JPH07160149A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve operability by previously storing the contents of actual operation performed by an operator in operation order, reading out and reproducing the stored contents of the operation in operation order in the case the execution of the operation is instructed, and successively executing desired corresponding image forming actions based on the reproduced contents of the operation. CONSTITUTION:A RAM 66 for storing data necessary for the execution of a program is connected to a CPU 63. The RAM 66 is battery backup memory holding the stored content even when a power source is disconnected. The actual key operation performed by the operator in order to perform the desired copying actions is stored in the RAM 66 in operation order, and successively read out and reproduced in stored key operation order by depressing a key memory execution key in a key input part 61. Therefore, the actions of plural copying conditions are stored, reproduced and executed, so that handling time for the repetition of the same operation, etc., is saved and the operability is improved.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus suitable for application to, for example, an analog type or digital type electronic copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in an electronic copying machine, copying conditions can be stored in advance, and the stored conditions can be called from other conditions without operation for setting a plurality of conditions. There are those having a so-called job memory function and those capable of programming a plurality of copying operations such as how many copying operations under a certain condition and how many copying operations under other conditions.

[0003]

However, the job memory function described above merely sets conditions and does not have a time axis, so that it cannot set a plurality of copying operations (image forming operations). .

Further, in the above-mentioned programmable electronic copying machine, since each operating condition must be stored for a plurality of copying operations, a large amount of memory is required, and further, operating condition setting (programming). There is a problem in that a program for (1) and a program for interpreting programmed operating conditions and setting those conditions are required for other than normal processing.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to store and reproduce (execute) an operation that spans a plurality of image forming conditions, and save the trouble of repeating the same operation, thereby improving the operability. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.

Further, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus which does not require a special program such as an operating condition interpreting program and requires a small amount of program memory for that purpose and memory for storing operating conditions. With the goal. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus which requires no special operation for programming and is extremely easy to operate.

[0007]

An image forming apparatus of the present invention stores a storage means for storing in advance, in order of operation, actual operation contents performed by an operator in order to perform a desired image forming operation. The operation content reproducing means for reading out and reproducing the operation contents in the order of operation, and the image forming means for sequentially executing a desired image forming operation corresponding to the operation content reproduced by the operation content reproducing means.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the input means for inputting various settings relating to the image forming operation, the instructing means for instructing the start of the image forming operation, and until the instructing means is operated. Storage means for storing the settings input from the input means in the order of input, playback means for reading and playing the settings stored in the storage means in the stored order, and playback means for playing back the settings. An image forming unit that sequentially executes image forming operations based on the settings.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the input means for inputting various settings relating to the image forming operation, the instructing means for instructing the start of the image forming operation, and until the instructing means is operated. Storage means for storing the settings input from the input means in the order of input, playback means for reading and playing the settings stored in the storage means in the stored order, and playback means for playing back the settings. Image forming means for sequentially executing image forming operations based on the settings, and input from the input means while the image forming operations are being executed by the image forming means based on the settings reproduced by the reproducing means. And a control means for prohibiting.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises an input means for inputting various settings relating to the image forming operation,
Instructing means for instructing the start of the image forming operation, and storing the first setting input from the inputting means in the input order until the first operating of the instructing means. Storage means for storing the second setting input from the input means in the order of input between the first operation and the second operation, and the storage means stored in the storage means. A reproducing unit for reading and reproducing the first setting and the second setting in the stored order and an image forming unit for sequentially executing the image forming operation based on the setting reproduced by the reproducing unit are provided.

[0011]

According to the present invention, the actual operation contents (for example, key operation contents) performed by the operator are stored in advance in the operation order, and when the execution is instructed, the stored operation contents are operated. It is possible to store and reproduce (execute) an operation that spans a plurality of image forming conditions by sequentially reading and reproducing and sequentially executing a desired image forming operation corresponding to the reproduced operation content. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability, such as saving the labor of repeating the same operation.

