JPH11146110A - Controller of display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration of a displayed picture by displaying alternatives for two pictures and displaying the one picture in the other picture so as to facilitate confirming of a set state and to erase the display when operation is not made for a period longer than a prescribed one. SOLUTION: The picture of a CRT display is constituted of the review of the set state confirmation of a copy mode, execution, information, jam, etc., and a selection mode is divided according to the contents and switch-displayed to select-set a prescribed function by each picture. The picture is divided into a selection area, the display area of the set state of the other mode, a message area, etc., to securely transmit information to a user according to an operating state. In addition, when the change of a state does not occur of a period longer than a prescribed one, the displayed picture is automatically erased to prevent the deterioration of a picture due to burning, and by controlling it so as to recover the display when the state is changed, operability is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for a display device which selectively displays a plurality of screens.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, recording apparatuses such as copying machines have come to utilize advanced control technology and data processing technology by introducing a computer, so that available functions have been diversified. Many and various operations are required for setting the conditions. For operators,
Since there are many types of operations to be learned and the operations are complicated, mistakes in operation procedures and erroneous operations are likely to occur. Therefore, a console panel is employed to make the operation of the operator as easy as possible. The console panel is provided with various key switches for operation selection and operation means such as a numeric keypad, and further provided with display lamps and indicators for displaying selection, setting status, and operation guidance messages by key operation.

[0003] The conventional user interface mainly comprises a console panel on which keys, LEDs and a liquid crystal display are arranged. For example, there is a backlit type or a type with a message display. The backlit console panel is designed to be readable by selectively illuminating a display plate on which a fixed message is arranged at a predetermined position in advance with a lamp or the like from behind, and has a message display. The console panel is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display element and displays various messages as needed without increasing the display area. Which of these console panels is adopted is determined for each copying machine in consideration of the complexity of the system configuration of the copying machine, operability, and the like.

FIG. 72 is a view showing an example of a console panel used in a copying machine, which has already been proposed by the applicant of the present invention (for example, Japanese Patent Application Nos. 62-278655 to 622-2).
No. 78655).

[0005] On the console panel 701, a menu display plate 702 is arranged on the upper part thereof, and the contents of the respective panel portions (703 to 708) are displayed in characters.

[0006] Among them, the sorter panel 703 includes 1
One switch 709 and two display lamps 710 are arranged so that a sorting mode (stack mode and collation mode) when a sorter is connected can be selected.

The function selection panel 704 includes a switch 711 for editing, correcting, and confirming an image, a switch 712 for storing the image in a job memory, a continuous page copying function, a frame erasing function, a binding function, and various other functions. A switch 713 for making a proper copy mode, a switch 714 for making double-sided copy, and a display lamp 715 for displaying the presence or absence of selection of these switches are arranged.

A display lamp 7 indicating the type (color) of the color developer is provided at the top of the panel 705 for monochromatic color emphasis.
15, four switches 716 to 719 and a display lamp 71 for indicating which of the switches 716 to 719 are set are provided in the remaining portion.
0 is arranged. These are a marking color switch 716, a partial color conversion switch 717, a continuous shooting color synthesis switch 718, and a single color switch 719.

A copy density panel 706 has a display lamp 71 indicating which of the five levels of copy density has been selected.
0 and shift keys 720 and 721 for selecting one of these copy densities are arranged. When the upper shift key 720 is pressed, the copy density is set to be lower, and when the lower shift key 721 is pressed, the copy density is set to be higher. The density can be adjusted in, for example, 16 steps. Copy density panel 706
An automatic density adjusting switch 723 is disposed below the switch, and the automatic density display lamp 722 is turned on by operating the switch 723 to enter an automatic density adjusting mode.

A portion for setting and displaying a magnification is disposed on the left side of the magnification / paper selection panel 707, and a portion for selecting a paper is disposed on the right side. Shift keys 724 and 725 for setting an arbitrary magnification and a magnification display section 723 are arranged in a portion for setting and displaying a magnification, and a fixed magnification key 726 and a fixed magnification key 726 for selecting a predetermined fixed magnification are arranged next to them. A magnification display plate 727 and a display lamp 710 are arranged. Eight types of display plates 728 indicating the paper size or the type of paper, and shift keys 729 and 730 for selecting one of them are arranged in a portion for selecting the copy paper.
In addition, a display lamp 710 indicating which paper size or paper is selected is disposed on the left of the eight types of display boards 728. Further, below the magnification / paper selection panel 707, an automatic paper / magnification selection switch 731 for selecting a preset combination of magnification and paper size is arranged.

A display panel 708 located on the right side of the magnification / paper selection panel 707 has a symbol 732 of the copying machine.
And a liquid crystal display unit 733. Pattern 732
Displays the selection state of the supply tray, the location where a paper jam has occurred, and the like by lighting a lamp. The liquid crystal display unit 733 displays various messages in sentences including kanji, and selects functions and sets execution conditions. Do.

Further, below the display panel 708, various keys or buttons are arranged. These are an all clear button 734 for returning the copying machine to the basic state, that is, the priority mode, a numeric keypad 735 used for setting the number of copies, and for inputting numerical values for specifying diagnosis contents when performing the diagnosis of the copying machine. An interrupt button 736 which is used when continuous copying is being performed and another emergency copy needs to be performed. When interrupting copying, setting the number of copies, or setting a sorter bin. Stop clear button 7 used as a clear button
37, start button 7 for starting copy operation
38, a selection key 739 for moving a cursor to a message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 733, a setting key 740 for setting a position designated by the cursor, and the like.

The console panel described above is arranged so that an area for basic operations such as selection of paper and setting of copy density is separated from an area for applied operations such as function selection and monochromatic color emphasis. In addition, by displaying a sentence mixed with kanji and kana on the liquid crystal display unit 733 to assist the application operation, it is devised to reduce the occurrence of errors in the panel operation as much as possible.

In the case of a copying machine, there are a great number of combinations of those having various functions in a main body machine, those equipped with a sorter, an automatic document feeder, a paper tray, an IC card device and the like as additional devices. Become. Of course, the functions that can be used differ depending on these combinations, so the number of switches for selecting functions arranged on the console panel and the processing in the device associated with the operation also differ, and the corresponding indicator lamps Also, the arrangement and the number of the indicators are different.
Therefore, the console panel is designed by determining the arrangement and size of switches and indicators according to the scale of the copying machine.

[0015]

For example, recording apparatuses such as copiers have recently become multifunctional. Therefore, when performing desired image recording, it is necessary to select a desired option, function, or execution condition from many options, functions, or execution conditions. However, in the case of using the conventional console panel as described above, what kind of option is currently selected, what kind of function is selected, and how the execution condition is set are described. It is very troublesome to confirm. Also, while the recording device is not used, the same screen will continue to be displayed on the display,
Displaying the same screen for a long time leads to deterioration of display quality. This is remarkable when a CRT is used as a display. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control device of a display device that can easily confirm a selection state of an option or a setting state of a function or an execution condition, and can prevent deterioration of display image quality. It is.

[0016]

In order to achieve the above object, a control device for a display device according to the present invention has at least a first screen and a second screen. In a control device for a display device for selectively switching and displaying a second screen, at least one option, function or execution condition is displayed on each of the first screen and the second screen. Together with the first screen and the second screen
When at least one of the screens is displayed, a first display control means for displaying a selection state of an option or a setting state of a function or an execution condition on the other screen; When no operation is performed for more than a predetermined time, or when there is no state change for more than a predetermined time in a state where the selected state or the setting state of the function or execution condition is displayed, the selection state of the option, or the setting of the function or execution condition A second display control unit for deleting the display on the display screen including the state, and a first display when a key input or other state change occurs in a state where the display is deleted by the second display control unit. A display restoring means for restoring the display by the control means.

As a plurality of screens which are alternatively displayed by being selected, for example, a basic copy which is selectively displayed on the display by operating the mode selection keys 308 to 310 shown in FIG. There can be three screens: application copy (FIG. 33), specialty copy (FIG. 34).

[0018]

At least one option, function, or execution condition is displayed on each of the first screen and the second screen, and at least one of the first screen and the second screen is displayed. Is displayed, the selection state of the option on the other screen, or the setting state of the function or execution condition is displayed, so that the selection state of the option on the other screen,
Alternatively, it is easy to confirm the setting state of the function or the execution condition. In a state in which the first display control means displays a selection state of an option or a setting state of a function or an execution condition, if no operation is performed for a predetermined time or no state change is performed for a predetermined time or more, the display is performed. Since the display on the display screen including the selection state of the option or the setting state of the function or the execution condition is deleted, deterioration of the display image quality can be prevented. Further, when there is a key input or other state change in a state where the display is erased by the second display control means, the display by the first display control means is restored, so that operability can be improved. it can.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following embodiments, a case where the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described. Prior to the description, a table of contents for the description of the present embodiment is shown. In the following description, (I)
(II) to (II) are sections explaining the outline of the overall configuration of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and (III) is a section explaining the embodiment of the present invention in the configuration.

Table of Contents (I) Outline of Apparatus (I-1) Apparatus Configuration (I-2) Function and Features of System (I-3) System Configuration (I-4) Serial Communication System (I-5) State Division ( II) Specific Configuration of Each Part (II-1) Optical System (II-2) Around the Belt (II-3) Paper Transport System (II-4) Automatic Document Feeder (II-5) Sorter (III) User Interface (U / I) (III-1) Features of user interface (III-2) Configuration of control system (III-3) Configuration of display screen (III-4) Key / LED board and display display circuit (III-5) Various processing in user interface (III-6) Diag mode display method

(I) Overview of Apparatus (I-1) Apparatus Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied. The copying machine to which the present invention is applied can be equipped with some additional devices to the base machine 1. The base machine 1, which is a basic configuration, has a platen glass 2 on which an original is placed. Are arranged, and the respective devices of the optical system 3 and the marking system 5 are arranged below it. On the other hand, the upper tray 6-1, the middle tray 6-2, and the lower tray 6-3 are attached to the base machine 1, and all of these paper feed trays can be pulled out to the front.
This improves the operability and saves the layout space of the copier, and realizes a copier with a cleaner design that does not protrude from the base machine 1. In addition, inverters 9 and 10 and a duplex tray 11 are arranged in a paper transport system 7 for transporting the paper in the paper feed tray. Furthermore, on the base machine 1, CR
A user interface 12 consisting of a T display is attached, and a DADF is placed on the platen glass 2.
(Duplex auto document feeder: automatic double-sided document feeder) 13 is attached. The user interface 12 is of a stand type, on which a card device can be attached.

Next, an additional device of the base machine 1 will be described. Instead of the DADF 13, RDH (recycled document handler: a device for returning a document to an original feed state and automatically repeating document feeding) 15 or a normal ADF
(Auto Document Feeder: Automatic Document Feeder),
Either a platen with an editor pad (coordinate input device) or a platen cover can be attached. Also,
An MSI (multi-sheet inserter: manual feed tray) 16 and an HCF (high capacity feeder: large capacity tray) 17 can be attached to the supply side of the paper transport system 7. One or more sorters 19 can be arranged. DADF1
3 is arranged, the simple catch tray 20 or the sorter 19 can be attached. When the RDH 15 is attached, the offset catch tray 21 in which the copied sets are stacked alternately, the copy is performed. Done 1
A finisher 22 for stapling one set can be attached, and a folder 23 having a paper folding function can be attached.

(I-2) System Function / Features (A) Function This copying machine is fully equipped with various functions corresponding to the needs of the user and fully automates from the entrance to the exit of the copying operation. The interface 12 is characterized in that the selection of functions, the selection of execution conditions, and the display of other menus and the like are performed on a CRT display, so that anyone can easily operate the interface.

As a main function, a display screen is switched on a CRT display to classify the mode into a basic copy, an application copy, and a special copy mode. Is displayed, and the cascade of the screen is moved by key input to select and designate a function or to input execution condition data.

The functions of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied include a main function, an automatic function, an additional function, a display function, a diagnosis function, and the like.

In the main functions, the paper size is A6 to A2,
It can be used not only in the fixed form of B6 to B3 but also in the fixed form, and has a three-stage built-in tray as described above. Also,
7-step fixed magnification and arbitrary magnification adjustment in 1% increments and 99% ~
Fine adjustment in 0.15% increments between 101%. In addition, density selection function in 7 fixed levels and photo mode, double-sided function,
There are left and right independent binding margin setting functions and billing functions in the range of 1 mm to 16 mm.

In the automatic function, paper selection automatically performed in accordance with the document size, magnification selection in the paper specification state, density control, start in fuser ready after power-on, clear performed in a fixed time after copying is completed And power save functions.

Additional functions include composite copying, interruption, preheating mode, clearing the set number, clearing all to the auto mode, information describing the function, a P key for using an IC card, and a maximum lock for limiting the set number. Job program for returning originals and full job recovery using DADF, purging to eject paper other than jammed parts, full-copy without bleeding, editor for partial copy and partial deletion of originals, and job program for calling and processing jobs one by one There are a slip sheet that inserts blank sheets one by one between copies, and a center eraser / frame eraser used for a book.

The display function uses a CRT display or the like to display a jam display, a remaining paper amount display, a remaining toner amount display, a full recovery toner display, a waiting time display until the fuser is warmed up, a function selection inconsistency, and information on the machine state. There are functions such as message display provided to the operator.

The diagnostic functions include initialization of NVRAM, input check, output check, history files such as the number of jams and the number of paper feeds, adjustment of initial values used for process codes around marking and photosensitive material belts, and registration. There are functions such as adjustment of on-timing and configuration setting.

Further, as an option, the colors of MSI, HCF and second deve (red, red,
Blue, green, brown), editors, etc. can be equipped as appropriate.

(B) Features The entire system of a copying machine having the above functions has the following features.

(A) Achieving power saving A 1.5 kVA high-speed, high-performance copier is realized. For this reason, a control method for achieving 1.5 kVA in each operation mode is determined, and power distribution by function for setting a target value is determined. In addition, an energy system table for determining the energy transfer path is created, and management and verification by the energy system are performed.

(B) Reduction in cost In addition to in-house production of high-priced parts to improve technology and standardization, the life of the painting material is improved from the hardware side, and the cost of painting material is reduced by reducing toner consumption.

(C) Improvement of reliability In order to reduce component failures and extend the life, clarify the in / out conditions of each parameter, reduce design defects,
The aim is to realize 0kCV no maintenance.

(D) Achieving High Image Quality The present apparatus employs a method in which toner particles are made fine by using microcarriers made of ferrite, and development is performed using a repulsive magnetic field. As the photoreceptor, a high-sensitivity panchromatic organic light-sensitive material belt formed by coating the organic light-sensitive material in multiple layers is adopted, and a halftone can be expressed by a pictorial mode utilizing a set point.
With these things, generation copy improvement,
The black spots are reduced to achieve unprecedented high image quality.

(E) Improvement of operability A fully automatic mode is provided in which copying is performed in a predetermined mode by operating a start key only by setting an original and inputting the number of copies. Various mode settings can be selected according to the user's request, including the setting of the copy mode based on the divided screen. These user interfaces are performed by a CRT display and a small number of keys and LEDs arranged in correspondence with the screen around the CRT display, so that a mode setting can be made with an easy-to-read display menu and simple operations. In addition, by preliminarily storing the copy mode and its execution condition in a nonvolatile memory or an IC card, it is possible to automate a predetermined operation.

(C) Example of differentiation In the copying machine to which the present invention is applied, the function of the copying machine can be controlled by the program stored in the IC card. Therefore, by changing the program stored in the IC card for each card, it is possible to differentiate the use of the copying machine. This will be described with some easy-to-understand examples.

As a first example, a multi-purpose building is provided with a copier shared by a plurality of companies, or a copier shared by different departments even within one company or factory. Will be described. The latter joint use is necessary for budget control, and in the past, use control of each department was performed using a device such as a copy riser.

In this copying machine, an IC card device, a DADF 13, a sorter 19, a user interface 12, and a supply tray (6-1 to 6-
3) and a copying machine having a relatively advanced system configuration including the duplex tray 11. Some co-users require the DADF 13 and / or the sorter 19, while others do not require any additional equipment.

If a plurality of persons or departments having different usage modes try to determine the cost burden of the copying machine solely from their own copy volumes, those persons or departments who only make low-volume copies are equipped with various additional devices. This makes it difficult to coordinate with people or departments who want to use the copying machine at a high level.

In such a case, an IC card is prepared according to the usage of each person or each section, and the basic cost is increased for the person or section who desires the advanced function, and more What is necessary is just to be able to utilize the function. For example, the owner of the most advanced IC card operates the copying machine with the IC card set in the IC card device, thereby obtaining the DADF 13, the sorter 19, the supply trays (6-1 to 6-3) and the duplex tray. 11 can be used freely, and office efficiency can be improved. On the other hand, a person who does not need to sort copy sheets can save costs by setting an IC card that lacks a sorting program and using only the catch tray 20.

As a second example, a case in which a copy trader operates a self-copy service shop with an IC card will be described. In the store, a plurality of copying machines are arranged, and an IC card device 22 is attached to each of them. The customer requests an IC card according to the service mode, sets it in a desired copying machine, and makes a copy by self-service. A customer who is unfamiliar with the copying machine requests an IC card provided with a display function of an operation explanation as a program, and by setting the IC card, various operation information can be displayed on the UI 12.
The copying operation can be executed without fail. DAD
Whether to use F13, whether to execute multicolor recording, and the like can be determined by the IC card to be lent, and the type of use can be restricted, so that customers who are charged can be managed. Further, since the actual copy operation such as the number of copies and the size of the used copy paper can be written on the IC card, billing can be easily performed, and detailed services such as discounting copy fees for regular customers can be performed. .

As a third example, a service using an IC card storing a program for a specific user will be described. For example, when examining patent publications that have been reduced by photoengraving, patent offices need to make copies that are the same as the original size, so there is a job of making copies at a relatively large magnification of 200%. Also, when preparing a drawing to be submitted to a government office, work to reduce or enlarge the original drawing in small steps is performed to meet the request. In addition, in departments that copy resident's cards such as city halls or ward offices, copies of image information of places that are not covered by claims and information that should be kept secret in order to protect personal privacy are copied. And make an abstract.

As described above, depending on the user (user),
There is a demand for using a copying machine in a special use mode. If the functions of the copying machine are set so as to satisfy all such requirements, the console panel becomes complicated and the ROM inside the copying machine becomes large. Therefore, I
By preparing a C card and setting it, it is possible to realize a copying machine having a function most suitable for the user.

For example, in the case of a patent office, by purchasing a dedicated IC card, a fixed magnification of 200% can be easily selected in addition to the usual several kinds of reduced magnifications. Also, within the range where fine adjustment is required, it is possible to set the reduction ratio in increments of, for example, 1%. In addition, the resident card issuance department can indicate the type of resident card and the fields and items to be deleted on the display such as the liquid crystal display by operating keys such as numeric keys, and then the start button is pressed. By pressing, only the desired range of the original is copied, or only the necessary portion is edited and recorded.

(I-3) Configuration of Electric System Control System for Copying Machine FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a subsystem of the copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration by a CPU.

The copier system to which the present invention is applied is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 2, there are four subsystems including a SQMGR subsystem 32, a CHM subsystem 33, an IMM subsystem 34, and a marking subsystem 35 on a main board 31, and a U / I subsystem 36 around the subsystem.
It is composed of nine subsystems including five subsystems including an INPUT subsystem 37, an OUTPUT subsystem 38, an OPT subsystem 39, and an IEL subsystem 40. In contrast to the SQMGR subsystem 32, the CHM subsystem 33 and the IMM subsystem 34 are executed together with the SQMGR subsystem 32 by software under the main CPU 41 shown in FIG. Are connected by an interface (shown by a solid line). However, the other subsystems have a separate C from the main CPU 41.
Since it is executed by software under the PU, it is connected by a serial communication interface (shown by dotted lines).
Next, these subsystems will be described briefly.

The SQMGR subsystem 32 receives the copy mode setting information from the U / I subsystem 36,
Issuing work instructions to each subsystem while synchronizing the subsystems so that copying work can be performed efficiently, constantly monitoring the status of each subsystem, and performing quick status judgment processing when an error occurs. It is a sequence manager.

The CHM subsystem 33 is a subsystem that controls a sheet storage tray, a duplex tray, and a manual tray, controls feed of copy sheets, and controls a purge operation of copy sheets.

The IMM subsystem 34 is a subsystem that performs panel division on the photosensitive belt, control of running / stopping of the photosensitive belt, control of the main motor, and other controls around the photosensitive belt.

The marking subsystem 35 is a subsystem for controlling the potential of the corotron, the exposure lamp, the developing device, the potential of the photosensitive material belt, and the toner density.

The U / I subsystem 36 is a subsystem that performs all control of the user interface, display of machine status, job management such as determination of a copy mode, and job recovery.

The INPUT subsystem 37 includes an automatic document feeder (DADF), a semi-automatic document feeder (SADF),
Large-size (A2) original feed (LDC), computer form original feed (CFF), automatic two-sheet original feed (2-UP) control, original automatic repeat feed (RD)
H) is a subsystem for controlling the document size and detecting the document size.

The OUTPUT subsystem 37 is a subsystem that controls a sorter and a finisher, outputs copies in sorting, stacking, and non-sorting modes, and outputs bound copies.

The OPT subsystem 39 performs scanning, lens movement, shutter, PIS / NON-
A subsystem that controls the PIS and moves the carriage in the LDC mode.

The IEL subsystem 40 is a subsystem for erasing an unnecessary image on the photosensitive material belt, erasing the leading and trailing edges of the image, and erasing the image according to the editing mode.

The above system has seven CPUs shown in FIG.
As a core, which makes it possible to flexibly cope with a combination of the base machine 1 and additional devices surrounding the same. Here, the main CPU 41 is located on the main board of the base machine 1 and is in the SQMGR subsystem 3.
2, CHM subsystem 33, IMM subsystem 34
CPU 4 through the serial bus 53
2 to 47. These CPUs 42 to 47
There is a one-to-one correspondence with each subsystem connected by the serial communication interface shown in FIG. The serial communication is performed by setting the main CPU 41 and the other CPUs 42 to 4 according to a predetermined timing with 100 msec as one communication cycle.
7 is performed. Therefore, for signals that require strict timing mechanically and cannot be synchronized with the timing of serial communication, an interrupt port (INT terminal signal) is provided in each CPU, and an interrupt is issued by a hot line different from the serial bus 53. It is processed. That is, for example, 64 cpm (A4LEF), 309 m
If a copy operation is performed at a process speed of m / sec and the control accuracy of the register is set to ± 1 mm, a job that cannot be processed in the communication cycle of 100 msec as described above occurs. A hotline is required to guarantee the execution of such a job.

Accordingly, in this copier, various types of additional devices can be installed, and a system configuration corresponding to each of these additional devices can be adopted for software.

