JPS63301973A - Control system for interactive console panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To smoothly set functions by requesting the input of the next step after completion of key input in an interactive step in the case of setting of copy functions in the interactive mode. CONSTITUTION:When one function is designated by a key input means in the case of setting of copy functions, a user is requested to select a set of unctions related to this function by the key input means, so the user successively designates functions in accordance with input requests. This interactive mode includes the mode where functions cannot be set only by one key input means and an input means other than the key input means related to the interactive mode is necessary after the interactive mode is set. If this mode where this input means is necessary is set, the next input request in the interactive mode is not issued until the processing of this input means is terminated. Thus, functions are smoothly set.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to an operation unit in a copying machine.

(Prior Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention) In recent years, there has been a tendency for the number of additional functions in copying machines, such as zipper, binding margin, zoom magnification, calculation, and edge eraser, to increase.

Even for one additional function, for example, the binding margin, several stages are provided for adjusting the remaining amount of binding, so that it can respond to the user's detailed requests. However, as the number of additional functions and the amount of adjustment for one function increases, the number of keys for selecting that function and setting the amount of adjustment for that function increases. Therefore, the operation section becomes complicated, and the user cannot deny the impression that the operation is cumbersome. Furthermore, in terms of hardware, the number of key switches has increased, and a correspondingly large number of input boards such as CPUs have become necessary, leading to an increase in costs.

Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the number of key switches and to be able to smoothly select a function and the amount of adjustment of that function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a copying function selection device that can smoothly set functions in a copying machine with many additional functions.

(Means for Solving the Problems) A control system for an interactive operation panel according to the present invention is a control system for an interactive operation panel for a copying machine, in which one function can be set by a key input means in setting a copy function. When a function is specified, a manual input means is provided to request selection of a set of functions related to this function from the key input means, and an interactive mode is provided in which the user can sequentially specify the functions in response to the input request. and the interaction mode includes an interaction mode in which, after entering the interaction mode, the function cannot be set by only one key input means and requires the use of an input means other than the key input means related to the interaction mode, Input requesting means is provided which waits until the processing of the input means is completed and requests the next entry in the dialogue mode when the mode requires the use of the above-mentioned input means other than the key input means related to the dialogue mode. It is characterized by:

(Function) The interactive operation panel is useful for smooth function settings. For example, an input request for one function (for example, 5 mm, 1 Omm, ] 55 mm is requested on the operation panel by flashing an LED. The user specifies the desired adjustment tooth. In this way, the setting of the binding margin function is performed. In this way, the user can smoothly select a function by sequentially specifying the function step by step according to the input requests on the operation panel.

However, for example, when inputting a zoom magnification using manual input using a numeric keypad or using a calculator, there are a large number of options.

In such a case, it is more convenient for the user to request the next input after completing the manual input using the numeric keypad or computer input.

In a state where a function cannot be selected in an interactive mode, or in a state where it is necessary to use an input method other than the key input method related to the interactive mode, the next input request in the interactive mode cannot be made. Margin 4 = (Example) (a) Structure of copying machine FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic copying machine according to the present invention.

The copying mechanism of this electrophotographic copying machine is similar to a conventional electrophotographic copying machine equipped with two types of developing units.

At the center of the copying machine, a photoconductor drum I that can be driven to rotate in a counterclockwise direction is arranged. An upper developing device 5, a lower developing device 6, a transfer charger 7, a transfer paper separation charger 8, a blade type cleaner device 9, and the like are arranged in this order. The photoreceptor drum I is a drum with a photoreceptor (for example, selenium) provided on its surface, and is irradiated with light by an eraser lamp 3 for each copy.
The wafer is charged by the charger 2, and then subjected to image exposure from an optical system, which will be described next.

