JPH0414058A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability by specifying a copying mode within a range where an interruption mode is not cancelled. CONSTITUTION:An operation part control circuit 46 is connected to a CPU 40 through a serial interface(SI) 45. The circuit 46 to which various kinds of keys 12-35, an LED for displaying a mode 36, and a fixed pattern display part 37 are connected fetches operation key data in the CPU 40 through the SI 45 and controls a display state. After storing a mode before interruption in a RAM 42, an interruption standard mode is set. In the case that a mode other than the standard mode is desired, the various kinds of modes are changed by ten keys 13. By depressing the start key 12 after setting the mode, a copying action is started. By depressing the interruption key 15 after finishing the interruption copying, the device is set in the mode before the interruption and the mode is restored to the content stored in the RAM 42. Since it is unnecessary to reset the mode before the interruption, the operability is improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a copying apparatus that performs an electrophotographic process,
In particular, the present invention relates to a copying apparatus having an interrupt copying function and a function of specifying a copying mode using a copying mode specifying sheet.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, as copying apparatuses have become multi-functional, the number of keys and switches related to copy mode settings has increased, making operations more complex, and it is possible that a desired copy may not be obtained due to operational errors or the like. This is particularly inconvenient when the copy requester and the copy operator are different. For this reason, the copy requester writes copy mode selection information, such as information on the number of copies, on a copy mode specification form, inserts this form into a copy operator or an optical reading device, and has it read by the copy operator. A copying machine has been proposed that automatically sets a copy mode according to copy mode information read by the machine to enable copying.

For example, according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 53-131048, an information card with the number of copies programmed is set in an automatic document feeder (ADF) in the same way as a document, and when the document is transported in the same way as the document, the information on the information card is read. , it is described that the mode should be set so that the number of copies is achieved.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-143455 describes a copying machine in which an information reading device is not built into the main body of the copying machine, but is provided as an option separate from the main body of the copying machine.

By the way, some copying machines are equipped with an interrupt copy function that can interrupt the copy operation currently in progress, copy in a different copy mode, and then continue the copy operation again in the previously interrupted mode. be.

Conventional copying machines equipped with this interrupt copy function and the function of specifying a copy mode using the above-mentioned copy mode specification form insert the copy mode specification form into the above-mentioned information reading means during the interrupt mode. When the information is read, the interrupt mode is canceled and the copy mode is changed to the mode specified by this paper.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

For this reason, an operator who attempts to resume copying in the mode before the interruption must reset the copy mode to the original (before interruption) mode and copy, making it inconvenient to use. there were.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a copying apparatus with excellent operability, in which the copy mode before the interrupt is not lost even if a new copy mode is designated using a copy mode designation sheet in the interrupt mode. It is in.

[Means to solve the problem]

The above purpose has an interrupt copying function and a function of setting the copying mode of the copying machine by causing a reading means built in or separately installed in the copying machine to read the copy mode specified on the copy mode specification sheet. In a copying machine, when the copy mode is read while the copy machine is in interrupt mode, the copy mode specification on the copy mode specification form that would cancel the interrupt mode is ignored, and the copy mode is read. This is achieved by specifying the copy mode within a range that does not cancel the mode.

[Effect]

Due to the functionality of the copying machine, there are some copy modes that cannot be changed without canceling the interrupt mode, and others that can be changed and set without canceling the interrupt mode.

Therefore, if you ignore copy mode specifications that cannot be changed without canceling interrupt mode while in interrupt mode, interrupt mode will not be canceled and interrupt mode will be reset. The copy mode before interruption can be continued later.

Further, since the copy mode can be specified within the range without canceling the interrupt mode using the copy mode specification form, the convenience of changing the copy mode using the copy mode specification form can be maintained.

〔Example〕

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

First, FIG. 2 shows the overall external configuration, in which a copying machine main body 4 is provided, which has a first and second paper feed tray 1.2, and further has a third paper feed tray 3 that can be additionally connected as an option. ing.

Furthermore, an ADF 5 is mounted on the top of the copying machine main body 4 to automatically transport a document (not shown). 6 is an operation section, and 7 is a paper output tray.

