JPS60113261A - Display device of image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a display panel of an electrophotographic copying machine whose operation is made easy, by displaying only information required at present. CONSTITUTION:Three liquid crystal plates are piled up to constitute the display panel, and various display patterns are selected in accordance with driven parts of these plates. When a pattern selecting switch is operated, the display including a copy button P and arrows indicating magnifications, the display including the copy button P and copy number indicating keys, etc. can be selected, and an operator designates one of these displayes in accordance with a higher frequency in use between magnification conversion and multiple copies. However, if a toner recovering vessel is full or there is no paper in a cassette, a display pattern warning of this state is displayed preferentially because copying is impossible unless this state is resolved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a display of an image forming apparatus that graphically displays instructions for setting copying conditions or the status on one display screen, for example in an electronic copying machine. Regarding equipment.

[Technical background of the invention and its problems]

For example, in an electronic copying machine, when displaying guidance for setting various copying conditions and the status of the copying machine on one display screen, the display is switched by a display changeover switch, so that the user can One can think of people searching for things they want to know on their own. However, for example, when the selected paper cassette is out of paper, only the display indicating the status and the display for switching the paper cassette are meaningful, and other displays are meaningless. Something like this happens. Therefore, if the display is simply switched sequentially, there is a problem in that the user must also view meaningless displays.

[Purpose of the invention]

The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to display only what is truly necessary without giving the user meaningless information, thereby suggesting the next operation to be performed. An object of the present invention is to provide a display device for an image forming apparatus that can perform the following steps.

[Summary of the invention]

The display device of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it has a plurality of display patterns showing guidance for setting image forming conditions, and the display patterns can be switched according to the image forming conditions to be set. It is.

[Embodiments of the invention]

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

1 and 2 show an electronic copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a display device according to the present invention.

That is, I is a main body of a copying machine, and on the top surface of this main body 1, a document table (such as a transparent glass plate) 2 for holding an original is provided. 3 is provided so that it can be opened and closed freely. An exposure optical system consisting of an exposure rung 4, mirrors 5, 6, 7, a lens unit 8, and a mirror 9 is provided on the lower surface side of the document table 2, and these exposure optical systems scan the surface of the document. By optical scanning, an image of the document is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 100 (slit exposure). The photosensitive drum 10
rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, the surface is first charged by the Vi charger 11, and then the image is exposed to slit light to form an 1 # charge image on the surface, and this electrostatic latent image is developed. The toner is deposited by the device 2 to form a solid image.

- 10,000, the paper P is taken out one by one from the selected upper paper feed cassette 13 or lower paper feed cassette 14 by the paper feed roller 15 or 16,
It is guided to a pair of registration rollers 19 through the roller pair 19, and is sent to a transfer section by this roller pair 19.

Here, each of the paper feed cassettes 13 and 14 is removably provided at the lower right end of the main body 1, and one can be selected from a control panel 32, which will be described later. However, the paper P sent to the image transfer section
When the transfer belt 1 [container 20] comes into close contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1o, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 is transferred by the action of the charger 2o. The transferred paper P is transferred to the photosensitive drum 1 by the action of the peeling charger 21.
The paper is electrostatically peeled off from the paper and transported through the paper transport path 22,
The transferred image is sent to a pair of fixing rollers 23 as a fixing device provided at the end of the strip, and the transferred image is fixed by passing through the strip. Then, the paper P after fixing is transferred to a pair of paper ejection rollers 24.
The paper is ejected to a paper ejection tray 25 outside the main body 1 via. - After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 10 is neutralized by the charger 26, residual toner on the surface is removed by the cleaner 27, and the residual image is erased by the neutralization lamp 28, returning to the initial state. It looks like this.

Note that 29 is a document guide for inserting the document into the document feeder 3, and 30 is a document tray for receiving the document discharged from the document feeder 3.

Reference numeral 31 denotes an operation unit, which displays a control panel 32 that integrates a liquid crystal display/arm panel and a transparent switch panel (operation switch) constituting the display device of the present invention into one panel, and displays the name of the paper size. size display section 33
, and a display priority switch 34, which will be described later.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the overall control circuit.