The optical system is installed below the document table glass 11 so that the document image can be scanned. The document platen glass 11 is covered with a cover 10.
covered with The optical system includes a light source 12, a first mirror 13, a second mirror 14, a third mirror 15, a projection lens +6, and a fourth mirror.
It is composed of a mirror 17. The original image is transferred to each mirror +3. as shown by line 18. l/I, via 15.17;
It reaches the photosensitive drum 1. A fixed position switch 50 is provided to detect whether the optical system is in a predetermined position during scanning. The switch 51 is provided to generate a timing signal to rotate the timing roller 27 when the document is low.The magnification is set by moving the projection lens 16 in the optical axis direction using a motor (not shown). During scanning, the optical system is driven by a motor (not shown).In other words, when the copying magnification is n, the light source 12 and the first mirror 1
3 means that the photoconductor tram 1 moves to the left at a speed of (v/n) in response to rotation at a circumferential speed V (constant regardless of magnification or variable magnification), and at the same time, the second mirror 14 and third mirror 1
5 means moving to the left at a speed of (v/2n).

Along with this movement, the image is exposed from the fourth mirror 17 onto the photoreceptor tram 1'' in the form of a slit.

An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor tram 1''2 by this exposure. Then, color (red or blue) or black toner is supplied from the developing device 5 or 6, and a toner image is formed on the electrostatic latent image.

On the left side of the copying machine, automatic paper feed cassettes 20 and 21 are installed at the paper feed port and the lower paper feed port, respectively. Paper in the automatic paper feed force cellar 1-20, 21 is selectively fed into the copying machine main body 1 by respective paper feed rollers 22, 23. Further, the paper is supplied from the manual feed port 24 via a pair of rollers 25 . The sheet is then conveyed through a pair of conveying rollers 26 to a timing roller 27 in a pressed state, where it is temporarily on standby.

During transfer, the paper fed by the timing roller 27 comes into close contact with the photoreceptor L and the ram I in the transfer section.
The toner image is transferred by the corona discharge of the transfer charger 7, and then separated from the photoreceptor drum 1 by the corona discharge of the separation charger 8 and the stiffness of the transfer paper itself. Subsequently, the paper is sucked onto a conveyor belt 28 equipped with an air suction means (not shown), while being sucked onto this belt.
8 of 7 It is conveyed to the right according to the rotation in the clockwise direction.

Next, the toner image is melted and fixed by passing through a fixing device 29. Then, it passes through a pair of discharge rollers,
It is discharged onto a tray 30 or the like outside the copying machine main body l.

Switches 52.54 and 53.55 are microswitches that detect the type of paper in the cassette 20.21 and the attachment/detachment of the cassette, respectively.

(b) Operation Panel FIG. 3 shows an interactive operation panel provided on the top surface of the copying machine. The following keys and displays are arranged on the operation panel.

71...Print button, 72...Numeric display LED for displaying the number of copies per copy, 74...Magnification up key, 75...Magnification down key, 76...Magnification display, 80-89...Numeric keypad, 90... Interrupt key, 91... Clear/stop key, 92... Paper select key, 92a, 92
b, 92c, 92d - each A3. B4-.

A4. B5 selection display, 93.94... each exposure up/down key, 95 color selection key, 95a
~95c...Color display, 96/100% selection key,
96a・Magnification selection display, 700・Tatsuji panel part (
Details are shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. ), 711... Total value successive key, 721 to 725, Menu key, 731
~734・Selection key (see Figure 6), 751~757・
・Display for image editing (see Figure 4), 900...An area where the zoom magnification memorized for each user is memorized and a plate is placed (see Figure 4).

As shown in FIG. 4, a menu pictogram board 70 is placed under the transparent touch panel 706 of the Tatsuji panel section 700.
4 (see FIG. 5)" 2, names or pictograms representing functions are arranged in a circular pattern. In principle, one menu key 721 to 725 is provided for each column in proximity to the lower end of each column of base items corresponding to functions classified according to a common concept. In other words, the tanoji panel section 700 performs zoom selection (Z 00 M S EL
E CT), zoom input (ZOOM INPUT),
Feeders 2 (P E A T U R E S
2), FEATURES I
) and editing (EDIT), a total of five display sections 700A.
, 700B.

