JPH02137865A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily alter the set number of papers without interrupting a series of copying operations by comparing the altered number of copy papers, inputted through the use of a means for inputting the altered number of copy papers, with the number of papers set prior to starting the series of copying operations. CONSTITUTION:For altering the number of copy papers during a copying operation, a key for altering the set number of papers is depressed, then the part 4 for displaying the number of papers flashes on and off while displaying the value of the number of papers, set at the point of time that a start key 5 is depressed, and an operator inputs the number of papers he/she wants to change by using a key 3 for setting the number of papers. During this period of time, the copying process continues without interruption. Upon the completion of inputting the altered number of papers, by depressing the key 7 for altering the set number of papers, a device compares the number of copied papers with the value set by the input of alteration. When the value set by the input of alteration is greater than the number of copied papers, the device displays remaining required number of papers onto the part 4 for displaying the number of papers, and carries on the copying operation. On the other hand, when the number of the copied paper is greater than the value, the device shifts the operation to an end after displaying the number of papers, including the paper being copied at the time, on the part 4 for displaying the number of papers.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

[Prior art]

In a copying machine, when it is desired to change the number of copies after starting the operation of copying a plurality of copies of one document, the following three operations are mainly performed.

(1)? ji Interrupt the copying operation, subtract the number of copies that have already been copied from the number of copies you want to change, reset the number of copies, and start the copying operation again.

(2) Wait for the completion of the copying operation in progress, set the insufficient number of sheets, and start the copying operation again.

(3) If the number of sheets to be changed is less than the set number of sheets, the copying operation is interrupted at a timing when the copying operation for the necessary number of sheets to be changed is completed.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

By the way, each of the above-mentioned handling methods (11 to (3)) has the following problems.

(1)・From the interruption operation until the number of sheets can be set,
need to wait.

・You need to check the number of copies you have already made.

・You need to subtract the number of sheets you confirmed from the number of sheets you want to change.

- Copying will take longer to complete due to the time required for changes.

(2) - It is necessary to wait for the completion of the copying operation in progress.

- It is necessary to calculate the number of missing sheets.

- Copying will take longer to complete due to the time required for changes.

(3) - Calculation for interruption timing is required.

- If you interrupt at the wrong time, you may need to use extra paper or make additional copies to cover the missing amount.

・With conventional devices, it was not possible to change the set number of sheets smoothly, as it was necessary to check the number of sheets to check whether the interruption timing was correct.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when it is desired to change the set number of copies while a series of copying operations from one original to multiple copies is being executed, it is possible to change the set number of copies without interrupting the series of copying operations. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can be easily changed.

[Means to solve the problem]

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that performs a series of copying operations for a set number of copies of a document, and a copy change number input that inputs the number of copies to be changed during the series of copying operations. means for comparing the changed number of copies inputted by the changed number of copies input means with a set number of sheets set before the start of the series of copying operations; means for continuing the copying operation until the number of copies reaches the changed number of copies when the number of copies is greater than the set number of copies, and terminating the copying operation when the set number of copies is greater than the changed number of copies; It is characterized by comprising the following.

[Effect]

When the number of copies to be changed is entered during a series of copying operations, it is compared with the set number of copies set before the start of the series of copying operations, and if the number of copies to be changed is greater than the number of copies to be changed, the number of copies is changed to the number of copies to be changed. The copying operation continues until the set number of copies is reached, and if the set number of sheets is greater than the set number, the copying operation is ended.

〔Example〕

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the operation panel of the copying machine. In the figure, numerals 1 and 2 are display units indicating that the copying machine is in a copying preparation state and a copying ready state, respectively. Reference numeral 3 denotes a number setting key for setting the number of copies, and the numerical value set by this key is displayed on a three-digit, seven-segment type number display section 4 provided above the key. On the right side of the number setting key 3, there are provided a set number change key 7 for instructing to change the set number of copies according to the present invention, and a clear stop key 6 for interrupting the copying operation and correcting the set number of copies being input. Further, on the right side of these, a start key 5 for starting the copying operation is provided.

