JP4111582B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

【００５１】
また、本実施の形態の料金表示設定処理（Ｓ４１２）では、表２に示すように料金１〜料金４の各々に対応させて、４種類の表示色の中から１種類の色が設定される。色１〜色４は、互いに異なる色であることが好ましく、たとえば、順に、青、緑、黄、白とすることができる。
【００５２】
【表２】

【００５３】
なお、複写機１において、特に表１に掲げる機能を選択せずにコピー動作を行なう場合でも、基本料金が必要となる。そして、料金１〜料金４は、該基本料金に上乗せする料金である。料金１〜料金４は、たとえば、順に、０円，１０円，２０円，３０円とすることができる。
【００５４】
次に、表３および表４に、各機能に対応する表示部と、該表示部の各機能選択時の表示色と、表１および表２から設定される各機能の未選択時の表示色を示す。なお、表３は表１の料金設定Ａについて、表４は料金設定Ｂについて示している。
【００５５】
【表３】

【００５６】
【表４】

【００５７】
また、図８および図９に、すべての機能が未選択の場合の操作パネル１００を示す。なお、図８は、各機能に対応する表示部の表示が表３に従った状態であり、図９は、表４に従った状態である。また、各表示部において、表示色は、括弧内に示されている。
【００５８】
図８および図９を参照して、各表示部では、各機能について設定された料金に応じて表示態様が異なっているため、複写機１において機能の設定を行なう際に、機能ごとの料金を認識しやすくなっている。また、各表示部では、料金ごとに表示色が異なっているため、より容易に、機能ごとに料金が異なることを認識することができる。なお、設定料金に応じて、タッチキー１５１，１５２の表示形状を変更することにより、タッチパネル３００でのタッチキー１５１，１５２に対応する表示図柄を変更してもよい。
【００５９】
以上説明した本実施の形態では、各機能に対応する表示部により、機能を選択するための入力手段が構成されている。また、液晶タッチパネル３００により、入力手段を備えた表示部が構成されている。そして、各機能に対応する表示部の表示色等を変更するＣＰＵ２０１により、各機能に対応して予め設定された料金に応じて、前記入力手段または前記表示部の表示態様を制御する表示制御部が構成されている。
【００６０】
なお、本実施の形態では、機能についての設定料金を各表示部の表示色で示したが、各表示部を７セグメントＬＥＤ等で構成し、該表示部において、直接的に、「０」，「１０」等の数字で設定料金を表示してもよい。
【００６１】
また、本実施の形態では、機能を選択する旨の操作を行なうと、その機能に対応する表示部の表示色が黒色となる。つまり、たとえば、倍率キー１６２ａ〜１６２ｄのいずれかが押圧されると、倍率表示ＬＥＤ１３１ａ〜１３１ｄの中の対応するものの表示色が黒色になる。これにより、その機能が既に選択されていることが認識できる。
【００６２】
なお、本実施の形態では、各機能の選択時には、対応する表示部の表示色を一律に黒色としているが、各機能の選択時にも、機能の料金ごとに表示色を変化させてもよい。
【００６３】
また、本実施の形態では、Ｓ７でコピー動作が行なわれた後、Ｓ８で、当該コピー動作に使用される料金が料金機４００から引落とされる。つまり、料金機４００において、当該コピー動作に使用される料金の減額更新がなされる。たとえばコピー動作の基本料金を１０円とし、料金設定における料金１，料金２をそれぞれ０円，１０円とした場合、表１の料金設定Ａのもとで両面複写機能を選択し、用紙カセット４２の用紙を使用してコピー動作が行なわれた場合、料金機４００では、１枚のコピー用紙についてのコピー動作ごとに、２０円の減額更新がなされる。
【００６４】
なお、本実施の形態では、料金機４００は、複写機１に接続される、複写機１と別体の装置として説明したが、複写機１は、料金機４００のような装置を内蔵することもできる。
【００６５】
［第２の実施の形態］
次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について説明する。なお、本実施の形態の複写機は、第１の実施の形態の複写機１から、図７を用いて説明したキー表示切換処理を変更したものである。したがって、重複する部分の説明を省略し、以下に、本実施の形態においてのキー表示切換処理について説明する。なお、本実施の形態のキー表示切換処理では、各機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、機能の料金と料金機４００の残金との関係に基づいて制御される。また、本実施の形態のキー表示切換処理も、複写機１において選択するか否かの設定が可能なすべての機能について、個々に行なわれるものであるが、ここでは、その中の１つの機能についての処理を説明する。
【００６６】
図１０に、本実施の形態におけるキー表示切換処理のサブルーチンのフローチャートを示す。本実施の形態のキー表示切換処理では、まず、ＳＡ５１で、Ｓ３（図４参照）での複写モードの設定において当該機能が選択されている否かの判断を行なう。その機能が選択されていない場合には、ＳＡ５２に進み、料金機４００の「残金１」が、０より少ないか否かの判断を行なう。ここで、残金１とは、現在対象となっている機能をさらに選択してコピー動作を行なったと仮定したとき、そのコピー動作の料金の減額更新を行なった場合の料金機４００の残高である。残金１が０より少ないと判断された場合には、ＳＡ５３に進み、当該機能に対応する表示部の表示色を「色２」に設定する処理を行なう。表５に、「色２」を含めた設定である「色０」〜「色３」について、設定に対応する表示色の意味と、対応する表示色を示す。
【００６７】
【表５】