One of the reasons for adopting such a configuration is as follows.
(I) If the operation control programs for all of these additional devices are prepared in the base machine 1, the memory capacity required for this becomes enormous. Also, (II) developing new additional equipment in the future,
When the current additional equipment is improved, the base machine 1
This is because these additional devices can be used without exchanging or adding a ROM (Read Only Memory) in the device.

For this reason, the base machine 1 has a basic storage area for controlling the basic part of the copying machine and an additional storage area for storing a program fetched together with the function information from the IC card. In the additional storage area, DAD
F13 control program, user interface 12
Various programs, such as a control program, are stored. Then, the IC card is inserted into the IC card device 22 with the predetermined additional device attached to the base machine 1.
Is set, the program necessary for the copying operation is read out through the user interface 12 and loaded into the additional storage device. The loaded program controls the copy operation in cooperation with the program written in the basic storage area or with a priority over the program. The memory used here is a nonvolatile memory composed of a random access memory backed up by a battery. Of course, other storage media such as an IC card, a magnetic card, and a floppy disk can be used as the nonvolatile memory. In this copying machine, in order to reduce the burden of operation by an operator, setting of image density and magnification can be preset, and the preset values are stored in a nonvolatile memory. ing.

(I-4) Serial Communication System FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transfer data structure and transmission timing of serial communication, and FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a mutual communication interval in one communication cycle.

The main CPU 41 and each CPU (42 to 4)
7), the serial communication between
A data amount as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, in the case of a user interface, the transmission data TX from the main CPU 41 is 7 bytes, the reception data RX is 15 bytes, and the transmission timing ti to the next slave, that is, the optical CPU 45 (FIG. c)) indicates 26 msec. According to this example, the total traffic is 86 bytes,
At a communication speed of 9600 BPS, the cycle is about 100 msec. The data length is a header, as shown in FIG.
It consists of commands and data. FIG.
When the transmission and reception according to the maximum data length are performed, the entire communication cycle is as shown in FIG. here,
From the communication speed of 9600 BPS, the time required for transmission of one byte is 1.2 msec, the time from the end of reception of the slave to the start of transmission is 1 msec, and as a result, 100 msec is defined as one communication cycle.

(I-5) State Division FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state division of the main system.
The state division divides the state after power ON from the copy operation and the state after the end of the copy operation into several parts, determines jobs to be performed in each state, and shifts to the next state if all the jobs in each state are not completed. In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of control by avoiding this, a flag is determined for each state, and each subsystem refers to this flag to determine which state the main system Know what to do and judge what to do. Each subsystem is also divided into states, and a flag is similarly determined corresponding to each state. The main system refers to the flag and grasps and manages the state of each subsystem.

First, when the power is turned on, the state of the processor is initialized, and it is determined whether the mode is the diagnostic mode or the user mode (copy mode). The diagnostic mode is used by service personnel for repairs, etc.
Various tests are performed based on the conditions set in the AM.

In the initialization state in the user mode, initialization is performed based on the contents of the NVRAM.
For example, set the carriage to the home position and the lens to magnification 100
Set to the% position, and issue an initialization command to each subsystem. When the initialization ends, the state transits to standby.

The standby state is a state until all subsystems have completed the initial setting and the start button is pressed, and the display of "Please wait" is displayed on the fully automatic screen. Then, the Colt lamp is turned on to perform the fuser idle rotation for a predetermined time, and when the fuser reaches a predetermined control temperature, the U / I displays a message "Copying is possible" with a message. This standby state is a time period of about several tens of seconds at the first power ON.

The setup is a preparatory state of copying in which the start button is pressed and activated, the main motor and the sorter motor are driven, and the VDDP of the photosensitive belt is set.
Adjustment of constants such as ADF motor is ON
Then, the first original feed starts, the first original reaches the registration gate, and the original size is detected.
In the S mode, the tray and the magnification are determined, and the ADF document is laid on the platen. Then, the second document of the ADF is sent out to the registration gate, and a transition is made to cycle-up.

The cycle up is a state in which the belt is divided into several pitches to perform panel management, and the first panel reaches a get park point. That is, the pitch is determined in accordance with the copy mode, and the optical subsystem is informed of the magnification and the lens is moved. Then, the copy mode is notified to the CHM subsystem and the IMM subsystem, and when the magnification set is recognized, the scan length is determined based on the magnification and the paper size, and the optical subsystem is notified. Then, the copy mode is notified to the marking subsystem, and when the start of the marking subsystem is completed, the panel L / E determined by the pitch is checked by the IMM subsystem, and the first copy panel is found, and is set at the get park point. When it reaches, it becomes get park ready and enters the cycle.

The cycle is a state where the copy operation is being performed, and
(Automatic Density Control), AE (Automat
ic Exposure), the copy operation is repeated while performing DDP control and the like. When R / L = counted number of sheets, the document is exchanged. When this operation is performed for a predetermined number of sheets, a coincidence signal is output and the cycle starts.

The cycle down includes a carriage scan,
This is a state in which paper feed, etc., is completed, and after the copy operation is completed, each corotron, developing machine, etc. are turned off, and panel management is performed so that the next panel after the last used panel stops at the stop park position and specified. Only the panels are used to prevent fatigue.

After the cycle down, the operation returns to the normal standby mode. However, when the copying operation is performed in the platen mode and the start key is pressed again, the operation returns to the setup mode. If a cycle-down factor such as a jam occurs even from setup and cycle-up, the state transitions to cycle-down.

The purge is a state in which a paper jam has occurred, and when the paper that caused the paper jam is removed, other papers are automatically discharged. Normally, when a jam occurs, the state transitions from any state to cycle down → standby → purge. Then, a transition is made to standby or set-up due to the purge end, but if a jam occurs again, a transition to cycle down occurs.

The belt-down occurs when a jam occurs on the tray side from the tacking point. When the belt drive is stopped by releasing the belt clutch, the paper before the belt can be discharged.

In the hard down mode, the 24 V power supply is cut off in a state where the interlock is opened and a dangerous state occurs, or a machine clock failure occurs and the control becomes impossible. Then, when these belt down and hard down factors are removed, the state shifts to standby.

(II) Specific Configuration of Each Part (II-1) Optical System FIG. 7A is a schematic side view of the optical system, FIG. 7B is a plan view, and FIG. It is an X direction side view.

The scanning exposure apparatus 3 of this embodiment exposes an image on the photosensitive material at a speed higher than the moving speed of the photosensitive material belt 4.
An IS (precession imaging system) method is employed, and a method is employed in which the second scanning system B is fixed and the first scanning system A is independently movable. That is, the first scanning system A includes a first carriage 101 having an exposure lamp 102 and a first mirror 103, and a second carriage 105 having a second mirror 106 and a third mirror 107, and is mounted on the platen glass 2. The placed document is scanned. On the other hand, the second scanning system B includes a third carriage 109 having a fourth mirror 110 and a fifth mirror 111, and a fourth carriage 1 having a sixth mirror 113.
12 are provided. A lens 108 is disposed on the optical axis of the third mirror 107 and the fourth mirror 110,
It is moved by a lens motor according to the magnification, but is fixed during scanning exposure.

The first scanning system A and the second scanning system B
Are driven by a carriage motor 114 which is a DC servo motor. Output shaft 11 of carriage motor 114
5, transmission shafts 116 and 117 are provided on both sides of the output shaft 1.
15 and the transmission shaft 1
16, a timing pulley 116a fixed to 117,
Timing belts 119a and 119b are stretched between 117a. A capstan pulley 116b is fixed to the transmission shaft 116, and a first wire cable 121a is stretched between the driven rollers 120a and 120b arranged opposite to the capstan pulley 116b. When the first carriage 101 is fixed, the wire cable 121a is wound around a reduction pulley 122a provided on the second carriage 105, and when the carriage motor 114 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, The first carriage 101 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow at the speed V1, and the second carriage 105 moves in the same direction at the speed V1 / 2.

The timing pulley 117b fixed to the transmission shaft 117 and the transmission shaft 1
A timing belt 119c is stretched between the 23 timing pulleys 123a, and a second wire cable 121b is stretched between the capstan pulley 123b of the transmission shaft 123 and the driven roller 120c arranged opposite thereto. I have. The fourth wire is attached to the wire cable 121b.
While the carriage 112 is fixed, the wire cable 121b is wound around a reduction pulley 122b provided on the third carriage 109, and the carriage motor 1
When the camera 14 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow, the fourth carriage 112 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow at the speed V2, and the third carriage 109 moves in the same direction at the speed V2 / 2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the transmission shaft 117 is provided with a PIS clutch 125 (electromagnetic clutch) for transmitting the rotation of the timing pulley 117a to the timing pulley 117b. When the energization of the clutch 125 is turned off, it is engaged, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 115 is transmitted to the transmission shafts 117 and 123. Further, when the PIS clutch 125 is energized and released, the rotation of the rotation shaft 115 is not transmitted to the transmission shafts 117 and 123. FIG. 7 (c)
As shown in the figure, on the side surface of the timing pulley 116a,
An engagement protrusion 126a is provided, and when the LDC lock solenoid 127 is turned on, the engagement piece 126b is
, The transmission shaft 116 is fixed, that is, the first scanning system A is fixed, and the LDC lock switch 129 is turned on. Further, an engagement protrusion 130a is provided on a side surface of the timing pulley 123a, and when the PIS lock solenoid 131 is turned on, the engagement piece 130b is engaged with the engagement protrusion 130a to fix the transmission shaft 123, that is, to perform the second scan. The system B is fixed, and the PIS lock switch 132 is turned on.

In the scanning exposure apparatus configured as described above, the exposure method of the PIS mode or the NON-PIS mode is selected by releasing the engagement of the PIS clutch 125. P
In the IS mode, for example, when the magnification is 65% or more, the PIS clutch 125 is engaged to move the second scanning system B at the speed V2, thereby moving the exposure point of the photosensitive material belt 4 in the opposite direction to the photosensitive material. The number of copies per unit time is increased by making the scanning speed V1 of the optical system relatively higher than the process speed VP. At this time, if the magnification is M, V1 = V
P × 3.5 / (3.5M−1), M = 1, VP = 308.9m
Assuming m / s, V1 = 432.5 mm / s. Also, V2
Is determined by the diameters of the timing pulleys 117b and 123a, and V2 = (1/3 to 1/4) V1. On the other hand, N
In the ON-PIS mode, in order to prevent an increase in the speed of the scanning system and an increase in the illumination power at the time of reduction and to suppress power consumption, for example, in the case of 64% or less, PIS
By releasing the clutch 125 and turning on the PIS lock solenoid, the second scanning system B is fixed, the exposure point is fixed and scanning is performed, and the load on the driving system and the increase in original illumination power are avoided, and 1.5 kVA is realized. It contributes to.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the lens 108 is slidably mounted on a support shaft 136 fixed to a lens carriage 135 disposed below the platen glass 2. Lens 108 is a wire (not shown)
Is connected to the lens motor Z137 by rotation of the lens motor Z137.
The magnification is changed by moving in the Z direction (vertical direction in the figure) along 36. The lens carriage 135 is slidably mounted on a support shaft 139 on the base side and connected to a lens motor X140 by a wire (not shown). The rotation of the lens motor X140 causes the lens carriage 135 to support the lens carriage 135. The magnification is changed by moving in the X direction (horizontal direction in the figure) along 139. These lens motors 137 and 140 are four-phase stepping motors. When the lens carriage 135 moves, the small gear 142 provided on the lens carriage 135 rotates along the cloud-shaped surface of the lens cam 143, whereby the large gear 144 rotates, and the second gear via the wire cable 145.
The mounting base 146 of the scanning system is moved. Therefore, the distance between the lens 108 and the second scanning system B can be set for a predetermined magnification by rotating the lens motor X140.

Further, as shown in FIG.
08 is provided with a lens shutter 147 on one side surface.
The shutter solenoid 1 is provided so as to be openable and closable by 48.
By turning on / off 49, the lens shutter 147 is opened during the image scanning, and closed when the image scanning is completed. The purpose of blocking light by the lens shutter 147 is to form a DDP patch and an ADC patch on the belt photosensitive material, and to prevent the image from being erased when the second scanning system B returns in the PIS mode.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of a subsystem of the optical system. Optical CPU45
Is connected to the main CPU 41 by serial communication and a hot line, and controls each carriage, lens, and the like in order to form a latent image on a photosensitive material in a copy mode transmitted from the main CPU 41. The control power supply 152 is for logic (5 V) and analog (± 1
5V), a solenoid, and a clutch (24V). The motor power supply 153 is 38V.

The carriage registration sensor 155 is arranged so as to correspond to the registration position of the first mirror 101, and outputs a signal when the actuator attached to the first scanning system A depresses the carriage registration sensor 155. This signal is sent to the optical CPU 45 to determine a position or timing for performing registration, or to determine a home position P when the first scanning system A returns. Further, a first home sensor 156a and a second home sensor 156b are provided for detecting the position of the carriage, and the first home sensor 156a is provided.
Is located at a predetermined position between the registration position and the stop position of the first scanning system A, detects the position of the first scanning system A, and outputs a signal. Also, the second home sensor 156b is
It detects the position of the scanning system and outputs a signal.

The rotary encoder 157 has an A phase shifted by 90 ° according to the rotation angle of the carriage motor 114,
This type outputs a B-phase pulse signal. For example, the axis pitch of the timing pulley of the first scanning system is designed to be 0.1571 mm / pulse at 200 pulses / rotation. The power-magnifying solenoid 159 moves the power-magnifying lens (not shown) in the vertical direction under the control of the CPU 45, and confirms the movement of the power-magnifying lens by the on / off operation of the power-magnifying switch 161. The lens home sensors 161 and 162 are connected to the lens X
It is a sensor that detects the home position of the motor 140 and the lens Z motor 137. LDC lock solenoid 12
Reference numeral 7 denotes a device for fixing the first scanning system A at a predetermined position under the control of the CPU 45, and the locking is confirmed by the LDC lock switch 129. The PIS lock solenoid 131 fixes the second scanning system B when the PIS clutch 125 is released in the NON-PIS mode, and confirms that the second scanning system B has been locked by the PIS lock switch 132. The PIS clutch 125 is of a type that disengages the clutch when energized and engages the clutch when not energized.
It contributes to the realization of kVA.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show control of the scan cycle of the optical system. This control scans the first scanning system A at a specified magnification and scan length, and starts scanning from a hot line. Fires when a signal is received. From the scan length data received from the main, an image scan count, which is the count number of the encoder clock from the interruption of the registration sensor to the end of the scan, is calculated. First, after setting reference clock data corresponding to the magnification, the carriage motor is rotated in the scanning direction (CW) in step 2 to perform acceleration control during scanning (step 3). Next, in step 4, the mode is set to the PLL (phase control) mode. If there is an interrupt signal for turning off the registration sensor in step 5, image scanning is started, and when the count number of the encoder clock becomes equal to or more than the value corresponding to the scan length (step 5). 6) Release the PLL mode, set the speed mode, and rotate the carriage motor in the return direction (CCW). Then, step 8
It is determined whether or not there is an interruption from CW to CCW (reverse rotation signal) in step (3). If so, acceleration control at the time of return is performed (step 9), and if the count number of the encoder reaches a preset brake start point, (Step 10), deceleration control at the time of return is performed (Step 11), and if there is a reverse rotation signal again, the carriage motor is stopped (Step 1).
2). Also, as shown in (b), a count number for turning on (opening) the shutter is set, and the shutter is opened when the encoder clock number is equal to or greater than the shutter on count, and the encoder clock number is greater than the shutter off count. The shutter is closed with the shutter to end the image scan.

(II-2) Belt rotation The belt rotation consists of an imaging system and a marking system.

The imaging system is the IMM subsystem 34
And writes and deletes latent images.
The marking system is managed by the marking subsystem 35, and performs charging, exposure, surface potential detection, development, transfer, and the like. In this copier, the IMM subsystem 34 and the marking subsystem 35 cooperate with each other in order to achieve high-speed copying and high image quality by performing panel management and patch formation on the belt as described below. Moving.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the belt rotation. An organic photosensitive material belt 4 is disposed in the base machine 1. Since the organic photosensitive material belt forms the photosensitive material by coating the charge generating layer and the transfer layer on any number of layers, it has a greater degree of freedom than the photosensitive drum that forms the photosensitive material by depositing Se. Therefore, the cost can be reduced, and the space around the belt can be increased, thereby facilitating the layout.

On the other hand, since the belt expands and contracts, and the diameter of the roll also changes due to the temperature difference, a belt hole is provided at a fixed distance from the belt seam, this is detected, and the rotation speed of the main motor is adjusted. A corresponding machine pulse is generated by an encoder to form a machine clock, and the machine clock of one rotation is constantly counted, so that a pitch signal serving as a reference for starting a carriage and timing of a registration gate are corrected in accordance with expansion and contraction of a belt.

The length of the organic photosensitive material belt 4 in the present apparatus is
It is 1 m or more, and four A4 size sheets and three A3 size sheets are placed, but it is determined that the panel (image forming area formed on the belt) must not always be managed because the belt has seams. Panel cannot be copied. for that reason,
Determine the position of the panel based on the belt hole provided at a fixed distance from the seam, determine the number of panels (number of pitches) on the belt according to the copy mode specified by the user, the paper size, and press the start button. A signal is issued when the panel which is first pressed to make a copy comes to the position of the get park near the roll 201 to signal that a copy can be made therefrom.

The organic photosensitive material belt 4 is uniformly charged by a charge corotron (charging device) 211 and is driven at a constant speed in the clockwise direction in the figure. When the first panel comes a fixed time before the registration (exposed portion) 231, a pitch signal is output, and the timing of carriage scanning and paper feed is set based on this signal. The surface of the belt charged by the charge corotron 211 is exposed at an exposure portion 231. A light image of a document placed on the platen glass 2 arranged on the upper surface of the base machine 1 is incident on the exposure point 231. For this purpose, an exposure lamp 102, a plurality of mirrors 101 to 113 for transmitting reflected light of the original surface illuminated by the exposure lamp 102, and an optical lens 108 are arranged. Of these, the mirror 101 is used for reading the original. Be scanned. The mirrors 110, 111, and 113 constitute a second scanning optical system, which is called a PIS. Since there is a limit to increasing the process speed, the copy speed can be increased without increasing the process speed. Then, the second scanning optical system is scanned in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the belt to increase the relative speed so as to achieve a maximum of 64 sheets / min (CPM).

An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the document is formed on the organic photosensitive material belt 4 based on the image information exposed in a slit shape at the exposure portion 231. After an unnecessary image or erasing between images or side erasing is performed by an IEL (inter-image lamp) 215, the electrostatic latent image is usually developed with a black toner developing device 216 or a color toner developing device 217.
And a toner image is created. The toner image moves with the rotation of the organic photosensitive material belt 4 and passes near a pre-transfer corotron (transfer device) 218 and a transfer corotron 220. The pre-transfer corotron 218 is used to weaken the electrical adhesion of the toner by applying an alternating current to facilitate the movement of the toner.
Further, since the belt is formed of a transparent material, the belt is irradiated with light from the back side by a pre-transfer lamp 225 (also used for erasing) before the transfer to further weaken the electrical adhesion of the toner, and the transfer is performed. Make it easier.

On the other hand, the copy paper accommodated in the supply tray of the base machine 1 or the copy paper manually fed along the manual feed tray 16 is sent out by a feed roll, guided to the conveyance path 501, and fed to the organic photosensitive material. It passes between the belt 4 and the transfer corotron 220. Paper feed is basically LEF (Long Edge Feed)
The registration gate is opened and closed so that the leading edge of the sheet and the exposure start position coincide at the tacking point, and the toner image is transferred onto the copy sheet. Then, the paper and the photosensitive material belt 4 are peeled off by the detack corotron 221 and the strip finger 222, and the copy paper after the transfer passes between the heat roll 232 and the pressure roll 233 and is heat-fixed. And is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown).

The photosensitive material belt 4 from which the copy paper has been peeled is easily cleaned by the pre-clean corotron 224, unnecessary charges are erased by light irradiation from the back by the lamp 225, and unnecessary toner, dust, etc. are removed by the blade 226. Is scraped off.

A patch is formed between the images on the belt 4 by a patch generator 212, and the electrostatic potential of the patch portion is detected by an ESV sensor 214 for density adjustment. As described above, the belt 4 is provided with a hole, and the belt hole sensor 213 detects the hole to detect the belt speed, thereby controlling the process speed. An ADC (Auto Density Control) sensor 219 compares the amount of reflected light from the toner on the patch portion with the amount of reflected light when there is no toner to detect the degree of toner adhesion, and the pop sensor 223 removes the paper. It has detected that it has been wrapped around the belt without the need.

FIG. 12 shows how panels are divided on the photosensitive material belt 4. Since the belt 4 has the seam portion 251, an image is not placed on the belt 4, and a belt hole 252 is provided at a position at a fixed distance 1 from the seam portion.
For example, when the circumference is 1158 mm, 1 is 70 mm. 253 and 254 in the figure are the first and last panels when the photosensitive material belt surface is divided into N pitches.
Is the panel length, D is the pitch length of the panel, 289.5 mm for 4-pitch division and 386 m for 3-pitch division
m, 579 mm in case of two pitch division. Seam 25
1 is LE (Lead Edge) of panel 253 and panel 2
A = 54 so that it is in the center with TE (Tail Edge)
B / 2. Note that the LE of the panel needs to match the LE of the sheet, but the TE does not always match, and matches the maximum sheet TE applicable to the panel.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing the functions of the IMM subsystem. IMM subsystem 34
The outline of the function is that serial communication with the IEL subsystem 40 is performed by a bus line, an interrupt signal is sent by a hot line to perform high-precision control, image formation is managed, and the marking subsystem 3 is controlled.
5. A control signal is sent to the CHM subsystem 33 to control around the belt.

Further, the main motor is controlled by detecting the holes opened in the organic photosensitive material belt 4, and the panel formation position is determined to perform the panel management. In a low-temperature environment, the fuser is rotated idle to maintain the fixing roll at a predetermined temperature so that quick copying can be performed. When the start key is pressed, the system enters the setup state. Prior to copying, adjustment of constants such as VDDP is performed, and when the copy cycle starts, the edges of the front and rear edges of the image are erased based on the document size. Form an image area. Further, a patch for toner density adjustment is formed by forming a patch in the inter-image area. Further, when a hard down cause such as a jam cause or a belt failure is detected, the belt is stopped or the machine is stopped by communicating with the sequence manager.

Next, input / output signals and operation of the IMM subsystem will be described. Black toner bottle 26
1. The detection signal of the toner in the color toner bottle 262 is input, and the remaining amount of toner is detected.

The optical registration sensor 155 outputs an IMM
An optical registration signal serving as a reference for a PG request signal, a bias request signal, and an ADC request signal output from the subsystem to the marking subsystem is input.

The original size is input from the platen original size sensors S6 to S10, and the IE
The application area according to L215 is determined.