It is divided into 700C, 700D, and 700E, and one menu key 72] to 725 is provided at the lower end of each display section. A display section is selected by pressing any of the menu keys 721-725. It is called a menu key because it selects a function within the display area.

For example, the ZOOM 5ELECT key 721 has Zooml and Z keys that specify the zoom magnification, respectively.

om2. A group of function names consisting of Zoom3 and Zoom2 correspond. In addition, the ZOOM INPUT key 722 has a 10-Key Input key for inputting the magnification using the numeric keypad, a calculator for calculating the copy magnification, and a magnification setting (I) that is used only once.
Zoom) and the set magnification.
The name of the function of the zoom memory (zoom memory) for inputting to any one of oml to Zoom4 corresponds to the pictogram.

Furthermore, some menu keys 723 and 724 are associated with multiple columns. For example, FEATURES2
Of the two columns corresponding to gee 723, the right column has, from top to bottom, binding margin I, binding margin 2, frame erase,
This is a group of pictographs representing the punch hole erase function, and the left column shows the binding margin 1 and binding margin 2 in the right column, and the settings for the frame erase function, 5zm and 10 scraps R11.
This is a group of 5mz function names. Since the functions in the left column are subordinate functions to the functions in the right column, both columns are arranged adjacent to each other and correspond to the same menu key 723. This is because functions cannot be set for the copying machine unless the first and second-order functions are specified in sequence. As an exception, for the punch hole erase function at the bottom of the right column, the setting amount is fixed at 2 or the order, so there is no need to specify lower functions.

Furthermore, the EDIT key 725 has a function for specifying the development color (Black, Co1or, Erase).
and a function to specify the coordinates of each development color area (In
1l-put, Cancel).

FIG. 5 shows the structure of the touch panel section 700.

On the bottom printed circuit board 702, surface-emitting LEDs 85 to 876 for backlighting pictographs are mounted, and are partitioned into blocks. L E D
There is a film (menu pictogram board) 704 on which a menu (including pictograms) is written on the top, and a transparent touch panel 706 is arranged above it. In addition, the menu keys 721 to 725 are key switches with key tops.
It is located separately from the above structure.

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of four selection keys 731-734 on touch panel section 700 in addition to menu keys 721-725. For example, the selection key 731 selects Zoom to B.
The seven functions up to the rack are arranged in a row across the board. The functions of the other selection keys 732 to 734 are also arranged in a horizontal row. Transparent touch panel 70
6 consists of selection keys 731 to 734, and each selection key 7
31 to 734 are transparent membrane panel switches, which can be pressed directly with a finger to make them conductive.

In addition, in the selection key 733, the leftmost I npu
The reason why the t functions are shifted downward is simply for convenience of arrangement, and they may be arranged in a horizontal line. In
Although the put function and the erase function are specified by the same menu key 725 and selection key 733,
There is no problem because both functions cannot be specified at the same time when setting the function.

In the upper left corner of the names and pictograms indicating each function, the light of the LED85i876, which is the backlight, is directly visible, as indicated by a circle. If it is a function that is the target of a selection instruction, the corresponding LED flashes, and if it is a selected function, the corresponding LED lights up (in the figure, the state where it is not lit is shown). It is represented by a black circle.

).

FIG. 7 shows L arranged under the touch panel section 700.
ED The arrangement of the backlight is shown. LED851
-876 are lit independently.

Note that the characters and the like of the corresponding menu pictogram board 704 are also shown.

In addition, in the configurations shown in Figures 5 and 7, LE
D85]-876's illumination light can be seen directly, but the names indicating each function and the pictograms themselves are transparent, and the background (
The background part) is colored (opaque) and the bank light LED8
5m-876, the name or pictogram itself indicating each function may be made to blink, turn on, or go out, or the background may be made transparent and the name and pictogram may be colored and opaque.

