JPH08110942A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To smooth the rational use of an image processor. CONSTITUTION: The image forming device having a setting/inputting means 23 for setting up and inputting an image forming condition and image forming means 24 to 33 for executing image forming operation in accordance with the set image forming condition is provided with mode selection means 23 to 30 for selecting either one of a 1st mode (cipher mode) for permitting the setting and input of all image forming conditions to be set up by the means 23 and a 2nd mode (normal mode) for inhibiting the setting/input of a specific image forming condition and a mode switching means 24 for switching the modes in accordance with the selection of the mode selecting means 23 to 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine for reading and / or recording / reproducing an image, and a text, a graph or the like displayed on a display surface of a CRT or the like to edit them. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as a word processor, a computer, etc. for recording as needed, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus in which usage management is performed individually and / or by section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, anyone can freely use all the functions of an image forming apparatus to obtain a copy or a print. Brought ease. As a result, many image forming apparatuses are arranged in various places, and many people have come to easily perform a large amount of copying and printing. However, with the spread of such an image forming apparatus, people in other departments arbitrarily make a large number of copies, or even people in their own department make private copies unrelated to their work. The trouble of replenishing and exchanging etc. increases,
There has been a problem that the cost burden of consumables increases and failures increase.

In order to solve such a problem, an image forming apparatus has been put into practical use that cannot be used unless a key counter or a key card is attached. According to this,
By collectively managing the key counter or the key card by the administrator of the apparatus, it is possible to prevent or suppress the use by outsiders and the private use.

[0004]

However, in such an apparatus, the image forming apparatus cannot be used at all unless a counter or a card is attached, which causes a problem that convenience in use is impaired. For example, if a person from another department who came for a meeting wants to make a copy quickly,
It was very inconvenient because I had to borrow a counter or have a person in the department that owns the counter make a copy. Also, most of the times when copying is 1
to 1 copy (1 copy for 1 original),
In such a case, although it is only necessary to set the original and press the copy switch, in the conventional example as described above, the counter must be mounted even if only one copy is made. It was complicated.

Further, since the image forming apparatus in recent years has become extremely multifunctional, it is difficult for an operator who is not familiar with the operation of the apparatus to understand the operating method because of the multifunctionality. Therefore, there is a case where a desired result cannot be obtained because an originally unintended key is pressed.

An object of the present invention is to facilitate rational use of an image processing device.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a setting input means (23) for setting and inputting image forming conditions, and an image forming means for performing an image forming operation according to the set image forming conditions.
In the image forming apparatus having (1 to 22, 24 to 33), the first mode (encryption mode) for permitting the setting input of all the image forming conditions that can be set by the setting input means (23) or Second mode for prohibiting setting input of specific image forming conditions
Mode selection means (36b,
23 to 30) and mode switching means (24) for switching the mode according to the selection by the mode selection means (36b, 23 to 30). In addition, in order to facilitate understanding, the symbols or corresponding matters of the corresponding elements of the embodiments shown in the drawings and described later are added in parentheses.

According to the present invention, the first mode (encryption mode) in which all image forming conditions can be set and the setting of specific image forming conditions are prohibited (only specific image forming conditions are set). Since the second mode (standard mode) and the second mode (possible mode) are selectable, it is usually set as the second mode (standard mode) and the first mode (encryption mode) is set as necessary. Even if people from other departments have basic settings and a small number of sheets, they can use the image forming device in the second mode (standard mode) to obtain copies and prints. You don't have to rent a counter or ask someone in that department. Further, it is possible to save the trouble of mounting a counter for making one copy or two copies. Furthermore, since setting of advanced functions is prohibited in the second mode, it is possible to prevent a person who is unfamiliar with the operation from setting the wrong mode and obtaining a desired result.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The mode switching means (24) is
When the interrupt key (40a) is pressed while the first mode (encryption mode) is selected, the mode is automatically switched to the second mode (standard mode).

