JPS62270972A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability by registering size so that various functions of, for instance, automation magnification selection AMS, both face/multiple, stable, etc., can be used used against the recording material of a non-fixed form size. CONSTITUTION:The titled device is provided with a containing means for containing the recording material of a non-fixed form size, a registering means for registering the size of the recording material of the non-fixed form size contained in the containing means, an image forming means for forming an image on the recording material which is fed from the containing means, and a control means for controlling the image forming means in accordance with a size data by the registering means. A CPU 201 is a microcomputer for controlling each indicator, controls a display element, and the display contents are based on an instruction (communication) data of the body CPU. The selecting branch of an automation form selection APS can be registered by a soft SW on an operating part by an asterisk mode for a service.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] 3. Detailed description of the invention (Technical field) The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming an image on a recording material.

[Prior art]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, universal cassettes for storing atypical recording materials in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines have been known.

Although such universal cassettes are versatile as they can hold non-specified paper, they do not allow you to know the size, so they are used in APS (automatic paper selection), AMS, etc.
(Automatic magnification selection), and for the same reason, the width of the intermediate tray could not be adjusted, making it impossible to use the duplex/multiplex mechanism. Furthermore, for the same reason, it was also impossible to use a stapling mechanism that required width adjustment. For this reason, even though the paper size used in various countries is fixed, these functions cannot be used because the paper size is not standard.

〔the purpose〕

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that enables the use of various functions of the apparatus even for recording materials of non-standard sizes. .

〔Example〕

1 to 11 show embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the operating unit, and the functions of each key will be explained in order.

100a to 100e are function keys, which are arbitrarily set by each key on the operation unit. This is a copy mode storage and recall key, and can store up to 5 types of modes. In other words, it is possible to memorize the mode that the user uses on a daily basis, the specific magnification used by each user, or the area specification area described below (it is possible to memorize the mode that the user uses on a daily basis), or to memorize the area specification area described below. A desired copying mode can be set.In this copying apparatus, the memory is always maintained by a backup power source.

Numeral keys 101-110 have the function of setting the number of sheets as well as inputting various data in various asterisk modes in combination with the asterisk key.

Ill is a clear key for clearing the set number of sheets or clearing data, and 112 is a clear key for clearing the set number of sheets or data, and 112 is the set mode 1, co'! -';-9/7'tWT4 self-engineered L+-i mark 1-
Foot-+1Jy-"pL!He-fskshi1s, 114
is an asterisk key for transitioning to various asterisk modes. 115 is a copy stop key; 11
Reference numeral 6 denotes a color key for selecting a plurality of developing devices built into the main unit, and when a color developing device is selected, a built-in LED 150 lights up as a warning.

151 is the copy start key, and when it is ready for copying (excluding during copying), the edge is displayed, otherwise the red LED1
51 is lit and displayed. An AE key 119 is used to select an AE mode in which a copy with an appropriate density can be obtained by detecting the original density and correcting the developing bias. In addition, A
When the E mode is selected, the display 152 lights up. 1
18. 120 is a manual density adjustment key, and the density level is set by key 118. You can use 120 to get the density you want by going up or down. In addition, key 118
If the key 120 is pressed, the density becomes higher (darker), and if the key 120 is pressed, the density becomes lower (lighter), and the density level on the display 153 changes accordingly.

152 and 153 are display groups indicating concentration conditions. 154
is a 7-segment display that displays the number of copies.

Reference numeral 121 is a cassette selection key, which is used when manually selecting a cassette stage. Note that this device supports automatic paper selection (Auto Paper 5select: A
PS) It also has functions. 155 is cassette selection key 1
This is a group of displays indicating the stage selected at 21 or APS mode.

122 is a fixed enlargement magnification selection key, 123 is a fixed reduction magnification selection key, and 124 is an automatic magnification selection (Aut).

Magnification 5 select:
AMS) key, which has the function of automatically selecting an appropriate magnification based on the detected original size and the selected cassette size. Note that if the AMS mode is selected, the display 158 lights up. 125 is a zoom key, which allows the magnification to be adjusted in 1% increments using the 10 key and the - key. 126 is the same size key, which sets the copy magnification to the same size (
100%). Note that the display 157 lights up in the same-size mode.

Reference numeral 156 is a dot matrix type fluorescent display tube, which normally displays the set copy magnification, selected cassette size, copy mode, etc., and can be used in the event of an abnormality in the device or during complicated operations by the user. It also functions as a message display for instructions, etc.