That is, 41 is a microcomputer (hereinafter simply referred to as microcomputer) as a main control section that controls the entire copying machine. This microcomputer 41 is connected to a state detection sensor 4 via an input interface 42 such as a data selector.
3. A state detection switch 44, each signal from the display priority switch 34 for setting the display/arm turn priority to be described later, a transparent switch provided on the surface of the control panel 32, ? An operation signal from the channel 45, a temperature signal from a heater control section 49, which will be described later, and the like are input. Note that a scan signal is sent from the microcomputer 41 to the transparent switch/flat panel 45. Here, the state detection sensor 43 includes a toner sensor that detects the density of toner in the developing device 12, a paper out sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper P in the paper feed cassette 13, 14, and the like.

The state detection switch 44 also includes a paper feed switch and a paper ejection switch that detect the transport state of the paper P, a toner exhaust switch that detects when the toner sensor in the developing device 12 is out of toner, and a toner exhaust switch that detects when the toner sensor in the developing device 12 is full. It consists of a toner full switch that detects the toner full state, a position detection switch that detects the position of the exposure optical system, etc.

The microcomputer 41 outputs various control signals, and these control signals are sent to the rung regulator 47, the high-voltage IF power supply section 8, and the heater control section 4 via the driver 46.
9, and a motor.

The signals are output to various drive systems 50 such as solenoids. The rung regulator 47 controls energization of the exposure rung 4 to adjust image density. The high voltage power supply section 48 supplies high voltage to the various chargers and also supplies a developing bias voltage to the developing device 12. The heater control section 49 controls energization of the pair of fixing rollers 23 to maintain the temperature at a predetermined value and outputs a temperature signal thereof. The microcomputer 4i also outputs various signals to a liquid crystal display control section in order to perform display using a liquid crystal display panel.

To explain the liquid crystal display control section, a data selector 5 is connected to the microcomputer 41.

This data selector 5 switches according to the select signal output from the output terminal O8 of the microcomputer 4,
Output terminal 00, OL of microcomputer 41.

Each signal output from the OC is converted into the first . Second. The signal is transmitted to any of the third liquid crystal drivers 52, 53, and 54. That is, when changing the display state, the microcomputer 4 first outputs a select signal to the output terminal O8 to switch the data selector 5, selects the liquid crystal driver driving the segment whose lighting state is to be changed, and then selects the liquid crystal driver driving the segment whose lighting state is to be changed. , a 32-bit data signal for selecting a segment to be lit is outputted to the output terminal OD, a latch signal is outputted to the output terminal OL, and a clock signal is outputted to the output terminal OC. 1st. Second. The third liquid crystal driver 52, 53, 54 has its input terminal IDI,
A data signal from the microcomputer 4 is input to ID2 and ID3. In this case, input terminals ICJ, IC2, ICE
The signal is input in synchronization with the black signal from the microcomputer 41, which is input to the microcomputer 41.

Further, 65 is an oscillation circuit which oscillates at the optimal frequency for driving the liquid crystal display element, and its output signal is used as the driving pulse A. Second. Third liquid crystal driver 52.63.
54 input terminal DPII.

DP21. It is input to DP31. The above driving force 9 Lus A
is inverted by the inverter 56 and becomes a driving pulse B of opposite polarity.
Tonashi, 1st. Second. Third liquid crystal driver 52.53.5
4 input terminal DP12. DP22° is input to DP32. However, the 11th, 2nd. Third liquid crystal driver 52.5
3.54 output terminals 071~0132+021~
0”32 + 031 to 0332 have input terminals IDI
, ID2, and ID3 are output, and each of these drive signals is applied to each segment S to S Is of the liquid crystal display panel 57.
z r S 21-82sz tS Jl % S 3
s2 respectively, and common electrodes 58, 58 .
The driving pulse B is applied to 58. As will be described in detail later, the liquid crystal display panel 57 is composed of three layers of liquid crystal display elements, and one display screen is formed by combining the display figures of each layer. 2nd+
The third liquid crystal drivers 52, 53, and 54 each drive a segment of one layer of the three layers of liquid crystal display elements. Further, the transparent switch panel 45 is arranged overlappingly on the surface (on the display surface) of this liquid crystal display panel 57, so that it can be detected whether or not the key display part on the display surface is pressed. .

FIG. 4 shows the above-mentioned 1. Second. Third liquid crystal driver 52.53
．． 54 in detail. That is, the shift V registers 11 to 6132 are connected in cascade, and the first stage shift register 61H has input terminals ID (IDJ, IDJ).
D2. ID? ) is input to each shift register 61, to 6132, and an input terminal IC (ICJ.

