JPH10257280A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily register picture data with simple constitution and to speedily and precisely select picture data by storing plural pieces of picture data which are read in accordance with attributes which picture data have, displaying the stored attributes, selecting one of the displayed attributes and forming a picture based on picture data corresponding to the selected attribute. SOLUTION: In the display part, a user depresses a touch key corresponding to an 'application' tab and an 'application' display 3011 is displayed. When the user selects 'format printing' in a function displayed on the 'application' display 3011, the display part displays a 'format printing' display 3012. When a 'call' is selected in the function of the 'format printing' display 3012, the user depresses keys to which the registration numbers of 1-5, which are displayed on the lower part of the display 3012, are displayed, the display part displays a corresponding 'format printing/call' display 3013.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image data, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on stored image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image forming apparatus having a function of reading image data, registering a plurality of the image data, and calling an image corresponding to the image data when necessary. When the user prints such an image, the user selects image data corresponding to a desired image from a plurality of image data. In the image forming apparatus, a condition (mode) for forming an image selected by the user is called from the memory, displayed on the display unit, and the mode for the image to be printed is confirmed by the user.

In such an image forming apparatus, when a user selects one of a plurality of registered image data and calls the image data, a plurality of image data are registered by a registration number given in the registration order when the image data is registered. There are proposed ones that distinguish and display the image data, one that displays the image data itself, and one that distinguishes and displays the plurality of image data by a title added by a user when registering the image data. I have.

[0004]

However, according to the above-described image forming apparatus using the registration number, the user needs to remember the registration number when registering the image data, and displays the image data itself. According to the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to provide a special control device for displaying image data registered on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel. Further, according to the image forming apparatus for adding a title, the user needs to spend much time in the registration work.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object a simple configuration.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to easily register image data and to quickly and accurately select desired image data from a plurality of registered image data.

[0006]

The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image data. The image forming apparatus includes: reading means for reading image data; storage means for storing a plurality of image data read by the reading means in association with attributes of the image data; and a plurality of attributes stored by the storage means. And an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data corresponding to the attribute selected by the selecting unit, and a selecting unit that selects one of the attributes displayed by the displaying unit. Contains.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the attribute corresponding to each of the plurality of image data read and stored is displayed, and the attribute of the image data corresponding to one image data is selected. An image is formed based on the image data corresponding to the attribute of the image data. Accordingly, with a simple configuration, the user can easily register image data, and can quickly and accurately select desired image data from a plurality of registered image data.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a schematic structure of a copying machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The copier 1 roughly includes a reading device IR for reading an image of a document to generate image data, a memory unit 30 for temporarily storing image data obtained by the reading device IR, and a memory unit 30. P that prints on copy paper based on image data stored in printer
RT, an operation panel 300 for inputting an operation (installed on the upper surface of the copying machine 1 (in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface)), and a document transport unit 500 for transporting the document and reversing the front and back of the document as necessary. And a re-feed unit 600 for reversing the front and back of the copy sheet once copied as needed and re-feeding the copy sheet to the printer PRT. These operations are controlled by a control unit (not shown), and the configuration and the like of the control unit will be described later.

The document feeder 500 includes a document feed tray 5
When a print instruction is issued, the original set at 01 is automatically set at the reading position on the original glass 15 from the lowermost original, and when the reading by the reading device IR is completed, the original is discharged onto the discharge tray 502. Is done.

The reading device IR includes a scanning system 10 and an image signal processing unit 20. In the scanning system 10, first, an image of a document set at a reading position is exposed by an exposure lamp 11 attached to a scanner 16 moving below the document. The reflected light from the original passes through a reflection mirror and a condenser lens 12 and passes through a photoelectric conversion element 1 using a CCD array or the like.
3 and 14 are input. Subsequently, the signals obtained by these scanning systems 10 are sent to the image signal processing unit 20. The image signal processing unit 20 performs image processing such as binarization processing, image quality correction, scaling, and image editing on the input signal. Then, the image data subjected to the image processing is stored in the memory unit 30.

The printer device PRT includes a print processing unit 40,
It comprises an optical system 60, an image forming system 70, and a paper transport system 80. The print processing unit 40 drives the optical system 60 based on the image data from the memory unit 30. In the optical system 60, the semiconductor lasers 61 and 62 each emit a laser beam based on a signal controlled by the print processing unit 40. These are combined by a dichroic mirror 63, reflected by a polygon mirror 65 rotated by a motor 64, and radiated through a main lens 66 to a photoconductor 71 of an image forming system 70.