According to this, in the interrupt mode, the mode is automatically switched to the second mode (standard mode), so that the above-mentioned effect can be obtained even for a person who intends to use the device by interrupt. You can

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an outline of a mechanical portion of an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is an electrophotographic copying machine. In FIG. 1, a document placed on the contact glass 1 is pressed against the contact glass 1 by a white belt stretched under the pressure plate 1a which also serves as an automatic document feeder / displacer (ADF). The automatic document feeder includes an entrance document sensor that detects whether there is a document at the entrance of the pressure plate 1a, and an insertion table document sensor that detects whether there is a document on the document insertion table 1b. , When the print key 35 (FIG. 3) is turned on in the ready state and the entrance document sensor detects the document, the white belt is driven to feed the document to the exposure position of the contact glass 1. Position it and give a start signal to the control unit of the copier body. Further, the automatic document feeder (ADF) supplies a signal (predictive sensor described later) indicating whether or not there is a document on the insertion table 1b to the control device (24 to 31: FIG. 2) of the copying machine main body.

Below the contact glass 1, an optical scanning system 2 including an exposure lamp and the like is provided. In this embodiment, the original is fixed, and the optical scanning system is mechanically driven to scan the original. An image formed by reflected light from the document is imaged on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 3 via the optical scanning system 2. In FIG. 1, the photosensitive drum 3 rotates clockwise in synchronism with the scanning of the original by the optical system.

The paper feeding system has two stages, and the paper feeding roller 6 is selected from the selected one of the paper feeding cassettes 4 and 5.
Alternatively, the recording paper is fed by 7. The fed-out recording paper is guided between the registration roller 8 and the front end bending roller 9 to the photosensitive drum 3 (paper feed).

Around the photosensitive drum 3, a charging charger 10, an eraser 11, a developing device 12, and a pre-transfer charge eliminating lamp 1 are provided.
3, transfer charger 14, separation charger 15, separation claw 16, cleaning unit 17, and static elimination lamp 18
Etc. are arranged.

Next, a general copy process will be described.
The copy process is composed of a start cycle, a copy cycle and an end cycle.

When the operator presses the print key 35 (FIG. 3) or the automatic document feeder supplies a start signal (copy start instruction), the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 3 is cleaned in the start cycle. The charge is removed by cleaning with the grounded conductive brush and the cleaning blade provided in the unit 17,
Further, the charge is removed by the charge removing lamp 18. After cleaning and static elimination are completed, the start cycle is exited and the copy cycle is started.

In the copy cycle, the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 3 uniformly charged by the charger 10 is irradiated with the reflected light of the original on the contact glass 1 illuminated and scanned by the exposure lamp, and the surface potential of the original is changed. It changes according to the intensity of the reflected light. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 3. While the electrostatic latent image passes through the developing device 12,
The toner adheres and is visualized (hereinafter referred to as a toner image).

The recording paper fed to the registration roller 8 before the start of exposure is rotated by the registration roller 8 at a predetermined timing according to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 3.
Is fed toward. At this time, the leading end of the recording paper is bent by the leading end bending roller 9 to facilitate the subsequent separation.

The recording paper comes into contact with (transfers to) the toner image formed on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 3 when passing directly above the transfer charger 14 to which a predetermined voltage is applied.
After that, the recording paper is separated from the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive drum 3 by the separation charger 15 and the separation claw 16 and sent to the conveyor belt 19. The conveyor belt 19 sends the recording paper to the fixing device 20. The fixing device 20 is a roller with a built-in heater, in which the toner image is fixed on the recording paper and is ejected to the copy tray 22 via the ejection roller 21.

After repeating the above-mentioned copy cycle for the set number of sheets, the photosensitive drum 3 is further rotated approximately once to execute an end cycle for cleaning the photosensitive surface and discharging. If there is a copy start instruction during the execution of the end cycle, the start cycle is omitted and the process proceeds to the copy cycle.

The above copying process is sequence-controlled by the control means (24 to 31: FIG. 2) provided in the copying machine.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the copying machine shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, the copying machine of this embodiment uses a microprocessor (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) 24 for control. A bus line of the CPU 24 has a program memory (hereinafter abbreviated as ROM), a read / write memory (hereinafter abbreviated as RAM), and a non-volatile memory backed up by a backup circuit 27 (hereinafter NRAM).
The system controller 29 and the input / output ports 30 and 31 are connected. The system controller 29 controls input / output to / from the CPU 24 such as the ROM 25, the RAM 26, the NRAM 28 and the input / output ports 30 and 31.