Further, since the operation itself actually performed by the operator is stored and reproduced, there is no need for a special program such as an operating condition interpreting program, and a program memory therefor and an operating condition storage. It requires a small amount of memory. Furthermore, since the method of storing motions is the operation itself that an operator normally performs,
It does not require any special operation for programming and is extremely easy to operate.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 schematically shows the configuration of, for example, an analog type electronic copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes an apparatus main body, and the apparatus main body 1 includes an image forming unit 2.
The image forming means 2 has a photoconductor drum 3 as an image bearing member which is rotatably supported in a substantially central portion of the apparatus main body 1, and around the photoconductor drum 3, a developing device 4 and a transfer device are provided. The device 5, the peeling device 6, the cleaning device 7, the static eliminator 8, and the charging device 9 are sequentially arranged.

That is, the photosensitive drum 3 is charged by the charging device 9
The image of the original placed on the original placing table 10 made of transparent glass provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 is uniformly charged by the reflector 11. Exposure lamp 12, first, second, third reflection mirrors 13, 14, 15, lens 16, fourth,
An electrostatic latent image is formed by forming an image on the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 3 via an optical system including the fifth and sixth reflection mirrors 17, 18, and 19 and the like. ing. A document pressing member 20 is provided on the document table 10 so as to be openable and closable.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is developed by the developing device 4 into a toner image, which is fed from the sheet feeding means 21 or 22 to be described later to the registration roller 2.
The toner image is transferred by the transfer device 5 onto the sheet supplied via the transfer unit 3.

The sheet after the transfer by the transfer device 5 is peeled from the photosensitive drum 3 by the peeling device 6 by AC corona discharge, and is conveyed to the fixing device 25 via the conveyance belt 24. The upper toner image is fused and fixed. The fixed paper is ejected onto the paper ejection tray 27 by the paper ejection roller pair 26.

On the other hand, after the transfer, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 3 is cleaned by the cleaning device 7, and the surface potential of the surface of the photoconductor drum 3 is neutralized by the neutralization device 8 to a predetermined level or lower, so that the next copying operation is performed. Be prepared.

The first paper feed means 21 is detachably mounted from the front side of the apparatus main body 1 and comprises a cassette case 28 in which paper P is stored. The paper P stored in this cassette case 28 is It is taken out from the uppermost layer by the pickup roller 29. The paper P picked up by the pickup roller 29 is separated one by one by a paper separating unit including a paper feed roller 30 and a separation pad 31 installed above the take-out end side of the cassette case 28 to form an image. It is adapted to be conveyed toward the registration roller 23 of the means 2.

The second paper feed means 22 is detachably mounted on one side surface of the apparatus main body 1 and has a manual paper feed tray 32 on which a paper is placed, and is placed on the manual paper feed tray 32. The placed paper is taken out from the uppermost layer by the pickup roller 33. The sheets taken out by the pick-up roller 33 are separated one by one by a sheet separating section consisting of a sheet feeding roller 34 and a separation pad 35 installed on the upper side of the downstream side of the manual sheet feeding table 32, and the sheets are separated one by one. The second registration roller 23 is conveyed.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the operation panel of the electronic copying machine configured as described above. The print key 41 for instructing the start of the copying operation and the start of the adjustment, the copying operation, A clear / stop key 42 for stopping the adjustment operation and for instructing to return the set number of sheets to one, a ten key 43 for instructing the setting of the number of copies and up / down of the adjustment data, and displaying the set number of copies Number display section 44, magnification setting key 4 for setting the copy magnification
5, a magnification display section 46 that displays the set magnification, an exposure setting key 47 that sets the exposure level that determines the copy density,
Exposure display section 48 that displays the set exposure level, and key memory status display section 49 that displays the status of the key memory function.
1, 492, 493, a key memory start / end key 50 for instructing the start / end of the operation storage process of the key memory function
1, 502, 503, key memory execution keys 511, 512 for reproducing the contents of the set key memory
513 and the like are provided.

The key memory status display sections 491, 49
No. 2,493 is off when there is no memory setting, blinks at a slow cycle (for example, 2 sec cycle) during operation storage, turns on at the end of setting, and blinks at a fast cycle (for example, 1 sec cycle) during key operation reproduction. Is designed to do.
This is because the CPU 63 shown in FIG. 4 refers to the data in the areas (KMEM) and (KEXE) shown in FIG. 5 in the RAM 66 shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, and gives a signal to the display output unit 64 shown in FIG. Will be realized.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the control circuit of the electronic copying machine configured as described above. That is,
The CPU 63 receives input signals from a key input unit 61 for inputting signals from various keys on the operation panel shown in FIG. 3 and a control input unit 62 for inputting control signals necessary for copying operation from various detectors (not shown). 3, a display output unit 64 for controlling various display units on the operation panel shown in FIG. 3, and a control output unit for outputting various control signals for copying operation, according to a state based on a built-in program. Output to 65 respectively.

