JPH02108078A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To cope with various types of copying machines through the use of a shared copying mode specifying paper and a shared reading means by providing a standby specifying part not limited to a specific copying mode on part of the copying mode specifying paper and giving sense of an inherent copying mode to the standby specifying part. CONSTITUTION:The standby specifying part 58 not limited to the specific copying mode is provided on part of the copying mode specifying paper 5. Moreover a control means is provided which sets a copying mode specified by the standby specifying part 58 as well as the specific mode according to the sense while the standby specifying part 58 is given sense of an inherent copying mode beforehand. Each copying machine gives sense of its inherent specific copying mode, not common in other copying machines, to the standby specifying part 58, whereby the inherent copying mode can be specified on the shared copying mode specifying paper through the use of the standby specifying part 58. The shared copying mode specifying paper and the shared reading means can cope with various copying machines.

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 a copying machine has an information reading means provided inside the copying machine, which increases the overall cost of the copying machine. 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 Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56-14.3455, if the information reading device is not built into the copying machine main body but is made as an option separate from the copying machine main body, only the information reading device can be used by users who need it. It will be possible to provide a card-based manual system.

By the way, it would be more convenient for development, design, and manufacturing if such an information reading device were an option that could be used in common with various types of copiers, without being particularly restricted by the model of the copier to which it is connected. . This point can be achieved by providing a common interface and software for each type of copying machine.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In general, when copying machines are of different models, there are many cases where a function that is equipped on one model of copying machine is not equipped with another model of copying machine. be. Even with these various types of copying machines with different functions, it would be convenient if the information reading device could read information on whether or not to select a copying mode. However, because of the functions (copy modes) that are not common to all types of copying machines, it is uneconomical to prepare a copy mode specification section in advance on a copy mode specification sheet like other normal copy modes. And it becomes confusing. However, it is inconvenient that a specific mode cannot be specified at all depending on the copy mode specification paper.

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, a preliminary designation section not limited to a specific copy mode is provided in a part of the copy mode designation sheet, and a unique meaning of a copy mode is assigned to the preliminary designation section in advance. A control means is provided for setting the copy mode specified by the preliminary designation section together with the specific copy mode according to the meaning given thereto.

Function: Copying modes common to all types of copying machines are designated as a specific copying mode predetermined on the copying mode designation sheet as usual, and the mode can be set.

On the other hand, for copying modes that are not common to each model of copying machine but are unique to that copying machine, it is possible to assign a meaning to the reserve designation section in the copying machine. The specific copy mode can be specified using the specification section. If the copying machine model is different, the meaning of the preliminary designation section may be changed.

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.

Furthermore, an ADF 5 is mounted on the top of the copying machine main body 4 to automatically transport a document (not shown). 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 status of these indicators TO 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 31, 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.

In addition, the block diagram configuration of the control system is shown in Figure 4.
The main control circuit of the copying machine body 4 is a CPU 40 and a ROM 4.
1. It consists of a microcomputer system consisting of RAM 42. 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. ROM4
A program is written in 1, 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.

200 Serial interface 45 for PU40
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. In addition to the above-mentioned insertion prohibited indicator 10 and insertable indicator 11, the reader control circuit 48 includes a transport motor 49 that conveys the copy mode designation paper, and a reader that optically reads marks written on the copy mode designation paper. A sensor 50 is connected. 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 1. 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 copy number designation section 52 and 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 area, by writing a 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 written or the mode part are ignored and the standard copy mode is used.

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.

The 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 types of copiers 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 a unique copying mode determined for each copying machine. The mode specification by this preliminary specification section 58 is as follows:
It is used for modes not included in the paper specific mode, such as special variable magnification mode designation and color copy designation. An explanation will be added regarding this preliminary designation section 58. In general, the copy mode designation sheet 51 and the reading device 8 as in this embodiment can be used not only for one model of copying machine but also for different models of copying machines (of course, the On the main body 4 side, it is necessary to prepare a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 4, that is, an interface and a software configuration).

Under these circumstances, various types of copying machines have specific functions that are common to each model, such as enlarging and reducing, and unique functions that are provided only to certain models. Therefore, for the copy mode specification sheet 51, for specific copy modes such as double-sided copying as well as the number of copies that are common to each model, these modes are printed in advance to make them common, as shown in Figure 1. The preliminary designation unit 58 is used to perform a copy mode with a unique function that is insufficient depending on the model. Therefore, since the preliminary designation section 58 is not common to all models, the mode name is not printed on it, and the user is informed of it in the user manual or the like for each copying machine model. 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 (b○ 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 Figure 1 is the first data for the number of copies,
The 0 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. As for the control data, the input cloth is FFo and the data end is OF
, 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 FO is allowed, and OOH is data that is not allowed.

Based on the control data shown in Tables 1 and 2, transmission and reception operations are performed between the copying machine main body 4 and the reading device 8 according to the data output sequence shown in FIG. .

In such a configuration, the copy mode (including a specific copy mode and unique copy mode) specified by the copy mode designation sheet 51 read by the reading device 8 of this embodiment
The setting process is executed using a process according to a flowchart as shown in FIG. 6 as a control means. 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 4 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 sheet manual input prohibition condition, a sheet manual input prohibition signal is transmitted and it is constantly checked again whether there is a sheet input prohibition condition. If there is no sheet manual input prohibition condition or no longer exists, the sheet input permission indicator 11 lights up to send a sheet input permission signal to the reading device 8), and the insertion of the copy mode designated sheet 51 is awaited. When the paper sensor detects that the copy mode specification paper 51 has been inserted, the reading device 8
A sheet input presence signal is transmitted from the side to the copying machine main body 4 side. 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.

