JPH07219393A - Copying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve an operability and a convenience in the case of setting the copying mode using a copying mode specifying form at the time of preheating mode or timer OFF mode. CONSTITUTION:In the copying device provided with a copying mode read out means 108 for reading the mode information specified by a copying mode specifying form, an operation display means 106 for an operator to set the copying mode by key operation, and a copying mode setting means for setting the copying mode on the operation display means 106 based on the copying mode information read out by the copying mode based out means 108, the copying mode information can be read out by the copying mode read out means 108, even in the case of such a specific mode that the display part of the operation display means 106 is put out a light and in a state of prohibiting the input, moreover the copying mode is set on the operation display means 106 by the copying mode setting means, when the copying mode information is read out by the copying mode read out means 108 at the time of the specific mode, on releasing the specific mode of the operation display means 106 and based on the copying mode information read out, copying mode is set to the operation display mean 106.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine in which a copy mode can be set using a copy mode specification sheet, and more specifically, a copy mode using a copy mode specification sheet in a preheat mode or a timer OFF mode. The present invention relates to a copying apparatus that improves the convenience of setting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a copying machine, the number of keys and switches for setting a copying mode has increased with the increase in the number of functions, and the operation has become complicated, so that a desired copy cannot be obtained due to an operation error or the like. Sometimes. In particular, when the copy requester and the copy operator are different from each other, such a situation often occurs, which is inconvenient.

Therefore, the copy requester writes the copy mode selection information on the copy mode specification sheet, for example, the number of copies information, and the copy operator specifies an optical reading device (copy). A copying apparatus has been proposed in which the copying machine is inserted into a mode reading means) and read, and the copying mode is automatically set according to the read copying mode information so that copying can be performed.

Specifically, for example, JP-A-53-131
There is a "copying device" disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 048. According to this "copying device", an information card in which the number of copies is programmed is set in an automatic document feeder (ADF) like an original, and when the document is conveyed in the same manner as the original, the information on the information card is read and It is described that the mode is set so that However, in such a copying machine, since the information reading means (that is, the copying mode reading means) is provided inside the copying machine, the cost of the entire copying machine increases accordingly. Especially, for a user who does not need the copy mode setting by the information card and thinks that the setting by the normal key input on the operation display unit is sufficient, such an information reading means is unnecessary, but the built-in There is also a problem that it cannot be removed due to.

In this respect, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 56-14345
If the information reading device (that is, the copy mode reading device) is not built in the copying apparatus main body as shown in the "reproducing machine" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5 and is an option separate from the copying apparatus main body. ， It will be possible to provide the card input method only to users who need it.

[0006]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional copying apparatus capable of setting the copying mode by using the copying mode designation sheet, the operator sets the copying mode by the key operation, so that the operation display section displays. In a specific mode in which is turned off and input is prohibited (for example, preheat mode or timer OFF mode), the copy mode cannot be set on the operation display unit, so the copy mode reading means Even if you read the copy mode information by
There is a problem that the copy mode cannot be set for the operation display section.

In other words, in the specific mode, when it is desired to set the copy mode by using the copy mode designation sheet, the specific mode release operation is performed, and then the copy mode is read by the predetermined copy mode reading means. Since it is necessary to read the designated paper, there is a problem that operability and convenience are poor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in the preheating mode or the timer OFF mode,
An object is to improve operability and convenience when setting a copy mode using a copy mode designation sheet.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a copying apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, in which a copying mode designating sheet for designating a copying mode according to a predetermined format and the copying mode designating sheet. Based on the copy mode information read by the copy mode reading means for reading the copy mode information specified by the sheet, the operation display means for the operator to set the copy mode by the key operation, and the copy mode information read by the copy mode reading means. In a copying apparatus having a copy mode setting means for setting a copy mode in the operation display means, the copy mode reading means is for a specific mode in which the display section of the operation display means is turned off and input is prohibited. In this case, the copy mode information can be read, and the copy mode setting means reads the copy mode in the specific mode. If the unit has read copy mode information, it releases the particular mode of the operation display unit, based on the copying mode information read, and sets the copy mode on the operation display unit.

