JPH10190918A - Image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming device that is provided with each independent memory for each of a plurality of the functions, in which a difference from a memory residual capacity for each function is recognized by the user through a visual action, so as to prevent confusion caused in the case of using each function. SOLUTION: This image-forming device is provided with a control section 300 having a copy function section 300C that processes image data of an original read by a scanner section 4, having a printer function section 300P that processes image data fed through a printer cable 402, and having a fax function section 300F that processes fax data sent/received through a telephone line 404. Exclusive memories MC, MP, MF are connected to the function sections respectively. The control section 300 controls the function sections, so that a memory residual capacity is displayed on a control panel in a different display forms for each function.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data via a communication line, and a printer function for printing based on image data supplied from an external device, in addition to a copying function for copying an original image. And an image forming apparatus having the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in addition to a copying function for copying a document image, a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data via a communication line, and printing based on image data supplied from an external device via an external I / F. An image forming apparatus having a printer function, that is, a composite digital copying apparatus has been put to practical use.

The digital copying apparatus includes a scanner section for reading an original image and converting image information into image data;
And a printer unit for forming an image on paper as a recording medium based on the image data. Further, the digital copying apparatus includes image data of a document image read by a scanner unit in a copy function, image data for printing supplied from an external device in a printer function, and transmission image data read by a scanner unit in a facsimile function. It has an image memory for temporarily storing image data and facsimile data received by the facsimile function.

Some of such composite digital copying machines have different independent memories for each function in order to facilitate memory control and to increase the independence of each function. is there.

As described above, in an image forming apparatus provided with a memory for each function, the available memory capacity of each memory is determined, but the remaining amount of the memory that can be used for the function differs for each function. Occurs. This remaining memory capacity is displayed on a control panel provided in the image forming apparatus.

[0006]

In an image forming apparatus provided with an independent memory for each function, the remaining amount of memory is controlled so as to indicate the available memory capacity of the function being used. This remaining memory capacity is displayed in the same format for each function. As the remaining memory displayed when the function to be used is switched, the available memory capacity of the dedicated memory for the switched function is displayed.

However, since the remaining amount of memory is displayed in the same format for each function as described above, the form of the memory provided in the image forming apparatus differs from model to model. If the user does not recognize that each device has an independent memory for each function, the user may perform an erroneous operation. For example, if the user wants to switch the current function and use the image forming apparatus with another function, the user recognizes that the remaining memory displayed before switching the function is the remaining memory of the function to be used after the switching. There is a risk of doing this.

More specifically, usually, the image forming apparatus includes:
The copy mode for executing the copy function is set. At this time, the remaining available memory in the memory for the copying function is displayed on the control panel. The user confirms the remaining memory capacity and attempts to execute the memory transmission in the facsimile function assuming that the memory capacity is sufficient. Then, the user changes the setting to the facsimile mode for executing the facsimile function. At this time, the remaining available memory in the memory for the facsimile function is displayed on the control panel in the same format as the remaining memory in the memory for the copying function. For this reason, the user may not notice that the display of the remaining memory capacity has been changed.

At this time, in the facsimile function, even though the memory reception is performed and the remaining amount of the memory dedicated to the facsimile function is extremely small, the user executes the memory transmission operation without noticing the memory remaining amount display. If the image data of the original image is to be stored in the memory, an error such as the memory being full may occur halfway.

[0010] In addition, not only a model equipped with an independent memory for each function but also a complex type digital copying apparatus,
Since some models have a common memory for each function, it is difficult to distinguish which type of memory the device that the user intends to use has. It is necessary to remember the form.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus provided with independent memories for each of a plurality of functions so that the user can visually recognize the difference in the remaining amount of memory for each function, and to avoid confusion during use. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing the image formation.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made on the basis of the above problems, and has an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with image data, and a method for temporarily storing image data corresponding to a first mode. A first storage unit for temporarily storing image data, a second storage unit for temporarily storing image data corresponding to a second mode different from the first mode, and a case where the first mode is executed. The remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in a first display format, and when the second mode is executed, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in the first display mode. And a display unit for displaying in a second display mode different from the display mode.

According to the present invention, an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with image data, a first storage means for temporarily storing image data corresponding to the first mode,
A second storage unit for temporarily storing image data corresponding to a second mode different from the first mode;
Mode setting means for setting any one of the first mode and the second mode; and when the first mode is set in the mode setting means, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is set to the second mode. Display in one display mode and the second
And a display means for displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means in a second display mode different from the first display mode when the mode is set. An image forming apparatus is provided.

Further, according to the present invention, image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data, receiving image data supplied from an external communication device via a communication line, and Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting read image data to an external communication device via a communication line, input means for receiving image data supplied from an external device via an interface, and forming an image in accordance with the image data And temporarily storing the image data generated by the image reading unit in a copy mode in which the image data generated by the image reading unit is supplied to the image forming unit and the original image is copied. A first storage unit that supplies image data received by the transmission / reception unit to the image forming unit to form an image; In facsimile mode for transmitting image data generated by the image reading means,
A second storage unit for temporarily storing the image data received by the transmission / reception unit and the image data generated by the image reading unit; and supplying the image data input from the input unit to the image forming unit. A third storage unit for temporarily storing image data input from the input unit in a printer mode for forming an image; and a remaining storage capacity of the first storage unit when the copy mode is executed. Displaying the amount in a first display mode, and displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means in a second display mode different from the first display mode when executing the facsimile mode; When executing the printer mode, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage means is set to a third value different from the first and second display modes.
An image forming apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying in a display form.