A RAM (random access memory) 66 for storing data necessary for executing the program is connected to the CPU 63. The RAM 66
Is a battery backup memory backed up by a battery so that the stored contents are retained even when the power is cut off.

FIG. 5 illustrates the main part of the data structure in the RAM 66. Further, Table 1 below is a table of key codes converted in the process of coding the key input state in the present embodiment.

[0025]

[Table 1]

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the overall operation. The relationship between this and the process shown in the flowchart of the key process shown in FIG. 1 is that the key process is an interrupt process and is a process that is executed by interrupting the operation flow of FIG. 2 periodically and in a short time. Since the processing is completed, it seems that the processes are performed in parallel without blocking the flow of the entire operation.

That is, although no key input processing is performed in the overall operation flow, when a key is pressed, the area (KCOD) of the RAM 66 on the key processing side of FIG.
Since the code of the key determined to actually operate is entered in E), the area of RAM 66 (KCODE)
By checking, it is possible to determine which key is pressed.

Now, the flow of FIG. 2 will be described. First, when the power of the present apparatus is turned on, a warming-up state is established in which the fixing device 25 and the like wait until the copying operation becomes possible (S1). After warming up,
Copy condition setting performed on the key processing side in FIG. 1, and
A standby state waiting for key memory storage processing and the like is set (S2). Here, the area of the RAM 66 (KCODE)
When it is determined that the print key 41 is turned on (= 0, 02) (S3, S4), it is treated as an instruction to start the copy operation, and the copy operation (copy operation) is performed.

That is, when it is determined that the print key 41 is turned on (S4), the operation state storage area (ST
The copying operation is set in ATE) (S5), and the copying operation is started (S6). When the copying operation is completed, the copying operation is completed (standby state) and the area of the RAM 66 (S
TATE) (S7), and returns to the standby state of step S2. As a result, the operation state can be determined on the key processing side in FIG.

In the standby state of step S2,
When it is determined that the adjustment mode is to be shifted (S3) from the area (KCODE) = 00 of the RAM 66, the adjustment mode is set.
Here, the area of the RAM 66 (S
TATE) (S8) and end of adjustment mode ((K
CODE) = 01) or waiting for the print key 41 to be turned on ((KCODE) = 02) (S9, S1)
0). Here, the adjustment mode ends, that is, the RAM 66.
Area (KCODE) = 0 (S9), the adjustment mode end (standby state) is set in the RAM 66 area (STA).
TE) (S11) and returns to the standby state of step S2. When the print key 41 is turned on, that is, when the area (KCODE) of the RAM 66 is 02 (S
10) Proceed to the actual adjustment data change process.

Here, one key of the ten keys 43 is turned on, that is, the area (KCODE) of the RAM 66 = 05.
In the case of (S12), the exposure adjustment data area (AJDT) of the RAM 66 is incremented by 1 (S13), and when the 2 key is turned on, that is, when the area (KCODE) of the RAM 66 = 06 (S14), the exposure adjustment data area of the RAM 66 (S14). AJD
T) is decremented by 1 (S15). In this process, the clear / stop key 42 is turned on, that is, the area (K
(CODE) = 03, and when the clear / stop key 42 is turned on (S16), the process returns to step S9.

The exposure adjustment data in the area (AJDT) of the RAM 66 is used by an exposure output calculation processing unit (not shown), and the exposure output can be changed by changing it.

Next, the flow of FIG. 1 will be described. This process is a key process performed in the interrupt process as described above. When this process starts, the key input unit 61 of FIG.
A key input process for converting the signal from the key code into the key code of Table 1 and setting it in the area (KEY) of the RAM 66 is performed (S21). Here, when the key is not pressed, that is, when the area (KEY) of the RAM 66 = 255 (S22), the contents of the area (KEY) of the RAM 66 is copied to the area (KCODE) (S23), and R
The state where no key is pressed is set in the area (KCODE) of AM66. Here, since the key has not been pressed, the key processing ends without performing other processing.