A belt hole signal is input from the belt hole sensor 213, and the process speed is controlled by the main motors 264 and 265 to correct for variations in the time the belt makes one revolution. Two main motors are provided so that they can be operated at an efficient operating point.
The regenerative braking by the motor is performed so that the power of the motor can be efficiently output in accordance with the state of the load, the power is effectively used, and the stop position accuracy is improved. Also, the motor can perform reverse drive. This is because if cleaning is performed by bringing the blade into close contact with the photosensitive material belt, paper dust and toner residue accumulate on the front side of the blade, and this is removed. The belt drive by the motor is performed via a belt clutch 267, and only the belt can be selectively stopped. A pulse is generated from the encoder in synchronization with the rotation of the motor, and the pulse is used as a machine clock to obtain a machine clock corresponding to the belt speed.

If a hole cannot be detected for a predetermined time by the belt hole sensor 213 or the size of the hole has changed, this is transmitted from the IMM to the sequence manager and the machine is stopped.

The IMM subsystem performs serial communication with the IEL subsystem 40 and sends an interrupt signal through a hot line.
An L black band signal is transmitted. Unnecessary images are erased by the IEL image signal, and the patch generator 2 is converted by the IEL subsystem 40 by the ADC patch signal.
The shape and area of the patch region formed in step 12 are defined, and the amount of charge is adjusted to adjust the electrostatic potential to a constant potential of 500 to 600V. IEL black band signal is blade 2
In order to prevent the belt 4 from being damaged by the belt 26, a black band is formed between the images at predetermined intervals so that the toner adheres to the belt 4 so as to act as a kind of lubricant. When the amount is extremely small, the belt 4 is not damaged even in the case of copying.

Further, the IMM communicates with the marking subsystem 35 by a hot line, and sends out a patch formation request signal, a bias request signal, and an ADC request signal based on the optical registration signal. In response to this, the marking subsystem 35 drives the patch generator 212 to form a patch, and also drives the ESV sensor 214 to detect an electrostatic potential.
6, 217 are driven to form a toner image. In addition, drive control of the pre-transfer corotron 218, the transfer corotron 220, and the detack corotron 221 is performed.

A pitch reset signal 1 is sent from the IMM, and the carriage is started based on this signal.

Further, a detection signal as to whether or not the color developing unit is mounted is input to detect whether the toner of the developing unit is black or color.

A registration gate trigger signal is sent from the IMM to the CHM subsystem 33 to control the sheet so that the leading edge of the image coincides with the leading end of the image at the tacking point. The correction amount is calculated and sent.

The toner scraped off by the blade 226 is collected in a collected toner bottle 268, and a detection signal of the amount of toner in the bottle is input to the IMM so that an alarm is issued when the amount exceeds a predetermined amount.

The IMM drives the fan motor 263 to prevent an abnormal temperature rise, so that the environmental temperature is within the allowable temperature range and a copy of stable image quality can be obtained.

FIG. 14 shows a timing chart. The reference time for the control is the position of the optical registration sensor. After a predetermined time (T1) of the optical registration sensor ON / OFF signal, the IEL is turned off. That is, T1
Until T2, the front end is erased, and after T2, it is turned on and the rear end is erased. In this manner, the image is formed by the IEL image signal, and the leading edge of the sheet at the tacking point is made to coincide with the leading edge of the image by controlling the timing of the registration gate. After completion of image formation, an ADC patch signal is generated by a patch generator request signal (T5 after the reference time), and a patch is formed on the inter image. After the patch formation, a bias request signal is issued (after T6) to perform development, and then an ADC request signal is issued (after T7) to detect the toner density. Further, a black band is formed in the inter image by the black band signal. AE (Auto Exp)
osure) During scanning, the IEL image signal is not turned on / off.

(II-3) Paper transport system In FIG. 15, the upper tray 6-1 is used as a paper tray.
A middle tray 6-2, a lower tray 6-3, and a duplex tray 11 are provided in the base machine, and a high-capacity tray (HCF) 17 and a manual tray (MSI) 16 are optionally provided on the side. A paperless sensor, a size sensor, a clutch and the like are appropriately provided. Here, the no paper sensor is
The size sensor is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the supply tray, and the size sensor is a sensor for determining the size of copy paper stored in the tray. The clutch is a component for controlling on / off of driving of each paper feed roll. As described above, by allowing copy paper of the same size to be set in a plurality of supply trays, when one copy tray runs out of copy paper, copy paper of the same size is automatically fed from another supply tray. .

The copy paper is fed by a dedicated feed motor, and a step motor is used as the feed motor. Whether or not the copy sheet is normally fed is detected by the feed sensor. A gate solenoid is used for registration for aligning the leading edge of the copy sheet once sent. The gate solenoid is different from a normal solenoid of this type in that the gate is opened at the time of energization so that a copy sheet is passed. Therefore, in a standby state in which no copy paper arrives, power is not supplied to the gate solenoid, and the gate is kept open to reduce power consumption. The gate solenoid is energized slightly before the arrival of the copy sheet, and the gate is closed to prevent passage. After a while
When the conveyance of the copy sheet is restarted at a predetermined timing, the power supply is stopped and the gate is opened. By performing such control, the position of the gate is less likely to fluctuate when the leading edge of the copy sheet is blocked from passing. Can be done accurately.

When copying is performed again in the duplex mode in which copying is performed on both sides of a sheet or in the combining mode in which copying is performed a plurality of times on the same side, the sheet is guided to a transport path stacked on the duplex tray 11. In the case of the double-sided mode, the sheets are stacked directly on the duplex tray 11 from the transport path.
In the case of the combination mode, the sheet is once conveyed from the conveyance path to the combination mode inverter 10, and then reversed and guided to the duplex tray 11. A gate 503 is provided at a branch point between the paper discharge outlet 502 from the transport path 501 to a sorter and the duplex tray 11 side, and a transport path is provided at a branch point leading to the synthesis mode inverter 10 on the duplex tray 11 side. Gates 505 and 506 for switching are provided.
02 has a gate 507 and a triroll inverter 9
, So that the copied surface can be ejected with the front side facing.

The upper tray and the middle tray have a large number of sheets.
About 500 sheets, A3-B5, legal, letter, special B4,
This is a tray capable of storing 11 × 17 paper sizes. And, as shown in FIG. 16, a tray motor 551 is provided,
When the number of sheets is reduced, the tray 552 is inclined. The sensors include three paper size sensors 553 to 555 for detecting the paper size, a no-paper sensor 556 for detecting the out of paper, and a surface control sensor 557 used for adjusting the tray height. There is also an emergency switch 558 for preventing the tray from rising too high. The lower tray is a tray that can store approximately 1100 sheets and can store the same sheet size as the upper tray and the middle tray.

In FIG. 15, a duplex tray is a tray capable of storing about 50 sheets of paper and having the same sheet size as each of the above-mentioned trays. This is a tray for temporarily storing copied paper when performing alternate copying.
A feed roll 507 and a gate 505 are arranged on the entrance-side transport path of the duplex tray 11, and the gate 505 controls switching of paper transport according to the combination mode and the duplex mode. For example, in the case of the double-sided mode, the sheet conveyed from above is guided to the feed roll 509 side by the gate 505, and in the case of the combination mode, the sheet conveyed from above is fed to the gate 505.
Once guided by 506 to the synthesizing mode inverter 10, and then reversed, it is guided by gate 506 to feed roll 510 and duplex tray 11 side. In order to store paper in the duplex tray 11 and allow it to freely fall to a predetermined edge position, it is generally required to be 17 ° to 20 °.
A tray inclination angle of about ° is required. However, in this copier, the duplex tray 11 is stored in a small space to reduce the size of the apparatus, so that a maximum of 8
Can only take an angle of inclination of °. Therefore, the duplex guide 11 has a side guide 561 as shown in FIG.
And an end guide 562 are provided. In the control of the side guide and the end guide, when the sheet size is determined, the sheet is stopped at a position corresponding to the sheet size.

The large capacity tray (HCF) is a supply tray capable of storing thousands of copy sheets. For example, it is often appropriate for a customer who does not need to make a copy by enlarging or reducing a document or a customer having a small copy amount to purchase the base machine alone. On the other hand, a customer who makes a large number of copies or a customer who requires a complicated copy operation often needs a duplex tray or a large capacity tray. As a means for realizing such various requests, this copying machine system has a structure in which each additional device can be easily attached and detached,
In addition, for some of the additional devices, an independent CPU (central processing unit) is prepared to perform distributed control by a plurality of CPUs. This not only has the advantage that the product desired by the customer is easily obtained, but also the possibility of installing new additional equipment teaches the customer the possibility of a new copying operation. This will greatly enhance the purchase of this copier system in promoting the evolution of office paperwork.

The manual tray (MSI) 16 stores the number of sheets.
This is a tray capable of storing about 50 sheets of paper sizes A2F to A6F, and in particular, can use a large-size sheet that cannot be stored in another tray. In this type of conventional manual feed tray, manual feed is performed one by one. Therefore, it is only necessary to preferentially send out copy sheets from the manual feed tray when manual feed is performed, and the operator does not need to select the manual feed tray itself. On the other hand, the manual feed tray 16 of this copying machine can simultaneously set a plurality of copy sheets. Therefore, if the feeding from the manual feed tray 16 is performed with the set of copy sheets, the feed may be started when a plurality of copy sheets are set. In order to prevent such a situation, the manual tray 16 is selected.

In this copying machine, a compact structure is achieved by adopting a structure in which a nugger roll 513, a feed roll 512, and a takeaway roll 511 are integrally mounted on a tray. After the leading edge of the sheet is nipped by the take away roll 511, the leading edge is detected by a feed-out sensor and temporarily stopped to perform pre-registration for adjusting a transfer position.
It absorbs variations in paper feed in the feeder. The fed sheet is fed to the transfer position of the photosensitive material belt 4 via the aligner device 515.

(II-4) Automatic Document Feeder (DAD)
F) In FIG. 18, the DADF 13 is mounted on the platen glass 2 of the base machine 1. This DADF
13 is provided with a document tray 602 on which a document 601 is placed. A delivery paddle 603 is arranged on the document sending side of the document tray 602, and the documents 601 are sent out one by one. Original sent out 6
01 is the first drive roller 605 and its driven roller 60
6 and the second drive roller 607 and its driven roller 60
8, the paper is conveyed to an arc-shaped conveyance path 609. Further, the arc-shaped conveyance path 609 joins with the manual conveyance path 610 and is connected to the horizontal conveyance path 611.
A third drive roller 612 and its driven roller 613 are provided at the outlet of 09. This third drive roller 6
Numeral 12 is vertically movable by a solenoid (not shown), and is configured to be able to contact and separate from a driven roller 613. A stop gate 615 that is rotated by a drive motor (not shown) is provided in the horizontal transport path 611, and a reversing transport path 616 is connected from the horizontal transport path 611 to the arc-shaped transport path 609. A fourth drive roller 617 is provided in the reversing conveyance path 616. Further, a belt driving roller 619 is provided on the platen glass 2 so as to face the exit of the horizontal transport path 611, and the belt 621 stretched between the driven rollers 620 can be rotated forward and backward. At the exit of this belt transport section,
And a sixth drive roller 623 is provided in the manual feed path 610. The two drive rollers 623 are provided in the front-rear direction of the base machine 1 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure), and are configured to be able to simultaneously send two originals of the same size. Reference numeral 625 denotes a cleaning tape for cleaning the surface of the delivery paddle 603 by the seventh driving roller 626.

Next, referring also to FIG.
1 to S12 will be described. S1 is a no-paper sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the document 601 on the document tray 602;
Is a takeaway sensor that detects passage of a document, S3,
S4 is a feed sensor provided before and after the manual feed path 610, S5 is a registration sensor for detecting whether the document is at a predetermined position at the stop gate 615 by correcting the oblique feeding of the document by the skew roller 627, and S6 to S10 A paper size sensor for detecting the size of the document, S11 is a discharge sensor for detecting whether or not the document is discharged, and S12 is an end sensor for detecting the end of the cleaning tape 625.

Next, the operation of the DADF 13 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. (A) is a platen mode in which the original 601 is placed on the platen 2 and exposed.

(B) is a simplex mode in which a document 601 is stacked on a document tray 602 such that the first surface to be copied faces upward. When the start button is pressed, first, the first drive roller 605 and the second drive roller 607 rotate, but the third drive roller 61
2 moves upward and separates from the driven roller 613,
The stop gate 615 descends and shuts off the horizontal transport path 611. As a result, the document 601 passes through the arc-shaped conveyance path 609 and is pressed against the stop gate 615 (1-2). At the position of the stop gate 615, the skew roller 627 corrects the document so that its end is perpendicular to the horizontal transport path 611, and the size of the document is detected by the sensors S6 to S10. Next, the third drive roller 612 moves downward to come into contact with the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 rises to open the horizontal transport path 611, and the third drive roller 612, the belt drive roller 619, and the fifth
Is rotated, and the original is sent to a predetermined position on the platen 2 with the surface to be copied facing down, exposed, and then ejected. The same operation is performed when a single document is sent from the manual feed path 610. In addition to the function of sending documents one by one, a function of simultaneously sending two documents of the same size (2-UP), a large document And a computer form feeder (CCF) for feeding continuous paper for a computer.

(C) is a duplex mode.
The step of exposing one side of the original is the same as the steps 1 to 3 in (b) above. However, when the one-sided exposure is completed, the belt driving roller 619 rotates in the reverse direction, and the third driving roller 612 moves upward. As a result, the stop gate 615 descends and shuts off the horizontal conveyance path 611 while moving away from the driven roller 613. Accordingly, the document is conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 616, and is further pressed by the fourth drive roller 617 and the second drive roller 607 through the arcuate conveyance path 609 against the stop gate 615 (4-5). Next, the third drive roller 612 moves downward and comes into contact with the driven roller 613, and the stop gate 615 rises to open the horizontal transport path 611, and the third drive roller 612, the belt drive roller 61
The 9th and 5th drive rollers 622 rotate, and the document is sent to a predetermined position on the platen 2 with the back side down, and is exposed. When the exposure on both sides is completed, the belt driving roller 61 is again turned on.
9 rotates in the reverse direction, is again conveyed to the reversing conveyance path 616, passes through the platen 2 in the same manner, and returns to the fifth drive roller 622.
(7-10). Therefore, the discharged originals are stacked in the order in which the originals are first stacked on the original tray 602 with the first surface to be copied facing down.

(II-5) Sorter In FIG. 21, the sorter 19 has a sorter body 652 and 20 bins 653 on a movable carriage 651. A belt driving roller 656 for driving the conveyor belt 655 and its driven roller 657 are provided in the sorter main body 652, and a chain driving sprocket 660 for driving the chain 659 and its driven sprocket 66
1 is provided. These belt drive roller 656 and chain drive sprocket 660 are driven by one sorter motor 658. A paper inlet 662, a paper outlet 663, and a switching gate 665 driven by a solenoid (not shown) are provided above the transport belt 655. The chain 659 is provided with an indexer 666 for switching and supplying copy paper to each bin. As shown in FIG.
The rotation of the drive shaft 671 is transmitted to the pulley 673 via the timing belt 672. The rotation of the pulley 673 is transmitted to the belt drive roller 656 and to the chain drive sprocket 660 via the gear device 674.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG.
(A) shows the non-sort mode, and the switching gate 665 is for feeding the copy sheet to the uppermost discharge tray at the non-sort position. (B) indicates the sort mode,
The switching gate 665 is switched to the sort position, the odd-numbered sheets are conveyed from the top to the lower bin to the odd-numbered bin, and the even-numbered sheets are shifted to the even-numbered bin from the bottom to the upper bin. Conveyed to the bin. This reduces the sorting time. (C) and (d) show the stack mode,
(C) shows an example in which four copies of four originals are copied for each original, and (D) shows a case where the maximum number of sheets stored per bin is exceeded. In a bottle.

(III) User interface (U /
I) (III-1) Features of User Interface FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an attached state of a user interface using a display, and FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an appearance of a user interface using a display.

(A) System Features The user interface of this copier has a module (video controller) that controls a monitor, key input and display output, and manages key input information and machine state and reflects them on a display screen. In addition, a divided configuration including a module (job controller) that determines a copy mode, generates a machine operation command, and manages a job is adopted. Then, these divided functions are combined by an interface command to process a job. Also,
Screen data is stored in a hierarchically structured database for each screen, and variable data that changes according to the presence or absence of additional devices and additional functions is provided as display control data so that it can be controlled according to the mounting state. . The key management and job management modules have state tables and copy mode tables that are updated in response to key inputs and changes in machine state, so that multifunctional devices can be used more closely. . By adopting such a system configuration,
Even when changing from a display to a console panel as a display means, it is possible to flexibly cope with changing only a module of a portion for controlling key input and display output without changing the whole design.

(B) Features of the mounting position This copying machine does not employ the conventional console panel as described above as a user interface, but
It features a stand-type display. When a display is adopted, the user interface 12 can be mounted three-dimensionally above the copying machine main body (base machine) 1 as shown in FIG. By arranging the copier in the right rear corner of the main body 1, the size of the copier can be designed without considering the user interface 12, and the apparatus can be made compact. Further, in the copying machine, the height of the platen, that is, the height of the apparatus is designed to be a waist high enough to set a document, and this height regulates the height of the apparatus.

Since the conventional console panel is mounted on the upper surface of the copying machine, it is almost at the waist level and close to the hand for easy operation. An operation unit and a display unit for setting are arranged. On the other hand, in the user interface 12 of this copying machine, as shown in FIG. 24C, the position is higher than the platen, that is, close to the eye level, so that it is easy to see and the position is not downward but forward for the operator. In addition, it is on the right side, and the operation is easy. In addition, by making the mounting height of the display close to the eye level, the lower side can be effectively used as a mounting space for a control board of a user interface, a card device 24, and an optional kit such as a key counter. Therefore, a structural change for mounting the card device 24 becomes unnecessary, and the card device 24 can be additionally provided without changing the appearance at the same time, and at the same time, the mounting position and height of the display can be easily viewed. Further, the display may be fixed at a predetermined angle, but it is needless to say that a structure capable of changing the angle may be adopted.

FIG. 24D is a front view showing a state where the user interface is attached, and FIG. 24E is a side view. In the user interface of this copier,
As shown in the figure, a duct-shaped support 286 is set up in the corner at the back of the top cover 287 of the main body 1, and an under cover 285 and a base 284 are mounted thereon, and a rotating base 283 of the display 280 main body is mounted thereon. I try not to run off the line.
The rotation base 283 can rotate horizontally and vertically, and may be used for a display such as a personal computer or a word processor. In this way, unlike the conventional console panel which is mounted flat on the front side of the platen, the front direction thereof can be easily changed, and as shown in FIG. By pointing slightly upward in accordance with the line of sight and to the left as shown in FIG. 24B, that is, upward to the center (in the direction of the eyes of the operator), it is possible to provide a user interface 12 that is easier to see and has better operability. For example, the display 280 main body may be attached to the base 284 and the under cover 28 so as to satisfy 90% of the users in consideration of the user's height variation.
5. If the height and the inclination angle including the support 286 are to be set, the angle is desirably about 10 ° ± 5 ° in the horizontal direction and the upward direction, respectively. This angle is also an angle at which light reflected from above can be excluded.

Further, in the user interface of the copying machine, keyboards 281 and 282 are arranged below and beside the display 280 main body.
2 is located at a position further protruding to the side and further away from the user side. In general, it is considered that about 80% of the users only operate the start key after setting the number of copies, and it is not preferable that such frequently used keys become far from the operation position. Thus, by pointing the keyboard 282 further toward the center of the display surface of the display 280, it is possible to improve the operability by bringing the keys closer to each other and to eliminate the protrusion on the outer shape. This angle is preferably, for example, about 30 ° ± 5 °.
In this way, in a compact apparatus, the operator is at the center of the apparatus and can set a document without moving.
The user interface can be operated. Also, by using the support 286, the area occupied by the top cover 287 can be reduced.
The size of the main body can be made smaller and its position can be set at a corner, eliminating interference with the ADF and securing a document feed space below the user interface and its view as is apparent from the side view of FIG. be able to. Further, the support board 286 can be used as a control board of a user interface and a space for arranging IC devices, but the control board of the user interface may be used in the base 284. FIG. 24D shows a state in which the front surface of the support 286 is covered with a decorative panel 288, and the card device 24 and the power switch SW are mounted below the decorative panel.

[0135] Fig. 17 (f) is a diagram showing an attached state of the lower end portion of the support, and Fig. 19 (g) is a diagram showing an example of a user interface attaching structure on the top cover.
Since the user interface of this copying machine protrudes above the panel top 287 of the main body 1, it is easily damaged during transportation. In order to eliminate such a problem, if a structure in which the user interface is easily mounted is adopted, the user interface can be carried in a separate package and assembled at the time of installation. Figures (f) and (g) show one example of a mounting structure that meets such a requirement. In this mounting method, a mounting frame 289 is provided on the panel top 287, and a support 286 is fitted into the mounting frame 289. In order to fix the support 286 in this case, a rocket pin 290 is provided in front of the mounting frame 289 as shown in FIG. Are fixed with screws 291.

FIG. 24H shows an example in which the under cover 285 is fixed at the upper end of the support 286 by a rotatable structure. In this installation method, under cover 2
An uneven portion that fits in a cylindrical shape is provided between the support 85 and the support 85, and the undercover 285 is made rotatable by the support 286. A hole is provided in the center of rotation and a harness is passed through. Note that the harness is twisted if it is allowed to rotate unrestrictedly beyond 360 °, so a stopper (not shown) may be provided so that the harness can rotate only within a certain angle. Also, if the user interface can be rotated by 180 °, workability when inspecting the machine from behind can be improved. Also,
In the arrangement of the user interface as described above, the user who has extended his nails like a woman has a sense of resistance to the key operation when the user approaches the finger operation because his hand is extended to operate the keyboard. Therefore, in order to improve such a problem, the shape of the key may be directed obliquely upward,
It is good to provide a projection in the shape of a button.

(C) Features on Screen On the other hand, even when a display is adopted, a large amount of information is required to provide information corresponding to multi-functionality. However, it has the aspect that it is difficult to respond to compactness. When a compact size display is adopted, providing all necessary information on one screen is not only a problem of display density, but also easy for an operator to see.
It is also difficult to provide an easy-to-understand screen.

Therefore, when adopting a display in the user interface with the proposition of compactness,
In view of the balance, it is necessary to adopt a display of a compact size and to devise display control in the display. This copier has the advantage of being able to adopt a variety of display modes and display controls compared to the LED and liquid crystal displays used in console panels, and can be used even with a compact size. Various ideas have been devised for easy display.

