JPH09330007A - Image processor and environment setting method for image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lighten user's work to instruct with keys on a control part and to efficiently obtain a desired image by analyzing service mode information on a read original sheet and controlling an image processing with reference to an image outputting means, or a reading means based on the analysis result. SOLUTION: As for the image processor provided with a reading part 4 and a printing part 5, the image processor is provided with the analyzing means (original deciding part) 7 for analyzing the service mode information on the original sheet read by the reading means, and the control means (printing control part) 2 for controlling the image processing with reference to the image outputting means, or the reading means based on the analysis result by the analyzing means. And, based on the analysis result obtained by the original deciding part 7 for analyzing the original information of the original sheet read by the reading part 4, the image processing with reference to the printing part 5, or the reading part 4 is controlled by the printing control part 2. Thus, such an setting operation that must be performed several times if operating the keys on the control part 2 is automated by reading the original.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an environment setting method for an image processing apparatus and an image processing system for converting a document image into an electric signal and reading the signal, processing the read document image information and printing the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of an image processing apparatus of this type, and the main body 100 corresponds to the case where it is composed of a reader section 30 and a printer section.

In the reader unit 30, reference numeral 36 is a document table cover, 37 is a document table glass, and a document placed on the document table glass 37 is pressed by the document table cover 36. 31-34
Is a scanning mirror for forming an image of the reflected light 41 of the document exposed by the exposure lamp 35 on a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 39 such as CCD through an imaging lens 38.

In the printer section, 120 is a paper feeding section.
The recording medium P accommodated is fed to the registration roller position by driving the paper feed roller 121. A laser scanning unit 50 includes a semiconductor laser and a polygon mirror.
The laser light 51 modulated based on the image information output from the reader unit 30 is emitted. Scanning mirrors 55 and 56 scan the photosensitive drum 60 with the laser light 51. 122
Is a transfer charger, which transfers the toner image developed by the developing unit 601 onto the recording medium P.

A conveying belt 115 conveys the recording medium P on which the toner is transferred to the fixing device 116. A paper discharge roller 117 discharges the recording medium P to the paper discharge tray 118.

Since the image processing apparatus configured as described above digitizes image data, a printer, a FAX, etc.
In recent years, it has become widespread as a composite type copying machine having functions such as.

As a result, the operability is complicated on the user side and the amount of instruction manuals increases, making it difficult to use the machine.

Therefore, an explanation of the part set by the user in the instruction manual is shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a part of an instruction manual concerning facsimile function processing as an image processing apparatus of this type.

As shown in this figure, the instruction manual of the image processing apparatus describes setting items, options and contents for each item, so that the user can change the setting by looking at the description page. To help. In addition, * in the figure indicates a state set at the time of factory shipment.

Thus, for example, the user can set the setting item 1
When changing the settings related to "Send result report" of
At the time of shipment from the factory, the transmission result report is set to "Do not print out", so the operation unit performs the operation to "Print out".

13 and 14 are views showing a part of the description of the instruction manual for explaining the screen operation displayed on the operation unit installed in the reader unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

As shown in this figure, when the setting item is changed, the screen divided into layers in the order of A → B → C is displayed before the target screen is displayed before the setting change is started. , The instruction key of the operation unit (not shown) is pressed.

In this example, the "Fax" portion is selected on the screen A to enter the FAX function layer, the "Registration management" portion is selected on the screen B to the registration management layer, and the user software switch is performed on the screen C. The work switches to the next layer. When the screen C is displayed on the screen of the operation unit, a "user software switch" for setting change is instructed by, for example, a touch panel, the screen is switched, and the user software switch setting screen is displayed. Although it depends on the screen size, the setting items 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 12 are displayed in this example.

When the "user software switch" portion is selected on the screen C, the user software switch setting operation shown in FIG. 14 can be changed.

Therefore, the user selects the "reception result report" portion of the setting item 2 by instructing the instruction keys (UP key and DOWN key) of the operation unit (not shown), and further UP
Key and DOWN key to print on the sub screen
When the user selects, and presses the “OK” key, the operation instruction of the reception result report ends. At this time, "O
When the "K" key is instructed, the screen returns to the screen A in FIG.

