JPH09179449A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device capable of conducting batch processing when programs are continuously executed and having a high availability factor. SOLUTION: When multiple programs combined with various information such as the number of devices, paper size, image density, magnifying power, and sort/stack mode are continuously executed for individual jobs, the image formation based on the information of the programs is automatically and continuously implemented by the internal program of a CPU 601 according to the optional program sequence set by a user. Batch processing can be conducted.

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, and more particularly to a control system for continuous execution of programs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus, an image is formed according to a program that combines a number of sheets, a paper size, a density, a magnification and the like. As a conventional technique for handling a plurality of programs, one that operates in a predetermined mode by selecting a plurality of programs (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 5
No. 8-184164), one that executes a plurality of programs in sequence (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-10961), one that sequentially repeats copying according to conditions using a job sheet in which copying conditions are entered (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. No. 6-202415) is known.

[0003]

As described above, in the past, a plurality of programs could be executed in order, but they could not be executed in an arbitrary order. Here, the content of the program currently being executed is close to the content of the program to be executed next (for example, the magnification is the same,
Alternatively, the selected sheets are not the same), and the contents of programs that are executed in a remote order are often close to each other. In such a case, if the programs having similar contents are continuously executed, the productivity at the time of image formation can be improved.

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of batch processing during continuous execution of programs and having a high operating rate.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a program storage unit capable of storing and calling a plurality of sets of information such as a number of sheets, a paper size, a density, and a scaling factor, and an arbitrary program. Input means for inputting an order, storage means for storing the order of an arbitrary program, and image formation based on information of each program are automatically and continuously performed in accordance with the order of the arbitrary program stored in the storage means. And a control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including:
Stores multiple sets of information such as paper size, density, and scaling ratio.
Program storage means that can be called, input means that inputs the order of arbitrary programs, storage means that stores the order of a plurality of arbitrary programs, selection means that selects storage of the order of arbitrary programs, and said storage means A control means for automatically and continuously forming an image based on the information of each program in accordance with one order selected by the selecting means from among a plurality of arbitrary program orders stored by Characterize.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, in addition to the start key, an image forming start instruction means such as a trial copy key is provided. On the basis of the instruction, the control means, when the order of the arbitrary programs stored in the storage means is one, in accordance with the order, or in the case of a plurality of programs, according to the selected order, sets the fixed number to 1. It is characterized in that image formation is automatically performed based on the information of each program except.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a program consisting of a combination of various types of information such as number of sheets, paper size, image density, scaling ratio, sort / stack mode, etc., is executed continuously for each job. The batch processing is enabled by automatically and continuously performing image formation based on the information of each program in accordance with the order of any program set by the user.

A detailed description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall system configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a copying machine main body 1, a circulation type document feeder (RDH) 2, an automatic document feeder (DF) 3, a finisher 4, and a relay device 5 provided between the copying machine body 1 and the finisher 4. It consists of and.

The copying machine main body 1 includes a contact glass 10
1, flash lamp 102, flash power supply 103,
First and second mirrors 104 and 106, through lens 10
5, belt-shaped photoreceptor 107, charger 108, eraser 109, developing device 110, transfer charger 111, paper feed trays 112, 113, 114, conveyance path 115, registration roller 116, conveyance belt 117, fixing device 118, main body The tray 119, the separation charger 120, the double-sided switching claw 121, the discharge switching claw 122, the double-sided entrance path 123, the double-sided tray 124, the charge removal charger 125, the cleaning device 126, and the like are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the RDH and DF. RD
In H2, the originals on the original tray 201 are stored in the horizontal conveyance path 20.
2. After passing through the turn portion 203, it is guided onto the contact glass 101 by the manuscript belt 204, and then is directed to either the turn conveying path 206 or the discharge tray 207 by the switching claw 205.

In DF3, the original on the original table 211 is
It is detected by the document set detection unit 212, called by the calling roller 213, separated one by one by the separation roller 214 and the separation blade 215, and sent out by the pull-out roller 216.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram of an operation unit provided in the main body of the copying machine. In the operation unit 500, the mode clear / preheat key 501 serves both as a mode clear key and a preheat key. When the key is pressed, it functions as a mode clear key, and when kept pressed, it functions as a preheat key.