127 uses the intermediate tray in the main unit to automatically copy two single-sided originals onto both sides of one sheet of paper [single-sided → double-sided]
12B is a copy selection key that copies a double-sided original onto one side of two sheets of paper using the automatic circulation document feeder (RDF) [duplex → single-sided] copy selection key; 129 is an intermediate 1 double-sided original using tray and RDF
This is a copy selection key (duplex → both sides) for copying onto both sides of a sheet of paper, and 130 is a multiple copy selection key for overlapping two or more images on one sheet of paper to make multiple copies using an intermediate tray.

Note that when any one of the keys 127 to 130 is pressed, one of the indicators 159 to 162 lights up correspondingly.

Reference numeral 131 is a page continuous copying selection key, which allows exposure scanning of the original on the document table into two halves, left and right, to obtain two copies (referred to as A copy and B copy) with a single operation. Select the mode to use.

Reference numeral 132 is a page continuous copy multiple copy selection key, which has a function of multiple copying A copy and B copy in the page continuous copy mode described above onto the same sheet.

Reference numeral 133 is a page continuous copy double-sided copy selection key, which has the function of copying the above-mentioned A copy and B copy onto the front and back sides of the same sheet using the intermediate tray. Reference numeral 134 denotes a frame erase key which has the function of erasing the edges of the book or the shadows that appear in the center of the spread in the page continuous copying mode.

Reference numeral 135 is an image shift key, which allows the image to be shifted in either the left or right direction.

You can also adjust the shift amount by pressing the numeric keypad while holding this key. Also, this shift amount is also 100a
It can be stored in memory using the -e function key.

Reference numeral 136 is an area designation key, which also serves as a release key for the area designation area. Also, priority is given to the original when specifying the area (variable magnification salt I7 wide 1
Two modes can be selected: '%7'' Can Uko 117 no Suzorokut1menkoi) Fu6 set priority (the size of the specified area is constant regardless of the magnification). 137 can be selected by pressing the X/Y key. Yes, data input key when inputting area specification using numeric keypad.
It is.

Reference numeral 138 is an in/out key, which is a selection key for selecting whether to develop the inside of the designated area or only the outside.

Reference numeral 139 is a modification key, which is a data recall key for calling and modifying a set area value.

Reference numeral 140 is an automatic switching key for internal or external extraction (inlout) of an area in multiple copying and development color. When this mode is selected in multiple copying, i n/out
.

Colors can be switched.

141 is a color automatic switching key for page continuous copying;
It has a function of automatically switching the developing color during the A copy and B copy described above, and when the key 141 is pressed, the display 170 lights up.

Each of the LEDs 157 to 171 is a selection mode display group indicating that each mode is selected. Reference numerals 172 to 174 indicate the number of set areas, and in this copying apparatus, up to three areas can be set. 175°176
is a display section indicating inner removal/outer covering, which lights up in the mode set with key 138. The 177 LED groups have set area values of X min and X m a
x.

This is an indicator that indicates whether it is Ymin or Ymax. 142 is an area specification key by COD,
By pressing this switch, the optical system starts scanning,
Executes only the function that recognizes the area drawn on the document.

143 and 144 are a sort key and a collate key, respectively. 178. Reference numerals 179 are indicators for indicating the sort and collate modes, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a basic block diagram showing the configuration of the display section.

The CPU 201 is a microcomputer that controls each display, and controls the display elements, and the display contents are based on instruction (communication) data from the main body CPU.

206 is a fluorescent display tube with 40 characters of 5×7 dots. 7 bits x 5 bytes of data is required to constitute one character, and according to instructions from the CPU 201, 35 bits of data are sequentially read out from the character generator 203 and transferred to the shift register/latch driver 204.
5 by in shift register latch driver 204
Data for te, that is, 35 bits, is latched. After this, the shift register latch driver 205 drives a digit signal that determines the timing to display one character, and one character is displayed. In this way, each character is dynamically lit, and the duty ratio is l/4.
It becomes slightly less than 0 (due to blanking time).

In addition, 208 indicates other L E D M A of the display section.
It is TRIX and is driven by dynamic lighting.

In the above configuration, when the copy start key is pressed, the optical system performs a full scan, and the CCD detects the document position and size of the document placed on the document glass table.

However, the size detected here includes measurement errors due to COD, errors due to incorrect installation position by the user, and size errors due to slanted placement. Therefore, if it is below a certain tolerance, it is easier to use it in a standardized format. For example, even if the same size original and paper are selected, the optimum magnification may not be 100% due to the above-mentioned error.