【００６８】
表５に示すように、表示部が色２、つまり黄色で表示されていることは、これからその表示部に対応する機能を選択すると、料金機４００に記憶された料金をオーバーすることを意味する。
【００６９】
なお、ＳＡ５２で残金１が０以上であると判断された場合には、ＳＡ５４に進み、当該機能に対応する表示部の表示色を「色１」に設定する処理を行なう。ここで、表５を参照して、表示部が色１、つまり青色で表示されていることは、これからその表示部に対応する機能を選択しても、料金機４００に記憶された料金内でコピー動作を行なうことができることを意味する。
【００７０】
一方、ＳＡ５１で、当該機能が選択されていると判断した場合には、ＳＡ５５に進み、料金機４００の「残金２」が０より少ないか否かの判断を行なう。ここで、残金２とは、現在設定されている複写モードでコピー動作を行なったと仮定したとき、そのコピー動作の料金の減額更新を行なった場合の料金機４００の残高である。したがって、残金２が０より少ないということは、現在の状態では、コピー動作に対して料金機４００に記憶されている料金が不足していることを意味する。
【００７１】
そして、残金２が０より小さい場合には、ＳＡ５６に進み、当該機能を選択しないと仮定すると、そのコピー動作の料金の減額更新を行なった場合の料金機４００の残高が０以上となるか否か、つまり、当該機能を選択しないとした場合に料金不足が解消するか否かの判断を行なう。料金不足が解消する場合には、ＳＡ５７に進み、当該機能に対応する表示部の表示色を色３に設定する処理を行なう。ここで、表５を参照して、表示部が色３、つまり赤色で表示されているということは、現在選択されているその機能を選択しないとすると、コピー動作に対する料金不足が解消されることを意味する。
【００７２】
ＳＡ５５で残金２が０以上であると判断した場合、またはＳＡ５６で当該機能を選択しないとしても料金不足が解消しないと判断した場合は、ＳＡ５８に進み、当該機能に対応する表示部の表示色を色０に設定する処理を行なう。ここで、表５を参照して、表示部が色０、つまり黒色で表示されているということは、現在その機能は選択されており、かつ、料金不足が発生していてもその機能の選択する，しないということには関係ないということを意味する。
【００７３】
以下に、設定された複写モードが異なる場合の、上記のキー表示切換処理に従った各機能の表示部の表示態様の変化について、具体的に説明する。まず、表６に、料金機４００に投入された金額および各機能の料金の具体例を示す。
【００７４】
【表６】

【００７５】
表６において、「基本料金」とは、いずれの機能も選択せずにコピー動作を行なっても必要とされる、コピー動作の最低料金である。また、「両面複写機能料金」とは、両面複写機能を選択した場合に、基本料金に加えて必要とされる料金である。また、「用紙カセット４２使用料金」とは、用紙カセット４２内の用紙を使用してコピーを行なおうとする場合に、基本料金に加えて必要とされる料金である。なお、本実施の形態では、用紙カセット４２には、「Ａ３」の大きさのコピー用紙を収納し、用紙カセット４３には、「Ａ４」の大きさのコピー用紙を収納している。また、用紙カセット４２内の用紙，用紙カセット４３内の用紙を使用してコピーを行なおうとする機能を、便宜上、それぞれ「用紙カセット４２使用機能」，「用紙カセット４３使用機能」という。また、「ステープル機能料金」とは、ステープル機能を選択した場合に基本料金に加えて必要とされる料金である。
【００７６】
「ステープル機能料金」は、１回ステープルで用紙を綴じるごとに必要とされる料金であるが、その他の料金は、コピー動作にかかる用紙１枚ごとに必要とされる料金である。つまり、Ｓ４３（図５参照）において複写モードの料金の計算を行なう場合、たとえば、ｎ枚（ｎは整数）の用紙を使用するコピー動作を行なう場合であって、当該ｎ枚のコピー用紙を１つに綴じる場合には、コピー動作の料金は、以下の数１の式に従って算出される。ただし、以下の具体例では、便宜上、コピー動作についての料金は、１枚の用紙にコピーを行なうもの（ｎ＝１）について考えることとする。
【００７７】
【数１】

【００７８】
なお、第１の実施の形態において説明したように、複写機１では、倍率選択等、表６に示した機能以外の機能も選択することができるが、表６には、機能の料金が、基本料金に改めて加算されるもののみを示している。なお、以下の複写モードの説明においても、表６に示した機能を中心に、選択状況と表示部の表示色の関係を説明する。
【００７９】
１） 複写モードの第１例
表７に、複写モードの第１例での機能の選択状況と、各機能に対応する表示部の表示色を示す。
【００８０】
【表７】