A clock signal from IC2, ICJ) is input. Thereby, the data signal from the input terminal ID is sequentially transferred to each of the 32 Sontrevisters 611 to 6132 in synchronization with the clock signal from the input terminal IC. The shift registers 611 to 6132 are directly connected to store registers 621 to 6232, which hold their respective contents by latch signals from input terminals IL (ILI, II, ', ILJ). Each store register 62. ~6232 are output terminals 01~032 (O11~
0232 r02i to 0232+031 to 03s2), drive pulse A or B is selectively output. That is, for example, when the content of the store register is j"1#, the drive/
4' Opening/closing control is performed so that when pulse A is "0#", drive pulse B is output to the corresponding output terminal.

Here, the operation of the liquid crystal display control section will be explained. For example, the data signal (11001
0000100000000010000100000
00L clock signal and latch signal are respectively sent to microcontroller 4.
1, and is output from the input terminal ID, IC, of the liquid crystal driver.
Assuming that the data signals are respectively input to the IL, the data signals are input to each shift register 6i in synchronization with the clock signal as described above.
, ~ 6132, and the value held at the time of completion of the transfer is the foot register 6 r 612 +
61. +t I n for +611or 61z6 +61zs, and "o" for other shift registers.

When the liquid crystal driver receives the latch signal output from the microcomputer 41 at the time when the output of the data signal is finished as described above, the contents of the shift registers 61 and 6132 are held in the store registers 621 to 6232, respectively. Ru. That is, store register 621 + 622 +
626 + 6210 + 622o + 62zs holds °1#, and the other store registers hold PaOn, and the output terminals OJ, 02.05.010.020,
The drive pulse A is output to 025, and the drive pulse B is output to the other output terminals. Depending on this way of output, each segment 8 connected to output terminals 01 to 032
1-532 (811-5132.s21-52sz +
831-8332) has a voltage waveform as shown in FIG. 6(d) (,), that is, segment S1. S2. S5
゜S10. S20. In S25, the voltage (drive/Mars A) in FIG. 6(d) is applied to the segment S3. S4.86~89°S11~S19. S21-S24. In S26 to S32, the voltage (drive Noculus B) shown in FIG. 6(,) is applied, respectively. At this time, since the drive pulse B is applied to the common electrode 58, the common electrode 58 and the segment S1. S2
．． S5+S10. S20. Figure 6 (f
) is applied with an alternating current waveform voltage. As a result, segment S1. S2.85°S10.820, S25 is in the lighting state. - million, segment S3. S4. S6~S
9. S11~S19゜S21~S24,826~S32
Since a voltage in phase with the common electrode 58 is applied as shown in FIGS. 6(C) and (e), there is no potential difference between them as shown in FIG. 6(g), and therefore the segment S3. S
4. S6~89°S11~B19.821-4324.
826 to S32 are in a non-lighting state.