For example, in the user interface of the copying machine, the display screen is switched according to each copy mode of basic copy, applied copy, and specialty copy, and menus such as function selection and execution condition setting are set in each mode. In addition to the display, the cascade (cursor) of the screen is moved by key input so that options can be specified and execution condition data can be input. Depending on menu options, the detailed items are displayed in a pop-up display (overlapping display or window display) to enhance the display contents. As a result, even if there are many selectable functions and setting conditions,
The display screen can be refreshed and operability can be improved. In addition, a review screen that displays a list of the settings on each of the above screens, an information screen that explains the functions, a fully automatic screen that is used when executing the standard copy mode, initial machine settings, and machine inspection operations are performed. The display can be switched between a diagnostic screen, a jam screen for displaying a jam, and the like.

As described above, in this copying machine, the screen division configuration, the area division on each screen, the brightness adjustment, the gray display, and other display modes are devised.
By properly combining D and D, the operation unit is simplified, the display control, display contents and operation input of the display are diversified and simplified, and the problem of realizing both compactness and multifunctionality of the device is solved. ing. FIG. 25 shows the appearance of a user interface configured using a CRT display based on such a concept. In this example, a key / LED board is arranged on the lower side and the front side on the right side of the CRT display 301. In the selection mode screen as a screen configuration, the screen is divided into a plurality of areas, a selection area is provided as one of the areas, and the selection area is vertically divided so that each function can be individually selected and set as a cascade area. I have to.

Therefore, in the key / LED board, cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 for cascade selection and setting are arranged below the selection area of the vertically divided screen to switch the selection mode screen. Mode selection keys 308 to 310 and other keys (302 to 304, 30
6, 307, 315 to 318) and LED (305, 3
11 to 314) adopt a configuration arranged on the right side.
Since the number of keys and LEDs is reduced and these are arranged beside and below the CRT display 301, the size only needs to be slightly larger than that of the CRT display 301 to provide a compact user interface. be able to. FIG. 25 shows the pair up / down keys as cascade keys 319-1 to 319.
Although an example in which the keys are arranged as -5 is shown, only keys in the up direction or the down direction may be arranged.
Each key of down may be arranged independently.

(III-2) Configuration of Control System FIG. 26 shows the relationship between the U / I CPU and the main CPU connected by serial communication, and FIG. 27 shows the hardware configuration of the user interface. FIG. 28 shows a software configuration of the user interface.

(A) Hardware Configuration Main CPU 41 (for example, one-chip CPU
As shown in FIG. 26, ROM 323, N
A VRAM (non-volatile memory) 324, an interface for exchanging data with the base machine (for example, peripheral LS
321 using I Intel 8255), additional equipment (OPT
Interface 32 for exchanging data with the ION)
The bus is connected to a communication control circuit (for example, using Intel's 78PG11E) 327 via a bus arbiter 326, and communicates with the U / I CPU 46 and other CPUs on a serial communication line through the communication control circuit 327. Communication. The ROM 323 stores a program including subsystems such as the sequence manager, the imaging module, and the copy handling module described above. The bus arbiter 326 has a system RAM 325 and has a main CP.
Data sent from U41 to other CPUs and other CPUs
The ROM 328 stores data received from the communication control circuit 3 so that the main CPU 41 can exchange data asynchronously with the timing of serial communication.
27 stores a communication program for transmitting and receiving data via a serial communication line. The bus arbiter 326 and the communication control circuit 3
The main CPU 41 may be configured to perform all the functions related to 27. The subsystem of the sequence manager in the main CPU 41 monitors the status of each subsystem by serial communication, and upon receiving a copy mode signal from the user interface, sends a signal to each subsystem so that copying can be efficiently performed at a predetermined timing. Give work instructions.

As shown in FIG. 27, a user interface system having a U / I CPU (for example, a one-chip CPU 8031 manufactured by Intel Corporation) 46 is basically composed of a CRT board 331 and a CRT display 301 as shown in FIG. It is composed of a key / LED board 333. The CRT board 331 is a U / I that controls the entire system.
CPU 46 for controlling CRT display 301
RT controller (for example, using board HD6845S) 33
5. Key / Keyboard for controlling LED board 333 /
Display controller (for example, using board 8279) 3
A program memory (ROM) 337 for storing the above programs, a frame memory (ROM) 338 for storing frame data,
A part is constituted as a non-volatile memory, a RAM 339 for storing tables, display control data and the like and used as a work area, two sets of V-RAMs (RAMs for video)
340, a character generator 342, and the like.

The main CPU 41 and the U of the CRT board 331
Data is transmitted and received between the / I CPU 46 and the serial communication line via the driver 344 and the receiver 343. TXD is a transmission signal from the CRT substrate 331, and RXD is a reception signal to the CRT substrate 331. The clock generator 346 has, for example, 11.0592 MHz
Is divided into 1/12 inside the U / I CPU 46 to generate a fundamental frequency of 0.9216 MHz. Then, the U / I CPU 46
In this communication, the transfer clock is set by dividing the frequency by 1 to 256 (programmable) by an internal timer. Therefore, the basic frequency of 0.9216MHz can be programmed
When the frequency is determined to be 1/3 and further divided by 1/32, the transfer clock becomes 9600 Hz (the transmission bit rate is 9600 BPS).

The U / I CPU 46 comprises a main CPU 41
And a key / LED board 333 operation signal is input from a keyboard / display controller 336 to the CRT display 301.
Switch the screen to be displayed on the screen, set the copy mode,
A message to be displayed on the T display 301 is generated. When the start key 318 is operated in the input processing of the operation signal of the key / LED board 333,
The copy mode at that time is checked, and if there is no inconsistency, the copy mode is transmitted to the main CPU 41. If there is an inconsistency in the copy mode, a process of generating a J code message and displaying it on the CRT display 301 is performed. In the display processing of the CRT display 301, a character generator code is set corresponding to the display screen, and the code is written in the V-RAM 340. The frame memory 338 stores information for setting the code of the character generator. V-RAM34
When the code is written to 0, the CRT controller 33
5, dot data of the character generator 342 is read out in synchronization with the raster address.
It is converted to serial data by the direct conversion circuit 355,
It is displayed on the display 301.

Watchdog timer (WDT) 34
Reference numeral 5 is for checking runaway of the U / I CPU 46, and is reset when the U / I CPU 46 reads a specific address, for example, any one of the data areas 7000 to 77FF. Therefore, by creating a program to read this specific address within 150 mS, if the U / I CPU 46 runs away, the specific address will not be read even after 150 msec or more, and the watchdog timer (WD) .T) 345 is not reset,
Processing for runaway of the U / I CPU 46 is performed.

Keyboard / Display Controller 3
The counter 36 divides the output of the clock generator 346 input to the U / I CPU 46 to ／ by the counter 347 and
By inputting a 7648 MHz clock, and further dividing the frequency by 1/27 with a prescaler to 102 kHz, 4.
It produces a key / LED scan time of 98ms. If the scan time is too long, it takes a long time for input detection, so that there is a problem that input data is not taken in when the key operation time by the operator is short. This will increase the throughput. Therefore, it is necessary to select an optimal scan time in consideration of these situations.

(B) Software Configuration The software configuration of the user interface is shown in FIG.
Monitor having I / O management, task management, and communication protocol functions, a video controller having key input management and screen output management functions, and job management and control, selection determination, mode determination, etc. It comprises a job controller having functions. Here, when a predetermined number of copies are to be made, one job is a period from the start of the copy operation to the completion of the predetermined number of copies and termination.
In this way, the software is divided and the video controller performs screen editing control and key input conversion processing, so that the job controller can design software irrespective of the display device and keyboard. Therefore, for example, even when the display is replaced with a console panel, the job controller does not need to be changed at all, and only the video controller needs to be redesigned in accordance with the console panel. That is, the video controller passes a logical key to the job controller between the display device or keyboard and the job controller,
The interface command received from the job controller may be reflected on the display device or the keyboard.

The logical key and the interface command enable such software division. By controlling the video controller with the interface command from the job controller, the job controller can manage the job without being aware of the screen at all. To facilitate software construction. Therefore, regarding key input, the video controller processes the physical information of the key, the job controller recognizes the mode, checks the key reception condition, and controls the job. In the screen display, the job controller performs screen control based on machine state information and selection mode information and issues an interface command to the video controller, and the video controller executes the command to edit and draw the screen. The key change detection unit 362 and other blocks that perform processing, generation, and control of data described below are shown in fixed program units (modules), and these constituent units are summarized for convenience of description. Of course, some of them may be composed of a plurality of modules, or a plurality of modules may be collectively constructed.

"Video controller" key change detection unit 3
Reference numeral 62 is for performing a double-press check and detecting a continuous key press state with respect to physical key information passed from the monitor by the physical key table 361. Key conversion unit 363
Converts the currently pressed physical key detected as described above into a logical key (logical information), and requests the job controller to check the key reception condition of the logical key (current key). . Conversion table 364
Is referred to by the key conversion unit 363 at the time of conversion from the physical key to the logical key. For example, even if the cascade key is the same physical key, it has a plurality of Since the logical information is different, the conversion table from the physical key to the logical key is switched according to the display screen information of the display control data 367.

The screen switching unit 368 receives the key reception signal and the logical key from the job controller, or receives the logical key from the key conversion unit 363 directly in the video controller, and the logical key calls the basic copy screen or the application copy screen. Alternatively, if the key is a simple screen switching key for expanding a pop-up screen by moving the cascade and has no mode update or state update, the screen is updated with the screen number of the display control data 367. Screen switching unit 3
At 68, a logical key for expanding the pop-up screen is stored as a table, and the logical key is operated and the
If there is no other key input within sec, the display control data 367 is updated so as to expand the pop-up screen. In this process, in the process of selecting a certain option, an option having a pop-up screen may be temporarily selected by operating the cascade key, and even in such a case, the pop-up screen is prevented from being opened one by one. Is what you do. Therefore, if there is another key input within 750 msec even if it is a logical key for expanding the pop-up screen, it will be canceled as a temporary key input. In the case of updating a state such as occurrence of a jam, moving a cascade or updating other copy modes, or updating a message or count value, the display control unit 369 receives and analyzes an interface command from the job controller, and performs display control. The data 367 is updated.

The display control data 367 has data for controlling the display of each screen such as a screen number to be displayed and display variable information within the screen. The dialog data 370 includes a basic frame of each screen, display data of each frame, This is a hierarchically structured database having reference addresses of variable data among display data (addresses of display control data 367 storing display variable information). The dialog editing unit 366 reads the basic frame and display data of the screen to be displayed based on the screen number of the display control data 367 from the dialog data 370, and further reads the display control data 3 for the variable data.
The display data is determined according to the display variable information 67, the screen is edited, and the display screen is drawn and developed on the V-RAM 365.

In the operation of the cascade key, when the cascade key is turned off from on, when it is continuously depressed for 750 msec, it is continuously depressed thereafter.
If the corresponding key is acceptable when msec elapses, it moves one rank. If the destination is incapable of accepting the mode, one rank is skipped and the next key is selected. In this operation, when the cascade is up, a logical code corresponding to the cascade is passed to the job controller as a key reception, and is fed back as display data from the job controller to the video controller.

[Job controller] key management unit 374
Checks whether the logical key is in a receivable state with reference to the state table 371. If the logical key is acceptable, the key information is not input until 750 msec elapses thereafter. And sends it to the key control section 375. The key control unit 375 performs a key receiving process and performs a copy mode 378.
Update, mode check and issuance of a copy execution command, grasp the machine state, and pass display control information to the display management unit 377 to perform display control.
In the copy mode 378, copy setting information of basic copy, applied copy, and specialty copy is set. The display management unit 377 issues an interface command to the video controller based on the processing result of the key management unit 374 or the key control unit 375, and activates an interface routine (display control unit 369). The state management unit 372 detects a key reception state, occurrence of a jam or a failure,
A state change is determined from the state information of the machine such as an open interlock, and the state table 371 for key reception is updated. Then, the key reception condition is checked based on the state information. After operating the start key, the job control unit 376 receives the operation information of the machine, issues a command for machine control, and performs management for executing a copy operation for one document. The command control unit 373 is
The state of the machine is notified to the state management unit 372 and the job control unit 376 from the state command transmitted from the main unit, and during execution of the job, a command for the execution is received from the job control unit 376 and transmitted to the main unit.

Therefore, when the start key is operated and the key control unit 375 sets a command corresponding to the copy mode in the transmission buffer 380 to execute the copy operation, the command of the operating state of the machine is sequentially transmitted to the reception buffer 379. Is received. The command control unit 373 notifies the job control unit 376 of this command, so that a predetermined number of copies are completed and a machine stop command is issued. Is issued. During the copy operation, when a jam occurrence command is received, the jam state is recognized by the state management unit 372 through the command control unit 373, the state table 371 is updated, and at the same time, the jam is transmitted from the display management unit 377 to the video controller through the key control unit 375. Issues screen control interface commands.

[Interface Command] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an interface command. As described above, the job controller issues the state registration, normal setting, edit setting, job professional setting, display, display control, mode, machine operation, initialization, and diagnostic commands as shown in FIG. 29 to the video controller. The video controller analyzes the interface commands and edits the dialog. By adopting such an interface command method, the job controller and the video controller can be independently designed, and by changing the video controller, the display can be easily changed to the console panel or other input / output means can be changed. I can do it.

The display controller 369 of the video controller analyzes these commands (command analysis in FIG. 29).
Then, the display control data 367 is updated. In the registration command, config, magnification, second development color,
The registration relating to the tray is performed. For example, the initial setting of each screen is performed by “config”, and the paper size, orientation, and paper quality are registered by “tray”. In addition, the normal setting command controls a screen related to function selection, for example, displays a cascade setting state in the normal setting screen with “cascade”,
"Arbitrary magnification" displays the specified magnification value as an arbitrary magnification display, and "cascade erasure" deletes when cascade is unnecessary. The display command controls the display of maintenance information such as messages and no paper, and the mode command turns on / off the display of the jam clear request screen (jam command) and the display of the preheat screen (preheat command).
Perform control. Also, an LED (not shown) is turned on / off. In this way, the software is roughly classified by the classification command based on the ease of making the software and the processing convenience, and the processing is performed by each processing code.

[Table] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a table prepared in the job controller. This copier has various tables for key management and generation of a copy mode in the user interface as described above. In particular, when applied to a high-speed copying machine that performs a copying operation at a process speed of 64 cpm and 309 mm / sec, the user interface is a serial communication between a sequence manager (SQMGR subsystem) that supervises and controls machine control. , And the machine state information is not passed unless the communication timing is predetermined, so that the key operation of the user interface and the operation of the machine cannot be directly connected. Therefore, it becomes necessary to generate various states and manage key reception,
A table is used.

The job controller processes a user request with a logical key, prepares various tables for providing input setting information and machine information to the user, and processes these information. The state table 371 is one of them, and is used for managing key reception as described above, and FIG. 30A shows the table configuration. The state information includes a job state, a machine state, a run case, a con state (console state), a state case, and mode information.

The job state indicates the state of the job controller. As shown in FIG. 17B, a normal job (1st job) or an interrupt job (2nd job)
Or the job is completed (COMPLETE) or running (I
NCOMPLETE) or duplex mode (S /
S, D / S, S / D, D / D), and the mode (S / D
In the case of (D, D / D), information on whether the job is in an end state or in execution is further managed therein. For example, in the case where a set number of sheets is copied on a platen to execute five copies, the incomplete and end operations are performed while the five copies are being executed, that is, until the execution of the five copies is completed. Then it is complete.

The machine state is information to be remembered when the state of the machine is received from the main unit as shown in FIG. 30C. PROGRESS), state that copy cycle is over and it is about to stop (SOFTDOWN COIN),
Abnormal stop condition (SOFTDOWN PAUS
E), a state in which paper is automatically ejected after a jam (PURGE), a state in which the machine is stopped (STAND-BY), a state in which a purge is executed by a start command (PURGE STAND-BY), and a state in which the machine is stopped due to a jam (JAM ) Or there is information. Accordingly, the relationship with the machine operation is that when the start key is operated from the standby, the progress is made, and when the operation is normally ended after passing through the soft-down coin, the operation again becomes the standby. However, if a jam occurs in the middle, a soft down pause occurs, and if the jam stops, the jam occurs. If it is necessary to discharge the sheet, the purge standby mode is set. If the sheet is discharged, the purge is started.

The run case is one of the key management-specific states created by the state management unit. The run case is machine state information. The start key is not pressed or pressed in the platen mode, and the job standby or purge complete information is held in purge standby. This copier has such information because there is communication with the main body, and the reception of keys changes depending on the communication.
A table corresponding to a key is provided in each state such as a job state, a run case, and a state case, and a search is made from this table as to whether the key is acceptable.

The console state is a state created by state management, and is ready (RDY), wait (WAI).
It has key reception information and display information on the console, such as T), J code, caution, U code, jam, etc. In the state case, it has the J code number. The displayed messages and priorities differ depending on the state. The mode information has information such as auto start, power save, and edit input. Key management is performed based on each of the above state information.

FIG. 30D shows the copy mode table 37.
8 shows the main body transmission information of bytes 0 to 12, FEATURE RECOVERY information of bytes 13 to 24, and the job status of bytes 25 and 26. The key management unit 374 checks the key reception condition based on the state table 371, and the key control unit 3
When the key receiving process is performed by the key 75, the copy mode table 378 is updated, and is referred to again when the start key is operated to determine the copy mode.

In addition to the above, the command control unit 37
3 has a U code table, jam status information, a caution table, and the like. The U code table is generated from the information sent from the main unit when an abnormality occurs in the machine. To determine if the U code is acceptable. The caution table has information such as an interlock opened, a tray removed, and a state of no paper.

[Screen Data] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration example of screen data. In this copier, even if the cascade and options, that is, selectable functions are changed due to a different mounting status of the additional device or the like, a screen corresponding to the combination is basically not prepared and a screen as shown in FIG. RO as dialog data 370
M and the variable is used as the display control data 367 in RA
By having M, a specific display block can be changed and edited with data of one screen.

FIG. 31A shows the configuration of the memory space for dialog data, which uses eight 32-kbyte chips and is accessed using a page (page number) and an absolute address (absolute address). Has become. Then, as shown in the figure, by using a part of page 0 as a jump table and pointing to the storage address of the data of each screen (frame), it can be accessed by the screen number (frame No. and pop-up No.). The basic data structure is, as shown in FIG. 3B, from the ID indicating the data, the page and the absolute address, the one with the first display position (ScreenPosition), and the one without the first display position. For example, message data (Me
ssage Variable), numerical data such as set count (Num
eric Variable), fixed shape data (Fi
gure Variable), variable data whose contents change according to the mounting status of the device (Elementary Variable), and blink data (Blink Vari) that blinks the removed tray and the like.
cascade data (Presettab
le Variable), basic frame data, pop-up frame data, and the like.

The overall data structure of the dialog data is as follows:
As shown in FIG. 8C, the jump table JT, frames F1, F2,..., Constituent frames such as a basic frame BF and a pop-up frame PF constituting each frame, an object reference OR, and specific display data of each are stored. The object data OD has actual display information, and the others are pointers of a hierarchical structure (tree structure) as shown by arrows. Then, full screen data is prepared in the configuration frame, and all display data corresponding to each screen is stored in the object reference OR and the object data O.
The reference information (Test Variable) of the object reference OR is used to control each screen. For example, in the case of the data in the setting state display area displayed on / off, on data and off data are prepared in the object reference OR and the object data OD, and which of the two is used is determined by the display control data of the address indicated by the reference information. 367. That is, the reference information (Test Variable) indicates the reference address of the display control data 367, and the display control unit 369 (FIG. 28) may set data to the address according to the copy mode or the mounting state of the additional device. Therefore, the same applies to display control depending on whether a sorter or the like is mounted.

Next, each data structure will be described in detail. The jump table JT includes a page and an absolute address corresponding to each frame, and the corresponding frame F1, F2,
… Points to the first address. Frame F1,
F2,... Are a basic copy screen, an application copy screen, a specialized copy screen, a review screen, an information screen, a jam screen, and the like. Each frame has "Possibilities" information indicating the number of data at the head thereof, and thereafter points to the head address of each constituent frame composed of a basic frame and a pop-up frame by "ID" and a data address. For example, in the case of the basic copy screen, the constituent frames include a basic frame BF without a pop-up, a pop-up frame with a magnification, and a pop-up frame PF with a copy density. Similarly, the constituent frames such as the basic frame BF and the pop-up frame PF have “Possibilities” information at the head thereof, and thereafter point to the head addresses of all the object reference ORs constituting the frame by the “ID” and the data address. Also, it has a top display position (Screen Position). The object reference OR is reference information (Test V) containing the address of the display control data 367 after the “Possibilities” information.
ariable), maximum display area information (Max Height & Width)
And "ID", a data address, display mode data (Rev / Gray) such as reverse or gray, and constant (Constant) data corresponding to each object data OD.

For example, in the example of message data, assuming that there are k message data, the object reference OR has data from constants “0” to “k”, each of which points to the object data OD of the corresponding message data. doing. Now, assuming that the character string of the object data of the constant "0" pointed to by the object reference OR is "copiable" and that of the constant "1" is "copied." The display control unit 369 is added to the display control data 367 of the address indicated by the reference information.
By writing "0" from the "Can copy" can be displayed, and by writing "1", "Copying" can be displayed. As described above, in the object reference OR, for example, in the case of message data, all data are prepared for each of the upper message and the lower message. The dialog editing unit 366 selects the object data OD based on the reference information in the object reference OR and processes the object data OD to which the object data OD points, thereby reading, for example, the character “can be copied.” V-RAM
Write to.

When the object data OD is several data, only one line is used, so the height information (Heigh
t), the data width (the number of tiles, Width), data specifying a font such as Gothic font, Mincho font, display attribute data such as reverse, and reference information (Test Var.) follow. Numerical values to be displayed, such as a count value and a magnification value, are written in the display control data 367 at the address specified by the reference information. Similarly, in the case of gray scale, the size (Height, Width) and level (off “00”, level 1) of the area
"01", level 2 "10", ...) follow. Thus, the dialog data includes data of various characteristics,
Fig. (D) shows the basic copy screen.
It is.

On the basic copy screen shown in FIG. 17D, as described above, the setting state display area and the data EV (Elementary Variable) of the cascade name of the sorter are data displayed on / off. Therefore, in the case of such data, the constants “1” and “0” as shown in FIG.
Thus, the reference data is a pair of ON and OFF (blank). Therefore, “1” or “0” is written in the display control data of the address specified by the reference information (Test Variable). In the case of “1”, for example, “sorter” is displayed, and in the case of “0”, Becomes blank.

FIG. 17F shows an example of a data structure applied to a fixed cascade without any change. In the basic copy screen shown in FIG. Data CV applied to cascade
(Cascade Variable). In this data, the object reference OR has a reference with a frame (ON) and no frame (OFF) for each cascade as a series of data. Then, the reference information (Test Varia
A cascade number indicating that there is a frame is written in the display control data of the address specified by ble). Therefore, in the case of this data, data having a frame (ON) is selected only in the cascade for which a frame is specified in the display control data,
For other cascades, data without a frame (OFF) is selected. As described above, when there is a frame, a frame (shadow) that gives a three-dimensional effect is displayed on the right side and the lower side, and the background is displayed with high luminance. When there is no frame, the background is displayed in gray gradation.

