JPH03216672A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve a working efficiency by calculating the completion time of an image output based on a time which is necessary for outputting an image on an original and which is calculated based on the number of detected sheets and a present time in advance, and predictively displaying the completion time of the image output. CONSTITUTION:The number of original sheets placed on an original feeding means B is detected by a detecting means C before starting to read the original, and also the present time is counted by a time counting means D. And the time necessary for outputting the image on the original is calculated based on the number of the sheets detected by the detecting means C, and then, based on this time and the present time obtained from the counting means D, the completion time of the image output is calculated by a calculating means E in advance, and then, the time is displayed by a display means F for predictively displaying the completion time of the image output which is calculated by the calculating means E. Then, the completion time of copying can be clearly recognized by an operator in the case of copying a large number of sheets, so that it is unnecessary for the operator to observe a copying machine and a facsimile device beside them. Thus, the working efficiency can be improved.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Industrial Field of Application J] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine having a calendar function, and particularly relates to a display control technique for displaying an image output end time and an image output interruption time.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses of this type, such as copying machines, are known to have a calendar function capable of displaying the current time and outputting and recording on a recording medium. [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, this type of conventional device does not display the end time of image output, etc., so the operator does not clearly know the end time, for example when making a large number of copies. Therefore, it is necessary to stay near the copying machine until it is finished, or to go and check whether it has finished or not.
There was a problem that needed to be solved that the operator's work efficiency deteriorated. In addition, there is a problem to be solved in that if the copying operation runs out of paper during the copying operation, the efficiency of the operation becomes even worse. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that solves the above problems and improves work efficiency. [Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a document reading means, a document feeding means for automatically feeding the document to the document reading means, and a method for placing the document on the document feeding means. a detection means for detecting the number of originals that have been read before the start of reading the original; a timer for measuring the current time; and a timer for calculating the time required to output an image of the original based on the number of sheets detected by the detection means; and the current time obtained from the clocking means, and a display means for displaying the image output end time calculated by the calculation means in advance. . Another aspect of the present invention includes a second timer that starts timekeeping in response to an image output start instruction, and an interruption reason that includes at least one of paper jam, out of paper, out of toner, and inability to sort. a second detection means for detecting the second detection means; a control means for interrupting the time measurement of the second time measurement means in response to a detection signal from the second detection means; , a second calculating means for calculating the remaining image output end time based on the time of the second clocking means, and the display means also displays the image output end time calculated by the second calculating means. It is characterized by displaying. Further, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the remaining amount of image output paper is determined.
a third detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables including at least one of the remaining amounts of toner; the remaining amount detected by the third detecting means; and the detecting means detecting the number of original sheets detected by the third detecting means. and a third calculating means for calculating a time when the consumables will run out based on the number of originals, and the display means also displays an advance notice of the time when the consumables will run out calculated by the third calculating means. It is characterized by [Function] In the present invention, an image output start key (for example, a coby key,
The image output end time is calculated and displayed when the user presses the image output key (or the send key), and the operator is notified of the end time.This allows the operator to clearly know the end time of copying, for example, when making a large number of copies. This eliminates the need to be near a copying machine or facsimile machine, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, since the time when paper will run out can be known in advance, there is an advantage that paper can be replenished in advance at that time. [Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, A is a document reading means. Reference numeral B denotes a document feeding device that automatically feeds the document to the document reading device A. C is document feeding means B
This is a detection means that detects the number of originals placed on the document before starting reading the original. D is a timekeeping means for measuring the current time. E is a calculation means that calculates the time required to output an image of a document based on the number of sheets detected by the detection means C, and calculates in advance the image output end time based on this time and the current time obtained from the timer D. F is a display means for displaying an advance notice of the image output end time calculated by the calculation means E. Further, G is a second timer that starts measuring time in response to an instruction to start outputting an image. H is a second detection means for detecting an interruption reason including at least one of paper jam, no paper, no toner, and inability to sort. ■ is the second detection means H
This control means interrupts the time measurement of the second time measurement means G in response to the detection signal of the second time measurement means G. J is a second arithmetic means that calculates the remaining image output end time based on the time of the second timer G in response to an instruction to start image output after the interruption state is resolved. The display means F also displays the image output end time calculated by the second calculation means J. Furthermore, K is a third detection means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables including at least one of the remaining amount of image output paper and the remaining amount of toner. L is a third calculation means that calculates the time when the consumable supplies run out based on the remaining amount detected by the third detection means K and the number of originals detected by the detection means C that detects the number of originals. The display means F also displays a preview of the time when the consumables will run out, which is calculated by the third calculation means L. FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of an embodiment of a copying apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. In this figure, 100 copies the main body of the copying machine, 2
00 is a bedistal that has a double-sided processing function that turns the recording medium (paper) over during double-sided recording, and a multi-recording function that records multiple times on the same recording medium, and 300 is a circulation type that automatically feeds the original. A document feeding device (hereinafter referred to as RDF) 400 is a sorting device (hereinafter referred to as a sorter) that stores recorded paper into a plurality of bins, and each of these devices 200 to 500 has a main unit l00, Can be used in any combination. A. Main body (100) In the main body 100, reference numeral 101 is an original table glass on which an original is placed, and 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) that illuminates the original. 105, 107, and 109 are scanning reflecting mirrors (scanning mirrors) that change the optical path of the reflected light from the original, respectively.