Still further, according to the invention, there is provided image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data, receiving image data supplied from an external communication device via a communication line, and providing the image reading means. Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting image data read by an external communication device via a communication line, input means for receiving image data supplied from an external device via an interface, and outputting an image in accordance with the image data. An image forming unit for forming, and temporarily storing the image data generated by the image reading unit in a copy mode in which the image data generated by the image reading unit is supplied to the image forming unit and a document image is copied. A first storage unit that supplies the image data received by the transmission / reception unit to the image forming unit to form an image; A facsimile mode for transmitting the image data generated by the image reading means, a second storage means for temporarily storing the image data received by the transmitting and receiving means, and the image data generated by the image reading means; A third storage unit for temporarily storing image data input from the input unit in a printer mode in which image data input from the input unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image; Mode, facsimile mode, and mode setting means for setting any one of the printer mode,
When the copy mode is set by the mode setting means, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in a first display form, and when the facsimile mode is set, the second storage means is displayed. Displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the means in a second display form different from the first display form, and when the printer mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage means is displayed. Display means for displaying in a third display mode different from the first and second display modes.

Further, according to the present invention, in the copy mode in which image data generated based on a document image read by the image reading means is supplied to the image forming means to copy the document image, A first storage unit for temporarily storing image data generated by the image processing unit, and supplying the image data received by the transmission and reception unit to the image forming unit to form an image and transmitting the image data generated by the image reading unit In the facsimile mode, image data received by the transmission / reception means and image data generated by the image reading means are temporarily stored in the second storage means, and the image data input from the input means is stored in the image forming means. In a printer mode for supplying and forming an image, image data input from the input means is provided. And a third storage means for temporarily storing the remaining capacity of the first storage means in the first display mode when the copy mode is set. When the facsimile mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and when the printer mode is set. Provides a display method characterized by displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage means in a third display mode different from the first and second display modes.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This image forming apparatus prints based on, for example, a copy function for copying a document image, a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data via a communication line, and image data supplied from an external device via an external I / F. It is configured as an image forming apparatus having a printer function, that is, a composite digital copying apparatus (hereinafter, simply referred to as a copying apparatus).

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the copying apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus of the present invention, for example, an electrophotographic digital copying apparatus 2
Has an image reading unit 4 and an image forming unit 6. Further, the copying apparatus 2 is formed on the image reading section 4 so as to be openable and closable with respect to a later-described document table of the image reading section 4, and the document D as an object to be read is directed one by one toward the document table. An automatic document feeder 8 that feeds and functions as a document holder for bringing the document D placed on the document table into close contact with the document table is provided.

The image reading section 4 has an upper portion facing the automatic document feeder 8 in a closed state and a document D.
Document table 11 made of transparent glass on which is set
And a document scale 12 arranged at one end of the document table 11 and indicating a position where the document D is to be set on the document table 11.

Below the original table 11, an exposure lamp 13 for illuminating the original D placed on the original table 11,
An auxiliary reflector 14 for condensing the light beam from the exposure lamp 13 on the document D, a first mirror 15 for bending the reflected beam from the document D to the left in the figure, and the like are arranged. The exposure lamp 13, the auxiliary reflector 14, and the first mirror 15 are fixed to the first carriage 16, and are arranged so as to be movable in parallel with the original table 11 as the first carriage 16 moves. The driving force of a pulse motor (not shown) is transmitted to the first carriage 16 via a toothed belt or the like (not shown), and the original table 1
1 are moved in parallel.

A second carriage 20 is disposed on the left side of the document table 11 in the drawing, that is, in a direction in which the reflected beam reflected by the first mirror 15 is guided. The second carriage 20 has a second mirror 2 for bending a reflected beam from the document D guided by the first mirror 15 downward.
1, and a third mirror 22 bent rightward in the figure are arranged at right angles to each other. The second carriage 20 is driven by the first carriage 16 by a toothed belt or the like (not shown) for driving the first carriage 16, and the document table 1 is moved at a half speed with respect to the first carriage 16.
1 are moved in parallel.

The reflected beam from the second carriage 20 is imaged at a predetermined magnification on a plane below the first carriage 16 and including the optical axis of the beam turned back through the second carriage 20. An imaging lens 23, and a CCD image sensor 24 for converting the reflected beam converged by the imaging lens 23 into an electric signal, that is, image data
Is arranged.

The image forming section 6 has a photosensitive drum 30 rotatably positioned substantially at the center of the copying apparatus 2.
The photoconductor drum 30 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by a motor (not shown).

At a predetermined position around the photosensitive drum 30, a charging charger 31 for charging the drum surface to a predetermined charge, a laser exposure device 32 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, A developing device 33 that develops the electrostatic latent image with a developer containing toner to form a toner image, and transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 to copy paper P as a recording medium supplied from a paper cassette described later And a transfer / peeling charger 34 for separating the paper P on which the toner image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 30,
A separating claw 35 for separating the copy paper P from the surface of the photosensitive drum 30; a cleaning device 36 for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30;
The static eliminators 37 for neutralizing the potential remaining on the surface of the zero are arranged in order.