(C) Zoom magnification writing area Furthermore, a writing area (ZOOM MEMO5PAC
E) 900 is provided, and a partition is provided corresponding to the base opening to divide it into multiple spaces. In this entry area 900, the user can enter any content. It is also possible to attach a plate.

Some copy functions allow the user to change the contents of the function. If the user changes the content of the function,
Write the changed function in the space to the right of the rightmost selection key to which the function belongs. In this way, when the user wants to set the changed function, he or she can see at a glance which selection key to press by looking at the entry area 600. In this example, the function ZOOMI~ set by the user
Enter the zoom magnification for ZOOM4.

(d) Touch panel operation (designation of function) Copy function is performed using Menico keys 721 to 725 and selection keys 731 to 73.
Can be specified in combination with 4. Each menu key 721
~725 belong to the name and pictogram functions shown on the other side. For example, ZOOM 5ELECT key 721
has four zoom magnifications (ZOOM+, -, 700M
4) belongs.

Similarly, the ZOOM INPUT key 722 has four functions. FEATURES 2 key 723 and F'EA
Each TURES I key 724 has two columns of functions. For example, PEATURES2 key 723
The functions include binding margin 1, binding margin 2, frame erase, and punch hole erase in the right column, and 5 mm in the left column.
Includes 10mm and 15mm functions. The functions on the left side are settings of values necessary to execute the upper three functions on the right side. That is, the functions in the left column are combined with the functions in the right column to form one overall function. FEATUr(ES
The same applies to the I key 724. ED for two-color editing copy
The IT key 725 has various color specification functions (Black,
Co1or.

Erase) and image editing functions (Input,
Cancel) belongs. The former functions and the latter functions cannot be set at the same time. The latter input function further includes area designation display LEDs 751 to 753,
Coordinate display LEDs 754 to 757 and numeric keys 80 to 89 for inputting coordinate values are dependent.

Function selection can be performed by sequentially pressing the menu key to which the function to be selected belongs and the selection key.

An example of function selection is shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d).

In the initial state of the copying machine, only the print key 71 and magnification display 711 are lit in green in and around the touch panel section 700. Now, among the menu keys, press r'EAT.
When the URES2 key 723 is pressed -16=, the four functions in the right column belonging to the FEATURES2 key 723 (stapling margin 1...
Binding 2. Frame erase, punch hole erase) L
EDs 859 to 862 flash in green, requesting input as to which one to use. Then, the print key 71 lights up in red.

When the selection key 733 is pressed to select frame erase, the blinking L E
Among D, only the frame erase LED 861 lights up in green, and the others turn off. Furthermore, we have newly added the LE of the left column function (5mm, ]OzmSI 5im).
D 863 to 865 flash in green, requesting input as to which one to select. Note that when pressing the selection key 733, it is not necessarily necessary to press on the frame erase picture; for example, the user may press on the character "Erase".

Next, when the selection key 732 is pressed to select 10 scraps, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the flashing L E D
Among them, only the 10mm LED 86/I lights up in green, and the others are turned off. After the setting is completed with "-", the print key 71 lights up in green again.

In this case as well, the selection key 732 may be pressed at any position.

When punch hole erase is selected in the state shown in FIG. 8(a) and the selection key 73/I is pressed, punch hole erase is selected and the flashing L E D is selected as shown in FIG. 8(d). Among them, only the punch hole erase LED 862 lights up,
Other LEDs are turned off. In this function, the erase width is fixed at 20 m, so the setting is completed here. Then, the print key 71 lights up in green.

The functions belonging to the FEATURES I key 724 are similarly set in two stages.

For the four functions belonging to the ZOOM INPUT key 722, possible functions υ can be set depending on the state of the copying machine.

Furthermore, ZOOMI-Zo.

The M4's functions may become configurable.

If you press ZOOM 5ELECT key 721,
As in the case of FIG. 8(d), after the LED blinks, the function setting is completed by pressing the selection key once. In addition, ET
) IT functions are explained in Sections J and (e).

As can be seen from the following explanation, by providing M menu key switches and N selection keys (transparent panel switches), a maximum of MXN selections can be obtained. Also,
By arranging functions in a plurality of layers on one selection key so that they can be set sequentially, more than MXN options can be obtained.

(e) When you press the 2-color edit copy color select key 95, "-1 lower developer 5
, 6 are selected alternately, and one of the color display LEDs 95a to 95c of the selected developer is lit.

(In this example, the upper part is colored (red or blue) and the lower part is black.)

When the EDIT key 7 key is pressed to select the two-color edit copy mode, the color display LEDs 95a to 95c of both developing units 5 and 6 are lit.

Therefore, when editing in 2-color editing copy mode,
You can immediately see which color is selected.

In image editing, area 1. For each area 2, first, the image area is set to the input function (selection key 733),
Coordinate keys (X2.XI, Yl, Y2) 753-757,
Cance1 function (selection key 734), numeric keypad 80~
The settings are made by inputting coordinates and coordinate values using 89. Next, the color setting function (Black.

The LEDs (Co1or, Erase) light up, and the color is selected using the selection keys 731-733. At this time, the color of the developing device can be seen at a glance by the lighting of the LED 95b or 95c.

When the settings for both areas 1.2 are completed, a two-color copy can be obtained by pressing the print key 71 once.

(f) Structure of the control unit of the copying machine FIG. 9 shows the CPU (
20+) input/output configuration is shown. IC202~205.2
07 to 209 are C for input/output expansion, such as Intel's 8243.

rc202 to 205 are used as input rcs, and are connected to the CPUI via a data line. Also,
IC202 to 205 are controlled by CPU, decoder 20
6, respectively. Various keys, displays, etc. shown in the figure are connected to the IC input terminal. The ICs 207 to 209 are used as output ICs, and a control board is connected to the CPUI via a decoder 211. In addition to the various parts shown in the figure, the output terminal has an LED matrix 100 (display LED
D71, 72, 76.751~757°851~876
), LEDs 92a-d, 95a-c.

96a are connected, and each is controlled by the CPU via a decoder 212.

The RAM 213 is connected to the CPUI and is backed up by a battery. The bus 214 is a communication line for connecting with another CPU (CPU2). The CPUI transmits to the dimming circuit 215, as data, a value selected from among the nine exposure values in the case of manual exposure, and a value that is the center of the automatic exposure in the case of automatic exposure.

The input/output board of the CPU 2 that controls the optical system is connected to a scan motor control circuit 216 that controls a scan motor, and a zoom lens control circuit 217 that controls a motor that moves the projection lens 16. Further, signals from a fixed position switch 50 of the optical system and a switch 51 which generates a timing signal for rotating the timing roller 26 at the time of constant low rotation are input.

Below, in the margin (g) Operation of the copying machine, the outline of the contents of the CPU program that controls the copying machine will be explained.

<g-1> Main routine FIG. 1O does not show a schematic flowchart 1 of the CPUI.

When the CPU is reset and the program is started, first, the CPU is initialized by clearing the RAM, setting various registers, etc., and initial settings are made to put the device into the initial mode (step Sl).

Next, an internal timer that is built into the CPUI and whose value is set in advance as an initial setting is started (step S2). Next, various processes are performed, including color paper selection (step S3), same size selection (step S4.), zoom selection (step S5),
Zoom input (step S6), image editing (step S7)
), other processing (step S8), and copy operation (step S9) are sequentially performed.

Next, data communication with the CPU 2 is performed (step S 1
0).

When all subroutine processing is completed, wait for the end of the internal timer that was set first (step 5KI),
1 routine is completed and returns to step S2. The time length of this one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in the subroutine (the various timer values determine the end of the timer depending on how many times this one routine is repeated). .