Input / output port 3 connected to the CPU 24
An operation board 23, a jam display 32, a sensor & switch 33, a power supply unit 43, various sensors, a driver, a regulator, a controller and the like are connected to 0 and 31. The sensor and switch 33 includes an opening / closing detection switch for detecting opening / closing of the pressure plate 1a, an ADF (automatic document feeder / ejector 1).
an original document sensor of a) and an original document sensor of a document insertion table;
An upper / lower stage size detection switch group for detecting the recording paper size of the paper feed cassettes 4 and 5, a registration switch and an erasing switch which will be described later are connected. The CPU 24 sets the conditions of the copy process through an interactive process with the operator via the operation board 23, and executes sequence control of each component in the copy process.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the appearance of the keyboard & display unit 31 operated by the operator. Reference numeral 34 is a power key. This type of copying machine has a main switch (not shown) for preheating the fixing heater, and the power key 34 is turned on when the operation of the copying machine is started and turned off when the operation is finished.

Reference numeral 35 is a print key for inputting a copy start instruction. This key is a transmissive display switch, and the green lamp or red lamp provided on the back side lights up to indicate that copying is possible (green) or copying is not possible (red).

Reference numeral 36a is a ten-key pad, 36b is an asterisk key, and 36c is a clear & stop key. The operator uses the ten-key pad 36a and the asterisk key 36b to input a code. The entered code is displayed on the display 36d as required. Further, the number of copies up to 99 can be set by the ten-key pad 36a for repeat processing (making a plurality of copies of the same original), and the set number of copies is displayed in the last two digits of the display 36d.
The code or the number of copies entered by the operator using the ten key 36a and / or the asterisk key 36b can be corrected or erased by the clear & stop key 36c. These numeric keys 36a,
Details of the operation of the asterisk key 36b or the clear & stop key 36c will be described later.

37 is a message display,
There are four types of messages, "Please wait!", "Can be copied", "User No. input required", and "User No. error". Alternatively, these messages are displayed with the backside display tube illuminated.

The copy density set by the density setting key 38a is displayed on the density display 38b. In this example, the left is dark and the right is light.

Reference numeral 39a is a paper feed selection key for selecting the upper or lower paper feed cassette (paper feed cassette 4 or 5). For example, if you select the upper paper feed cassette 4, CP
The U24 reads the state of an upper stage size detection switch group (not shown) provided in the sensor & switch 33 and arranged in the upper cassette insertion opening of the copying machine, displays the state on the upper stage paper size display 39b, and the display lamp 39d lights up. When the lower sheet feeding cassette 5 is selected, similarly, the state of the lower sheet size detection switch group is read, and the display of the size of the recording sheet is switched to the lower sheet size indicator 39c and the display lamp 39e. In addition, when 39f or 39g is lit, the paper out of the paper feed cassette (no recording paper) is displayed.

Reference numeral 40a denotes an interrupt key for holding the repeat process when another urgent copy is required during the repeat process, and the display lamp 4 is activated during the interrupt process.
0b lights up. When the interrupt key 40a is pressed again, the interrupt is released and the suspended repeat processing is resumed.

Reference numeral 41a is a zoom key for setting a variable magnification steplessly, and 41b is a standard variable magnification selection key. The scaling ratio set by these keys is displayed on the scaling indicator 41c. Further, the fixed size variable key 41b is a transmissive switch, and the lamp provided on the back surface of the pressed key is turned on. 42 is a buzzer.

This embodiment has a "standard mode" and a "encryption mode" as copy processing modes of the copying machine. The "standard mode" is a limited mode in which assistants who are not assigned a specific code make a copy that is not necessary for the time being, and the "encryption mode" is a 4-digit specific code ( Hereinafter, the operator who has been assigned the user number. There is no limit to the mode in which you can enter and copy. User No. Registration or deletion of the password is performed by switching the registration switch and / or the erase switch managed by the administrator, but these are normally off.

An example of sequence control (copy process control) executed by the MPU 24 will be sequentially described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

(1) "Standard mode" The initial conditions of the standard mode, that is, the number of copies: 1, the density: center, the paper feed cassette: top, and the scaling factor: 1, the selection of the paper feed cassette and the density Limited mode in which you can change or set the number of copies up to 2 as a condition for copy processing.

