JPH02198465A - Copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To previously register complete mode data into an IC card, etc., even in a simultaneous-mode, etc., and to set the mode data integrally by controlling the timing of changing a mode based on data corresponding to a sensor signal when such data is included in the mode data. CONSTITUTION:When a mode loaded from a memory medium 600 is a mode such as the simultaneous-mode in responce to change in mode based on the sensor signal generated in a copying process, and when the data corresponding to the sensor signal is included in the mode data, the timing of changing the mode is controlled based on that data. Thus, the complete mode data (the mode data including the data determining the timing of changing the mode) is previously registered into the IC card 600, etc., and the mode data can be integrally set.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a copying machine capable of switching copying modes during a single image forming process, such as a simultaneous multicolor copying machine.

[Conventional technology]

(1) A copying machine that can be set to a simultaneous multicolor (simul) mode is provided.

Simul mode allows development operations to be performed in different colors for each designated area by controlling the operating timing and operating time of multiple developing devices each containing toner of a different color during a single copying process. This is the mode in which it is executed.

In order to execute the simul mode, it is necessary to provide data that provides the timing for switching the developing device at the boundary line of the area.

Conventionally, the above data is obtained when a scanner passes a position specified by an external operating means such as a lever (for example, position 1 corresponding to the boundary line of the above area is specified with reference to the document placed on the document table). detecting the time when the scanner moves by a sensor disposed so as to be repositionable along the movement route of the scanner;
It was generated based on the detection signal from the sensor.

That is, the data that provides the timing is not data that can be registered in the memory in advance.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

There is a demand for data that provides the switching timing to be in the form of data that can be registered in memory in advance.

For example, various copy mode data (number of copies/original, exposure amount, copy magnification, etc.) manually generated by an editing machine,
A method has been proposed in which data is saved in an off-line storage medium such as an IC cart and then loaded all at once into a copying machine.

In such a system, data based on sensor signals generated during the copying process cannot be saved in the IC card in advance, such as the data providing the switching timing in the simul mode.

Therefore, in the above method, when saving the simul mode to an IC card, the timing control has to be set on the copying machine side each time.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] The present invention provides: a passage detection means for detecting passage of the scanning body at an arbitrarily designated position in the moving path of the scanning body; a means for accepting copy mode data, a means for setting a copy mode according to the received mode boolean, and when the set copy mode is a mode that involves changing the copy mode during one copy process; is a mode control means for controlling the timing of changing the copying mode based on the time when the scanning object passes the arbitrary position; , means for ignoring the signal from the passage detecting means.

According to the above configuration, for example, when the mode loaded from a storage medium such as an IC card is a mode that involves a mode change based on a sensor signal generated during the copying process, such as Simulmoto, the above If the mode data includes data corresponding to the sensor signal, the timing of the mode change is controlled based on the data.

Therefore, even in simul mode, complete mode data (mode data including data that provides timing for mode changes) must be registered in advance on an IC card, etc.
Can be set all at once.

Note that if the mode data does not include data corresponding to the sensor signal, the timing of the moto change is controlled based on the signal from the passage detection means.

Embodiments The embodiments of the present invention are as follows: 1) An editing input device and safe data storage on an IC card by the editing input device 2) A copying machine that loads the data on the IC card , and operations on the copier.

The following will be explained in order.

1> Editing device ** Outline of the device ** FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the top part of the main editing device 500.

The main editing device 500 includes a tablet section 510, an operation panel section, and an IC card insertion section 580.

l) Tablet unit 510 The tablet unit 510 prints a maximum of A3 size paper in the vertical direction (the direction in which the long side corresponds to the left and right direction in the figure).
By pressing an arbitrary point on the board surface, the coordinate pig of the arbitrary point is picked up (Fig. 19).
(See steps 5507 and 5509).

In addition, if the pressed point matches the coordinates of any key (key drawn on the board 510) in the numeric keypad coordinate group 511 to 520, the numerical value of the matching key (1 to 9, 0) data is input manually (see Figure 19: 5511, 5513).

In addition, if the pressed point matches the coordinates of any of the indicators in the size coordinate groups 521 to 525 (indicators drawn on the board 510), the size of the matching indicator (A5 vertical, A5 Horizontal, A4 vertical, A4 horizontal, A3 vertical) data is input (Figure 19: 5515, 5517
reference).

Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to manually select not only the A-row size but also the B-row size or the inch size.

Further, in this embodiment, numerical data such as the number of copies and size data of copy paper are shown as mode data manually input from the tablet unit 510, but the mode data is not limited to these, and mode data such as copy magnification value and exposure amount can be manually input. It may be possible to do so.

11) Operation Panel Section The operation panel section includes a group of key switches 551 to 560, a reset input terminal 565, and a liquid crystal display section 570.

The A select key 551 and the B select key 552 have modes displayed on the LCD above each key (copy mode, original mode, copy magnification value, simultaneous mode, editing mode, etc.: Figs. 22 to 25). (see figure) in sequence.
This is a key switch for rotating and selecting.