[0010]

In the copying apparatus according to the present invention (Claim 1), the copy mode reading means displays the copy mode information even in the specific mode in which the display of the operation display means is turned off and the input is prohibited. When read, the specific mode of the operation display means is released, and the copy mode is set in the operation display means based on the read copy mode information.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the copying apparatus of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of a copying apparatus according to this embodiment.
It has a first paper feed tray 102, a second paper feed tray 103, and an optional third connectable paper feed tray 104. An ADF (automatic document feeder) 105 for automatically conveying a document (not shown) is mounted on the upper part of the copying apparatus main body 101. Reference numeral 106 denotes an operation display unit, and 107 denotes a paper discharge tray.

A reading device 108 as a copy mode reading device for reading copy mode information specified by a copy mode specification sheet described later is attached to the upper part of the ADF 105. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the ADF
It is arranged on the upper part of 105, but the position is not particularly limited. Further, the reading device 108 is formed with an insertion opening 109 for inserting a copy mode designation sheet.
When it is detected by a paper sensor (not shown) that a copy mode designation sheet is inserted in 09, the internal conveyance motor is driven to convey the copy mode designation sheet to the inside, and the copy is written on the copy mode designation sheet. The mode information is read by the optical reading sensor 311 (see FIG. 3).

When the reading sensor 311 finishes reading the copy mode information, the reading device 108 reverses the conveyance motor to eject the copy mode designation sheet from the insertion port 109. Further, the reading device 108 transmits the read copy mode information to the control system in the copy device main body 101.

An insertion prohibition indicator 110 and an insertable indicator 111 are provided on the upper surface of the reading device 108, and ON / OFF of each of these indicators is controlled by a signal from the copying apparatus main body 101 side. Insertion prohibited indicator 1
When 10 is turned on, the conveyance motor is not driven even if the copy mode designation sheet is inserted into the insertion slot 109.
The copy mode specified paper is not fed. Further, the insertion prohibition display unit 110 and the insertion possible display unit 111 are not turned on or off at the same time.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the operation display unit 106
The configuration of each key, switch, and display unit of will be described.
First, as the key and the switch, the start key 201,
Numeric keypad 202, clear / stop key 203, interrupt key 204, stack key 205, sort key 206, mode clear key 207, preheat key 208, timer key 2
09, SADF key 210, ADF key 211, automatic density key 212, and manual density key 213 are provided.
Further, the paper selection key 214, the same size key 215, the scaling key 216, the up / down and left / right control keys 217, the special scaling key 218, the double-sided key 219, the binding margin key 220, the edit key 221, the enter key 222, and the program key 2
23, a timer set key 224, etc. are provided.

Further, some of these keys are provided with a mode display LED 225 (shown in black in the figure) for indicating the mode by the key operation. further,
A fixed pattern display section 226 made of liquid crystal for displaying the paper size, the number of copies, anomaly display, etc., and a full dot display section 227 made of liquid crystal for mainly displaying a mode when a mode is set by a key operation are provided.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a control system in the copying machine of this embodiment. The main control circuit of the copying machine main body 101 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302 and a RAM 3.
The microcomputer system is composed of 03. The RAM 303 is a memory for storing control flags and data, and even if the power of the copying apparatus main body 101 is turned off by the backup by the battery 304, the R
A nonvolatile memory is used so that the contents of the AM 303 are not erased. A control program executed by the CPU 301 is written in the ROM 302. further,
A programmable timepiece IC 305 is connected to the CPU 301, and is configured to be able to turn on or off various displays of the copying machine AC power source and the operation display unit 106 at a predetermined time.

An operation section control circuit 307 of the operation display section 106 is connected to the CPU 301 via a serial interface 306. Operation unit control circuit 307
Are various keys 201 to 224 shown in FIG. 3, mode display LEDs 225 of various keys, and fixed pattern display section 226.
A full dot display unit 227 is also connected, and operation key data can be fetched into the CPU 301 or the display state can be controlled via the serial interface 306.

