JPH10171310A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent cost rising caused by the increase of the number of installed keys and the capacity of a memory by facilitating selection of a set mode in an image forming device provided with an image processing function. SOLUTION: The set contents of every function included in an image forming function of image information and the set contents of every function included in the image processing function of the image information are stored by every single set mode. In the case any set mode is selected, input operation for establishing the set contents of the image forming function in the selected set mode and input operation for establishing the set contents of the image processing function in the selected set mode are distinguishably accepted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to setting of functions in an operation section of a composite digital image forming apparatus based on an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly, to setting contents of a plurality of functions for each setting mode. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus configured to store information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 57-57, setting contents related to an image forming function for determining an image forming state such as the number of copies, paper size, and copy density when performing copying correspond to a specific key in advance for each setting mode. 2. Description of the Related Art There is an image forming apparatus which reads out and stores setting contents of an image forming function in a setting mode corresponding to an operated key, and performs an image forming operation according to the setting contents. In such an image forming apparatus, setting of a plurality of image forming functions for determining an image forming state can be performed by one key operation, and a desired copy can be easily performed without a complicated instruction operation. be able to.

Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-57868, a copy mode for printing out image information of a document from a recording section, and a facsimile for transmitting to an external device using communication means and a communication circuit. And a digital composite copying apparatus having The above publication describes a control method for automatically switching between a copy mode and a facsimile mode in a digital multi-functional copying apparatus. With such a configuration, facsimile transmission after copying image information of a document is performed. And the process of outputting image information received by facsimile can be performed efficiently.

[0004]

However, many functions provided in recent digital copying machines are difficult to understand for those who are not accustomed to using them. May be selected. In particular, in an image forming apparatus having an image processing function such as transmitting image information formed based on the image forming function to an external device, if the operation mode is changed depending on whether or not the image processing function is used, There are various operation modes to be selected, and the operation of selecting a desired operation mode is complicated.

In order to facilitate selection of an image processing state, when a desired image processing function is stored in advance in a separate setting mode together with a desired image forming function, the image processing function for the same image forming state is required. Two setting modes are required depending on whether or not to use. That is, since the operation mode differs between the case where the image information with the same image information such as the magnification and the density is transmitted by facsimile and the case where the image information is not transmitted, the setting mode must be set individually. For this reason, there are problems that the number of setting modes to be stored increases, the selection of the setting mode becomes complicated, and the number of keys to be installed and the memory capacity increase, resulting in an increase in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to store, in a single setting mode, a group of setting contents including the setting contents of an image forming function and the setting contents of an image processing function, and to set the image forming function for the selected setting mode. By separately accepting an input operation for confirming the setting contents and an input operation for confirming the setting contents of the image processing function, even when the image processing function such as transmitting image information to an external device is provided, the setting mode can be set. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can facilitate selection and can prevent an increase in cost due to an increase in the number of keys and an increase in memory capacity.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a single or a plurality of image forming functions for determining each of a single or a plurality of image information forming states, and a single or a plurality of image forming functions. A single or a plurality of image processing functions for determining each of the processing states of the image forming apparatus, and setting contents of each of the single or the plurality of image forming functions, Each setting content and a setting content group including the same are stored for each of a plurality of setting modes, a selection of a setting mode to be enabled is accepted, and the setting content of the image forming function in the selected setting mode is determined. Control means for receiving an input operation for determining the setting contents of the image processing function in the selected setting mode after receiving the input operation to be performed.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a group of setting contents including the setting contents of the image forming function and the setting contents of the image processing function are stored in a single setting mode, and the image forming in the selected setting mode is performed. An input operation for determining the setting content of the function and an input operation for determining the setting content of the image processing function are individually performed. Therefore, a plurality of image processing states having the same image forming state are stored as a single setting mode, and the number of setting modes does not increase even if the number of functions that can be set increases.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the control means sets the image forming function in the selected setting mode before the input operation for determining the setting of the image processing function in the selected setting mode. And receiving an instruction input of an image forming operation based on the command.

In the second aspect of the present invention, an image forming operation based on the setting contents of the image forming function in the selected setting mode is performed before the setting contents of the image processing function are determined. Therefore, the image forming state can be confirmed before the setting contents of the image processing function are determined.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, after the control means receives an input operation for confirming the setting contents of the image forming function and the setting contents of the image processing function in the selected setting mode, the control means is set in advance. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the image forming operation and the image processing operation based on the determined setting contents are executed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image forming operation and the image processing operation are executed with the determined setting contents when a predetermined time elapses after the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function are determined. . Therefore, the image forming operation and the image processing operation do not stagnate, and the operation efficiency of the apparatus is improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means sets the contents of the image forming function in the selected setting mode until a predetermined time elapses after the setting mode is selected. A means for storing image information when an input operation for confirming the setting content of the image processing function is not performed is provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image information is stored when a predetermined time elapses without the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function being determined after the setting mode is selected. Therefore, the input operation for determining the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function does not stagnate, and the operation efficiency of the apparatus is improved.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine which is an example of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The digital copying machine 1 includes a scanner unit 2 and a laser recording unit 3. The scanner unit 2 includes a transparent glass platen 20, a double-sided automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as RADF) 21 for transferring a document to an upper surface of the platen 20, and a document placed on the platen 20. Is configured by a scanner unit 22 that scans and reads the image. The image read by the scanner unit 2 is
The image data is supplied from an image data input unit described later to an image processing unit as image data, and is subjected to predetermined image processing.