If any key is pressed in step S22, it is the key memory start / end key 501 or 502 or 503, that is,
Area of RAM 66 (KEY) = 19 or 20 or 2
It judges 1 (S24). Here, if the key memory start / end key 501 or 502 or 503,
It is judged whether or not it is already in the operation memory (key memory) (S25). Whether or not this operation is being stored is determined by the key (key memory start / end keys 501, 502, 5) pressed in the area (KMEM) of the RAM 66 at the start of storage.
Area of RAM 66 (KEY)
When the operation memory is actually stored, the memory area designations such as the second time and the third time are set, and when the operation memory ends, the operation memory end state is set to the area of the RAM 66. It can be performed by setting (KMEM).

In step S25, if the operation memory is not being stored, the first storage area of the area (KEYMEM) of the RAM 66 corresponding to the pressed key is stored as the area (KME).
M), the key operation is stored from the next key operation (S26), and if the operation is being stored, the operation storage end is set in the area (KMEM) of the RAM 66 (S2).
7) and the key processing ends.

In step S24, if the area (KEY) of the RAM 66 is not 19 or 20 or 21,
Based on the area (KMEM) of the RAM 66, it is determined whether or not the operation is being stored (S28). As a result of this determination, when the operation is being stored, the area (KEY) is the operation count of the area (KEYMEM) indicated by the area (KMEM) of the RAM 66.
Contents of the RAM 66 (S29) and the area of the RAM 66 (KM
EM) is updated and set in the next area (S30).

Here, when the stored key operation is the print key 41, that is, the area of the RAM 66 (KE
If Y) = 02 (S31), the key processing is ended, and if it is not the print key 41, the area of the RAM 66 (KE)
Copy the contents of Y) to the area (KCODE) (S3
2) A normal key process (for example, a process for changing the number of sheets in the case of the numeric keypad 43) is performed (S33), and the key process ends. As a result, the copy operation is not started with the print key 41 during operation storage, and the operation of other keys is reflected in the display or the like as usual, so that it becomes possible to know which operation has been performed. .

If it is determined in step S28 that the operation is not being stored, it is determined whether the key memory execution key 511, 512 or 513, that is, the area (KEY) = 22, 23 or 24 of the RAM 66 (S34). . Here, when the key memory execution key 511 or 512 or 513 is turned on, the first time of the area (KEYMEM) of the RAM 66 corresponding to the pressed key (one of the key memory execution keys 511, 512, 513). The storage / playback area is the area of the RAM 66 (KEX
E) is set (S35).

In step S34, if the key memory execution keys 511, 512, 513 are off, RA
Based on the area (KEXE) of M66, it is determined whether or not the operation reproduction is being performed (S36). If the result of this determination is that playback is in progress, R
It is determined from the area (STATE) of AM66 whether or not the copying operation is in progress (S37), and if the copying operation is in progress, the key processing is ended. As a result, the key operation is reproduced after the completion of one copying operation, the print key can be stored a plurality of times, and the operation can be performed under a plurality of copying conditions.

In step S37, if the copying operation is not in progress, the area of the RAM 66 (KEYMEM)
The area of the number of times of reproduction is set to the area (KCODE) (S38), and the area (KEXE) of the RAM 66 is updated and set to the next area (S39). If there is no key operation to be reproduced in the next area (S40), the reproduction end is set in the area (KEXE) of the RAM 66 (S4).
1) The normal key processing is performed (S33), and the key processing ends.

As described above, since the normal key processing is determined by the contents of the area (KCODE) of the RAM 66, the key operation is actually reproduced. If it is determined in step S36 that the key operation reproduction is not being performed due to the area (KEXE) of the RAM 66, this is a normal operation, so the RAM is set to be processed by the normal key processing.
The contents of the area 66 (KEY) are copied to the area (KCODE) (S42), and normal key processing is performed (S3).
3), the key processing ends.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, the actual key operations performed by the operator in order to perform the desired copying operation are stored in the order of operation, and when the key memory execution key is pressed, this storage is performed. The key operations performed can be sequentially read and reproduced in the order of operation. Therefore, it is possible to store and reproduce (execute) an operation that spans a plurality of copying conditions, and it is possible to save the trouble of repeating the same operation and improve the operability.