The next screen key 553 and the previous screen key 554 are
These are key switches for changing the screens 70 to the next screen and the previous screen, respectively (see FIGS. 22 to 27).

The operation guide key 555 is a key switch for displaying the operation guide of the main editing input device on the liquid crystal display section 570.

The clear key 556 is a key switch for clearing the coordinate button and mode manually input just before (Fig. 22~
(See Figure 25).

The operation selection key groups 557 to 560 are key switches for selecting a menu, moto, etc. (password input mode, job person kamodo, etc.) displayed on the liquid crystal display on the left side of each key in the figure.

1ii) IC Card Insertion Unit 580 The IC card insertion unit 580 is a part into which an IC card 600 is inserted, and is configured such that when the IC card 600 is inserted, the main editing device is powered on.

**Control Circuit** FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the main editing input device.

This control circuit includes a CPU 5 that executes the processing shown in FIG.
It is composed mainly of 01.

The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores control programs for the CPU 501 and data such as display data via a bus.
, the RAM 503 used for working, the IC card interface 581, the LCD controller 57LP that controls the drive of the liquid crystal display section 570;
A/D- that receives and saves the status of the tablet unit 510
I10505 is connected.

Further, in the CPU 501, when the reset terminal 565 is turned on, the operation of the CPU is reset.

**Explanation of Processing in CPU** Next, in accordance with the processing in CPU 501, saving of data to the C card will be explained.

(a) Main Routine FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the processing in the control CPU 501 of the human-powered editing device.

For example, after starting the process by turning on the power, the control CPU 501 executes initial settings in step S51.

In step 353, it is checked whether the inserted IC card is a proper card, and if it is proper (S55
; YES), the process proceeds to step S57, and an internal timer that defines the execution time of one routine is started.

Thereafter, key manual processing (S59), tablet manual processing (
S61), copy mode setting processing (363), and display processing (S65) are executed.

Thereafter, in step S67, the process waits for the internal timer to end, and then returns to step 357 to repeat the process.

Each of the above subroutine processes will be explained below.

(b) Key manual processing (359) FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing key manual processing.

In step 5401, the state of each key switch on the operation panel of the main editing input device is manually set.

In step 8403, the state of each key switch is determined, and if any key switch has been operated (3403;
YES), the key ON flag is determined in step 5405.

As a result, if the key ON flag is not set (5405; NO), please set the key ON flag.
07), and a code corresponding to the operated key switch is substituted into the key code (S409>).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5405 that the key ON flag is set, in other words, if the processing for the operated key switch has been completed (S40
5; YES), return to the main routine.

In addition, if the key switch is not turned on (340
3; No), reset the key ON flag (S421
). In addition, "OFH", which is the code when the key switch is not operated, is assigned to the key code (342
3).

(C) Tablet input processing (361) FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing tablet input processing.

If a point on the tablet 510 is pressed (S501;
YES), in step 5503, the tablet ON flag is determined.

As a result, if the tablet ON flag is not set (3503; NO), the tablet ON flag is set (S505). Also, the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the pressed point
Input the coordinates (S507°5509).

Furthermore, the pressed point is an index of any key in the numeric keypad coordinate group 511 to 520 (key drawn on the board surface 510).
If it matches the position of (S511; YES),
The code corresponding to the numerical value drawn at the pressed point is substituted into the numeric keypad code (S513).

Further, the pressed point is the copy paper size coordinate group 521 to 525.
If the coordinates match the coordinates of any index (index drawn on the board 510) (3515; YES), the size data drawn on the index is assigned to the size code (S5
17).

Note that if the tablet ON flag is set in step 5503 (5503; YES), this means that the processing when the tablet 510 was pressed has been completed, and the process returns directly.

In addition, in step 5501, if the point on the tablet 510 is not pressed (S501; No), the tablet ON flag is reset (5531),
Clear the coordinate data (3533). Further, 'OFH', which is a code when the tablet 510 is not pressed, is assigned to the numeric keypad code and size code, respectively (S535, 5537).

(d) Copy mode setting process (S63) Figures 20 to 2
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing copy mode setting processing.

1) Before branching (Fig. 20) First, the leather treatment flag is set at the ON edge of the key ON flag or the tablet ON flag.

That is, the key ON flag is "1"(S601; Y
ES) and the key processing flag is not set (
3603;No>, or the tablet ON flag is “
1''(S607; YES) and if the key processing flag is uncentred (8609; No), the key processing flag is set (S611).

Thereafter, the process to be executed is selected according to the screen number on the liquid crystal display section 570 (S613).

Note that if the key ON flag and the tablet ON flag have been reset, the key processing flag is reset (5615).

11) Screen No. O (FIG. 21) On screen No. 60, the numerical coordinate group 5 of the tablet 510
A program number from 11 to 520 is selected according to the human power.

That is, if any numerical correspondence code from 0 to 9 is set in the numeric keypad code (S 1001; No, 5
513), the program number corresponding to the numerical value is
It is determined whether it is already registered (31003).