During this time, the user cannot change the setting unless he / she inputs (touches the display section of the operation section) at least seven times.

Further, when the user software switch setting items 2 to 13 are continuously set, it is necessary to repeat the same operation instruction from the screen A to the screen C, and the setting is changed to all the setting items 2 to 13. It takes a lot of time and effort to do so.

Although the change of the user mode setting in the facsimile function processing has been described above, a similar operation is required for a copy and a printer in such a composite type image processing apparatus. Furthermore, since the user mode is changed every time another function (file or the like) is added, the work required to change the settings becomes synergistically complicated.

In the same way as above, the following may occur on the service side.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an image adjustment processing procedure by a service person who maintains this type of image processing apparatus. Note that (1) to (10)
Indicates each step.

First, a switch for entering the service mode is pressed by an operation unit (not shown) (1), and an instruction to enter the image adjustment mode of the service mode is issued (2). Then, a test chart (not shown, carried by a service person) is set and copy processing is performed (3). Next, the output copy image is checked (4) and the setting change value is determined.

Then, switching instruction is given on the image adjustment value setting screen of the operation unit (5), and the setting value to be changed is input (6),
Copy the chart again (7). Here, it is determined whether or not the copied image is OK (8), if NO, the process returns to step (5), and if YES, a key instruction to end the adjustment mode is given (9), and the operation unit display is displayed by the user. The screen is switched to the setting screen (10), and the process ends.

At this time, the service engineer performs at least steps (2), (5), (6) and (9), that is, 4
Different key input work is required.

Since a serviceman has many adjustment items of this kind, it is difficult to remember all of them, and he often makes adjustments while looking at the manual for the serviceman, and he always has a service manual. There must be. Further, in the case of a model that performs advanced image processing, the service manual may normally have several hundred pages, and the thick service manual book must be carried, which may reduce the footwork of the service person.

When the drum unit in the printer section is replaced, it is necessary to key in the characteristic value of the drum to the copying machine main body every time. This is to change the voltage and the like around the drum according to the drum.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a drum process value change processing procedure by a service person who maintains this type of image processing apparatus. In addition,
(1) to (3) show each step.

First, a switch for entering the service mode is depressed by an operation unit (not shown) to give an instruction to enter the drum process value changing mode of the service mode (1). Next, the numerical keys of the operation unit are instructed to input the numerical values XY and YX of the process values A and B (2), and the end key is instructed (3) to end the processing.

At this time, the service person needs to perform different key input work at least in steps (1) to (3), that is, three times.

By the way, the service person, after performing this kind of customer service, records the contents in a ledger for each customer,
The service history is left as a material for the next service. Then, by looking at this ledger, the timing of the next replacement part and the like can be known. Therefore, the ledger will always be carried during service.

In recent years, digital copiers, facsimiles, printers, etc. can be easily connected to a network depending on the network value of OA equipment. With this networking, when one image forming apparatus cannot output due to a failure or the like, it is possible to output from another normal apparatus.

[0032]

However, according to the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, when the user changes the setting value of the user mode, the user has to make an input by a complicated key operation, and the user also has to do so. Reads the instruction manual carefully and operates the keys without mistakes, so it takes a lot of time and effort.

On the other hand, also in the service work procedure at the time of service, a complicated service work procedure, key operation and the like are required as in the above. For this reason, the service person must be an expert who is familiar with the machine, or must bring a service manual with him at all times.

In this case, the skilled person may be trained for each model, but in reality, the time spent for training and the market introduction of the new model are in inverse proportion to each other.

Therefore, one service person is always required to bring a service manual for each model in order to deal with a plurality of models at all times, and since the service is carried out by referring to the instruction, a great amount of labor and time are required. Will be spent. It should be noted that such an operation is the same in the drum replacement work.

Further, although a ledger is one of the things that is always brought with us at the time of service, it is a load when the service person moves.