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

This reading device 8 is formed with an insertion slot 9 into which paper designated for copying mode is inserted, and when a paper sensor detects that paper is inserted into the insertion slot 9, an internal transport motor is driven and the transport rollers are activated. (not shown), and the information (marks) written on this copy mode designation sheet is read by an optical reading sensor. After reading,
The conveyance motor is reversed and the paper is ejected from the insertion slot 9 again by the conveyance roller. The reading device 8 transmits the reading mark information to the control system within the copying machine main body 4. Further, on the upper surface of the reading device 8, an insertion prohibition indicator 10 and an insertion permission indicator 11 are provided.

The on/off of these indicators 10 and 11 is controlled by signals from the copying machine main body 4, and when the insertion prohibition indicator 10 is lit, the transport motor will not operate even if paper is inserted into the insertion slot 9. It does not rotate and paper is not conveyed. Furthermore, these indicators 10.11 are never turned on or off at the same time.

Next, FIG. 3 shows the configuration of various keys, switches, and displays in the operation section 6. First, the key switches include the start key 12, numeric keypad 13, clear/stop key 14, interrupt key 15, stack key 16, sort key 17, mode clear key 18, preheat key 19, timer key 20, and 5ADF key 21. , ADF key 22,
An automatic density key 23 and a manual density key 24 are provided. Furthermore, paper selection key 25, same size key 26, variable size key 27, up/down/left/right control keys 28, special variable size key 29, duplex key 30, binding key 31, edit key 32,
An enter key 33, a program key 34, a timer set key 35, etc. are provided. Some of these keys have mode display LEDs 3 that indicate the mode depending on the key operation.
6 (shown in black) is provided. Further, a fixed pattern display section 37 using liquid crystal is provided to display paper size, number of copies, abnormality display, etc. Furthermore, a full dot display section 38 made of liquid crystal is also provided for displaying the mode when setting the mode mainly by key operation.

Figure 1 shows the block diagram configuration of the control system. First, the main control circuit of the copying machine main body 4 is composed of a microcomputer system comprising a CPU (copy mode setting means) 40, ROM 41, and RAM 42. Here, the RAM 42 that stores control flags and data is backed up by a battery 43, and is made into a non-volatile memory so that the contents of the RAM 42 do not disappear even when the copying machine is turned off. A program executed by the CPU 40 is written in the ROM 41, and copy mode setting processing is performed according to this program. Further, a programmable clock IC 44 is connected to the CPU 40, and is configured to turn on or off the AC power source of the copying machine and various displays on the operation section 6 at predetermined times.

An operating section control circuit 46 for the operating section 6 is connected to the CPU 40 via a serial interface 45. This operation unit control circuit 46 includes various keys (for example, the start key 12, etc.) shown in FIG. 3, and a mode display LED.
36, fixed pattern display section 37 and full dot display section 3
8 is connected, and it is possible to import operation key data into the CPU 40 via the serial interface 45 or to control the display state.

The interrupt mode is set by pressing the interrupt key 15.

Specifically, after the mode before the interrupt is stored in the RAM 42, the standard mode for the interrupt is set.

If it is desired to copy in a mode other than the standard mode, the mode can be changed using the various modes on the operation unit 6, the numeric keypad 13, etc. After the mode is set, pressing the start key 12 starts the copying operation. In addition,
As will be detailed later, in this embodiment, in interrupt mode,
Settings of duplex mode, sorter mode (sort, stack), and program mode are prohibited. Therefore, pressing these keys during interrupt mode has no effect.

When the copying during the interrupt is completed, press the interrupt key 15 again to set the mode before the interrupt (RAM 42
(The mode returns to the contents stored in the previous page).

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

Next, copy mode designation paper 51 used in this embodiment
is shown in Figure 5. This copy mode designation sheet 51 can designate the main mode among various copy modes in a mark sheet format according to a predetermined format, and specifically includes a number of copies designation section 52, a copy size designation section 53, It consists of a copy magnification designation section 54, a double-sided copy designation section 55, a sorter mode designation section 56, a program designation section 57, and a preliminary designation section 58. The black portion 59 at the right end is address information. In each designation area, by writing a dot mark or a '-' mark in the white square of the place you want to designate, the reading device 8 detects this mark and sends it to the copying machine main body. It is something. Areas where nothing is entered or mode portions are ignored and set to standard mode. In addition, if an uncompatible mode, for example, sort mode and stack mode are specified at the same time, it is determined that a reading error has occurred, and the corresponding copy mode specified paper 5
1 from the insertion port 9 to invalidate the read data.