As a result, if the mode is already registered in the program number (S1003; YES), the mode data of the program number is read out (S1005).

On the other hand, if the mode is unregistered (81003;N
o) Set initial data to the program number (S
1007).

Thereafter, 1'' is assigned to screen NO. 6 (S1009).

111) Screen No. 1 (FIG. 22) On screen No. 1, the number of copies is set in response to the input from the numerical coordinate group 511 to 520 of the tablet 510. Alternatively, modes (copy mode, original mode) are sequentially switched and selected in response to human input from a key switch on the operation panel of the main editing input device.

That is, the human input from the tablet 510 is performed (SLIOI; No), and the input is input to the numeric keypad coordinate group 5.
If the input is from 11 to 520 (31161
;No), the input value is set as the number of copies (S1165).

However, if a 3-digit value has already been set (3
1163; YES), the input is ignored.

On the other hand, if input is performed manually using a key switch from the operation panel of the main editing input device (S110
1; YES), processing corresponding to the operated key switch is performed.

In other words, when the manual input from the clear key 556 is performed (31103; YES), the set value of the number of copies is set to "1".
” (51121).

In addition, if manual input is performed using the A select key 551 (S1105; YES), the copy mode is changed to "
(S11
31).

In addition, when manual input is performed from the B select key 552 (Sl 107; YES), the original is changed to "single-sided original, double-sided original, bunk original, single-sided original", etc.
The items are sequentially loaded and selected (S1141).

In addition, when the manual input is performed from the next screen key 553 (S1109; YES), "'2" is assigned to the screen number (51151), and when the manual input is performed from the previous screen key 554, (S 1111YES), Screen No.
"0" is substituted into (S1113).

iv) Screen No. 2 (FIG. 23) On screen No. 2, the copy paper size is set in accordance with the manual input from the size selection coordinate group 521 to 525 on the tablet 510. Alternatively, the magnification value is switched in response to the key switch input from the operation panel of the main editing device.

That is, when the human power from the tablet 510 is inputted (S1201; No), and the human power is from the size selection coordinate group 521 to 525, (3126
1; No), set the copy paper size (31263) corresponding to the set size code (see S517).
).

On the other hand, if a key switch is manually operated from the operation panel (S1201; YES), processing corresponding to the manually operated key switch is performed.

That is, if an input is made from the clear key inch 556 (S1203; YES), the setting value of the copy magnification is initialized to "equal magnification" (S1221).

Further, if an input is made from the A select key 551 (Si2O3; YES), the copy magnification value is shifted to the enlargement side by one step (S1231).

Further, when manual input is performed from the B select key 552 (S1207; YES), the copy magnification value is shifted by one step to the reduction side (S1241).

Also, if a manual input is made from the next screen key 553 (S1209; YES), 3'' is substituted for the screen NO. 51251), and if an input is made from the previous screen key 554 (S1211; YES), Screen No. 1
” (31213).

■) Screen No. 3 (FIG. 24) On screen No. 3, color switching coordinates for simultaneous copying are set in accordance with the coordinate input from the tablet 510. Alternatively, the simul mode is switched in response to a key input from the operation panel of the main editing unit. Note that the simul mode will be explained in detail later in the section describing the copying machine.

That is, when the manual operation is performed using the tablet 510 (51301; No), and when the simul mode is selected (St361; YES),
Among the input coordinate data, set the X coordinate data as simultaneous color switching coordinate data (31363
).

On the other hand, when a key switch is manually operated from the operation panel (S1301; YES), processing corresponding to the manually operated key switch is performed.

That is, when the clear key 556 is input (S13
03 ; YES), cancel simul mode (31
321).

In addition, when the A select key 551 is pressed manually, (3
1305; YES), set the simul mode to "2 split mode, 3 split mode, 2 split mode j,"
Load and select (51331).

In addition, if the B select key 552 is pressed manually (S
1307 ; YES), the color copy area during simultaneous copying is rotated sequentially as follows: [first area (and last area when in 3-division mode) φ2nd area Q first area (and when last area is in 3-division mode)] and select it (31341).

In addition, by the combination of the above A select key and B select key, "Mode A, Mode B, Mode C, Mode D."
It is possible to select from four simultaneous modes. Note that modes A to D will be explained in detail later in the section describing the copying machine.

Also, when the next screen key 553 is input (513
09; YES), please substitute 4″ for the screen number. 5135
1) If the previous screen key 554 is pressed manually (S13
11; YES), assign “2” to screen NO1 (
S1313).

vi) Screen No. 4 (FIG. 25) On screen No. 4, coordinates defining an area for editing and copying (editing coordinates) are set in accordance with the coordinate input from the tablet 510. Alternatively, the editing/copying mode is switched in response to key input from the operation panel of the main editing unit.

Immediately, when the manual operation is performed from the tablet 510 (S1401; No), and when the edit copy mode is set (S1471; YES),
First, the process advances to step 31473 to determine whether the document size has been input.

As a result, if the original size is unmanaged (S1473; N
o) The coordinates entered manually from the tablet are set as document size data (S1481).