, Ill is a lens with focusing and variable magnification functions, 11
3 is a fourth reflection mirror (scanning mirror) that changes the optical path. 115 is an optical system motor that drives the optical system; 117
, 119, and 121 are sensors, respectively. 131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high voltage unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developing device, 140 is a developing roller, 141 is a transfer charger, 143 is a separation charger, and 145 is a cleaning device. 151 is the upper cassette, 153 is the lower cassette, 171
is manual paper feed slot, l55 and 157 are paper feed rollers, 1
59 is a registration roller. Further, 161 is a conveyor belt that conveys the recording paper on which an image has been recorded to the fixing side, 163 is a fixing device that fixes the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression bonding, and 1
67 is a sensor used for double-sided recording. The surface of the photosensitive drum 131 described above is made of a seamless photoconductor using a photoconductor and an electric conductor. The motor 133 starts rotating in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Next, when the predetermined rotational control and potential control processing (preprocessing) of the drum 131 are completed, the original placed on the original platen glass 101 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 configured integrally with the first scanning mirror 105. The reflected light from the original is transmitted to the first scanning mirror l05 and the second scanning mirror l05.
Scanning mirror 107, third scanning mirror l09, lens 11
1 and a fourth scanning mirror 113 to form an image on the drum 131. The drum 131 is corona charged by a high pressure unit 135. After that, the image illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 (
The original image) is exposed to slit light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum 131 using the known Carlson method. Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 131 is transferred to a developing device 139.
The toner image is developed by a developing roller 140 and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto a transfer paper by a transfer charger 141 as described later. In other words, if the upper cassette 151 is the lower cassette 1
The transfer paper in 53 or the transfer paper cassetted in the manual paper feed port 171 is fed into the main unit by paper feed rollers 155 or 157, and is sent in the direction of photosensitive drum +31 with accurate timing by registration rollers 159. The leading edge of the latent image and the leading edge of the transfer paper are aligned. Thereafter, the transfer paper passes between the transfer charger 141 and the drum 131, so that the toner image on the drum 131 is transferred onto the transfer paper. After this transfer is completed, the transfer paper is separated from the drum 131 by a separation charger 143, guided to a fixing device 163 by a conveyor belt 161, fixed by pressure and heat, and then released from the main body 100 by an ejection port 165. is discharged to. After the transfer, the drum 131 continues to rotate, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device 145 composed of a cleaning roller and an elastic blade. Also, during copying, the fuser section paper detection sensor, fuser section jam detection sensor, paper discharge detection sensor, etc. are constantly monitoring the accumulation or delay of the transfer paper during copying, and if the accumulation or delay occurs, , it is determined that there is a jam and the situation should be interrupted. When the front door, etc. is opened to clear a jam and the door is closed after the 24V power is turned off, whether or not the suspended state is canceled based on whether or not transfer paper remains. to judge. Furthermore, an upper paper remaining amount detection sensor (not shown),
The presence or absence of transfer paper is detected by the detection signals from the lower paper remaining amount detection sensor and the deck paper remaining amount detection sensor. During copying, if it is determined that there is no paper based on the detection signal, copying is interrupted. B. Pedestal (200) The pedestal 200 includes a deck 201 that can be separated from the main body 100 and that can store 2,000 sheets of transfer paper.