FIG. 2 shows an outline of the operating procedure. First, the operator turns on the power switch of the copying machine. Then,
The display unit 1 lights up to notify that the device has entered the preparation operation. Further, the sheet number display section 4 displays the initial value "1". When the preparation operation is completed, the display section 1 is turned off and the display section 2 is turned on.

The operator manually enters the required number of copies using the number setting key 3 while checking the number of copies on the number display section 4. If you make an input mistake here, press the clear stop key 6,
After returning the display to "1", enter the number of sheets again using the number setting key 3.

When the input is completed, the start key 5 is pressed to start the copying operation. When the copying operation is started, the display section 2 turns off,
When continuous copying is specified, the display on the sheet number display section 4 is decremented in synchronization with the copying operation one sheet at a time.

Now, when changing the set number of copies during copying operation, first press the set number of copies change key 7.

Then, the display on the sheet number display section 4 blinks while displaying the sheet number setting value at the time when the start key 5 is pressed. Therefore, the operator presses the sheet number setting key 3 while looking at the display on the sheet number display section 4.
Manually enter the number of sheets you want to change.

During this time, the copying operation is continued without being interrupted. If you make a mistake in inputting the number of sheets to be changed, similarly press the clear stop key 6 and input again.

When the input of the changed number of sheets is completed, the set number of sheets change key 7 is pressed again. As a result, the apparatus side compares the number of sheets that have already been copied with the set value based on the change input, and determines whether to continue continuous copying or terminate copying.

That is, if the set value by the change input is larger, the remaining required number of sheets is displayed on the sheet number display section 4 without blinking, and the copying operation is continued. When the copying operation is completed, the changed setting value is displayed on the copy number display section 4.

On the other hand, if the number of sheets that have already been copied is greater, the number of sheets added to the number of sheets currently being copied is displayed on the sheet number display section 4 without blinking, and then the process moves to the end operation. In either case, when the process is finished, the display section 2 lights up and the process waits for the next copying operation to be input.

Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of the part related to the above-mentioned operation 1 display,
The figure is a RAM map diagram. In the microcomputer 8, signals from the key switches on the operation panel are input to the input ports 0 to 4 of the input board 8010.
Display devices such as the sheet number display unit 4 are connected to output bits O to 7 of the display output board 802 via a drive IC 803. Output ports 1-3 are connected to switching transistors for controlling the operation of the switches and indicators mentioned above.

5 to 8 are flowcharts showing the control procedure of the microcomputer 8. FIG. In this embodiment, the display method is adopted, and the display or key input detection is performed by an interrupt program. below,
The control procedure will be explained in order based on a flowchart.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main program. First, when the operator turns on the power switch (
Step 5501), RA in the microcomputer 8
Set the initial value to M. For example, all RAM is set to "0"
(step 5502').

Next, output the initial state from the output port. Here, output port 3 is set to rOJ, 1 and 2 are set to rl and J, and all drive system outputs are turned off (step 55).
03). And address 0 in the RAM shown in Figure 4
Step 5504), address 89
．． 08 and 07 number memory 3 and 2゜■ respectively rOJ and r
Set OJ and rlJ data (step 5505
').

Next, step 5506 sets the periodic timer of the interrupt program to the internal timer of the microcomputer 8.
), starts the timer count, and allows acceptance of an interrupt request when the timer counts up, and interrupt processing starts from here (step 5507>).

If there is a paper jam during copying or if the cover of the device is opened, step 5 will be performed after the jam is cleared.
The process returns to step 508, and in the next step 5509, a paper jam or cover opening error check is performed and the process waits until the error is cleared. Preparatory operations (
It is determined whether cleaning (drum cleaning, etc.) has already been performed, and if not, preparatory operations are performed (steps 5510 to 5511).

When the preparation operation is completed, wait until the temperature of the heat roller that fixes the developer on the copy paper reaches a predetermined level, and then set bit 7 (Please wait for a while) of display memory 1 at address 04 to "0". After setting bit 7 (copy please) of display memory 2 at address 05 to rlJ, wait for start key 5 to be pressed (step 5).
512-5515).