By the way, in a networked image forming apparatus, the user needs to change the setting for each model according to the number of connected apparatuses, and the same work load is applied to the service of the service person. Had a problem that it became heavier.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. A first object of the present invention is, as image information, information in which a key sheet is keyed on an operation sheet of an image processing apparatus is written on a document sheet. By inputting, analyzing the input image information and controlling the image processing device, the work to be performed by the user or service person to give a key instruction from the operation unit or the like is reduced,
The second purpose is to efficiently obtain a desired image or to quickly complete a desired adjustment. The second purpose is to analyze the image information read into the communicable image processing apparatus and set the necessary settings for each image processing. An object of the present invention is to provide an environment setting method for an image processing apparatus and an image processing system, which can change and set various values to identify and set various settings for a child image processing apparatus that cannot process a document sheet from a parent image processing apparatus.

[0039]

A first aspect of the present invention comprises a reading means for reading an original image and an image outputting means for outputting an image based on the original information output from the reading means to a recording medium. In an image processing apparatus having the analyzing means for analyzing the service mode information on the original sheet read by the reading means, and a control for controlling the image processing for the image output means or the reading means based on the analysis result of the analyzing means. And means are provided.

A second invention according to the present invention has a first display means for displaying the information analyzed by the analysis means.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the service mode information is information for setting an image processing mode for the image output means or the reading means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the service mode information is information for setting an image adjustment mode for the image output means or the reading means.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the service mode information is adjustment value data to be set in the image output means or the reading means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the image output means outputs the original sheet analyzed by the analyzing means based on the original information output from the reading means.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the service mode information is a test for checking the adjustment value data to be set for the image output means or the reading means and the image quality by the image output means or the reading means. It is a chart.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the service mode information is service adjustment information executed for the image output means or the reading means.

A ninth invention according to the present invention has a non-volatile storage means for storing the service adjustment information, and a second display means for displaying the service adjustment information read from the non-volatile storage means. The image output unit can output the service adjustment information read from the non-volatile storage unit.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a reading means for reading an original image, an image output means for outputting an image based on the original information output from the reading means to a recording medium, and the reading means. A parent image processing apparatus including an analysis unit that analyzes service mode information on a document sheet, and a control unit that controls image processing for the image output unit or the reading unit based on an analysis result of the analysis unit; In an environment setting method of an image processing system having a child image processing device that performs image processing, the parent image processing device sets a setting value of the child image processing device via a predetermined communication medium based on an analysis result of the analysis means. This is to be changed and set.

[0049]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an operation unit, a key unit for instructing various image processing modes and serviceman processing modes,
It is provided with a display unit that displays various screens, the main body status, and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a print control unit, which is a CPU, RA (not shown).
It has an M and a ROM, and has an automatic document feeding section 3, a reading section 4,
The printing unit (printer engine) 5 is controlled as a whole.

An image memory 6 stores the image information read from the reading section 4. Reference numeral 7 denotes a document determination unit that analyzes the image information stored in the reading unit 4 and recognizes characters, symbols, bar codes, etc. on the document. That is, the manuscript determination unit 7 uses an OCR (optical character reading device) or O
It has functions such as MR (optical mark reader) or bar code reader.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a non-volatile memory, which stores changeable parameters such as control parameters for the printing unit 5, the reading unit 4, etc., and the set values set by the operating unit 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a mode setting change instruction document that can be input from the reading section 4 shown in FIG. 1. The same parts as those in FIG. 12 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a mode setting change instruction document (hereinafter, simply referred to as a document) on which a corresponding unique bar code 13 is printed. Reference numeral 12 is an instruction symbol, for example, a “mark” is marked by the user. 13-1 to 13
-N is a setting item barcode, and a unique barcode is printed corresponding to each setting item 1 to n. Reference numeral 14 is a handwriting time column, which is the time "13:26" at which the user is handwritten when the setting is changed by the original. Although the time is displayed in the 24-hour display format, the time is not limited to this. Further, although the indication symbol 12 is, for example, a “remark”, it may be simply filled, and is not limited to the “remark”.

In the image processing apparatus configured as described above, the first aspect of the present invention outputs a document reading means (reading section 4) for reading a document image and an image based on document information output from the reading means to a recording medium. In the image processing apparatus having the image output unit (printing unit 5), the analysis unit (document determination unit 7) for analyzing the service mode information on the document sheet read by the reading unit and the analysis result of the analysis unit A control unit (print control unit 2) for controlling the image processing for the image output unit or the reading unit based on the analysis result of the document determination unit 7 for analyzing the document information of the document sheet read by the reading unit 4 is provided. Multiple times are required if the print control unit 2 controls the image processing for the printing unit 5 or the reading unit 4 on the basis of the keys and the operation unit 1 is operated. It makes it possible to automate the document read setting operation for image processing.