【００８１】
表７を参照して、複写モードの第１例では、用紙カセット４３使用機能が選択されている。複写機１では同時に２つの用紙カセットの用紙を使用する設定はできないことから、これにより、用紙カセット４２使用機能は選択しないこととなる。また、両面複写、ステープルの両機能も選択されていない。つまり、この複写モードでのコピー動作の料金は、基本料金のみの「３０円」となる。一方、現在の料金機４００への投入金額は「１００円」である（表６参照）。これにより、現在、料金機４００に投入された料金のうち「７０円」が余っていることになる。したがって、この複写モードでは、両面複写機能、ステープル機能、用紙カセット４２使用機能のいずれの機能をさらに選択しても、料金不足にはならない。したがって、これらの各機能に対応する表示部（タッチキー１５２、タッチキー１５１、ＬＥＤ１３２）は、それぞれ表示色が、前述の「色１」に対応する青色である（表５参照）。なお、用紙カセット４３使用機能が選択されているが、当該機能の選択状況は、コピー動作の料金に影響を与えないため、用紙カセット４３使用機能に対応する表示部（ＬＥＤ１３１）の表示色は、前述の「色０」に対応する黒色である（表５参照）。
【００８２】
２） 複写モードの第２例
表８に、複写モードの第２例での機能の選択状況と、各機能に対応する表示部の表示色を示す。
【００８３】
【表８】

【００８４】
表８を参照して、複写モードの第２例では、ステープル機能が選択されている。そして、両面複写機能および用紙カセット４２使用機能の両機能は選択されていない。つまり、この複写モードでのコピー動作の料金は、基本料金にステープル機能の料金を加えた「５０円」となる。これにより、現在、料金機４００に投入された料金のうち「５０円」が余っていることになる。したがって、まず、ステープル機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、前述の「色０」に対応する黒色となる。また、この複写モードでは、両面複写機能をさらに選択しても、料金不足にはならない。したがって、この機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、青色となる。一方、この複写モードでは、用紙カセット４２使用機能を選択すると、「１０円」だけ料金が不足する。したがって、この機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、前述の「色２」に対応する黄色となる（表５参照）。
【００８５】
３） 複写モードの第３例
表９に、複写モードの第３例での機能の選択状況と、各機能に対応する表示部の表示色を示す。
【００８６】
【表９】

【００８７】
表９を参照して、複写モードの第３例では、両面複写機能が選択されている。そして、ステープル機能および用紙カセット４２使用機能の両機能は選択されていない。つまり、この複写モードでのコピー動作の料金は、基本料金に両面複写機能の料金を加えた「６０円」となる。これにより、現在、料金機４００に投入された料金のうち「４０円」が余っていることになる。したがって、まず、両面複写機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、「色０」に対応する黒色となる。また、この複写モードでは、ステープル機能をさらに選択しても、料金不足にはならない。したがって、この機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、「色１」に対応する青色となる。一方、この複写モードでは、用紙カセット４２使用機能を選択すると、「２０円」の料金が不足する。したがって、この機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、「色２」に対応する黄色となる。
【００８８】
４） 複写モードの第４例
表１０に、複写モードの第４例での機能の選択状況と、各機能に対応する表示部の表示色を示す。
【００８９】
【表１０】

【００９０】
表１０を参照して、複写モードの第４例では、用紙カセット４２使用機能が選択されている。そして、両面複写機能およびステープル機能の両機能は選択されていない。つまり、この複写モードでのコピー動作の料金は、基本料金に用紙カセット４２使用機能の料金を加えた「９０円」となる。これにより、現在、料金機４００に投入された料金のうち「１０円」が余っていることになる。したがって、まず、用紙カセット４２使用機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、「色０」に対応する黒色となる。一方、この複写モードでは、両面複写機能またはステープル機能を選択すると、それぞれ「２０円」または「１０円」だけ料金が不足する。したがって、これらの機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、「色２」に対応する黄色となる。
【００９１】
５） 複写モードの第５例
表１１に、複写モードの第５例での機能の選択状況と、各機能に対応する表示部の表示色を示す。
【００９２】
【表１１】