In step 5516, it is determined whether the data to be returned to the sheet number display section 4 after the copying operation has been registered or not, based on whether the set flag of the address 13 is "1" or "0". The display on the number of sheets display section 4 is decremented when the copying operation starts, but when the copying operation is completed, the display returns to the set number of sheets. For this reason, it is necessary to remember the number of sheets that you have set,
When passing through this area after an interruption such as a jam, the above-mentioned set flag needs to be determined in order to prevent the displayed number of copies in the middle of copying from being mistakenly stored as the set number.

If the set flag is "0" in step 3516, the contents of the number memories 1 to 3 at addresses 07 to 09 are also stored in the setting memories 1 to 3 at addresses O^ to OC, and the set flag at address 13 is is set to "1" (step 551
7.551B).

If the set flag is rlJ, bit 7 (copy please) of address o5 is set to "0" to perform copying operations such as turning on and off the optical system, paper feeding system, and process control system (step 5519. 5520).

Then, it is determined whether the end flag of address 15 is "1" or "0" (step 5521). This flag becomes "1" when it is determined that it is necessary to end the copying operation due to the number of sheets changed during copying.

If the end flag is "0", address 09,0807
It is determined whether the number of copies memory 3, 2.1 is rob, rOJ "1", that is, whether there is only one copy remaining in the number of copies to be made, and the process branches depending on whether or not to end the copying operation (step 5522). If the remaining number of sheets is not 1 at step 5522, subtract it from the number of sheets memory 1 to 3 and step 5522.
Return to step 520 (step 5523).

If the end flag is rlJ in step 5521, it is returned to "0" (step 5524).
Also, if the remaining number of sheets is one in step 5522, the process also proceeds to step 5525, and after performing post-processing operations related to the copying operation such as cleaning the drum, the start key-on flag at address 12 is set to "0". (step 5526). During interrupt processing, when it is detected that the start key 5 is pressed when copying is possible, the start key on flag becomes "1";
If so, it is determined that a copying operation is in progress.

In the next step 5527, the flashing flag at address 14 is set to rOJ. This flag is used to determine whether or not to blink the display on the sheet number display section 4 when changing the set number of sheets during a copying operation, and is set to "1" during a change input. Also,
Only when this is "1", the input of the sheet number setting key 3 etc. is also used for changing. Setting the blinking flag to "0" here means that the change is canceled because the copying operation has been completed.

In step 5528, the initial set number of sheets is restored to the sheet number memory, and upon completion of the restoration, the set flag is set to "0".
", step 5529), set bit 7 of display memory 2 (copy please) to "1", step 55
15 (step 5530).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the above-mentioned interrupt program, and the interrupt program shown in steps 5507 and subsequent steps and steps 3601 and subsequent steps are executed at the timer cycle determined in step 5506. First, in step 5602, the interrupt counter at address 10 is incremented. In this embodiment, the interrupt processing is divided into three parts depending on the value of this counter, and the next step 5603.5 is
The counter value is determined in step 604, and if it is "2",
801 is taken in and stored in the input memory l at address 01 (step 5605). Then, output port 1 is set to "1" (step 5606). At this point, the first digit of the sheet number display section 4 and the display section 1 (please wait for a while) are turned off.

Next, display memory 2 at address 05 is output from display output port 802 to set output port 2 to "0" (steps 5607 and 5608). This causes step 560
LED corresponding to the display output of 7 (The output of the display output bit of the display part 2 and the second digit of the number of sheets display part 4 is
1) will be lit. The program then moves to a count program routine (details omitted) for various timings used in copying operations, etc. (step 5609).

On the other hand, if the interrupt counter value is determined to be "3" in step 5604, this is set to rOJ (step 56
10). Therefore, each time an interrupt occurs, the interrupt counter
", r2", I"3 (=O)J values are repeated. Then, in the next step 5611, input port 8
01 is fetched and stored in the input memory 2 at address 02 (step 5611), and the output port 2 is set to "1" (step 5612).

At this point, the second digit of the sheet number display section 4 and the display section 2 (please copy) are turned off. Next, the display memory 3 at address 06 is output from the display output port 802 and output to the output port 3.
is set to rOJ (step 5613S614). As a result, the LED corresponding to the display output in step 5613
(The output of the 3rd digit display output bit of the number display section 4 is "
1) will be lit.