and an intermediate tray 203 for double-sided copying. Further, the lifter 205 of the deck 201, which can accommodate 2,000 sheets, is raised according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always comes into contact with the paper feed roller 207. Further, there is a slide volume (not shown) that is linked to the vertical movement of the lifter 205, and the remaining amount of transfer paper can be detected using this slide volume. Further, 211 is a paper discharge flapper that switches the path between the double-sided recording side or multiplex recording side and the discharge side path, and 213, 2
15 is a conveyance path of a conveyor belt, 217 is an intermediate tray weight for holding down the transfer paper, and paper discharge flappers 211 . The transfer paper that has passed through the transport paths 213 and 215 is turned over and stored in the intermediate tray 203 for double-sided copying. Reference numeral 219 denotes a multiple flapper for switching between double-sided recording and multiplex recording, and is disposed between conveyance paths 213 and 215, and guides the transfer paper to multiplex recording conveyance path 221 by rotating upward. Reference numeral 223 is a multiple sheet discharge sensor that detects the end of the transfer sheet passing through the multiple flapper 219. A paper feed roller 225 feeds the transfer paper to the drum 131 through a path 227. 229 is a discharge port for discharging the transfer paper to the outside of the machine. During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiple overlapping copying), first raise the paper ejection flapper 211 of the main body 100 upwards and move the copied transfer paper to the conveyance path 213 of the bediskle 200.
, 215, and stored in the intermediate tray 203. At this time, the multiplex flapper 219 is lowered during double-sided recording.
At the time of multiplex recording, the multiplex flapper 219 is raised. This intermediate tray 203 can store up to 99 sheets of copy paper, for example. The transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is pressed down by an intermediate tray weight 217. During the next back-side recording or multiplex recording, the transfer paper stored in the intermediate tray 203 is moved one by one from the bottom to the path 2 by the action of the paper feed roller 225 and the weight 217.
27 to the registration rollers 159 of the main body 100. C. RDF (circulating document feeder) (300) RDF
In 300, reference numeral 301 is a stacking tray on which a stack of originals 302 is set. First, when a single-sided original is used, a half-moon roller 304 and a separating roller 303 separate the originals one by one from the bottom of the stack. Buses I to II to the exposure position of the platen glass 101
After being conveyed through , it stops and the copying operation starts. After copying is completed, the paper is sent to pass V by large transport rollers 307 via pass III, and then sent to pass V by paper ejection rollers 308.
As a result, the document is returned to the upper surface of the document bundle 302 again. 309
is a recycle lever that detects one circulation of the original, and is placed on the top of the stack of originals at the start of original feeding, and when the originals are fed one after another and the trailing edge of the final original passes through the recycle lever 309, it falls due to its own weight. Detects one circulation of the original. Next, for double-sided originals, as mentioned above, place one end of the original on bus 1, II.
A switching flapper 31 that can be rotated there
By switching to 0, the leading edge of the document is guided to bus 1 (2), conveyed by conveying rollers 305 through path (2), and conveyed onto platen glass 101 by full-surface belt 306, and then stopped. In other words, the large transport roller 307 is configured to reverse the document along the routes of buses III to IV to II. Also, the document bundle 302 is passed one by one from I to ■ to III to IV.
D. The number of originals can be counted by conveying them through Vl until one cycle is detected by the recycle lever 309. Sorter (sorting device) (400) Sorter (400
) has a 25-bin tray and sorts recorded sheets. Copied sheets are sequentially ejected from the paper ejection roller 229 of the main body, enter the conveyance roller 401 of the sorter, and pass through pass 4.
03 and is discharged from the discharge port 405 into each bin 411. For example, in the sort mode, each time a sheet is discharged into each bin, the bins are raised by a pin shift motor (not shown) and T-alignment is performed. FIG. 3 shows an example of the arrangement of the operation panel provided on the main body 100 described above. The operation panel includes a key group 600 and a display group 700 as described below. F. Key Group (600) In FIG. 3, reference numeral 601 is an asterisk (*) key, which is used by the operator (user) when in a setting mode, such as setting the binding margin or setting the size of document border eraser. 606 is an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode. Reference numeral 602 is a preheating key, which is pressed to put the machine of the main body 100 into a preheating state and to cancel the preheating state. This key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto-shutoff state to the standard mode. 605 is a copy start key (copy start key);
Press to start copying. A clear/stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby and as a stop key during copy recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. It is also used to cancel * (asterisk) mode. Also, press the stop key to interrupt continuous copying. The copying operation stops after the copying at the time when the button is pressed is completed. Numeric keys 603 are pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used to set the * (asterisk) mode. A memory key 619 allows the user to register frequently used modes. Here Ml~M
You can register in 4 ways. Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is the AE key,
Press this button to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual. A cassette selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper cassette 15l, the middle cassette 153, and the lower paper deck 201. In addition, when a document is placed on the RDF300, this key 607 selects APS (automatic paper cassette selection).