In the second invention, the display unit of the operation unit 1 displays the information analyzed by the manuscript determination unit 7, and the user can confirm whether the set contents are appropriate or not.

In the third invention, the service mode information is information for setting the image processing mode for the image output means or the reading means, and a plurality of keys necessary for the image processing mode input by the user from the operation unit 1 are used. It is possible to perform an alternative process by collectively inputting the operation as image information.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the service mode information is information for setting an image adjustment mode for the image output means or the reading means, and a plurality of keys required for adjustment processing input by the service man from the operation unit 1 are used. The operation (fifth aspect of the invention, the adjustment value data) is collectively input as the image information, so that the alternative process can be performed.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, the printing unit 5 outputs the document sheet analyzed by the document determination unit 7 based on the document information output from the reading unit 4 to specify, for example, a manual equipped for each model. It is possible to easily obtain an original sheet by copying a page.

In the seventh invention, the service mode information is a test chart for checking the adjustment value data to be set for the printing unit 5 or the reading unit 4 and the image quality by the printing unit 5 or the reading unit 4, and the adjustment value data. And it is possible to read and process the test charts for checking the image quality at the same time.

The eighth aspect of the invention makes it possible to input the service history as an electronic file as the service mode information as the service adjustment information executed for the printing unit 5 or the reading unit 4.

The ninth aspect of the present invention has a non-volatile memory 8 for storing the service adjustment information and a display section of the operation section 1 for displaying the service adjustment information read from the non-volatile memory 8, and the printing section 5 is provided. The service adjustment information read from the non-volatile memory 8 is output, the service history is stored as an electronic file, and it is possible to reduce the work of the service person by making it unnecessary to carry the service ledger.

The setting change process based on the original 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described below.

First, the document 10 shown in FIG. 2 is placed on the document table glass of the reader section. Individually, by switching to a predetermined document processing mode from the operation unit 1 and then pressing the start key, the reading of the document 10 shown in FIG. 2 is started, the reading unit 4 reads the information of the document 10, and the image is read. The image information is accumulated in the memory 6. Needless to say, if the user presses the dedicated key that informs the main body of the information that the user will change the setting before pressing the start key, no mistake will occur with other originals.

In parallel with this, the CP of the print controller 2
U executes the recognition processing program stored in the ROM or the like, and when the main body recognizes that the user changes the setting when the barcode 13 as the accumulated image information is recognized, the subsequent processing is performed. To do.

As the next processing flow, the barcode 13
Similar to the above, -1 to 13-n are read, and the presence or absence of the indicator 12 for instructing the change is recognized by the OMR process. It is assumed that the user is checking any change item.

Then, the CPU of the print controller 2 changes the setting of the non-volatile memory 8 storing the setting of the item instructing the change to the instructed content.

The original 10 shown in FIG. 2 is marked with * (symbol) in the factory settings, but any mark or the like may be used as long as the user changes it.

For the n-th time setting, the bar code of the setting item is read and the number written in the predetermined place is read.

As described above, the user sets "print transmission result report", "do not print multi-communication result report", "do not print error communication image", "time setting 13:26". Can be changed.

Further, the user may confirm the contents after the setting change by displaying the result of the setting change by the user on the display unit of the operation unit 1 or by printing out by the printing unit 5.

As a result, the key instruction required for the setting change process by the user using the soft switch or the like becomes unnecessary,
It is possible to complete the setting change of the desired item all at once with one reading input.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The case where the present invention is applied to the image processing apparatus alone has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an image processing apparatus in which the image processing apparatus and a plurality of image processing apparatuses are communicably connected.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the configuration of the image processing system showing the second embodiment of the present invention.
(A) corresponds to the case where the image processing apparatus 90 as a master having the functions shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be communicable with the image processing apparatus 92 and the printer 91 which do not have the recognition processing function via the communication medium 93. , (B), the image reading device 95 including the reading unit and the reading unit 95A having the document recognition processing function communicates the setting information to the information processing device 96 via the communication medium 93, and shows the contents changed by the communication. Printer 9
It corresponds to the case where 1 is output.