Next, an example of arrangement of segments in each layer of the liquid crystal display panel 57 will be described. FIG. 7 shows the first liquid crystal driver 52.
FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of segments of a layer of hydrogen atoms on a liquid crystal surface (hereinafter referred to as a first layer) driven by a liquid crystal. That is, 71 is a print key display segment for starting the copying operation, which is displayed under the switch pswO arranged on the transparent switch panel 45, which will be described later, and when pressed, the switch PSW is turned on). The operation is now started. Similarly, in the displays described later, there are also displays below the switches on the transparent switch panel 45 to indicate the meaning of the switches, but for the sake of simplicity, the relationship between the transparent switch panel 45 and each display will be explained later. As an explanation, I will simply write it as a side key here. 72 is a segment for displaying a cassette selection key for selecting upper or lower paper feeding power, 73 is a segment indicating that lower paper feeding cassette 14 has been selected, and 74 is a segment indicating that upper paper feeding cassette 13 has been selected. 75 is a segment for displaying the lower paper feed cassette for the display of segment 73, 76 is a segment for displaying the upper paper feed cassette for the display of segment 74, and 77°78.79 is for setting the copy magnification. The magnification setting key for display segment reeds, segment 7
7 is a reduction key corresponding to the pictograph display segment 80 indicating reduction, segment 78 is an equal size key corresponding to pictograph display segment 81 indicating same size, and segment 79 is a pictograph display segment 82 indicating enlargement. and the corresponding expansion keys are shown. 83 to 86 are segments for displaying the copying magnification set by the magnification setting keys, of which segments 84 and 85 are composed of seven segments B-g arranged in a Japanese character shape as shown in FIG. ing. 87 is a light leakage mode switching key display segment for switching between automatic exposure (automatically sets the optimal exposure amount) and manual exposure (for example, 7 levels of exposure amount can be selected arbitrarily); 88.89 is an exposure mode switching segment. This is a segment for displaying the exposure amount setting key when the key is set to manual exposure mode. Segment 88 is the key for increasing the exposure amount (the copied image becomes lighter), and segment 89 is the key for decreasing the exposure amount (li The keys for making both images darker are shown. Reference numeral 90 is a segment for displaying glyphs indicating that the exposure mode is automatic, and reference numeral 9 is a segment for displaying a scale indicating the level of exposure when displaying the exposure amount in manual exposure mode. In addition, each of the above segments corresponds to each segment 811-, -81 in FIG.
3z as shown in Table 1 below. in this case,
As is clear from Table 1 below, among the segments in FIG. 3, the segments S I 1 * S J 4 + ”
129 means that a plurality of segments in FIG. 7 are commonly connected. Also, the segment in Figure 3) S
ly + Sls * 5ls6+ 5J24 + 5
Segments corresponding to 136 to 51sz are not shown in FIG. 7, but they are reserved segments.

Table 1 FIG. 9 is a layout diagram of the segments of the layer (hereinafter referred to as the second layer) of the liquid crystal display element driven by the second liquid crystal driver 53. In other words, what about 101 to 107? This is a display segment that shows the set exposure in the manual exposure mode as described in il.
Displays which of the exposure levels is set. 108 is a segment for displaying a clear key to clear the set number of copies (setting the set number to 1 so that the next setting can be accepted), and 11θ to 119 are the number of copies (
Numeric keypad display segments 120 to 122 are segments for displaying the number of copies set using the numeric keypad or clear key and the number of frames during copying operation.
2 consists of seven segments) a-g shown in the iA%8 diagram. Note that the valley segments correspond to the segments s21 to 5232 in FIG. 3 as shown in -F Table 2. In this case, as is clear from Table 2 below, segment 5229 among the segments in FIG. 3 is connected to a plurality of segments in FIG. 9 in common. Also, segment 828°821s in Figure 3
+ 52ta ~ 5226 r 52zs r 523o
There are no segments corresponding to ~5232 in FIG. 9, so they are reserved segments.

Table 2 FIG. 1O is a layout diagram of the segments of the layer (hereinafter referred to as the third layer) of the liquid crystal display element driven by the third/[k crystal driver 54. That is, 131.132 are pictograph display segments indicating whether or not direct copying is possible.Segment 131 alone indicates the ability to copy;
132 indicates that copying is not possible (during warm-up).

Reference numerals 133 to 136 indicate instruction display segments for indicating the selected paper size. There is. 137 is a segment for displaying a pictogram indicating that the toner hopper of the developing device 12 is empty; 138 is a segment for displaying a pictogram indicating that the collected toner storage section is full of collected toner; and 139 is a segment for displaying a pictogram indicating that the collected toner storage section is full. 23 or a segment for displaying a set of characters indicating that a paper jam has occurred in the conveyance path in the vicinity, 140 is 0111 self-photosensitive drum 1
0 or a pictorial display segment indicating that a paper jam has occurred due to the paper P being wrapped around or caught in the cleaner 22; 141 is a pictorial display segment indicating that a paper jam has occurred in the manual paper feed conveyance path; 142 is a pictogram display segment indicating an instruction to call a service person;
143 to 146 are segments for displaying pictograms indicating the conveyance state of the paper P; 147 is a segment for displaying the document feeder 3; 148 is a segment for displaying pictograms indicating that a paper jam has occurred in the document feeder 3; 149 150 is a segment for displaying a pictogram indicating that the MP in the paper feed cassette 13 or 14 has been exhausted, 150 is a segment for displaying inverted characters indicating that the upper paper feed cassette 13 has been selected, and 151 is a segment for displaying characters in the lower paper cassette 14. 152 is a segment for displaying a manual feed tray, 153 is a segment for displaying the lower cover of the grass collector main body 1, 154 is a segment for displaying the upper cover in the closed state, 155 is a segment for displaying the upper cover in the open state; 156 is a segment for displaying the photosensitive drum number 0; 157 is a segment for displaying a store key for stopping the copying operation; 158 is a liquid crystal display figure for 3 numbers. This is a display switching key display segment for switching internal medicine on the display screen formed by changing the combination of . In addition,
Each of the above segments is each segment 831 to 53 in Fig. 3.
32 and as shown in Table 3 below. in this case,
As is clear from Table 3 below, among the segments in FIG. 3, the segment 831s is a common connection of a plurality of segments in FIG. 10. Also, the third
Figure segment S 34 r 3328 + S'33
There are no segments corresponding to g""S 332 in FIG. 10, so they are f-preparation segments.