The RADF 21 conveys a plurality of documents placed on a document tray (not shown) to the document table 20 one by one.
The RADF 21 includes a single-sided document conveying path, a double-sided document conveying path, a switching means for switching the conveying path, and a document passing state, in order to cause the scanner unit 22 to read one or both sides of the document according to the selection. A sensor for detecting and a control unit for controlling the switching means are provided.

A scanner unit 22 for reading an image of a document located on the document table 20 includes a lamp reflector assembly 23 for exposing the image surface of the document, a CCD 24 as a photoelectric conversion element for receiving light reflected from the image surface of the document, Mirror 25a for guiding light reflected from the image surface of the document to CCD 24
To 25c. The lamp reflector assembly 23 and the first mirror 25a are mounted on a first scanning unit 26a, and the second mirror 25b and the third mirror 25c are mounted on a second scanning unit 26b.

The scanner unit 2 operates the RADF 21 and the scanner unit 22 in conjunction with the first scanning unit 26 a and the first scanning unit 26 a on the lower surface of the document table 20 while sequentially positioning the documents to be read one by one on the document table 20. The two-scan unit 26b is moved horizontally to the lower surface of the document table 20.
The moving speed of the second scanning unit 26b is set to 1/2 of the moving speed of the first scanning unit 26a, and the optical path length of the reflected light from the image surface of the document to the CCD 24 is kept constant. The CCD 24 receives the reflected light of the light emitted from the lamp reflector assembly 23 on the image surface of the document via the mirrors 25a to 25c, and converts the reflected light image into an electric signal. The image signal output from the CCD 24 is input to the image processing unit 39, and after performing various predetermined image processing, is temporarily stored in the memory of the image processing unit as image data. The image processing unit reads out the image data stored in the memory according to the output command and outputs the image data to the laser printer unit 3.

The laser printer unit 3 comprises a sheet transport system for transporting a sheet-like recording medium on which an image is formed, a laser writing unit 30, and an image forming process unit 31. The laser writing unit 30 emits laser light based on image data read by the scanner unit 2 or image data input from an external device, and emits laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser light source at a constant angular velocity. It is provided with a polygon mirror that polarizes light, an f-θ lens that corrects laser light polarized at a constant angular velocity, and the like.

The image forming process section 31 rotatably includes a photosensitive drum 32 having a photoconductive layer formed on a surface thereof, and a charger, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaner, and a photosensitive drum around the photosensitive drum 32. It is configured by disposing a static eliminator. After a single-polarity charge is applied to the surface of the photoconductor drum 32 by a charger, an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposure to laser light emitted from the laser writing unit 40. A toner is supplied to the electrostatic latent image from a developing device, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 is transferred to a recording medium by a transfer device. The recording medium onto which the toner image has been transferred is pressed and heated in the fixing device 36, and the toner image is fused and fixed.

The sheet transport system includes paper feed cassettes 34a, 34
4b, a transport path from the manual tray 35 or the intermediate tray 38 to the photoconductor drum 32 of the image forming process unit 31 and the transfer device, and to the post-processing device 5 such as a sorter via the fixing device 36. ing. Also, the post-processing device 5
Is formed with a reversing conveyance path for guiding the sheet discharged by the discharge roller 4 via the fixing device 36 to the intermediate tray 38. When an image of a single document is formed on one side of the sheet, the sheet carried out by the sheet ejection roller 4 via the image forming process unit 31 and the fixing device 36 is subjected to post-processing by the post-processing device 5. To the paper output tray. On the other hand, when an image is formed on both sides of a sheet, or when images of a plurality of originals are combined and formed on one side of the sheet,
The sheet that has once passed through the image forming process unit 31 and the fixing device 4 is turned upside down in the post-processing device 5, or the intermediate tray 38 is not turned upside down.
Once stored. The paper stored in the intermediate tray 38 is conveyed to the image forming process unit 31 again after the document exchange by the RADF 21 is completed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit provided in the digital copying machine. The image processing unit 39 includes an image data input unit 40, an image processing unit 41, an image data output unit 42, a memory 43, and a central processing unit 44. The image data input unit 40 includes a CCD unit 40a, a histogram processing unit 4
0b and an error diffusion processing unit 40c, which converts the image signal input from the CCD 24 into binary image data and stores the image data obtained by performing the image processing by the error diffusion method while taking a histogram. 43.

For this reason, the CCD section 40a includes the CCD 24
After analog-to-digital conversion of an analog electric signal corresponding to each pixel density of an image input from the HMI, MTF correction, black-and-white correction, gamma correction and the like are performed, and the histogram processing unit 40b converts the data into 256-level (8-bit) digital data. To enter. The histogram processing unit 40b adds the image data input from the CCD unit 40a for each pixel density of 256 gradations to create density information as histogram data. This histogram data is output to the central processing unit 44, and is processed as pixel data by the error diffusion processing unit 40.
c. The error diffusion processing unit 40c uses the error diffusion method, which is a kind of pseudo intermediate processing, that is, a method in which a binarization error is reflected in the binarization determination of an adjacent pixel.
The image data of 8 bits / pixel output from 0a is converted into 1 bit / pixel, and a redistribution calculation for faithfully reproducing the local area density in the document is performed.

The image processing section 41 includes a multi-value processing section 41a,
41b, a composition processing unit 41c, a density conversion processing unit 41d, a scaling processing unit 41e, an image processing unit 41f, an erroneous diffusion processing unit 41g, and a compression processing unit 41h.
These processing units function selectively as needed. The image processing unit 41 finally converts the input image data into desired image data and stores it in the memory 43.