The laser exposure device 32 generates a laser beam modulated based on image data, a light deflecting device 32a for deflecting the laser beam, and forms the deflected laser beam on the photosensitive drum 30. Imaging optical systems 32b, 32c, 32d, and the like. The laser exposure device 32 irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 30 with a laser beam generated from the semiconductor laser element along the axial direction of the photoconductor drum 30, so that the surface of the photoconductor drum 30 is electrostatically latent. Form an image.

The developing device 33 has a developer composed of a toner and a carrier that frictionally charges the toner to a predetermined polarity and forms a magnetic brush. The developing device 33 has a developing roller 33a that supplies a developer onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 and causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image to develop the image with a desired image density.

At the bottom of the copying machine 2 located below the photosensitive drum 30, there is arranged a multi-stage paper feeding device 40 which is detachably mounted in a plurality of upper and lower stages from the front side of the copying machine 2.

The multi-stage paper feeder 40 includes an upper cassette 4 for storing a plurality of types of copy paper P of various sizes.
1, a middle cassette 42 and a lower cassette 43 are included. The respective cassettes 41, 42 and 43 are, for example, A4 placed so as to be conveyed along the longitudinal direction.
Size copy paper, B4 size copy paper and A
Each of them is formed so as to be able to store about 500 copy papers of three sizes.

At predetermined positions of the upper cassette 41, the middle cassette 42 and the lower cassette 43, pick-up rollers 44a, 44b and 44c for taking out the sheets P one by one from the respective cassettes 41, 42 and 43 are arranged.

Each pickup roller 44a, 4
4b and 44c, the respective cassettes 41, 42 and 4
The conveyance rollers 45 for separating the sheets P one by one are located at positions where the leading end of the sheets P taken out of the sheet P 3 pass.
a, 45b and 45c, and separation rollers 46a, 46b and 46 disposed integrally with the respective transport rollers.
c is arranged. The separation rollers 46a, 46b, and 46c are arranged so that their axes are in parallel with the mutually combined transport rollers and are in contact with a predetermined pressure, and rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the transport rollers. As a result, only the uppermost one of the sheets P taken out of each cassette is sent out to a transport path described later.

On the right side of the multi-stage paper feeder 40 in the drawing, a frequently used size sheet, for example, an A4 size sheet P
Is provided with a large capacity feeder 47 formed so as to be able to store about 3000 sheets. At a predetermined position of the large-capacity feeder 47, a pickup roller 48 for taking out the sheets P stored in the large-capacity feeder 47 one by one is arranged. Between the pickup roller 48 and the photosensitive drum 30, a separation mechanism 49 including a transport roller 49a and a separation roller 49b combined in a pair at the top and bottom is arranged. The separation mechanism 49 rotates the separation roller 49b in a direction opposite to the direction in which the transport roller 49a is rotated, so that the pickup roller 48 causes the large-capacity feeder 4 to rotate.
Only the uppermost one of the sheets P taken out of the sheet 7 is sent to a transport path described later.

A manual feeder 50 capable of feeding copy paper P is formed above the large capacity feeder 47 independently of the cassettes 41, 42, 43 and the large capacity feeder 47.

Between the manual feeder 50 and the photosensitive drum 30, a manual pickup roller 51 for taking in the paper P inserted in the manual feeder 50, a manual guide 52 for guiding the paper P taken by the pickup roller 51, Further, a transport roller 53 that transports the sheet P guided toward the photosensitive drum 30 via the manual feed guide 52 is provided.

The respective cassettes 41, 42 and 43
Further, between the large-capacity feeder 47 and the photosensitive drum 30, a transport path 54 for guiding the paper P from each of the cassettes 41, 42, and 43 and the large-capacity feeder 47 toward the photosensitive drum 30 is formed. This transport path 54
Is further extended to the outside of the copying apparatus 2 through a transfer area defined between the photosensitive drum 30 and the transfer / peeling charger 33. The transport path 54 is provided with a plurality of transport rollers 55 for transporting the paper P fed from any of the cassettes, the large-capacity feeder, or the manual guide toward the photosensitive drum 30.

In the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 30 on the transport path 54 and on the upstream side, the copy paper P guided on the transport path 54
Of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 30 and the leading end of the copy sheet P, and the copy sheet P is transferred to the transfer area at the same speed as the moving speed of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30. An aligning roller 56 for feeding paper is provided. In addition, before the aligning roller 56, that is, on the side of the transport roller 55, the aligning roller 56 is provided.
An aligning sensor 56a for detecting the arrival of the copy sheet P to the printer is provided.

A transport belt 57 for transporting the paper P is installed in the direction in which the paper P that has passed through the transfer area advances. In the direction in which the paper P is transported by the transport belt 57 and at a position where heat is not easily applied to the photosensitive drum 30, a heat roller pair whose roller surfaces are pressed against each other is provided. A fixing device 58 is provided to fix the toner image on the paper P by pressing the toner image and the paper P while melting the toner image by heating the P.

On the side wall of the copying machine 2 facing the fixing device 58, a sheet P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 58 is provided.
Is disposed. The finisher 59 includes a pair of rollers 59a that face down the copy sheet P discharged from the discharge rollers 62, a discharge tray 59b where the sheet P is discharged by the pair of rollers 59a, and a copy in the staple sort mode. It has a stapler 74c for stapling.

Between the fixing device 58 and the finisher 59, the copy paper P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 58 is transferred to a sheet reversing section or finisher 59 to be described later.
A discharge switching unit 60 that guides the user is provided.

