JP3662695B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving image data via a communication line and a printer function for printing based on image data supplied from an external device, in addition to a copying function for copying a document image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in addition to a copy function for copying an original image, a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving image data via a communication line, and a printer function for printing based on image data supplied from an external device via an external I / F are provided. An image forming apparatus, that is, a composite digital copying apparatus has been put into practical use.
[0003]
The digital copying apparatus includes a scanner unit that reads a document image and converts image information into image data, and a printer unit that forms an image on a sheet as a recording medium based on the image data. Further, this digital copying apparatus is used for image data of an original image read by a scanner unit in a copying function, image data for printing supplied from an external device in a printer function, and transmission data read by a scanner unit in a facsimile function. It has an image memory that temporarily holds image data, facsimile data received in the facsimile function, and the like.
[0004]
Some of these composite digital copying apparatuses are provided with independent memories different for each function in order to facilitate memory control and increase the independence of each function.
[0005]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus provided with the memory for each function, the memory capacity that can be used for each memory is determined, but the remaining amount of the memory that can be used for the function varies depending on the function. This remaining memory capacity is displayed on a control panel provided in the image forming apparatus.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In an image forming apparatus provided with an independent memory for each function, the remaining memory capacity is controlled to display the memory capacity that can be used for the function being used. This remaining memory capacity is displayed in the same format for each function. The remaining memory capacity displayed when the function to be used is switched indicates the memory capacity that can be used in the memory dedicated to the switched function.
[0007]
However, since the remaining amount of memory is displayed in the same format for each function in this way, the form of the memory provided in the image forming apparatus differs depending on the model, and the model to be used depends on the function. If the user does not recognize that an independent memory is provided, there is a risk that the user will make an erroneous operation. For example, if the user wants to switch the current function and use the image forming apparatus with another function, the remaining memory capacity displayed before switching the function is recognized as the remaining memory capacity of the function to be used after switching. There is a risk of it.
[0008]
More specifically, the image forming apparatus is normally set in a copy mode for executing a copy function. At this time, the remaining amount of usable memory in the copying function memory is displayed on the control panel. The user confirms the remaining amount of memory and tries to execute memory transmission in the facsimile function as having a sufficient margin. Then, the user changes the setting to the facsimile mode for executing the facsimile function. At this time, the remaining memory capacity in the facsimile function memory is displayed on the control panel in the same format as the remaining memory capacity of the copying function memory. For this reason, the user may not notice that the display of the remaining memory capacity has been changed.
[0009]
At this time, in the facsimile function, although the memory reception is executed and the remaining amount of the memory dedicated to the facsimile function is very small, the user executes the memory transmission operation without noticing the remaining memory display, When trying to store the image data of the image in the memory, there is a possibility that an error such as the memory becoming full on the way occurs.
[0010]
In addition, not only models with independent memory for each function but also models with a common memory for each function are mixed in the composite digital copying apparatus. It is difficult to specialize that such a memory is provided, and the user needs to remember the memory form for each model.
[0011]
Therefore, the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with independent memories for each of a plurality of functions, which allows the user to recognize the difference in the remaining amount of memory for each function by visual action and prevent confusion during use. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention has been made based on the above problems,
  Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
  First storage means for temporarily storing image data corresponding to the first mode;
  Second storage means for temporarily storing image data corresponding to a second mode different from the first mode;
  Mode setting means for setting one of the first mode and the second mode;
  When the first mode is set by the mode setting means, an operation screen corresponding to the first mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form. When the second mode is set, an operation screen corresponding to the second mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the second storage means that can be stored is different from the first display mode. Display means for displaying in display form;
  An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0013]
  Moreover, according to this invention,
  Image reading means for reading a document image and generating image data;
  Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
  First storage means used in a first mode for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means;
  Second storage means used in a second mode for temporarily storing image data supplied from outside;
  Mode setting means for setting one of the first mode and the second mode;
  When the first mode is set by the mode setting meansWhile displaying the operation screen corresponding to the first modeWhen the remaining amount of storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form, and the second mode is setWhile displaying the operation screen corresponding to the second modeDisplay means for displaying the remaining amount of storable capacity in the second storage means in a second display form different from the first display form;
  An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0014]
  Furthermore, according to the present invention,
  Image reading means for reading a document image and generating image data;
  Receiving means for receiving image data supplied from outside;
  Input means for inputting image data supplied from outside;
  Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
  First storage means used in a first mode for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means;
  Second storage means used in a second mode for temporarily storing image data received by the receiving means;
  Third storage means used in a third mode for temporarily storing image data input from the input means;
  Mode setting means for setting any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode;
  When the first mode is set by the mode setting means, an operation screen corresponding to the first mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form. When the second mode is set, an operation screen corresponding to the second mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the second storage means that can be stored is different from the first display mode. When the third mode is set, the operation screen corresponding to the third mode is displayed and the remaining capacity of the capacity that can be stored in the third storage means is displayed in the display mode. Display means for displaying in a third display form different from the two display forms;
  An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0015]
  Still further, according to the present invention,
  Image reading means for reading a document image and generating image data;
  Transmitting / receiving means for receiving image data supplied from an external communication device via a communication line, and transmitting image data read by the image reading means to an external communication device via the communication line;
  Input means for inputting image data supplied from an external device via an interface;
  Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
  A first storage means for temporarily storing the image data generated by the image reading means in a copy mode in which the image data generated by the image reading means is supplied to the image forming means to copy a document image;
  In the facsimile mode in which the image data received by the transmission / reception means is supplied to the image forming means to form an image and the image data generated by the image reading means is transmitted, the image data received by the transmission / reception means, and Second storage means for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means;
  A third storage unit for temporarily storing the image data input from the input unit in a printer mode in which image data input from the input unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image;
  Mode setting means for setting any one of the copy mode, facsimile mode, and printer mode;
  When the copy mode is set by the mode setting meansWhile displaying the operation screen corresponding to the copy modeWhen the remaining capacity that can be stored in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form, and the facsimile mode is set,While displaying the operation screen corresponding to the facsimile modeWhen the remaining amount of storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in a second display form different from the first display form, and the printer mode is setWhile displaying the operation screen corresponding to the printer modeDisplay means for displaying the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the third storage means in a third display form different from the first and second display forms;
  An image forming apparatus is provided.