For this reason, the multi-value processing sections 41a and 41b
Converts the image data binarized by the error diffusion processing unit 40c into 256 gradations again. The synthesis processing unit 41c selectively executes a logical operation for each pixel, that is, an operation of a logical sum, a logical product, or an exclusive logical sum. The data to be subjected to this calculation is the image data stored in the memory 43 and the bit data from the pattern generator. The density conversion processing unit 41d arbitrarily sets the relationship between the input density and the output density for the image data of 256 tones based on a predetermined tone conversion table. The scaling unit 41e
Interpolation processing is performed using known data input according to the instructed scaling factor, and pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling is obtained. Here, after scaling in the sub-scanning direction, scaling in the main scanning direction is performed. The image processing unit 41f performs various image processing on the input image data and collects information on an image data sequence such as feature extraction. The compression processing unit 41h compresses the binary data by encoding called run length. Also,
As for the compression of image data, it functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.

The image data output unit 42 includes a restoration unit 42a,
It is composed of a multi-value processing section 42b, an error diffusion processing section 42c, and a laser output section 42d. The image data output unit 42 converts the image data stored in the memory 43 in the compressed state again into the original 256 gradations, and performs error diffusion of the quaternary data that provides a smoother halftone expression than the binary data. , And outputs the data to the laser output unit 42d.

For this reason, the decompression unit 42 a
The image data compressed by 1h is restored. The multi-value processing section 42b is a multi-value processing section 41 of the image processing section 41.
The same processing as in a and 41b is performed. Error diffusion processing unit 42c
Performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing unit 40c of the image data input unit 40. The laser output unit 42d converts pixel data into a laser on / off signal based on a control signal from a sequence controller (not shown). The semiconductor laser in the laser writing unit 30 is turned on / off by the on / off signal, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32.

The image data handled by the image data input section 40 and the image data output section 42 is stored in the memory 4
In order to reduce the storage capacity of No. 3, in principle, it is stored in the memory 43 as binary data, but it can be processed as quaternary data in consideration of the deterioration of image data.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the digital copying machine. The control section 51 of the digital copying machine 1 is constituted by a central processing unit 44 for controlling the image processing unit 39 shown in FIG. The central processing unit 44 includes an operation panel unit 45, a sorter control unit 46, and an RA in addition to the image processing unit 41.
A DF load 52, a scanner load 53, an image forming process section load 54, a sheet transport load 55, and a mode memory 56 are connected.

The operation panel unit 45 outputs the operation contents of the operation panel described later to the central processing unit 44, and displays the operation state of the digital copier 1 based on the display data output from the central processing unit 44. . The sorter control unit 46 operates the rollers and the flapper in the sorter, which is the post-processing device 5, according to the operation command output from the central processing unit 44, and stores the sheet on which the image is formed. The RADF-related load 52 includes a motor, a clutch, a switch, and the like for driving rollers and the like in the RADF 21, and conveys a document according to an operation command output from the central processing unit 44.

The scanner-related load 53 is the scanning unit 2
It is constituted by motors and solenoids for driving 6a, 26b, etc., and reads an image of a document in accordance with an operation command output from the central processing unit 44. The image forming process unit-related load 54 includes a motor for driving the photosensitive drum 32, a high voltage circuit for applying a high voltage to the charger, and the like, and executes the image forming process in accordance with an operation command output from the central processing unit 44. . The sheet conveying system related load 55 is constituted by a motor or a clutch for driving a roller or a belt, and conveys a sheet according to an operation command output from the central processing unit 44.

The backed-up mode memory 56
By the processing described later, for example, the setting contents of each function included in the image forming function and the image processing function set for each of the six types of modes are stored. That is, a plurality of modes in which the setting states of the respective functions included in the image forming function and the image processing function are different are stored in the mode memory 56, and the setting states of the respective functions in the mode selected by the operator are read out. Processing and image information processing are executed.

An image data communication unit 47 is connected to the main memory 43 of the image processing unit 39. The digital copying machine 1 transmits and receives image data to and from an external device such as another digital copying machine, a scanner, a facsimile, or a printer via the image data communication unit 47. As a result, the image data of the document read by the digital copying machine 1 can be image-formed by another digital copying machine or printer, or transmitted by a facsimile apparatus via a public telephone line. Further, image data of a document read by another digital copying machine or a scanner device and image data received by a facsimile device can be image-formed in the digital copying machine 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation panel provided in the digital copying machine. At the center of the operation panel 4 provided on the upper surface of the digital copying machine 1, a liquid crystal display 6 having a touch panel is arranged. In the display screen of the liquid crystal display 6, a switching instruction area for switching to a selection screen for receiving selection of an image editing function is always displayed. By pressing this switching instruction area, a selection screen for displaying a list of various image editing functions is displayed. In this selection screen, by pressing the display portion of the desired editing function, the digital copier 1
Is set to the editing function. A plurality of setting keys are arranged around the liquid crystal display 6.

The dial 7 is operated when adjusting the brightness of the screen of the liquid crystal display 6. The automatic magnification setting key 8 is operated when the magnification is automatically selected from the size of the document on the document table 20 and the size of the selected paper. The zoom key 9 is operated when changing the magnification in units of 1%. The fixed magnification keys 10 and 11 are operated when a magnification fixed between standard sizes is selected. The same-magnification key 12 is operated when the magnification is returned to the standard magnification which is the same magnification. The density switching key 13 is operated when the image forming density adjustment is switched to any one of automatic, manual, and photographic. The tray selection key 15 is operated when selecting a sheet of a size to be fed.