The discharge switching unit 60 is disposed between the first and second discharge rollers 61 and 62 for propelling the sheet P passed through the fixing device 58 and between the first and second discharge rollers 61 and 62. Further, a sorting gate 63 is provided for selectively sorting the copy sheet P passed through the fixing device 58 to either the finisher 59 or a sheet reversing section described later.

The reversing mechanism 64 temporarily accumulates the copy paper P that has already passed through the transfer area and the fixing device 58, and the copy paper P that has passed through the fixing device 58.
A reversing path 66 for inverting the front and back to a temporary stacking unit 65, a pickup roller 67 for taking out the copy sheets P stacked in the temporary stacking unit one by one, and an aligning roller for re-aligning the sheets P stored in the temporary stacking unit 65. And a paper feed roller 69 that feeds the paper P guided to the transport path 68 toward the aligning roller 56.

The automatic document feeder 8 has a cover 71 whose rear edge is attached to the rear edge of the upper surface of the copying apparatus 2 via a hinge device (not shown). As described above, the feeding device 8 is formed so as to be able to open and close with respect to the document table 11 of the image reading unit 4 by rotating and displacing the entire feeding device 8.

At a slightly leftward position on the upper surface of the cover 71,
A document feed table 72 for holding a plurality of documents D is provided. Documents D set on the document feeder 72 are sequentially taken out one by one from the left side of the document feeder 72 in the figure, that is, one end of the automatic document feeder 8, and an image reading unit is read from the left end in the figure. A pickup roller 73 for supplying the document to one end of the document table 11 is provided.

At a predetermined position of the document feeding table 72, an empty sensor 73 as a document detection sensor for detecting whether the document D is set on the document feeding table 72 is provided. The document feeder 72 has a document table 11.
A document width detection sensor (not shown) that functions in the same manner as the document position detection sensor 17 that detects the position where the document D is set on the document may be arranged.

In the direction in which the pickup roller 73 takes out the original, the paper feed roller 7 for sending out the original D taken out by the pickup roller 73 toward the original table 11.
4, and an aligning roller 75 for aligning the leading end of the document D fed by the paper feed roller 74 are arranged.

Aligning roller 75 and paper feed roller 74
Between them, an aligning sensor 75a that detects the arrival of the document D at the aligning roller 75 is arranged. At a position inside the cover 71 and opposed to the original table 11 of the image reading unit 4 in a state where the automatic original feeder 8 is closed, a size that covers almost the entire original table 11 is given. A transport belt 76 that transports the document D transported from the document feed table 72 via the pickup roller 73, the feed roller 74, and the aligning roller 75 to a predetermined position on the document table 11 is provided. The transport belt 76 is wound around belt rollers 77 arranged in a pair on the left and right sides in the figure, and is rotated by a belt driving mechanism (not shown) in both the right and left directions in the figure.

A reversing roller 7 for sending out the original D, which is moved from the left side in the figure to the right side in the figure by the conveyor belt 76, toward the outside of the cover 71, is provided on the right side of the automatic document feeder 8.
8. Switching between a pinch roller 79 for pressing the document D against the reversing roller 78 and returning the document D transported by the reversing roller 78 and the pinch roller 79 to the transport belt 76 or discharging the document D to a predetermined discharge position, that is, the cover 71. The flapper 80, a discharge roller 81 for discharging the document D conveyed by the reversing roller 78 when the flapper 80 is switched to the discharge side, and a jam sensor for detecting a jam of the document near the reversing roller 78 82 and the like are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 2, a control panel 20 for inputting various copy conditions, a copy start signal for starting a copy operation, and the like is provided on an upper front surface of the apparatus main body 2.
0 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 2
00, a copy button 202 for setting a copy mode for executing a copy function, a FAX button 204 for setting a FAX mode for executing a facsimile function, and a printer for setting a printer mode for executing a printer function A button 206 is provided.

The control panel 200 includes a numeric keypad 208 for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies in the copy mode, and a copy button 21 for instructing the start of copying.
0, a clear / stop button 212 used for correcting the number of copies or stopping the copying operation, an all clear button 214 for clearing all selected modes and various set conditions, and setting a copy magnification. For example, a magnification setting button 216 is provided.

Further, the control panel 200 includes:
A paper size button 218 for selecting and setting the size of the paper on which an image is to be formed, an automatic paper selection button 220 for detecting the size of the original placed on the platen and automatically setting the paper size, and setting the original size And an automatic magnification selection button 2 for automatically setting a copy magnification based on the paper size set by the paper size button 218 and the detected document size.
24 are provided.

In addition to these various setting buttons,
An operation guide button 226 for displaying guidance information such as the contents of the set mode and operation procedure, a preheat button 228 for setting a preheat state, an interrupt button 230 for instructing an interrupt while the printer unit is operating, and the like are provided.

At the approximate center of the control panel 200, a touch panel type liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying the state of the apparatus, operation procedures, and various messages to the user in characters and figures is provided. Display panel 240 is provided. This display panel 24
0 indicates that the operation displays a screen for each function.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the display panel 240 has a message area 242 composed of three areas of an upper section 242a, a middle section 242b, and a lower section 242c for providing information to a user, and a title switching button. It has a title area 244 and a field area 246 for displaying icons.