can be selected. When APS is selected, a cassette of the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 is a same size key, which is pressed to make a same size (original size) copy. Reference numeral 616 is an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the original image according to the specified transfer paper size. 617 and 618 are the zoom keys, which are pressed to specify any magnification between 64 and 142%. 608 and 609 are fixed size scaling keys, which are pressed when specifying reduction or enlargement of the fixed size. A double-sided key 626 is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key, which can create a binding margin of a specified length on the left side of the transfer paper. 62
4 is the photo key, which is pressed when copying a photo original.
Reference numeral 623 is a multiple key, which is pressed when creating (combining) an image from two originals on the same side of transfer paper. Reference numeral 620 denotes a document frame erase key, which the user presses when erasing the frame of a standard size document.The size of the document at that time is set using the asterisk key 601. Reference numeral 621 is a sheet frame erase key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the document according to the cassette size. 622 is a page continuous copying key, which allows you to copy the left and right pages of a manuscript.
Press to make copies on separate sheets. Reference numeral 614 is a paper ejection method (stable, sort, group) selection key, and if a stapler that can staple the recorded paper in a stable manner is connected, the stable mode and sort mode can be selected or canceled, and the sorting mode can be selected. If a tray (sorter) is connected, sort mode and group mode can be selected or canceled. Reference numeral 615 is a paper folding selection key, which allows selection and cancellation of Z-folding, which folds recorded paper of A3 or B4 size into a Z-shaped cross section, or half-fold, which folds recorded paper of A3 or B4 size in half. G. Display details (700) In Fig. 3, 701 is an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display that displays information regarding copying.
Text messages and fixed size scaling keys 608, 609.
The copy magnification set using the same magnification key 6lO and zoom keys 617 and 618 can be displayed. This display 701 is a transflective liquid crystal display and uses two colors for the backlight.Normally, a green backlight is lit, and an orange backlight is lit when an abnormality occurs or when copying is not possible. Reference numeral 706 denotes an equal magnification display, which lights up when equal magnification is selected. Reference numeral 703 is a color developer indicator, which lights up when a sepia developer is set. A copy number display 702 displays the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code. 70
5 is a used cassette indicator, and upper cassette 151
, middle deck 153, or lower deck 201 is displayed. 704 is an AE display, and the AE key 613
Lights up when (automatic density adjustment) is selected. Reference numeral 709 is a preheating indicator, which lights up in the preheating state. When in the auto shut-off state, this indicator 70
9 blinks. Reference numeral 707 is a ready/wait indicator, which is a two-color LED of green and orange, and the green light lights up when it is ready (when copying is possible) and when it is wait (
(When copying is not possible), the color lights up orange. A double-sided copy indicator 708 lights up when either double-sided copying from a double-sided original or double-sided copying from a single-sided original is selected. When using the RDF300 in standard mode, the settings are 1 copy, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, same size, and 1-sided copying from a 1-sided original. When the RDF300 is not in use, the standard mode is set to 1 copy, manual density mode, same size, and 1-sided copying from a 1-sided original. The difference between when the RDF 300 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 300. Further, 710 is a power lamp, which lights up when the power switch is turned on. H. Control Device (800) FIG. 4 shows an example of the circuit configuration of the control device 800 of the embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, 801 is a central processing unit (CPU) that performs arithmetic control to execute the present invention, for example, a microcomputer V manufactured by NEC (Nippon Electric Corporation).
Use 50. 803 refers to FIGS. 6 to 10 according to the present invention.
It is a read-only memory (ROM) in which control procedures (control programs) as shown in the figure are stored in advance.
The PU 801 controls each component device connected via the bus according to the control procedure stored in this ROM. 805
is the random access memory (RA), which is the main memory used for storing input data and as a working storage area.
M) 807 is an interface (I/O) that outputs a CPU 801 control signal to a load such as the main motor 133. 8
09 inputs input signals from the image tip sensor 121, etc., and sends it to the CPU.