The copy number setting key 16 is operated when setting the number of copies. The clear key 17 is operated to clear the set value of the number of copies or to stop the continuous copying operation being executed. The start key 18 is operated when instructing the start of a copying operation. The all release key 19 is operated to release all modes currently set in the digital copying machine 1 and return to the standard state. The interrupt key 20 is operated when the ongoing continuous copying operation is temporarily interrupted to execute a copying operation for another document. Operation guide key 21
Is operated when the guidance method for operating the digital copying machine 1 is displayed. The forward key 22 is operated to change the contents of the guidance display of the operation method.

The two-sided copy setting key 23 is operated when setting a two-sided copy operation. The post-processing setting key 24 is operated when the post-processing device 5 is operated. Memory transmission key 25
This operation is performed when the user selects the process of starting the fax communication after temporarily storing the image data of the transmission original in the memory. The copy / fax / printer switching key 26 is operated when setting whether the digital copying machine 1 is to be used as a copy, facsimile or printer device. The one-touch dial key 27 is operated when a call is made to the telephone number of the transmission destination of the image data stored in advance.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an image data system including the digital copying machine. The image data system 61 includes two digital copying machines 1
a, 1b and three personal computers 61a to 61
and c via a network cable 61d. In this image data system 61,
For example, image data read from a document by the digital copying machine 1a is subjected to image processing and editing processing inside the same copying machine, and then transmitted to the digital copying machine 1b via the network cable 61d to form an image, or personal information is sent as mail information. It can be transmitted to any of the computers 61a to 61c. The digital copying machines 1a and 1b constituting the image data system are equipped with a modem, and read the image data to a public telephone line 6.
4 to an external facsimile machine 62 or a personal computer 63 having a modem.

FIGS. 6 to 9 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure when storing the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function in the digital copying machine. FIGS. 10 to 15 are views showing display states of the operation panel when setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function are stored in the digital copying machine. Image forming functions that can be set in the digital copying machine 1 include a centering function, a binding margin function, a data printing function, a divided copy function, and a frame erasing function. Of these functions, a function to be used is selected for each setting mode. It is registered in the mode memory 56. The image processing functions that can be set in the digital copying machine 1 include a facsimile transmission function and an e-mail transmission function.
A transmission partner is selected for each setting mode and registered in the mode memory 56.

Before starting the operation of storing the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function, a basic screen 71 shown in FIG. 10A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6 of the operation panel 4. On the basic screen 71, an edit key 71a for switching to a selection screen of an image forming function, a mode memory 56
A mode memory key 71b for switching to a screen for accepting a call of a function for each setting mode registered in the printer, a density key 71c for displaying the setting state of the copy density and density adjustment mode and changing the setting, and A paper feed selection key 71d for displaying the selection state and changing the selection is displayed.

When the editing key 71a is pressed while the basic screen 71 is being displayed, the liquid crystal display 6 displays a selection screen 72 shown in FIG. On the selection screen 72, before performing detailed settings for each function included in the image forming function, the user selects which function to use. Selection screen 72
The centering function setting screen switching key 72a, the binding margin function setting screen switching key 72b, the data printing function setting screen switching key 72c, the split copy function setting screen switching key 7
2d, a frame erase function setting screen switching key 72e and a mode memory registration screen switching key 72f are displayed.

When the mode memory registration screen switching key 72f is pressed on the selection screen 72, a paper feed setting screen 73 shown in FIG. 10C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the central processing unit 44 of the digital copying machine 1 The setting of the paper feed position is received (s1). The paper feed setting screen 73 includes a selection key 73a to 73e operated when directly selecting a paper feed tray containing paper of a size to be fed, and an automatic paper size based on a document size and a copy magnification. An automatic paper key 73f that is operated when the automatic paper selection function to be set is activated is displayed. The paper feeding method is set by one of the keys 73a to 73f, and the mode memory 5
6 is stored.

When any key is operated on the paper feed setting screen 73, a magnification setting screen 74 shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the setting of the copy magnification (s2). ). This magnification setting screen 7
4, keys 74a and 74b operated when adjusting the magnification in the main scanning direction, keys 74d and 74e operated when adjusting the magnification in the sub-scanning direction, and respective keys in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Magnification display sections 74h and 7 for displaying the magnification
4i, an equal-magnification key 74c operated when returning the magnification to the same magnification, an automatic magnification key 74f operated when enabling an automatic magnification setting function for automatically setting the magnification according to the size of the document and the paper, An enter key 74j operated when setting the magnification displayed on the magnification display sections 74h and 74i, and a return key 74g operated when displaying the paper feed setting screen 73 which is the previous screen are displayed. You. Enter key 7
4j, the magnification display sections 74h and 74i are displayed at that time.
Is set as the copy magnification and stored in the mode memory 56.

On the magnification setting screen 74, the enter key 74j
Is operated, the double-sided function setting screen 75 shown in FIG.
Accepts the setting of the double-sided function (s3, s4). The two-sided function setting screen 75 includes a key 75a operated when copying an image of a one-sided original on both sides of a sheet, a key 75b operated for copying an image of a two-sided original on both sides of a sheet, and an image of a two-sided original. Keys 75 operated when copying on one side of paper
c, a no-designation key 75d operated when copying without setting the two-sided function, and a return key 75e operated when displaying the previous magnification setting screen. When any of the keys 75a to 75d is operated,
The duplex copying operation corresponding to the operated key is set and stored in the mode memory 56.