Next, a control circuit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a control unit for describing each function of the copying apparatus 2 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a basic unit and a page memory unit included in the control unit illustrated in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a detailed configuration of a basic control unit included in the basic unit shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the copying apparatus 2 has a control section 300 for controlling the entire apparatus. The control unit 300 is connected to the above-described scanner unit 4 and printer unit 6, controls the driving of these units, processes the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 4, and controls the scanner unit 4 and the printer cable. 402, telephone line 404
Is output to the printer unit 6 as image data corresponding to an image to be formed on a sheet of paper.

The controller 300 includes a printer cable 402
The printer unit 6 processes the print data supplied through the
The printer function unit 300P converts the image data into printable image data and outputs the image data to the printer unit 6. The printer function unit 300P is connected with a memory MP dedicated to the printer function. In the memory MP, image data supplied via the printer cable 402 is temporarily stored.

The control unit 300 processes facsimile data (hereinafter, referred to as facsimile data) supplied via the telephone line 404 to convert the data into image data printable by the printing unit 6, and the scanner unit 4. And a facsimile function unit (hereinafter, referred to as a facsimile function unit) 300F that processes the image data of the document read by the printer unit 6 and outputs the processed data to the printer unit 6. This FAX function unit 300
A memory MF dedicated to the FAX function is connected to F. In the memory MF, FAX data supplied via the telephone line 404 is temporarily stored as received image data, and image data read by the scanner unit 4 is temporarily stored as transmission image data. .

Further, the control section 300 has a copy function section 300 C for processing the image data of the document read by the scanner section 4 and outputting it to the printer section 6.
The copy function unit 300C includes a memory M dedicated to the copy function.
C is connected. The image data supplied from the scanner unit 4 is temporarily stored in the memory MC.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control system of the copying apparatus 2 includes a basic unit 301 and a page memory unit 302. The basic unit 301 connects the scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 6 with an image processing unit 314, and forms a basic component of a copying apparatus controlled by a basic control unit 311. The page memory unit 302 receives and stores the image data from the basic unit 301, and transfers the stored image data to the basic unit 301 again, thereby implementing a memory copy (electronic sort).

The basic unit 301 and the page memory unit 302
A basic unit system interface 316 for exchanging control data and a basic unit image interface 317 for exchanging image data are connected.

The basic unit 301 includes a scanner unit 4, a printer unit 6, an image processing unit 314, and a CP for controlling these units.
It has a basic part 311 including U. As shown in FIG. 6, the main CPU 100 of the basic control unit 311 includes an RO
M102, RAM 104, memory M dedicated to printer function
P, memory MF dedicated to FAX function, memory MC dedicated to copying function, internal interface 122, external interface 123, facsimile interface 126, printer interface 128, auxiliary storage interface 130, image conversion for enlarging or reducing binary image data A circuit 132 and a compression / expansion circuit 134 for compressing and expanding image data are connected.

As shown in FIG. 7, the memory MF dedicated to the FAX function is composed of a transmission / reception memory area MF-1 and a reception-only memory area MF-2. For example, 768 KB and 256 KB of capacity are allocated, respectively. I have. The transmission / reception memory area MF-1 includes an automatic transmission mode for automatically transmitting image data of a document for transmission read from the scanner unit 4 at a predetermined timing, and a FAX data supplied via a telephone line. In the automatic reception mode in which the image data is received at a predetermined timing, the image data is temporarily stored.

The reception-only memory area MF-2 is provided so that reception can be continued even when the transmission / reception memory area MF-1 becomes full, and its use during transmission is prohibited.

The control panel 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 is connected to the internal interface 122. An external device 124 is connected to the external interface 123. An external communication device 137 such as an external facsimile is connected to the facsimile interface 126 via a telephone line 404. An external device 138 such as a personal computer is connected to the printer interface 128 via a printer cable 402. The auxiliary storage device interface 130 includes an IC card reader / writer 14
2 and a hard disk drive 144 are connected.

The facsimile interface 126
Modem for communication to telephone line 404, telephone line 40
4 includes an NCU or the like as an interface for connecting to the NCU 4.

In such a configuration, when transmitting image data such as a document using the facsimile function, the main CPU 100 stores the image data of the document, for example, fetched from the scanner unit 4 in the memory MF dedicated to the FAX function. . The stored image data is enlarged or reduced by the image conversion circuit 132 as necessary according to the paper size of the transmission destination, and the size-converted image data is encoded by the compression / decompression circuit 134, and then the facsimile interface The communication is transmitted to the external communication device 137 of the transmission destination via the telephone 126 and the telephone line 404.

When image data is received from outside using the facsimile function, the external communication device
Image data supplied from 37 via telephone line 404 and facsimile interface 126 is stored in image memory 106. At this time, the image data is decoded by the compression / expansion circuit 134, stored in the dedicated memory MF of the FAX machine, and output to the printer unit 6 at a predetermined timing.

When copying a document image using the copy function, the main CPU 100 stores the image data such as a document, which is fetched from the scanner section 4, for example, in the copy function dedicated memory M.
Store it in C. The stored image data is output to the printer unit 6 at a predetermined timing after predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing unit.

When outputting image data supplied from the outside using the printer function, the printer cable 402 and the printer interface 1
The image data supplied via the memory 28 is stored in the printer function dedicated memory MP. At this time, the stored image data is output to the printer unit 6 at a predetermined timing.

The image data is stored / recalled in the main C
This is performed by the PU 100. For example, when storing image data, image data read by the scanner unit 4, image data as facsimile data supplied via the telephone line 404, and image as print data supplied via the printer cable 402. The data is stored in dedicated memories MF, MC, and MP provided for each function in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 100. Main C
The instruction of PU 100 is performed in accordance with the mode determined by the mode designation key input from control panel 200.