A reading device control circuit 309 which is a control unit of the reading device 108 is connected to the CPU 301 via a serial interface 308. The reading device control circuit 309 includes, in addition to the insertion prohibition indicator 110 and the insertion permitting indicator 111 described above, a conveyance motor 310 for conveying a copy mode designation sheet and a copy mode information written on the copy mode designation sheet optically. Read sensor 31 to read
1 is connected. With these, it is possible to read the mark data which is the copy mode information written on the copy mode designation sheet.

Next, the format of the copy mode designation sheet 401 used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The copy mode designation sheet 401 is capable of designating a main mode among various copy modes as a mark sheet type according to a predetermined format. In particular,
Sheet 40 having a predetermined size and shape determined in advance
2, a copy number designation unit 403, a copy size designation unit 404, a copy magnification designation unit 405, a double-sided copy designation unit 4
06, sorter mode designation unit 407, program designation unit 4
08 and the preliminary designation portion 409 are printed. Also,
In the figure, the black-painted portion 410 at the right end is the above-mentioned 403-4.
It is address information for specifying each designated portion indicated by 09.

Here, in each of the designation sections 403 to 409, by writing a "check" mark or a "-" mark in a white square of a desired location, the reading device 10
Reference numeral 8 detects the entered mark and sends it to the main body of the copying apparatus. The part where nothing is entered and the mode part are ignored, and the standard mode is set. Further, in the case of the mode that does not interpose, for example, when the sort mode and the stack mode are designated at the same time, it is judged as a reading error, and the copy mode designation sheet 401 is ejected from the insertion port 109 and the read data (copy Disable mode information).

In the figure, a preliminary designation section 409 surrounded by a broken line is a designation section not limited to a specific mode designation, so that a mode designation peculiar to various copying machines can be assigned in this section. Has been done. When a mark is designated anywhere in the preliminary designation unit 409, the reading device 1
08 transmits only a signal indicating the designated position to the copying apparatus main body 101 side. Therefore, which position in the preliminary designation unit 409 is in which mode is a mode determined for each individual copying apparatus. This spare designation section 4
As the mode designation by 09, the designation sections 403-4
It can be used in a mode not included in the 08 mode, for example, a special variable magnification mode designation or a color copy designation.

Here, the preliminary designation section 409 will be further described. In general, the copy mode designation sheet 401 and the reading device 108 as in the present embodiment can be used not only by one copying machine of one model but also by copying machines of different models (of course, the copying machine). On the main body 101 side, it is necessary to prepare a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 3, that is, an interface and a software configuration).

Under such circumstances, various copying machines have functions common to each model, such as enlargement / reduction, and special functions provided only in a certain model. Therefore, in the copy mode designation sheet 401, as to the modes such as the number of copies common to each model, such as double-sided copy, these modes are printed in advance and made common as shown in FIG. The mode with a special function to be performed is performed by using the preliminary designation unit 409. For this reason, the spare designation unit 409 is not common to all the models, so that the mode name is not printed and the user is informed in the user manual or the like for each copying machine of each model. That is, even if the mark is written in the same place in the preliminary designation unit 409, the meaning, that is, the designation mode, differs depending on the model of the copying apparatus used. In a copying machine of a model having no function other than the common function, the preliminary designation unit 409 does not make sense, and even if something is read by the reading device 108, it is ignored.

Signals transmitted and received between the reading device 108 and the copying apparatus main body 101 (CPU 301) will be described. First, from the reading device 108 to the copying apparatus main body 1
A signal transmitted to the CPU 301 of 01 will be described.
The data length of the signal is 8 bits consisting of bits b0 to b7, the lower 4 bits (b0 to b3) are address information for identifying the data, and the upper 4 bits are marked data. Specifically, in the copy number, the X1 column shown in FIG. 4 is the data of the first place of the copy number, the X10 column is the 10th place of the data, and the X100 column is the 100th place of the data. Regarding the copy size, bits B5 to A3 correspond to bits b4 to b7, respectively. The copy magnification, double-sided copy mode, sort mode, and program mode also correspond to each bit.