Also, if the original size has been input (S1473;
YES), and on the condition that the number of manually edited coordinate points is 10 or less (S1475+YES), set the manually edited coordinate data as edited coordinate data <31477)
.

On the other hand, if a key switch is input manually from the operation panel (S1401; YES), processing corresponding to the manually operated key switch is performed.

That is, when the clear key 556 is input (S
1403; YES), if coordinate data is input (S1421; YES), clear the input coordinate data 31423), if coordinate data is not input (S1421; No), edit The copy mode is canceled (31425).

Also, if the A select key 551 is pressed manually (S
1405, YES), the editing copy mode is sequentially rotated and selected, such as "composition", "color classification Q composition" (SL431).

In addition, if the original size has already been input (S1407
, YES), If the B select key 552 is input, 1m (S1410: YES), Load and select sequentially as in 'Erase specified area) Copying specified area, erase specified area' (S1440)
.

Further, when the next screen key 553 is input (S14
13; YES), please substitute "Pa 5" for the screen No. 514
61), when the previous screen key 554 is input (S1
415; YES), assign “P3” to screen NO1 (S
1417).

vj) Screen No. 5 (Fig. 26) Screen No. 5 is the setting completion screen, and the next screen key 553 on the operation panel is pressed. Processing is performed in response to input from the previous screen key 554.

That is, when the next screen key 553 is input (S15
03; YES), save the set mode data to the IC card 600 (31521), and assign 0'' to the screen number (S1523).

On the other hand, if the previous screen key 554 is input (S15
05 ; YES), assign '4' to the screen number (
S1507).

Note that the human power from the tablet (31501NO) is ignored.

(e) Display Processing (S65) FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing display processing for controlling the display on the liquid crystal display section 570.

The display process corresponds to the numerical value assigned to the screen number,
The process branches as follows (S701).

That is, ■) Screen No. -Q A program selection screen is displayed (S711).

In this state, as explained in FIG. 21, the program No.
, is selected.

ii) Screen No. -1 Displays the number of copies, copy mode, and original mode (
S 721).

In this state, the tablet 5
It is possible to specify the number of copies from 10 and to select the copy mode and original mode from the operation panel.

111) Screen N00=2 The copy paper size and copy magnification are displayed (S731).

In this state, the tablet 5
It is possible to specify the copy paper size from 10 and select the copy magnification from the operation panel.

iv) Screen No. = 3 Simul mode display is performed (S741).

In this state, as shown in Fig. 24, the tablet:/)
It is possible to specify the simultaneous switching coordinates from 510 and select the simultaneous mode from the operation panel.

■) Screen No. -4 Edit mode display is performed (S751).

In this state, the tablet 5
It is possible to specify edit coordinates from 10 and select an edit mode from the operation panel.

vi) Screen No. = 5 A setting completion screen is displayed (S761).

In this state, as explained in Fig. 26, Kuble:/)
The human power from 510 is ignored, and screens can be switched and the selected moto can be changed from the operation panel 550.

〈Left below〉 〈2〉Copy machine Next, set the above-mentioned IC card 600 in the copy machine,
The case where programmed mode data is loaded and copied will be explained.

**Overview of copying machine** FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of this copying machine.

The illustrated copying machine has an optical system 101 in the upper stage and an image forming unit 1 in the middle stage.
02, a paper refeeding unit 103 is arranged at the lower stage, and a paper feeding unit 104 is arranged at the lowermost stage.

1) Optical system 101 The optical system 101 exposes and scans the original image set on the original platen glass 16, and converts the reflected light image from the image surface into the image forming unit 1.
The image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 of 02.

The optical system 101 includes an exposure lamp 11, a reflecting mirror 11a, ll
b, has an IC 111d1 and a lens 12.

Exposure lamp 11, reflector 11a, and lead switch 2
10 is integrally mounted on the first movable body 215, and when scanning the document for exposure, it moves below the document platen glass 16 at a speed of V/N (V: circumferential speed of the photosensitive drum 2, N: copying magnification). move.

Further, the reflecting mirrors 11b and llc are integrally mounted on a second moving body (not shown) and similarly move at a speed of V/2N.

Note that these movements are performed by a scanner morph (FIG. 7). In addition, the position adjustment of the lens 12 and the reflection mirror l
The position and angle of the ID are adjusted by a lens motor (see FIG. 7) based on the copying magnification.

In addition, in the figure, two levers 201 and 202 installed near the original platen glass 16 are used for simultaneous (simultaneous multicolor)
This is a member for defining boundaries between areas of different developed colors under different modes. Details will be explained later.

11) Image forming unit 102 The image forming unit 102 executes image forming using a so-called electrophotographic process.

The image forming section 102 is configured around a photoreceptor drum 2 that is rotatable in the direction of arrow a.