The parameter table 1 is stored in the RAM 104.
04a is set. Various conditions set by key operations on the control panel 200 are stored in the parameter table 104a.
The condition that is not set corresponds to, for example, a specified value stored in ROM 102. The parameters set as the conditions include image processing parameters at the time of copying, various setting conditions, ON / OFF of a scaling setting function, a telephone number registered as a transmission destination, and the like.

Next, the page memory unit 302 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. A page memory unit 302 controls access to the page memory (PM) 323 from the basic unit 301, a system control unit 304 including a communication memory 305, a page memory 323 for temporarily storing image data, An address control unit 306 that generates an address of the memory 323, an image bus 320 that transfers data between devices in the page memory unit 302, and a control signal between each device in the page memory unit 302 and the system control unit 304. Control bus 321 for transferring, image bus 3
And a data control unit 307 that controls data transfer when data is transferred between the page memory 323 and another device via the device 20.

The page memory section 302 has an image data interface (I / F) for interfacing image data when transferring image data with the basic section 301 via the basic section image interface 317.
308, when image data is transmitted to a device having a different resolution, the image data is converted into a resolution of another device;
Conversion / binary rotator 3 that converts the resolution of the printer unit 6 to the image data and executes a 90-degree rotation process of the binary image data.
25. For a device that compresses and transmits image data such as facsimile transmission and optical disk storage, compresses the input image data and transmits the compressed image data via the printer unit 6. Compression / decompression unit 324 for decompressing and visualizing image data I / F3
08, a multi-value rotation memory 309 and the like which are used when outputting image data from the printer unit 6 by rotating the image data by 90 degrees or -90 degrees.

The copying apparatus according to this embodiment has a facsimile function and a printer function in addition to the copying function, and has a dedicated memory for each function. In other words, this copying apparatus has a scanner unit 4 in the copying function.
A memory dedicated to a copying function for temporarily storing image data of a document read by the scanner, and a memory M dedicated to a FAX function for temporarily storing image data for transmission and reception in the FAX function
F, and a printer function dedicated memory M for temporarily storing image data corresponding to print data in the printer function
P is provided.

In this copying apparatus, the remaining capacity of each memory is controlled to be displayed in different display forms. FIGS. 8A to 8D show examples of the display form of the remaining memory capacity. FIG. 8A shows an example of a display form in which the remaining memory capacity is represented by a bar graph.
(B) is an example of a display form in which the remaining memory capacity is represented by a number, (c) is an example of a display form in which the remaining memory capacity is represented by a pie chart, and (d) is a bar graph, a number and a bar chart. It is a figure showing an example of the display form which combined. In addition to the display forms shown here, other figures or a display form combining figures and figures may be applied. In addition to a method of changing the display mode, a method of changing the display position or blinking the display is also applicable. By using these in combination, it is possible to make the form more easily attract the user's attention.

In this embodiment, a display mode using a bar graph as shown in FIG. 8A is applied in the copy mode, and a number as shown in FIG. 8B is used in the FAX mode. In the printer mode, a display mode using a pie chart as shown in FIG. 8C is applied.

When the operation mode is switched by the user via the control panel 200, the main CPU 100 of the copying apparatus causes the display panel 240 of the control panel 200 to display the remaining amount of the dedicated memory in the switched mode. To control.

For example, a copy button 20 for setting a copy mode on the control panel 200 by the user.
When the button 2 is operated, the CPU 100 displays a message as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
In a, the copy magnification, the number of copies, the paper size, and the remaining memory capacity of the display form as shown in FIG. 8A are displayed. The remaining memory capacity displayed here indicates the remaining capacity of the memory MC dedicated to the copying function. When the user does not particularly set the mode, the mode is usually set to the copy mode, and the operation panel for the copy mode is displayed on the display panel 240.

The user operates the control panel 200
When the facsimile button 204 for setting the facsimile mode is operated, the CPU 100 switches the display on the display panel 240 to display the operation screen for the facsimile mode. Then, in the upper area 242a of the message area, FIG.
Display the message as shown in. As shown in FIG. 10, in the upper area 242a of the message area, the image output magnification, the number of output sheets, the paper size, and the remaining memory capacity of the display form as shown in FIG. 8B are displayed. The remaining memory capacity displayed here indicates the remaining capacity of the transmission / reception memory area of the memory MF provided exclusively for the FAX function.

The user operates the control panel 200
Button 20 for setting printer mode in
6 is operated, the CPU 100 causes the display panel 240
Is switched to display the operation screen for the printer mode. Then, a message as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed in the upper area 242a of the message area. As shown in FIG. 11, in the upper area 242a of the message area, the image output magnification, the number of output sheets, the paper size, and the remaining memory capacity of the display form as shown in FIG. 8C are displayed. The remaining memory capacity displayed here indicates the remaining capacity of the memory MP dedicated to the printer function.

As described above, the display of the remaining memory on the operation screen of each function is made to have different display forms, so that the remaining memory for each function selected by the user is controlled to be displayed. By changing the display mode in this way, it becomes easier for the user or the function to notice that the remaining memory capacity differs for each function due to the visual effect, and prevents the user from confusing the remaining memory capacity and performing an inappropriate operation. can do.