Nos. 1 to 5 of the program mode mean the numbers of the memory storing the mode set by the program mode, and when one of them is designated, the mode set in the memory is set. To be done. Table 1 shows these. As for the control data, "FFH" is input and "0" when the data ends.
A handshake signal consisting of "FH" is used. Further, the logic of each bit means that "1" is active and marked. In addition, the preliminary designation unit 40
Preliminary numbers 1 to 3 for No. 9 indicate mark locations.

[0027]

[Table 1]

Next, the CPU 301 of the copying apparatus main body 101
The signal transmitted from the scanner to the reader 108 will be described. This signal also has a data length of 8 bits, the lower 4 bits are address information for data identification, and the upper 4 bits are data. All of these are control data and are assigned as shown in Table 2. In addition, copy mode designation sheet 4
Input is possible / impossible for 01 is “F0H” for yes and “00” for no
It becomes the data which consists of "H".

[0029]

[Table 2]

Based on the control data shown in Tables 1 and 2, the copying apparatus main body 101 side and the reading apparatus 108 side perform transmission / reception operations in accordance with the data input / output sequence shown in FIG.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In the present embodiment, each display section of the operation display section 106 (mode display LED 225 of various keys, fixed pattern display section 226, full dot display section 227) is turned off, and
As a specific mode in which the input of the various keys 201 to 224 is prohibited, there are a timer OFF mode for turning off a fixing heater (not shown) and a preheating mode for turning on the fixing heater. In the timer OFF mode and the preheat mode, although there is a difference in whether or not the fixing heater is energized, the function itself of the copying machine is basically stopped in any of the modes, and the copy mode is set on the operation display unit 106. It cannot be done.

Even in the above specific mode, when the copy mode designation sheet 401 is inserted into the inside from the insertion port 109, the reading device 108 accepts the insertion and reads the copy mode information.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control program executed by the CPU 301 (that is, the copy mode setting means of the present invention) when the copy mode information is received from the reading device 108 and the copy mode is set on the operation display unit 106. When the main switch of the copying apparatus main body 101 is turned on and the power is turned on, the CPU 301 executes the control program stored in the ROM 302. First, the sheet input disabled is transmitted to the reading device 108 (S601), and it is determined whether or not there is an item corresponding to the sheet input prohibition condition indicating that the copying apparatus main body 101 cannot accept the data of the copy mode designation sheet 401. (S602). Here, the sheet input prohibition condition is a condition such as a jam, an abnormality of the device, an opening of the door cover, etc., and the copy mode is not changed. Therefore, when there is a sheet input prohibition condition, it means that the copy mode setting prohibition state is in effect.

If there is an item corresponding to the sheet input prohibition condition, a sheet input prohibition signal is transmitted to the reading device 108 (S603), the process returns to step S602, and it is always checked again whether there is a sheet input prohibition condition. At this time,
In the reading device 108, the insertion prohibition indicator 110 is turned on to prohibit the insertion of the copy mode designation sheet 401 from the insertion port 109, and even if it is inserted, the conveyance motor 310 is not driven.

On the other hand, when there is no item corresponding to the sheet input prohibition condition (or when there is no item), a sheet input enable signal is transmitted to the reading device 108 (S604) and the insertion of the copy mode designation sheet 401 is waited (S604). S605). At this time, in the reading device 108, the insertable indicator 111 lights up.

On the other hand, when the paper sensor detects that the copy mode designation paper 401 has been inserted, the reading device 1
The sheet input signal from the 08 side indicates the copying apparatus main body 101.
When it is determined in step S605 that there is sheet input, the copying apparatus main body 101 side transmits a transmission enable signal to the reading apparatus 108 (S606), and data obtained by reading the copy mode designation sheet 401 (copy mode information). ) Is waited for (S607).

In step S607, when all the data on the copy mode designation sheet 401 as shown in Table 1 has been received (S608), it is determined whether the timer OFF mode or the preheat mode is set (S609, S609).
610), if both are No, copy mode designation sheet 4
Based on the copy mode information transmitted by reading 01, the specified copy mode is set on the operation display unit 106 (S612), and when the mode setting is completed, step S
Returning to 602, the sheet input prohibition condition is checked.