Table 3 Although not specifically shown, the above 1st to 3rd layers
A transparent common electrode 58 is provided on the opposite side of each segment of the layer.

Next, an example of the arrangement of the switches on the transparent switch panel 45 will be explained using the fil1 diagram. The transparent switch/panel 45 includes a switch PSW, as shown in the figure.
C85VV, CH8vV, and SWO to SW9 are provided, and these valley switches are well-known types in which, for example, transparent electrodes made of contact metal are arranged in a matrix, and are turned on when the switch part is pressed. It is supposed to be done. Each of the switches corresponds to each segment of the first to third layers as shown in Table 4 below.

That is, the switch PSW is the Norint key (segment 71), and the switch CSSW is the clear key (segment 1).
08) or stop key (segment 157), switch CH8W is the display change key (segment 158), switch SWO is the cassette selection key (segment 72) or numeric keypad "0" key (segment 110), switch SWJ is the exposure setting key (segment 89) or the numeric keypad "1" key (segment 11)), switch SW2 is the numeric keypad "2" key (segment 112)
), switch SW3 is the reduction key (segment 77) or the "3" key on the numeric keypad (segment 113), switch SW4 is the exposure setting key (segment 88) or the "4" key on the numeric keypad (segment 114), switch S
W5 is the "5" key on the numeric keypad (segment 115), switch SW6 is the same size key (segment 78) or the "6" key on the numeric keypad (segment 116), switch SW
7 is the exposure mode switching key (segment 87) or the "7" key on the numeric keypad (7r/met 117), switch SW
S is arranged to detect whether or not the "'8" key (segment 118) on the numeric keypad is pressed, and the switch SW9 is arranged to detect whether or not the expansion key (segment 79) or the "9" key (segment 119) on the numeric keypad is pressed. It is something that exists.

With the above configuration, the content of the present invention will be explained in more detail, I'
Explain to ll. In this example, it is the first layer.

As a combination of lightable segments in the second and third layers, there are six no-turns that correspond to the status of the copying machine and display switching, and among the lightable segments, the light turns on according to the status. The segments to be lit and the segments to be lit are selected, and a flying water figure is formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, a predetermined address (hereinafter, high register HR=1, low register LR
= 2nd bit of 3, it is expressed as M[l, 3] x 2)), and each segment corresponds to the data for selecting non-lighting (in the case of lighting, is set to 1", and "0#" is set in the case of non-lighting, depending on the individual state of the meaning of the segment (where 'O' is indicated, the data 'ON' is always set). For example, the part indicated as °'1"158 corresponds to segment 158, but the data is always set to "1"), and the 11th m. The data signals for selecting segments are M[0,7]<3>, MCO,-7]<2>,...M
oo, 6] <3>, ... M (o, o) <o> in order
It is created by outputting AM data. Similarly, the second layer is created by outputting the address data of HR = 1 and HR = 2 in order from the 3rd bit of LR = 7. For example, when sending a data signal to the first layer, LR=
At the timing when data from 7 to 2 is supposed to be output, the output is '
0'' case, select the address to be output as a data signal depending on the situation, such as outputting RAM data only at the timing of outputting data with Ll't=0.1. This means that there are six /4' ter y.

Below, Figures 13 to 2 are shown for the above six patterns.
This will be explained using Figure 4. In addition, FIGS. 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21.