S1 (first step; the same applies hereinafter): The power key 34 is pressed to turn on the power; S2: The output port is cleared, the RAM 26 is initialized, etc., and "Please wait!" Is displayed on the message display 37. Display and turn on the red lamp of the print key 35; S3, S4a, S4b: It is a preparation loop for reading the status of each part of the device and detecting abnormalities; S5a: If the device is abnormal, an abnormal display is set and protection relay S5b: Reset the error display when the error is removed and exit the preparation loop; S6: As the initial conditions of the copy process in the standard mode, the number of copies: 1, density: center, paper feed cassette: top ，
Also, the scaling factor is set to 1.

S7: "Ready to copy" is displayed on the message display 37, the green lamp is turned on instead of the red lamp of the print key 35, and the copy ready (Re
ady) is set; S8, S9, S10, S15, S35, S42, S4
3, S44: an input waiting loop that waits for an input from the operation board by the operator, and makes a determination by reading the input setting data; S10: the asterisk key 36b is the user No. If the key is mistakenly used in the standard mode, "User No. input required" (S14) is displayed on the message display 37 to inform that the encryption mode has been entered. At this time, the user number. The standard mode copy process can be performed without inputting.
However, since the input from the ten-key pad 36a is monitored in the encryption mode, the setting of the number of copies is limited to one.

S15, S16: When there is an input from the ten-key pad 36a in the "standard mode", since there is no "*" flag, the number of copies is set and S24 is set; S24, S25: Ten-key input is a copy setting number register To display the input number of copies on the display 36d; S26, S27: If the setting of the number of copies is two or less, it is within the range of the standard mode, and the process returns to S8 to enter an input waiting loop.

S27, S28, S29, S30, S1
4: In the "standard mode" without the "*" flag, the number of copies is limited to two. Therefore, if more than two copies are input, set the value of the copy setting number register to 2. The value (2) is updated and displayed in 36d.
The buzzer 42 is energized for a short time (t ₂ ), "user No. input required" is displayed on the message display 37, and an error input is notified to enter an input waiting loop; S35, S36, S40: "standard mode" When the clear & stop key 36c is input (without the "*" flag), the content of the copy setting number register is set to 1 and the process returns to the input waiting loop.

S42a, S42b: Density setting key 38a
The input from is displayed on the density display 38b and the process returns to the input waiting loop. S43a, S43b: The input and output of the paper feed selection key 39a is used to change the paper feed system in the upper and lower stages and display the paper size and the like. Return to the input waiting loop.

S44, S45a, S45b: In the "standard mode" (without the "encryption OK" flag), the interrupt key 40a, the zoom key 41a, or the fixed-scale variable-magnification selection key 41b is prohibited from being input. If so, "User No. input required" is displayed on the message display 37, and the process returns to S8 to enter an input waiting loop; S9, S22, S23, S65: The setting within the range limited by the "standard mode" is completed. The input of the print key 35 starts the control of the copy process. If it is in the end cycle, the start cycle is omitted and the copy cycle is started, and the one (one sheet) copy process is executed.

S66, S67, S69: Count up the copy number counter and display the value on the display 36d (without "encryption OK"flag); S70, S71, S72, S73, S74, S75:
When 2 is set in the copy setting number register in the "standard mode", steps S65 to S69 are repeated twice. When an abnormality (jam or the like) occurs in the device, it jumps to S5a and sets the abnormality display. If the setting is changed from the operation board 23 during the repeat processing, the end cycle is set and the process returns to S10. This change is mainly performed by the repeat & stop key 36c to cancel the repeat or the user number. Interrupt processing by an operator having

S76, S77, S78, S79: In the "standard mode", the end cycle is set when the repeat processing for a maximum of two sheets is completed.

S80, S81, S82, S83: When the print key is pressed from the operation board 23 or the copy start instruction is input from the ADF (automatic document feeder / discharger), the start cycle is not performed because the end cycle is in progress. , A copy cycle is executed and the above processing is repeated. If it is not the copy start instruction, since the "standard mode" does not have the "encryption OK" flag, the loop processing is repeated until the end cycle ends.