However, when standardizing here, there is no point in blindly determining the closest paper size, so the standard is only the registered paper size. In other words, if the paper size is not within the range of registered paper size ±X, it is considered a non-standard size,
The detected size is treated as the document size. On the other hand, if it is determined that the original size is a standard size, the standard size is treated as the document size instead of the detected size.

On the other hand, if a feeder is used as the document size detection means, a method of detecting the document size by counting the time for passing through the feeder path may also be considered. Since this method has many errors, size detection is limited to a certain standard size. In other words, non-standard sizes are forced to become standard sizes.

However, since this method does not require pre-scanning for size detection, copying speed can be increased.

Therefore, when copying non-standard size paper through a feeder, the detection means should be "CCD input" in order to expect size detection by COD instead of the feeder.
When the document size is detected in this way, if AMS is selected, the vertical and horizontal magnifications are calculated based on the document and selected paper size, and the smaller one is optimal. If the magnification is automatically selected, an image without image defects can be obtained.

If APS is selected, the document size is multiplied by the selection magnification, the minimum registered cassette size that includes the image size is determined to be the APS optimum size, and this size is selected from the installed cassettes.

After the magnification paper size is determined in this way, the copying operation is started.

FIG. 3 shows the flow for determining these document sizes.

It is determined whether the start key is pressed and a document is set in the feeder (■). If it is set in the feeder, pull in the original and measure the original size. However, if the user has already specified COD detection here, this measurement value will not be used (■).

■).

Also, when the document is not set in the feeder, it is interpreted as normal pressure plate mode copying, and the document size is measured more accurately by COD using Briscan. (■) Next, the paper sizes that have already been registered are loaded in order of decreasing size, and it is determined whether or not there is a document that has been measured within a certain error value (referred to as ΔX1Δy) in both the vertical and horizontal directions (■). If both the vertical and horizontal dimensions are within a certain error, it is considered a standard size (registered size), and the measured value is prioritized to represent the standard value (■). In other words, the difference from the measured value is interpreted as a measurement error. However, in reality, they are often placed intentionally off-center or in non-standard sizes. For this reason, there are times when it is preferable not to perform these series of formalization processes. Therefore, in ■, it is determined whether the designation exists in any of them.

Here, the user designation used in the determination of (1) and (4) is made in advance by the user on the operating unit using the software SW, and is based on data stored in the RAM (described later).

Next, registration of APS options will be described in detail.

This registration can be performed using a software switch on the operation unit in the service asterisk mode.

First, press the service switch (not on the control panel) to enter the preparation stage, and from then on you can control it using only the keys on the control panel.

This mode is a mode that can be entered by pressing keys in the order of "*", "n", and "*" (n is a numeric keypad from 0 to 9), and is called the asterisk mode. By pressing the service switch, you can move to a mode different from the user mode, and this state can be changed by pressing the reset key, auto clear,
It can be canceled by turning the power on/off, etc.

The above APS registration is one of the mode switch group and is “*5*
The current mode can be easily checked using the message display.

Further, selection from among the mode switch group is performed using the zoom key. That is, the zoom key departs from its original function of increasing/decreasing magnification and, in this asterisk mode, performs the function of selecting a mode switch (just like turning a page).

At this time, the message “MS-8APS l-Uroku A3-→l” appears on the display.
*" is displayed.

At this time, if the ASP is registered, 1 is displayed, and if it is not registered, O is displayed. That is, the upper display shows that A3 is registered. If you press the "*" key in this state, it will become 0 and will not be registered. Thereafter, the status is reversed by inputting "*". Furthermore, when the cassette selection key is input, the paper size is changed and the current registration/non-registration status can be checked and updated.

In this way, by pressing the cassette key, the existing cassette codes are called up in sequence, and each code is +1. -k ask
1.U. 7-point APS registered techniques are stored in the RAM, so when the CPU is initialized (when the memory is cleared), there is no way that all of them are unregistered or registered, so they are AB series for Japan and Europe. For North America, set the inch series to memory as standard.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart related to universal cassette registration. In the service asterisk mode, use the key on the operation panel to call up the V-S (universal: abbreviation for 2.mo/l/) registration mode ([phase]).

At this time, the message part is displayed as follows.

"U-5 cassette filter (o: free, l: coti) -→φ" In other words, indicates that φ is registered, that is, in arbitrary mode, and is registered as a normal universal.

At this time, inputting "l" selects fixed mode (0), inputting "φ" selects arbitrary mode (0), and inputting "*" completes registration (o).