【００９３】
表１１を参照して、複写モードの第５例では、ステープル機能と用紙カセット４２使用機能が選択されている。そして、両面複写機能は選択されていない。つまり、この複写モードでのコピー動作の料金は、基本料金にステープル機能と用紙カセット４２使用機能の料金を加えた「１１０円」となる。これにより、現在、料金機４００に投入された料金に対して「１０円」の料金不足が生じていることになる。なお、ステープル機能を選択しないようにすればコピー動作の料金は「９０円」となり、用紙カセット４２使用機能を選択しないようにすればコピー動作の料金は「５０円」となる。したがって、ステープル機能，用紙カセット４２使用機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、前述の「色３」に対応する赤色となる（表５参照）。また、この複写モードでは、両面複写機能を選択すると、コピー動作の料金の不足はさらに進行する。したがって、両面複写機能に対応する表示部の表示色は、「色２」に対応する黄色となる。なお、この複写モードでは、選択状況が料金に関係のない用紙カセット４３機能については、対応する表示部の表示色が「色１」に対応する青色となる。
【００９４】
なお、本実施の形態では、複写機１では、残高２が０未満になった場合、つまり、現在の複写モードではコピー動作の料金が料金機４００に記憶されていた金額を超える場合には、追加料金の必要な機能をさらに選択するような設定はできないように構成されている。
つまり、たとえば上述の複写モードの第５例においては、「１０円」の料金不足が生じているため、追加料金の必要な機能、つまり両面複写機能をさらに選択する設定はできないように構成されている。
【００９５】
また、複写機１において、選択可能な機能に対応する表示部であって、以上説明した各表示部以外の表示部は、対応する機能の選択状況が料金に関係ないものであるため、対応する機能が選択されるとその表示色が「色０」に対応する黒色となり、未選択であると「色１」に対応する青色となる。
【００９６】
また、複写機１において、料金機４００への投入金額が基本料金の「３０円」未満である場合には、いずれの機能も選択できないだけでなく、コピー動作自体が行なえない。このような場合には、複写機１に、プリントキー１６０に対応するＬＥＤ等の表示部を改めて備え、当該表示部も含めたすべての機能に対応する表示部の表示色を、「色２」に対応する黄色とするように構成することができる。このような場合に表示部の表示色を制御するＣＰＵ２０１により、選択中の機能に対応する料金が、投入金額に達するか否かに応じて、前記入力手段または前記表示部の表示態様を制御する表示制御部が構成されている。つまり、この場合、プリントキー１６０に対応するＬＥＤにより、「いずれの機能も選択しないコピー動作を行なう」という機能に対応する機能表示部が構成され、その機能表示部の表示態様が、当該機能に対応する料金の大きさである３０円と、料金機４００への投入金額が比較されて、制御されたのである。
【００９７】
一方、以上説明した本実施の形態では、ＣＰＵ２０１は、ＳＡ５２〜ＳＡ５４の各処理を行なうことにより、現在選択されていない或る機能をこれからさらに選択してコピー動作を行なったと仮定したとき、そのコピー動作の料金を減額更新した場合の料金機４００の残高（上記の「残金１」）が０より少ないか否かによって当該機能に対応する表示部の表示態様を変化させる。したがって、ＳＡ５２〜ＳＡ５４の各処理を行なうＣＰＵ２０１により、或る機能に対応する前記入力手段または前記表示部の表示態様を制御する際に、前記複数の機能の中の一部の機能が選択される場合、前記選択される機能に対応する料金が投入金額に達するか否かに応じて、当該或る機能に対応する前記入力手段または前記表示部の表示態様を制御する表示制御部が構成されている。
【００９８】
なお、機能に対応して設定されている料金が変更された場合でも、表示制御部は、当該変更された料金に応じて、入力手段または表示部の表示態様を制御することができるように構成されている。
【００９９】
今回開示された実施の形態は、すべての点で例示であって制限的なものではないと考えられるべきである。本発明の範囲は、上記した説明ではなく、特許請求の範囲によって示され、特許請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲内でのすべての変更が含まれることが意図される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】画像形成装置の一例の複写機の全体構成を示す図である。
【図２】図１の複写機の操作パネルを示す図である。
【図３】図１の複写機の制御回路を模式的に示す図である。
【図４】図１の複写機のＣＰＵのメインルーチンのフローチャートである。
【図５】図４の料金演算処理のサブルーチンのフローチャートである。
【図６】図５の料金設定処理のサブルーチンのフローチャートである。
【図７】図４のキー表示切換処理のサブルーチンのフローチャートである。
【図８】図２の操作パネルの一状態を示す図である。
【図９】図２の操作パネルの他の状態を示す図である。
【図１０】図４のキー表示切換処理のサブルーチンの第２の実施の形態のフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１ 複写機
１００ 操作パネル
１３１ａ〜１３１ｄ 倍率表示ＬＥＤ
１３２，１３３ カセットＬＥＤ
１５１，１５２ タッチキー
１６２ａ〜１６２ｄ 倍率キー
１６４，１６５ カセットキー
２０１ ＣＰＵ
３００ 液晶タッチパネル
４００ 料金機[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation according to a charge and that can select a function of the image forming operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional image forming apparatuses, image forming operations can be performed according to the value stored in the prepaid card, the value of money inserted into a coin vendor, etc., and the function of image forming operations such as duplex copying can be selected. There was something. In such an image forming apparatus, a valuable value (fee) corresponding to each function is set, and the valuable value (fee) is collected as a charge for the image forming operation with selection of each function.
[0003]
For example, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-338767, a fixed fee is charged for each image forming operation on a predetermined size of paper, and the size of the copy paper used in the image forming operation (predetermined) In some cases (for example, when using paper larger than the size), additional fees were collected.
[0004]
In such an image forming apparatus, a fee is collected for each image forming operation, and when the points stored in the prepaid card and the amount of money inserted into the coin vendor are exhausted, the image forming operation is stopped at that time. Some of these image forming apparatuses notify that the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus has been stopped due to a lack of charges.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional image forming apparatus that notifies the shortage of charge after the operation is stopped, the user cannot recognize the charge corresponding to the function to be set when setting the function. Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, there is a problem that the user cannot know that the charge is insufficient until the started image forming operation is stopped, and the convenience is inferior.
[0006]
In order to solve this problem, it may be possible to provide a correspondence table for each function and the charge corresponding to it separately from the device. In this case, the user sets the adoption of the function while referring to the correspondence table. This has the disadvantage that the setting operation becomes complicated.
[0007]
The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of recognizing a fee corresponding to each function when setting the function of the image forming operation. .
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation, and an input for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions.KeyWhen,A display unit provided in association with the input key;The inputKeyFor functions that are not selected in accordance with the function, they are displayed in different display modes according to the charges set in advance corresponding to the respective functions.Any display mode for functions that are not selectedDisplay in different display modesBeforeAnd a display control unit for controlling the display unit.
[0009]
  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the input is performed by the function of the display control unit.KeyFunctions that are not selected by are displayed in different display modes according to a charge set in advance for each function, and functions that are currently selected are selected. AbsentAny display mode in the functionTo display in different display modes,The display unit is controlled.
  An image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation, wherein a touch key for selecting one or more functions from a plurality of the functions, and the touch key And a function that is not selected by the touch key, the touch key is displayed in a different display mode according to a charge set in advance corresponding to each function, The function includes a display control unit that controls the display unit to display the touch key in a display mode different from any display mode in the function that is not selected.
  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the functions that are not selected by the touch key due to the function of the display control unit are displayed in different display modes according to the charges set in advance corresponding to the functions. While displaying the touch key, the display unit is controlled to display the touch key in a display mode that is different from any display mode of the function that is not selected.
[0010]
  As a result, when setting the function selection for the image forming operation,Its about features that have not yet been selectedFees are visible.
[0014]
  An image forming apparatus according to claim 3.Is an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation, and an input key for selecting one or more functions from a plurality of the functions, and a display provided in association with the input keys AndWhen an unselected function is selected, the unselected function is displayed in a different display mode depending on whether the charge corresponding to the function reaches the balance of the input amount.BeforeControl the displayIncluding display control unitIt is characterized by that.
[0015]