In the double-sided function setting screen 75, the key 75
When any one of a to 75d is operated, the centering setting screen 76 shown in FIG. 11C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the setting of the centering function (s5, s6). The centering setting screen 76 is used to display a key 76a operated when performing centering processing, a key 76b operated when not performing centering processing, and a double-sided function setting screen 75 which is the previous screen. The return key 76c to be operated is displayed. By operating any of the keys 76a and 76b, whether to enable or disable the centering function is set and stored in the mode memory 56.

When one of the keys 76a and 76b is operated on the centering setting screen 76, a binding function setting screen 77 shown in FIG. 12A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the central processing unit 44 The setting of the substitute function is received (s7, s8). On the binding margin function setting screen 77, keys 77a and 77 operated when adjusting the binding margin amount are displayed.
b, the adjusted binding margin is displayed and the binding margin display unit 77 is displayed.
g, a selection of a position for forming a binding margin, and keys 77e and 77f for displaying the selected state, a fixing key 77h operated when setting the state displayed on the binding margin display 77g and the keys 77e and 77f. , A no-designation key 77c operated when the binding margin function is not used, and 1
A return key 77d operated when displaying the centering setting screen 76 which is the previous screen is displayed. When the enter key 77h is operated, the binding margin amount and the binding margin position displayed on the binding margin display portion 77g and the keys 77e and 77f at that time are set and stored in the mode memory 56.

When the no-designation key 77c or the enter key 77h is operated on the binding margin function setting screen 77, the printing function setting screen 78 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the setting of the printing function (s9, s10). On the print function setting screen 78, a key 78a operated to print a so-called confidential mark on a part of the output image, a key 78b operated to print a date on a part of the output image, and a key 78a A key 78c that is operated when printing a department name belonging to a set, a no-designation key 78d that is operated when the printing function is not used, and
A return key 78d operated when displaying the binding margin function setting screen 77, which is the previous screen, is displayed. Key 78
By operating any of a to 78c, a print function to be enabled is set and stored in the mode memory 56.

In the print function setting screen 78, the key 78
When any one of “a” to “78d” is operated, a division function setting screen 79 shown in FIG.
The central processing unit 44 receives the setting of the division function (s11, s12). In this division function setting screen 79,
Key 79 operated when copying an original image in two parts
a, a key 79b operated when the image of the document is divided into four and copied, a no-designation key 79c operated when the division function is not used, and a print function setting screen 78 which is the previous screen are displayed. A return key 79d operated at this time is displayed. When one of the keys 79a, 79b is operated,
The division function to be enabled is set and stored in the mode memory 56.

On the split function setting screen 79, the key 79
When any of a to 79c is operated, a frame erasing function setting screen 710 shown in FIG. 13A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the setting of the frame erasing function (s13, s14). This frame erase function setting screen 7
Reference numeral 10 denotes a key 710a operated to delete the four side frames of the original image, a key 710b operated to delete the center of the original image, the four side frames of the original image and the original image. A key 710c operated when deleting the center and an unspecified key 710 operated when not using the frame erasing function
d and a return key 710e operated when displaying the split function setting screen 79 which is the previous screen are displayed. By operating any of the keys 710a to 710c,
A frame erase function to be enabled is set, and the mode memory 56
Is stored.

By the above-described processing of s1 to s14, how to form an image on a document image, that is, the setting contents of each function included in the image forming function are set.
The state is stored in the mode memory 56 for each setting mode in the state shown in FIG. When the setting of each function included in the image forming function is completed, setting processing of each function included in the image processing function described below is performed.

That is, when any of the keys 710a to 710d is operated on the frame erase function setting screen 710, a fax transmission setting screen 711 shown in FIG. 44 is
Accept the setting of the fax transmission function (s15, s1
6). The facsimile transmission function setting screen 711 includes a key 711a that is operated when the image data of the document is transmitted by facsimile, a key 711b that is operated when the facsimile transmission function is not used, and a frame erase function that is the previous screen. Return key 7 operated when displaying setting screen 710
11c is displayed.

When the key 711a is operated on the facsimile transmission setting screen 711 to set the facsimile transmission function, a transmission method setting screen 712 shown in FIG. 13C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the central processing unit 44 Then, the setting of the transmission method is accepted (s17 to s22). The transmission method setting screen 712 includes a single transmission key 712a operated when transmitting image data only to a single destination, a group transmission key 712b operated when transmitting image data to a plurality of destinations, A confidential transmission key 712c operated when transmitting data in the confidential mode, and a return key 712d operated when displaying the facsimile transmission setting screen 711 which is the previous screen are displayed. Key 71
When any one of 2a to 712c is operated, a single transmission function,
Either the group transmission function or the confidential transmission function is selectively set and stored in the mode memory 56. In addition,
The confidential transmission function refers to a transmission method of storing image data in a confidential box of a facsimile machine of a transmission destination.

On the transmission method setting screen 712, the key 71
When any one of 2a to 712c is operated, FIG.
The transmission restriction setting screen 713 shown in (A) is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the setting of the fax number to restrict the fax transmission (s23). On the transmission restriction setting screen 713, a key 71 for receiving an input of a fax number for which fax transmission is to be restricted by the numeric keypad 16 and displaying the input fax number is displayed.
3f, a key 713a operated when registering the fax number displayed on the key 713f so that the fax number cannot be selected as a transmission destination, and the one-touch key 27 of the operation panel 4
A key 713 for receiving an input from the ten keys 16 of a key number for which fax transmission is to be restricted among transmission destinations registered in the list, and displaying the input key number
g, a key 713b operated to register the key number displayed on this key 713g so that it cannot be selected as a destination, a setting end key 713c operated to determine a destination to restrict fax transmission, fax transmission Unrestricted key 713 operated when releasing the restricted function
d and transmission method setting screen 712 which is the previous screen
The return key 713e operated when displaying is displayed.