In the image forming system 70, first, after the photosensitive member 71 is charged by the charging charger 72, a laser beam from the optical system 60 is irradiated. Thus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor 71. Subsequently, the developing device 7
3, the toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image. Photoconductor 7
1 is transferred to a paper feed cassette 80 of a paper transport system 80.
a or 80b is transferred to a copy sheet fed from 80b. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the fixing device 82 by the sheet conveying belt 81, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by heat and pressure, and then discharged onto the discharge tray 601 of the re-feeding unit 600.

In the copying machine 1, during these operations, an error such as a paper jam can be detected in the document conveying section 500 and the printing apparatus PRT. Further, it is possible to detect an error such as running out of paper in the paper feed cassettes 80a and 80b in the printing apparatus PRT, and an error such as an original not being properly set at the reading position in the original feeding unit 500. Furthermore, the copier 1
When the operation stops, this can be detected.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation panel 300. The display unit 301 on the operation panel 300 displays a basic screen. This basic screen is a screen displayed immediately after the power is turned on or when the panel is reset. In the screen, touch keys 310 for selecting three large items of “basic”, “document → copy”, and “application” are displayed. 311, 312
When the "basic" item is selected, touch keys 313, 314, and 315 for selecting more detailed setting items "finishing", "magnification", and "paper" are displayed.

A ten key 302 is used to input numerical values such as the number of copies and a copy magnification, and a clear key 303 is used to clear the numerical values input by the ten keys 302. A start key 306 is used to start copying, and a stop key 304 is used to stop a copying operation being performed. A panel reset key 305 is used to reset copy conditions set by operating the setting screen displayed on the display unit 301 to initial conditions.

Next, the control section 100 will be described. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control unit 100 of the copying machine 1.

The control unit 100 includes eight CPUs 101 to 1
08, and these CPUs 101 to 108
Have ROMs 111 to 1 storing programs, respectively.
18, and R serving as a work area for program execution
AMs 121 to 128 are provided. Note that the CPU 1
Reference numeral 06 is provided in the memory unit 30.

The CPU 101 controls the input and display of signals from various operation keys on the operation panel 300. The CPU 102 controls each unit of the image signal processing unit 20, and the CPU 103 controls the driving of the scanning system 10. The CPU 104 includes the print processing unit 40 and the optical system 60.
The CPU 105 controls the image forming system 70, and performs processing for adjusting the overall timing of the control unit 100 and setting the operation mode.

The CPU 106 temporarily stores the read image data in the memory by controlling the memory unit 30, reads the image data, and outputs the read image data to the print processing unit 40. As a result, the reading device IR and the printer device PRT are independently controlled to improve the copy speed.

The CPU 107 controls the document transport section 500, and the CPU 108 controls the refeed section 600. Serial communication by interruption is performed between these CPUs 101 to 108 to exchange data.

Hereinafter, an outline of a control procedure executed by the CPU 101 related to the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine showing a control procedure executed by the CPU 101.

When the power of the copying machine 1 is turned on and the CPU 101 is reset, the program starts. First, in step 1 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S), initialization of the CPU such as clearing of the RAM and setting of various registers is performed. In S2, the mode of the copying machine 1 is initialized. The built-in internal timer is started. The value counted by the internal timer is 1
The length of the routine is defined, and its value is preset in the initial setting of S1.

Next, in step S4, the image data is stored in the backup memory and the image data is registered. In step S5, one of the plurality of image data is selected, called from the backup memory, and the settings for printing are confirmed. The registration setting in S4 and the data call in S5 are performed in a subroutine, which will be described later.

Subsequently, in S6, key input by the hard keys and touch keys on the operation panel 300 is processed, and in S7
The display corresponding to the key input is processed. In S8, a system control process for controlling the normal operation of the copying machine 1 is performed, and in S9, other processes are performed.

After these processes, it is determined in S10 whether the internal timer set in S3 has expired. If the internal timer has expired (YE in S10)
S) One routine ends and the process returns to S3. If the internal timer has not expired (NO in S10), the process stops and the internal timer is awaited.

Next, processing in the subroutine of registration setting in S4 and data calling in S5 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of registration setting in S4 of FIG. The registration setting of S4 is
It consists of the registration of the image data in S41 and the registration of other data in S42. Further, the registration of the image data in S41 will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for registering image data in S41 of FIG. The registration key and read key shown below correspond to the display unit 301 shown in FIG.
Are touch keys displayed on the screen. The registration key allows the user to store a desired image in the backup memory of the copying machine 1, and the reading key starts reading of the image desired by the user.

First, a registration mode is selected when registering image data in S411. In the registration mode, the image data is stored and registered in the backup memory in association with the image setting mode for the image data, the document size, and the like. In S412, it is determined whether the registration key has been pressed. If the registration key is not pressed (S
(NO at 412), the process remains at S412, and if the registration key is pressed (YES at S412), S413
It is determined whether or not the read key has been pressed.

If the read key is not pressed (S413)
, NO), the process remains in S413, and the user waits for the reading key to be pressed. If the read key is pressed (YES in S413), in S414,
The image data of the original set by the user on the original transport unit 500 (see FIG. 1) or the image data of the image edited on the copying machine 1 is associated with the attribute of the image data such as the setting mode selected as the registration mode and the original size. And the image data is stored in the backup memory. At the time of this registration, a registration number indicating the order of registration is given.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for calling the data in S5 of FIG. The calling of the data in S5 includes calling of the image data in S51 and
52 other data calls. Further S
The calling of the image data 51 will be described in detail.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for calling image data in S51 of FIG. The call keys shown below are touch keys displayed on the display unit 301 shown in FIG. With this call key,
By registering the image data in S41 shown in FIG. 7, the user can call out desired image data from the image data registered corresponding to each attribute.

First, in step S511, a calling mode is selected when calling image data. By this calling mode, a plurality of image data registered in the backup memory are displayed on the display unit and selected by the user. In S512, it is determined whether the registration number of the desired image data is selected and the call key is pressed. If the call key is not pressed (NO in S512),
The process remains at S512, and if the call key is pressed (YES at S512), the image data desired by the user is called from the backup memory at S513 and displayed on display unit 301.

The image data is called by the above control. In the present invention, when the image data is called, a display as shown in FIGS.
01, the user can quickly and accurately select desired image data from a plurality of registered image data.

FIG. 10 shows a display unit 30 operated by a user.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state where an image transitions at 1; In the following, it is assumed that touch keys are assigned to words and phrases surrounded by "", and the user selects these functions by pressing them.

When the user presses the touch key 312 corresponding to the "application" tab on the display unit 301 shown in FIG. 2, an "application" display 3011 is displayed. When the user selects “format print” among the functions displayed on the “application” display 3011, the display unit 301 displays a “format print” display 3012.

When “call” is selected from the functions displayed on the “format print” display 3012, the user can enter the registration numbers 1 to 5 displayed below the “format print” display 3012. By pressing the key with, the image to be printed is selected,
The display unit 301 displays the corresponding “format print /
The "call" display 3013 is displayed. When the “format print / call” display 3013 is displayed, the user can start printing the image corresponding to the selected registration number.

A "format print" display 3012
When “confirmation” is selected from among the functions displayed in the menu, the user presses the numbered keys 1 to 5 displayed at the bottom of the “format print” display An image to be printed is selected, and a corresponding “format printing / confirmation” display 3014 is displayed on the display unit 301. When the “format printing / confirmation” display 3014 is displayed, the user can confirm and change the paper of the registered image.

FIG. 11 shows the "format printing" of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a display 3012.

As shown in FIG. 11, format print image selection keys 351 to 355 display the size of an image stored as a document set at the time of registration together with the registration number. Format print image selection key 351
Indicates that the document is A4 size in the horizontal direction, the format print image selection key 352 indicates that the document is A3 size in the horizontal direction, and the format print image selection key 353 indicates that the document is 100 mm in height and 100 mm in width. The format print image selection key 354 indicates that the original is B4 size in the horizontal direction, and the format print image selection key 355 indicates that the original is 127 mm long and 279 horizontal.
mm.

The above-described copying machine has a simple configuration,
The user can easily register image data, and can quickly and accurately select desired image data from a plurality of registered image data.

In this embodiment, the attribute of the image is assumed to be the size of the original, but other attributes of the image include the resolution of the original and the original which do not require complicated processing by the user when reading. Can be used.

In this embodiment, the reading device IR is used as the input device for the original image, but an externally connected computer, facsimile or the like may be used as the input device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation panel 300.

FIG. 3 is a first block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit 100 of the copying machine 1;

FIG. 4 is a second block diagram for explaining a configuration of a control unit 100 of the copying machine 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine showing a control procedure executed by a CPU 101;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of registration setting in S4 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for registering image data in S41 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for calling data in S5 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for calling image data in S51 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a state in which an image on the display unit changes according to a user operation.

FIG. 11 shows a “format print” display 3012 in FIG.
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Copying Machine 100 Control Unit 101 CPU 300 Operation Panel 301 Display Unit 351-355 Format Print Image Selection Key

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image data, comprising: reading means for reading the image data; and associating the image data read by the reading means with an attribute of the image data. Storage means for storing a plurality of attributes; display means for displaying the plurality of attributes stored by the storage means; selection means for selecting one of the attributes displayed by the display means; and the selection means Image forming means for forming an image based on image data corresponding to the attribute selected by the image forming apparatus.