JPS62270974A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an image forming device improving its use convenience, by constituting it so that the selecting branch of an automatic form selecting function APS can be optionally registered. CONSTITUTION:The selecting branch of an automatic form selection APS can be registered by a soft SW on an operating part by an asterisk mode for a service. A selection from in a mode switch group is executed by a zoom key 125. That is to say, a zoom key 125 is separated from its original function for increasing or decreasing the magnification, and in such asterisk mode, selecting (such a sense as the page is turned) function a mode switch is executed. In such case, when the ASP is registered, '1' is displayed, and when it is not registered, '0' is displayed, and this display shows that As is registered, and in such state, when an '*' key 114 is inputted, the display becomes '0' and non-registration, thereafter, by inputting '*', the state is inverted. Also, when cassette selecting key 121 is inputted, the form size is changed, and the present registered or non-registered state can be confirmed and updated.

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, some image forming apparatuses such as copying machines have an automatic paper selection function (hereinafter referred to as APS) that detects a document size and automatically selects an optimal recording material according to the detected document size. This type of device is A for Japanese and drinking purposes.
, B series, and inch series paper for North America were symmetrical to APS and were fixed. In such a copying apparatus, when both the A and B series and the inch series are used, the problem arises that the optimum size is not selected. However, if all sizes are considered as the APS option,
For example, in Japan, it is a problem even if the inch series is determined to be optimal based on the reduction ratio.

On the other hand, even in cases such as Europe where only the A series is used and no B series is used, it is also inconvenient to determine that the optimal size is the B series.

〔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 with improved usability by enabling optional registration of APS options.

〔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 modes that users use on a daily basis, the unique magnification that each user uses,
Alternatively, it is possible to memorize the area designation area, etc. (to be described later), and to instantly set the desired copy mode by pressing one key.
The memory is always maintained by a backup power supply; 101-110 are numeric keys which not only have the normal number-of-sheets setting function but also have the function of inputting various data in various asterisk modes in combination with the asterisk key.

Reference numeral 111 is a clear key for clearing the set number of copies or data, and reference numeral 112 is a reset key for returning the set mode to a predetermined standard mode, returning to the normal copy mode. 113 is a preheating key, and 114 is an asterisk key for shifting to various asterisk modes. Reference numeral 115 is a copy stop key, and reference numeral 116 is a color key for selecting a plurality of developing devices built into the main unit.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 is useful in the event of an abnormality in the device, a user's incorrect operation, or complicated operations. 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]
128 is a copy selection key for copying from a double-sided original to 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 perform multiple copying 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. Furthermore, two modes can be selected for area designation: document priority (the size of the designated area is variable depending on the magnification ratio) and cassette priority (the size of the designated area is constant regardless of the magnification ratio). Reference numeral 137 indicates an X/Y key, which is a data input key when inputting area designation using the numeric keys.

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 correction key, which is a data recall key for calling and correcting set area values.

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, 1n10ut is automatically selected for A copy and B copy. .

Colors can be switched.

141 is a color automatic switching key for page snapshot;
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/outer connection, which lights up in the mode set with the 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 Y min or Y max. Reference numeral 142 indicates area designation keys C and CD. When this switch is pressed, the optical system starts scanning and executes only the function of recognizing the area drawn on the document.

143 and 144 are a sort key and a collate key, respectively. Reference numerals 178 and 179 are indicators for displaying 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 are required to constitute one character, and according to instructions from the CPU 201, 35 bits of data are sequentially read from the character generator 203, transferred to the shift register/latch driver 204, and then 5 bytes are generated by the shift register/latch driver 204.
ie, 35 bits of data are latched. After that, 1 from the shift register latch driver 205
A digit signal that determines the timing to display a character is driven, and one character is displayed. In this way, each character is dynamically lit, and the duty ratio is a little less than 1740 (due to blanking time).

In addition, 208 indicates other LED MATRIX of the display section.
It 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 CCU 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 the feeder, do not use the feeder to detect the size (in order to expect the size to be detected by the CCD, the detection means is registered as "COD input").The document size is detected in this way. If AMS is selected, the vertical and horizontal magnifications are calculated based on the original and the selected paper size, and the smaller one is automatically selected as the optimal magnification to obtain an image without image defects.

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 CCD detection here, this measurement value will not be used (■).

■).

Also, when it is not set in the feeder, it is treated as normal pressure plate mode copying, and the CCD uses prescan to measure the document size more accurately. (■) Next, the paper sizes that have already been registered are loaded in descending order. Then, it is determined whether there is a document that has been measured within a certain error value (referred to as △ (registered size) and gives priority to the measured value to represent the standard value (■).In other words, the difference from the measured value is interpreted as a measurement error.However, in reality, it is intentionally shifted. It is not uncommon for the size to be left at a fixed size or to use a non-standard size.For this reason, there are times when it is preferable not to carry out this series of standardization processing.Therefore, in (2), it is determined whether the specification exists in any of the following.