Around the photoreceptor drum 2, there are an erase lamp 7 for removing residual charges on the surface of the photoreceptor, a charger 6 for uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor, and an L for removing charges in areas where image formation is not required.
ED array 1040, developer 3a (color toner storage) for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor surface with toner, developer 3b (black toner storage), for developing the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum surface on the paper surface. A transfer charger 5a that electrically attracts the paper to
, and a cleaning device 4 for removing residual toner from the surface of the photoreceptor.

On the other hand, copy paper fed from the paper feed unit 7) 104 or the paper refeed unit 103, which will be described later, is fed by a timing roller pair 1.
3, and after a predetermined timing, the toner image is transferred between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer charger 5a. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the fixing device 9 by the conveyor belt 8, subjected to image fixing processing, and further discharged by the roller pair 14, 15 to the sheet discharge tray 36 outside the copying machine. Alternatively, it is sent to the refeed tray 58 by the roller pair 14.35.

Switching between discharging the copy paper to the tray 36 and sending it to the paper refeed tray 58 is controlled by a switching lever 41 operated by a solenoid (not shown).

Note that the operating mechanism of the developing device and the timing control for switching between the developing devices 3a and 3b under the simultaneous mode will be described in detail later.

iii) Paper refeeding unit 103 The paper refeeding unit 103 performs composite copying (copying in which a composite image is formed on the same side of copy paper by two consecutive image forming processes) and double-sided copying (copying in which a composite image is formed on the same side of copy paper by two consecutive image forming processes). It is used for copying (copying) in which images are formed on the front and back sides of copy paper through two image forming processes. At this time, the switching claw is
The position is switched to the solid line position during double-sided copying, and to the broken line position during composite copying.

The copy paper with an image formed on one side (first side) passes through the paper path 37 during composite copying, and passes through the paper path 37 during double-sided copying.
and 33, and is temporarily stored in the paper refeed tray 58. That is, they are stored in the tray 58 with the image forming surface (first surface) facing down during composite copying, and with the image forming surface (first surface) facing upward during double-sided copying.

Thereafter, at a predetermined timing, the paper is pulled out from the tray 58 by the refeed roller 38, passes through the paper feed path 34 between the roller pairs 39 and 40, reaches the timing roller pair 13, and is again subjected to the above-described image forming process. be done.

iv) Paper Feed Unit 104 The paper feed unit 104 has a top paper tray 42 and a bottom picture paper tray 43 that respectively store copy sheets of different sizes. After the copy paper in each tray is pulled out by the paper feed roller 18 or the paper feed roller 19, the copy paper is pulled out by the roller pair 20.
21 or the pair of rollers 22 and 23, passes through the paper feed path 34 via an automatic paper feed mechanism, and reaches the pair of timing rollers 13. Thereafter, the image forming process described above is performed.

**Explanation of Honorable Mention Panel** FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine, and each key switch etc. will be explained below.

・411 to 420: Numerical data of "1 to 9.0" Numeric keypad group for manual operation ・90: Interrupt key for commanding the interrupt copy mode setting ・9I: Clearing the set copy mode and copying operation 445: Start key to command copy start 433, 434: Up/down key to command exposure amount up/down 447: Number of copies/original, copy Numerical display section that displays numerical values such as magnification 2 - 421: Size selection keys for sequentially loading and selecting copy paper sizes - 421a to 421d: Size display LEDs that display the selected copy paper size - 426 - 429: Group of magnification selection keys for selecting a copy magnification value prepared in advance in association with each key. 426a to 429a: Magnification display LED for displaying the selected magnification.

・431: Copy mode selection key for sequentially rotating and selecting one-sided copy 1 double-sided copy 1 composite copy ・1-sided 1 double-sided 9 composite ・Copy mode display LED to display the selected mode ・441: Simul mode , and the simul mode (simultaneous multicolor) mode for sequentially loading and selecting the type of simul mode will be described in detail later.

- 441a to 441d: Simul mode display LEDs that display the selected Simul Moto.

-432: Developing color selection for sequentially loading and selecting developing colors In this copying machine, the number of developing devices that can be set is two, but it is possible to replace the developing devices.

- 432a to 432d: Development color display LEDs that display the selected development color.

・480: IC card set unit ・485: As will be explained in detail after the load key for loading data on the IC card, the program number to be loaded is updated every time the load key 485 is turned on (S23
1.5233: Figure 14).

-486: Card set display LED that indicates that a proper IC card is set.

**Description of Control Circuit** FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the copying machine.

The control circuit includes a CPU 401 that controls the operation of the copying machine main body.
It is mainly composed of. The CPU 401 includes an optical system 10.
C that controls the movement of the scanner in step 1 and the adjustment of the lens position.
A PU 491 and a CPU 492 that individually control ON/FF of each LED element of the LED array 1040 are connected, and these control while communicating with each other.

In addition, the CPU 401i: has a ROM 402, tM, a memory backup RAM 403, and a parallel l1040
4, and the IC card I/F 481 via the bus,
each connected.

A control program for the CPU 401 is stored in the ROM 402, and a RAM 403 is used for working.