[0016]
Furthermore, according to the present invention,
The image data generated by the image reading unit is temporarily stored in a copy mode in which image data generated based on the original image read by the image reading unit is supplied to the image forming unit to copy the original image. First storage means;
In the facsimile mode in which the image data received by the transmission / reception unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image and the image data generated by the image reading unit is transmitted, the image data received by the transmission / reception unit, and the image reading Second storage means for temporarily storing image data generated by the means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a third storage unit that temporarily stores the image data input from the input unit in a printer mode in which the image data input from the input unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image; In the device
When the copy mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form,
When the facsimile mode is set, the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the second storage means is displayed in a second display form different from the first display form,
A display method characterized in that when the printer mode is set, the remaining amount of capacity that can be stored in the third storage means is displayed in a third display form different from the first and second display forms. Provided.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The image forming apparatus performs printing based on, for example, a copying function for copying a document image, a facsimile function for transmitting / receiving image data via a communication line, and image data supplied from an external apparatus via an external I / F. It is configured as an image forming apparatus having a printer function, that is, a composite digital copying apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as a copying apparatus).
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the copying apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus of the present invention, for example, an electrophotographic digital copying apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 4 and an image forming unit 6. The copying apparatus 2 is formed on the upper part of the image reading unit 4 so as to be openable and closable with respect to a later-described document table of the image reading unit 4. An automatic document feeder 8 that functions as a document presser that feeds and brings the document D placed on the document table into close contact with the document table is provided.
[0019]
The image reading unit 4 is disposed at the upper part of the document table 11 made of transparent glass, facing the automatic document feeder 8 in the closed state and on which the document D is set, and one end of the document table 11. And a document scale 12 indicating a position where the document D is to be set on the document table 11.
[0020]
Below the document table 11, an exposure lamp 13 for illuminating the document D placed on the document table 11, an auxiliary reflector 14 for condensing the light beam from the exposure lamp 13 on the document D, and the document D A first mirror 15 that bends the reflected beam from the left side in the figure is arranged. The exposure lamp 13, the auxiliary reflector 14, and the first mirror 15 are fixed to the first carriage 16, and are arranged so as to be movable in parallel with the document table 11 as the first carriage 16 moves. The first carriage 16 is moved in parallel along the document table 11 by receiving a driving force of a pulse motor (not shown) via a toothed belt (not shown).
[0021]
A second carriage 20 is disposed on the left side of the document table 11 in the drawing, that is, in the direction in which the reflected beam reflected by the first mirror 15 is guided.
In the second carriage 20, a second mirror 21 that folds the reflected beam from the document D guided by the first mirror 15 downward and a third mirror 22 that folds rightward in the drawing are arranged at right angles to each other. . The second carriage 20 is driven by the first carriage 16 by a toothed belt (not shown) that drives the first carriage 16 and is parallel to the first carriage 16 along the document table 11 at a half speed. Moved to.
[0022]
An imaging lens that forms an image of the reflected beam from the second carriage 20 at a predetermined magnification in a plane below the first carriage 16 and including the optical axis of the beam folded back through the second carriage 20. 23, and a CCD image sensor 24 for converting the reflected beam, which is focused by the imaging lens 23, into an electrical signal, that is, image data.
[0023]
The image forming unit 6 includes a photoconductive drum 30 that is rotatably positioned at substantially the center of the copying apparatus 2. The photosensitive drum 30 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by a motor (not shown).
[0024]
At a predetermined position around the photosensitive drum 30, a charging charger 31 that charges the drum surface to a predetermined charge, a laser exposure device 32 that forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, and an electrostatic latent image A developing device 33 that develops toner with a developer containing toner to form a toner image, and transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 to a copy sheet P as a recording medium supplied from a sheet cassette, which will be described later. A transfer / peeling charger 34 for separating the paper P on which the image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 30, a peeling claw 35 for peeling the copy paper P from the surface of the photosensitive drum 30, and toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 A cleaning device 36 that cleans the toner and a neutralizing device 37 that neutralizes the potential remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 are sequentially arranged.