  According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 3., tableThe display control unit displays the display mode of the unselected function in a different display mode depending on whether the charge corresponding to the unselected function reaches the balance of the input amount., tableThe display is controlled.
  An image forming apparatus according to claim 4 is an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation, wherein a touch key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions, and the touch key And when the unselected function is selected, the touch key corresponding to the unselected function is displayed differently depending on whether the charge corresponding to the function reaches the balance of the input amount And a display control unit that controls the display unit so as to display in a manner.
  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, the display control unit changes the touch key corresponding to the unselected function depending on whether or not the fee corresponding to the unselected function reaches the balance of the input amount. The display unit is controlled to display in the display mode.
[0016]
  This, DoubleEven when some of the functions are selected, it is possible to visually check whether or not the charge corresponding to the remaining functions is larger than the balance of the input charge.
  Claim5The image forming apparatus according toAn image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation, an input key for selecting one or more functions from a plurality of the functions, and a display unit provided in association with the input keys ,If the fee corresponding to the selected function exceeds the input amount and the shortage is resolved by canceling the selection of a part of the selected function, the part of the function For the, display in the display mode that indicates that the lack of charges will be resolved when the selection is canceledA display control unit for controlling the display unitIt is characterized by that.
  Claim5According to the image forming apparatus according to, SelectCharges corresponding to the selected functionAmount of moneyIf a shortage of charges is resolved by canceling the selection of some of the selected functions, the display is made in such a manner.
  An image forming apparatus according to claim 6 is an image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation, wherein a touch key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions, and the touch key If the charge corresponding to the selected function exceeds the input amount, and if the charge shortage is resolved by deselecting a part of the selected function, The partial function includes a display control unit that controls the display unit to display the touch key in a display mode that indicates that the shortage of charges is resolved when the selection is canceled.
  According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the fee corresponding to the selected function exceeds the input amount, the shortage of the charge is resolved by canceling the selection of some of the selected functions. The touch key is displayed in such a display manner.
  This, SelectWith regard to the selected function, it is possible to see which function can be canceled to solve the shortage of charges.
[0017]
  Claim7An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.3, 5In addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, the image forming apparatus further includes a fee changing unit that changes a fee set in advance corresponding to each function, and the display control unit responds to the changed fee.BeforeThe display mode of the display unit is controlled.
[0018]
  Claim7According to the image forming apparatus according to claim 1,3, 5In addition to the action of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, the charge corresponding to each function is changed by the function of the charge changing unit, and the function of the display control unit, tableThe display mode is controlled in accordance with the charge corresponding to the changed function.
[0019]
  Accordingly, the claim 13, 5In addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of the above, even when the function selection is set for the image forming operation, the charge corresponding to the function is visible even if the charge corresponding to the function is changed It becomes.
[0020]
  Claim8An image forming apparatus according to claim7In addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the display control unit may,in frontDisplay of displayColorIt is characterized by changing.
[0021]
  Claim8According to the image forming apparatus according to claim7In addition to the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the, tableDisplay displayColorBy changing, the display mode of the function is changed.
[0022]
  As a result, the claim7In addition to the effects according to the invention described above, the fee corresponding to the function can be more easily recognized when setting the function selection for the image forming operation.
  In addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 4, and 6, the image forming apparatus according to claim 9 changes a fee that changes a preset fee corresponding to each function. The display control unit controls the display mode of the touch key according to the changed fee.
  According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, in addition to the operation of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second, fourth, and sixth aspects, the fee corresponding to each function is changed by the operation of the fee changing unit. In addition, the display mode of the touch key is controlled according to the fee corresponding to the changed function by the function of the display control unit.
  Thus, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 2, 4, and 6, when the charge corresponding to the function is changed when setting the function selection for the image forming operation However, the fee corresponding to the function becomes visible.
  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 10, in addition to the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, the display control unit changes a display color or a display figure of the touch key as a display mode of the function. It is characterized by.
  According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth aspect, in addition to the action of the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the display controller displays the function by changing the display color or display figure of the touch key by the action of the display control unit. The aspect is changed.
  Accordingly, in addition to the effect of the invention according to the ninth aspect, the fee corresponding to the function can be more easily visually recognized when setting the function selection for the image forming operation.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The copier 1 mainly includes an optical system 101, an image forming unit 102, a refeed unit 103, and a paper feed unit 104. The optical system 101 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 of the image forming unit 102 based on the reflected light image of the document image. That is, in the optical system 101, light is irradiated from the exposure lamp 10 to the document placed on the document table glass 16. Then, the exposure lamp 10 and the first to third mirrors 11 a to 11 c are moved in the direction of arrow b below the document table glass 16. As a result, the reflected light image of the front surface of the document is guided onto the photosensitive drum 2 via the first to third mirrors 11a to 11c, the lens 12, and the fourth mirror 11d, and the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 2. Form an image. Reference numeral 440 denotes a document pressing plate.