Then, the process moves to the key human power determination processing routine starting from step 5701 shown in FIG. 7 (step 5615).

Also, if the interrupt counter value is "1", the manual port 801 is fetched and stored in the address 030 input memo IJ3 (step 5616'), and the output port 3 is r
lJ (step 5617). At this point, the third digit of the sheet number display section 4 is turned off. Next, output the display memory l' at address 04 from the display output port 802 and set output port 1 to rOJ (steps 3618 and 5619).
. As a result, L corresponding to the display output in step 3618
ED (where the display output bits of the display section 1 and the first digit of the sheet number display section 4 are respectively output as "1") is lit.

Then, in step 5620, the blinking flag is set to rlJ or rO.
J, that is, whether the set number of sheets is being changed or not, and if it is being changed, a blinking counter (address 11) for counting the cycle of blinking the display is incremented (step 56).
21). Next, it is determined whether this blinking counter value has reached X or 2X (steps 5622 and 5623).
. This is a case where the display period is set to 2, and the period may be changed to a different value.

When the blinking counter value reaches 2x, the blinking counter is set to "0" (step 5624'). That is, the blinking counter value is in the range of "0" to "2X".

Then, it is determined which segment of the sheet number display section 4 should be lit from the contents of the change memories 1-3 at addresses OD-OF, and the data is transferred to the display memories 1-3 (step 5625). In other words, the blinking counter value is rXJ~r2
The changed value is lit during X (=0)J.

On the other hand, when the blinking counter value is between "1" and rX-IJ, all display memories 1 to 3 are set to "0" and turned off (step 5626).

In addition, if the blinking flag is not rlJ in step 5620, the blinking counter is reset to "0" (step 5627), and the address 0 is not being changed since the set number of sheets is not being changed.
Display the contents of number memories 1 to 3 of sheets number 7 to 09 (judge which segment of sheet number display section 4 should be lit, and move the data to display memories 1 to 3. Step 5628
), terminates interrupt processing and returns to the main program.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the key human power determination routine. First, in step 5702, the program determines whether a key has been pressed based on the values stored in input memories 1 to 3, and prevents erroneous judgments due to chattering or duplicate processing due to keys not being pressed. Perform processing.

If it is determined that no key is pressed here, the interrupt process ends and returns to the main program (step 5714).
), while if the key is pressed, address 12
It is determined whether the start key-on flag is "1" or rOJ, that is, whether the copying operation is in progress (step 5703), and if it is rlJ, the change judgment routine shown in FIG. 8, that is, the key human power detection program during the copying operation (Step 5715).

If copying is not in progress, it is determined whether or not bit 1 of the input memory 3 is "0", that is, whether or not the clear stop key 6 has been pressed (step 5704); if it has been pressed, the copy number memory 3 .2.1 rOJ, rOJ, r
Set the data for lJ (step 5716), and after this, the setting value will be changed, so set the set flag to rO.
J and end the interrupt processing (step S71?)
.

If the clear stop key 6 is not pressed, then it is determined whether bit O of the manual memory 3 is "0", that is, whether the start key 5 has been pressed. Set the start key on flag to “1” to start operation.
” and terminates the interrupt processing (step 3718).
.

Further, if the start key 5 is not pressed, it is determined which of bits O to 4 of the input memory 1.2 is "0", that is, which of the sheet number setting keys 3 was pressed (step 5706). In step 5707, the set flag is set to “
1” or not. When this is "1", it is determined that the copying operation for the set number of copies has not been completed, so the interrupt processing is ended without using the number setting key 30 input.

On the other hand, when the set flag is "1", it is determined whether or not the cent has been sent in order from the first digit of the number memory 1 (steps 5708 to 5710), and the data of the first finger is set first. If not, set the input of number setting key 3 to the 1st finger, and if the 1st finger has been set and the 2nd finger has not been set, set the data of the set 1st finger to the 2nd finger. Shift the number of sheets setting key 3 to the 1st finger, and if the 2nd finger is set but the 3rd finger is not set, the 2nd finger is set to the 3rd finger and the 1st finger is set. Shift the respective data to the second finger and input the number of sheets setting key 3 to 1.
set to the finger position and end the interrupt processing (step 37).
11-5713).