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 the numeric keypad from θ 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 and off.

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, “MS-8APS Touroku 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, 0 is displayed. That is, the upper display shows that A3 is registered. If the "*" key is input in this state, the result will be O and the registration will be non-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, existing cassette codes are sequentially called up and can be registered or unregistered.

Also, APS registered techniques are stored in RAM, so CPU
Since it is not possible for all of them to be unregistered or registered at the time of initialization (when the memory is cleared), the AB series for Japan and Europe and the inch series for North America should be stored in the memory as standard.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart related to universal cassette registration. In the service asterisk mode, call up the V-S (abbreviation for universal small) registration mode using the key on the operation panel (0).

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

"U-3 cassette load (0: free, l: free) -→φ" In other words, 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 (0).

If "O" (optional) is registered at this time, the U-S cassette will thereafter function as a free-size cassette (o).

If "l" (fixed) is registered, then the horizontal size is input using the numeric keypad ([phase]). Complete the size data entry by entering *” ([phase]).

However, if the data is out of range, it will not be registered (6).

Similarly, enter and register the vertical size to complete the registration of the v-S 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 the APS option registration mode in the asterisk mode (o). Here, the APS selection method refers to the cassette size that can be the optimal cassette when performing the APS, and inputs whether or not to register each existing cassette size as an option. That is, in Japan, it is standard to register A and B series cassette sizes, and for North America, it is standard to register 1nch series cassette sizes. Changes to these standards are made in this mode. In other words, if the B-series cassette size is not used in Europe, the B-series cassette size is deregistered to prevent it from being selected.
For users who use both AB series, both cassettes are registered. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the size of the U cassette is registered, it can be a target of APS, so it is sufficient to register it.

The flow will be explained step by step below.

Initially, the cassette code (C3T-No) is set to 1 ([phase]). At this time, the display is as follows.

APS timer (0: free, 1: timer)
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].

0).

Also, if you enter the cassette key, the cassette code (C5
C@, @) in which the next cassette size and registration status are displayed by incrementing T-No.

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 ([phase].

[phase]).

If each is registered, register the cassette code to the address shown in APS-8TACK (■)
, the address is incremented by one (O).

By repeating these steps, the cassette codes are finally registered in descending order from the initial value address.

Set 00 as data at the end (this allows the CPU to
(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 FIG. 3) by the specified magnification (O). At this point, if the paper exceeds the maximum paper frame, a warning is issued as an error (0°0).

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

Once the optimal cassette is determined in this way, it is then determined whether or not the cassette is installed (o). If it is installed, select that cassette and complete APS (
@). If not, a warning will be displayed ([phase]).

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.

Section S- will be explained according to the flow shown in the figure.

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.
94) Subsequently (B zone initialization etc. 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 ``Initial data *'' in memory is displayed on the method display section (120).

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.

Also, when the "R" key is input, the asterisk mode is canceled (1.04) (106).

FIG. 1O 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 size O: size, 1; tier) -→o”
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 is a mode that is set (called) when inputting W, canceling preheating mode, inputting the reset key, etc. Basically, the mode registered in the standard mode is called (1
31).

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 tier priority is originally registered, the corresponding paper feed tier is selected regardless of size (135).

(Effects) As described above, according to the present invention, according to the needs of users,
Since APS options can be freely registered, usability is greatly improved. In addition, APS can be made to work even on non-standard paper for which the size has been registered, thereby increasing its effectiveness.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a top view of the operating unit of this copying machine, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the operating unit, FIG. 3 is a document determination flowchart, FIG. 4 is a universal cassette registration flowchart, and FIG. 5 is a 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, Fig. 8-1 The figure is a flowchart for initializing the data RAM, Figure 8-2 is a conceptual diagram of the configuration of the data RAM, Figure 9 is a registration flowchart for standard mode, Figure 10 is a flowchart for cassette priority registration mode, and Figure 11 is standard mode. is a calling flowchart. 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.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) An output means for outputting a document size signal, a plurality of storage means capable of storing recording materials of different sizes, and according to the document size signal output from the output means,
An image characterized by comprising: a selection means for selecting a storage means that stores a recording material of an optimum size from among the plurality of storage means; and a control means for setting a recording material size to be selected by the selection means. Forming device. (2) In claim 1, the control means includes a registration means that can arbitrarily register a recording material size, and a storage means that stores the recording material size registered in the registration means. An image forming apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the recording material size stored in the storage means. (3) In claim 2, the plurality of storage means include non-standard size storage means for storing recording materials of non-standard size, and the control means controls the recording medium stored in the non-standard size storage means. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when a material size is registered by the registration means, the non-standard size storage means is selected by the selection means.