[0025]
The laser exposure device 32 includes a semiconductor laser element that generates a laser beam modulated based on image data, an optical deflection device 32 a that deflects the laser beam, and an image that forms an image of the deflected laser beam on the photosensitive drum 30. It has optical systems 32b, 32c, 32d and the like. The laser exposure device 32 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 with an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 with the laser beam generated from the semiconductor laser element along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 30. Form an image.
[0026]
The developing device 33 includes a developer including toner and a carrier that frictionally charges the toner to a predetermined polarity and forms a magnetic brush. Further, the developing device 33 has a developing roller 33a that develops at a desired image density by supplying a developer onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 and attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image.
[0027]
At the bottom of the copying apparatus 2 positioned below the photoconductive drum 30, a multi-stage sheet feeding apparatus 40 that is detachably mounted in multiple upper and lower stages from the front side of the copying apparatus 2 is disposed.
[0028]
The multi-stage paper feeding device 40 includes an upper cassette 41, a middle cassette 42, and a lower cassette 43 for storing a plurality of types of copy paper P having various sizes. Each of the cassettes 41, 42, and 43 can store, for example, about 500 sheets of A4 size copy paper, B4 size copy paper, and A3 size copy paper placed so as to be conveyed along the longitudinal direction. Is formed.
[0029]
At predetermined positions of the upper cassette 41, the middle cassette 42, and the lower cassette 43, pickup rollers 44a, 44b and 44c for taking out the paper P one by one from the respective cassettes 41, 42 and 43 are arranged.
[0030]
Conveying rollers 45a, 45b for separating the paper P one by one and at positions where the leading ends of the paper P taken out from the cassettes 41, 42 and 43 are passed by the respective pickup rollers 44a, 44b and 44c, and 45c and separation rollers 46a, 46b and 46c arranged integrally with the respective conveying rollers are arranged. The separation rollers 46a, 46b, and 46c are arranged so that their axes are in parallel with the transport rollers combined with each other at a predetermined pressure and rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the transport rollers. As a result, only the uppermost sheet P of the paper P taken out from each cassette is sent out to a conveyance path described later.
[0031]
On the right side of the multi-stage sheet feeding device 40, a large-capacity feeder 47 formed so as to be able to store about 3000 sheets of frequently used size paper, for example, A4 size paper P, is provided. At a predetermined position of the large-capacity feeder 47, a pickup roller 48 that takes out the sheets P stored in the large-capacity feeder 47 one by one is arranged. A separation mechanism 49 including a transport roller 49a and a separation roller 49b, which are combined in a pair of upper and lower sides, is disposed between the pickup roller 48 and the photosensitive drum 30. The separation mechanism 49 rotates the separation roller 49b in the direction opposite to the direction in which the transport roller 49a rotates, so that only the uppermost sheet P of the paper P taken out from the large-capacity feeder 47 by the pickup roller 48 is removed. It is sent to a conveyance path to be described later.
[0032]
A manual feeder 50 capable of feeding the copy paper P is formed on the large-capacity feeder 47 independently of the cassettes 41, 42, 43 and the large-capacity feeder 47.
[0033]
Between the manual feeder 50 and the photosensitive drum 30, a manual pickup roller 51 that takes in the paper P inserted into the manual feeder 50, a manual guide 52 that guides the paper P taken in by the pickup roller 51, and a manual feed A conveyance roller 53 is provided for conveying the paper P guided toward the photosensitive drum 30 via the guide 52.
[0034]
Between the respective cassettes 41, 42 and 43 and the large capacity feeder 47 and the photosensitive drum 30, the conveyance of guiding the paper P from the respective cassettes 41, 42 and 43 and the large capacity feeder 47 toward the photosensitive drum 30. A path 54 is formed. The conveyance path 54 further extends to the outside of the copying apparatus 2 through a transfer region defined between the photosensitive drum 30 and the transfer / peeling charger 33. Further, the transport path 54 is provided with a plurality of transport rollers 55 for transporting the paper P fed from any cassette, a large capacity feeder or a manual feed guide toward the photosensitive drum 30.
[0035]
In the vicinity and upstream of the photosensitive drum 30 in the conveyance path 54, the inclination of the copy paper P guided through the conveyance path 54 is corrected, and the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 30 and the copy paper P An aligning roller 56 for feeding the copy paper P to the transfer area at the same speed as the moving speed of the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 30 is provided. Further, an aligning sensor 56 a that detects the arrival of the copy paper P to the aligning roller 56 is provided in front of the aligning roller 56, that is, on the side of the conveying roller 55.
[0036]
A conveyance belt 57 that conveys the paper P is incorporated in the direction in which the paper P that has passed through the transfer region travels. The sheet in which the sheet P is conveyed by the conveyance belt 57 and is difficult to apply heat to the photosensitive drum 30 includes a pair of heat rollers whose roller surfaces are pressed against each other, and the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred. A fixing device 58 for fixing the toner image on the paper P by pressing the toner image and the paper P while melting the toner image by heating P is provided.