Here, a preliminary designation section 58 shown surrounded by a broken line is a designation section that is not limited to specific mode designations, and mode designations specific to various copying machines can be assigned to this section. When a mark is designated somewhere in this preliminary designation area 58, the reading device 8 simply transmits only a signal indicating the designated position to the copying machine main body 4 side. Therefore, which position in this preliminary designation section 58 corresponds to which mode is determined for each copying machine. The mode designation by the preliminary designation section 58 is used for modes not included in the specific mode for this paper, such as special variable magnification mode designation, color copy designation, and the like.

An explanation will be added regarding this preliminary designation section 58.

In general, the copy mode designation sheet 51 and the reading device 8 as in this embodiment can be used not only for one model of copying machine but also for different models of copying machines (of course, the It is necessary to prepare a hardware configuration, that is, an interface and a software configuration, as shown in FIG. 1 on the main body 4 side. Under such circumstances,
Various types of copying machines have functions common to each model, such as enlarging and reducing, and special functions provided only to certain models. Therefore, on the copy mode specification sheet 51, as for the number of copies and modes such as double-sided copying that are common to each model, these modes are printed in advance to make them common, as shown in FIG. The preliminary designation unit 58 is used to select a mode based on a special function that is lacking. Therefore, since the preliminary designation section 58 is not common to all models, the mode name is not printed on it, and the user is informed of it in the user manual or the like for each copying machine model. In other words, even if marks are written at the same location in the preliminary designation section 58, their meanings, ie, designation modes, will differ depending on the type of copying machine used.

In a copying machine model that does not have functions other than the common function, this preliminary designation section 58 has no meaning, so even if something is read by the reading device 8, it is ignored.

Also, a double-sided copy specification section 55 and a sorter mode specification section 56
, program specification section are modes that cannot be specified within interrupt mode, and even if these modes are specified, they will be ignored if interrupt mode is in progress.

Next, the signals transmitted from the reading device 8 to the copying machine main body 4 will be explained. The data length is 8 bits, bits b0 to b7, with the lower 4 bits (b.

~b3) is address information for data identification,
The upper 4 bits are marked data.

Specifically, for the number of copies, the XI column shown in FIG.
The X100 column represents the 100th data. Copy sizes B5 to A3 correspond to bits b4 to b7, respectively. Copy magnification, double-sided copy mode, sort mode, and program mode also correspond to bits. Program mode floors 1 to 5 refer to memory numbers that store the mode set by the program mode, and if one of these is specified, the mode stored in that memory will be set. . If these are shown in a table, it will look like FIG. 9. In addition, as for control data, input is FFM.
A handshake signal is used in which the end of data is OFH. Further, the logic of each bit means that rlJ is active and marked. Further, spare-1 to spare-3 in the preliminary designation section 58 indicate marked locations.

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

All of these are control data and are allocated as shown in FIG. Note that whether or not input is allowed on the copy mode designation sheet 51 is determined by data such as FOM (possible) and data 008 (non-input).

Based on the control data as shown in Figs. 9 and 10,
Transmission and reception operations are performed between the copying machine main body 4 and the reading device 8 in accordance with a data input/output sequence as shown in FIG.

With such a configuration, in this embodiment, when the copy mode specification sheet 51 is inserted into the reading device 8 during the interrupt mode, only the modes that can be set within the interrupt mode (other than duplex mode, sorter mode, and program mode) are selected. The interrupt mode is set and the interrupt mode is maintained as it is.

This embodiment will be explained in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the main switch of the copying machine is turned on to turn on the power, the control circuit shown in FIG. 1 is turned on and the program stored in the ROM 41 is executed. First, a sheet input disable signal is sent to the reading device 8 (SL), and the copying machine checks whether there is a sheet input prohibition condition (S2). Please check. Here, the sheet input prohibition conditions are jam,
This refers to conditions that prevent the copy mode from being changed, such as an abnormality in the device or an open door/cover. Therefore, when there is a sheet input prohibition condition, it means that the copy mode setting is prohibited. If there is a sheet input prohibition condition, a sheet input prohibition signal is transmitted in step S3 (i.e., the insertion prohibition indicator 1 is displayed in the reading device 8).
0 lights up and the insertion of the copy mode designated sheet 51 from the insertion slot 9 is prohibited, and even if it is inserted, the conveyance motor 49 will not be driven), and it is constantly checked again whether there is a sheet input prohibition condition. If there is no sheet input prohibition condition or no longer exists, the sheet input permission indicator 11 lights up to send a sheet input permission signal to the reading device 8 in step s4), and the insertion of the copy mode designation sheet 51 is awaited. When the paper sensor detects that the copy mode designated paper 51 has been inserted (S5), a sheet input presence signal is transmitted from the reading device 8 to the copying machine main body 4. Then, the copying machine main body 4 side sends a transmission enable signal to the reading device 8 (S6) and waits for reception of data by reading the copy mode designation sheet 51 (S7). Copy mode specification paper 5 as shown in FIG.
When all the data according to 1 has been received (Y in S8),
It is checked whether the 111-inclusive mode is selected, and if it is not the interrupt mode (N at S9), the specified mode 3 is set according to the mode information transmitted by reading the copy mode specification sheet 51 (SIO). When the mode setting is completed,
Return to checking the sheet input prohibition conditions again.