The mode clear key is for returning each mode to the standard mode. By operating this key, the number of repeats is 1, the density is automatic density, the paper feeding is selected automatically, and the scaling ratio is equal. Is set to, and all other functions such as double-sided are canceled.

The preheat key is an alternate switch that is pressed to put the machine in a preheat state and release the preheat state. In the preheating state, the fixing unit is controlled at a low temperature, and only the preheating lamp is turned on and the other displays are turned off to suppress the power consumption. Therefore, the preheating key is invalid during the execution of the copy process.

The interrupt key 502 is pressed for interrupt copying, and the enter key 503 is used for zoom magnification / reduction.
This key is pressed to input the binding margin value, and the print key (start key) 504 is pressed to start the copying operation. This is also a ready / weight display, the green LED when ready and the red LE when waiting
D lights up.

The ten-key pad 505 is used for setting the number of copies, inputting a numerical value for zoom magnification, and binding margin. The ten-key pad 505 is generally used as an input unit or a selection unit.

The clear / stop key 506 has the functions of a clear key during standby and a stop key during copying. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. Further, the stop key is pressed when the copying operation is interrupted, and the machine is stopped when the copying operation at that time is completed.

The guidance key 507 is pressed when displaying the explanation of the basic operation, the program registration key 508 can register the mode frequently used by the user, and the registered mode can be called by the program call key 509. it can. The trial copy key 510 is selected when it is desired to confirm the finished copy. It serves as an instruction means for starting a trial copy of the program function.

The display unit 550 is of LCD type. This display has touch keys on the surface,
It is also a selection key as well as a function display. It also serves as a display unit capable of displaying various information. In addition, the operation unit 500 includes a reservation key 511 and a reservation setting key 5
12 are provided.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of the display section. The message display 551 is a place for displaying various kinds of information about the machine, and displays messages such as "copy is possible", "please supply paper", and "program is possible". Reference numeral 552 is a set display area. Tray selection key, paper size, remaining amount display area 5
Reference numeral 53 denotes an upper tray, a middle tray, a lower tray, and a large-capacity tray in order from the left. Automatic paper selection key 5
When 54 is selected, the tray in which the paper of the same size as the original is stored is automatically selected.

The density adjustment key 555 is pressed when manually adjusting the copy density. The automatic density key 556 is pressed when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the background density of the document.
Reference numeral 557 is a normal magnification key, and 558 is an enlargement key.

The reduction key 559 is pressed when the same size copying or the reduction or enlargement of the standard size is designated. The zoom key 560 is pressed to specify an arbitrary magnification between 64-142%. The paper designation scaling key 561 is used when it is desired to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the designated paper size.

The double-sided key 562 is selected when making a single-sided original double-sided, making a double-sided original double-sided, and making a double-sided original single-sided. Duplex mode message area 563
When the double-sided mode function is selected, the copy creation state is indicated by a picture.

The binding margin key 564 can be set to either the left or right side if the binding margin is 21 mm or less when a binding margin is required. The binding margin mode message area 565 displays the binding margin state when the binding margin mode function is selected. Further, a shift function selection key 566, a one-place staple selection key 567, and a two-place staple selection key 568 are provided.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the operation control unit. The operation control unit includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 60.
3, interrupt controller 604, communication port 605 for communication with the main control unit, LCD controller 606 for controlling the LCD display unit 550, display memory 60
7, an output port 608 for lighting the LED, and
DM that reads input from touch key / push key 610
It is composed of an A controller 609 and the like. The touch key / push key 610 refers to the various keys described with reference to FIG. The RAM 603 serves as a storage unit that stores the program. Further, if the RAM 603 is composed of a non-volatile RAM, it is possible to form a storage unit that does not rely on the main power source.

The operator selects the required processing mode from the operation unit 50.
The print key is set to 0, and the print key 504 is used to input a copy start instruction. The copying apparatus executes the copy process according to the processing mode set in the operation unit 500. When the execution is completed, the CPU 601 can detect it, automatically set the processing mode from the storage means, and control it to repeat continuously.