In the figure, reference numeral 90 denotes an image processing apparatus, which is composed of a reading means 90C, a reader section 90B, and a printer section 90A, and is provided with a reader section 92B and a printer section 92A via a communication medium 93 and a printer. Part 9
1 is communicable.

In the image processing system configured as described above, the tenth aspect of the present invention outputs a document reading means (reading section 4) for reading a document image and an image based on document information output from the reading means to a recording medium. Image output means (printing section 5), analysis means for analyzing service mode document information on the document sheet read by the reading means (document determination section 7), and the image output based on the analysis result of the analysis means. Means or a control means (print control section 2) for controlling image processing for the reading means, and a child image processing apparatus (image processing apparatus 92, printer 91) for performing predetermined image processing. In the environment setting method of the image processing system, the parent image processing is performed via a predetermined communication medium 93 based on the analysis result of the reading unit 90C. The device changes the setting value of the child image processing device and cannot recognize characters, figures, etc. from the document image, or the setting of the image processing device not equipped with such document input means can be remotely changed by communication. It is possible to easily build an environment to do so.

As a result, the reader 90B inputs the setting-changed document (the one with the barcode shown in FIG. 2 printed) prepared in advance, and the reading means 90
C recognizes the document information and sends the read information to the image processing apparatus 92 having no reading means through the communication medium 93 to perform control.

For example, when the user's setting is changed by the image processing apparatus 92 which does not have the reading means, the image processing apparatus 90 having the reading means 90C reads and reads the original and sends the information to the image processing apparatus 92. By doing so, the key input operation can be minimized as in the first embodiment.

It should be noted that which image processing device to transfer may be included in the information of the original document to be read in advance.

Then, the result of the setting change is the printer unit 92A of the image processing apparatus 92 which does not have the reading unit or the printer unit 90 of the image processing apparatus 90 which has the reading unit 90C.
It is also possible to print out A or both of them.

Furthermore, it is also possible to control the apparatus which does not have the reading means connectable with the image processing apparatus 90 having the reading means 90C by the information read by the image processing apparatus 90 having the reading means 90C.

In this case, other devices that do not have a reading means include an information processing device such as a computer, a sorter device which is a peripheral device of an image processing device, an automatic document feeder, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the image reading device 9 without the printer section and having the reading means 95A.
5, for example, it is possible to control the information processing device 96 connectable to the image reading device 95 based on the information read by the control unit of the scanner unit.

As a result, when the image forming apparatus having no reading means for reading the information in the document and the image forming apparatus having the reading means can be connected by the communication means, the image forming apparatus having the reading means can be used. Based on the read information, it is possible to control the image forming apparatus that does not have the reading means.

[Third Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the case where the user changes the mode setting of the image processing apparatus has been described. However, the instruction may be input using an adjustment item document for a service person. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described. The hardware configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and its description is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a serviceman procedure item document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a document, which is a document determination unit 7
The bar code 15 that can be recognized by is printed. 16-
1 to 16-4 are bar codes for designating adjustment items, and check boxes 17 corresponding to the bar codes 16-1 to 16-4 are provided.
-1 to 17-4 are provided, and the item required by the service person is marked by the service person, for example. Note that the entry mark is not limited to the "check mark".

Reference numeral 18 is a bar code for designating the name of the service person, and a column 18A for entering the name of the service person is provided. A bar code 19 designates a service date and time, and a column 19A for entering the date and time is provided.

The adjustment process by the original 20 shown in FIG. 4 will be described below. Note that it is assumed that the manuscript 20 has already been filled with entry marks for the items to be adjusted by the service person.

First, the document 20 shown in FIG. 4 is placed on the document table glass of the reader unit, and the start key of the operation unit 1 is pressed.

As a result, when the reading section 4 reads the respective bar codes 15, 16-1 to 16-4, 18, 19 on the original 20 and writes them in the image memory 6, the original judging section 7 causes the respective bar codes to be read. Is compared with a table stored in a ROM (not shown), the instruction of each adjustment mode is recognized from the comparison result, and the serviceman's procedure mode is automatically entered.