[0024]
If the moving speed of the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 due to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 2 is V and the copying magnification is N, the moving speed of the exposure lamp 10 and the first mirror 11a in the direction of arrow b is V / N, and the second and third mirrors 11b. , 11c has a moving speed of V / 2N. The position of the lens 12 can be changed according to the copying magnification. Furthermore, the angle of the fourth mirror 11d can be adjusted to correct the imaging angle. The switch SW500 is a sensor that detects the leading edge position of the image of the document, and the switch SW501 is a sensor that detects whether or not the exposure lamp 10 and the first mirror 11a are at a predetermined movement start position.
[0025]
The image forming unit 102 forms a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 2 and transfers the toner image onto a sheet such as a copy sheet. In the image forming unit 102, the photosensitive drum 2 is provided so as to be able to rotate in the arrow P direction. Around the photosensitive drum 2, an erasing erase lamp 7, a charging charger 6, an image erasing eraser 7 a for removing electricity, a developing device 3 for developing toner, a transfer charger 5 a, a separation charger 5 b, and a cleaner 4 are arranged in this order. ing.
[0026]
A timing roller pair 13 is arranged on the left side of the transfer charger 5a in the drawing. The timing roller pair 13 is for sending the paper fed from the paper feeding unit 104 between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer charger 5a at a predetermined timing that motivates the leading edge of the image.
[0027]
Further, on the right side of the separation charger 5b in the drawing, a conveying belt 8 on which a sheet on which an image is transferred is conveyed, a fixing device 9 for fixing a toner image on the sheet, a sheet conveying roller pair 14, and a conveying path switching lever. 41, a paper discharge roller pair 15 is disposed. The transport path switching lever 41 switches between discharging the paper onto which the toner image has been transferred onto the paper discharge tray 36 or the paper refeed tray 58, and is operated by a solenoid (not shown). The stapling device 450 is a device that binds the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 36.
[0028]
In the copying machine 1, a developing device 3 is used to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. Then, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred onto a sheet sent between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer charger 5a. Hereinafter, the process of forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 2, transferring the toner image onto a sheet, and fixing the toner image is referred to as "image formation".
[0029]
The refeed unit 103 is used for composite copying and duplex copying. Composite copying is a copying mode in which two images are formed on the same surface of the paper by two image forming processes, and double-sided copying is performed on the front and back surfaces of the paper by two image forming processes. It is a copying aspect to be imaged. In the re-feed unit 103, the paper imaged on the front side is switched by switching a switching claw (not shown) so that the front side passes through the paper passing path 530 at the time of composite copying. Sometimes, the paper is temporarily stored in the refeed tray 58 so that the surface thereof passes through the paper passing path 530 and the paper passing path 531. The lever 38 is in a position indicated by a solid line in the drawing during composite copying, and is in a position indicated by a dotted line in the drawing during double-side copying.
[0030]
Thereafter, the sheet is pulled out from the tray 58 by the sheet refeed roller 38 at a predetermined sheet refeed timing, reaches the pair of timing rollers 13 through the sheet feed path 540, and is formed again. In this case, the sheet is placed between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer charger 5a so that the surface faces the photosensitive drum 2 side during composite copying and the surface faces the transfer charger 5a side during double-sided copying. Paper is fed to
[0031]
The paper feed unit 104 includes an upper paper feed tray 42 and a lower paper feed tray 43 that can store different sizes of paper. The paper in each tray is pulled out at a predetermined paper feed start timing by the paper feed roller 18 or paper feed roller 19 and then fed to the timing roller pair 13 by the automatic paper feed mechanism, and is imaged as described above. The
[0032]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the delivery of signals in the copying machine 1 will be described.
[0033]
FIG. 2 shows an operation panel 100 provided in the copying machine 1 of FIG. The operation panel 100 is provided with various keys used for setting a copy mode in addition to a print key 160 for starting a copying operation. The numeric keys 161a to 161j are for inputting numerical values. The magnification keys 162a to 162d are for selecting and inputting a copy magnification, and each key corresponds to the respective copy magnification. As copy magnifications corresponding to these four keys, for example, there are four types of magnifications of “0.86”, “0.70”, “1.15”, and “1.41”. The magnification display LEDs 131a to 131d provided corresponding to the magnification keys 162a to 162d are for displaying which magnification among the magnifications corresponding to these keys is selected. The cassette keys 164 and 165 are used to select paper in the paper cassettes 42 and 43, respectively. Cassette LEDs 132 and 133 respectively provided corresponding to the cassette keys 164 and 165 are for displaying that the paper in the paper cassettes 42 and 43 has been selected, respectively. As will be described later, the lighting colors of the magnification display LEDs 131a to 131d and the cassette LEDs 132 and 133 can be changed.
[0034]
The liquid crystal touch panel 300 displays various messages, graphics, and the like, and displays an arbitrarily arranged key group. The liquid crystal touch panel 300 can display, for example, a touch key 151 for setting a stapling function and a touch key 152 for setting a double-sided copying function. The display colors of the touch keys 151 and 152, the shape of the display figure, and the like change depending on whether or not a function corresponding to each key is selected.
[0035]
A fee machine 400 is connected to the operation panel 100. The fee machine 400 is a device that counts the amount of the input fee and the amount of the remaining money after the copying operation. The toll machine 400 can recognize the points stored in the magnetic card and other valuable values in addition to money.
[0036]
FIG. 3 schematically shows a control circuit of the copying machine 1. The control circuit is configured around a CPU 201 for controlling the copying machine 1. In the copying machine 1, an input signal from the operation panel 100 and an input signal from sensors arranged in various places of the copying machine 1 are input to the CPU 201.
[0037]
The CPU 201 receives signals from various keys 160 to 165, various sensors SW 500 and 501, and a charge signal from the charge machine 400 via input expansion ICs 202 to 205 controlled by the decoder 206. The output expansion ICs 207 to 209 are controlled by the decoder 211, and the output expansion IC 210 is controlled by the decoder 212. The CPU 201 outputs control signals to the magnification display LEDs 131a to 131d, the cassette LEDs 132 and 133 and the LEDs 134 and 135, and the display unit of the liquid crystal touch panel 300 via the output expansion ICs 207 to 209. Note that input signals from the keys 152 and 153 of the liquid crystal touch panel 300 are input to the CPU 201 via the output expansion IC 210 and the decoder 212.