Interface to send to 801, 811 is key group 600
This is an interface for controlling input/output between the display group 700 and the display group 700. These interfaces 807, 8
09, 81 1 is, for example, NEC's input/output circuit board μ
Use PD8255. Note that the display group 700 is each display device shown in FIG. 3, and uses LEDs and LCDs. The key group 600 is each key shown in FIG. 3, and the CPU 801 can determine which key has been pressed using a known key matrix. Figure 5 shows the original loading tray 301 of the RDF300 in Figure 2.
9 shows a detailed configuration of a document number detecting section 900 using a recycle lever 309 disposed in the document sheet number detecting section 900. As shown in FIG. 5, this document number detection section 900 has a recycling motor 901,
A recycle lever 309 is rotatably supported on one motor shaft 902. Furthermore, the motor shaft 902 has a lever rotating bin 90 that rotates the recycling lever 309.
3 is fixedly installed, and a flag 904 having an arcuate projection is supported so as to rotate integrally with the recycling lever 309. Furthermore, a light transmission type recycle sensor 906 is arranged facing the flag 904 to detect the rotational position of the flag 904, and its position is detected when the flag 904 blocks light from the optical path 905 of the recycle sensor 906. . In the above configuration, the document stack S is placed on the document stacking tray 301.
.
9 rotates counterclockwise (R) and presses the top of the document bundle S..., and the flag 904 blocks the optical path 905. Depending on the amount that this flag 904 blocks the optical path 905,
The amount of light detected by the recycling sensor 906 changes. This amount of light is converted into a continuous numerical value by a phototransducer 907, and this numerical value is sent to the CPU 801 through the I/O interface 809 in FIG. ■． Control Operation (Part 1) Next, the basic control operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the copy start key 605 is pressed (step 1-1), the RAM 805 stores the time required for copying.
The memory area T within and R used to calculate the copying time
The memory areas T' and T'' in the AM805 are cleared (step l-2). Next, the number of originals stacked on the original transport device 300 is counted by the counter in the CPU 801 by circulating the originals (step l-2). l-3), the counted number is RA
Store in memory area C in M805 (step l-4
). The length of the paper in the cassette 151, 153 or deck 201 selected by the cassette selection key 607 or the like is stored in the memory area β in the RAM 805 (step l-5), and the length of the paper is The document scanning time t per sheet is calculated from the magnification set by the fixed magnification keys 608 to 609 and the predetermined scanning speed of the optical system (step l-6). The calculated time t and the number set on the numeric keypad 603 (
number of copies per original) and number of originals C in memory area C
Accordingly, the time required to scan all original documents for the set number of copies is calculated and stored in the memory area T' (step 1-7). Next, it is determined by the AE key 613 whether or not the AE mode is designated (step l-8). If the AE mode is designated, the number of originals C and the predetermined AE time are determined. The time actually required for AE (automatic density adjustment) is calculated and stored in the above memory area T'' (step 1-9). From the times stored in the above memory areas T' and T'', The time required for copying is calculated and stored in the above memory area T (step l-10). The time of this memory area T is added to the current time at this point to calculate the time when copying ends (step 1-11), and the calculated copying end time is displayed on the message display 701 (step 1-11). 12). J. Control Operation (Part 2) Further, a modification of the control operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this example, when the copy start key 605 is pressed (step 2-1), the recycle lever 30 of the RDF 300
9 (step 2-2), and as explained in FIG. The number of sheets is detected (step 2-3). Next, as explained in steps 1-5 to 1-10 in FIG. 6, the time T required for copying is calculated (step 2-4).
), the copy end time is calculated from the current time and time T (step 2-5). This calculated copy end time is displayed on the message display 701 (step 2-6). K. Control Operation (Part 3) The flowchart in FIG. 8 shows another control operation according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, when the copy start key 605 is pressed (step 3-1), the time required for copying is calculated in the same manner as in the example described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 (step 3-2). Subsequently, the calculated time is set in a timer t (not shown) (step 3-3). After that, if it is determined that a jam has occurred due to the alarm signal of the jam detection sensor mentioned above during the copying operation (step 3-4), the timer t is stopped before it times out (
Step 3-5). After that, when the jam recovery is finished (step 3-6) and the copy start key 605 is pressed again (step 3-7), the copy end time is calculated from the current time at this point and the remaining time of timer t. (Step 3-8), and displays the calculated copy end time on the message display 701 (Step 3-8).