Next, a specific example of the flow of the user's operation and the corresponding operation of the copying apparatus will be described. FIG.
2 shows that when the user presses a function selection button to switch the screen of the display panel and tries to use a function different from the function of the previously displayed screen, the processing flow of the copying apparatus and the user's operation It is a flowchart showing.

In this case, the user switches from the copy mode to the facsimile mode.
The flow at the time of switching to the mode and performing FAX transmission is shown. First, a copy mode operation screen is displayed on the display panel 240 of the copying apparatus. For this reason, in the upper area of the message area 242a, the remaining amount of memory available for the copy function, that is, the remaining amount of the copy function dedicated memory MC is displayed in a display form as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

When the user stands in front of the copying apparatus, the user visually checks the display contents of the display panel 240 and checks the remaining memory. Then, the user presses the FAX button 204 to select a desired function, for example, a FAX function.

Based on such a user operation, the CP
U100 switches the display screen of the display panel 240,
An operation screen for the FAX mode is displayed. Of course, at this time, the display form of the remaining memory is also changed. That is, in the upper area 242b of the message area, the remaining amount of memory available for the FAX function, that is, the remaining amount of the FAX function dedicated memory MF is displayed, for example, in a display form as shown in FIG.

As described above, by changing the display of the remaining memory when the operation screen of the display panel 240 is switched, the user's attention can be attracted by a visual difference. Thereby, when the user notices a difference in the display of the remaining memory when attempting to operate the FAX operation screen, the user checks the remaining memory again and notices a change in the value of the remaining memory. As a result, it is possible to improve the possibility that the user correctly recognizes the remaining memory available in the FAX mode, which is the currently set function.

The user reconfirms the remaining amount of memory and recognizes that the remaining amount of memory in the FAX function is small.
It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as erroneously selecting the automatic transmission mode and causing a memory full error.

By recognizing that the remaining amount of memory in the FAX function is small, the user selects the FAX direct transmission mode, that is, a mode in which image data of a document for transmission read by the scanner unit 4 is sequentially transmitted to a destination. The CPU of the copying machine sends a fax to the fax function unit.
It is instructed to execute the direct transmission process.

In this embodiment, the number of documents that can be stored in the memory and the determination of the automatic transmission mode / direct transmission mode are determined by the user by displaying the remaining memory in various display forms. For example, when the remaining memory capacity is low, the number of images that can be stored in the selected paper size is displayed, or a message display or voice guidance that instructs direct transmission from the apparatus side is also provided. Good.

As described above, according to this copying apparatus,
By changing the display mode of the display of the memory remaining amount in the copying machine in accordance with the screen update in the function switching,
It is possible to improve the effect of attracting the user's attention and prompting the user to reconfirm the remaining memory display, and that the user may confuse the remaining memory with that of the previous screen and perform an erroneous operation. Can be prevented.

For this reason, for example, when using the FAX function, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the memory becomes full due to the use of the memory even though the remaining amount of the memory is small.

Further, by changing the display form of the memory for each function, it is possible to inform the user that the remaining amount of memory is different for each function, and the user can learn the display form of the memory for each model. There is no need to keep it. And
When the user becomes aware that the remaining memory capacity differs depending on the function, an educational effect is obtained in that the user always checks the remaining memory capacity of the selected function before the operation.

[0093]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus provided with independent memories for each of a plurality of functions, the difference in the remaining amount of memory for each function can be visually recognized by the user. And an image forming apparatus capable of preventing confusion during use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus, that is, a digital copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a control panel provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a display panel in the control panel shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a control unit for explaining each function of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a basic unit and a page memory unit included in the control unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a basic control unit included in the basic unit illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a capacity of a memory dedicated to a facsimile function illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8A to 8D are diagrams illustrating an example of a display form of a remaining memory capacity. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display panel in a copy function;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display panel in the FAX function.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on a display panel in a printer function.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a user operation and an operation of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 image forming apparatus 4 scanner unit 6 printer unit 100 main CPU 102 ROM 104 RAM 122 internal interface 123 external interface 126 facsimile interface 128 printer interface 137 external communication device 138 external device 200 ... Control panel 202 ... Copy button 204 ... FAX button 206 ... Printer button 240 ... Display panel 300 ... Control unit 301 ... Basic unit 302 ... Page memory unit 402 ... Printer cable 404 ... Phone line

