paper feed tray 3 having the highest priority is set.

Furthermore, if the copy size data and the size of the third paper feed tray 3 do not match and there is no paper, it is compared with the size of the first paper feed tray l, and if they match and there is paper, the first paper feed Set up stand 1. If there is no paper on the first paper feed tray 1, the size is compared with that of the second paper feed tray 2, and if they match and there is paper, the second paper feed tray 2 is set. However, if there is no discrepancy or there is no paper, the first paper feed tray l having the second highest priority is set. Then, if the copy size data and the size of the first paper feed tray 1 do not match and there is paper on the first paper feed tray l, compare it with the size of the second paper feed tray 2, and if they match, then Second
Set paper feed tray 2. If there is a mismatch, the paper is set on the first paper feed tray 1 which has a higher priority. Also, if the copy size data and the size of the first paper feed tray 1 do not match,
If there is no paper on the paper feed table 1, the size is compared with that of the second paper feed table 2, and if they match, the second paper feed table 2 is set. However, if there is a mismatch, the third paper feed tray 3 having the highest priority is set.

That is, in this embodiment, when the copy size is specified by the copy mode specification sheet 51, the predetermined priority order,
According to the third paper feed tray 3 → first paper feed tray 1 → second paper feed tray 2,
The specified paper size is searched among these plurality of paper feed trays 3°1.2, and the paper feed tray with the matching paper size is set. Even if sheets of the same size are present on a plurality of paper feed trays, the paper feed trays are selected and set according to this priority order. Here, it is convenient because the priority order is set, for example, in descending order of accommodation capacity. In addition, there may be cases where paper of a size matching the specified copy size does not exist on any of the paper feed trays 3.1.2, but even in such cases, paper feed trays 3゜1.2 is checked to find out which paper is present, that paper feed tray is selected and set, and copying becomes possible. In this case, if there is no paper in any of the paper feed trays, the paper feed tray with the highest priority is selected and set. However, if there is no paper that matches the specified copy size or if there is no paper in all paper trays, a message indicating that (no paper of the corresponding size) will be displayed in parallel with the paper tray selection set above. etc.) and have the user check the copy before starting the actual copy.

In this way, you can prioritize the paper feed trays in advance,
By checking the paper on the paper feed tray and selectively setting the paper feed tray according to the priority order, the operability of the copy size designation method can be improved.

Effects of the Invention As described above, when a copy size is specified based on a copy mode specified paper, the specified copy size is searched from among a plurality of paper feeding means according to a predetermined priority order, and a matching copy size is obtained. Since a control means for selecting the paper feeding means is provided, basically, by specifying the copy size on the copy mode designated paper, it is possible to copy to that copy size, resulting in improved operability. When paper of a size matching the specified copy size exists in multiple paper sources, copies are made after going through a process in which the corresponding paper source is selected and set according to a predetermined priority order of paper sources. Therefore, the correspondence between copy size designation and sheet feeding means selection can be improved.

Table 1 Table 2 =25-

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing characteristic processing of this embodiment, which constitutes a control means, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operating section. , 4th
Figure 5 is a block diagram of the control system, Figure 5 is a plan view of copy mode specification paper, Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the transmission and reception of signals between the copying machine main body side and the reading device side, Figure 7 is the main flowchart, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the designated mode setting process. 1.2.3... Paper feeding means, 4... Copying machine main body, 8.
...Reading means, 51...Copying mode specification form Applicant Rico Co., Ltd. Device 3: Relationship with the amended person case

Claims (1)

[Claims] A copy mode specification form for specifying a copy mode according to a prescribed format, a reading means for reading the copy mode specified by the copy mode specification form, and a copy mode setting for setting a copy mode according to the copy mode read by the reading means. When a copy size is designated based on the copy mode designated paper, the designated copy size is searched from among a plurality of paper feeding means according to a predetermined priority order, and a matching copy size is obtained. 1. A copying apparatus comprising a control means for selecting a paper feeding means.