In the following description, only zoom selection (step S5) and manual zoom (step S6) will be explained in detail as representative examples of the flow regarding the touch panel section 700, and explanations of other binding margins and the like will be omitted. Further, the explanation of the image editing operation (step S7) shows only the portions related to the explanation of the invention.

<g-2> Color Selection FIG. 11 shows a routine for copying color selection and display (step S3). Color select key 95
When the upper developing device 5 is selected (step 522), the lower developing device 6 is selected and the color of the lower developing device 6 is displayed (step 521).
23). If the lower developing device 6 is selected (step 522), the second developing device 5 is selected and the color of the upper developing device 5 is displayed (step 524). Further, when the two-color editing mode is selected by the EDIT key 725 (step 525), the color displays of both the upper developing unit 5 and the lower developing unit 6 are turned on (ON) at the same time (step 826).
).

<g-3> Equal magnification selection FIG. 12 shows the equal magnification selection routine (step S4). When the same size select key 96 is pressed (step 541
), the machine is set to the same magnification mode by turning on the same magnification selection display 96a and moving the lens 16 to the same magnification position (step 542). Further, the other magnification displays 851 to 854 are turned off (01"F) (step 543).

<g-4> Zoom selection FIG. 13 does not show the zoom select routine.

When the ZOOM 5ELECT key 721 is pressed (step 561), when the state is 0 (step 562)
That is, in the standby state, the state is set to 1 (step 563), and the LEDs 851 to 854 start blinking (step 564).

When the state is 1 (step 565), that is, LE
When D851 to 854 are blinking, the state is set to 0 (step 866), and the LEDs 851 to 854 are turned off to end the blinking (step 567). Also, when the state is 1 (step 571), if the selection key 731 is pressed (step 572), only the LED 751 lights up, and the LED
852 to 854 are turned off, the same size display 96a is also turned off, and Z
OOM+ is now selected (step 876).
), the lens is moved so that copying can be performed at the magnification stored in the zoom memory. Similarly, when selection keys 732, 733, 734 are pressed (step 873
~575), respectively, magnification ZOOM2. Z00M3.
Select ZOOM4 (steps 877-579)
.

<g-5> Zoom input FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) show the zoom input routine (step S6). ZOOM INPUT key 72
When 2 is pressed (step 591), if the state is -0, that is, the standby state (step 592), the LED 8
55 and 856 start blinking (step 896), the mode is entered to select whether to enter the magnification using the numeric keys 80 to 89 or to perform calculations. State is 2.3.4
When (steps 393-595), each display is turned off according to the state (steps S97-599).

Next, when the state is 2, that is, waiting for manual mode (numeric keypad or calculation) (step 5IOI), select key 73
When you press 1 (step S I 02), l7ED855
lights up, the LED 856 goes out, and the magnification manual mode using the numeric keypad is entered (step S I 03). Also,
When the selection key 732 is pressed (step 5I04), L
The ED 855 is turned off and the ED 856 is turned on to enter the calculation input mode (step 5I05). Although the explanation of the calculation procedure will be omitted, a key for calculation may be provided, or other keys may be used by switching with a function.

Next, the state is set to 21 (step 5I06). In state 21, since the magnification input mode is set, it is determined whether the magnification has been determined by manual input using the numeric keypad or calculation input (step 5108), and when the magnification is determined, the manual input using the numeric keypad is requested LIJ) 855. The LED 856 for the calculation input request is turned off, the LED 857 for the l-time Zoom input request, and the LED 858 for the Zoom memory human horn request blinks, and the state is set to 3 (step 5I09). In this way, in a situation where there are so to speak an infinite number of choices and it is not possible to request blinking of the choices (in a state outside of the dialogue state), the next input to set the magnification is only after the magnification is entered manually using the numeric keypad or by calculation input. A request (flashing) is made and the process described below is performed.