Next, a schematic copy process will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The RDH2 has a document tray 2
01, and the original placed on the
2. It is conveyed on the contact glass 101 through the turn section 203. Then, the original is illuminated by the flash lamp 102 over the entire surface. Electric power is supplied to the power source 103 of the flash lamp 102 prior to the flash and emits light at a predetermined timing. The light reflected from the document exposes the photoconductor 107 by the first mirror 104, the through lens 105, and the second mirror 106.

The photoconductor 107 is uniformly charged by the charger 108, and forms an electrostatic latent image by exposure. The electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 107 is removed by the eraser 109 from unnecessary charges, developed by the developing device 110, and sent to the transfer unit. The developed document image is then transferred onto a transfer paper by the transfer charger 111.

This transfer paper is used as paper feed trays 112 and 11
The sheet is fed from any one of the trays 3, 114 and the double-sided tray 124 and conveyed along the conveyance path 115.
The image is sent between the photoconductor 107 and the transfer charger 111 at the same timing as the original image on the photoconductor 107 by means of 16. Then, the transfer sheet on which the image is transferred is separated from the photoconductor 107 by the separation charger 120, and the transfer belt 11
Then, the toner passes through 7 and is fixed by the fixing device 118.

In the double-sided mode for copying on both sides of the transfer paper,
The double-sided switching claw 121 is switched to the double-sided tray 124 side, the transfer paper is sent to the double-sided tray 124 through the double-sided entrance path 123, and is temporarily stored in the double-sided tray 124. Also,
In the single-sided mode in which only one side of the transfer paper is copied, the double-sided switching claw 121 is switched to the paper discharge side, and the discharge switching claw 1
It is transported to 22. The discharge switching claw 122 has a function of switching between discharging the transfer paper to the main body tray 119 side and discharging the transfer paper to the peripheral device (finisher 4).

After the transfer paper is separated, the photoconductor 107 is destaticized by the destaticizing charger 125, and the cleaning device 126 removes the residual toner on the photoconductor 107 to prepare for the next copying. Since the photoconductor 107 has a seam, the image forming area on the belt should avoid the seam,
Each size is set to have an equal interval.

FIG. 6 shows a photoconductor 107 cut and developed at a seam.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of image forming areas (segments).
5 A4 segments indicated by dashed lines, B4 indicated by broken lines
4 segments and 3 A3 segments indicated by the two-dot chain line
The individual pieces are set to be evenly spaced.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the image formation controller. This control unit includes a CPU 401, an output port 402,
It is composed of an input port 403 and the like. Input port 40
Various sensors are connected to 3 to input sensor signals,
A motor control circuit 404, a power pack 405, and the like are connected to the output port 402 so that the load can be controlled.

At the time of image formation, in order to avoid seams, it is necessary to determine the image formation area on the photoconductor 107 prior to image formation. Therefore, a synchronization mark is provided at a fixed distance from the seam at the end of the photoconductor 107, and the mark is detected by the mark sensor 410. To determine the image area,
It is necessary to drive the photoconductor 107 to detect this mark.

Therefore, the drive signal from the output port 402 is input to the motor control circuit 404 to drive the photoconductor drive motor 408. An encoder 409 is integrally attached to the photoconductor drive motor 408,
The number of pulses output is proportional to the moving distance of the photoconductor 107. The pulse signal is input to the motor control circuit 404, is used to rotate the photoconductor drive motor 408 at a constant speed, and is also input to the frequency divider 406 to be divided at a predetermined frequency division ratio. After that, the number is input to the CPU 401 and the number is counted. Since this value is proportional to the amount of movement of the photoconductor 107, the count value determines the image forming area.

Next, the copy sequence will be described.
When the tip of the segment reaches a predetermined position, the sequence operation starts, and the sequence control counter starts operating. This counter counts up by the pulse signal from the frequency divider 406 and is cleared when the sequence is completed. The counter starts operating and its value is CNT When the value becomes 1, output port 40
2 outputs a signal to the power pack 405, and the charger 1
08 operates to uniformly charge the photoconductor 107.

Next, the count value is CNT. When it reaches 2,
A charge start signal is input from the output port 402 to the flash power supply 103, electric charges are stored in a capacitor in the flash power supply 103 to light the flash lamp 102, and the flash signal is sent to the flash power supply 103 to turn on the flash lamp 102. Illuminate, illuminate the original set on the contact glass 101,
The photoconductor 107 is exposed. The count value of this flash signal is CNT It is output at 3.