The key 71 on the transmission restriction setting screen 713
When one of 3c and 713d is operated, the timer transmission function setting screen 714 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts an input to enable or disable the timer transmission function (s2
4). The timer transmission function setting screen 714 includes a key 714a operated when a timer transmission function for restricting fax transmission at a preset time is enabled.
Key 714 operated when timer transmission function is not used
b, and a transmission restriction setting screen 713 which is the previous screen
Is displayed, the return key 714c operated when displaying is displayed. When one of the keys 713a and 714b is operated, the valid state or the invalid state of the timer transmission function is set and stored in the mode memory 56.

When the key 714a is operated on the timer transmission function setting screen 714 to enable the timer transmission function, a time limit setting screen 715 shown in FIG. 14C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the central processing unit 44 receives the setting of the time to limit the fax transmission (s2
5). On the time limit setting screen 715, a key 715e for receiving an input of the time limit and displaying the input time limit, and a key 71 for receiving the input of the time limit and displaying the time limit input.
5f, a registration key 715 operated when setting the time displayed on the keys 715e and 715f as the time limit
a, an end key 715b operated to determine the transmission limit time related to the timer transmission function, an unrestricted key 715c operated to release the restriction of the fax transmission by the timer transmission function, and the previous screen. Return key 715 operated when displaying the timer transmission function setting screen 714
d is displayed.

When the key 711b is operated on the fax transmission setting screen 711, or when the key 715b or 715c is operated on the time limit setting screen 715, the mail shown in FIG. The transmission function setting screen 716 is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the setting as to whether or not to transmit the image data by mail (s27, s28). Email transmission function setting screen 7
Reference numeral 16 denotes a key 716 to be operated when sending a mail.
a, Key 716 to be operated when mail transmission is not performed
b and time limit setting screen 715 which is the previous screen
The return key 716c operated when displaying is displayed. When one of the keys 716a and 716b is operated, the valid state or the invalid state of the mail transmission function is set and stored in the mode memory 56.

When the key 716a is operated on the mail transmission function setting screen 716, the liquid crystal display 6 displays FIG.
The mail transmission restriction setting screen 717 shown in (B) is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the setting of the mail address to restrict the mail transmission (s29). The e-mail transmission restriction setting screen 717 includes a key 7 for receiving an input of the e-mail address to restrict e-mail transmission from the numeric keypad 16 and displaying the input e-mail address.
17e, a key 717a operated when registering the mail address displayed on the key 717e so that the mail address cannot be selected as a mail transmission destination, a setting end key 717b operated when deciding a destination to restrict mail transmission, An unrestricted key 717c operated to release the mail transmission restriction function, and a return key 71 operated to display the mail transmission function setting screen 716 which is the previous screen
7d is displayed.

By the above-described processing of s15 to s29, the setting of the transmission method and the transmission restriction of the image data included in the image processing function is completed, and the setting data is shown in FIGS.
The states shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D are stored in the mode memory 56 for each setting mode.

When the key 716b for disabling the mail transmission function is operated on the mail transmission function setting screen 716, or when the key 71 on the mail transmission restriction setting screen 717 is pressed.
When any one of 7b and 717c is operated, the mode number selection screen 71 shown in FIG.
8 is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the selection of the mode number. On this mode number selection screen 718,
Mode number keys 718a to 718f for setting setting data relating to each function of the image forming mode and the image transmitting mode stored in the states shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 to any one of mode 1 to mode 6, and one A return key 718g operated when displaying the previous screen, the mail transmission restriction setting screen 717, is displayed. Mode number key 718
a to 718f, the operation shown in FIG.
And the mode number of the data stored in the state shown in FIG. Thereafter, the liquid crystal display 6 includes the signal shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the basic screen 71 shown in FIG.

FIGS. 18 to 31 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure when the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function are determined in the digital copying machine. FIGS. 32 to 36 are diagrams showing display contents on the operation panel at the time of the processing.

When the mode memory key 71b is pressed while the basic screen 71 shown in FIG. 10A is being displayed, the mode number selection screen 92 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the selection of the mode number. The mode number selection screen 92 is operated to display mode number keys 92a to 92f for selecting any one of the setting modes from mode 1 to mode 6, and to display the previous screen, the basic screen 71. A return key 92g is displayed. By operating any of the mode number keys 92a to 92f, the setting data of the mode number corresponding to the operated key is read out of the setting data stored in the backup memory.

When one of the mode number keys 92a to 92f is operated on the mode number selection screen 92, the liquid crystal display 6 displays a setting function display screen 93 shown in FIG.
Is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 accepts the input of the quality of the function set in the selected mode number (s101). On this setting function display screen 93,
The function set in the selected mode number is displayed, and a key 93a operated when executing the displayed function and a key 93b operated when not executing the displayed function are displayed. . This key 93
The setting contents of each function included in the image forming function are determined by the operations of a and 93b.