In each of FIG. 23, (a) shows a segment that can be lit in the first layer (a segment corresponding to the selected address in the above explanation), τb) shows a segment that can be lit in the second layer, (c) Figure 3
Each segment that can be lit in the layer is shown. Moreover, (d) is a display example in each mother turn.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for pattern 1 (each of the six patterns will be referred to by a number), which is selected when, for example, there is no paper in the selected paper feed cassette. (Detailed conditions for selecting -9 turn t-11 will be described later). This/mother turn 1
Now, as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C, segments 72 to 76 are formed in the first layer, segments 120 to 122 in the second layer, and segments 131 to 1 in the third layer.
36°158 are each segments that can be lit.

That is, when displaying, H is used in the first layer as described above.
When sequentially outputting data signals such as outputting data of R=Q, data of HR=1 to the second layer, and data of HR=2 to the third layer, the RAM shown in the shaded area in FIG. 0# is output at the timing of outputting data.

Here, each switch of the transparent switch panel 45 mentioned above had multiple meanings, but the meaning is limited according to the display pattern selected, so the microcomputer 4 The meaning of the switch can be determined by the display nosoturn. Therefore, in the explanation of the pattern below, we will also explain what key each switch is determined to be when the iQ turn is selected.

When pattern 1 is selected, Table 5 shows whether each switch on the transparent switch panel 45 or the key in the example is judged as having the full effect. Note that the - mark in the table indicates that it is ignored.

Table 5 FIG. 15 is a diagram for pattern 2, which is, for example, No. 4 turn selected during a copying operation. In this Lean 2, in the first layer, segments 72 to 76, 87 to 91,
In the second layer, segments 101-10f, 120-1
22. In the third layer, segments 131 to 136 and 158 are lightable segments. That is, when outputting display data, "o" is output at the timing when data in the RAM shown in the shaded area in FIG. 16 is output. Table 6 below shows which key each switch of the transparent switch 45 is determined to be when the switch 2 is selected.

Table 6 FIG. 17 is a diagram for the case of turn 3, and this is a pattern selected when setting the copying magnification, etc., for example. In this Tsuktafu 3, Fig. 17 (a) (b
) As shown in (e), all segments in the first layer, m2) d segments 101~107.12θ~
122, segments 131 to 136.158 in the third layer
are each segments that can be lit. That is, when outputting display data, the RAM in the shaded area in FIG.
When pattern 3 is selected, the data is output at the timing when the data is outputted. Also, when pattern 3 is selected, the table below shows what key each switch on the transparent switch panel 45 is judged to be. 7.

Table 7 FIG. 19 is a diagram for i4 turn 4, and this is a pattern selected when setting the number of copies, for example. In this 74' turn 4, Fig. 19(,)(b)(
, ), in the first layer the segment 71.83
~86.90.91, all segments in the second layer and segments 131 to 136, 158 in the third layer are lightable segments. That is, when outputting display data, °'0# is output at the timing when the data in the RAM shown in the shaded area in FIG. 20 is output. Furthermore, when Noreen 4 is selected, Table 8 below shows what keys each switch on the transparent switch panel 45 is determined to be.

Table 8 FIG. 21 is a diagram for the /g turf 5, which is a pattern that is selected when a paper jam occurs, for example. In this pattern 5, Fig. 21 (,) (b) (c)
As shown in , all segments are non-lit in the first no, segments 120 to 122 in the second no, and segments 31 to 156.158 in the third layer can be lit. . That is, when outputting display data, °'0'' is output at the timing of outputting the data in the RAM in the shaded area of the 22nd (stop) turn 5. Table 9 below shows what key each switch of the transparent switch channel 45 is determined to be when the transparent switch channel 45 is used.

Table 9 i23[-j This is a diagram for pattern 6, which is, for example, an arm turn selected during a copying operation. In this pattern 6, as shown in FIGS. 23(a), (b), and (c), all segments are off in the first layer, segments 120 to 122 in the second layer, and all segments in the third layer. are each segments that can be lit. That is, when outputting display data, the timing for outputting the RAM data in the shaded area in FIG. 24 is 0''.
It is designed to output . In addition, when Turn 6 is selected, the following Table 10 shows which key each switch of the transparent switch/mother panel 45 is determined to be.Table 10 Next, the flow chart shown in FIG. Figure 13 (
d), Fig. 15(d), Fig. 17(d), Fig. 19(d)
), FIG. 21(d), and FIG. 23(d), the conditions under which each of the six /4' turns described above are selected will be explained. The flowchart in FIG. 25 is a display routine that determines which pattern to select based on conditions such as the state of the copying machine and the operation of the display switching key, and displays the pattern at a certain period or display/turn. When switching is required, the microcomputer 41 executes this display routine program to select a pattern. In addition, in FIG. 25, for example, the process of [displaying gloss turn 2] is to output data in the RAM to the first layer, second layer, and third layer in order at the aforementioned /4' turn 2. It is shown that.