Further, the photosensitive member 107 is rotated and the leading edge of the image is at the position of the eraser 109 (= CNT). 4), the part of the eraser 109 corresponding to the image is turned off, and the rear end of the image is at the position of the eraser 109 (= CNT). When it reaches 5), the eraser 109 is fully turned on, the excess charges on the photoconductor 107 are erased, and the electrostatic latent image is left only on the original image portion.

This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 110,
For front side copying, the paper feed trays 112, 113, 11
4 is transferred to the transfer paper sent from any one of the Nos. 4 and 4 in the case of the back side copy.

In order to synchronize with the original image, the transfer paper is
Transport at different timing depending on whether it is sent from the tray
Start sending. The transfer paper on which the original image is transferred is
Then, the toner passes through the sheet 117 and is fixed by the fixing device 118. Both sides
The switching claw 121 is a CNT Works with 6, double-sided tray 1
When stacking on 24, on the double-sided tray 124 side, so
If not, switch to the discharge side.

The discharge switching claw 122 is made of CNT. 7, the transfer paper is switched to be discharged to the main body tray or sent to the peripheral device. The sequence operation ends when the transfer paper is discharged.

Count value Sequence processing CNT 1 Charge on CNT FEED original document feeding CNT DPX double-sided paper feed CNT 2 Charging start CNT 3 Flash-on CNT EXIT Original document discharge CNT 4 Erase-off CNT HIGH upper feed CNT MID Middle Feed CNT 5 erase on CNT LOW Lower feed CNT 6 Double-sided switching claw on / off CNT 7 Paper Ejection Switching Claw On / Off Copy processing is realized by sequentially executing this sequence processing at the segment movement timing.

Since the normal copying process is determined by the segment size and the size of the transfer paper used, the processing speed of the A4 size is the fastest, the B4 size is the next, and it is 4/5 of the A4 size. It becomes three-fifths in A3 size.

The change of the processing speed is realized by changing the correspondence between the segment size and the transfer paper size. That is,
Even if the transfer paper size is A4, it is possible to reduce the size to four fifths by using the B4 segment and to three fifths by using the A3 segment. When the transfer paper size is B4, by using A4 segment,
It can be three quarters.

Next, a specific operation corresponding to the invention described in the claims will be described. Here, the following symbols are used. m: index for program number array n: index for program number Nmax: maximum number of programs (constant) Mmax: maximum number of program arrays (constant) X [n]: program number to be executed nth (1 to Nmax maximum) Y [m] [n]: m array of the above (1
No. up to Mmax No.)

The operation of the invention described in claim 1 is as shown in FIGS.
It is realized by the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, FIG. 8 shows a procedure for programming in an arbitrary order. When this function is called, an index that is 0 is added (S1), and it is checked whether the maximum number of programs has been exceeded (S2). If it exceeds the limit, no further input is possible (S6), and the process ends. If it does not exceed, the program number to be executed is input (S3). The input number is stored in the array X [n] (S4). Then, there, it is selected whether to end or continue input (S5). If you choose to continue, repeat from S1 again.

Next, the procedure for executing this is shown in FIG.
The indexes that are 0 are added (S11), and the array X is called. If nothing is stored there (expressed as X [n] = 0 here, there is no program 0), or if it exceeds the maximum value, the process ends (S12). If stored, the program is called and executed (S13, S14). When the execution end (S15) is confirmed, the index addition is repeated again.

The operation of the invention described in claim 2 is realized by the procedure shown in the flow charts of FIGS.

First, the procedure for registering numbers will be described with reference to FIG. The number m is selected by the selection means provided (S21). If m exceeds the maximum value allowed, it is considered as an input error (S22), and if it is within the range, it is checked whether there is a program array already registered in mth (S2).
3). If there is a sequence already registered, overwrite confirmation is performed (S24), and if confirmed, the program sequence is copied and saved (S25).

Next, FIG. 11 shows a procedure for calling and using the registered program array. First, the number m is selected by the selection means provided (S31). The index is added (S32), and if the program is registered in Y [m] [n] (S33), it is called (S3).
4) is executed. If there is no registration, the process ends. When the execution end (S36) is confirmed, the index is added again (S32), and the same is repeated thereafter.