Signals from each key switch on the operation panel 400 and each sensor arranged inside the copying machine (sensors such as the reed switch 210 that detects the position of the lever 201, 202) are input to the parallel 10404. Further, the operations of the motor, clutch, solenoid, etc. in the copying machine are controlled via the parallel 10404. Note that the developing device 3a.

3b switching is also done via parallel l10404.

Further, the IC card I/F 481 is connected to the card set section 4
This is an interface with an IC card inserted into 80.

**Explanation of simul mode** (a) Overview of simul mode Simultaneous (simultaneous multicolor) mode means that the operating timing and operating time of multiple developing units, each containing toner of a different color, can be adjusted to create a single image. This is a mode in which images are created in different colors in designated areas on a single sheet of paper by controlling each area during the process.

For example, in FIG. 3, simul mode displays 441a to 44
As shown in Figure 1d, the simultaneous modes that can be set in this copying machine include a 3-area division mode (Mode C: 44
1c, Mode D: 441d) and 2-area division mode (Mode A: 441a Moto B: 441b>). Each mode is: -Mode A (2-area division): Color Ro Black -Mode B (2-area division) ): Black Medium Color Mo YC (
3-area division): color middle black middle color mode D (3-area division): defined as hot color middle black.

That is, one image formed by the simul mode is divided into regions having different developed colors by boundary lines in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction (the moving direction of the first moving body 215).

In order to form such a copy image, the operating timing of the developing units 3a and 3b must be controlled respectively during one image forming process.

The above-mentioned timing control is based on l) the timing at which the reed switch 210 is turned on when the first moving body 215 passes the position of the levers 201 and 202, or 1i) mode data from the IC card 600 is loaded. In this case, in the data, together with Simulmoto,
If the mode switching coordinates are registered (see Fig. 24; 51363), switching is performed based on the simultaneous coordinate data (Fig. 15; 5303 to 5311,
(see below).

In the case of 1) above, in the two-area division mode, turning on the reed switch 210 by the lever 202 is ignored.

(b) Regarding levers 201 and 202, next 2, lever 2
01.202 and the timing detection mechanism described above will be explained based on FIGS. 5 and 6.

As shown in FIG. 5, a guide groove 203 is formed between the document table glass 16 and the operation panel 400 along the direction of movement of the scanner (left-right direction in the figure). The levers 201, 202 are installed so that they can be slid along.

By positioning the levers 201 and 202 on the extension of the boundaries of each area as shown in FIG. 5, the document image area 16a is divided into three areas A1B and C as shown.

Here, areas A, B, and C are ・Area A The tip of the document table ~ No. 201 lever ・Area B The first lever 201 to the second lever 202 ・Area C Second lever 202 - rear end of document It is.

Note that, as described above, in the case of the two-area division mode, the designation by the second lever 202 is invalid.

As shown in FIG. 6, magnets 201a and 202a are integrally formed at the lower part of the levers 201 and 202, respectively.
At the time when the reed switch 210 passes through the position 2a, the reed switch 210 is turned on and the signal becomes CP.
Enter in U401. As a result, the above-mentioned actuation timing is calculated. In addition, in FIG. 6, b represents the first moving body 2.
15 movement (scanning) directions.

(C) Operation timing of developing devices FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the exposure position and the position of each developing device.

The original reflected light guided from the optical system is directed to the exposure position W of the photoreceptor drum 2 as shown in Fig. 4 (in Fig. 2, the exposure position is not directly above but slightly to the left). but,
In FIG. 4, for ease of explanation, the electrostatic latent image is incident on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 (shown at a position directly above).

Now, the developing position of the developing device 3a (the position where the toner formed in spikes on the surface of the developing sleeve is transferred to the photoreceptor drum 2) is set as "xl", and the developing position of the developing device 3b is set as "x2". These two development positions are expressed as follows, based on the exposure position W: xl: angle α1 time t x2: angle α+β1 time 1. +12, respectively. Note that the time t refers to the time required for an arbitrary point on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 2, which is rotating at a predetermined speed, to reach the development position x1 from the exposure position W. The same applies to time t2.

Figures 9 and 10 show the first
These are time chart showing the operation timing of the developing device 3a and the second developing device 3b, and FIG. 9 shows the case using the ladder bars 201 and 202, and FIG. 10 shows the case using the simul coordinate data of the IC card 600. Each is shown below. Further, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating changes in image density in the simul mode, focusing on the boundaries of each area.

First, based on FIGS. 9 and 11, the lever 20
1.202 will be explained.

When the power of the copying machine is turned on, the solenoid of the first developing device 3a containing color toner is turned on. As a result, the first developing device 3a is placed in a retracted state. Note that the solenoid of the second developing device 3b that stores black toner is turned off.
Since the second developing device 3b is in the developing position.

In this state, it is assumed that the mode D (three-area division: black, medium, color, and black) is set using the simul mode key 441. This is the simul mode key 44 in FIG.
It is represented as 1 ON.

Next, when the start key 445 is turned ON to command the start of the copy operation, the second
The developing device motor is turned on.

As a result, a state in which development with black toner is possible (a state in which the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 2 can be developed) is set.