S88, S94, S6, S7: When the end cycle is completed, the copy number counter and the like are cleared and the process returns to S6 to set the initial condition of the "standard mode" and set the copy ready; S8, S9, S10, S15, S35, S42, S4
3, S44: input waiting loop.

(2) "Cryptographic Mode" After pressing the asterisk key 36b, the 4-digit user number registered in the non-volatile memory NRAM 28. If the correct input is made, the copy processing can be performed without being restricted by the settings on the operation board; the user number. Is a code (encryption) unique to the operator, so it is not displayed at the time of input, but the input is accepted by the buzzer 42.
Inform by Incorrect user number. To enter or to correct while entering, use the asterisk key 36b
When is pressed again, the user No. Waits for input of;
When the operator makes a copy in the "encryption mode", the user No. Corresponding to the non-volatile memory NRAM28
In, the cumulative value of the number of copies for each management cycle is entered.

In the "encryption mode", the state where the pressure plate 1a is opened for a predetermined time or more during the end cycle, the state where the setting is changed from the operation board, or the state where there is the original on the ADF original insertion tray 1b are set. Upon detection, extended prediction sensor is turned on a predetermined time end cycle (t _3); S1~S7: setting the initial condition of the standard mode; S8, S9, S10, S15 , S35, S42, S4
3, S44: Input waiting loop; S8, S9, S10, S11a, S12, S13a: When the asterisk key 36b is input from the operation board, the "encryption mode" is set and the "*" flag is set.

S14: Display "user No. input required" on the message display 37; S15, S1
6, S17, S18: “*” flag is present and “encryption O
In the state without the "K" flag, the input from the ten-key pad 36a is the user number. And input to the encryption register; S19, S20, S21a: User No. Has four digits, and therefore, the ten keys 36a can be used to input four times. The input value is not displayed and the buzzer 42 is activated for a short time (t ₀ ) to notify the acceptance of the input.

S12, S13b: User No. When the asterisk key 36b is input again to correct the error, the contents of the encryption register are cleared and the user No. Can be re-input from the beginning; S19, S53, S54, S55: 4-digit user No. input. Is registered in the NRAM 28, the user number. Display the accumulated copy value corresponding to
S56, S57: The "encryption OK" flag is set, "ready for copying" is displayed on the message display 37, and an input waiting loop is entered.

S19, S53, S61, S63, S6
4, S13b, S14: 4-digit user N who has input
o. Is not registered in the NRAM 28, the message display 37 displays “user No. error” for a predetermined time (t ₁ ), then erases it and displays “user No. input required” again. Since the encryption register is cleared, the user No. Can be input and corrected; S15, S16, S17: User No. Is input correctly and the "encryption OK" flag is set, and if there is input from the ten-key pad 36a, the number of copies is set; S2
4, S25, S26, S31: Input the number of copies set within 99 sheets to the copy setting register and display 36
Display in d.

S31, S32, S33, S34: When the set number of copies exceeds 99, the contents of the copy setting register are updated to 99 and the value (99) is displayed on the display 36d of the operation board 23. , Activate the buzzer for a short time (t ₂ ) to notify the error; S15, S35, S3
6, S37, S40: The input of the clear & stop key 36c updates the value of the copy setting number register to 1; S35, S42a, S42b, S43a, S43b: The density setting is changed when the density setting key 38a is turned on. And display it. When the paper feed selection key is turned on, the paper feed cassette is changed to display the recording paper size and display lamp 39d
Alternatively, switch 39e.

S44, S45a: If the "encryption OK" flag is set, there is no limit to the setting from the operation board. Therefore, the condition of the copy process is set by the interrupt key 40a, the zoom key 41a, or the standard variable magnification setting key 41b. S46, S48, S49: When the interrupt key 40a is input without the interrupt flag, the currently set copy processing condition is stored in the standby register, the display lamp 40b is turned on, and the interrupt flag is set; S46 , S48, S50, S51, S52: When there is an interrupt flag and the interrupt key 40a is input, the contents stored in the standby register are read and set as conditions for the copy process. The standby register and the interrupt flag are cleared and the display lamp 40b is turned off.