FIG. 17G shows an example of a data structure applied to blinks such as a tray. In the basic copy screen shown in FIG. Data BL (Blink Variable). In this data, when the blink control data is set in the display control data of the address specified by the reference information (Test Variable), the first display position (Screen Posit
The area specified by (ion) and size (Height, Width) is set to blink. That is, this data is prepared for all the areas to be blinked.

FIG. 17H shows an example of a data structure applied to a cascade whose setting can be changed in advance. In the basic copy screen shown in FIG. Applicable data PC (Presetta
ble Cascade Variable). In this data, a group (Gr.) Having reference information for controlling a cascade with a frame, “ID”, and reference information of each cascade.
oup of Figures), followed by reference information (Tech Rep Variable) and the first display position (Screen Position) corresponding to each cascade position. And reference information for each cascade (Tech Rep Variabl
An option is set in the display control data shown in e).

FIGS. (I) to (m) show examples of specifications of display control data. The display control unit 369 sets display control data according to the specifications shown in FIG. For example, when the cascade of the job memory is set to a value other than the default on the professional copy screen, the display control unit 369 writes “1” to the address AOC of the display control data 367. Therefore, when the basic copy screen is displayed, the cascade name of “Job memory” is displayed in the setting state display area.

(III-3) Configuration of Display Screen In the user interface of this copying machine, the configuration of the key / LED board is simplified by maximally utilizing the CRT display. Among them, the screen is devised in order to make the screen simple and easy to view and to effectively perform the selection setting, confirmation, and message transmission functions. The screen includes a selection mode screen for selecting the copy mode, a review screen for checking the setting status of the copy mode, a fully automatic screen for executing the copy in the standard mode, and a multifunctional copy mode. It is composed of an information screen that provides a screen, a jam screen that appropriately displays the position of a jam when it occurs, and the like. In addition, the selection mode screen has many functions and becomes complicated on one screen, and some of the functions include not only functions that are used in general but also specialized functions. Into three parts. The divided screens can be selectively switched and displayed by mode selection keys 308 to 310 as appropriate, and a desired function can be selectively set on each screen. Furthermore, in these screens, the selection area and the setting status display area of other modes are displayed,
By dividing the information into message areas and the like, information can be accurately transmitted to the user according to the operation state.

In this copying machine, of these various screens, for example, items which cannot be displayed all at once on a selection mode screen or an information screen are referred to.
A pop-up screen is provided to expand the detailed items, and when an option having the screen is selected, the original screen is overwritten by overwriting the pop-up screen so that the screen configuration is easy to understand.
Similarly, when a jam occurs, the jam screen is overwritten on the screen at that time.

FIG. 32 shows an example of a basic copy screen and its pop-up screen, FIG. 33 shows an example of an application copy screen and its pop-up screen, and FIG. 34 shows an example of a professional copy screen and its pop-up screen. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an information screen, and FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a jam screen.

FIGS. 32 to 34 show selection mode screens.
The three screens of basic copy, application copy, and specialty copy shown in FIG. 3 are set, and are displayed on the CRT display by operating the mode selection keys 308 to 310. Of these screens, the most commonly used functions are categorized and grouped into the basic copy screen.The next most commonly used functions are categorized and grouped into the application copy screen. The specialized copy screen is a grouping of special specialized functions.

Each selection mode screen is divided into a message area A basically composed of two lines from the top, a setting state display area B composed of three lines, and a selection area C composed of nine lines. In the message area A, a J-code message when the copy execution conditions are inconsistent, a U-code message when there is a hardware failure that requires contacting a service person,
A C code message or the like is displayed to call the operator for various precautions. Among them, the J code message has a check table for a combination of copy execution conditions according to the setting contents of each cascade. When the start key 318 is operated, the table is checked by referring to the table and output when there is a contradiction in the copy mode. Is done. In the setting state display area B, a selection state of another mode, for example, a selection state of an applied copy and a specialized copy with respect to a basic copy screen is displayed. In the display of the selected state, when the state of the cascade of the selection area C is other than the default (lowest tier), the cascade is displayed. In the selection area C, the cascade name is displayed in the upper row, the bottom area of each cascade area is a default area, and the area above it is a non-default area, and individual cascade areas are operated by operating the cascade key. You can choose to. Therefore, when the selection operation is not performed, the default area is selected, and the default state is the fully automatic copy mode.
The selection area is a lower cascade key 319-1 to 319- corresponding to the cascade area divided into five vertically.
At 5, the selection is set. Note that the right side of the message area A is used as a count section for displaying a set count and a maid count, and the lower row of the set state display area B is used as a maintenance information section such as toner bottle full and toner supply. The contents of the cascade area of each selection mode screen will be described below.

(A) Basic Copy Screen The basic copy screen consists of a cascade of “paper tray”, “reduction / enlargement”, “double-sided copy”, “copy density”, and “sorter” as shown in FIG. Become.

In the "paper tray", automatic is the default. In this case, a tray containing paper of the same size as the original is automatically selected. By operating the cascade key, one of the manual tray, large capacity tray, upper tray, middle tray, and lower tray can be selected using an area other than the default area. Note that, in the column of each tray, the size, type, and icon (pictogram) of the sheet stored therein are displayed so as to easily identify the sheet stored therein as illustrated. There is a setting for feeding paper in the longitudinal direction and a setting for feeding paper in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

As for “reduction / enlargement”, the same magnification is set as a default, and automatic, fixed / arbitrary can be selected by operating the cascade key. In the automatic mode, the magnification is automatically set according to the selected paper size, and copying is performed. The magnification (line magnification) can be set arbitrarily in 1% increments from 50% to 200%.
When an option is selected, the specific contents to be set are displayed on a pop-up screen shown in FIG.
0.7%, 70%, 81%, 100%, 121%, 141%, 200% 7
A fixed magnification consisting of step settings can be selected, and an arbitrary magnification continuously changing by 1% can be selected and set.

The "double-sided copy" has a default of one-sided, and other than the default, two-sided-> one-sided, two-sided-> two-sided, one-sided-> two-sided can be selected in relation to the original document-> copy. For example, double-sided → single-sided is for performing single-sided copying on a double-sided original, and single-sided → double-sided is for performing single-sided copying of a single-sided original. When making double-sided copy, the copy paper whose copy has been made on the first side is first stored in a duplex tray. Next, copy paper is sent out again from the duplex tray, and copying is performed on the back surface.

As the "copy density", automatic is the default, and seven levels of density can be set other than the default, and seven levels of density can also be set in the photograph mode. The setting of this content is performed by a pop-up screen shown in FIG.

[0188] The "sorter" has copy receiving as a default, and other than the default, a collation and a stack can be selected. Collating is a mode in which copy sheets are sorted into each bin of the sorter, and stack mode is a mode in which copy sheets are sequentially stacked.

(B) Application Copy Screen The application copy screen consists of a cascade of “special original”, “margin”, “color”, “interleaf”, and “discharge surface” as shown in FIG. .

The "special manuscript" is a two-claw function (2-UP) for copying two manuscripts of the same size on one sheet in a cascade other than the default, and counts holes in manuscripts output from a continuous form of a computer. Function to copy one page at a time (CFF; computer form feeder), A2 / B
A function (LDC) for copying a large original such as 3 can be selected, and the latter two functions are developed on a pop-up screen shown in FIGS.

"Binding margin" is used to set a "binding margin" in the range of 1 mm to 16 mm at the right end or the left end of a copy. FIG. 33 (d)
This is developed on a pop-up screen shown in (e).

As the "color", black is default, and red can be selected other than the default.

"Interleaf" is a function for inserting a blank sheet in the middle during OHP copying, and can be selected other than the default.

The "discharge surface" can be selected other than the default so that any one of the front surface and the back surface is forcibly specified and discharged.

(C) Specialized Copy Screen The specialized copy screen is composed of a cascade of “job memory”, “edit / combine”, “fine adjustment of the same size”, and “frame erase” as shown in FIG.

The "job memory" is a page program that uses a card. A plurality of jobs are registered, and are called up and the copy is automatically performed by pressing the start key. Thus, the registration and the call can be selected other than the default, and the detailed items are developed on the pop-up screens shown in FIGS.

In the case of "edit / synthesis", an edit function and a synthesis function can be selected by default. The editing function is a function for inputting data for editing using an editor or the like, and is developed in a pop-up screen shown in FIG. Area designation, marking color, extraction / deletion,
The details of each function of partial photograph and partial color are developed and can be selected. As for the partial color, only the designated area is copied with one color, and the remaining part is copied with black. The partial photo copies the photo to the specified area, and the partial deletion does not copy the specified area. Marking color specifies the area to be marked,
As an example, a light color is superimposed and recorded on the portion to obtain an effect as if marking was performed.

The synthesizing function is a function of making one copy from two originals using a duplex tray, and is developed by a pop-up screen shown in FIG. 34 (l). There is parallel composition.
In sheet combining, the entirety of both the first document and the second document are set to 1
This is a function of superimposing and recording on sheets of paper, and it is also possible to make copies of the first document and the second document in different colors. On the other hand, the parallel composition is a function of creating a composite copy on one sheet in a state where the entirety of the second original is attached to the entirety of the first original.

"Equal magnification fine adjustment" is performed at a magnification of 99% to 101%.
This function is set in increments of 0.15%, and this function can be selected other than the default, and the details are developed by a pop-up screen shown in FIG.

[0200] "Erasure" means that the image information in the peripheral portion of the original is not copied, and a "frame" is set around the image information.
The standard performed at 2.5 mm is set as a default, and an arbitrary size can be set on a pop-up screen shown in FIG.

(D) Information screen The information screen is a screen for providing an explanation screen such as how to make a copy in each copy mode as shown in FIG. 35A, and is displayed by operating the information key 302. By inputting the information code displayed on this screen from the ten keys, an explanation screen is displayed by a pop-up screen as shown in FIGS.

(E) Jam screen The jam screen is superimposed on the screen displayed during execution of the copy as shown in FIGS. 36 (a) and (b).
By reducing the luminance of the original screen one rank at a time, the contents of the jam display are made clearer. The feature of this jam screen is that the inside is expressed in black according to the image of the main body, a picture of a door handle is added, and a message of door opening is added.

(F) Other Configuration Screens FIG. 37 shows an example of a review screen and a fully automatic screen.

The review screen displays the status of the copy mode selected in each of the three divided selection mode screens, and as shown in FIG. The setting status of the cascade is displayed on one screen. In this review screen, the selection items, that is, the cascade name and the currently selected mode, that is, the options, are displayed. When the selected mode is the default, for example, gray-back is used. The display with the background is adopted.
By distinguishing between the default state and the non-default state in this way, the cascade (options) other than the default changed from the fully automatic mode is particularly prominently displayed. In addition, the screen configuration is divided into three copy modes of basic copy, applied copy, and specialty copy and displayed in three levels, and the display position is made to correspond to the position of the mode selection key.
Furthermore, by switching the screen from the review screen to each mode screen by pointing the screen selection key with a white arrow. This display allows the operator to confirm the setting state of each cascade, thereby improving operability and reducing copy errors.

The fully automatic screen is a screen as shown in FIG. 37 (b). When the power is turned on, the preheating key 306 is operated in the preheating mode, or the all clear
Displayed when is operated. This is a screen where all the cascades of the selection mode screens are set to default. On this screen, a document is set on the platen as instructed, the number of copies is set using the numeric keypad, and the start key 318 is pressed, a sheet of the same size as the document is selected and the set number of copies is executed.

(G) Change of Screen FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the opportunity of the change of the screen. The screen changes are made in response to the conditions shown in FIG. First, when the power is turned on and initialization (initialization) is completed, a basic copy screen is displayed if there is no instruction to shift to the diagnostic mode. The basic copy screen is displayed by further operating the all clear key, the basic copy mode selection key, and the preheat key in the preheat screen. The display is switched by operation. The start key is accepted only on these screens, and the copy operation can be executed. In the specialty copy screen, when an edit or a job program is selected, the screen changes to the input screen, and when the input is completed, the screen returns to the original specialty copy screen. From these screens, the operation of the information key and the input of the code shift to the information screen, and the operation of the preheating key (power save key) shifts to the preheating screen.
Then, when a jam occurs, the jam screen is superimposed on the selection mode screen when the copy is executed. The burn-in prevention screen is shifted by the operation of the timer when there is no key input even if a predetermined time elapses with any of the above screens, and returns to the original screen by key operation.

(H) Display Mode FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a classification example of the screen layout. In this copier, as described above, the information is divided and displayed on a plurality of screens, and furthermore, by expanding detailed information on a pop-up screen, unnecessary information at each time is reduced, and information on one screen is simplified. However, these are classified into, for example, a screen layout shown in FIG. That is, FIG. 11A shows the layout of the selection mode screen, and FIG. 10B shows the review screen, the fully automatic screen, the edit input screen,
FIG. 3C shows the layout of a job program screen and the like, and FIG. 3C shows the layout of a preheating screen, a burn-in prevention screen, an information screen, a diagnostic screen, and the like.

In this copying machine, an accented and easy-to-read screen is constructed by changing the display mode according to the display area of these layouts and the input setting state thereof. For example, in the layout selection mode screen shown in FIG. 39A, the message area (including the count area), the setting state display area (including the maintenance information area), and the selection area are divided as described above. The display mode of each area is changed, and a normal display in which the background is displayed in white and the character is displayed in black (black characters on a white background), and an inverted display in which the background is displayed in black and the character is displayed in white (black characters are displayed in white). A variety of display modes are realized by using the display and changing the brightness of the bright display section.

[0209] The display mode that is specifically adopted will be further described. In the case of the selected one, normal display is adopted so as to be particularly conspicuous so that the current state can be understood at a glance. The selection target (selectable) employs a display of black characters on a light gray background, imitating a light gray card that is easy on the eyes. This takes into account that the display area is large in each frame. The desktop base employs a dark gray color that does not interfere with black or white characters and is inconspicuous, and the message area employs white characters on a black background imitating the backlit display of a normal copying machine. In the case of color display, green and red characters are ideal for black characters. Furthermore, by giving a shadow (border) to the card, a three-dimensional effect is obtained, and the expression of an image closer to the card is realized. The computer display has a problem that it is not preferable as an image of the user interface because it reminds a complicated operation. In this regard, the expression of a card image can eliminate the image of a computer-like display, and can imitate the image of a daily work such as writing and processing on a card, so that the image of a daily manner can be applied as it is, and it is closely related to operation. A feeling can be given. In addition, by changing the character size to, for example, three levels, the thickness to two levels, and the base color to four levels including black and white, a further change can be provided in addition to the above display.

By adopting the display mode as described above, in the selection mode screen, for example, in the message area including the count section, the back is black and only the character string of the message is displayed in high brightness, and the back lid type console panel is used. By adopting the same expression as above, the message is displayed as a character string for easy viewing and familiarity. Also, in the setting status display area, the background is displayed as a mesh,
That is, the dots are arranged at a certain uniform density, for example, one-to-one.
Is displayed in black and white, and the display portion of the cascade name is displayed in normal. That is, this display is a representation of each cascade name in a card image. Further, the lower one line of the setting state display area is used as a maintenance information area such as toner bottle fullness and toner replenishment. However, since this information has a different characteristic from the setting state display information, the difference is clearly shown. The same display mode as that of the message area is adopted so as to be recognized. In the selected area, the surrounding area is displayed in a mesh, the entire cascade display area is displayed in gray with low brightness, and shadows (borders) are added to the sides and the bottom, so that a three-dimensional effect is displayed in the same manner as in the setting state display area. Is displayed on the card image. The options and cascade names in this area are displayed in black letters, and the cascade position is made particularly conspicuous by increasing the brightness of the white background of the set options in addition to this display. In addition, operation confirmation can be facilitated and operation errors can be reduced. Also,
For example, in the basic copy screen, the option of a tray that has run out of paper due to a cascade of paper trays has a black background and characters are displayed in high brightness.

The fully automatic screen shown in FIG.
The screen layout is as shown in (b). In this screen,
The background of the display area is displayed in a dark mesh display, the area displaying each operation instruction such as "document setting" is displayed in a bright mesh display, and the border is bordered to improve the clarity of the display for easy viewing. As described above, it goes without saying that the display modes of the background can be freely changed and combined as appropriate.

As described above, in one screen divided into the message area, the setting state display area, and the selection area, the information of each area can be accurately recognized and confirmed by displaying each area in a different display mode and image. . Further, since the distinction from the other area becomes clear, it is possible to prevent the information from being confused with the other area.

[0213] In the display of characters, the user can be alerted to the characteristics of each display information by performing reverse display or blink display. In addition, as described above, in addition to devising the change in the brightness of the back and the character in the character string, a display characterized by adding icons (pictograms) to options, cascade names, and other character strings to make it more image-like There is a feature in that the embodiment is adopted. For example, on the basic copy screen, the cascade name
"Enlargement", "2-sided copy", "Copy density", "Sorter" added to the head of each, "Paper tray"
Are added after the lower, middle, and upper paper sizes. This icon conveys the information to the user visually from another aspect, that is, the fact that the accent of the information is diminished only by the character string, that is, the image is more accurate and intuitive than the character string depending on the content of the information. There is a great merit in that important information can be transmitted to the user.

(III-4) Key / LED board and display display circuit (A) Key / LED board The user interface is a CRT as shown in FIG.
The copier is configured to display and set options using a screen of a CRT display. Therefore, the keys and LEDs on the key / LED board are used in this copying machine.
We are trying to keep the number to a minimum.

That is, as described above, the CRT
In order to make effective use of the display, the screen displayed on the CRT display is divided, and the area of each screen is also divided so as to arrange the display contents and to construct a screen that is easy to view. For example, the screen in the selection mode is divided into three parts, that is, a basic copy, an application copy, and a specialty copy.
It is divided into one cascade area and the function selection setting is performed in each cascade area. And mode selection keys 308 to 310 for screen switching;
Cascade key 319 for selecting each cascade area
Functions can be selected and set with eight keys -1 to 319-5. Therefore, the mode selection key 30
When any one of the basic copy screen, the application copy screen, and the specialty copy screen is selected by operating 8 to 310, all functions other than the operation of the cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 are performed only by inputting numerical values using the ten keys 307. Is selected, and copying by a desired function can be executed. The cascade keys 319-1 to 319-5 are a pair of up and down movement keys for selecting and setting a function by moving a setting cursor up and down in each cascade area. As described above, the screen of the selection mode is selected by the mode selection keys 308 to 310 out of three, and only one of them is displayed.
LEDs 311 to 31 are used to display which mode selection keys 308 to 310 the screen is selected.
3 is used. That is, the mode selection keys 308 to 31
When the selection mode screen is displayed by operating 0, the LEDs 311 to 31 corresponding to the mode selection keys 308 to 310 are displayed.
313 lights up.

When many functions are provided, it is not easy for the user to learn all the functions and to master them. Therefore, the information key 302 is used to provide a screen for explaining how to make a copy in each copy mode. This information function is executed as follows. First, when the information key 302 is operated, a list of information codes is displayed on an information index screen as shown in FIG. When the information code specified on this screen is selected and input using the numeric keypad 307, the screen shifts to an information pop-up screen corresponding to the code, and a copy mode explanation screen is displayed there.

Further, as described above, the screen of the selection mode is 3
Since the screen is divided into three screens and various functions defined on the three screens are selected and set, it is also required to be able to confirm the entire setting state including the other screens. Therefore,
The review key 303 is used to confirm the setting state of such an entire screen. The review key 303 is a key for displaying a review screen. When this key is operated, a review screen as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

The dual language key 304 is a key for switching the language of the display screen. With internationalization, users using various different languages often share devices. Even in such an environment, display data and a font memory are prepared in, for example, two languages, Japanese and English, in order to eliminate language obstacles.
By switching the display data and the font memory by the operation of step 04, the display screen can be output by freely switching between Japanese and English. In addition, not only two languages but also a plurality of languages may be facilitated, and the languages may be switched in a predetermined order by operating the dual language key 304, or a Japanese dialect may be added.

The preheating key 306 is used to set a preheating mode in order to save power consumption in the non-use state and enable a quick transition from the non-use state to the copy operation. Switch between preheating mode and fully automatic mode. Therefore, the LED 305 is used to indicate which of the states is in.

The all clear key 316 is used to clear the copying machine, that is, to set a fully automatic mode which is set as a default of each selection mode screen, and displays a full automatic screen. This is the content of a screen that informs the operator that the current copy mode is a fully automatic mode, as shown in FIG.

The interrupt key 315 is used when continuous copying is being performed and it is necessary to make another emergency copy. When the interrupt processing is completed, the process returns to the original copying operation. Is also released. The LED 314 indicates whether the interrupt key 315 is in an interrupted state or in a released state.

The stop key 317 is used for stopping the copying operation halfway, setting the number of copies, or setting the bin of the sorter.

The start key 318 is operated when the function selection and its execution conditions are completed and the copying operation is started.

FIG. 40A is a diagram showing an example of a keyboard scan setting map, and FIG. 40B is a diagram showing an example of an LED scan setting map.

The key / LED is set to 102 kHz by the keyboard / display controller 336 as described above.
A scan time of 4.98 msec is created and processed from the clock of FIG.
As shown in the figure, 8 scans from "0" to "7" are defined as one cycle, each scan is composed of one byte of data from "0" to "7", and the physical table described above is generated. I have. Similarly, the on / off control of the LED is controlled by a scan map as shown in FIG.

(B) Display FIG. 41 shows the display timing of the display.
2 is a diagram showing an example of V-RAM address correspondence, FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the address of the first V-RAM and the CRT display position, and FIG. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example of correspondence between dot patterns, data, and scan addresses.

The CRT display 301 has a size of, for example, 9 inches and has a paper white display color,
A non-glare surface-treated one is used. Using a screen of this size, the total number of dots is 480 x 240 and the dot pitch is 0.33 mm in a display area of 160 mm (H) x 110 mm (V)
× 0.46mm, 8 × tile (character) dot configuration
If it is 16, the number of tiles will be 60 × 15. Therefore, kanji and kana are 16 dots x 16 dots, and alphanumeric characters and symbols are 8 dots x
With 16 dots, Kanji and Kana can display 30 x 15 characters using two tiles. In addition, display is performed by specifying four levels of normal luminance, gray 1, gray 2, and black level in units of tiles, and displaying reverse, blink, and the like. The input signal timing for such a display is determined by the dot frequency fd
Is 10 MHz and 480 × 240, as shown in FIG.
μS is processed for video data for 48 μS at the cycle of the horizontal synchronization signal, and video data is processed for 15.36 mS at the cycle of the vertical synchronization signal of 16.90 mS.