After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start key 445 was turned on, exposure scanning of the original image is started. Further, the development by the second developing device 3b starts at t++t from the exposure start time of the leading edge of the original image.
It will start after 2 hours.

When the reed switch 210 reaches the position of the lever 201 by executing the exposure scan, the reed switch 210 is turned off.
Do N.

tl from the falling edge of the reed switch 210
After a period of time has elapsed, development by the first developing device 3a containing color toner is started. That is, the first developer solenoid is set to 0FFL, and the first developer motor is turned on. Incidentally, the development by the second developing device 3b is being continued at this point.

Further, when a time t2 has elapsed from the time when the first developing device 3a started developing, the developing operation by the second developing device 3b is stopped. That is, the solenoid of the second developing device 3b is turned on.
and the motor is turned off.

However, in reality, the rise in color image density and
In order to adjust the developing density at the border by taking into account the fall in black image density (see FIG. 11), the second developing device 3b is stopped after time 12+13 has elapsed. t3 will be described later.

After that, more time has passed, and the reed switch 210
reaches the lever 202 position, the reed switch 2
10 is turned ON again.

The principle of subsequent timing control for activation and stop of the developing device is substantially the same as described above.

That is, 1 from the falling edge of reed switch 210.
．． After +12 hours have elapsed, the developing operation by the second developing device 3b is restarted.

Also, from the falling edge of the reed switch 210, 1
+ (Actually, as described above, in order to adjust the developing density at the boundary, after 1. +12) time has elapsed, the color toner development by the first developing device 3a is stopped.

In the above, as shown in FIG. 11, the time t3 is set in such a way that the image at the boundary can be perfectly reproduced, taking into account the fall and rise of the developing density at the boundary. Ru.

Next, a case in which the timing of the operation of each developing device is controlled based on the simultaneous coordinate data loaded from the IC card 600 will be described with reference to FIG.

That is, in FIG. 10, the reed switch 210 is not turned on, but the switching timer is turned on and off.
is under control.

The set value of the switching timer is calculated based on the simultaneous coordinate data (S1363: see FIG. 24).

**Description of Processing in CPU** The operation of the above-mentioned copying machine will be described below in accordance with the processing in CPU 401 and the like.

(a) Main routine of CPU 401 FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main routine of processing in CPU 401 that controls the operation of the copying machine.

The control CPU 401 starts processing by, for example, turning on the power, and then executes initial settings in step Sll.

Next, in step 313, an internal timer that defines the execution time of one routine is started.

Thereafter, manual operation processing (S15), IC card reading processing (S17), copy operation processing (S19), and other processing other than the above (S21>) are executed, and step S23
After waiting for the internal timer to end, step 31
Return to step 3 and repeat the process.

Manual operation processing (S15), IC card reading processing (S1
7) The copy operation process (S19) will be explained below.

(b) Operation input processing (315) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the manual operation processing.

In step 5101, the state of each key switch on the operation panel 400 is manually set.

As a result, any key switch is operated (S
103; YES), and if the key processing flag is not set (S105; No), the key processing flag is set (S107).

Furthermore, it is determined whether copying is in progress (5109),
If copying is not in progress (S109.NO), copy mode is set according to the operated key switch (Sil
l). Note that if the turned-on key is the start key 445 (8113; YES), the copy operation is started (S115).

In addition, if it is determined in step 5109 that the copy operation is in progress (S109; YES), it is determined whether the operated key is the knob key 91, and if it is the stop key 91, , interrupts the copy operation (3121).

Note that in step 5103, if none of the key switches is operated (3103; NO), the key processing flag is reset (S131>) and the process returns to the main routine.Also, if any key switch is operated Even if (S103; YES), if the process for that ON edge has already been executed (S105
;YES), return to the main routine.

(c) IC card reading process (S17) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the IC card reading process.

In step 5201, it is determined whether the IC card 600 is set in the copying machine.

1) When setting the IC card, the IC card 600 is sected (S201;
YES), if the copy operation is not in progress (S203°
NO), the card insertion flag is determined in step 5205.

As a result, if the card insertion flag is not set (S
205; No), check whether the card is appropriate 5207), if it is appropriate (S209; YES)
), turns on the corner display 486 on the operation panel 400 (5211). Also, set the card insertion flag (S21
3) Assign “0” to the program number (S215
).

After that, read the contents of the assigned program No. 0 (5217), on the condition that the contents are registered (3
219; No), the registered mode is set in the copying machine (S221>).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5205 that the card insertion flag is set (S2Q5; YES-
If the process at the time of card insertion has been completed), the process waits for the operation of the load key 485 (S231).

If the load key 485 is operated (8231; YE
S) The value of program No. 1 is incremented in sequence for each operation (S233>. If the value of program No. 1 becomes "10" as a result of incrementing (S235; YES), the value of program No. 0"
(S237).

Thereafter, the process of reading out the contents of the corresponding program number and setting the read mode in the copying machine (S21
7 to 5221) are the same as when inserting the card.