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image forming unit for forming an image according to the image data; a first storage unit for temporarily storing image data corresponding to a first mode; and a second storage unit different from the first mode. A second storage unit for temporarily storing image data corresponding to the first mode; and displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage unit in a first display mode when the first mode is executed. And displaying means for displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means in a second display form different from the first display form when executing the second mode. An image forming apparatus comprising: 2. An image forming means for forming an image in accordance with image data; a first storage means for temporarily storing image data corresponding to a first mode; and a second memory different from the first mode. A second storage unit for temporarily storing image data corresponding to the first mode, a mode setting unit for setting one of the first mode and the second mode, and a first mode in the mode setting unit. Is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in a first display mode, and when the second mode is set, the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed. Display means for displaying the remaining capacity in a second display mode different from the first display mode. 3. An image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data, an image forming means for forming an image according to the image data, and temporarily storing the image data generated by the image reading means. First storage means used in the first mode, and second storage means for temporarily storing image data supplied from the outside.
Second storage means used in the first mode, mode setting means for setting any one of the first mode and the second mode, and when the first mode is set in the mode setting means, The remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in a first display mode, and when the second mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in the first display mode. An image forming apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying in a second display mode different from the one display mode. An image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data; a receiving means for receiving image data supplied from the outside; an input means for inputting image data supplied from the outside; Image forming means for forming an image in accordance with data, first storage means used in a first mode for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means, and image received by the receiving means A second storage unit used in a second mode for temporarily storing data; a third storage unit used in a third mode for temporarily storing image data input from the input unit; A mode setting means for setting any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; and if the first mode is set in the mode setting means, The remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in a first display mode, and when the second mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in the first display mode. The display is performed in a second display mode different from the display mode, and the third mode is set when the third mode is set.
Display means for displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the storage means in a third display form different from the first and second display forms. 5. An image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data; a receiving means for receiving image data supplied from the outside; an input means for inputting image data supplied from the outside; Image forming means for forming an image in accordance with data, first storage means used in a first mode for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means, and image received by the receiving means A second storage unit used in a second mode for temporarily storing data; a third storage unit used in a third mode for temporarily storing image data input from the input unit; A mode setting unit for setting any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; and a first mode when the first mode is set in the mode setting unit. The operation screen corresponding to the first mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in a first display mode, and when the second mode is set, the second mode is set. A corresponding operation screen is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and when the third mode is set, An operation screen corresponding to the third mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage means is determined by the first and second modes.
An image forming apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying in a third display mode different from the display mode. 6. An image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data, receiving image data supplied from an external communication device via a communication line, and communicating the image data read by the image reading means. Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting to an external communication device via a line, input means for receiving image data supplied from an external device via an interface, and image forming means for forming an image according to the image data; A first storage unit that temporarily stores the image data generated by the image reading unit in a copy mode in which the image data generated by the image reading unit is supplied to the image forming unit to copy a document image; The image data received by the transmitting / receiving unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image, and the image data is received by the image reading unit. A second storage unit for temporarily storing the image data received by the transmission and reception unit and the image data generated by the image reading unit in a facsimile mode for transmitting the image data generated by the input unit; A third storage unit for temporarily storing the image data input from the input unit in a printer mode in which the image data is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image; and Displays the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means in a first display form,
When the facsimile mode is executed, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in a second display mode different from the first display mode. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays the remaining amount of storable capacity in three storage units in a third display mode different from the first and second display modes. 7. An image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data, receiving image data supplied from an external communication device via a communication line, and communicating the image data read by the image reading means. Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting to an external communication device via a line, input means for receiving image data supplied from an external device via an interface, and image forming means for forming an image according to the image data; A first storage unit that temporarily stores the image data generated by the image reading unit in a copy mode in which the image data generated by the image reading unit is supplied to the image forming unit to copy a document image; The image data received by the transmission / reception unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image, and the image data is received by the image reading unit. A second storage unit for temporarily storing the image data received by the transmission and reception unit and the image data generated by the image reading unit in a facsimile mode for transmitting the image data generated by the input unit; A third storage unit for temporarily storing image data input from the input unit in a printer mode in which the image data is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image; a copy mode, a facsimile mode, and A mode setting means for setting any one of a printer mode; and, when a copy mode is set in the mode setting means, a remaining amount of storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in a first display form. When the facsimile mode is set, the remaining storage capacity of the second storage means is The display is performed in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and when the printer mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage unit is different from the first and second display modes. An image forming apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying in a different third display form. 8. An image reading means for reading an original image to generate image data, receiving image data supplied from an external communication device via a communication line, and communicating the image data read by the image reading means. Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting to an external communication device via a line, input means for receiving image data supplied from an external device via an interface, and image forming means for forming an image according to the image data; A first storage unit that temporarily stores the image data generated by the image reading unit in a copy mode in which the image data generated by the image reading unit is supplied to the image forming unit to copy a document image; The image data received by the transmission / reception unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image, and the image data is received by the image reading unit. A second storage unit for temporarily storing the image data received by the transmission / reception unit and the image data generated by the image reading unit in a facsimile mode for transmitting the image data generated by the input unit; A third storage unit for temporarily storing image data input from the input unit in a printer mode in which the image data is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image; a copy mode, a facsimile mode, and A mode setting means for setting any one of the printer modes; and, when a copy mode is set in the mode setting means, an operation screen corresponding to the copy mode is displayed and a storage capacity in the first storage means is provided. Is displayed in the first display mode, and when the facsimile mode is set, An operation screen corresponding to the facsimile mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in a second display mode different from the first display mode. When the printer mode is set, Display means for displaying an operation screen corresponding to the printer mode and displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage means in a third display form different from the first and second display forms. An image forming apparatus characterized in that: 9. In a copy mode in which image data generated based on a document image read by the image reading means is supplied to an image forming means to copy the document image, the image data generated by the image reading means is copied. A first storage unit for temporarily storing the image data, the image data received by the transmission / reception unit being supplied to the image forming unit to form an image, and the facsimile mode for transmitting the image data generated by the image reading unit. Means for temporarily storing the image data received by the means and the image data generated by the image reading means; and supplying the image data inputted from the input means to the image forming means to form an image. Third storage for temporarily storing image data input from the input unit in the printer mode And a step of displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means in a first display form when the copy mode is set, and the facsimile mode is set. If the second
Displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the storage means in a second display mode different from the first display mode; and when the printer mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage means. With the first and second
A display method characterized by displaying in a third display mode different from the display mode.