That is, the central processing unit 44 operates the key 93
The operation waits for the operation of a and 93b (s102). When the key 93b is operated, the basic screen 71 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6. On the other hand, when the key 93a is operated, the setting data for the function set in the selected mode is read from the backup memory and sequentially set (s104 to s111). For example, for the automatic sheet feeding function, the sheet feeding position is set according to the sheet feeding position data read from the backup memory. The same processing is performed with the magnification setting function, double-sided copy function, image centering function,
This is performed for each of the binding margin function, printing function, division function, and frame erasing function. At this time, for the function whose setting data read from the backup memory is “0”, it is determined that the function is not set in that mode, and the setting is not performed.

When a function related to image transmission is set in the selected mode, the liquid crystal display 6 displays FIG.
The transmission selection screen 94 shown in FIG. 3A is displayed, and the central processing unit 44 receives a selection as to whether or not to perform data transmission (s112). On this transmission selection screen 94, a key 94a operated when transmitting image data, a key 94b operated when not transmitting image data, and a setting function display screen 93 which is the previous screen are displayed. A return key 94c to be operated is displayed. By operating the keys 94a and 94b, the setting contents of each function included in the image processing function are determined.

That is, the central processing unit 44 operates the key 94
a) to wait for the operation of 94c (s113), and return key 94
When c is operated, the setting function display screen 93 is displayed, and the process returns to s101 (s114). When the key 94a is operated, a pre-transmission copy processing selection screen 95 shown in FIG. 33B is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and a selection input as to whether or not to copy image data before transmission is received. (S1
15, s116). The pre-transmission copy process selection screen 95 includes a key 95a operated when copying before transmission, a key 95b operated when not copying before transmission, and
A return key 95c operated when displaying the transmission selection screen 94 which is the immediately previous screen is displayed.

The central processing unit 44 has keys 95a-9
5c (s117), and when the return key 95c is operated, the transmission selection screen 94 is displayed and s11 is displayed.
It returns to 2 (s118). When the key 95a is operated, a copy start instruction screen 96 shown in FIG. 33C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6 (s119, s120). On the copy start instruction screen 96, a return key 96a operated when displaying the pre-transmission copy processing selection screen 95, which is the previous screen, is displayed.

The central processing unit 44 waits for the operation of the start key 18 or the return key 96a on the operation panel 4 (s121). When the return key 96a is operated, the pre-transmission copy process selection screen 95 is displayed. And display s11
6 (s122). When the start key 18 is operated, a copy operation is started (s123, s12).
4) The image data read from the document is stored in the memory, and a copy image of the document is formed on paper.

When the fax transmission function is set, the central processing unit 44 displays the liquid crystal display 6 as shown in FIG.
A fax transmission selection screen 97 shown in (A) is displayed, and a selection as to whether or not to execute fax transmission processing is accepted (s125). On the fax transmission selection screen 97, a key 97a operated when performing a fax transmission and a key 97b operated when not performing a fax transmission are displayed.

The central processing unit 44 has keys 97a, 9
Wait for the operation of 7b (s126). When the key 97a is operated, a fax number input screen 98 shown in FIG. 34B is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6 (s127, s12).
8) Accept the input of the fax number of the destination of the fax transmission. The fax number input screen 98 has a display area 98c for displaying the input fax number,
A setting end key 98a that is operated when the input of the fax number is completed, and a return key 98b that is operated when the fax transmission selection screen 97 which is the previous screen is displayed.
Is displayed. The central processing unit 44 includes a key 98a,
When the return key 98b is operated, the fax transmission selection screen 97 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the process returns to s125 (s130). When the setting end key 98a is operated, the input fax number is compared with the fax transmission restriction number (s
131, s132). If the entered fax number matches the fax transmission restriction number, the LCD display 6
The transmission rejection screen 99 shown in FIG.
It returns to 28 (s134). If the input fax number does not match the fax transmission restriction number, the input fax number is stored (s133).

Next, when the mail transmission function is set, the central processing unit 44 displays a mail transmission selection screen 910 shown in FIG.
A selection as to whether or not to execute the mail transmission process is received (s135). The mail transmission selection screen 910 displays a key 910a operated when mail transmission is performed, a key 910b operated when mail transmission is not performed, and a return key 910c operated when displaying the fax number input screen 98. Is done.

The central processing unit 44 includes keys 910a to 910a.
It waits for the operation of 910c (s136). Return key 91
If 0c is operated, the fax number input screen 9 is displayed.
8 is displayed and the process returns to s128 (s137). Key 910
When “a” is operated, the liquid crystal display 6 displays FIG.
Is displayed (s13).
8, s139), the input of the e-mail address of the destination of the e-mail transmission is accepted. Email address input screen 911
The display area 911c for displaying the input e-mail address, the setting end key 911a operated when the input of the e-mail address is completed, and the display of the e-mail transmission selection screen 910 which is the previous screen. A return key 911b to be operated is displayed.

The central processing unit 44 includes keys 911a,
Wait for the operation of 911b (s140) and return key 911
When b is operated, a mail transmission selection screen 910 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the process returns to s135 (s141).
When the setting end key 911a is operated, the input mail address is compared with the mail transmission restriction address (s142, s143). If the input e-mail address matches the e-mail transmission restriction address, a transmission rejection screen 912 shown in FIG. 35C is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the process returns to s139 (s145). If the entered email address does not match the email sending restriction address,
The input mail address is stored (s144).

Thereafter, the central processing unit 44 checks whether or not the copying operation has been completed before the setting of the fax transmission or the setting of the mail transmission (s146). , A start instruction screen 914 shown in FIG. 36B is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6 (s147). On this start instruction screen 914,
A return key 914a operated when displaying the mail address input screen 911 is displayed.