First, to explain when the power is turned on, if the collected toner storage section is full of toner, the copying machine itself must remove the collected toner before it can accept it. Turf 5 is selected to constantly inform the user of the status of the copying machine. Furthermore, if there is no paper in the selected paper cassette, pattern 5 is selected to inform the user that copying cannot proceed in this state and that there is no paper in the paper cassette. . Furthermore, when there is no toner in the toner cartridge, it is possible to proceed to the copying operation, but in order to make the user aware that there is no toner, 79th turn 5 is selected, for example. 21
The display as shown in FIG. (d) indicates that there is no toner. In this display example, the copying operation is already enabled, but when the power is actually turned on, the display will be "warm" or "current". If the above situation is not unusual, try changing the copying conditions (enlargement, reduction, exposure level, etc.) often, or try copying more copies without changing the settings as much. When the display priority switch 34, which can be changed by the user depending on the conditions, is on, pattern 4 is selected, which focuses on setting the number of copies, and when it is off, pattern 3, which is mainly on setting the copy magnification, etc., is selected. It has become.

When the copier cannot continue operating, such as when the collected toner is full and there are 9 paper jams, or there is an abnormality that requires a serviceman call (serviceman call), etc., the above-mentioned power-on When the collected toner is full, Lean 5 is selected as well as 6.
The display when hl is not displayed is broadly classified depending on whether copying is in progress or not, and whether there is no paper in the cassette or no toner, and in each case, the display that can be changed when the display switch key is pressed changes. To go. First, if a copying operation is not in progress and no abnormality has occurred, display pattern 3 or pattern 4 is selected. To explain in more detail, if pattern 3 is selected, pattern 3. If pattern 4 is selected, pattern 4 is selected as is, and pattern 15 is selected without cassette paper or toner, or pattern 6 is selected during copying (details will be explained later). (described below), when the abnormality is cleared or the operation is completed, pattern 3. Select the display of /4. Also, for example, if there is no paper in the cassette or by pressing the display switching key during copying, 9-line 1 or 9-72 is selected (details will be explained later), and the paper out is canceled or the operation ends. Display pattern 3 will be selected. If the display switching key is pressed in this case (when copying is not in progress and no abnormality has occurred), pattern 3 is switched to pattern 4, and printer 74 is switched to turf 3. Display examples at this time are shown in Fig. 17 (d) and Fig. 19 (d), and as can be seen from these display examples, in a state where the print key can be accepted, the exposure mode, copy magnification, set number of sheets, paper size, etc. All conditions are displayed.

Next, a case will be described in which the copying operation is not in progress and there is an abnormality such as no paper in the cassette or no toner. In this case, /g turn 5 is generally selected, and when the display switching key is pressed, another pattern is selected. - Even after switching to another pattern, if the abnormality is cleared, the operating state changes (for example, transitioning to copying operation, etc.), or no operation is performed, it will occur for a certain period of time (for example, 15 seconds in this example) after the last operation. ) to switch to Turf 5 again. In order to provide a more detailed explanation, a case without cassette paper and a case without toner will be explained separately.

First, to explain the case without cassette paper, ・2
If turn 5 was selected, select turn 1, turn 5, and if the cassette runs out of paper at the end of the copying operation, or if the cassette runs out of paper after no abnormality, the previous 74 Pattern 5 will be selected regardless of the turn. If the display switching key is pressed in this case, the pattern is switched from pattern 5 to pattern 1, and only the cassette selection key is accepted, as shown in the display example of FIG. 13(d). Further, if no operation is performed for 15 seconds in turn 1 or if the display switching key is pressed, pattern 5 is selected again. Next, to explain the case without toner, as in the case without cassette paper, when gloss turn 5 is selected, t'? If turn 5 is selected and k pieces of toner are missing at the end of the copying operation, pattern 5 will be selected regardless of the previous pattern. In addition, if the display switching key is pressed in this case, the gloss turn 5
Kara-G turn 4 or pattern 3 can be switched by turning on or off the display priority switch 34 as described above.Furthermore, if the six-indication switch key is pressed, the display will change from pattern 3 in the same way as if there is no abnormality. It is possible to switch to Tsuya Turn 4 or Rahanozo Turn 3 by 1%, then switch to Tsuya Turn 5 again 15 seconds after the final operation.