The clock generation circuit 353 generates a clock of the frequency of the dot output from the parallel / serial conversion circuit 355. I have. Therefore, a plurality of bits of dot data are input from the character generator 342 to the parallel / direct conversion circuit 355 by the output clock of the counter 354,
The serial data is sent to the attribute adding circuit 356.
The attribute adding circuit 356 inputs a blanking signal from the CRT controller 335 and controls a video signal according to the attribute data only during the display period. The one-shot circuit 348 generates an interrupt signal for the U / I CPU 46 with a vertical synchronization blanking signal among the blanking signals output from the CRT controller 335.

The video data written to the V-RAM 340 is composed of 16 bits per tile, of which 12 bits represent a character generator code and the remaining 4 bits represent an attribute. Therefore, the V-RAM 340 sets the lower 8 bits of the character generator code to R according to the address of the CRT screen.
In AM-L, upper 4 bits and attribute 4 bits are RAM
-H, and these are held for two screens.

The address of the V-RAM 340 is, as shown in FIG.
The video data is written into the V-RAM 340 by the U / I CPU 46.
The display on the RT display 301 is performed by the CRT controller 335. For example, the CRT controller 335 supplies V
Looking at the address of the RAM 340, it is as shown in FIG. 43, and the code and the attribute of the character generator are written in the addresses “0”, “1”,. Accordingly, the CRT controller 335 reads out the corresponding address data “D0 → D7” (L side) and “D0 → D4” (H side) in synchronization with the display timing by the circuit shown in FIG. And outputs the data “D0 → D7” of the scan line of each tile to the parallel / direct conversion circuit 355 by accessing the character generator. For example, the dot pattern of the kanji character of "wealth" can be represented as shown in FIG. First, the output “D0 → D7” using the left half as a tile and the output “D0 → D7” using the right half as a tile are the outputs of the character generator 341.

A 4-bit attribute is also read in accordance with the output of this tile. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a video signal control circuit according to the attribute data.
As shown in this figure, the control of the attribute is performed by logically processing the video data and the attribute data of the reverse signal by an EXOR circuit, inverting the video data when the reverse signal is on (high level), and further outputting the output to an AND circuit. When the blink signal is turned on by the processing described above, the signal may be turned on / off by a clock and the signal level may be changed by the gray signal. The gray signal is composed of 2 bits in the example shown in FIG. 37, but it may be composed of 4 bits to realize, for example, 10 gray levels. In this case, in FIG. 39, the level of the video output is controlled by the output of the open collector in FIG. 39, so that a number of open collector and resistor circuits corresponding to the gradation are connected. The divided area is clearly displayed as described in the selection mode screen earlier,
Alternatively, the background is changed in order to clearly display a region of interest such as the position of a cascade, and gray display and reverse display by controlling display attributes are used as the technique. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 37B, the control of the display mode of the background by the dots is generated by the dot pattern of the tile, and is input to the circuit of FIG. 46 as on / off video data. That is, FIG.
In (b), the background of the display area of “document set”, “number of copies”, and “start” and the background outside the display area are changed by changing the dot density of the tile.

The video signal displayed on the CRT screen as described above can be obtained by dynamically changing the start address of the CRT controller 335 to the first V-screen.
By switching between the RAM and the second V-RAM, one of them is selected and read and displayed. Therefore, C for U / I
The PU 46 has a port for inputting a blanking start signal and a display period signal, and a port for outputting a display permission signal. Then, in the U / I CPU 46,
The CRT is interrupted at the falling edge at the start of the blanking period of the CRT by the blanking start signal, and the CRT display state is recognized by the display period signal. The display permission signal instructs display permission and prohibition on the CRT.

(III-5) Various Processes in User Interface (A) Function Selective Copy Start Process First, an outline of the entire process from turning on the power switch to starting the copy operation will be described.

FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the entire processing from the power-on to the start of the copy operation.

When the power switch is turned on, FIG.
The initial screen (fully automatic screen) shown in (b) is displayed, the next key input is waited, and the operation content is determined. Here, when the ten key 307 is input, it is determined that the input of the number of copies of the full-size copy is fully automatically performed, and the copy mode and the execution conditions are determined by operating the start key 318.
Send to Thus, the main CPU 41 controls the start of the copy operation, and starts the copy operation for the set number of sheets.

When the mode selection key (308 to 310) is input instead of the numeric keypad 307 on the initial screen, the key is the mode selection key 310 for the basic copy.
A corresponding selection mode screen is displayed according to the mode selection key 309 for application copy or the mode selection key 308 for specialty copy. Then, the cascade key 319-1 is set until the setting of each cascade is completed on the selection mode screen.
Through 319-5, and it is determined whether or not another mode selection has been input. If another mode selection has been made, the mode selection and cascade setting processing are similarly performed. If there is no mode selection and the ten key 307 is input, the input of the number of copies is determined and the start key 31
The copy mode and its execution conditions are checked by the operation of 8 and transmitted to the main CPU 41. Thus, the main CPU 41 controls the start of the copy operation, and starts the copy operation for the set number of sheets.

Next, an example of a specific process corresponding to the operation by the operator and the state of the machine will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when the power is turned on and initialized, the key management unit 374 switches the screen switching unit 36 on the condition that the state table 371 is in the initial state and there is no key input.
8 issues an initial screen instruction. In the video controller,
In response to this instruction, the screen switching unit 368 sets the display screen of the display control data 367 as the initial screen.

When the initial screen is the basic copy screen in the display control data 367, the dialog editing unit 366 reads the frame of the basic copy from the dialog data 370. In this frame, the address of the display control data 367 is shown for each area, and the dialog control unit 366 reads and edits the display control data 367 based on this address, and draws a basic copy screen on the V-RAM 365. . At the same time, the LED of the basic copy is turned on. Here, when the mode selection key of the application copy or the specialty copy of the keyboard is operated, the key management unit 374 is operated.
To check the key reception conditions, and similarly issue a screen instruction corresponding to the screen switching unit 368. If the initial screen is set to the fully automatic screen in the display control data 367, the fully automatic screen is drawn. This setting is performed in the diagnostic mode.

In the display state of these screens, when the cascade key is operated by the operator and the physical key table 361 is updated, the physical key table 361 is detected by the key change detection unit 361 and converted into a logical key by the key conversion unit 363. Since the conversion of the cascade key into the logical key differs depending on the screen, the reference position of the conversion table 364 is controlled based on the screen information of the display control data 367, and the conversion into the logical key is performed. For example, in FIG.
Is operated, if the screen is a basic copy screen, it is converted to a logical key for double-sided copy cascade, but if it is an application copy screen, it is converted to a logical key for color cascade.

The key management unit 374 determines from the state table 371 whether or not the current state is acceptable. In this case, acceptance is permitted under the condition of a cascade key on the selection mode screen. Is sent to the state management unit 372 from here. In the key control unit 375, the copy mode 37
8 is updated, and the cascade display information is passed to the display management unit 377. The display management unit 377 generates an interface command and issues it to the display control unit 369. The display control unit 369 receives the interface command and updates the cascade setting information of the display control data 367. Thereafter, this content is reflected on the screen by the dialog editing unit 366 as described above. When each selection mode screen is switched in this way and each cascade is set, the setting state is displayed on the display, and the copy mode 378 and the state table 371 of the job controller are updated.

Then, when the start key is operated, the key control section 375 checks the copy mode 378 and issues a copy execution command. This copy execution command is issued by setting it in the transmission buffer 380 and transmitted to the main CPU via a serial communication line by the monitor. If the mode settings are inconsistent, the display management unit 377 generates and issues a display control interface command to control the message.

Upon issuing the copy execution command, the job control unit 376 manages the copy operation for each copy. For example, when the machine starts a copy operation and a machine state command is received every moment in the reception buffer 379, the command control unit 373 analyzes this and notifies the state management unit 372 and the job control unit 376. The job control unit 376 receives a machine status command and issues commands necessary for machine operation up to a set number of copies for each copy. This is set in the transmission buffer 380 through the command control unit 373. On the other hand, the state management unit 372 updates the state table 371 according to the machine state command. Therefore, in this state, the key management unit 374 cannot accept the mode selection key, the cascade key, and the like.

When a jam occurs during copy execution and a jam occurrence command is received from the machine, the information is transmitted to the job control unit 3 via the command control unit 373.
76 and the state management unit 372. as a result,
The state table 371 is updated with a jam occurrence state,
Job is suspended. Then, the key control unit 37
In step 5, by recognizing the jam occurrence position and passing the information to the display management unit 377, the display management unit 377 generates and issues an interface command based on the jam processing code in the mode classification, for example, to which the parameter of the jam zone is added. I do. Accordingly, the display control unit 369 processes this command and updates the display control data 367 to the content of the jam screen display, thereby setting the screen brightness at that time to 1
A jam screen is displayed on the display in which the rank is reduced and the screen representing the jam zone is overwritten.

In the machine state command, the key control unit 375 recognizes the remaining amount of toner, the state of the collection bottle, the out-of-paper state, the open state of the interlock, and the like. Control of parts and the like.

The diagnosis mode is shifted by a special operation of simultaneously operating the all clear key when the power is turned on. In this mode, the key management unit 3
It is recognized in the key control unit 375 through 74. Then, a diag command is issued through the display management unit 377 to control the diag screen. In this mode, a specific area of the display control data 367 is registered,
It can be set and cannot be set in normal modes other than the diagnostic mode. For example, setting whether to display the fully automatic screen or not to display the fully automatic screen is one of them.

(B) Screen switching control As described with reference to FIG. 41, in the display of this copying machine, it takes about 17 mS to display one screen. On the other hand,
It takes about 100 ms to rewrite the V-RAM 340, which is equivalent to six display repetition times.

By the way, as described above, the mode selection keys 308 to 310, the information key 302,
Review key 303, dual language key 304,
When the all clear key 316 is operated, switching between the screens is performed. When the numeric keypad 307 is operated while the information screen is displayed, the cascade keys 319-1 to 319-1 are displayed on the selection mode screen.
When 319-5 is operated and a specific option is selected, the screen shifts to a pop-up screen. When the screen is switched or the pop-up screen is developed, if the display is interrupted during the rewriting period, the screen will not be displayed for about 100 msec, which is perceived as flickering by the operator's eyes. Screen is difficult to see.

As a method for switching the display screen,
In addition to the method of suspending the display until the rewriting of the display data is completed as described above, there is a method of using a vertical blanking period. According to this method, as is apparent from FIG. 41, the vertical blanking period is only 1.54 msec, and even if the start signal is detected and used as a full rewrite time, about 80 vertical blanking periods are required. And
Therefore, it takes more than one second when converted to the display time, and the change of the screen during this time is also difficult for the operator to see. It is also possible to set in advance not to display the fully automatic screen shown in FIG. 37B. In this case, when the all clear key 316 is operated while a certain selection mode screen is displayed, All cascades on that screen are reset to default. Therefore, the setting area of the cascade is switched on the screen, and similarly, a hardly visible state occurs.

Therefore, in this copying machine, when the above-described screen switching condition occurs, the V-display in the non-display state is
A new display screen is written in the RAM (back V-RAM) 340, and the start address of the CRT controller 335 is dynamically switched. However, when the amount of rewriting information is small, for example, when only moving the setting area by operating the cascade key, or when displaying a numerical input value using the numeric keypad, the vertical blanking period is used.

FIGS. 48A and 48B are diagrams for explaining the screen editing process. FIG. 48A shows the flow of the process, and FIG. 48B shows an example of the module configuration.

When the contents of the screen change are large as described above, the data is expanded in the back V-RAM and then the V-RAM is switched. It is necessary to determine whether the rewriting process is performed. The screen displays the frame No. as described in FIG.
Is edited and expanded according to the settings of the pop-up No. and the display control data. Therefore, when the frame No. or pop-up No. is changed, the screen is rewritten and the back V-RAM is used. As a result, each cascade moves, so that the changed contents are increased and the back V-RAM is used. Therefore, it is first determined whether the process uses the back V-RAM or rewrites a part of the front V-RAM (step 1).

In the case of screen rewriting processing, dialog initialization is performed. In this processing, the head address of the dialog data is obtained from the frame number and the pop-up number, and a dialog read pointer is set (step 2).

[0254] Then, from the configuration information group, "Possibility"
A check process is performed for each block one by one, and whether the item is a fixed item or a variable item is checked (steps 3 and 4).

In the case of YES (in the case of a fixed item),
After performing the screen gray check, start the read process,
The data is output to the back V-RAM to expand the display data (steps 5 to 7).

In the case of NO (in the case of a variable item), the addresses of the configuration information and the reference information (Test Variable) are registered in the update table, and when all the variable items have been registered, EOF (end of file) is stored in the update table. Set the code (Steps 8-1
0).

When the above steps 3 to 10 are performed by the number of "Possibility", the update table is checked one block at a time up to the EOF code, and the same processing as the above 5 to 7 is performed (steps 11 to 12). .

For example, in the screen rewriting process of the selection mode screen, the background is displayed in gray. Therefore, the whole is first developed in gray display mode, and the display data is edited and developed thereon. By doing so, only the portion to be overwritten needs to be processed, so that the processing amount can be reduced.
The screen rewriting process is performed as described above, but if the determination process in the above 1 is NO, the partial rewriting process is performed.

In the partial rewriting process, the update data table is checked to read the changed dialog data of the variable item, and the display block data is created and output to the table V-RAM.

In the pop-up display, when the screen cannot be displayed, the selected mode is expanded and displayed as an extension of the currently displayed screen, and a part of the displayed screen is specified. Overwrite with the close-up window of the mode.

The pop-up open is canceled on the condition that a certain period of time, for example, 750 msec has elapsed after selecting the mode to be popped up, and the cascade key is further operated before the elapse of 750 msec. . This is to avoid wasting the processing of responding to the transient mode selection as in other mode determinations. With such a pop-up opening, a mode can be selected on the pop-up window by the cascade key corresponding to the portion, while the mode of the portion hidden by the pop-up window cannot be changed by the cascade key.

[0262] In the bopp-up close, after "close" (close key) on the pop-up window is selected and a predetermined time elapses, for example, 500 msec, a screen change key, an auto clear key, and other keys (including a cascade key) outside the pop-up window are used. This operation is performed when an operation is performed, the preheating mode is entered, the interruption mode is entered, and the like. Therefore, when the screen is changed and the screen returns to the original screen, the previous popup is closed. In addition,
When the pop-up is closed by operating the close key, it is displayed that the pop-up is closed in a cascade, and input of another key is not accepted.

(C) Multi-screen setting state display FIG. 49 is a view for explaining the flow of processing for changing the setting state display area. As described with reference to FIG. 47, on the initial screen, the mode selection key (308
-310), a corresponding selection mode screen is displayed according to whether the key is the mode selection key 310 for basic copy, the mode selection key 309 for application copy, or the mode selection key 308 for specialty copy. indicate. And
On the selection mode screen, the cascade keys 319-1 to 31
The cascade setting process according to 9-5 is performed, and then it is determined whether or not another mode selection has been input. If another mode selection has been made, the mode selection and cascade setting processes are similarly performed. Here, the setting states of the other selection mode screens are displayed in the setting state display areas of the selection mode screens, and the contents of the setting state display areas in the respective selection mode screens are rewritten by the following processing.

First, the currently displayed screen is recognized. If the screen is a basic copy screen, a cascade mode name other than the default of the application copy and a cascade mode name other than the default of the specialized copy are similarly displayed in the setting state display area. If the screen is for an advanced copy, the setting status display area displays the cascade mode name other than the default for the basic copy and the cascade mode name other than the default for the professional copy. A cascade mode name other than the default cascade mode of the basic copy and a cascade mode name other than the default cascade mode of the application copy are displayed in the setting state display area.

When the setting state is changed in the cascade on the screen being displayed, the default cascade is deleted for the corresponding setting state internal data of another copy mode, and a cascade other than the default is registered. When the all clear key is operated, all cascades are set to default. In this processing, for example, if the processing is for the basic copy screen, the addresses A0C to A0F and A1 of the display control data according to the specifications shown in FIGS.
The cell values of 1 to A15 are updated.

(D) Control of Combination Prohibition The copier has automatic functions for selecting a paper tray and for copying magnification. Automatic paper selection is a function that detects the document size when copying and selects the same size paper according to the size.Auto magnification is specified from the document size when the paper size is specified. This function sets the copy magnification to match the paper size.
Therefore, the automatic function has no problem when either one of them is selected, but when both are automatic, neither the paper size nor the copy magnification can be specified. That is, it is prohibited to use both automatic functions together.
Therefore, when such a state is selected and set, a J-code message such as "Automatic paper magnification mode cannot be performed in automatic paper selection mode" is output to the user.

In a multifunctional copying machine, several steps of function selection operation are performed before the start key is actually operated to issue a copy command. Moreover, the order of the selection operation is not fixed, and each function can be selected and set independently. Therefore, the two automatic functions may be selected without knowing that the combination is prohibited, or the two automatic functions may be temporarily selected during the operation of selecting another function without being conscious. . Also, in the normal case, it should be considered that the user has not made a final decision during the operation until the start key is operated. At this stage, it is necessary to output a message indicating that the combination is prohibited. In this case, the user is instructed for every operation in the middle, which causes a problem in operability. In this copier, when the start key is operated, a final matching judgment is made and the result is output as a message, thereby solving such a problem.

Also, in order to prevent the setting of an unmatched mode, this copying machine is configured so that the magnification mode is linked to the paper selection mode. FIG. 50 is a diagram shown to explain the algorithm.

In the cascade of paper selection (paper tray) and magnification setting (reduction / enlargement), as shown in FIG. 50 (b), the default is automatic equal magnification. APMS state of the copy mode table (byte 2, bit D in FIG.
4, D3) is updated in the four states shown in FIG. 50 (c), and the magnification cascade is linked to the paper cascade under certain conditions. In FIG. 50 (c), "00" is an automatic magnification in a default state, "01" is automatic paper in which paper is automatic and magnification is arbitrary / fixed, "10" is an automatic magnification in which paper is other than automatic and magnification is automatic, “11” indicates a manual whose paper is other than automatic and whose magnification is arbitrary / fixed. In addition, the manual feed tray is out of the target.

In this copying machine, when paper is automatically selected in the automatic magnification mode in each of the above-described states, it is normal to select the paper size according to the document size in most cases. Cascade is linked at the same magnification. Further, when a specific tray other than the manual tray is selected in the automatic 1: 1 mode, the cascade of the magnification is automatically linked so that the original is copied in accordance with the sheet of the specific size. In this way, by linking the magnification mode to the normal mode that will be most frequently used in response to the paper selection mode and updating the APMS state at the same time, the simultaneous selection of the modes prohibited from being used together is reduced. I have. However, this interlocking control is simply performed, and does not absolutely limit the user's selection. Therefore, when a selection operation other than the above-described combination is performed in spite of the interlocking control, that mode is selected. And when the start key is operated,
FIG. 3 shows a case in which the combination prohibition function is selected.
In the copy mode table of 0 (d), a command for outputting a combination prohibition message from the key control unit 375 through the display management unit 377 by making a determination by comparing the magnification, the contents of the tray (TRAY), and the APMS state. Will be issued. FIG. 50 shows the processing flow of the magnification-linked check control.
(A).

Next, an outline of the operation of the module will be described. First, when the cascade key of the paper tray is operated, it is checked whether or not the cascade key of the paper tray is automatically selected. ) Followed by A
The PMS state is checked, and if the mode is the automatic magnification mode, the magnification of the copy mode table is set to 1: 1 and the display management unit 3
In addition to performing display processing of the same magnification cascade through 77,
An APMS state update process is performed. If the APMS state is not in the automatic magnification mode, the APMS state
Perform state update processing.

If the cascade key for the paper tray is a selection other than automatic (in the case of NO), then it is checked whether the tray is other than the manual feed tray or the APMS state is in the automatic equal magnification mode.
If both are YES, the magnification of the copy mode table is automatically set, the display processing of the automatic magnification cascade is performed through the display management unit 377, and the APMS state updating processing is performed. If the manual feed tray is selected or the APMS state is not in the automatic 1: 1 mode (at least when any of the determination processes is NO), the APMS
Perform state update processing.

With the above-described magnification-linked check control, when the start key is operated, the APMS
The determination of the mode matching check can be made from the three information of the state, the paper tray, and the magnification.

(E) Option Control FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining the process of option control associated with available additional functions, and FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between additional devices and functions.

A copier to which the present invention is applied can be equipped with various additional devices. When focusing on a certain cascade, if the cascade is simply valid or not, it is conceivable not to change the screen as it is, but if the display remains on the screen, the user mistakenly selects the mode Of course. However, various combinations exist, for example, just by giving an output device, an input device, and a paper tray. The output device has a sorter or finisher, the paper tray has MSI or HCF, and the input device has DADF or RDH. In addition, the paper tray can be equipped with both MSI and HCF, so if there is either, there is either, or there is a combination of none, and if these are included, the overall
There are 10 parameters. FIG. 52 shows an example of a change in the cascade corresponding to this parameter. The left end (first) cascade is an output, the second cascade is a paper tray, the third cascade is an enlargement / reduction, and a fourth cascade. An example is shown in which the cascade is configured on both sides and the fifth cascade is configured with a density function.

As shown in FIG. 52, for example, in the case of output, when a sorter is provided or a finisher is provided, the cascade name changes and the function options change. Therefore, it is necessary to simply consider only the presence or absence of an output device and select three selection mode screens. If a paper tray and an output device are added to this, a 3 × 4 ×
2 = 24 selection mode screens are required. In addition to that, if you add the magnification of the second development, LDC, frame erasing, continuous page copying, job program, the presence of editor, etc., and see the relationship with the function to reflect on the basic copy screen, application copy screen, specialty copy screen, The total number of these combinations is in the thousands.
When screens are prepared and managed in correspondence with all the combinations, an area for storing the screens (dialog data 370)
However, there is a problem that the amount of processing in dialog editing increases accordingly.

Therefore, this copying machine employs a data structure that allows configuration setting with both screen data and dialog data 370 and display control data 367, and sets configuration information in display control data 367 to allow for each configuration. In addition to controlling the cascade names and options on the screen, the conversion to the logical keys in the key conversion unit 363 is controlled by switching the conversion table 364. FIG. 51 shows the flow of the configuration setting process.

The configuration setting process is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, when the power is turned on, the configuration information is received by a command from the main body, and the key control unit 375 sends the configuration information to the display management unit 37 in accordance with the information.
By activating the display control unit 369 through step 7, the contents of the display control data composed of the screen data display RAM are updated. The update process checks the presence / absence of each of the sorter, the color, the input, the HCF tray, and the like as shown in FIG. 7B, and for example, flags “1” and “0” according to “Yes” and “No”. Set.

Looking at this processing by setting the display control data described with reference to FIG. 31, for example, when there is a sorter, “1” is set to the address A1B from the specifications of FIGS. At the same time, "2", "3", and "4" are set to the addresses A38, A39, and A3A, respectively. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9D, "Sorter" is displayed as the cascade name, and "Copy receiving", "Collation", and "Stack" are displayed as options below it. Note that address A
By setting the cell values of 38, A39, and A3A by changing the above order, the display order of options can be changed. When no sorter is used, “0” is set to the address A1B, and “1” is set to the addresses A38, A39, and A3A. As a result, the cascade name and each option are all blank. In the case of a paper tray, the cell value of each address is changed from “1” to “7” according to the specification of FIG.
, The display order can be changed.