[0037]
A finisher 59 for discharging the paper P on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 58 is disposed on the side wall of the copying apparatus 2 facing the fixing device 58.
The finisher 59 includes a roller pair 59a that faces down the copy paper P discharged from the paper discharge roller 62, a paper discharge tray 59b from which the paper P is discharged by the roller pair 59a, and a copy in the staple sort mode. A stapler 74c for stapling is provided.
[0038]
Disposed between the fixing device 58 and the finisher 59 is a discharge switching unit 60 that guides the copy paper P, on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 58, to either a paper reversing section (described later) or the finisher 59.
[0039]
The discharge switching unit 60 is disposed between the first and second discharge rollers 61 and 62 that propel the paper P that has passed through the fixing device 58, and the first and second discharge rollers 61 and 62, and is fixed. A distribution gate 63 is provided for selectively distributing the copy sheet P that has passed through the apparatus 58 to either a finisher 59 or a sheet reversing unit described later.
[0040]
The reversing mechanism 64 reverses the front and back of the copy paper P that has already passed through the transfer area and the fixing device 58 and temporarily accumulated the copy paper P that has passed through the fixing device 58 to the temporary stacking portion 65. A reversing path 66 for guiding, a pick-up roller 67 for picking up the copy sheets P collected in the temporary stacking unit one by one, a transporting path 68 for guiding the paper P stored in the temporary stacking unit 65 to the aligning roller 56 again, and transporting A paper feed roller 69 that feeds the paper P guided to the path 68 toward the aligning roller 56 is provided.
[0041]
The automatic document feeder 8 has a cover 71 whose rear edge is attached to the upper rear edge of the copying apparatus 2 via a hinge device (not shown), and if necessary, the automatic document feeder By rotating the entire 8, the document table 11 of the image reading unit 4 can be opened and closed as described above.
[0042]
A document feeding table 72 that holds a plurality of documents D is provided at a position slightly leftward on the upper surface of the cover 71. The documents D set on the document feeder 72 are sequentially taken out one by one on the left side of the document feeder 72 in the drawing, that is, on one end side of the automatic document feeder 8, and the image reading unit from the left end in the diagram. A pickup roller 73 for supplying to one end side of the four document tables 11 is arranged.
[0043]
An empty sensor 73 serving as a document detection sensor for detecting whether or not the document D is set on the document feed table 72 is disposed at a predetermined position on the document feed table 72. Note that a document width detection sensor (not shown) that functions in the same manner as the document position detection sensor 17 that detects the position where the document D is set on the document table 11 may be disposed on the document feed table 72.
[0044]
With respect to the document take-out direction of the pickup roller 73, the paper feed roller 74 that sends the document D taken out by the pickup roller 73 toward the document table 11, and the leading edge of the document D fed by the paper feed roller 74 are aligned. An aligning roller 75 is disposed.
[0045]
Between the aligning roller 75 and the paper feed roller 74, an aligning sensor 75a for detecting the arrival of the document D at the aligning roller 75 is disposed.
At a position inside the cover 71 and facing the document table 11 of the image reading unit 4 in a state where the automatic document feeder 8 is closed, a size that covers almost the entire document table 11 is given. A transport belt 76 is disposed for transporting the document D transported from the document feed table 72 to the predetermined position of the document table 11 via the pickup roller 73, the feed roller 74 and the aligning roller 75. The conveyor belt 76 is stretched around a pair of belt rollers 77 arranged on the left and right sides in the figure, and is rotated in both directions on the right side in the figure and the left side in the figure by a belt drive mechanism (not shown).
[0046]
On the right side portion of the automatic document feeder 8, the document D is fed to a reversing roller 78 and a reversing roller 78 for feeding the document D moved from the left side to the right side in the drawing by the conveying belt 76 toward the outside of the cover 71. A flapper 80 and a flapper 80 for switching whether the document D conveyed by the pressing pinch roller 79, the reverse roller 78 and the pinch roller 79 is returned to the conveying belt 76 or discharged onto a predetermined discharge position, that is, the cover 71, are disposed on the discharge side. A paper discharge roller 81 that discharges the document D conveyed by the reversing roller 78 and a jam sensor 82 that detects a jam of the document in the vicinity of the reversing roller 78 are disposed.
[0047]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a control panel 200 for inputting various copy conditions, a copy start signal for starting a copy operation, and the like is provided on the front upper portion of the apparatus body 2.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 200 executes a copy button 202 for setting a copy mode for executing a copy function, a FAX button 204 for setting a FAX mode for executing a facsimile function, and a printer function. A printer button 206 for setting a printer mode is provided.
[0049]
The control panel 200 has a numeric keypad 208 for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies in the copy mode, a copy button 210 for instructing the start of copying, and a function for correcting the number of copies or stopping a copying operation. A clear / stop button 212, an all clear button 214 for clearing all selected modes and various set conditions, and a magnification setting button 216 for setting a copying magnification are provided.