On the other hand, if either the timer OFF mode or the preheat mode is the specific mode, the specific mode (timer OFF mode or preheat mode) is first released (S611), and the copy mode designation sheet 401 is read. Based on the copy mode information sent by
The copy mode is set on the operation display unit 106 (S612),
When the mode setting is completed, the process returns to step S602 to check the sheet input prohibition condition.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed flowchart of the copy mode setting process (process of step S612) of FIG. 6 (this corresponds to the copy mode setting means). First, the copy number designation unit 403 stores data. For example, the value of the data is set on the copy number display of the copying apparatus main body 101, and if there is no data, nothing is done (S701).

If there is data in the copy size designation unit 404, the paper feed tray on which the paper of that size is set (the first paper feed tray 102, the second paper feed tray 103 or the third paper feed tray 104) Is searched for and set, and if there is no paper feed tray that matches the specified size data, the paper feed tray that has paper is selected. Priorities are set for the first to third paper feed trays 102 to 104, and in the case of the present example, they are in the descending order of the accommodation amount, and the third paper feed tray 104 → first paper feed. The table 102 is checked in the order of the second sheet feed table 103, and if there is no size data, nothing is done (S702).

If there is data in the copy magnification designating section 405, the copy magnification is set, and if there is no data, the standard equal magnification mode is set (S703). Duplex copy designation section 406
If there is data, the duplex copy mode is set, otherwise nothing is done (S704).

If there is data in the sorter mode designation unit 407, the sorter or stack mode is set according to the data, and if there is no designation, nothing is done (S705). If the program designating section 408 has data, the NO. Memory is called and set to the memory content mode (S706). In addition, the preliminary designation section 4
With regard to the data of 09, if the copying apparatus is of a model in which the mode is specified for the spare designation section 409, the mode is set according to the data.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the timer OF
When the copy apparatus main body 101 side such as the F mode or the preheat mode inserts the copy mode designation sheet 401 into the reader 108 in the specific mode, the specific mode is first canceled and then the read copy mode information is used. Since the designated copy mode is set, it is possible to save the trouble of canceling the specific mode. In other words, in the specific mode of the copying apparatus main body 101, the insertion of the copy mode designation sheet 401 to the reading means is accepted, and in that case, the specific mode is canceled, and then the designated copy mode is set, so that the specific mode is specified one by one. There is no need to release the mode, improving convenience and operability.

[0044]

As is clear from the above, the copying apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a copying mode reading means even in the specific mode in which the display section of the operation display means is turned off and input is prohibited. Reads the copy mode information,
Since the specific mode of the operation display means is canceled and the copy mode is set in the operation display means based on the read copy mode information, the copy mode is specified by using the copy mode designation sheet in the preheat mode or the timer OFF mode. It is possible to improve the operability / convenience when setting the.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a copying apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of various keys, switches, and a display unit of an operation display unit.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a control system in the copying apparatus of this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a format of a copy mode designation sheet used in this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a transmission / reception operation (data input / output sequence) between the reading apparatus and the copying apparatus main body.

FIG. 6 is a CPU (that is, a CPU when receiving the copy mode information from the reading device and setting the copy mode on the operation display unit).
It is a flow chart of a control program of the copy mode setting means of the present invention.

7 is a copy mode setting process of FIG. 6 (step S61).
2 is a detailed flowchart of (Process 2).

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference numeral 101 Copying apparatus main body 105 ADF (automatic document feeder) 106 Operation display section 108 Reading device (copying mode reading means)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A copy mode designation sheet for designating a copy mode according to a predetermined format, a copy mode reading means for reading the copy mode information designated by the copy mode designation sheet, and an operator to select the copy mode by key operation. In a copying apparatus having an operation display means for setting and a copy mode setting means for setting a copy mode on the operation display means based on the copy mode information read by the copy mode reading means, the copy mode reading means Is capable of reading the copy mode information even in the specific mode in which the display section of the operation display means is turned off and input is prohibited, and the copy mode setting means is operable to specify the copy mode information. When the copy mode reading means reads the copy mode information in the mode, the specific mode of the operation display means is released, A copying apparatus, wherein the copying mode is set on the operation display means based on the read copying mode information.