[0038]
Further, the CPU 201 outputs control signals to the main motor, the developing motor, the timing roller clutch, the upper paper feed clutch, the lower paper feed clutch, the transfer charger, the charging charger, and the refeed clutch that are the operation units of the copying machine 1. The Here, the main motor is for moving the exposure lamp 10 and the first to third mirrors 11a to 11c. The developing motor is for operating members in the image forming unit 102, the refeed unit 103, and the feed unit 104. The timing roller clutch is related to the operation of the timing roller pair 13, and the upper paper supply clutch and the lower paper supply clutch are related to the operation of the paper supply rollers 18 and 19, respectively. The refeed clutch is related to the operation of the refeed roller 38. The CPU 201 is also connected to a RAM 213 backed up by a battery.
[0039]
Next, processing performed by the CPU 201 will be described in order to explain the operation of the copying machine 1.
[0040]
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the main routine of the CPU 201. First, the CPU 201 performs initial setting such as clearing of the RAM 213 (step S1, hereinafter simply referred to as S1). Next, an internal timer that defines the execution time of one routine is activated (S2), and an operation process for receiving key inputs on the operation panel 100 and displaying various LEDs and the liquid crystal touch panel 300 is performed (S3). Note that the key input on the operation panel 100 includes setting of the copy mode.
[0041]
Next, the charge setting for each function such as the stapling function and the duplex copying function and the change thereof, the reading of the charge put in the charge machine 400, and the copy mode setting on the operation panel 100 are made. A charge calculation process for performing calculation and the like is performed (S4). Next, key display switching processing for changing the display colors and display figures of the magnification display LEDs 131a to 131d, the cassette LEDs 132 and 133, and the touch keys 151 and 152 on the operation panel 100 is performed (S5).
[0042]
When the print key 160 is pressed (when YES is determined in S6), after performing a copying operation (S7) for forming an image on the paper, other processing (S8), which is processing other than the above, is performed, and S9 is performed. If it is determined that the internal timer started in S2 has ended, the process returns to S2.
[0043]
The setting of the copy mode on the operation panel 100 described above refers to whether or not the staple function is selected in the copy operation in S7, whether or not the double-sided copy function is selected, and the paper to be used in the paper cassette 42 or 43. It means the setting of each copying condition such as designating as a thing. Further, the magnification display LEDs 131a to 131d, the cassette LEDs 132 and 133, and the touch keys 151 and 152 on the operation panel 100 change the display mode in accordance with the selection status of functions such as the copying magnification and the duplex copying function, respectively. Hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as a “display unit corresponding to each function”.
[0044]
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a subroutine of the charge calculation process (S4). Hereinafter, the charge calculation process will be described in detail. First, the charge for each function and the display color and display figure of the display unit corresponding to each function corresponding to the charge are set by the charge setting process (S41). Next, the charged amount of the charge machine 400 is read by the charge reading process (S42). Next, the copy mode charge calculation process (S43) is used to copy the copy mode set on the operation panel 100 in the operation process (S3) based on the charge for each function set in the charge setting process (S41). The fee is calculated, and if the fee exceeds the input amount read in the fee reading process (S42), the prohibition of the copying operation is determined. If the prohibition of the copying operation is determined here, the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 300, and further, the image formation on the sheet in S7 is not performed.
[0045]
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a subroutine of the charge setting process (S41). In the charge setting process, first, the charge for each function is set by the function charge setting process (S411), and then, based on the charge setting in the function charge setting process (S411), when each function is selected or not. Charge display setting processing for setting the display color and display figure corresponding to each function at the time of selection is performed (S412). It should be noted that the setting contents in the processes of S411 and S412 can be changed by operating the operation panel 100 in the operation process of S3.
[0046]
FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a subroutine of the key display switching process (S5). Note that the key display switching process is performed for all functions that can be set to be selected or not in the copying machine 1. Here, the process for one of the functions will be described.
[0047]
First, in S51, it is determined whether or not the function is selected in the copy mode setting in S3. When the function is not selected, the unselected display process (S52) is performed. When the function is selected, the selected display process (S53) is performed according to the setting of the charge display setting process (S412). A display unit corresponding to each function is displayed with a display color or a display graphic.
[0048]
In the present embodiment described above, a fee is set for each function in the copying operation of the copying machine 1 in the function fee setting process (S411). In the charge display setting process (S412), the display color or display figure of the display unit corresponding to each function when the function is selected or not selected is set based on the set charge. Then, the display color or display figure of the display unit corresponding to the function when selected or not selected is controlled for each function by the selected display process (S53) or the unselected display process (S52). The setting and display of the display color or display figure corresponding to each function will be specifically described below.
[0049]
In the function fee setting process (S411) of the present embodiment, as the fee setting for each function, for example, fee setting A and B shown in Table 1 can be performed. In the copying machine 1, for each function, it is possible to set a fee from among four types of charges 1 to 4; according to the two settings shown in Table 1, 3 types of charges 1 to 3 are available. Charges are used. Further, the copying machine 1 is configured such that, in the initial setting of S1, the fee is set according to the fee setting A in the function fee setting process of S411. However, this fee setting can be changed to one according to fee setting B or other than that in the operation processing of S3. For changing the charge setting, numeric keys 161a to 161j on the operation panel and appropriate keys (not shown) are used.
[0050]
[Table 1]