[0050]
Further, the control panel 200 includes a paper size button 218 for selecting and setting the size of the paper on which an image is to be formed, and automatic paper for detecting the size of the document placed on the platen and automatically setting the paper size. A selection button 220, a document size button 222 for setting a document size, and an automatic magnification selection button 224 for automatically setting a copy magnification based on the paper size set by the paper size button 218 and the detected document size. Is provided.
[0051]
In addition to these various setting buttons, the operation guide button 226 for displaying guidance information such as the contents of the set mode and the operation procedure, the preheat button 228 for setting the preheat state, and instructing interruption during the operation of the printer unit An interrupt button 230 is provided.
[0052]
In the approximate center of the control panel 200, a display panel constituted by a touch panel type liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays the state of the apparatus, operation procedures, and various messages to the user in characters and graphics. 240 is provided. The display panel 240 displays a screen for the operation for each function.
[0053]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the display panel 240 has a message area 242 composed of three areas of an upper stage 242a, a middle stage 242b, and a lower stage 242c for providing information to the user, and a title area 244 in which title switching buttons are arranged. And a field area 246 for displaying icons.
[0054]
Next, the control circuit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of the control unit for explaining each function of the copying apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a basic unit included in the control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the page memory unit, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the basic control unit included in the basic unit shown in FIG.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 4, the copying apparatus 2 includes a control unit 300 that performs overall control of the entire apparatus. The control unit 300 is connected to the scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 6 described above, and controls their drive and processes image data of a document read by the scanner unit 4. 402, the image data supplied via the telephone line 404 is output to the printer unit 6 as image data corresponding to an image to be formed on a sheet.
[0056]
The control unit 300 includes a printer function unit 300P that processes print data supplied via the printer cable 402, converts the print data into image data that can be printed by the printer unit 6, and outputs the image data to the printer unit 6. A printer MP dedicated memory MP is connected to the printer function unit 300P. In this memory MP, image data supplied via the printer cable 402 is temporarily stored.
[0057]
Further, the control unit 300 processes facsimile data (hereinafter referred to as FAX data) supplied via the telephone line 404 and converts it into image data that can be printed by the printing unit 6 and is read by the scanner unit 4. A facsimile function unit (hereinafter referred to as a FAX function unit) 300F that processes image data of a document and outputs the processed image data to the printer unit 6 is provided. A FAX function dedicated memory MF is connected to the FAX function unit 300F. In this memory MF, FAX data supplied via the telephone line 404 is temporarily stored as received image data, and image data read by the scanner unit 4 is temporarily stored as transmitted image data. .
[0058]
Further, the control unit 300 includes a copy function unit 300 </ b> C that processes the image data of the original read by the scanner unit 4 and outputs the processed image data to the printer unit 6. The copy function unit 300C is connected to a memory MC dedicated to the copy function. In this memory MC, the image data supplied from the scanner unit 4 is temporarily stored.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 5, the control system of the copying apparatus 2 includes a basic unit 301 and a page memory unit 302. A basic unit 301 connects the scanner unit 4 and the printer unit 6 with an image processing unit 314 and constitutes a basic configuration unit of a copying apparatus controlled by a basic control unit 311. The page memory unit 302 receives and stores the image data from the basic unit 301, and transfers the stored image data to the basic unit 301 again to realize memory copy (electronic sort).
[0060]
The basic unit 301 and the page memory unit 302 are connected by a basic unit system interface 316 that exchanges control data and a basic unit image interface 317 that exchanges image data.
[0061]
The basic unit 301 includes a basic unit 311 including a scanner unit 4, a printer unit 6, an image processing unit 314, and a CPU that controls them.
As shown in FIG. 6, the main CPU 100 of the basic control unit 311 includes a ROM 102, a RAM 104, a memory MP dedicated to a printer function, a memory MF dedicated to a FAX function, a memory MC dedicated to a copying function, an internal interface 122, an external interface 123, A facsimile interface 126, a printer interface 128, an auxiliary storage device interface 130, an image conversion circuit 132 for enlarging or reducing binary image data, a compression / expansion circuit 134 for compressing or expanding image data, and the like are connected. .
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 7, the dedicated memory MF for the FAX function is composed of a transmission / reception memory area MF-1 and a reception-only memory area MF-2. For example, capacities of 768 KB and 256 KB are respectively allocated. The transmission / reception memory area MF-1 automatically transmits an automatic transmission mode in which image data of a transmission original read from the scanner unit 4 is automatically transmitted at a predetermined timing, and FAX data supplied via a telephone line. In the automatic reception mode in which the image data is received and output at a predetermined timing, it is used for temporarily storing image data.
[0063]
The reception-only memory area MF-2 is provided so that reception can be continued even if the transmission / reception memory area MF-1 is in a memory full state, and its use during transmission is prohibited.
[0064]
The control panel 200 already described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 is connected to the internal interface 122. An external device 124 is connected to the external interface 123. An external communication device 137 such as an external facsimile is connected to the facsimile interface 126 via a telephone line 404. An external device 138 such as a personal computer is connected to the printer interface 128 via a printer cable 402. An IC card reader / writer 142, a hard disk drive 144, and the like are connected to the auxiliary storage device interface 130.