This improves usability for the user.

Next, when the state is 3 (step Sll+), when the selection key 723 is pressed (step S I 12), 1
']' Specify the in+eZoom function. This function is for manually setting the magnification and copying that magnification only to the copy without storing the magnification in memory. The I-Time Zoom LED 857 is turned on and the Zoom memory LED 858 is turned off (step 5113), and at the same time, the input magnification is corrected to within the machine's capabilities (for example, xo, 6] 0 to x1.640), and the machine Shifting operation (lens movement, etc.) is performed to the mode of that magnification (step SI+4). When the selection key 734 is pressed (step S] I5), ZOOM1 to ZOOM4
Since the mode stores in the memory of l-Time Z
Turn off the oom LED 857 and use Zoom memory
Step 5II6) to turn on the LED 858 of y. Set the state to 4 and turn on the Zoom I to Zoom4 LEDs.
851 to 854 are blinked (step 5117).

Next, when stay I is 4 (step S I 21)
, when the selection key 731 is pressed (step 5I22),
LED (ZOOM+) 851 lights up, LED 852 ~
854 goes out. In addition, LEDs 855 to 858 are also turned off, and the input magnification is corrected to within the machine's capacity in step 5.
I26), also puts the machine's mote in its magnification mode. Furthermore, the magnification is stored in the ZOOMI memory (step 5127). Selection keys 732, 733,
When 734 is pressed (steps 5123 to 5I25),
Perform similar processing (steps 5128 to SI 33)
.

<g-6> Image Editing FIG. 14 shows a general flow related to image editing. I'
;When the DIT key 725 is pressed (step SI4+)
, Display of the selected development color L B D95a~95
c is turned off, and the touch panel section 700 enters L1 image area setting (manual) mode (step 5142). Then, when the input horns of each coordinate XI, χ2°Yl, Y2 of area 1 are completed (step S) 43, upper and lower developing units 5, 6
If both are set in the machine (step 5I)
44), LED872.873.87/I blinks in step 5I45), if only the lower developer 6 is displayed, T, ED
872 and 874 blink (step 5I46) (in this example, "-" is for color only, bottom is for black only, and the configuration is such that it is impossible for the operator to attach or detach it). The operator can select one of the colors in the above-mentioned blinking mode, and the selected developing color is displayed by lighting on the LEDs 95a to 95c (step S I 47).

Similarly, area 2 is also selected (steps 5I51-9I55).

Margin below = 31 ~ (Effect of the invention) When setting the copy function in the dialog mode, the input request for the next step is made after the key human power in the dialog step is completely completed, so the transition between the dialog steps becomes smoother. User-friendliness is improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are flowcharts of zoom input. FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the copying machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the operation panel. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the operation panel. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the tanoji panel portion. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of menu keys and selection keys. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of backlighting LEDs. FIGS. 8(a), (b), (c), and (d) are diagrams for explaining function selection. -32= FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the control system of the copying machine. FIG. 10 is a copying flowchart 1. FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 14 are flowcharts of subroutines of the flow shown in FIG. 1O, respectively. 700 Tatsuji panel section, 721-725... Menico keys, 731-734 Selection keys. Patent applicant Representative of Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Patent attorney Previously mentioned Two idiots faction

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In the control system of the interactive operation panel of a copying machine, when one function is specified by the key input means in setting the copy function, the key input means of a set of functions related to this function is specified. It is provided with an input request means for requesting a selection, and an interaction mode in which the user can sequentially specify functions in response to the input request, and in this interaction mode, after entering the interaction mode, a key input means with one function is provided. Including an interaction mode that cannot be set solely by the user and requires the use of an input means other than the key input means related to the interaction mode, the mode has become a mode that requires the use of the above input means other than the key input means related to the interaction mode. If so, a control method for an interactive operation panel is provided, comprising an input requesting means that waits until the processing of the input means is completed and then requests the next input in an interactive mode.