1i) When the IC card is not sent If it is determined in step 5201 that the IC card 600 is not set (S201; No), or
Even if the card 600 is cented, the corresponding I
If the C card is not a proper card (S209; No)
, reset the card insertion flag (5241), and turn off the card display (S243>).

(d) Copy operation processing (S19) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the copy operation processing.

In step 5301, it is determined whether or not a copy operation is in progress, and if the copy operation is in progress (S301; YES)
), and further determines whether simul mode is set (5303).

As a result, if simul mode is set (
S303; YES), it is determined whether the mode data loaded from the IC card 600 contains coordinate data for giving the timing for switching the developing color (S305). Note that registration of coordinate data to the IC card 600 is performed in step 81363 (
(Fig. 24).

If it is determined in step 5305 that the coordinate data has been registered (S305; YES), based on the data, the timing of switching the developer is controlled by a timer as shown in FIG. 10 (S307). ;YES
, S311).

On the other hand, if the coordinate data is not registered (S30
5; No), the switching of the developing device is controlled as shown in FIG. 9 based on the signal generated by the sensor when passing through the lever 201 (and 202: in 3-split mode) (S309; YES). , S 311).

Note that step 5313 is a step that collectively shows copy operation processing other than the above.

(e) Main routine of CPU 492 FIG.
92 is a flowchart showing the processing at step 92.

After starting the process by, for example, turning on the power, the control CPU 492 executes initial settings in step S31.

In step S33, copy start is awaited. During the standby (S33, NO), if data for editing copy is sent from the CPU 401 (S45).
; YES), the data is converted into bitmap data for controlling ON/OFF of each LED element of the LED array 1040 (S47).

Furthermore, when a copy operation start command from the CPU 401 is detected (333; YES), it is determined whether or not the edit copy mode is set, and depending on the result,
Controls ON-OFF of each LED element of the LED array 1040.

That is, if the edit copy mode is set (S
35; YES), each LED element of the LED array 104 C1) is turned on and off based on the bitmap data developed in step S47 (S37).

Also, if edit copy mode is not set (
S35; No), the LED array 1o4° is used for normal inter-image erase (S41).

This copying machine is configured as described above, and is controlled as described above according to the mode input from the operation panel 400 or the mode loaded from the IC card 600.

(Hereinafter, blank space) [Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention provides means for detecting passage of a scanning object at an arbitrarily specified position, means for specifying the arbitrary position,
A means for accepting copy mode data, sets a copy mode according to the accepted mode data, and if the set copy mode is a mode that involves changing the copy mode during one copy process, the above is passed. The copying machine has means for controlling the timing of the change based on time, and means for ignoring the signal from the passage detecting means when the timing data is included in the mode data.

As described in the embodiments, according to the present invention, for example, an IC
When the mode loaded from a storage medium such as a card is in a mode that involves a mode change based on a sensor signal generated during the copying process, the mode data includes:
If data corresponding to the sensor signal is included, the timing of the mode change is controlled based on the pig.

For this reason, even in simul mode, complete mode data (mode data including data that gives the mode change timing) must be registered in advance on an IC card, etc.
Can be set all at once.

Note that if the mode data does not include data corresponding to the sensor signal, the timing of mode change is controlled based on the sensor signal.

Below, margin

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the main editing input device (job input device);
Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the mechanism of this copying machine, Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine, Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the vicinity of the image forming section of the copying machine, and Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the copying machine. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the simultaneous switching mechanism of the copying machine; FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the copying machine;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the editing input device, FIG. 9 is a time chart illustrating the timing of switching the developing device of the copying machine using the lever, and FIG. 10 is a timer diagram of switching the developing device of the copying machine. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between image density and switching timing when switching the developing device, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main routine of processing in the control CPU 401 of the copying machine. Figure 13 is the first
2 is a flowchart showing step S15 in FIG. 2, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing step S17 in FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing step S19 in FIG. 12, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing in the control CPU 492 of the copying machine, and FIG. 17 is a main routine of processing in the control CPU 501 of the editing machine. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process in step S59 of FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process in step S61 of FIG. 17, and FIGS. A flowchart showing the process in step S63, and FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the process in step S65 in FIG. 500...Editing input device 521-525...Copy paper size index 511-520...Numeric keypad index

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) At an arbitrarily specified position during the movement path of the scanning object,
Passage detection means for detecting passage of the scanning object; means for specifying the arbitrary position; means for accepting copy mode data; setting a copy mode according to the accepted mode data; , if the mode involves changing the copying mode during a single copying process, mode control means for controlling the timing of changing the copying mode based on the time when the scanning object passes the arbitrary position; A copying machine comprising: means for ignoring the signal from the passage detecting means when the data includes data giving the timing for changing the mode. (2) In claim 1, the apparatus includes a plurality of developing means each storing toner of a different color, and the mode involving a change in the copying mode is based on the operation timing of each developing means during one copying process. A copying machine in a simultaneous multicolor mode that controls the operating time to form a copy image consisting of areas of different developed colors. (3) A copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the accepting means is means for loading mode data saved in an offline storage medium.