In this case, since the image data has already been stored in the memory in the copy processing before transmission, it is not necessary to read the image data for transmission, and the central processing unit 44 operates the return key 914a or the operation key 914a for a certain period of time. The operation waits for the operation of the start key 18 on the panel 4 (s14).
8-s151). When the return key 914a is operated during a fixed time, the mail address input screen 9 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6.
11 is displayed and the process returns to s139 (s150). When the start key 18 is operated, the image data stored in the memory is transmitted by fax and mail to the stored fax number and mail address (s15).
2 to s156).

If the copy processing before transmission has not been performed, a copy start instruction screen 913 shown in FIG. 36A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6 (s157). The copy start instruction screen 913 includes a mail address input screen 9
A return key 913a operated when displaying the number 11 is displayed.

In this case, since the image data has not been stored in the memory yet, it is necessary to read the image data for transmission. Then, the central processing unit 44 waits for an operation of the return key 913a or the start key 18 of the operation panel 4 for a predetermined time (s158 to s16).
1). When the return key 913a is operated during the fixed time, the mail address input screen 911 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6, and the process returns to s139 (s160). Start key 18
Is operated, a copy operation is started (s161, s1).
62) The image data read from the document is stored in the memory, and a copy image of the document is formed on paper. Thereafter, the image data stored in the memory is transmitted by fax and mail to the stored fax number and mail address (s163 to s166).

If the start key 18 is not operated after a certain period of time in s148, the central processing unit 44 reads out the image data read in the copy processing before transmission (s167) and automatically transmits the image data to the liquid crystal display 6. Is displayed (s168), and the read image data is transmitted by fax and mail to the stored fax number and mail address (s169 to s172).

If the start key 18 is not operated after a certain period of time in s148, the image data stored in the memory is compressed for fax transmission or mail transmission, and the compressed image data is sent to an external device such as a hard disk (not shown). It may be stored in a storage device (s173 to s17).
9).

The function of limiting the destination of image data transmission is to prevent transmission of image data to a destination that does not need to be transmitted due to an operation error. This effect
The transmission destination can be set in the mode memory registration process, and the transmission destination can be displayed on the screen when the transmission function is set so that the operator can select the transmission destination. With this configuration, the setting operation of the transmission function can be further simplified.

[0080]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a setting group consisting of the setting contents of the image forming function and the setting contents of the image processing function is stored in a single setting mode, and the selected setting mode is set. By separately performing the input operation for determining the setting contents of the image forming function and the input operation for determining the setting contents of the image processing function in the above, a plurality of image processing states having the same image forming state It can be stored as a setting mode, and even if the number of functions that can be set increases, the number of setting modes does not increase, making it easy to select the setting mode. The cost can be prevented from rising.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image processing operation is performed based on the setting contents of the image forming function in the selected setting mode before the setting contents of the image processing function are determined. The image forming state can be confirmed before the setting contents of the function are determined, and the image forming function can be accurately set after selecting the setting mode.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when a predetermined time elapses after the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function are decided, the image forming operation and the image processing operation are performed with the decided setting contents. By executing, the stagnation of the image forming operation and the image processing operation can be prevented, and the operation efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image information is stored when a predetermined time elapses without the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function being determined after the setting mode is selected. In addition, it is possible to prevent stagnation of the input operation related to the determination of the setting contents of the image forming function and the image processing function, thereby improving the operation efficiency of the apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital copying machine that is an example of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit provided in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation panel provided in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an image data system including the digital copying machine.

FIG. 6

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for storing setting contents of an image forming function and an image processing function in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 10

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display state of an operation panel when setting contents of an image forming function and an image processing function are stored in the digital copying machine.

FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a storage state of setting contents of an image forming function and an image processing function in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 18 ~

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when setting contents of an image forming function and an image processing function in the digital copying machine.

FIG. 32

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a display state of an operation panel when setting contents of an image forming function and an image processing function are determined in the digital copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-Digital copier 2-Scanner unit 3-Laser recording unit 4-Operation panel 39-Image processing unit 44-Central processing unit 56-Mode memory

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A single or plural image forming function for determining each of a single or plural formation states of image information and a single or plural image forming functions for respectively determining single or plural processing states of image information. In an image forming apparatus having an image processing function, a setting content group including each setting content of a single or a plurality of image forming functions and each setting content of a single or a plurality of image processing functions is simply described. After receiving the selection of the setting mode to be stored and enabled for each of one or a plurality of setting modes, and accepting an input operation for determining the setting contents of the image forming function in the selected setting mode, the selected setting mode is set. An image forming apparatus provided with a control unit for receiving an input operation for determining the setting content of the image processing function in the image forming apparatus. 2. An image forming operation instruction based on the setting contents of the image forming function in the selected setting mode before the input operation for determining the setting contents of the image processing function in the selected setting mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an input is received. 3. When a predetermined time elapses after the control means receives an input operation for confirming the setting contents of the image forming function and the setting contents of the image processing function in the selected setting mode, 2. An image forming operation and an image processing operation based on the determined setting contents.
Or the image forming apparatus according to 2. 4. The control means according to claim 1, wherein the setting contents of the image forming function and the setting contents of the image processing function in the selected setting mode are not changed until a predetermined time elapses after the setting mode is selected. 2. A device according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing image information when an input operation for fixing is not performed.
4. The image forming apparatus according to 2 or 3.