S46, S47: The zoom key 41a or the standard variable magnification setting key 41b is pressed to energize / deactivate the variable magnification motor to set the lens assembly and the like included in the optical system to the set variable magnification. The set magnification is displayed on the magnification display 41c; S9, S22, S26, S65: When the copy start instruction is input from the print key or the ADF in the input waiting loop, the copy process is controlled. At this time, if the end cycle is being executed, the start cycle is omitted.

S66, S67, S68: One (1) copy The number of copies counter is incremented each time the processing is completed, and the user N of the non-volatile memory NRAM 28 is counted.
o. The copy accumulated value corresponding to (contents of the cipher register) is read and the accumulated accumulated value updated by adding 1 is stored again; S69: The value of the copy number counter is displayed on the display 36d; S70, S71, S72 , S73, S74: The copy number setting (the value of the copy setting number register) is 2 or more, and an error such as a jam or the clear & stop key 36c
If there is no instruction to change the copy setting number register by inputting or change instruction by inputting the interrupt key 40a, the steps S65 to S69 are looped until the copying of the set number of sheets (the value of the copy setting number register) is completed. .

S74, S75: Clear & stop key 3
The 6c input stops the repeat process and sets the end cycle. Also, the interrupt key 40a input sets the end cycle and waits for the setting condition during the repeat processing as described above to execute the interrupt processing; S70, S76: Make a copy of the set number of sheets, and copy / copy. When the cycle ends, the end cycle is set.

S77, S78, S79, S80, S8
1, S83, S84, S85: End cycle end waiting loop. While executing the end cycle in the "encryption mode", the operator judges the possibility of continuing the copy process. That is, during this time, the open / close detection switch provided in the sensor & switch 33 detects a state in which the pressure plate 1a is opened for a predetermined time or more, or a state in which the setting is changed from the operation board, or a document insertion table document sensor of the ADF. When the document detects the presence of the document, the predictive sensor is turned on.

S81, S82: For the copy start instruction during the end cycle, the copy number counter is cleared, the prediction sensor and the prediction flag are cleared, and the copy cycle is executed from S65 (start cycle omitted); S84, S94: End If the asterisk key 36b is input (end input) during the cycle, it means that the operator has finished making the copy. Therefore, the "*" flag, the encryption register, the "encryption OK" flag, the copy number counter, the prediction flag, etc. are cleared. , Prediction sensor is turned off and initialized. Ending the end cycle to enter an input waiting loop; S85, S86, S87: When there is a key input other than the print key 36a, the asterisk key 36b, and the interrupt key 40a, the condition setting of the copy process is changed and the predictive sensor To turn on.

S77, S88, S89, S90, S9
1, S92: End cycle is ended in “encryption mode” (with “encryption OK” flag), the pressure plate 1a is opened, or the setting is changed from the operation board, or
If the predictive sensor indicating that there is a document on the document insertion tray of the ADF is on, the t ₃ timer is set to extend the end cycle; S93, S94: When the t ₃ timer overflows, flags, registers, and counters Etc. are initialized to enter an input waiting loop.

(3) Registration, deletion, and deletion User No. for the nonvolatile memory 28. New registration or registered user No. Delete or delete the accumulated copy value. The registration switch and the deletion switch are provided in the sensor & switch 33 of the main body of the copying machine, and the administrator manages the lock. Registration switch and /
Table 1 below shows functions that can be performed by turning on / off the erase switch.

[0060]

[Table 1]

(A) Registration The registration switch is turned on; S1 to S7, input waiting loop: After the copy ready is set and the input waiting loop is entered, the asterisk key 36b is entered.
To set the "*"flag; S15, S16, S17, S18, S19, S20, S
21b, S21a: 4-digit user No. registered from the ten-key pad 36a. Enter User N input at this time
o. Can be confirmed because it is displayed on the display 36d.

S53, S61, S62, S59, S6
0: Newly registered user N read in the encryption register
o. Is registered in the non-volatile memory NRAM 28 to clear the display of the "*" flag and 36d; S13b, S14: Clear the contents of the cipher register to enter an input waiting loop. (B) Turn on the deletion registration switch; by the same procedure as when newly registering, the already registered user No. Enter User No. to input Is displayed on the display 36d; S53, S54, S58: The input user number. (Encryption register value) equal to the user No. registered in the NRAM 28. And delete the copy accumulated value corresponding thereto; S59, S60, S13b, S14: "*" flag, 3
The display of 6d and the encryption register are cleared to enter the input waiting loop.