Then, a copy mode specification sheet 51 as shown in Table 1 is provided.
When all the data has been received, in this embodiment, the standard copy mode is first set before setting the specified copy mode. As a result, the standard mode will be set for modes that have not been specifically designated by the copy mode designation sheet 51, and will not be the previously set modes. After this, copy mode specification paper 51
The specified mode is set according to the mode information sent by reading the . When the mode setting is completed, the process returns to checking the sheet input prohibition conditions.

Incidentally, the designation mode setting process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 (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 tray 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 the paper feed trays 1 and 2.3, and in this example, the order is in descending order of capacity, 3rd paper feed tray 3 → 1st paper feed tray 1 → 2nd paper feed tray Check 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,
Set the duplex copy mode and do nothing if not. If there is data in the sorter mode designation section 56, the sorter or stack mode is set according to the data, and if there is no designation, nothing is done. If there is data in the program specifying section 57, the explicit memory specified by the data is called and set to the mode of the memory contents.

Thereafter, the data in the preliminary designation section 58 is selectively processed. That is, in the case of a copying machine that does not have any meaning attached to the preliminary designation section 58, this preliminary designation section 58
Since the data in is meaningless, this data is ignored as shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, in the case of a copying machine having a unique function such as a special variable magnification function, and in which a unique copying mode is assigned a meaning in advance to the preliminary designation section 58, the information obtained from the preliminary designation section 58 is A unique copy mode is set according to the meaning given by the data. Such processing is
This is different for each copying machine of different model. In any case, by utilizing the preliminary designation section 58 on the common copy mode designation sheet 51, it becomes possible to set modes according to the functions of various copying machines without waste.

By the way, the mode designation using the program mode data shown in FIG. 7 will be explained in detail. Regarding this process, in this embodiment, a plurality of storage means for storing the copy mode (corresponding to the RAM 42 in this embodiment) and an input means for inputting the copy mode to these storage means (various types on the operation unit 6) are used. key), one of the storage means in which a plurality of copy modes are stored can be designated by the program designation section 57 of the copy mode designation form 51, and is stored in the designated storage means detected by the reading device 8. The copy mode is set according to the specified copy mode. That is, it is possible to set a copy mode other than the normal copy mode, which cannot be specified using the copy mode specification sheet 51. Here, the copy mode that cannot be specified refers to a mode that does not have a designated portion on the copy mode designation sheet 51, such as the number of copies designation section 52, copy size designation section 53, etc., and is a mode that is not normally used.

For example, modes such as stitching mode, trimming/masking mode, etc. are rarely used, and even if it is possible to input them directly on the copy mode specification form 51, they must be input with data, making the specification method complicated and difficult to understand. It becomes difficult. Therefore, they are excluded from the copy mode designation sheet 51, and these excluded modes can only be entered by key operations.

Therefore, FIG. 8 shows a subroutine for calling the memory specified by the program mode data and setting the mode to the memory contents. If the designation part of the program mode data is "1", the memory of tooth 1 is called and the mode stored in this memory is set. If the specified number of the program mode data is not "1" but "2J", the memory No. 2 is called up and the mode stored in this memory is set. If the specified floor of the program mode data is not “2” but “3”, No, 3
memory and sets the mode stored in this memory. If the designation number of the program mode data is not "3" but "4", memory No. 014 is called and the mode stored in this memory is set.

The specified tooth in the program mode data is not "4" but "
5", No. 5 memory is called and the mode stored in this memory is set.

In this way, if a predetermined copy mode is stored in the memory in advance using the program mode, then the copy mode can be set by simply specifying the program memory positive using the copy mode specification form 51. It is possible,
Program mode can be used effectively. Note that the copy mode based on such a program mode and the normal copy mode based on the copy mode specification sheet 51 may overlap, but in such a case, as can be seen from the flowchart in FIG. The one depending on the mode will take priority.

Effects of the Invention As described above, the present invention provides a preliminary designation area not limited to a specific copy mode in a part of the copy mode designation sheet, and when a unique copy mode meaning is assigned to this preliminary designation area in advance. According to this meaning, a control means is provided to set the copy mode specified by the preliminary designation section together with the specific copy mode, so that the copy mode common to each model of copier is predefined on the copy mode designation sheet. A specific copy mode that is specified and can be set as usual, and a copy mode that is not common to each model of copier but is unique to the copier is set as a backup mode in the copier. By simply assigning a meaning to the designated section, you can use the preliminary designated section on a common copy mode specification sheet to specify the specific copy mode, and this will be useful even when the copying machine model is different. In this case, all that is required is to change the meaning of the preliminary designation section, and in the end, using a common copy mode designation form and reading means,
Compatible with all types of copying machines.

Table 1 Table 2

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is a plan view of copy mode specification paper, Fig. 2 is an external perspective view, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the operating section, and Fig. 4 is a control system. Block diagram, Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the transmission and reception of signals between the copying machine main body side and the reading device side, Fig. 6 is the main flowchart, Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing specified mode setting processing, and Fig. 8 is compatible with program mode. 3 is a flowchart showing mode settings. 4... Copying machine main body, 8... Reading means, 51...
Copy mode designation sheet, 58...For preliminary designation department Applicant Rico Co., Ltd. Procedural amendment (method) % formula % 2, Name of invention Copying device Address 1-3-6-4 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Agent address: 5-9-15 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107 January 31, 1989 (starting gate) 6. Subject to amendment

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. In a copying apparatus having means, a preliminary designation section not limited to a specific copy mode is provided in a part of the copy mode designation sheet, and when this preliminary designation section is given a unique meaning of a copy mode in advance, the meaning thereof is 1. A copying apparatus comprising: a control means for setting a copy mode specified by the preliminary designation section together with the specific copy mode according to the specification.