If "0" (arbitrary) is registered at this time, the U-S case will be installed as a free-size case (j7) (o).

Also, if you are registering "Bi (fixed)", then enter the horizontal size using the numeric keypad ([Phase]). To input the size data, "
Complete by entering *” ([phase]).

However, if the data is outside the range, it will not be registered.

Similarly, enter and register the vertical size to complete the registration of the vs cassette ([phase]).

The universal cassette whose size is registered in this way is
Unlike conventional cassettes, it can be handled like a normal cassette.

If the "R" key is input during these setting modes, the series of asterisk modes will be canceled and the normal mode will be restored ([phase]).

Next, FIG. 5 shows the legal flow for APS selection. As before, call up the APS selection technique registration mode in asterisk mode (■). Here, it refers to the cassette size that can be the optimal cassette when performing the APS selection method APS, and inputs whether or not to register each existing cassette size as an option. In other words, the standard is to register A and B series cassette sizes in Japan, and the 1nch series cassette size is registered for North America. Changes are made in this mode. In other words,
In Europe, if the B series cassette size is not used, the B series cassette size is deregistered to prevent it from being selected, and the 1nc
For users who use both h and AB series, both cassettes are registered. Also, as mentioned earlier, if you register the size of the U cassette, it can become a target of APS, so you only need to register it.

The flow will be explained step by step below.

Initially, the cassette code (C3T-No.) is set to 1 (■), and the display at this time is as follows.

“APS Touroku (0: Free, l: Touroku)
A3-→l", that is, A3 is registered as an APS option. If you press the "*" key in this state, φ and 1 are inverted, and registration and non-registration are alternated (
[phase].

@l).

Also, if you enter the cassette key, the cassette code (C3
(T-N times) and the next cassette size and registration status are displayed ([Yes], ■).

Similarly, registration or non-registration can be specified for all cassettes.

FIG. 6 shows the flow of internal processing for rearranging the APS-registered cassette sizes in descending order as described on the previous page. Internally, the cassette codes registered with APS are rearranged vertically and horizontally in descending order of cassette codes.

The concept of the illustrated flow is to determine whether all existing cassette sizes are registered in ascending order and arrange them. However, since the universal cassette differs depending on the user, it is inserted throughout the flow as a comparison target (@.

■).

If each is registered, A P S - S T A
The cassette code is registered in the address indicated by CK (■), and the address is incremented by one digit ([phase]).

By repeating these steps, the cassette code is finally transferred from the initial value address to the small IIIM and OO is set as data at the end (this causes the CPU to recognize the end (o)).

It is assumed that the arrangement of these cassette data strings is changed in two types: vertically long and horizontally long.

FIG. 7 shows the APS decision flow.

The image length is calculated by multiplying the determined document size (see Figure 3) by the specified magnification (@). At this point, anything that exceeds the maximum paper frame will be alerted as an error (@.

0).

Next, it is determined whether the image length is vertical or horizontal [phase]), and the lengths of the registered cassette sizes are compared one after another in the order in which they have been arranged (@l, @). When the cassette size length exceeds the image length for the first time, that cassette size becomes the optimal cassette ([Yes], o).

Once the optimal cassette is determined in this way, it is then determined whether the cassette is installed (@I). If it is installed, select that cassette and complete the APS ([phase]). If there is no father, a warning will be displayed (e).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing RAM clearing at the time of CPU reset, etc., and FIG. 8-2 is a RAM structure diagram.

The data RAM of this copying apparatus is constantly stored by a backup battery. Therefore, when resetting the CPU, it is necessary to grasp the current situation and properly initialize the RAM.

In the RAM configuration shown in Figure 8-2, Zone A is a part that is always stored, and stores various high voltage output data, software SW data such as APS selection semi-standard mode function mode and document size standardization described on the previous page. The B zone is a part that should be cleared (initialized) at every other reset.

This will be explained according to the flow shown in FIG. 8-1.

When the CPU starts up (91), it is determined whether the keyword in the A zone is equal to the regular one (92). , B zone) (97°98), and stores the keyword (96).

On the other hand, if they are equal, the data in the permanent memory is left unchanged and the process continues.

(93) determines whether the current time is JAM (data R
by AM). After this, if there is a JAM, data such as the sequence up to that point is required for JAM correction.
The initialization of the B zone following step 94) is not performed. Otherwise, regular B zone initialization (94
).

At this time, data initialization is performed with respect to some software SWs such as the size detection selection SW (Is the CCD a feeder?) with the commonly used one as the standard.