(C) Erase registration switch is turned off and erase switch is turned on; for example, after totaling copy accumulated values for each management cycle, when zero start is performed, the values are cleared.

S1 to S7, input waiting loop: After the copy ready is set to enter the input waiting loop, the asterisk key 36b is input to set the "*"flag; S15, S16, S17, S18, S19, S20. , S
21a ,: User No. of the operator who deletes the accumulated copy value from the ten-key pad 36a. Enter

S53, S54, S55, S56, S5
7: The accumulated copy value of the corresponding operator is NRAM 28
Read out from the display and displayed on the display 36d.
The "K" flag is set; S15, S35, S36, S37, S38, S39: When the clear & stop key 36c is input from the numeric keypad 36a, the copy accumulated value of the corresponding operator of the NRAM 28 is erased. In order to provide a margin for recording, the display on the display 36d indicates the next user number. Is held until input.

According to the embodiment described above, the keyer
The image processing apparatus can be used only by the operator inputting a specific code without carrying an object such as a code or a key counter. When an image processing start is instructed from the operation board without inputting a specific code, the limited processing mode, that is, the "standard mode" image processing is started. However, since the processing mode is determined to be less important, the rational smoothness of use of the image processing apparatus is increased accordingly. In the "encryption mode" when the operator inputs a specific code, all the functions of the copying machine can be selected or set, and the advanced copying function is maximized.

That is, an encryption mode for permitting the setting and inputting of all the image forming conditions that can be set by the operation board 23, and a standard mode for prohibiting the setting and input of the specific image forming conditions.
One of the modes is selected by the microprocessor 24 in response to the operation of the operation board 23, and the microprocessor 24
Since the copy cycle of the selected mode is executed, it is normally a standard mode, and even a person in another department can set the image forming apparatus in a standard mode if basic and setting a small number of sheets. You can use it to get copies and prints without having to rent a counter or ask someone in the department. Further, it is possible to save the trouble of mounting a counter for making one copy or two copies. Further, since the setting of the advanced function is prohibited in the encryption mode, it is possible to prevent a person who is unfamiliar with the operation from setting the wrong mode and obtaining the desired result.

Further, since the microprocessor 24 switches to the standard mode when the interrupt key 40a is pressed while the encryption mode is selected, the microprocessor 24 can be used for a person who intends to use the device by interrupt. Also, the effects as described above can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine embodying the present invention in one aspect.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the appearance of an operation board of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a control operation of the microprocessor 24 shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a part of control operation of the microprocessor 24 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of a control operation of the microprocessor 24 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of a control operation of the microprocessor 24 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a part of a control operation of the microprocessor 24 shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing the rest of the control operation of the microprocessor 24 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Contact glass 1a: Pressure plate also functioning as an automatic document feeder / unloader 1b: Document insertion tray 2: Optical scanning system 3: Photosensitive drum 4,5: Paper feeding cassette 6,7: Paper feeding roller 8: Registration roller 9: Tip Bending roller 11: Eraser 10, 14, 15: Charger 12: Developer 13: Elimination lamp before transfer 16: Separation claw 17: Cleaning unit 18: Elimination lamp 19: Conveyor belt 20: Fixing device 21: Paper ejection roller 22 : Copy tray 23: Operation board 24: Microprocessor 28: Non-volatile memory 30, 31: Input / output port 33: Sensor & switch 34: Power key 35: Print key 36a: Numeric keypad 36b: Asterisk key 36c: Clear &
Stop key

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical indication H04N 1/40 Z

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a setting input means for setting and inputting an image forming condition; and an image forming means for performing an image forming operation according to the set image forming condition,
Mode selecting means for selecting either a first mode for permitting setting input of all image forming conditions that can be set by the setting input means or a second mode for prohibiting setting input of a specific image forming condition; An image forming apparatus comprising: a mode switching unit that switches modes in accordance with selection by the mode selection unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit automatically switches to the second mode when the interrupt key is pressed while the first mode is selected. apparatus.