Specifically, the manuscript determination unit 7 sets the barcode 1
The service contents are read in 6-1 to 16-4, and then the check points in the check boxes 17-1 to 17-4 are read next. At that time, the manuscript determination unit 7 determines that the serviceman name “Nippon Taro” entered in the column 18A of the barcode 18 and the date of service entered in the column 19A of the barcode 19 “January 01, 199X”. Is also read and determined.

In the case of the manuscript 20 shown in FIG. 4, "image adjustment" and "cassette adjustment" are set to "01 January 199X".
The service person "Nippon Taro" will recognize the service provided on "Sun" and enter the adjustment mode. After that, the operation unit 1
This is the same as the mode processing designated by the key in.

The process performed by the service person in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a service procedure of "image adjustment" maintained by a service person in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In addition,
(1) to (8) show each step.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the display section of the operation section 1 shown in FIG. 1, and changes as shown in (a) to (d) with the execution of the steps shown in FIG. The display is controlled by the CPU of the print control unit 2.

First, the service person fills in the necessary items on the manuscript 20 as the service procedure item table shown in FIG.
When the document is placed on the document table and the document reading is started from the operation unit 1, the image adjustment mode of the service mode is automatically entered (1). At this time, the content shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the screen of the display unit of the operation unit 1. At this point, "Please set the test chart and make a copy" is displayed on the display along with "Image adjustment mode of service mode".

Next, after copying a test chart (not shown) (2), "Check the image" and "Enter the set value" are displayed on the screen of the display of the operation unit 1 as shown in (b) of FIG. ) Is displayed.

Then, the set value is determined from the copied sample (3), the set value is input (4), and the copied sample is output again (5).

Then, "Are you sure? OK or NO" is displayed on the screen of the display of the operation unit 1, and it is judged whether the sample after the setting change is OK, that is, whether the copy image is OK ( 6) If NO, return to step (4), input the set value again, and repeat the operation until OK.

On the other hand, if the sample whose setting has been changed is OK in step (6), the end key of the operation unit 1 is pressed to end the service (7).

Then, the "service mode cassette adjustment mode" is displayed on the screen of the display unit of the operation unit 1, and the original document 2 is displayed.
The adjustment checked at 0, that is, the cassette adjustment is performed (8), and after the adjustment processing is completed, the processing is ended.

As a result, the adjustment mode process is not completed in step (7), and the process proceeds to step (8). That is, since "cassette adjustment" is checked in the check box 17-3 for the document 20 shown in FIG. 4, the cassette adjustment mode is entered after the image adjustment is completed, and the operation unit 1 is similarly operated.
The procedure is displayed on the display part of and the service is performed. If the service procedure is difficult to understand simply by displaying it on the display unit of the operation unit, the procedure can be instructed to the service person by printing it out.

By inputting the manuscript 20 as described above, the key input work is halved from 4 times to 2 times as compared with the conventional case.

In the past, the work procedure was performed while looking at the service manual or performed by a skilled person, but according to the present embodiment, it is possible to proceed according to the display on the display unit of the operation unit 1, and the service is performed. It improves the serviceability and shortens the service time.

By the way, when the automatic document feeder (DF) 3 can be used in the current copying machine, the document 20 is placed in the DF 3.
By setting the test chart with, the steps (1) and (2) shown in FIG. 5 can be continuously processed. This can shorten the work of resetting the test chart.

Specifically, the manuscript 20 as the service procedure item table is set on the FD 3 so that the first and second test charts can be read, and the start key of the operation unit 1 is instructed to read the manuscript 20. After that, the test chart is set and copied from DF3. At this time, the test chart is in the set state until the chart output state becomes OK.

As a result, the effect is greater when performing service work that requires a plurality of test charts.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the above-described embodiment, FIG.
Although a case has been described where each adjustment instruction based on the reading of the original document 20 is performed, the numerical value input adjustment processing associated with component replacement such as drum replacement may also be performed by the original instruction. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a drum adjustment document by drum replacement that can be used in the image processing apparatus showing the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 25 is a drum adjustment document after the drum replacement, which is a bar code 2 for recognizing the adjustment content.
1, a bar code 22 for recognizing the process value A, a bar code 23 for recognizing the process value B, a bar code 24 for recognizing the exchange date, etc. are printed. The original 25 is included in the packaging of the drum.