The contents of the operation of the actually pressed key are stored, and the processing (the key operation is performed) during the reproduction (when the stored key operation is restored) is performed by using the processing (the program) at the time of the normal key operation. In this case, a special program such as a conventional operating condition interpreting program is not required, and the program memory for that purpose and the memory for storing the operating conditions are also small. Besides, since the operation storing method is the key operation itself which is usually performed, no special operation for programming is required and the operation is extremely easy.

Further, for the above-mentioned device having the job memory function of the prior art and the programmable device,
The present invention is not contradictory. For example, the copying operation conditions set by a plurality of job memory functions are sequentially performed, and for example, a programmable apparatus is programmed in advance for a copying operation frequently performed. In some cases, when you want to add a little more action to the copy action, you don't want to change what you have programmed. In such a case, the key operation for executing the programmed operation and the additional key operation may be stored, which can be used as an extension of the function.

Further, not only a normal copying operation but also a copying operation for adjusting the apparatus can be stored and reproduced, which is not possible in the past. In the above embodiment, the case where the invention is applied to the analog type electronic copying machine is explained, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in a digital electronic copying machine that forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum by optically reading the image information of a document with a scanner and modulating the laser beam light based on the read image information. Can be similarly applied.

[0046]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the operation over a plurality of image forming conditions is stored and reproduced (executed).
Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving operability, such as saving the trouble of repeating the same operation.

Further, according to the present invention, a special program such as an operating condition interpretation program is not required, and
It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that requires only a small amount of program memory for that purpose and memory for storing operating conditions.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus which does not require a special operation for programming and is extremely easy to operate.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating key processing of an electronic copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a control circuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a data structure in a RAM.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of an electronic copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Device body, 2 ... Image forming means, 3 ... Photosensitive drum (image carrier), 4 ... Developing device, 5 ... Transfer device,
9 ... Charging device, 10 ... Original platen, 21, 22 ...
Paper feeding means, 25 ... fixing device, 41 ... print key,
43 ... Numeric keypad, 491, 492, 493 ... Key memory status display section, 501, 502, 503 ... Key memory start / end key, 511, 512, 513 ... Key memory execution key, 61 ... Key input section , 63 ... CPU,
66 ... RAM (storage means).

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. Storage means for pre-storing the actual operation content performed by an operator in order of operation in order to carry out a desired image forming operation, and operation content for reading out and reproducing the operation content stored in this storage means in operation order. An image forming apparatus comprising: a reproducing unit; and an image forming unit that sequentially executes a desired image forming operation corresponding to the operation content reproduced by the operation content reproducing unit. 2. An input means for inputting various settings relating to an image forming operation, an instruction means for instructing the start of the image forming operation, and an input from the input means until the instruction means is operated. Storage means for storing the set settings in the input order, playback means for reading and playing the settings stored in the storage means in the stored order, and image forming operation based on the settings played by the playback means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that executes sequentially. 3. Input means for inputting various settings relating to image forming operation, instruction means for instructing start of image forming operation, and input from said input means until the instruction means is operated. Storage means for storing the set settings in the input order, playback means for reading and playing the settings stored in the storage means in the stored order, and image forming operation based on the settings played by the playback means. Image forming means for sequentially executing the image forming means, and control means for prohibiting input from the input means while the image forming operation is executed by the image forming means based on the setting reproduced by the reproducing means. An image forming apparatus comprising: 4. An input unit for inputting various settings relating to an image forming operation, an instruction unit for instructing start of an image forming operation, and the instruction unit before the first operation of the instruction unit. The first setting input from the input means is stored in the input order, and the first setting input from the input means from the first operation to the second operation of the instruction means. Storage means for storing the two settings in the order in which they are input; reproducing means for reading and reproducing the first setting and the second setting stored in this storage means in the order in which they are stored; and a reproducing means for reproducing these settings. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that sequentially executes image forming operations based on settings.