Also, if it is in interrupt mode (Y in S9),
According to the transmitted mode information, the designated mode ■ is set (Sll). When the mode setting is completed, the process returns to checking the sheet input prohibition conditions.

Incidentally, the setting process for the designation mode (2) is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the copy number designation section 52
If there is data, the value of the data is written on the copy number display of the copying machine main body 4 (S20). It does nothing without data. Further, if there is data in the copy size designation section 53, the paper feed table 1.degree.2 or 3 on which paper of that size is set is searched and set (S21).

If there is no paper feed tray that matches the specified size data, a paper feed tray containing paper is selected. Paper feed tray 1, 2
．． 3 has a set priority, and in this example, the order of priority is the order of capacity, and the third paper feed tray 3 - the first paper feed tray 1 - the second paper feed tray 2 are checked in this order. . Does nothing if there is no size data.

If there is data in the copy magnification specifying section 54, the copy magnification is set (S22). If there is no data, the standard 1x mode will be used. If there is data in the double-sided copy designation section 55, the double-sided copy mode is set (523), otherwise nothing is done. If there is data in the sorter mode designation section 56,
Set the sorter or stack mode according to the data (524), and do nothing if there is no specification. If there is data in the program specifying section 57, the Arashi memory specified by the data is called and set to the mode of the memory contents (S25). Regarding the data in the preliminary designation section 58, if the copying machine is of a model whose mode has been specified in the preliminary designation section 58, the mode is set according to the data.

Further, the setting process for the designation mode (2) is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. For the designated mode (2), the duplex mode, sorter mode, and program mode are not set, but the number of copies (S30), copy size (S31), and copy magnification (S32) are set.

In this way, according to this embodiment, even in the interrupt mode, the mode specified on the copy mode specification sheet 51 can be set without canceling the interrupt mode, and by canceling the interrupt mode with the key, It is possible to return to the mode before the interruption and resume copying in the mode before the interruption.

Although it is not an item in the copy mode designation form 51 of this embodiment, an item for interrupt mode may be added and the copy mode designation form 51 may be used to specify whether or not to enter the interrupt mode. It is possible.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, when the copying machine main body is in the interrupt mode, insertion of a copy mode specification sheet into the reading means is permitted, and the specified mode read by the reading means is read in the interrupt mode. By making this setting possible, the mode before the interrupt is not lost and the copy operation before the interrupt can be continued. This eliminates the need for the operator to reset the mode before the interrupt, and improves operability.

Furthermore, an operator who wishes to perform interrupt copying can set the mode by simply writing the required mode on a copy mode designation sheet and inserting it into the reading means, increasing efficiency.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a copying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the copying device, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an operating section, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of control contents of the present invention. , FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the contents of the copy mode designation sheet, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission and reception operation between the copying machine main body side and the reading device side, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts of the designation mode setting process. , FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the structure of signals transmitted from the reading device to the main body of the copying machine. 8...Reading device, 40...CPU, 51...Copy mode specification paper. Figure 2 Agent Patent Attorney 2 Kenji Department (1 other person) Figure 2 Repeat for the number of data Figure Figure 2

Claims (1)

[Claims] A copying machine having an interrupt copying function and a function of setting a copying mode of the copying machine by causing a reading means built in or separately provided in the copying machine to read the copy mode specified on a copy mode specification sheet, When the copy mode is read while the copying machine is in interrupt mode, the copy mode specification on the copy mode specification form that would cancel interrupt mode is ignored, and the interrupt mode is not canceled. A copying apparatus characterized in that a copy mode is specified within a range.