The data unique to the drum is entered in the entry fields 22A and 23A, and the date of replacement is entered in the entry field 24A.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the drum replacement adjustment procedure by the service person in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) and (2) indicate each step.

First, the original 25 shown in FIG. 7 enclosed with the drum is set on the original table after replacing the drum, and the start key of the operation unit 1 is pressed. As a result, the reading unit 4 reads the barcode 21 and writes it in the image memory 6. In parallel with this, when the manuscript determination unit 7 deciphers the barcodes 21 to 24 written in the image memory 6, the process values and the exchange dates entered in the entry fields 22A to 24A are sequentially recognized, and the nonvolatile After setting in the memory 8, the process value changing process is terminated.

As a result, at the time of drum replacement, the service person does not have to input a numerical value for the process value from the operating section 1 for the replaced drum, and the serviceability is greatly improved and the service time is shortened.

The confirmation of the changed set value may be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 1 or may be printed out from the printing unit 5 to notify the serviceman.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The case where the manuscript 20 or the like is prepared as a manuscript sheet has been described, but the instruction manual includes a bar code,
The entry fields may be printed out so that the user can copy them and use them as a document sheet if necessary.

As a result, the original 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be prevented from being lost, and the original can be prepared by the user while looking at the instruction manual, so that the original preparation efficiency can be improved.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the third embodiment,
The case where the original 20 and the image quality check chart are input as separate sheet originals has been described.
0 and the image quality check chart may be integrated. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a serviceman procedure item document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is attached.

In the figure, reference numeral 26 denotes a composite original, which is constructed by integrating the original shown in FIG. 4 and the image quality check chart. 27A and 27B are charts, which are composed of figures, characters and the like.

By thus integrating the service procedure item table and the test chart, it becomes unnecessary to reset the test chart, and the service time can be shortened.

[Seventh Embodiment] In the above embodiment, a case will be described in which necessary items are entered on a manuscript sheet for mode setting by a user, adjustment by a serviceman, etc., and the entered items are recognized by a barcode and processed. However, the information on the ledger for recording the adjustment status of the model of each user may be stored in the main body memory as a document sheet. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a service content recording original document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 80 denotes a document for a service content recording sheet, which is a bar code 81 for recognizing the service content recording sheet, a bar code 82 for recognizing the service date, and a bar code 83 for recognizing the service content. Etc. are printed. It should be noted that the service date is entered in the entry field 82A, and the service item and content (if the adjustment content is symbolized, the symbol) is entered in the entry field 83A. .

When the service person records the ledger to be recorded at the end of the service in the internal memory of the main body (in the present embodiment, it is the non-volatile memory 8, but it may be another storage medium). , The document is set on the platen and the start key of the operation unit 1 is pressed, the reading unit 4 starts reading the document, and the read data is sequentially written in the image memory 6. In parallel with this, when the document determination unit 7 analyzes the image data stored in the image memory 6 and recognizes the barcodes 81 to 83, the written data 82A and 83A are accumulated in the nonvolatile memory 8. .

As a result, the service person is freed from always carrying a ledger in which service contents are recorded.

By making it possible to print out the recorded contents as needed, it becomes possible to check the previous service contents at the service destination at any time. Furthermore, displaying recorded contents on the display unit of the operation unit 1 has the same effect.

Further, when the service using the third, fourth, and sixth embodiments is performed, the service content may be automatically recorded in the non-volatile memory 6 inside the main body.
As a result, the service person may not even need the document 80 shown in FIG.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the original for each service is input in the same size has been described.
A reduced original sheet is incorporated into a notebook that can be carried by a service person, and enlarged by the user to create an original sheet.
The document information may be input on the original sheet.

[0131]

As described above, according to the present invention, the information in which the key points to be designated by the operation unit of the image processing apparatus are written on the original sheet is input as the image information, and the input image information is analyzed. Since the image processing apparatus is controlled in this manner, it is possible to reduce the work for the user or service person to give a key instruction from the operation unit or the like, to efficiently obtain the desired image, or to quickly complete the desired adjustment.