FIG. 8 shows the change determination processing routine (step 5715).
”). First, in step 5802, it is determined whether the blinking flag is rlJ or “0”, that is, whether it is in the process of being changed. If it is “0” and not in the process of being changed, first, the input memory It is determined whether or not the clear stop key 6 was pressed during the copying operation depending on whether bit 1 of 3 is "0" (step 5813).
The data of "1" is sent and the setting value has been changed, so the set flag is set to "0" and the interrupt processing ends (
Step 5817.3818).

If the clear stop key 6 is not pressed, it is determined whether or not the set number change key 7 is pressed to instruct the start of change based on whether bit 2 of the input memory 3 is "0" (step 5814). To start changing the set number of sheets, set the blinking flag to "1" and set the setting memory 1.
Move the contents of ~3 to change memories 1~3 (step 581
5,5816). As a result, when the change starts, the setting value before the change is displayed blinking.

Now, after being instructed to start changing the set number of sheets, the next number of sheets to be changed is set, so steps 5802 to 5803 and 5804 are passed through to step 5805.
Then, the key operation of the sheet number setting key 3 is determined. first,
When any one of the sheet number setting keys 3 is pressed once, the value is set as the data of the first finger in the change memory 1. Next, when any key is pressed, the data of the first finger is shifted to the change memory 2 as the data of the second finger, and the value newly input by pressing is entered as the first finger. When any key is further pressed, the input value is similarly set to the 1st finger, and the data of the 2nd finger and 1st finger that have already been set are shifted to the data of the 3rd finger and 2nd finger, respectively. (Steps 8806-5811).

If the clear stop key 6 is pressed while changing the set number of sheets described above, rOJ, rob is stored in the change memory 3.2.1.
, rlJ data is set (step 5819).
.

If the set number of copies change key 7 is pressed, it means that an instruction to finish changing the number of copies has been given, and in order to decide whether to end the copying operation or continue it, it is necessary to check whether copying has already been completed or not. Step 5804: Compare the number of sheets (-(setting memory value)-(number of sheets memory value)) plus the one sheet currently being copied with the number of sheets to be changed (change memory value).
5820), if the changed memory value is smaller, it is determined that it should be terminated, but since the number of sheets that have already been copied and the sheet that is being copied are already copied, it is assumed that this total number has been changed. , set the number of sheets in the setting memory and the number of sheets memory for display, set the end flag to "1", and proceed to step 5826 (steps 5821 to 5823).
).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5820 that copies should be made to mhl, the remaining number of copies to be made (changed memory value - (setting memory value - number of copies memory value)) is set in the number of copies memory, and then the contents of the changed memory are When the change is completed in the setting memory, the blinking flag is set to "0" and the interrupt processing is terminated (steps 5824 to 5826).

[Effect] As described above (with the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when changing the set number of copies during a series of copying operations, the operator does not have to spend extra time counting the number of copies that have been made or performing troublesome calculations). The set number of copies can be easily changed without interrupting the copying operation.Therefore, there is no need to think about the stop timing, and it is possible to prevent wasting time or consumables due to errors caused by this, etc. has excellent effects.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the operation panel in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operating procedure, FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the control system, FIG. 4 is a memory map diagram, and FIGS. The figure is a flowchart showing the control procedure. 1, 2...Display section 3...Number of sheets setting key 4...
・Number of sheets display section 5...Start key 7...Set number of sheets change key 8...Microcomputer patent Applicant Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney Noboru Kono Illustration

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In an image forming apparatus that performs a series of copy operations for a set number of copies of a document, a copy change number input means for inputting the number of copies to be changed during the series of copy operations. and a comparing means for comparing the changed number of copies inputted by the changed number of copies input means with a set number of sheets set before the start of the series of copying operations, and a comparing means for comparing the changed number of copies inputted by the changed number of copies input means. means for continuing the copying operation until the number of copies reaches the changed number of copies when the number of copies is greater than the set number of copies; and means for terminating the copying operation when the set number of copies is greater than the changed number of copies; An image forming apparatus comprising: