JPH11134152A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system which can confirm the states of a copying machine and its peripheral device at and after a stage when the power supply of the peripheral device is applied and also can explain the constitution of a copy system and the state of the peripheral device of a warm-up mode to a user in an easy-to-understand way. SOLUTION: A CPU 44 of a digital copying machine diagnoses the state of its own copying machine by itself after a power supply is applied and then changes the display state of a liquid crystal display part of a control panel 45 while confirming successively the information on a peripheral device attached to the copying machine such as its state or situation, etc., as long as no initial abnormality of the copying machine is not confirmed. When a workable state is set for a copy system, a display part show that the copying machine is workable and also standing by.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for performing image recording and a peripheral device attached to the periphery of the image forming apparatus for assisting image recording. The present invention relates to an image forming system that displays information of each device on a display unit provided so that an operator can easily understand the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, for example, a digital copying machine, a process selected from various image processing functions is performed on a document image input from a scanner, and this process is performed. There has been proposed a system that can output a printed image from a printer unit, or perform various post-processing on the output recorded matter and provide the edited matter as an edited matter.

Since such a digital copying machine has various processing functions, the number of keys arranged on an operation panel is inevitably increased, and the digital copying machine becomes complicated and operable. At present, it is very difficult to understand. In recent digital copiers, even among many keys, keys that are not frequently used are covered or used as keys, but an operation panel that still considers operability can be provided. It is not a state that can be said.

Therefore, an input device which is often used recently is a combination of a liquid crystal display unit and a transparent touch panel. The input device sequentially displays necessary key images on the liquid crystal display unit. An instruction is given to the device by pressing and inputting a key portion through a transparent touch panel.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-35282 discloses that
A copying machine having such a display input device is disclosed. Based on the conventional example described here, a technique for implementing a conventional copier equipped with a touch panel will be briefly described.

On the LCD screen (liquid crystal display screen), a lot of information such as an instruction from the operator side and a message to the operator from the copier side is displayed regarding the state of the copying machine and the copying operation. Then, based on such information, the operator gives a desired operation instruction to the copying machine. At this time, the operator selects a button display related to a desired operation from among the selection instruction button displays displayed on the LCD screen, and gives an instruction. This LC
A touch panel is arranged on the D screen, and the LCD
When the user touches the screen lightly, the content of the selection instruction button displayed on the LCD screen is input to the copying machine.

[0007] The display contents of the LCD screen are changed one after another according to an instruction of an operator or an operation state of the copying machine. This is to minimize the display of the instruction button display irrespective of the current situation of the copying machine by sequentially switching to the display suitable for the state of the copying machine. This is intended to allow a user of the copying machine to easily operate the copying machine having various processing capabilities.

[0008]

Generally, even in a copying machine having such an input device, a predetermined screen (warm-up is in progress. Please inform the user that it is currently preparing and the copier cannot be used. Then, when the warm-up is completed, the basic screen (in a state where the standard copy mode is displayed) is displayed,
The apparatus enters a standby state in which a copy start instruction can be input.

However, in such a display method, the operation status of the copying machine during warm-up cannot be known. It takes a certain period of time for the copier, which has been turned on, to complete the warm-up. During that time, displaying only the basic screen does not utilize the information providing ability by screen display and is a waste of time.

Further, in recent copying machines, a copying system has been proposed in which various processing can be performed by combining a plurality of peripheral processing devices, so that a copy from an original can be provided in a desired form. It has become. Therefore, recent copiers have a function of performing communication between the copier and various peripheral devices and managing a connection state of the apparatus, a state of the apparatus, and the like. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-18
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7776 discloses that a copier and an optional peripheral device are connected by a serial line in two directions of transmission and reception. With this configuration, the state of the peripheral device can be reliably grasped on the copying machine side, and appropriate measures can be taken when a trouble occurs.

However, even in a copying machine having such a self-diagnosis function, it is only necessary to perform a check upon turning on the power and to take an appropriate action, and even if a trouble occurs in the copying system, That is, only a message indicating that a trouble has occurred is displayed on the display unit of the copying machine. Therefore, to the user, only a message indicating that a problem has occurred is displayed, and what the copying system is in and how to deal with it. At present, it is very unfriendly and unkind, probably because it is a kimono.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to check the state of the copying machine and peripheral devices from the stage when the power of the apparatus is turned on, and to make it easy for a user to understand the configuration of the copying system and the state of the apparatus during warm-up. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of providing guidance.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus for recording an input image on a recording material; and a peripheral device attached to the periphery of the image forming apparatus for assisting image recording. It is.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus stores display means for displaying an image represented by a plurality of dots and information of display contents including an external view of the connected peripheral device. Storage management means for managing, confirmation means for confirming the operation of each device during warm-up of each device, and information on the peripheral device confirmed by the confirmation means, from information stored and managed by the storage management means. Display determining means for determining the display content and displaying on the display means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes: display means for displaying an image represented by a plurality of dots; and display content information including an external view of a peripheral device which may be connected. Management means for storing and managing the peripheral devices, and confirmation means for confirming the connection of peripheral devices stored in the storage management means during warm-up of each device and confirming the operation of the connected peripheral devices. Display determination means for determining the display content from the information stored and managed by the storage management means for the peripheral device confirmed by the confirmation means, and displaying the content on the display means;
It is characterized by having.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the peripheral device includes a peripheral device storage management unit that stores and manages information of a display content including an external view, and the image forming apparatus is configured to store an image represented by a plurality of dots. Display means for displaying, a storage management means for preliminarily setting and storing information on peripheral devices that may be connected, and a storage management means for storing information on the storage management means during warm-up of each device. Confirmation means for confirming the presence or absence of connection of the connected peripheral device, and confirming the operation of the connected peripheral device, and extracting information of display contents including an external view from the connected peripheral device, And display determination means for determining the display content of the peripheral device confirmed by (1) and displaying the content on the display means.

According to the invention of claim 4, according to claim 1, 2, or 3
In the image forming system described in the above, the information stored in the storage management unit includes information on an order of display processing, and the display determination unit sequentially determines the determined display contents based on the order. It is displayed.

According to the invention of claim 5, according to claim 1, 2 or 3
In the image forming system described above, the information stored in the storage management unit includes information on a display processing order and a display position, and the display determination unit is configured to perform the display processing based on the information on the order and the display position. The display is performed at regular intervals.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the order is such that the image forming apparatus and the peripheral devices are arranged on a sheet on which an image is recorded from the side where a document is set. Are displayed in the order in which the image forming process is performed toward the side from which the image is discharged.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the display deciding means displays the display contents on the water in accordance with the confirmation of the peripheral device. The timing is determined.

According to the invention of claim 8, claim 1, 2 or 3
In the image forming system according to the above, if the confirmation unit confirms the operation state of the peripheral device and there is no abnormality, the display confirmation unit is based on information about the peripheral device,
The external view of the peripheral device forming a part of the external view of the copying system is determined and additionally displayed.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the first, second or third aspect is provided.
In the image forming system described above, when the confirmation unit confirms an operation state of the peripheral device and there is an abnormality, the display determination unit performs a display indicating another peripheral device or a treatment in place of the peripheral device. It is characterized by the following.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the tenth aspect, when the confirming unit confirms that the peripheral device that has malfunctioned has been restored to an operable state, The display is switched to a display indicating that the operation is possible.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display determination means is configured to display the warm-up completion from the first background screen indicating that the warm-up is being performed. The display is switched to the two background screens, and the second background screen maintains the display of the external view of each device displayed on the first background screen.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first, second or third aspect, the display means comprises:
A display element for displaying an image represented by a plurality of dots, and position detecting means arranged on the display surface side of the display element and detecting a position of the image displayed on the display element specified by the operator. The image forming apparatus further comprises: instruction content determining means for determining an image designated by the operator based on positional information detected by the position detecting means and a positional relationship between the image displayed on the display means. Wherein the instruction content deciding means decides the position designated by the operator from the display content confirmed and displayed by the display deciding means and its position.

As described above, according to the input device of the present invention, the state of the copier, from the initialization by turning on or resetting the power of the copier to the completion of warm-up,
While the configuration of the peripheral device, the state of the peripheral device, and the like are sequentially confirmed, the confirmed system configuration, state, and the like are sequentially displayed step by step. This makes it possible to reliably inform the operator of the function contents and levels that can be processed as a copying system. In addition, by considering the additional display, order, timing, etc. of the peripheral device external view with respect to the digital copier external view, not only the external view is displayed additionally, but also from the setting of the original document to the post-processing of the selected recording paper Up to this point, what kind of system this copying system is composed of, what kind of selection, setting,
It will be very easy to understand whether instructions are possible.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present embodiment is a digital image forming apparatus having a copy mode, a printer mode, a facsimile mode, and the like. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of a digital image forming apparatus including an operation panel. This image forming apparatus is a digital copying machine 10, which is roughly divided into a scanner unit 11 and a laser recording unit 12.

The scanner unit 11 includes a document table 15 made of transparent glass and a double-sided automatic document feeder (RAD) for automatically feeding and conveying the document onto the document table 15.
F) 16 and a document image reading unit for scanning and reading an image of a document placed on the document table 15, that is, a scanner unit 20. The document image read by the scanner unit 11 is sent as image data to an image data input unit described later, and the image data is subjected to predetermined image processing.

In the RADF 16, a plurality of documents are set at once on a document tray (not shown) provided, and the set documents are automatically placed one by one onto the document table 15 of the scanner unit 20. It is a device for feeding.
The RADF 16 passes through a transport path for a one-sided document, a transport path for a two-sided document, a transport path switching unit, and each unit so that the scanner unit 20 reads one or both sides of the document according to an operator's selection. It is composed of a group of centers for grasping and managing the state of the document, a control unit, and the like. Since many applications and commercializations of this RADF16 have been made,
Further description is omitted.

A scanner unit 20 constituting the scanner section 11 for reading an image of a document on the document table 15 includes a lamp reflector assembly 21 for exposing the surface of the document and a photoelectric conversion element (not shown) for reflecting a reflected light image from the document. CC
D24) to reflect the reflected light from the document to be guided to the first
The first scanning unit 20a on which the reflection mirror 22a is mounted, and the second and third reflection mirrors 22 for guiding the reflected light image from the first reflection mirror 22a to the CCD 24.
a second scanning unit 20b on which b and 22c are mounted;
The optical lens 23 for forming an image on the CCD 24 for converting the reflected light image from the original into an electric image signal via each of the above-mentioned reflecting mirrors, and the above-mentioned for converting the reflected light image from the original to an electric image signal It is composed of a CCD 24.

The scanner section 11 performs the operations related to the RADF 16 and the scanner unit 20 while sequentially placing the originals to be read on the original placing table 15.
The scanner unit 20 extends along the lower surface of the document table 15.
Is moved to read a document image. In particular, the first scanning unit 20a runs at a constant speed V from left to right along the document table 15, and the second scanning unit 20b moves in the same direction at a speed of V / 2 with respect to the speed V. The scanning is controlled in parallel to. As a result, the image of the original placed on the original placing table 15 is sequentially formed on the CCD 24 line by line, and the image is read.

Image data obtained by reading the original image by the scanner unit 20 is sent to an image processing section described later, where various processing is performed. Thereafter, the image is temporarily stored in the memory of the image processing unit, and the image in the memory is read out according to the output instruction and transferred to the laser printer unit 12 to form the image on the recording sheet. The laser printer unit 12 includes a sheet conveying system that is a recording material for forming an image, a laser writing unit 26,
And an electrophotographic processing unit 28 for forming an image.

The laser writing unit 26 includes a semiconductor laser light source that emits a laser beam in accordance with image data read from the memory after reading by the above-described scanner unit 20 or image data transferred from an external device. It has a polygon mirror that deflects the laser light at an equal angular velocity, an f-θ lens that corrects the laser light deflected at an equal angular velocity so as to be deflected at a constant angular velocity on a photosensitive drum constituting the electrophotographic process unit 28, and the like. ing. The electrophotographic process unit 28 includes a charger, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaning device, and a static eliminator around a known photosensitive drum.

On the other hand, the sheet transport system includes a transport section for transporting the sheet P to a transfer position where the transfer unit is disposed, in particular, the electrophotographic processing section 28 for forming an image, and the sheet P to the transport section. Cassette feeding device 31 for feeding
32 or a manual sheet feeding device 34 for appropriately feeding a sheet of a required size; a fixing device 29 for fixing an image formed on the sheet P after transfer, particularly a toner image; And a re-supply path 33 for re-supplying the sheet P for forming an image again on the back surface.
A post-processing device 14 that receives a sheet P on which an image is recorded and performs a predetermined process on the sheet P is disposed downstream of the fixing device 29.

In the laser writing unit 26 and the electrophotographic processing unit 28, the image data read from the image memory is scanned by a laser beam by the laser writing unit 26, so that the image data of the photosensitive drum as the electrophotographic processing unit 28 is obtained. Formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface. The toner image visualized by the toner is electrostatically transferred and fixed onto the surface of the sheet conveyed from any of the sheet feeding units of the multi-stage sheet feeding unit. The sheet on which the image is formed in this manner is conveyed from the fixing device 29 to the post-processing device 14 via the sheet discharging roller 37.

(Description of Circuit of Image Processing Unit) Next, the configuration and function of an image processing unit in the digital copying machine 10 that performs image processing on read document image information will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an image processing section included in the digital copying machine 10 of FIG. The image processing unit includes an image data input unit 40, an image processing unit 41, an image data output unit 42, a memory 43 including a RAM (random access memory) and a hard disk, and a central processing unit (CPU) 44. .

The image data input unit 40 is a CCD unit 40
a, histogram processing unit 40b and error diffusion processing unit 40
c. The image data input unit 40 is provided with the CCD 24
The image data of the original read from
The image data is processed by the error diffusion method while taking a histogram as a binary digital amount, and is temporarily stored in the memory 43. That is, the CCD unit 40
In A, an analog electric signal corresponding to each pixel density of image data is A / D converted, and then MTF correction, black and white correction or gamma correction is performed, and a 256-level (8-bit) digital signal is output to a histogram processing unit. Output to 40b.

In the histogram processing section 40b, the digital signal output from the CCD section 40a is added for each of the 256 grayscale pixel densities to obtain density information (histogram data) and, if necessary, the obtained histogram data. Is sent to the CPU 44, and is sent to the error diffusion processing unit 40c as pixel data.

The error diffusion processing unit 40c outputs the 8 bits output from the CCD unit 40a by an error diffusion method which is a kind of pseudo intermediate processing, that is, a method of reflecting a binarization error in the binarization determination of an adjacent pixel. The digital signal of bits / pixel is converted into one bit (binarization), and a redistribution calculation for faithfully reproducing the local area density in the document is performed.

The image processing unit 41 includes a multi-value processing unit 41a,
41b, a synthesis processing unit 41c, a density conversion processing unit 41d, a scaling processing unit 41e, an image processing unit 41f, an error diffusion processing unit 41g, and a compression processing unit 41h.

The image processing unit 41 is a processing unit that finally converts the input image data into image data desired by the operator, and stores the image data until it is stored in the memory 43 as the finally converted output image data. The processing unit is configured to perform the processing. However, the above-described processing units included in the image processing unit 41 function as needed, and may not function in some cases. That is, the multi-value processing section 4
In 1a and 41b, the data binarized by the error diffusion processing unit 40c is converted again into 256 gradations.

The synthesis processing unit 41c selectively performs 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 pixel data stored in the memory 43 and the bit data from the pattern generator (PG). The density conversion processing unit 41d arbitrarily sets the relationship between the input density and the output density for the 256-level data signal based on a predetermined tone conversion table.

In the scaling unit 41e, pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling is obtained by performing interpolation processing based on the input known data in accordance with the designated scaling ratio. After the scan is scaled, the main scan is scaled. In the pixel processing unit 41f, various image processes are performed on the input pixel data.
Information collection for a data sequence such as feature extraction can be performed. The error diffusion processing unit 41g performs the same processing as the error diffusion processing unit 40c of the image data input unit 40. The compression processing unit 41h compresses the binary data by encoding called run length. As for the compression of the image data, the compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.

The image data output section 42 includes a restoration section 42a,
It includes a multi-value processing section 42b, an error diffusion processing section 42c, and a laser output section 42d. Image data output unit 42
Restores the image data stored in the memory 43 in a compressed state, converts the image data back to the original 256 gradations, and performs error diffusion of the quaternary data that provides a smoother halftone representation than the binary data. It is configured to transfer data to the output unit 42d.

That is, in the decompression section 42a, the compression processing section 41
h, the compressed image data is restored. In the multi-value processing section 42b, the multi-value processing section 41 of the image processing section 41 is used.
The same processing as in a and 41b is performed. Error diffusion processing unit 4
2c, the error diffusion processing unit 40 of the image data input unit 40
The same processing as in c is performed. In the laser output section 42d,
Digital pixel data is converted into a laser on / off signal based on a control signal from a sequence control (not shown), the semiconductor laser in the laser writing unit 26 is turned on / off, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum. An image is written.

The data handled by the image data input section 40 and the image data output section 42 are basically stored in the memory 43 in the form of binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the memory 43. It is also possible to perform processing in the form of quaternary data in consideration of the deterioration of image data.

(Explanation of the control structure of the entire digital copying machine)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation of each unit of the entire digital copying machine 10 is managed by a central processing unit (CPU) 44. CCD 24, image data input unit 40, image processing unit 41, image data output unit 42, image memory 43,
The central processing unit (CPU) 44 is the same as that in FIG.

The central processing unit 44 manages each drive mechanism constituting the digital copying machine 10 such as the RADF 36, the scanner unit 31, and the laser printer unit 32 by sequence control, and outputs a control signal to each unit.
Further, an operation panel 45 is connected to the central processing unit 44 so as to be able to communicate with each other, and transfers a control signal to the central processing unit 44 in accordance with the copy mode set and inputted by the operator, and the digital copier 10 is operated according to the mode.

A control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine is transferred from the central processing unit 44 to the operation panel 45. On the operation panel 45 side, the control signal is used to display the operating state of the apparatus at present on the display unit or the like to the operator.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a sorter control unit, which is a control unit for managing the operation of a post-processing device for sorting copies output by the digital copying machine 10. Reference numeral 47 denotes an image data communication unit provided to enable information communication with other digital image equipment such as image information and image control signals.

FIG. 4 shows an operation panel of the digital copying machine 10. The touch panel liquid crystal display device 56 also shown in FIG. 1 is arranged at the center of the operation panel, and various mode setting keys are also arranged around the touch panel liquid crystal display device 56. On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 56, a basic start screen for constantly selecting various modes is displayed. When an area related to an instruction of a desired mode is directly pressed with a finger as needed, the liquid crystal screen sequentially transitions so that various modes can be selected and instructed. An editing function is set by touching a region where a function desired by the operator is displayed with a finger from among the various displayed modes.

The various setting key groups arranged on the operation panel will be briefly described. First, the liquid crystal display device 56
An external view of the digital copying machine 10 is displayed at a substantially central portion of FIG. Further, a copy density setting key 57 for setting a copy density, a paper size setting key 58 for setting a paper size, and a magnification setting key 59 for setting a copy magnification are provided below the external view.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a special function mode button for transitioning the liquid crystal display screen to an edit mode setting screen for editing a document image. Reference numeral 61 denotes a transition to a double-sided copy mode and transition to a setting screen for setting a processing mode. A double-sided copy mode key, a key 62 for transitioning the liquid crystal display screen to an instruction screen for an output mode such as a sorter / staple, and a setting confirmation key 63 for confirming the contents of the currently set mode. .

Further, reference numeral 64 denotes an operation guide key for displaying an operation method and the like on a screen; 65, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical information such as the number of copies; and 66, a new copy mode is interrupted by the copy mode currently being processed. An interrupt key 67 for clearing the conditions input by a numeric keypad or the like; a clear key 68 for clearing all the states of the digital copying machine and returning to a standard state; Is a start key for instructing the start of processing in the mode set by these keys. Note that the three key groups arranged on the left side of the operation panel 45 correspond to the fax mode 7 in order from the top.
0, a printer mode 71, and a copy mode 72.

The operation panel presented this time and the various keys arranged on the operation panel are merely examples, and the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions mounted on the digital copying machine. Needless to say.

(One Embodiment of Input Device with Touch Panel) FIG. 5 shows the digital copying machine 1 described in FIG.
0 shows the liquid crystal display device 56 of the operation panel 45 in detail. The liquid crystal display device 56 includes a liquid crystal display unit 100 of a dot matrix, and a touch panel 101 that is stacked so as to cover the surface thereof. The touch panel 101, which is a means for detecting the position touched by the operator, is larger than the area of the liquid crystal display unit 100. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 10
It is also possible to cover a plurality of button groups printed around 0, and to give an operation instruction to the printed buttons other than the keys displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100.

The digital copier 1 having the operation panel 45 is provided substantially at the center of the liquid crystal display unit 100 having the above configuration.
0 is displayed. Briefly describing the external view 102, a main body portion 103 related to image formation is displayed in the upper center portion of the entire external view 102, and a paper output from the digital copying machine 10 is displayed on the left side of the entire external view 102. On the other hand, a post-processing device portion 104 for performing a process such as stapling is displayed. Further, on the right side and the lower center portion of the overall appearance diagram 102, a paper feeding unit 105 for supplying paper to the digital copying machine 10 is displayed.

The transition of the screen when the touch panel 101 is operated while checking the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the CPU 44 for causing the liquid crystal display unit 100 to display an image. When the operator touches the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100, the touch panel 101 detects the touched position and outputs the position information to the CPU 44. When the position information is input (step S1), the CPU 44 determines the image displayed at the touched position (step S1).
2), the contents of the operation instruction for the image are determined (step S3). Control is performed such that a screen corresponding to the instruction content is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 (step S4). If the screen is a screen for setting the content of the operation instruction (step S5), the instruction content is reset according to the setting of the operator (step S6).

Next, a specific display input operation will be described. For example, when one of the partial external views 103, 104, and 105 of the overall external view 102 shown in FIG.
The CPU 44 shifts to the mode setting screen of the digital copying machine 10 corresponding to the touched external view. FIG. 7 is a screen transition diagram when the external view of the display unit is operated. When the user touches the main body portion 103, the setting screen of the duplex copy mode is displayed (FIG. (A)). When the user touches the post-processing device portion 104, the setting screen of the output mode is displayed (FIG. (B)). When the user touches the device portion 105, a setting screen for selecting a paper size is displayed (FIG. 10C).

Hereinafter, the screen display of each mode by the CPU 44 will be described in detail.

(Duplex Copy Mode) For example, when the main body 103 of the digital copier 10 is operated, the screen shifts to FIG. 7A, where a setting screen for the duplex copy mode is displayed. The setting screen of the double-sided copy mode is shifted even if a double-sided copy button printed on the left side of the periphery of the liquid crystal display unit 100 is operated.

Hereinafter, the screen transition state of the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be described step by step with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, FIG.
The description will be given in order from the setting screen of the duplex copy mode shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8 (A) (the same screen as FIG. 7 (A)), the digital copier 10 which has been operated is located substantially at the center of the liquid crystal display unit 100 which has shifted to the double-side copy mode setting screen. Only the main body portion 103 of the entire external view 102 remains as it is, and various setting keys relating to the duplex copying mode are displayed in other areas in a different manner. That is, the display of the sheet feeding device portion 104 and the post-processing device portion 105 is turned off, and various setting keys are displayed in the first display area near the main body portion 103.

In the above description, the liquid crystal display 100
A key for finely setting a mode is displayed in the first display area, that is, around the main body portion 103, while maintaining the display position and the display state of the main body portion 103 at substantially the center of the display area. However, without being limited to this arrangement, the main body 103 may be moved to a slightly different position and displayed, and a key for finely setting a mode may be displayed in the remaining display area. In this case, in order to minimize the confusion of the operator, the
It is desirable to prevent the display position of from being displaced and to maintain the same display form.

Here, the keys displayed in the first display area will be briefly described. The keys arranged on the left side of the main body 103 are keys for designating a mode for making a one-sided copy from a one-sided original. 106, which is a normal state before the double-sided copy mode is instructed. From the lower left side of the main body 103, a mode key 107 for creating a two-sided copy from an even number of single-sided originals, a mode key 108 for creating a two-sided copy from an odd-numbered single-sided original, and a mode for creating a two-sided copy from a two-sided original A key 109 and a mode key 110 for creating a two-sided copy from a two-sided original are arranged. Then, an icon indicating the content of the key operation instruction is displayed in each key.

When processing a single-sided document, it is sometimes unclear whether the number of documents is an odd number or an even number. In this case, the document count key 111 arranged on the right side of the main body 103 instructs to count the number of document bundles set in the automatic document feeder.

Among the above keys (single-sided → single-sided mode key 1)
06 and the document count key 111 are excluded), when a double-sided mode is selected, an icon 112 representing the selected double-sided mode is superimposed and displayed in the external view main body portion 103 of the digital copying machine 10 ( FIG. 8 (B)). The area in this external view is defined as a second display area. The icon 112 displayed on the second display area is also the icon 11 displayed on the key 107 for finely setting the content of the selected mode.
By making the two overlap, it is possible to prevent the operator from being confused.

In the above description, when a desired mode content is designated from among the setting keys displayed in the first display area (around the main body portion 103 displayed on the liquid crystal display section 100), the second display area (main body) is designated. An icon 112 indicating the set mode is displayed (in the portion 103). But,
Not only the operation by the touch panel 101 superimposed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 but also the operation of the buttons arranged on the operation panel other than the touch panel 101 causes the second display area to
The icon 112 relating to the set mode can be displayed in a superimposed manner. When the setting of the mode relating to the double-sided copying is completed, the external view 103 of the apparatus displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 and the icon 112 relating to the set mode are left as they are, and the entire external view 102 of the digital copying machine 10 is left as it is. Is returned to the display state (FIG. 8C).

As described above, the second display which is displayed in the first display area near the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 10 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 or superimposed on the external view 102
By displaying an icon in the display area, the operator can visually grasp what operation is being performed on which part. Therefore, when a plurality of modes are combined and set, the operating environment of the copying system can be easily understood.

Although it is described that the entire external view 102 of the digital copying machine 10 returns together with the icon 112,
Depending on the set mode, it is possible to return the display to the overall appearance diagram 102 of the digital copying machine 10 without displaying an icon. Further, as another embodiment, when the setting of the mode relating to double-sided copying is completed and the entire external view 102 of the digital copying machine 10 is displayed, the already displayed main body portion 103 remains unchanged.
It is most preferable that the remaining hidden partial external views 104 and 105 are displayed again and basically displayed again in the same place as the overall external view 102 of the digital copying machine 10. However, the displayed position may be slightly displaced to the extent that the user does not feel uncomfortable.

(Output Mode) Next, when the post-processing device portion 104 shown on the left side of the overall external view 102 is operated, the processing shifts to FIG. 7B, where the output mode setting screen and the output mode setting screen are displayed. Become. The screen for setting the output mode can be shifted by operating a sorter / staple button printed on the left side of the periphery of the liquid crystal display unit 100.

Hereinafter, the screen transition state of the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be described in order with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, FIG.
The description will be made sequentially from the output mode setting screen shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9 (A) (the same screen as FIG. 7 (B)), the operated post-processing device portion 104 is located substantially on the left side of the liquid crystal display section 100 after the screen is shifted to the output mode setting screen. Remains as it is, and various setting keys related to the output mode are changed and displayed in other areas. Note that, in the above description, the post-processing device portion 104 is maintained substantially at the left side of the liquid crystal display portion 100 while maintaining the display position and display state.
In the first display area (display area near the post-processing device portion 104), that is, on the right side of the post-processing device portion 104, a key for finely setting the mode is set to be displayed. However, not limited to this arrangement, the post-processing device portion 104
May be moved to a slightly different position and displayed, and a key for finely setting the mode may be displayed in the remaining display area. At this time, it is desirable that the display position of the post-processing device portion 104 is not unnecessarily displaced and that the same display form is maintained, so that the operator is not confused as much as possible.

Here, the keys displayed in the other areas will be briefly described. The keys arranged on the right side of the post-processing device portion 104 are used to control the paper output from the digital copying machine 10 in order from the left side. Sort mode key 11 to sort sequentially
3. a staple mode key 114 for bundling a plurality of ejected sheets, and an offset mode key 1 for sorting sheets output from the digital copier 10 in a shifted manner for each document group.
Fifteen. Within each key are icons 116, 117,
118 is displayed.

When an output mode is selected from the above keys, icons 116, 117 and 118 representing the selected output mode are displayed in the second display area (in the post-processing device portion 104 of the external view). It is superimposed and displayed (Fig. 9
(B) or FIG. 9 (C)). The displayed icons 116, 117, and 118 are overlapped with the icons 116, 117, and 118 displayed on the content setting keys 113, 114, and 115 of the selected mode, so that the operator can view the icons. Can prevent confusion.

In the above description, the post-processing unit 10
It has been described that when a desired mode content is designated from among the setting keys displayed on the right side of No. 4, icons 116, 117 and 118 representing the set mode are displayed in the second display area. However, the operation is not limited to the operation using the touch panel 101 overlaid on the liquid crystal display unit.
By operating buttons arranged on the operation panel other than
In the post-processing device portion 104 displayed on the liquid crystal display portion 100, icons 116 and 11 related to the set mode are displayed.
It is also possible to superimpose and display 7,118.

Further, an icon 116,
When displaying 117 and 118, the post-processing unit 104
Among them, the icons 116, 117, and 118 are displayed in a place where the mode instructed by the device is executed or a place where a result after the mode is executed is obtained. Thus, it is possible to accurately inform the operator of the mode to be executed and the location where the result is obtained.

Further, when a plurality of modes are set in the post-processing unit 104, for example, when the sort mode and the staple mode shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C are set at the same time, FIG. As shown in D), a plurality of set modes can be represented by one icon 119 and displayed in an appropriate position on the post-processing device portion 104 in an overlapping manner. When the setting of the mode regarding the output is completed, the post-processing device portion 104 and the icons 116, 117, and 1 displayed on the liquid crystal display portion 100 are displayed.
At 18, the display state returns to the external view 102 of the entire digital copying machine 10 as it is (FIG. 10).

It is described that the entire appearance 102 of the digital copying machine 10 is restored together with the icons 116, 117 and 118. However, depending on the set mode, the entire appearance of the digital copying machine 10 may be displayed without displaying an icon. The display shown in FIG. 102 can be returned.

As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of mode icons 116 and
When displaying 117 and 118 in a superimposed manner, not all icons 116, 117 and 118 are displayed in post-processing device portion 104, but a plurality of set icons 116, 117 and 118 as described above. Among them, related items can be collectively displayed as one icon. That is, when each of the sort mode, the staple mode, and the offset mode is selected, the icon 116 representing the previously selected sort mode and the icon 117 representing the staple mode are displayed in the post-processing device portion 1.
04 is displayed in an appropriate position on the screen (see FIG. 11).
(C)). Then, when the offset mode is further set, the offset icon 118 is superimposed and displayed at an appropriate position on the post-processing device portion 104. At this time, the icon 116 representing the sort mode and the icon 117 representing the staple mode are replaced with one icon 119. That is, among the plurality of icons, the related icons 116 and 117 can be replaced with one icon 119 and displayed at the same time as the remaining icons 118 at an appropriate position of the post-processing device portion 104.

Thus, an external view 1 of the digital copying machine 10 will be described.
The display area is divided into a first display area provided in the vicinity of the display area 02 and a second display area which is displayed so as to overlap with the external view 102, and each display area has an icon related to each other. The configuration is such that the groups are displayed in a protected manner. For this reason, the operator can easily confirm the combination of the icon displays and what kind of copy mode is to be processed, and how the result is to be copied.

(Paper Selection Mode) Next, when the paper feeder portion 105 shown on the left side and the lower side of the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 10 is operated, the flow shifts to FIG. 7C. This is a setting screen for selecting a paper feeding device, that is, selecting a sheet of a desired size from a plurality of paper feeding units of the paper feeding device. The selection screen for selecting a desired size from among the paper feeding devices is also shifted by operating a paper selection key displayed in the lower center of the liquid crystal display unit 100.

Hereinafter, the screen transition state of the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be described in order with reference to FIG. When the liquid crystal display screen (FIG. 12A) on the operation panel 45 in the standby state is operated as described above, the screen shifts to the paper selection mode setting screen (FIG. 12B) and the liquid crystal display section From the approximate center to the right side of 100, a paper feed unit selection key is displayed in the same manner as the layout of the paper feed unit mounted on the paper feed device of the digital copying machine 10.

Then, when the user instructs the paper supply unit containing the paper of a desired size (for example, A3) from among the displayed selection keys and confirms it, the screen shown in FIG.
To indicate that the display of the sheet feeding unit that stores the selected A3-size sheet is reversed and that the sheet can be fed.

In this paper selection mode, as is apparent from FIG.
2 is displayed at a substantially central portion of the liquid crystal display unit 100, and FIG.
As shown in (B), even if the screen is once hidden by the paper feed unit fixing key group and the entire external view 102 is displayed again, the display position on the liquid crystal display unit 100 of the entire external view 102 is basically different. Are the same location and are displayed in the same form.

(Display Operation During Warm-Up) The digital copying machine 10 having the above-described configuration has the following functions after the power is turned on. That is, after the power of the digital copying machine 10 is turned on, the self-diagnosis of the state of the copying machine itself is performed. The display state of the liquid crystal display unit 100 is changed while sequentially confirming information on the peripheral devices. When a state is reached in which the copying system can operate, the display unit displays a message indicating that the copying machine is operable and that the copying machine is on standby. In this way, information on the performance, function, configuration, and the like of the copying system is reliably transmitted to the operator.

This operation will be described in detail below. FIG.
FIGS. 14 and 14 show transition states of display of the external view of the copying system on the liquid crystal display unit 100 provided on the operation panel 45. FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing display transitions of the external view of the copying system. is there.

First, when the power of the copying system is first turned on (step S11), first, the digital copier main body 1 is turned on.
0 performs a self-diagnosis (step S12). The presence or absence of an initial abnormality is confirmed (step S13), and if there is an abnormality, trouble processing is performed (step S14). If there is no abnormality, the first background screen (FIG. 13A) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 (step S15), the copier itself starts warming up (step S16), and the copier is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100. A self-view is displayed (step S17). At this time, an external view of the digital copying machine itself is partially overlapped and displayed substantially near the center of the first background screen already displayed on the liquid crystal display unit.

Next, the digital copying machine 10 is controlled on the basis of a normal sequence to keep warm-up while checking the status of peripheral devices attached to the digital copying machine 10 as peripheral devices sequentially. Then, the external view of the apparatus whose attachment has been confirmed is additionally displayed on the external view of the copying machine (steps S18 to S41).

That is, the original setting section is confirmed (step S18), and whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation is confirmed (step S19). If OK, the corresponding external view is determined.
If the operation is abnormal, trouble processing is performed (step S
21), the corresponding external view is determined (step S2)
2). The determined external view is added to the copier external view and displayed (step S23). Next, check the paper feed unit,
The operation state is confirmed, the external view is determined, and additionally displayed (steps S24 to S29). This display state diagram is shown in FIG.
It is shown in (B). Similarly, the post-processing unit and other sheet feeding units are also checked, and an external view is additionally displayed (step S30).
To 41). This display state diagram is shown in FIGS.
(D) and FIG. 14 (E). .

The confirmation operation and the transition of the display are sequentially executed. When all the peripheral devices attached to the digital copying machine 10 have been confirmed, the liquid crystal display unit 100 includes the digital copying machine and the peripheral devices. A complete appearance view of the copying system is completed and displayed (FIG. 14E). When the warm-up of the digital copying machine is completed in this state (step S42), the overall appearance of the copying system displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 is displayed in the same size as the storage paper size in each paper feeding unit while maintaining the display state. And the remaining amount are displayed for each paper feed unit (step S43). And the first
The background screen portion is switched to the second background screen, and a display state is displayed to inform the operator that the warm-up is completed and copying is possible (step S44). This display state is shown in FIG. Note that the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit at this time is a basic screen during standby of the digital copying machine. Then, the ready lamp of the print SW is turned on.
N (step S45), and the operation unit is on standby (step S46) in a state where the operation instruction to the copying system can be accepted.

(Configuration of Optional Peripheral Equipment) FIG.
It shows the configuration of optional peripheral devices that can configure a copying system. That is, in the digital copier main body 10 serving as a core, a department management unit 301 capable of managing the use status of the copier for each individual and for each department, and a single pass feeder (for setting a document at a reading point of the digital copier). SPF) 361, double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) 362, document pressing cover 36
3. Paper supply desk 511, large-capacity paper supply desk 512, large-capacity cassette 513, envelope feeder 51 for sequentially supplying sheets of a size that can be processed by the copier toward the copier.
4. An output tray 3 for receiving a sheet on which an image has been recorded from the copying side and possibly performing post-processing on the sheet.
41, 10-bin staple sorter 342, 20-bin staple sorter 343, digital multifunction device sorter 344,
Numerous options are prepared, such as a stapled finisher 345. From this group of options, the user can freely set an appropriate system configuration suitable for the purpose of use.

(Display Information Storage Method) As shown in FIG. 4, in the copying system, a central processing unit (CPU) 44 provided in the digital copying machine main unit 10 issues an instruction to each section of the copying system. Control. Therefore,
The operation during the warm-up is also controlled by the CPU 44. In addition, in each peripheral device,
In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 44, for example, the sorter control unit 46 checks the finisher unit alone. In FIG. 4, an automatic document feeder, a paper supply desk, and the like are managed by the central processing unit 44 of the digital copying machine. However, each peripheral device is provided with a CPU and is individually controlled. It is also possible to adopt a configuration for operation management.

In order for the CPU 44 to display the external view of each peripheral device on the liquid crystal display unit 100 in accordance with the confirmation operation, it is necessary to acquire display information and display it based on the display information. There are the following three methods for storing display information.

(1) First Storage Method In the first storage method, information on peripheral devices constituting the copying system is stored in advance in a data storage section provided as a storage management means provided in the CPU 44. The information stored in the data storage unit includes confirmation contents for confirming the operation state during warm-up and display contents corresponding thereto. The confirmation contents include a confirmation order and operation confirmation items, and the display contents include an external view of the peripheral device, other characters, a display order, and a display position. In accordance with this information, the CPU 44 checks and displays the operation of the peripheral device. An external view corresponding to the confirmed peripheral device is displayed on the digital copier external view. Therefore, it is possible to wait for the warm-up completion while sequentially understanding what kind of peripheral device is attached to the digital copying machine.

(2) Second Storage Method In the first storage method, it is necessary to input peripheral device information including the display order to the data storage unit of the CPU 44 in advance. Therefore, when a peripheral device is replaced or added, information must be re-inputted.
Therefore, a method for automatically performing this is a second storage method described below.

In the second storage method, information (confirmation contents and display contents) on peripheral devices to be connected (for example, the peripheral devices shown in FIG. 17) is stored in the data storage unit. When initialization is performed, such as when the power is turned on or when a reset is performed, the CPU 44 of the digital copying machine inquires each device about various information such as the status of the device. Therefore, even if the peripheral device is replaced, the accurate system configuration can be always grasped, and the latest accurate copy system external view can be displayed on the display unit 100. Further, at this time, the external view corresponding to the confirmed peripheral device is displayed on the digital copier external view as before. Therefore, it is possible to wait for the warm-up completion while sequentially understanding what kind of peripheral device is attached to the digital copying machine.

(3) Third Storage Method As a third storage method, the external view information of the own device is stored and managed in the peripheral device itself. In this case, it is possible to transfer the data in response to a communication request from the digital copying machine and to display it on the display unit of the copying machine. Therefore, it is not necessary to store detailed information in the copier main body, and the storage setting amount of the main body can be reduced. That is, since the necessary information is information of only the connected peripheral device, if the information is obtained from the connected peripheral device, the data recording unit has a minimum necessary storage capacity. You can also add peripherals,
In the case of replacement, there is no need to replace information in the data recording unit in the CPU 44, and the work time can be shortened, and work efficiency can be improved.

In any of the above three storage methods,
The display contents include the display order. The display order corresponds to the confirmation order, and after confirmation, an external view of the peripheral device is displayed. Based on this display order, the CPU 44 outputs an instruction to sequentially add the peripheral device external view to the copier external view as shown in FIGS. The display order (confirmation order) can be set arbitrarily, for example, the one for which the operation check is urgently required is performed first. At this time, the display position of the external view of the peripheral device is also stored as information in the data storage unit. This position is set to a position that is easy for the operator to see, so that quick confirmation and improvement in understanding can be achieved.

Further, when sequentially displaying each appearance display, the CPU 44 displays the appearance display at a fixed timing according to the stored order. For example, after confirming the operation of the peripheral device, it may be a timing to display immediately,
If the displayed timing is too early, a certain time interval may be set after confirmation so that the operator can know the order of confirmation. Therefore, for the operator, since the external view is displayed in accordance with the operation check, it is easy to understand which device is currently being checked.

The flow of the copying process may be represented by, for example, a device for handling a document, a device for handling a sheet on which an image is recorded, or a device for receiving a sheet on which an image is recorded and performing post-processing on the sheet. To confirm the operation of each device. In this case, since the display can be made in accordance with the operation of the digital copying machine, the operator can simultaneously understand the order of the copying process.

As can be seen from the above description, the liquid crystal display section initially displays the basic digital copier external view, and additionally displays the external view of the peripheral device which has been sequentially confirmed. Here, it is possible to arbitrarily set the extent to which the peripheral device external view is additionally displayed after first displaying the external view of the copying machine including the constituent devices. In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of peripheral device external views to be additionally displayed are prepared for each peripheral device, so that the system configuration can be reliably transmitted to the operator. .

As shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when there is an abnormality in the peripheral device in the operation check, a trouble process is performed to determine an external view to be displayed. this,
This will be described in detail below.

The CPU 44 confirms the inoperable state level of the peripheral device by performing the trouble process. Then, the display content indicating the state level is selected and determined from information in, for example, a data storage unit. This display content is displayed in, for example, an external view or a character instead of a form in which the minimum operation is guaranteed. In this way, when displayed, the operator can easily grasp to what level the operation can be performed, and can take measures.

The “alternative external view display” here means
It is as follows. For example, devices 342, 343, 344 and 342 for receiving a sheet on which an image is recorded and performing post-processing.
If the 345 is inoperable due to no needle or clogged needle,
The external view of the post-processing devices 342, 343, 344, and 345 is replaced with the external view of the 1-bin tray unit 341 that receives sheets in a stacked state without performing post-processing. With such a display, it is possible to confirm that the post-processing device is out of staples, clogged staples, and the like, and easily confirm that it is possible to discharge the sheet without using the stapling device.

Automatic document feeders 361 and 362 for guiding a document to a reading point of a digital copying machine sequentially feed and feed the document to a predetermined reading position due to an abnormality in, for example, a document feeding mechanism and a document feeding belt driving mechanism. Suppose that it is confirmed that the state cannot be performed. In this case, the external view of the automatic document feeders 361 and 362 is replaced with the external view of the document pressing cover 363 provided to be openable and closable with respect to the digital copying machine. The document pressing cover 363 is for the operator to press the document toward the reading surface. By using such an external view of the document pressing cover with lowered rank, it is possible to confirm the abnormality of the automatic document feeder and set the document at the reading position of the copier (open / close / press) without using the automatic document feeder. ) Can be easily confirmed.

Although not shown in FIG. 17, devices 342 and 34 for receiving the paper on which this image is recorded and performing post-processing.
3,344,345, when the devices 361,362 for guiding the document to the reading point of the digital copying machine are restored and a normal operation is possible, the CPU 44 automatically confirms it and, for example, displays the peripheral device external view. Return and redisplay. In this way, the operator can be quickly notified that the peripheral device has changed from the failure state to the operable state, so that the peripheral device with the highest processing efficiency can be selected, and the work efficiency can be improved.

When the warm-up is completed,
The first background screen for warm-up is switched to a second background screen indicating that the warm-up is completed and the operation is possible. At this time, the first background screen is displayed on the second background screen while the display state of the configuration appearance view of the copying system displayed thereon is maintained.
Changed to the background screen. The display state of the copy system configuration external view is maintained by changing the display position or the display state of the system external view sequentially displayed in consideration of the operator's easy understanding with the transition of the screen. This may confuse the configuration of the copying system understood by the operator. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a change in display and a transition in display are considered so as to maintain the display state of the external view of the configuration of the copying system. Furthermore, if the second background screen is a standard screen when the copier is in an operable state and is in a standby state, the warm-up of the copier is completed simply by transitioning to a basic screen that is familiar to the user. It is definitely communicated.

When the warm-up is completed, the display is switched to a display indicating the size information, the remaining amount information, and the like of the sheets housed in the sheet feeding units arranged below and beside the digital copying machine. At the same time, the external view of the copying system changes the other display areas while maintaining the display state, that is, the basic screen which is usually displayed when the copying machine is on standby, and the operator is familiar with the screen. Can be understood that the copying is possible.

Further, the external appearance of the copying system is sequentially displayed by the determination function of the CPU 44, and the transparent touch panel 10 provided on the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 56 is displayed.
When pressing operation No. 1 in the external view of the copying system,
It is possible to determine which peripheral device outline has been operated. For this purpose, the CPU 44 manages the peripheral device by determining the peripheral device external view by associating the peripheral device shown in each external view for determining the pressing operation with the position.
Thus, no matter which of the external views in FIG. 17 is combined with the external view of the copying system,
Even if the user always looks at the display and operates the touch panel, the CPU 44 is reliably informed that the instruction regarding the peripheral device in the external view has been input.

[0114]

According to the present invention, the display deciding means decides the display contents including the external view of each device which is being confirmed by the confirmation means from the information stored and managed by the storage management means and displays it on the display unit. Display, until warm-up is complete,
The operation state of the peripheral device can be shown on the display, and the operator can easily understand and grasp it.

In particular, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since all information of the peripheral device is stored in the storage management means in advance, the operation state of the peripheral device can be easily indicated.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, during the warm-up of each device, the confirming means confirms the presence or absence of the connection of the peripheral device stored in the storage management means, and the connected peripheral device The display confirming means confirms and displays the display contents including the external view of each device being confirmed by the confirming means from the information stored and managed by the storage managing means in response to the operation confirmation. In addition, when a peripheral device is added or replaced, there is no need to replace the storage information of the storage management means, and the work efficiency can be improved.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the confirmation unit confirms whether or not the peripheral device stored in the storage management unit is connected during the warm-up of each device, and determines whether the peripheral device is connected. Since the operation of the device is checked, the display information including the external view is taken out from the peripheral device to which the display check means is connected, and the display contents including the external view of each device being checked by the check means are determined and displayed. In addition, it is not necessary to store all information on the peripheral device in the storage management means, and it is sufficient to store the minimum necessary information amount. The remaining information may be stored in the peripheral device itself, and even if a peripheral device is newly added, there is little work to store the information in the storage management means, and work efficiency is improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the information stored in the storage management means includes information relating to the order of display processing, and the display determination means determines the determined display based on the order. Since the contents are sequentially displayed, the operator can sequentially understand what kind of peripheral device is attached to the copying system.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the information stored in the storage management means includes the information on the order of the display processing and the display position, and the display determination means makes the information on the order and the display position. Since the peripheral device is additionally displayed with the external view of the peripheral device based on the information, the external views do not overlap with each other to make it difficult to see.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the image forming apparatus and the peripheral devices are sequentially moved from the side where the original is set to the side where the sheet on which the image is recorded is discharged. Since it is the display order in the processing order,
For the operator, the order of the copying process can be understood at the same time.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the display determining means determines the timing for displaying the display contents related to the peripheral device in accordance with the confirmation of the peripheral device. Since the external view is displayed, it is easy to understand which device is currently being checked.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, if the confirmation means confirms the state of the peripheral device and there is no abnormality, the display confirmation means displays the appearance of the copying system on the display means based on the information on the peripheral device. Since the external view of the peripheral device that forms a part is determined, the external view of the operable peripheral device is sequentially displayed, so that the operator can intuitively grasp the contents and easily understand the contents.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when it is confirmed that the operation of the peripheral device connected to the confirmation means is impossible,
Since the display determination means performs a display indicating the operable peripheral device or the treatment, the operator can easily understand to what level the operation is possible and can take measures.

According to the tenth aspect, the confirmation means includes:
When it is confirmed that the inoperable peripheral device has been restored to an operable state, the display is switched to a display indicating that the peripheral device is operable. By telling things quickly,
Peripheral equipment with the highest processing efficiency can be selected, and work efficiency can be improved.

According to the eleventh aspect, upon completion of the warm-up, the display determining means switches from the first background screen indicating the warm-up to the second background screen indicating the operable state. (1) Since the display of the external view of each device displayed on the background screen is displayed while being maintained, the configuration of the copying system understood by the operator can be easily understood without confusion.

According to the invention of claim 12, since the instruction content deciding means decides the operator's designated position from the display content confirmed and displayed by the display deciding means and its position, the external view at the time of completion of warm-up is included. Even if the display is designated by the operator, the designation can be read. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform setting for position detection on the determined display, and the work efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of a digital copying machine having an operation panel.

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

FIG. 3 is an overall block diagram of the digital copying machine.

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

5 is an enlarged view of a liquid crystal display section of the operation panel in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the CPU causing the liquid crystal display unit to display an image.

FIG. 7 is a screen transition diagram when the external view of the liquid crystal display unit is operated.

FIG. 8 is a screen transition diagram when a duplex copy mode is set.

FIG. 9 is a screen transition diagram of an output mode setting.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a screen that has returned to the screen of the overall external view of the digital copying machine from the output mode setting.

FIG. 11 is another screen transition diagram when the output mode is set.

FIG. 12 is a screen transition diagram when setting paper.

FIG. 13 is a screen transition diagram of an external view of a copying system displayed on a liquid crystal display unit during warm-up of the apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a screen transition diagram following FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a warm-up operation.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing optional peripheral devices that can constitute a copying system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 56 Liquid crystal display device 100 Liquid crystal display unit 101 Touch panel 102 Overall external view 103 Main unit 104 Post-processing unit 105 Paper supply unit 106 to 110 Mode key 112 Icon

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Nobuyuki Ueda 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside (Sharp) (72) Inventor Setsuko Wada 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside the corporation

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that records an input image on a recording material; and a peripheral device attached to the periphery of the image forming apparatus to assist in recording an image. Display means for displaying an image represented by a plurality of dots; storage management means for storing and managing information of display contents including an external view of the connected peripheral device; and warming up each device. Confirmation means for confirming the operation of each device; display decision means for confirming display contents of the peripheral device confirmed by the confirmation means from information stored and managed by the storage management means and displaying the information on the display means An image forming system, comprising: 2. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that records an input image on a recording material; and a peripheral device that is attached to a periphery of the image forming apparatus and assists in recording an image. Display means for displaying an image represented by a plurality of dots; storage management means for storing and managing information of display contents including an external view of a peripheral device which may be connected; and during warm-up of each device. Checking means for checking whether or not a peripheral device stored in the storage management means is connected, and checking the operation of the connected peripheral device; and Display determination means for determining display contents from information stored and managed by the means and displaying the display contents on the display means. Tem. 3. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that records an input image on a recording material; and a peripheral device attached to a periphery of the image forming device to assist in recording an image. The image forming apparatus includes a peripheral device storage management unit that stores and manages information of a display content including a figure, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a display unit that displays an image represented by a plurality of dots, and a peripheral that may be connected. A storage management means for preliminarily setting and storing information relating to the apparatus; and, during warm-up of each apparatus, confirming whether or not a peripheral device stored in the storage management means is connected and connected. Confirmation means for confirming the operation of the peripheral device; and information on the display contents including the external view is taken out from the connected peripheral device, and the peripheral device confirmed by the confirmation means is retrieved. An image forming system comprising: a display deciding unit for deciding display contents of the information and displaying the contents on the display unit. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage management unit includes information on an order of display processing. An image forming system characterized by sequentially displaying determined display contents based on the order. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the information stored in the storage management unit includes information on an order of a display process and a display position, and the display determination is performed. The image forming system displays the image data at a predetermined interval based on the information on the order and the display position. 6. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein the order is such that the image forming apparatus and each peripheral device are discharged from a side on which a document is set to a side on which a sheet on which an image is recorded is discharged. An image forming system in which the images are displayed in the order in which the image forming processing is performed. 7. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display determination unit determines a timing at which display contents regarding the peripheral device are displayed in accordance with confirmation of the peripheral device. Characteristic image forming system. 8. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation unit confirms an operation state of the peripheral device, and if there is no abnormality, the display confirmation unit includes information on the peripheral device. An image forming system characterized in that an external view of a peripheral device constituting a part of the external view of the copying system is determined based on the external view and additionally displayed. 9. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said confirmation means confirms an operation state of said peripheral device and, if there is an abnormality, said display determination means substitutes for said peripheral device. An image forming system for displaying a display indicating another peripheral device or treatment. 10. The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein when the confirming unit confirms that the peripheral device having an abnormal operation has been restored to an operable state, it indicates that the peripheral device is operable. An image forming system characterized by switching to display. 11. The image forming system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the display determination unit switches from a first background screen indicating that warm-up is being performed to a second background screen indicating that warm-up is being completed upon completion of warm-up. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the second background screen maintains the display of the external view of each device displayed on the first background screen. 12. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is arranged on a display element for displaying an image represented by a plurality of dots and on a display surface side of the display element. And a position detecting means for detecting a position of an image displayed on a display element designated by an operator. The image forming apparatus further comprises a position information detected by the position detecting means and a display on the display means. An instruction content deciding means for deciding an image designated by the operator based on the positional relationship of the image being performed, wherein the instruction content deciding means operates from the display content confirmed and displayed by the display deciding means and its position. An image forming system for determining a designated position of a user.