[0065]
The facsimile interface 126 includes a modem for communicating with the telephone line 404, an NCU as an interface for connecting to the telephone line 404, and the like.
[0066]
In such a configuration, when transmitting image data such as a document using the facsimile function, the main CPU 100 stores, for example, image data of the document captured from the scanner unit 4 in the FAX function dedicated memory MF. The stored image data is enlarged or reduced by the image conversion circuit 132 as necessary according to the paper size of the transmission destination, and the size-converted image data is encoded by the compression / decompression circuit 134 and then the facsimile interface. 126 and the telephone line 404 to the destination external communication device 137.
[0067]
When image data is received from the outside using the facsimile function, image data supplied from the transmission source external communication device 137 via the telephone line 404 and the facsimile interface 126 is stored in the image memory 106. At this time, the image data is decoded by the compression / decompression circuit 134, stored in the dedicated memory MF of the FAX machine, and output to the printer unit 6 at a predetermined timing.
[0068]
When copying a document image using the copy function, the main CPU 100 stores image data such as a document taken in from the scanner unit 4 in the copy function dedicated memory MC. The stored image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit and then output to the printer unit 6 at a predetermined timing.
[0069]
When outputting externally supplied image data using the printer function, the image data supplied from the external device 138 via the printer cable 402 and the printer interface 128 is stored in the printer function dedicated memory MP. At this time, the stored image data is output to the printer unit 6 at a predetermined timing.
[0070]
Image data is stored / recalled by the main CPU 100. For example, when storing image data, image data read by the scanner unit 4, image data as FAX data supplied via the telephone line 404, and image as print data supplied via the printer cable 402 The data is stored in dedicated memories MF, MC, and MP provided for each function according to an instruction from the main CPU 100. The instruction of the main CPU 100 is performed according to the mode determined by the mode designation key input from the control panel 200.
[0071]
A parameter table 104 a is set in the RAM 104. In this parameter table 104a, various conditions set by key operations on the control panel 200 are stored, and conditions not set correspond to, for example, specified values stored in the ROM 102. The parameters set as the conditions are image processing parameters at the time of copying, various setting conditions, on / off of a scaling setting function, a telephone number registered as a transmission destination, and the like.
[0072]
Next, the page memory unit 302 will be described with reference to FIG. A page memory unit 302 controls access to the page memory (PM) 323 from the basic unit 301, a system control unit 304 having a built-in communication memory 305, a page memory 323 for temporarily storing image data, a page An address control unit 306 that generates an address of the memory 323, an image bus 320 that transfers data between devices in the page memory unit 302, and a control signal between each device in the page memory unit 302 and the system control unit 304 A control bus 321 that performs transfer and a data control unit 307 that controls data transfer when performing data transfer between the page memory 323 and another device via the image bus 320 are provided.
[0073]
The page memory unit 302 has an image data interface (I / F) 308 that performs interface processing of image data when image data is transferred to and from the basic unit 301 via the basic unit image interface 317, and has different resolutions. When image data is transmitted to a device, the image data is converted into the resolution of another device, the image data received from a device with a different resolution is converted into the resolution of the printer unit 6 of the basic unit 301, or binary image data The resolution conversion / binary rotation unit 325 that executes 90 degree rotation processing of the image data, and compresses the input image data for a device that compresses and transmits image data such as facsimile transmission and optical disk storage. Or a compression / decompression unit 32 that decompresses the compressed image data for visualization via the printer unit 6. , It is connected to the image data I / F308, and a like multilevel rotation memory 309 to use the image data when outputting rotated 90 degrees or -90 degrees when the printer unit 6 outputs the image data.
[0074]
The copying apparatus according to this embodiment has a FAX function and a printer function in addition to a copying function, and a dedicated memory for each function. That is, the copying apparatus includes a copying function dedicated memory MC that temporarily holds image data of a document read by the scanner unit 4 in the copying function, and a FAX function dedicated memory that temporarily holds image data for transmission and reception in the FAX function. A printer function dedicated memory MP that temporarily holds image data corresponding to print data in the MF and printer functions is provided.
[0075]
In this copying apparatus, the remaining amount of each memory is controlled to be displayed in different display forms. FIGS. 8A to 8D show examples of display forms of the remaining memory capacity. FIG. 8A is an example of a display form in which the remaining memory capacity is represented by a bar graph, FIG. 8B is an example of a display form in which the remaining memory capacity is represented by numbers, and FIG. It is an example of the display form which represented the memory remaining amount with the graph, (d) is a figure which shows an example of the display form which combined the bar graph and the number. In addition to the display modes shown here, other graphics or a display format in which graphics and numbers are combined may be applied. In addition to changing the display form, a method of changing the display position or blinking the display is also applicable. By using these in combination, it is also possible to make the form easier to attract the user's attention.