9). On the other hand, after jam recovery, copy start key 605
is not pressed (step 3-7), copy stop key 6
If 04 is pressed and copying is interrupted (step 3-10
), clear the timer t (step 3-11). This example can also be applied to a case where, instead of detecting the occurrence of a jam as described above, a state in which it is no longer possible to load sheets on the sorting device 400 is detected and the state is set in an interrupted state. L. Control Operation (Part 4) The flowchart in FIG. 9 shows still another control operation according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, when the copy start key 605 is pressed (step 4-1), it is determined whether or not the mode uses the original feeding device 300 (step 4-2), and the mode starts using the original feeding device 300. If the mode is set, the copy end time is calculated in the same manner as described above (step 4-3), and the calculated copy end time is displayed on the message display 701 (step 4-4). On the other hand, if the document feeding device 300 is not used,
A normal copying operation is then performed (step 4-5). M. Control Operation (Part 5) The flowchart in FIG. 10 shows another control operation of the embodiment of the present invention. First, when the copy start key 605 is pressed (step 5-1), the cassette 151, 153 or deck 201 selected by the cassette selection key 607, etc.
Compare the remaining amount of paper with (number of original sheets x number of sheets =) number of copies (step 5-2), and if the number of copies is greater, the time calculated from paper feeding time x remaining amount of paper is added to the current time obtained from a calendar circuit (not shown) to calculate the time when paper will run out (step 5-3), and the calculated time is displayed on the message display 701 (step 5-41). Thereafter, the process moves to normal copying operation (step 5-5). This example can also be applied to displaying the time when consumables such as toner will run out instead of the paper out condition. Note that FIGS. 6 to 10 It goes without saying that the control procedures in the figures can be used in arbitrary combination with the control procedures in other figures.In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the case where it is applied to a copying machine is described as an example. The invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to image forming apparatuses such as facsimile machines.When the present invention is applied to a facsimile machine, instead of displaying the copy end time (advance notice), the transmission end time (advance notice) is displayed. [Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the image output end time is displayed in advance, so that the operator can easily operate the image forming device when outputting a large amount of data, etc. This improves work efficiency as there is no need to wait near a copying machine (for example, a copying machine) or to come several times to check that the output has finished. In some cases, the time is recalculated and displayed by restarting the image output, so there is an advantage that you can always obtain the accurate end time in advance.Also, the time when consumables will run out is also displayed, so you can You can also replenish at Meso time.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the entire internal configuration of a copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of the operation panel of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the arrangement and configuration of the control device; FIG. A sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the detection unit, and FIGS. 6 to 1θ are flowcharts showing the procedure of the control operation according to the embodiment of the present invention. 151, 153...Cassette, 201...Deck, 300...Document feeder (RDF), 309...Recycle lever 604...Copy stop key 605...Copy start key 701... Message display, 801... Central processing unit (cpυ), 805... Random access memory (RAM), 900... Original sheet number detection section, 904... Flag, 905... Optical path, 907... Photo transducer. Fig. 7 Fig. 9

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A document reading device, a document feeding device that automatically feeds the document to the document reading device, and detecting the number of documents placed on the document feeding device before starting to read the document. a timer for measuring the current time; a timer for calculating the time required to output an image of the document based on the number of sheets detected by the detector; An image forming apparatus comprising: a calculation means for calculating an output end time in advance; and a display means for displaying an advance notice of the image output end time calculated by the calculation means. 2) A second timer that starts timing in response to an instruction to start image output, and a second detector that detects an interruption reason including at least one of paper jam, no paper, no toner, and inability to sort. and a control means for interrupting time measurement by the second time measurement means in response to a detection signal from the second detection means, and control means for interrupting time measurement by the second time measurement means in response to an instruction to start image output after the interrupted state is resolved. and a second calculation means for calculating the remaining image output end time based on time, and the display means also displays the image output end time calculated by the second calculation means. Item 1. Image forming apparatus according to item 1. 3) a third detection means for detecting the remaining amount of consumables including at least one of the remaining amount of image output paper and the remaining amount of toner; the remaining amount detected by the third detecting means; and the original document. and a third calculation means for calculating the time when the consumables will run out based on the number of originals detected by the detection means for detecting the number of sheets, and the display means is configured to display the consumption calculated by the third calculation means. Claim 1 characterized in that the time when the product will run out is also displayed in advance.
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus according to claim 2.