Next, the display/mother turn during the copying operation will be explained.

In this case, when the print key is pressed and the double Jj- operation starts, ! Turn 6 is selected, Figure 23(d)
As shown in , the operation status of the copying machine) point and the Struggle key reception are displayed as possible. In addition, when the display switching key is pressed in this case, the pattern is switched from pattern 6 to /9 turn 2. Pattern 2 shown in the display example of FIG. 15(d)
indicates that only the exposure mode switching key and the cassette selection key, which can be switched during the copying operation, can be operated. Further, in pattern 2, if the display switching key is pressed or if there is no operation for 15 seconds after the last operation, the yatater 76 is selected.

According to the display device configured as described above, there are a plurality of displays and displays that provide guidance for setting copying conditions such as copying magnification, exposure amount, paper size, number of copies, and the status of the copying machine.
! In addition to controlling the display of these display Q-turns, a display switching key is provided which is operated according to the copying conditions set by the user, and the display switching key is used to switch the display 4-coon to be displayed. By making it possible to display only what is truly necessary without giving the user meaningless information, it is possible to suggest the next operation to be performed, making it extremely convenient and practical. can get.

In the above embodiments, the application to an electronic copying machine was explained as an example, but the present invention is of course not limited to electronic copying machines, and is used to form an image corresponding to the image of a document on a sheet of paper based on image forming conditions set in advance. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus (for example, a printing machine, a color copying machine, etc.).

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus is provided that can display only what is truly necessary without giving the user meaningless information, thereby suggesting the next operation to be performed. Display devices can be provided.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings are for explaining one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic copying machine, FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional front view of a copying machine, and FIG. A block diagram schematically showing the control circuit, Figure 4 is a 14# diagram of the product driver,
Figures 5 and 6 are timing charts for explaining the operation of the liquid crystal display control section and L pressure waveform diagrams applied to the liquid crystal display panel, and Figure 7 is a segment diagram of the first layer of the liquid crystal display panel. 8 is a configuration diagram of a part of the segments in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of segments in the second layer of the liquid crystal display channel, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of segments in the second layer of the liquid crystal display channel. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of segments in the third layer of the panel, Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of transparent switch panels, and Figure 12 is an explanation of the correspondence between the RAM in the microcontroller and each segment. Figures 13 to 24 are diagrams for explaining each display/guturn, and Figure 25 is a diagram for explaining each display/?
12 is a flowchart for explaining under what conditions a turn is selected. 2... Original table, 4... Exposure lamp, 10... Photosensitive drum, 13.14... Paper feed cassette, P... Paper, 3... Operation unit, 32... Control A//#
41...Microcomputer, 51...Data selector, 52-54...Liquid crystal driver, 55...Oscillation circuit, 57...Liquid crystal display panel, 71-91, 101-1
22.131-158...segment), CH8W...
・Display changeover switch. 13th @ (a) (b) 13th g (c) (d) 15th i! 1I (a) (b) Fig. 15 (C) (d) Fig. 17 (a) (b) Fig. 17 (c) (d) Fig. 19 E (a) (b) Fig. 19 (C) ( d) Figure 21 (a) (b) Figure 21 (c) (d) Figure 23 (a) (b) Figure 23 (c) (d)

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus that forms an image corresponding to an image of a document on paper based on image forming conditions set in advance, a plurality of display patterns showing guidance for setting the image forming conditions; , this display! 1. A display device for an image forming apparatus, comprising a control means for controlling the display of turns, and a switching means for switching a display pattern displayed by the control means in accordance with the set image forming conditions. (2) The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the display pattern has a pattern that is displayed depending on the state of the crease forming device even if the switching means is operated, and a pattern that is not displayed. Device display. (3) The display/Q turn consists of a liquid crystal display element,
The image according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of layers of the liquid crystal display elements are stacked, and segments of the liquid crystal display elements in each layer are selectively illuminated, resulting in one display/arm turn. Display device of forming device. (4) A display device for an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming conditions include image forming magnification, number of times of image forming, paper size, image forming density, etc.