[0076]
In this embodiment, a display form using a bar graph as shown in FIG. 8A in the copy mode is applied, and a display form using numbers as shown in FIG. 8B in the FAX mode. In the printer mode, a display form using a pie chart as shown in FIG. 8C is applied.
[0077]
When the operation mode is switched by the user via the control panel 200, the main CPU 100 of this copying apparatus controls the display panel 240 of the control panel 200 to display the remaining amount of dedicated memory in the switched mode. .
[0078]
For example, when the user operates the copy button 202 for setting the copy mode on the control panel 200, the CPU 100 displays a message as shown in FIG. 9 on the upper area 242a of the message area on the display panel 240 of the control panel 200. . As shown in FIG. 9, the message area upper stage 242a displays the copy magnification, the number of copies, the paper size, and the remaining memory capacity in the display form as shown in FIG. The remaining memory capacity displayed here indicates the remaining capacity of the memory MC provided exclusively for the copying function. When the user does not particularly set the mode, the copy mode is normally set, and the operation panel for the copy mode is displayed on the display panel 240.
[0079]
When the user operates the FAX button 204 for setting the FAX mode on the control panel 200, the CPU 100 switches the display on the display panel 240 and displays the operation screen for the FAX mode. Then, a message as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed in the upper area 242a of the message area. As shown in FIG. 10, the message output upper stage 242a displays the image output magnification, the number of output sheets, the paper size, and the remaining memory capacity in the display form as shown in FIG. 8B. The remaining memory capacity displayed here indicates the remaining capacity of the transmission / reception memory area of the memory MF provided exclusively for the FAX function.
[0080]
When the user operates the printer button 206 for setting the printer mode on the control panel 200, the CPU 100 switches the display on the display panel 240 to display the operation screen for the printer mode. Then, a message as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed in the upper area 242a of the message area. As shown in FIG. 11, the message area upper stage 242a displays the image output magnification, the number of output sheets, the paper size, and the remaining memory capacity in the display form as shown in FIG. 8C. The remaining memory capacity displayed here indicates the remaining capacity of the memory MP provided exclusively for the printer function.
[0081]
As described above, the display of the remaining amount of memory on the operation screen of each function is set to be different from each other, thereby controlling the remaining amount of memory for each function selected by the user. By changing the display format in this way, it becomes easier to notice that the remaining memory capacity varies depending on the user or function due to visual effects, and prevents the user from confusing the remaining memory capacity and performing inappropriate operations. can do.
[0082]
Next, a specific example of the flow of the user operation and the operation of the copying apparatus corresponding to this will be described.
In FIG. 12, when the user presses the function selection button to switch the screen of the display panel and tries to use a function different from the function of the previously displayed screen, It is a flowchart showing operation.
[0083]
Here, a flow when the user switches from the copy mode to the FAX mode and performs FAX transmission is shown.
First, a copy mode operation screen is displayed on the display panel 240 of the copying apparatus. Therefore, the remaining amount of memory that can be used for the copy function, that is, the remaining amount of the copy function dedicated memory MC is displayed in the message area upper stage 242a in a display form as shown in FIG. 9, for example.
[0084]
When the user stands in front of the copying apparatus, the display content on the display panel 240 is visually checked to check the remaining memory capacity.
Then, the user presses the FAX button 204 in order to select a desired function, for example, a FAX function.
[0085]
Based on such user operation, the CPU 100 switches the display screen of the display panel 240 and displays the operation screen for the FAX mode. Of course, the display mode of the remaining memory is also changed at this time. That is, the remaining amount of memory that can be used for the FAX function, that is, the remaining amount of the FAX function dedicated memory MF is displayed in the message area upper stage 242b in a display form as shown in FIG. 10, for example.
[0086]
As described above, when the operation screen of the display panel 240 is switched, the display of the remaining memory capacity is also changed, so that the user's attention can be drawn by a visual difference. As a result, when the user tries to operate the FAX operation screen, if the user notices a difference in the remaining memory display, the remaining memory is reconfirmed and a change in the remaining memory value is noticed. As a result, it is possible to improve the possibility that the user can correctly recognize the remaining amount of memory that can be used in the FAX mode, which is a currently set function.
[0087]
When the user rechecks the remaining memory capacity and recognizes that the remaining memory capacity in the FAX function is low, the user accidentally selects the automatic transmission mode even though the remaining memory capacity is low, resulting in a memory full error. It is possible to prevent an erroneous operation that may cause
[0088]
The user recognizes that the remaining amount of memory in the FAX function is low, and selects the FAX direct transmission mode, that is, the mode for sequentially transmitting the image data of the transmission original read by the scanner unit 4 to the transmission destination. The CPU instructs the FAX function unit to execute FAX direct transmission processing.
[0089]
In this embodiment, the remaining amount of memory is displayed in various display forms, so that the number of documents that can be stored in the memory and the automatic transmission mode / direct transmission mode are determined by the user. When the remaining amount of memory is low, the number of sheets that can store image data of the selected paper size may be displayed, or a message display or voice guidance may be given to actively instruct direct transmission from the apparatus side.