Also, since the image information read into the communicable child image processing device is analyzed and the setting values necessary for each image processing are changed, various settings for the image processing device which cannot process the original sheet are set as parent data. This has the effect of enabling identification and setting remotely from the image processing apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a mode setting change instruction document that can be input from the reading unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a serviceman procedure item document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a service procedure of “image adjustment” maintained by a service person in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing a state of a display unit of the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a drum adjustment document by drum replacement that can be used in the image processing apparatus showing the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a drum replacement adjustment procedure by a serviceman in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a serviceman procedure item document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service content recording original document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of this type of image processing apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a part of an instruction manual relating to facsimile function processing as an image processing apparatus of this type.

13 is a diagram showing a part of the description of an instruction manual for explaining screen operations displayed on the operation unit installed in the reader unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

13 is a diagram showing a part of the description of an instruction manual for explaining screen operations displayed on the operation unit installed in the reader unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an image adjustment processing procedure by a service person who maintains this type of image processing apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a drum process value change processing procedure by a service person who maintains this type of image processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Operation Section 2 Print Control Section 3 Automatic Document Feeding Section 4 Reading Section 5 Printing Section 6 Image Memory 7 Original Determination Section 8 Nonvolatile Memory

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 11, 1996

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Brief description of drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a mode setting change instruction document that can be input from the reading unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a serviceman procedure item document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a service procedure of “image adjustment” maintained by a service person in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing a state of a display unit of the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a drum adjustment document by drum replacement that can be used in the image processing apparatus showing the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a drum replacement adjustment procedure by a serviceman in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a serviceman procedure item document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a service content recording original document that can be used in the image processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of this type of image processing apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a part of an instruction manual relating to facsimile function processing as an image processing apparatus of this type.

13 is a diagram showing a part of the description of an instruction manual for explaining screen operations displayed on the operation unit installed in the reader unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

14 is a diagram showing a part of the description of an instruction manual for explaining screen operations displayed on the operation unit installed in the reader unit of the image processing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an image adjustment processing procedure by a service person who maintains this type of image processing apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a drum process value change processing procedure by a service person who maintains this type of image processing apparatus.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 1 operation unit 2 print control unit 3 automatic document feeding unit 4 reading unit 5 printing unit 6 image memory 7 document determination unit 8 non-volatile memory

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus having a reading unit for reading a document image and an image output unit for outputting an image based on document information output from the reading unit to a recording medium, and a document sheet read by the reading unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: an analysis unit for analyzing the above service mode information; and a control unit for controlling image processing for the image output unit or the reading unit based on an analysis result of the analysis unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first display means for displaying the service mode information analyzed by the analysis means. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the service mode information is information for setting an image processing mode for the image output unit or the reading unit. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the service mode information is information for setting an image adjustment mode for the image output unit or the reading unit. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the service mode information is adjustment value data to be set for the image output unit or the reading unit. 6. The image output unit outputs the document sheet analyzed by the analysis unit based on document information output from the reading unit.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 7. The service mode information is a test chart for checking the adjustment value data to be set for the image output unit or the reading unit and the image quality of the image output unit or the reading unit. The image processing device according to claim 1. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the service mode information is service adjustment information executed for the image output unit or the reading unit. 9. A non-volatile storage means for storing the service adjustment information, and a second display means for displaying the service adjustment information read from the non-volatile storage means,
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image output unit can output the service adjustment information read from the non-volatile storage unit. 10. A reading unit for reading a document image, an image output unit for outputting an image based on the document information output from the reading unit to a recording medium, and service mode information on a document sheet read by the reading unit. A parent image processing apparatus including an analyzing unit for analyzing, a control unit for controlling image processing for the image output unit or the reading unit based on an analysis result of the analyzing unit, and a child image processing device for performing predetermined image processing. In the environment setting method for an image processing system, the parent image processing apparatus changes and sets the setting value of the child image processing apparatus via a predetermined communication medium based on the analysis result of the analyzing unit. Image processing system environment setting method.