Also, the copy mode displayed on the operation unit is changed to standard mode (95). Since the standard mode can also be optionally registered in this copying apparatus, this mode is for loading from the RAM A zone.

'Also, when the R key is pressed during operation (standby), this (95) is executed.

FIG. 9 shows the registration flow in standard mode.

Call standard mode registration mode in asterisk mode (
101) At this time, the message display section displays "Initial data "*" in memory" (12.0).

If the "*" key is input in this state, the currently displayed mode is registered as the standard mode (105). At this time, if the cassette is not APS, the installed cassette size is also stored at the same time as the selected stage.

Further, when the "R" key is input, the ask risk mode is canceled (104) (106).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the cassette priority registration mode.

Call the cassette priority selection mode in the asterisk mode (111).

At this time, the display section shows “Cassette usage O: Size, L; Tier) -→On.
It is shown that size is currently given priority (=φ) (112). If you enter 1 here (115),
The paper feed stage will be prioritized (116), and if you enter 0 (
113), which means giving priority to the cassette size (11
4), these are registered by pressing the “*” key (1
18).

Also, when the "R" key is input, the asterisk mode is canceled (119, 120).

FIG. 11 is a standard mode call flow. Main S
This mode is set (called) when inputting W, canceling preheating mode, inputting the reset key, etc. Basically, the mode registered in the standard mode is called (13
1).

Here, when APS is selected, APS is selected as expected (13
3), but when using manual, the following judgment is required.

First, determine whether the priority is cassette size or stage134)
, if size is given priority, it is determined whether a registered cassette size is installed (136). If the cassette is installed, the relevant setting is selected (137), and if it is not installed, the stage where the registered cassette was installed at the time of registration is selected (135).

On the other hand, if stage priority is originally registered, the corresponding paper feeding stage is selected regardless of the size (135).

[Effects] As described above, according to the present invention, by registering the size, various functions such as AMS, duplex/multiplex, stapling, etc. can be used for recording materials of non-standard sizes, and operability is improved. do.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top view of the operation section unit of this copying machine, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the operation section, FIG. 3 is a document determination flowchart, FIG. 4 is a universal cassette registration flowchart, and FIG. APS selection technique registration flowchart, Fig. 6 is an internal processing flowchart for rearranging the coats according to the size relationship of APS registered cassette sizes, Fig. 7 is an APS (automatic paper selection) determination flowchart, and Fig. 8-1 is an APS (automatic paper selection) determination flowchart. Flowchart of initialization of data RAM, Figure 8-2 is a conceptual diagram of the configuration of data RAM,
FIG. 9 is a registration flowchart for standard mode, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for cassette priority registration mode, and FIG. 11 is a calling flowchart for standard mode. 156 is a dot matrix type fluorescent display tube, 15
1 is a start key, and 201 is a CPU that manages the display system. Figure 8-2

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) Storage means for storing non-standard size recording materials, registration means for registering the size of the non-standard size recording materials stored in the storage means, and forming an image on the recording materials fed from the storage means. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming means for controlling the image forming means according to size data by the registration means; and a control means for controlling the image forming means according to size data by the registration means. (2) In claim 1, the registration means includes a setting means for inputting a non-standard recording material size;
An image forming apparatus comprising: storage means for storing size data set by the setting means; and display means for displaying the size data stored in the storage means. (3) In claim 1, it is further possible to arbitrarily select whether the storage means is used in a first mode in which the size is registered by the registration means or in a second mode in which it is used without registration. An image forming apparatus characterized by having a selection means. (4) In claim 3, the image forming means is operable in a double-sided or multiple image forming mode in which different images are formed on different sides or the same side of a recording material, and the control means . An image forming apparatus, wherein the first mode is selected by the selection means, thereby enabling the double-sided or multiple image formation on the non-standard recording material stored in the storage means. (5) In claim 3, the image forming means is configured to operate in a magnification automatic selection mode in which an image formation magnification is determined from a document size and a recording material size, and image formation is performed according to the determined image formation magnification. The control means is operable, and the control means is capable of forming an image in the automatic magnification selection mode on the atypical recording material stored in the storage means when the first mode is selected by the selection means. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (6) In claim 3, the image forming means further includes processing means for performing predetermined post-processing on the recording material on which the image has been formed, and the control means selects the first mode by the selection means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, by selecting , the non-standard recording material stored in the storage means can be subjected to post-processing by the processing means. (7) The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the post-processing is stapling processing.