FIGS. (C) and (d) show examples of a configuration in which a ROM key code table of a full configuration is provided. In this case, first, the key code conversion table of the full configuration is copied from the ROM to the RAM (364) by power-on, and when the configuration information is received from the main body, the key code conversion table 364 of the RAM is updated according to the information. I do. By this update, for example, if a sorter is installed, it is controlled so that logical key conversion according to each case where a finisher is installed is performed, and of course, if neither a sorter nor a finisher is installed Is invalidated even if the cascade key is operated.

(F) Full-automatic mode control The fully-automatic mode in the user interface of the copying machine includes a state in which one of the selection mode screens is displayed and each cascade is set to the default setting, and a state in which the full-automatic screen is displayed. There are two ways. Even in this same fully automatic mode, the status of each cascade can be confirmed in the former case, but not in the latter case. However, in situations unaccustomed to the apparatus in use early, when the selection mode screen is displayed, any operation for five cascade is displayed, there is a problem that feel embarrassed or manipulated can I set, In such a case, the full-automatic screen is considered to be easy to use, but if the user is accustomed to the operation, there is a request to display the selection mode screen and check the setting status of each cascade. Come.

Therefore, in this copying machine, whether to display the fully automatic screen or the selection mode screen as the screen in the all clear state is set and stored in the non-volatile memory in the diagnostic mode. Triggers for displaying this screen include, for example, when an all clear key is operated, when an interrupt mode is entered, when a preheating key is used to return from a preheating state, when an all clear function is operated, and when power is turned on.
On the other hand, the trigger for stopping the display of the fully automatic screen is when the mode selection key, the review key, and the information key are operated in the job end state.

In the fully automatic mode, the tray is automatically selected, the magnification is the same, the copy density is automatic, and the duplex function is set to the simplex mode, as is clear from the selection mode screen described above. Therefore, only the direct key and the screen change key can be used for accepting keys on the fully automatic screen. The key management unit 374 performs such key reception management according to the state table 371 as described above, and the key control unit 375 generates a copy mode 378 as shown in FIG. Managing.

In the output mode, the copy mode is set for one copy and the collation mode is set for two or more copies according to the input contents of the set number. In this processing, byte 19 of the copy mode table shown in FIG.
The set number of 20 is referred to. Whether or not this collation mode is automatically selected depends on the setting of the nonvolatile memory. In the interrupt mode, the sort mode is not set automatically because there is an interrupt in the sort mode.

Next, the flow of the check control in the fully automatic mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the user interface of the copying machine, the final mode is determined when the start key is operated as described above. Therefore, even in the check of the fully automatic mode, it waits until the start key is operated, and when the start key is operated, it is checked whether or not the screen is a fully automatic screen (steps 1 and 2).

When the screen is not a fully automatic screen (NO), the contents of the mode screen are judged, execution conditions are checked, and a copy mode is set (steps 3 to 5).

In the case of the fully automatic screen (YES), it is determined whether or not the contents of the nonvolatile memory are set to the fully automatic mode, the input mode information is ADF, and the set number is 2 or more. If the condition is YES, the output mode information is set to the collation mode, and if at least one of the conditions is NO, the output mode information is set to the copy receiver (steps 6 to 10).

Then, a machine command is transmitted from the user interface to the main CPU in the setting mode (step 11).

FIG. 53 (b) is a diagram for explaining the flow of the input determination process, and FIG. 53 (c) is a diagram for explaining the flow of the set number input check process.

[0290] Between the user interface and the main unit (sequence manager), a copy mode is determined in accordance with an operation input on the user interface, and a machine start command is transmitted to the main unit. The machine control on the sequence is performed according to. Whether a document is set or not and where the document is set are always detected by a sensor, the presence or absence of the document is determined, and an input status command is transmitted to the user interface. In the user interface, the input mode is determined from the command. In the fully automatic mode, the priorities are determined in the order of SADF, ADF, and platen, and the input mode is determined according to the priorities.

In the input determination processing, as shown in FIG. 53 (b), first, an input status command is waited for, and when the command is received, the input status information is then set in the SADF of the first priority. Check to see if it is

When there is a manuscript in SADF (in the case of YES)
, The input mode information is set in the SADF.

If there is no original in the SADF (NO), it is checked whether or not the input status information is a DADF original. If YES, the input mode information is set in the ADF. Set information on the platen.

In the set number input check process, as shown in FIG. 53 (c), first, input of a ten-key is waited, and whether the set number input is the first digit or the second digit is recognized by input of the ten key, and one digit is input. In the case of the first digit, the input value is set to the first digit of the set number information of the RAM as it is, and in the case of the second and subsequent digits, the numerical value of the set digit of the set number information of the RAM is increased by one digit. Shift and set the input value to the first digit.

(G) Control of Burn-in Prevention Screen FIG. 54 is a view for explaining an example of display processing by the burn-in prevention screen in the standby state.

When a CRT display is used as a user interface, a device such as a copying machine is preheated in a standby state in order to save power consumption in the non-use state and enable a quick transition from the non-use state to the copy operation. It is usual to keep the mode. This preheating mode is set / canceled each time the operator operates the preheating key 306 at the end of use. However, even if the operator forgets to operate the preheating key 306, power consumption can be reduced. For this reason, the system automatically shifts to the preheating mode. In this case, the mode screen is displayed on the CRT display so that the operator can easily recognize that the mode is the preheating mode in the standby state. However, in this standby state, the same mode screen is displayed for a long time when the frequency of use is low. Such a fixed display is CR
This degrades the T display, lowers the display quality and shortens the life of the display. Therefore,
In this copying machine, the deterioration of the CRT display due to the fixed display is prevented by the display control shown in FIG.

In the processing shown in FIG. 54 (d), if there is no operation for a certain period of time, for example, 15 minutes or more after a certain screen is displayed, or if there is no operation or change of state of the machine, the standby state is set. Display the (Preheating mode) screen. Furthermore, after displaying the standby state screen, if there is any operation within a certain period of time, the display screen is switched in accordance with the content of the operation. FIG. 54 (a) every time, for example, every 1.5 seconds
The display position of the standby state screen is changed as shown in (c). When the preheating key 306 is operated in the preheating mode, the screen is switched to a fully automatic screen, and a full automatic copy mode is set. The process of changing the display position of the standby state screen is as follows.
A plurality of display positions and display orders may be set in advance, and the display positions may be changed according to the order, or the display positions may be changed randomly using random number generating means or the like. In this case, since fixed display is not performed for a long time equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which only some of the pixels are significantly burned and deteriorated. Further, a display (moving clock) in which the screen is displayed on a part of the display and moved from time to time as in the above-described burn-in prevention screen (moving clock) may be used at the time of an operator's operation or interruption of machine operation. This control is performed in the mode setting stage before the start key is operated, if there is no key input after a certain key input after a certain time has elapsed, or if the start key is operated and the machine performs copy operation. Is started when the screen is fixedly displayed for a certain period of time due to the occurrence of a jam or the like. When there is a key input or any other state change, for example, when the machine is operated by an automatic start, when an operator operates the machine to open / close an interlock, insert / remove a paper tray, or the like, a message (U , J, CAUTION) display reason /
When the state of the machine such as clearing or occurrence / clearing of a jam changes, the screen is returned to the original screen. In this case,
It goes without saying that the graphic is always displayed so as to fit on the screen.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, a CRT display is used for the user interface. However, a plasma display, an EL display, a liquid crystal display, a fluorescent display tube, or the like may be used, or a touch panel may be attached. Although the arrangement is made at the back right corner, the arrangement may be at the back left corner. In addition, the display with the accent is performed by controlling the display mode of the CRT display. However, a color display may be used to change the color. Although the area is divided into the area, the setting state display area, and the selection area, it goes without saying that the selection area can be variously modified in addition to the message area and the setting state display area being allocated on both sides thereof in the middle. Further, the mode selection keys are arranged corresponding to the number of divided screens, but the screen switching operation may be performed by only one mode selection key.

[0299] Not only when switching screens, but also when expanding pop-up screens and clearing (selecting fully automatic screens) in the selection mode screen, two sets of image memories are used. If the rewriting can be performed between the display timings in relation to the rewriting speed of the image memory, it is needless to say that the contents of the image memory being displayed directly may be rewritten. When a certain period of time elapses while the operation of the user interface is interrupted, a screen for calling attention (moving clock) is displayed. Can be applied.

(III-6) Diag Mode Display Method The display system of the user interface has been described in detail above. Next, specifically, what kind of screen display is performed by using the diag mode will be described. The case where a diagnosis is performed will be described as an example. In the following description, the structure of various types of data, the way of transmission and reception, and the like will be kept to a minimum necessary to avoid duplication of description.

As described above, the diagnostic mode is a mode used when the serviceman adjusts the copying machine to meet the user's request or when repairing a failure, and has various functions. The function to be provided as the diagnostic mode may be determined as appropriate, but here, the following function will be considered.

(1) P0: NVRAM initialization (2) P1: Input check (3) P2: Output check (4) P3: History file (5) P5: Subsystem check (6) P6: Parameter setting (7) P8... Mode setting Hereinafter, each function of these diagnostic modes will be described together with a display screen.

(1) P0 Mode When the copier is shipped, a certain value is written in the NVM, which is an initial value, but is usually adjusted and changed according to the request of the user. This adjustment and change are performed in P3 (history file), P6 (parameter setting), and P8 (mode setting), which will be described later. The P0 mode is used to return the adjusted and changed NVRAM values to the initial state. Mode.

The initialization of the NVM does not deviate from the setting of the NVM. Therefore, the initialization can be performed by setting the initial value using the parameter setting of the P6 mode described later. In the copying machine, initialization and setting are distinguished in view of the fact that the value must be searched for and input in a code table and initialization is a special operation different from setting.

The operation in the P0 mode will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 55 and an example of the screen display of FIG.

First, when the power is turned on while pressing a predetermined operation, for example, an appropriate function key, a diagnosis mode is entered. The display screen at that time is as shown in FIG. 56 (a), in which the display indicating that the mode is the diagnosis mode and the character P are displayed. At this time, the machine takes no action and its state does not change. When 0 is input from the numeric keypad in this state, the mode is entered into the P0 mode, and the screen display indicates that the P0 mode has been entered as shown in FIG. On this screen, a remote value for initialization, that is, a number corresponding to the above-described code number and its description are displayed. 1 is
It indicates that it is a remote value for initializing all items shown in the following 2 to 9, and similarly, 2 is a remote value for initializing the marking P6, that is, the marking set in P6. Is a remote value for initializing the DADF, 4 is a remote value for initializing the CHM, 5 is an IMM
Is a remote value for initializing the value set in the system of P6, 7 is a remote value for initializing the user interface, 8 is a remote value for initializing P3, and 9 is a remote value for initializing P3. This is a remote value for initializing P8. As described above, conventionally, for example, to perform all initialization, a corresponding remote value was searched for and input from a code table. Is displayed, the serviceman does not have to search the code table each time, and the operability is good.

[0307] Another feature is that the initialization of the NVM is subdivided so that initialization can be performed for each subsystem. That is, a design value is set as a parameter at the time of shipment from the factory, but the parameter value changed in the course of use gradually becomes a fixed value and is stored in a ROM or used for designing a next model. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform initialization for the parameter having the fixed value. However, conventionally, all the parameter values written in the NVM are initialized. It had to be reset. On the other hand, if NVM initialization can be performed for each subsystem, initialization can be performed only for necessary subsystems. As a result, the work of NVM initialization can be reduced. It is. For this purpose, a predetermined number of bytes, for example, 100 bytes may be allocated to the NVM for each subsystem, and only the parameter value of the specified subsystem may be returned to the initial value. At this time, the state of the machine does not change.

In the state of FIG. 56 (b), for example, when “1” is input by using the ten keys to initialize everything,
As shown in (c), 1 is displayed at the position next to the cursor 800. At this time, the state does not change because the machine does not perform any operation. When the start key is pressed here, the characters "INIT." Are displayed as shown in FIG. 56 (d), notifying the operator that the initialization has started, and the machine displays the input code number. Initialize the NVM of the relevant remote (subsystem). Note that the initial state is an initial value shown in the code table for P3 and 0 for P6 and P8.

If all of the P-UIs have been initialized, this is the end of the procedure.
6- To initialize the CHM, enter 7 in FIG. 56 (c) in the above-mentioned procedure to perform initialization, and when finished, press the stop key to return to the previous screen, and further press the clear key. The screen is returned to the initial screen of the P0 mode and returned to the screen of FIG. 56B, and in this state, 4 is input to perform initialization. In any state of the screen, pressing the P key (program key) causes the screen shown in FIG.
You can return to the initial screen of the diagnostic mode. That is, the stop key, the clear key, and the P key are used for an operation for returning to a desired screen when an input error occurs.

In FIG. 56, only nine items are displayed on one screen. However, if there are more items, the user can operate the cascade key to move the cursor up and down to select. Alternatively, the screen may be scrolled by operating the cascade key.

(2) P1 mode In this mode, whether or not a switch or a sensor is operating correctly is checked at the port-side level of the circuit board, and the input is checked by displaying at the connector-side level. is there. Of course, it is possible to display the port level, but for that,
Since a large amount of wiring must be provided to the portion of the C pin, and there is a danger of short-circuiting and destruction of the IC, the display is made at the level of the connector. However, since a gate, a driver and the like are actually interposed between the port and the connector, means for converting the port level to the connector level, for example, a logic circuit or a conversion subroutine is required. What kind of conversion means is used can be selected as appropriate, but in this copying machine, a subroutine is used in consideration of the ease of responding to a design change.

An example of an operation procedure and a display screen in the P1 mode is shown below. A flowchart of the operation procedure is shown in FIG.
Since this is the same as the case of the P0 mode shown in FIG.

When 1 is entered on the screen shown in FIG. 56 (a) using the numeric keys, the mode P1 is entered, and the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, the code number of the switch or sensor to be checked is input in the code number column. Since a code number is assigned to every switch or sensor, the code number of the switch or sensor to be checked is searched in a code table and input. Then, the ON / OFF (high level / low level) state of the switch or the sensor is displayed for the item specified by the code number, and the following two types are prepared. One is a case where an input from a switch or a sensor is digital. In this case, "H" / "L" determined based on the level of the connector signal of the PWB board is shown in the level column of FIG. To be displayed. The H / L is determined, for example, every 500 msec. The other is a case where the input from the switch or sensor is analog. In this case, the analog value is converted to H / L level and displayed, and the analog value is A / D converted by 8 bits. Some items are displayed in the “A / D” column of FIG. For example, a POP sensor is an example of the former, and the level on the connector side is an H / L determination reference value,
For example, when the voltage is 2 V (volt) or more, it is set to H (high level). Examples of the latter include a fuser thermistor and an exposure lamp thermistor. The A / D value is, for example, 10
The display is rewritten in the msec cycle, and the display is updated, for example, every 500 msec.

The number of H / L changes of a switch or a sensor is displayed in the “COUNT” column of FIG. For example, when a switch is switched, the switch may bounce and generate chatter, which directly appears at the level on the connector side. Therefore, the number of changes is displayed, and this is used as a material for determining a poor contact or the like. Conventionally, an oscilloscope was used to measure the number of changes. However, in this copying machine, the number of changes determined by a change in the level of the connector on the PWB board is stored in the RAM in the CPU of the sequence manager SQMGR subsystem. Therefore, the data is called and displayed on the screen.

FIG. 57 (b) shows a screen displayed when the user inputs 23 using the numeric keypad in the state shown in FIG. 57 (a) and presses the start key to check the input of the switch or sensor having the code number 23. According to this, it is understood that the switch or sensor of code No. 23 is at the low level L, and the number of changes of H / L is two. FIG.
To check the input of the next switch or sensor from the state of FIG. 7 (b), press the stop key in the same manner as described in the P0 mode, and further press the clear key to return to the screen of FIG. Enter the code number of the switch or sensor you want to use with the numeric keypad.

As described above, in the diagram P1 mode of the copying machine, the A / D value and the number of changes are displayed in addition to the level display conventionally performed, so that the state of the switch or the sensor can be easily grasped. Can be done.

(3) P2 Mode The P2 mode is an output check, and is provided for operating hardware in units of components and checking the components by observing the operation.

The operation procedure for output check is shown in FIG.
8 and a display screen example of FIG. 59 will be described.

In the initial screen of the diagnostic mode shown in FIG. 56 (a), when 2 is input from the ten keys, a P2 mode is entered and the screen shown in FIG. 59 (a) is displayed. In this state, enter the code No. of the part whose output is to be checked, but now the reverse rotation motor (reverse change motor) 1
When the code No. 802 is input from the numeric keypad to perform the output check, the numeral 802 is displayed as shown in FIG. 59 (b). When the start key is pressed in the state of this screen, the machine operates to turn on the output port corresponding to the code number. At this time, on the display screen, as shown in FIG. 59 (c), ON is displayed in the row of code No. 802, indicating that the output port of the reverse rotation motor 1 has been turned ON. At this time, if the part is in a defective state, it does not operate even if the output port is turned on. Therefore, the operator turns on the output port by the above operation and checks whether the part operates or not. You can do it.

When the stop key is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 59 (c), that is, in a state where the output check of a single component is performed, the stop key only outputs the code No. input immediately before.
In this case, the screen returns to the screen in which only the code No. of FIG. 59B is displayed (the screen transition of the solid line 801). When the clear key is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 59B, the clear key has a function of deleting the immediately preceding data. Therefore, the display returns to the initial screen of the P2 mode shown in FIG. . When the P key is pressed on any screen, FIG.
Return to (a).

The above is a description of the output check of a single component. As shown in FIG. 59 (c), when the output is turned ON for one code No., the cursor moves to the next line, and When the main motor 1 is checked after the reverse rotation motor 1 is checked, for example, the state shown in FIG.
In the state of (c), the code number 801 of the main motor 1 is directly input and the start key is pressed.
(D). This is a screen transition according to the dashed line 803 in FIG.

As described above, in the output check of the copying machine, the output check of multiple items can be continuously performed on one screen. In other words, the output check is generally performed for a plurality of related components,
Conventionally, only one code can be displayed because the number of characters displayed on the user interface is small. Therefore, when checking the output of related parts, input the code No. one by one and check it. He had to make notes and make a comprehensive judgment. On the other hand, in this copying machine, a plurality of, for example, 10
Since the output of parts for the code can be checked, related parts can be checked collectively.
Operability is good.

If the output check of a plurality of code numbers can be performed on the same screen as described above, the following problem occurs. In other words, if the output check of some parts is performed and it is now in the state of FIG. 59 (e), in this state, it may be desired to turn off the output of all the code numbers and finish the output check. In some cases, it may be necessary to temporarily turn off the output of only No. 801 to continue the output check.
It is necessary to distinguish the operation of setting the FF from the operation of turning off the output of all code numbers.

For this purpose, it is possible to appropriately set which key has which function, but in this copying machine, when turning off the output of one code number, a stop key is used. When the output of all code numbers is turned off, the P key is used, and a function similar to that of each key in the other modes is provided.

In the state shown in FIG. 59 (e), for example, if it is desired to turn off only the output of the main motor 1 (code No. 801), the following operation is performed. As described above, the stop key is turned off only for the immediately preceding code No., so if the output of code No. 805 is turned off in the state of FIG. 59 (e), the stop key may be simply pressed. For code 801 before that, first enter 801 using the numeric keypad in the state of FIG. 59 (e), press the start key (FIG. 59 (f)), and then press the stop key to turn it off (FIG. 59 (f)). FIG. 59 (g)). At this time, not only the immediately preceding line 801 but also the line 801 which is three lines above it is OFF.
Is made. This is because if the same code No. is left ON before the output check is completed, the operator may mistakenly judge it to be faulty. They need to be in the same state. Of course, when the same code No. is input, it is possible to have an editing function to delete the previous same code No., but the process becomes complicated, so check whether the same code No. exists as described above. Then, when the same code number is displayed on the screen, it is better to perform the same display.

In this screen state as well, the cursor is displayed on the next line and the system is in a standby state for inputting a code number. This screen transition follows the dashed line 804 in FIG.

When the clear key is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 59 (g), the lowest code number in the OFF state is deleted, and
The screen shown in FIG. 59 (h) is displayed. At this time, the previous code
Since the row of No. 801 remains OFF-displayed, the output check was performed in the past, but since it is known that the process has now been completed, the operator does not make an erroneous determination.
This is a screen transition according to the wavy line 805 in FIG.

As described above, when the output check of a plurality of components is performed by using the stop key, the output of a certain component can be turned off. On the other hand, in the case of turning off the output of all parts in the state of FIG. 59 (e), canceling the output check, or changing the diagnosis mode, operating the P key causes any screen state to be changed. But you can return to the initial screen of the Diag mode.

As described above, when the output check of a plurality of parts is performed, the output of the parts having the desired code No. can be set to O by selectively using the stop key and the P key.
Since the FF can be used, the operation is good.

(4) P3 mode The P3 history file refers to the history of the copying machine by obtaining data from the history file stored in the RAM in the CPU of the SQMGR subsystem and displaying it on the U / I screen. It is provided as a guide for machine adjustment points, as a guide for the next copier design, and as a guide for parts replacement by referring to the contents of various counters. 60 is included. HISI (High Frequency Service)
Item) refers to the number of feeds of each tray and the like, and includes 13 types of items as shown in FIG.

The initial screen of the diagnosis mode (FIG. 56)
In (a)), enter 3 to enter the P3 mode, and enter 1 to display the HFSI screen, and press the start key to display the screen shown in FIG. 62 (a). On this screen, numbers 1 to 13 correspond to No. in FIG. For example, from FIG. 62A, the number of feeds in the upper tray is 1234.
It turns out that it is a sheet. Incidentally, since there are only 13 types of HFSI, 14 and below in FIG. 62 (a) are left blank.

[0332] Jam history is a recent jam 2
Zero times are stored and displayed as jam codes.
An example is shown in FIG. On this screen, No. 1 is the code of the jam that occurred most recently. That is, it is understood that the jam that occurred most recently is the jam of the code No. 13, and the previous jam is also the jam of the code No. 13. Then, the operator checks the contents of the jam while referring to the code table.

The fail history is a U code, that is, how many failures of the hardware that need to be contacted by a service person are displayed. The information on the failures that have occurred recently is stored and displayed as a failure code for 20 times. And
One example is shown in FIG. As in the screen of FIG. 62 (b), what is displayed at 1 is the code number of the most recently generated fail. Therefore, according to this figure, it can be seen that three failures have occurred recently, and the failure that occurred most recently is a failure with a code number of 82. The failure of the code number is confirmed by referring to the code table.