[0090]
As described above, according to this copying apparatus, the display of the remaining amount of memory in the copying apparatus attracts the user's attention by changing the display form in accordance with the update of the screen in the function switching, and the memory is given to the user. It is possible to improve the effect of prompting the user to reconfirm the remaining amount display, and it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly confusing the remaining amount of memory with that of the previous screen.
[0091]
For this reason, for example, when using the FAX function, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the memory is full due to the use of the memory even though the remaining amount of memory is small.
[0092]
In addition, by changing the memory display mode for each function, it is possible to inform the user that the remaining memory capacity differs for each function, and the user needs to remember the memory display mode for each model. Disappear. When the user becomes aware that the remaining memory capacity varies depending on the function, an educational effect is obtained in that the user always confirms the remaining memory capacity of the function selected before the operation.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus provided with an independent memory for each of a plurality of functions, the user can recognize and use the difference in the remaining memory capacity for each function by visual action. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing time confusion.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, a digital copying apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a control panel provided in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a display panel in the control panel shown in FIG. 2;
4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a control unit for explaining each function of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a basic unit and a page memory unit included in the control unit shown in FIG. 4;
6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a basic control unit included in the basic unit shown in FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the capacity of the FAX function dedicated memory illustrated in FIG. 6;
FIGS. 8A to 8D are diagrams illustrating an example of a display form of the remaining memory capacity.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display panel in the copy function.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display panel in the FAX function.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the display panel in the printer function.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a user operation and an operation of the image forming apparatus corresponding to the user operation.
[Explanation of symbols]
2. Image forming apparatus
4 ... Scanner section
6 ... Printer section
100: Main CPU
102 ... ROM
104 ... RAM
122 ... Internal interface
123 ... External interface
126 ... facsimile interface
128: Printer interface
137 ... External communication device
138 ... External device
200 ... Control panel
202 ... Copy button
204 ... FAX button
206 ... Printer button
240 ... display panel
300 ... control unit
301 ... Basic part
302: Page memory section
402: Printer cable
404 ... telephone line

Claims (4)

Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
First storage means for temporarily storing image data corresponding to the first mode;
Second storage means for temporarily storing image data corresponding to a second mode different from the first mode;
Mode setting means for setting one of the first mode and the second mode;
When the first mode is set by the mode setting means, an operation screen corresponding to the first mode is displayed , and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form. When the second mode is set, an operation screen corresponding to the second mode is displayed , and the remaining capacity of the second storage means that can be stored is different from the first display mode. Display means for displaying in display form;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Image reading means for reading a document image and generating image data;
Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
First storage means used in a first mode for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means;
Second storage means used in a second mode for temporarily storing image data supplied from outside;
Mode setting means for setting one of the first mode and the second mode;
When the first mode is set by the mode setting means, an operation screen corresponding to the first mode is displayed , and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form. When the second mode is set, an operation screen corresponding to the second mode is displayed , and the remaining capacity of the second storage means that can be stored is different from the first display mode. Display means for displaying in display form;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Image reading means for reading a document image and generating image data;
Receiving means for receiving image data supplied from outside;
Input means for inputting image data supplied from outside;
Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
First storage means used in a first mode for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means;
Second storage means used in a second mode for temporarily storing image data received by the receiving means;
Third storage means used in a third mode for temporarily storing image data input from the input means;
Mode setting means for setting any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode;
When the first mode is set by the mode setting means, an operation screen corresponding to the first mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the storable capacity in the first storage means is displayed in the first display form. When the second mode is set, an operation screen corresponding to the second mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the second storage means that can be stored is different from the first display mode. When the third mode is set, the operation screen corresponding to the third mode is displayed and the remaining capacity of the capacity that can be stored in the third storage means is displayed in the display mode. Display means for displaying in a third display form different from the two display forms;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Image reading means for reading a document image and generating image data;
Transmitting / receiving means for receiving image data supplied from an external communication device via a communication line, and transmitting image data read by the image reading means to an external communication device via the communication line;
Input means for inputting image data supplied from an external device via an interface;
Image forming means for forming an image according to image data;
A first storage means for temporarily storing the image data generated by the image reading means in a copy mode in which the image data generated by the image reading means is supplied to the image forming means to copy a document image;
In the facsimile mode in which the image data received by the transmission / reception means is supplied to the image forming means to form an image and the image data generated by the image reading means is transmitted, the image data received by the transmission / reception means, and Second storage means for temporarily storing image data generated by the image reading means;
A third storage unit for temporarily storing the image data input from the input unit in a printer mode in which image data input from the input unit is supplied to the image forming unit to form an image;
Mode setting means for setting any one of the copy mode, facsimile mode, and printer mode;
When the copy mode is set by the mode setting means, an operation screen corresponding to the copy mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the first storage means that can be stored is displayed in a first display form. Is set, the operation screen corresponding to the facsimile mode is displayed and the remaining capacity of the second storage means is displayed in a second display form different from the first display form. When the mode is set, an operation screen corresponding to the printer mode is displayed, and the remaining capacity of the third storage means that can be stored is displayed in a third display form different from the first and second display forms. Display means to
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images