The operation of the invention described in claim 3 can be explained in the same manner as the operation of the invention described in claim 1. For example, an example in which a plurality of programs in FIG. 12 are registered will be described. Since the programmed numbers are ignored and all the numbers are executed as 1, when executing numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in numerical order,
When the number is 2, 4, or 5, the number is plural, but these are all executed as 1.

Next, the operation and processing for setting the originals on the RDH 2 and the DF 3 and designating the programs for each will be described.

By setting the originals in the RDH 2 and the DF 3, respectively, it is possible to repeatedly make copies on the same original bundle under different conditions, and during the copying with another original bundle. Further, it is also possible to eject the copy placed on the RDH2 and instead introduce the document of the DF3 into the RDH2 to continue copying.

FIG. 12 shows the items stored in the basic program function, but the item of the original feed source may be added to this item. The sheet is fed from the paper source indicated in that item to the contact glass 101, and copying is performed. The paper source not specified is stopped. In this case, RDH2 can be specified as the paper feed source many times, but DF3 can be specified only once. However, when a plurality of DF3s are permitted, the document set can be confirmed by temporarily stopping.

Next, the operation and processing for repeatedly copying the original set on the RDH 2 while changing the program will be described. As mentioned above, RDH
Consider the case of repeating the document set in 2 and shifting from program number 1 to program number 2 in FIG. In number one,
Since the number of copies is 1, the document bundle set on the RDH 2 makes only one round. After copying for the specified number of copies,
Upon detecting this, the program is changed and the setting of No. 2 is made.

Here, since the magnification is changed and the transfer paper size is also changed, the transfer paper supply source is also changed. It is specified to sort further (if these cannot be set, an error will occur, and the operator will be informed of this: depending on each program function). In number 2, the number is 2
Since the number is 0, the bundle of originals in the RDH 2 (same original bundle) has 20 rounds because the finisher 4 is attached (one cycle is required for a sorter). The finisher 4
It is possible to create more than 20 copies, but this is not possible with a normal sorter. The finisher 4 and the RDH 2 are often used in combination.

[0059]

According to the invention described in claim 1, since a plurality of programs can be continuously executed in an arbitrary order, batch processing is possible and an image forming apparatus having a high operating rate can be provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an arbitrary memory can be selected from among a plurality of programs stored in an arbitrary order, so that the range of selection of batch processing can be widened and an image for efficiently performing routine work can be selected. A forming device can be provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by making it possible to easily confirm the setting contents of a plurality of complicated program groups, it is possible to reduce erroneous work and provide an efficient image forming apparatus. . In other words, it is possible to provide a trial copy function of program contents.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall system configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of RDH and DF.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram of an operation unit provided in the main body.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of a display unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an operation control unit.

FIG. 6 is a layout view of an image forming area of a belt-shaped photoreceptor.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an image formation control unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a first control content.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first control content.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second control content.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second control content.

FIG. 12 is a chart showing the contents of a plurality of programs.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 550 LCD display unit 601 CPU 602 ROM 603 RAM 610 Touch key / push key

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Nobuaki Tomisho 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kunio Hayakawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Masuyama 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo In Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A program storage means capable of storing and recalling a plurality of sets of information such as a numeral, a paper size, a density, and a scaling factor, and an input means for inputting an arbitrary program order.
A storage means for storing the order of any program and a control means for automatically and continuously forming an image based on the information of each program according to the order of the program stored in the storage means are provided. A characteristic image forming apparatus. 2. A program storage means capable of storing and recalling a plurality of sets of information such as a numeral, a paper size, a density, and a scaling factor, and an input means for inputting an arbitrary program order.
Storage means for storing the order of a plurality of arbitrary programs,
A selection means for selecting the storage of an arbitrary program order,
A control means for automatically and continuously performing image formation based on the information of each program according to one order selected by the selection means from among the plurality of arbitrary program orders stored in the storage means. An image forming apparatus characterized by the above. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising, in addition to a start key, an image forming start instruction means such as a trial copy key, and the control means is based on the instruction of the instruction means. If the order of any program stored in the storage means is one, according to the order, or if there are a plurality of orders, it is based on the information of each program except for the fixed number of 1 An image forming apparatus that automatically forms an image.