The jam counter is divided into a main unit (PROC) and an input / output (IN / OUT).
The contents of various counters provided for input and output can be referred to. FIG. 62D shows an example of the jam counter display of the main body, and FIG. 62E shows an example of the input / output jam counter display. According to FIG. 62 (d), the main body has 26 jam counters, the counter of code No. 1 detects jam once, the counter of code No. 9 detects jam twice, etc. I understand. The same applies to FIG. 62 (e).

As described above, in the P3 mode, various histories are displayed on one screen as compared with the conventional display of one item at a time, so that the operator can check each history at a glance.

(5) P5 Mode The subsystem check of P5 is to automatically execute a single operation or a set-up operation of the marking subsystem for checking, and has 14 modes as shown in FIG. ing.

FIG. 64 shows an example of a display screen in the P5 mode. First, when the power is turned on while pressing an appropriate function key, a diagnosis mode is entered (FIG. 56 (a)).
When the numeric key 5 is pressed in this state, a P5 system check is started, and the screen display indicates that the P5 mode has been entered as shown in FIG. For example, when a patch generator remote (PGREM) setup code of 10 is input, the display screen is displayed in a check mode as shown in FIG. 64B, and when the start key is pressed in this state, the patch generator remote setup is automatically performed. Is executed. The display screen at this time is shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), the code number 10, the VPGA indicating the voltage of the patch area, and the remote value to be monitored are displayed. Then, when the stop key is pressed, the display screen returns to the display screen of FIG. 64B, and when the P key is pressed in this state, the screen returns to the initial screen of the self-diagnosis mode. When the clear key is pressed in the state of the display screen of FIG. 64 (b), the state of the display screen of FIG. 64 (a) is set and another check code can be input. Thus, by inputting a code number corresponding to each check mode, each mode in the diagnosis mode can be run.

(6) P6 Mode P6 is a mode for setting the parameters, that is, adjusting the value of the NVRAM in order to eliminate the variation of the machine and to achieve the state as designed. FIG. 65 shows a flowchart of the operation for setting the parameters, and FIG. 66 shows an example of the display screen.

First, a predetermined key operation is performed as shown in FIG.
Call the initial screen of the diagnostic mode of
Is input, an initial screen of the P6 mode shown in FIG. 66A is displayed. When a code number is input in this state, the current setting value (CURRENT) and the initial value (IRR) of the machine control parameters for the item specified by the code number
NITIAL) is displayed. Now, when the code No. 500 is input to confirm the parameter of the DADF principle start timing, the screen changes as shown in FIG. 66 (b). As shown in FIG. 66 (c), code N for 10 codes starts with code No. 31 input.
o. and the current set value and initial value of the mode corresponding to the code number are displayed. From this screen, code No.500
It can be seen that the setting value of ~ 502 is 128, and the initial value is 100. Since code Nos. 503 to 509 are not used, N
G (No Good) is displayed. At this time, since the start keyboard is pressed, the machine operates for the first time and reads the current value of code No. 500, 128, from the NVM.

As shown in FIG. 66 (c), the display of ten consecutive codes from the input code No. is performed not for the code numbers but for each related code number. This is because, when a certain parameter is changed, it is necessary to refer to a parameter in a related part. On the other hand, conventionally, since only one parameter value is displayed at a time, when trying to change a parameter, it is referred to by inputting the relevant parameter value one by one. According to the display, the parameter of the related code number is also displayed just by inputting one code number, so that the work efficiency can be improved. In FIG. 66 (c), ten consecutive codes are displayed, but how many codes are displayed can be determined as necessary.

The reason why the initial value is displayed in FIG. 66 (c) is that the initial value is used as a guide when adjusting the value of the NVRAM. Previously, only the current set value was displayed, but the above display also shows the initial value, so there is no need to refer to the code table to know the initial value, which also improves work efficiency You can do it.

In the state shown in FIG. 66 (c), if the user tries to change the set value of code No. 500 from 128 to 105 and inputs 105 with the ten keys, the screen displays the code N as shown in FIG. 66 (d).
The display of the o.500 line is inverted between black and white, and the current value changes to 105. When the start key is pressed in this state, the screen is displayed as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6E, the display is returned from the black-and-white inverted display to the normal display state, and 105 is written in the NVM. In this way, by inverting the display of the portion where the set value is rewritten in black and white, the operator can easily confirm the work content, and as a result, the work efficiency can be improved.

Next, from the state shown in FIG.
In order to update the set value of, the cursor may be moved up and down with the cascade key, or the screen may be scrolled to move the cursor to the position of 502, and the above operation may be performed. Conventionally, when changing setting values, code numbers had to be entered one by one.However, parameter settings can be made simply by moving the cursor to the desired position with the cascade key. The setting work can be sped up.

If the clear key is pressed in the state of FIG. 66 (b), the entered code number is cleared and the state of FIG. 66 (a) is cleared.
Returning to the initial screen of the P6 mode, the state shown in FIG.
If the stop key is pressed in the state of FIG. 66 (e) and FIG.
The screen returns to the screen of FIG. 6B, and in any state of the screen, by pressing the P key, it is possible to return to the initial screen of the diagnosis mode (FIG. 56A).

In the above description, when the set value set by the ten keys is larger than the upper limit of the set range, the value is automatically corrected to the upper limit of the set range. It is made to be corrected.

(7) P8 mode P8 is for changing the priority tray, specifying whether or not to perform automatic clearing.
The function of the machine is changed to a mode desired by the user, such as setting of presence / absence of PS (automatic paper selection) / ATS (automatic tray selection). FIG. 67 shows the types of the mode setting and a part of the code Nos. A number of mode settings can be made so as to respond to various requests of the user. The flowchart of FIG. 68 and FIG.
The procedure for setting the mode of P8 will be described with reference to the example of the display screen 9.

First, a predetermined key operation is performed as shown in FIG.
Call the initial screen of the diagnostic mode of
Is input, an initial screen of the P8 mode shown in FIG. 69A is displayed. In this state, when the code No. 31 is input with the ten keys to set the number of sheets to be stored in one bin of the sorter, the screen changes as shown in FIG. 69 (b). As shown in FIG. 69 (c), the code No. for 10 codes starting from the code No. 31 inputted, and the current set value (CURRENT) and initial value (INITIAL) of the mode corresponding to the code No. Is displayed. Code Nos. 34 to 40 are not used.
(No Good) is displayed. At this time, since the start keyboard is pressed, the machine operates for the first time and reads the current value 50 of the code No. 31 from the NVM. Here, when 25 is input with the numeric keypad in order to change the current value of the mode of code No. 31 from 50 to 25, the screen is displayed as shown in FIG.
The display of the row of No. 31 is inverted between black and white, and the current value is 25.
Changes to When the start key is pressed in this state, the screen returns to the normal display state as shown in FIG. 69 (e) and 25 is written in the NVM. In this case, since the cursor is located at code No. 31, it is sufficient to input a desired current value using the numeric keypad. However, if the mode setting of code No. 34 is to be changed in the state of FIG. , Use the cascade key to move the cursor to code No. 3.
The user has to move to the position 4 and perform the above operation. If the clear key is pressed in the state of FIG. 69 (b), the input code No. is cleared and P8 of FIG. 69 (a) is cleared.
Returning to the initial screen of the mode, pressing the stop key in the state of FIG. 69 (c) and the state of FIG.
The screen returns to the screen of (b), and the initial screen of the diagnosis mode (FIG. 56 (a)) can be returned by pressing the P key in any screen state.

With the operation described above, the user can set the mode to which the code No. has been added to a desired state. Next, the APS / ATS function, which is a feature of the mode setting in this copying machine, is described. The switching will be described.

APS (automatic paper selection) like this copier
And in a copying machine having an ATS (automatic tray selection) function, if the ATS mode is set, and if there is no paper in the currently used tray during copying, the paper size of each tray is searched. If there is a tray containing paper of the same size, the tray is automatically switched and the copying operation is continued. However, on the other hand, some trays can hold special paper such as colored paper and OHP paper. In this case, if the tray containing the special paper is selected by the ATS function because the paper size is the same, the colored paper, OHP paper However, there is a disadvantage that the data is copied on special paper such as

Therefore, P8 in the diagnosis mode of the copying machine is used.
Thus, it is possible to set whether or not the APS / ATS function is provided.

Now, as shown in FIG. 67, the mode is assigned with the code No. 73. Therefore, when removing the upper tray from the target of APS / ATS, FIG.
In the state of (a), enter 73 from the numeric keypad and press the start key. With the code numbers 73 to 82 and their current values and initial values displayed, enter 1 with the numeric keypad and press the start key. Good. Although the setting of the APS / ATS mode can be generally performed for all trays, the above description is limited to the upper tray. In many cases, special paper is put in the upper tray. Because.

FIG. 70 shows a flowchart of the tray selection determining process when the upper tray is excluded from the target of APS / ATS. That is, in the following description, it is assumed that the upper tray is excluded from APS / ATS.

In the selected tray determination processing, first, in step S1, it is determined whether there is any paper in the tray currently being used. This determination can be made by referring to the tray status table shown in FIG. 71 and the copy mode table shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 71, the tray status table is a table having a total of 12 bytes, and each tray from the upper tray to the duplex tray has 2 bytes to indicate the presence or absence of paper and the state of the tray such as the paper size. Further, since the tray currently being used can be known from the item of TRAY in the table of FIG. 30D, the determination in step S1 can be made by referring to such information. In FIG. 71, C3 is a code indicating that the tray is not set in the main body.

If it is determined in step S1 of FIG. 70 that there is still paper, the tray is kept used. If there is no paper, it is determined in step S2 whether the APS mode is currently selected. . This processing is shown in FIG.
This can be done by referring to the item of APMS STATE in the copy mode table of (d). In P8 of this copier, APS / ATS
Can be set, and if it is determined in step S2 that the mode is not the APS mode, step S2 is executed.
In step S3, the process branches to step S7, and displays a message indicating that there is no paper on the screen. In the case of the APS mode, in step S3, it is determined whether there is a tray containing paper of the same size as the paper used so far. Is determined. This processing can also be performed by referring to the tray status table shown in FIG. 71 and the copy mode table shown in FIG. In other words, the size of the paper stored in each tray can be known by referring to the size item of the tray status table, and the tray number currently used can be known from the TRAY item of the copy mode table. What is necessary is just to search for the tray No. in which paper of the same size as the paper size of the tray is stored.

If a tray containing sheets of the same size is found, it is determined in step S4 whether the tray is the upper tray. This process can be performed by referring to the tray number in the tray status table. If it is not the upper tray, the copy mode table (FIG. 30) is used as the next tray to be used in step S6.
The tray number of the tray concerned is written in the TRAY section of (d)), and the process is terminated. If it is determined in step S4 that the tray containing sheets of the same size is the upper tray, it is determined in step S5 whether the upper tray is in the APS / ATS prohibition mode. As described above, whether or not the APS / ATS mode is prohibited is set in the NVRAM, so that the process in step S5 can be performed by referring to the value in the NVRAM. In this case, since the upper tray is in the state in which the APS / ATS mode is prohibited, the process returns to step S3 to search for a tray following the next tray number in the tray status table.
As a result of the processing in step S3 and subsequent steps, if there is no tray containing paper of the same size, the flow branches to step S7 to display a message indicating no paper on the screen, and ends the processing.

As described above, in P8 in the diagnosis mode of the copying machine, the predetermined tray is set to APS, AT.
Since it can be removed from the target of S mode,
This can prevent inconvenience when using special paper.

[0357]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, at least one option, function, or execution condition is displayed on each of the first screen and the second screen. When at least one of the first screen and the second screen is displayed, the selection state of the option on the other screen or the setting state of the function or the execution condition is displayed, so that the selection of the option on the other screen is performed. It is easy to confirm the state or the setting state of the function or the execution condition. In a state in which the first display control means displays a selection state of an option or a setting state of a function or an execution condition, if no operation is performed for a predetermined time or no state change is performed for a predetermined time or more, the display is performed. Since the display on the display screen including the selection state of the option or the setting state of the function or the execution condition is deleted, deterioration of the display image quality can be prevented. Further, when there is a key input or other state change in a state where the display is erased by the second display control means, the display by the first display control means is restored, so that operability can be improved. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a control system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a CPU.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transfer data configuration and transmission timing of serial communication.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a mutual communication interval in one communication cycle.

FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram of a processor.

FIG. 7A is a schematic side view of an optical system.

FIG. 7B is a schematic plan view of the optical system.

FIG. 7 (c) is a side view in the XX direction of FIG. 7 (b).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lens driving system.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control system configuration of an optical system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the optical system.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram for explaining a marking system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating panel division on a photosensitive material belt.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing functions of a marking system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a timing chart of a marking system control sequence.

FIG. 15 is a side view for explaining a sheet transport system.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the paper tray.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a duplex tray.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the automatic document feeder.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of sensors.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of automatic document feeding.

FIG. 21 is a side view showing a configuration of a sorter.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a drive system of a sorter.

FIG. 23 is a view for explaining the operation of the sorter.

FIG. 24 (a) is a diagram showing an attached state of a user interface using a display.

FIG. 24 (b) is a diagram illustrating an attached state of a user interface using a display.

FIG. 24 (c) is a diagram showing a state of attachment of a user interface using a display.

FIG. 24D is a front view showing a state where the user interface is attached.

FIG. 24E is a side view showing a state where the user interface is attached.

FIG. 24 (f) is a view illustrating an example of a user interface mounting structure, and is a view illustrating a mounting state of a lower end portion of the support.

FIG. 24 (g) is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface mounting structure on the top cover.

FIG. 24H is a diagram showing an example in which an under cover 285 is fixed at a top end of a support 286 by a rotatable structure.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a user interface using a display.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a relationship between a U / I CPU and a main CPU connected by serial communication.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a user interface.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration of a user interface.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table prepared in the job controller.

FIG. 30A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state table 371 prepared in a job controller.

FIG. 30 (b) is a diagram for explaining the job state of FIG. 30 (a).

FIG. 30 (c) is a diagram for explaining the machine state of FIG. 30 (a).

FIG. 30D is a diagram showing a configuration of a copy mode table 378.

FIG. 31 (a) is a diagram showing a configuration example of screen data,
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a memory space for dialog data.

FIG. 31 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic data structure.

FIG. 31 (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall data structure of dialog data.

FIG. 31 (d) is a view showing data of various characters included in the dialog data, categorized on a basic copy screen.

FIG. 31 (e) is a diagram illustrating an example of reference data.

FIG. 31 (f) is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure applied to a fixed cascade without any change.

FIG. 31 (g) is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure applied to blink such as a tray.

FIG. 31 (h) is a diagram showing an example of a data structure applied to a cascade whose setting can be changed in advance.

FIG. 31 (i) is a diagram illustrating an example of specifications of display control data.

FIG. 31 (j) is a diagram illustrating a specification example of display control data.

FIG. 31 (k) is a diagram illustrating an example of specifications of display control data.

FIG. 31 (l) is a diagram illustrating an example of specifications of display control data.

FIG. 31 (m) is a diagram illustrating an example of specifications of display control data.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a basic copy screen and its pop-up screen.

FIG. 33 (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of an application copy screen.

FIG. 33 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up screen of an application copy screen.

FIG. 33C is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of an application copy screen.

FIG. 33D is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of an application copy screen.

FIG. 33 (e) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of an application copy screen.

FIG. 34 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a professional copy screen.

FIG. 34B is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of a job memory.

FIG. 34C is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of the job memory.

FIG. 34D is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of an “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (e) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of the “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (f) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of the “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (g) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of the “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (h) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of an “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (i) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of an “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (j) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of the “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (k) is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up screen of the “edit / combine” function.

FIG. 34 (l) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen of a combining function.

FIG. 34 (m) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen for “1: 1 fine adjustment”.

FIG. 35 (a) is a diagram showing an example of an information screen.

FIG. 35 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a pop-up screen on the information screen.

FIG. 35 (c) is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up screen on the information screen.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a jam screen.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a review screen and a fully automatic screen.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for describing screen switching control.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a classification example of a screen layout.

40A is a diagram illustrating an example of a keyboard scan setting map, and FIG. 40B is a diagram illustrating an example of an LED scan setting map.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing display timing.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of address correspondence in a V-RAM;

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the address of the first V-RAM and the CRT display position.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating a read circuit of the character generator.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of correspondence between dot patterns, data, and scan addresses.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a video signal control circuit according to attribute data.

FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining the overall processing flow from power-on to start of a copy operation.

FIG. 48 (a) is a diagram showing a flow of a screen editing process.

FIG. 48 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration for screen editing processing.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a setting state display area change process.

FIG. 50 (a) is a diagram for describing an algorithm of a mode matching check.

FIG. 50 (b) is a diagram for describing an algorithm of a mode matching check.

FIG. 50 (c) is a diagram for describing an algorithm of a mode matching check.

FIG. 51 (a) is a diagram for describing processing of option control associated with available additional functions.

FIG. 51 (b) is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling options associated with available additional functions.

FIG. 51 (c) is a diagram illustrating processing of option control associated with available additional functions.

FIG. 51 (d) is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling options associated with available additional functions.

FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between additional devices and functions.

FIG. 53 (a) is a diagram illustrating a flow of a check control in a fully automatic mode.

FIG. 53 (b) is a diagram illustrating the flow of an input determination process.

FIG. 53 (c) is a diagram for explaining the flow of a set number input check process.

FIG. 54 (a) is a diagram for explaining an example of display processing by a burn-in prevention screen in a standby state.

FIG. 54 (b) is a view for explaining an example of display processing by a burn-in prevention screen in a standby state.

FIG. 54 (c) is a diagram for describing an example of display processing with the burn-in prevention screen in the standby state.

FIG. 54 (d) is a view for explaining an example of display processing by a burn-in prevention screen in a standby state.

FIG. 55 is a view showing a flowchart of the operation procedure in the P0 mode.

FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P0 mode.

FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P1 mode.

FIG. 58 is a view showing a flowchart of an operation procedure in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59 (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59 (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59D is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59 (e) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59 (f) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59 (g) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 59 (h) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P2 mode.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a history file.

FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating an example of the type of HFSI.

FIG. 62 (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P3 mode.

FIG. 62 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P3 mode.

FIG. 62 (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P3 mode.

FIG. 62 (d) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P3 mode.

FIG. 62 (e) is a diagram illustrating an example of screen display in the P3 mode.

FIG. 63 is a diagram illustrating an example of each mode of P5.

FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P5 mode.

FIG. 65 is a view showing a flowchart of an operation procedure in the P6 mode.

FIG. 66 (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P6 mode.

FIG. 66 (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P6 mode.

FIG. 66 (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of screen display in the P6 mode.

FIG. 66D is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P6 mode.

Fig. 66 (e) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P6 mode.

FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode that can be set in the P8 mode.

FIG. 68 is a view showing a flowchart of the operation procedure in the P8 mode.

FIG. 69 (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P8 mode.

FIG. 69 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in the P8 mode.

FIG. 69 (c) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P8 mode.

FIG. 69D is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P8 mode.

FIG. 69 (e) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the P8 mode.

FIG. 70 is a view illustrating a flowchart of a selection tray determination process.

FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a tray status table.

FIG. 72 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional user interface using a console panel.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Base machine, 2. Platen glass, 3. Optical system,
4: photosensitive belt, 5: marking system, 6: tray, 7 ...
Paper transport system, 9, 10 Inverter, 11 Duplex tray, 12 User interface, 13
Automatic Document Feeder (DADF), 15: Recycled Document Handler (RDH), 16: Multi Sheet Inserter (MSI), 17: Large Capacity Tray (HC)
F), 19: sorter, 20: simple catch tray,
21: offset catch tray, 22: finisher, 23: folder.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A control device for a display device having at least a first screen and a second screen and selectively switching and displaying the first screen and the second screen, wherein: At least one option is displayed on each of the screen and the second screen, and when at least one of the first screen and the second screen is displayed, the option on the other screen is displayed. A first display control means for displaying a selection state of, and a display screen including the selection state of the option when no operation is performed for a predetermined time in a state where the selection state of the option is displayed by the first display control means A second display control means for erasing the display of: when a key input or other state change occurs in a state where the display is erased by the second display control means,
A display control device, comprising: display return means for returning display by the first display control means. 2. A control device for a display device having at least a first screen and a second screen and selectively switching and displaying the first screen and the second screen, wherein: At least one option is displayed on each of the screen and the second screen, and when at least one of the first screen and the second screen is displayed, the option on the other screen is displayed. A first display control means for displaying the selection state of, and a display including the selection state of the option when there is no state change for a predetermined time or more in a state where the selection state of the option is displayed by the first display control means. A second display control unit for erasing the display of the screen, and in a state where the display is erased by the second display control unit, when there is a key input or other state change,
A display control device, comprising: display return means for returning display by the first display control means. 3. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein when no operation is performed for a predetermined time or more, the second display control means deletes the display of the display screen including the selection state of the displayed option and displays the screen whose display position changes from time to time. The control device for a display device according to claim 1, wherein the display is displayed. 4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein said second display control means deletes the display of the display screen including the selected state of the displayed option when the state does not change for a predetermined time or more, and changes the display position from time to time. 3. The control device for a display device according to claim 2, wherein 5. A control device for a display device having at least a first screen and a second screen and selectively switching and displaying the first screen and the second screen, wherein: Display at least one function or execution condition on each of the screen and the second screen, and when displaying at least one of the first screen and the second screen, A first display control unit for displaying a setting state of a function or an execution condition on a screen; and a case where no operation is performed for a predetermined time or more in a state where the setting state of the function or the execution condition is displayed by the first display control unit Second display control means for deleting the display of the display screen including the setting state of the function or the execution condition; and in the state where the display is deleted by the second display control means, key input and other state changes are performed. If you Tsu,
A display control device, comprising: display return means for returning display by the first display control means. 6. A control device for a display device having at least a first screen and a second screen and selectively switching and displaying the first screen and the second screen, wherein: Display at least one function or execution condition on each of the screen and the second screen, and when displaying at least one of the first screen and the second screen, A first display control unit for displaying a setting state of a function or an execution condition on a screen; and a state in which a setting state of a function or an execution condition is displayed by the first display control unit does not change for a predetermined time or more. A second display control means for deleting the display on the display screen including the setting state of the function or the execution condition; and a key input or other state change in a state where the display is deleted by the second display control means. If there is,
A display control device, comprising: display return means for returning the display by the first display control means. 7. The second display control means, when there is no operation for a predetermined time or more, erases the display of the display screen including the setting state of the function being displayed or the execution condition, and the display position changes from time to time. The control device for a display device according to claim 5, wherein a screen is displayed. 8. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein when the state does not change for a predetermined time or more, the second display control means deletes the display of the display screen including the function being displayed or the setting state of the execution condition, and sometimes,
7. The control device for a display device according to claim 6, wherein a screen whose display position changes is displayed.