[0051]
Also, in the charge display setting process (S412) of the present embodiment, one color is set from four display colors corresponding to each of charge 1 to charge 4 as shown in Table 2. . The colors 1 to 4 are preferably different from each other, and can be, for example, blue, green, yellow, and white in order.
[0052]
[Table 2]

[0053]
Even when the copying machine 1 performs a copying operation without selecting any of the functions listed in Table 1, a basic fee is required. Charges 1 to 4 are charges added to the basic charge. Fees 1 to 4 can be, for example, 0 yen, 10 yen, 20 yen, and 30 yen in order.
[0054]
Next, Tables 3 and 4 show the display unit corresponding to each function, the display color when each function of the display unit is selected, and the display color when each function set from Tables 1 and 2 is not selected. Indicates. Table 3 shows charge setting A in Table 1, and Table 4 shows charge setting B.
[0055]
[Table 3]

[0056]
[Table 4]

[0057]
8 and 9 show the operation panel 100 when all functions are not selected. 8 shows a state in which the display on the display unit corresponding to each function follows Table 3, and FIG. 9 shows a state according to Table 4. In each display unit, the display color is shown in parentheses.
[0058]
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, since each display unit has a different display mode according to the fee set for each function, the fee for each function is set when the function is set in copying machine 1. It is easy to recognize. Further, since the display colors are different for each charge in each display unit, it can be recognized more easily that the charge is different for each function. Note that the display design corresponding to the touch keys 151 and 152 on the touch panel 300 may be changed by changing the display shape of the touch keys 151 and 152 according to the set fee.
[0059]
In the present embodiment described above, an input unit for selecting a function is configured by the display unit corresponding to each function. Further, the liquid crystal touch panel 300 constitutes a display unit having input means. And the display control part which controls the display mode of the said input means or the said display part by CPU201 which changes the display color etc. of the display part corresponding to each function according to the charge preset corresponding to each function Is configured.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, the setting fee for the function is indicated by the display color of each display unit. However, each display unit is configured by a 7-segment LED or the like, and “0”, The set fee may be displayed with a number such as “10”.
[0061]
Further, in this embodiment, when an operation for selecting a function is performed, the display color of the display unit corresponding to the function is black. That is, for example, when any of the magnification keys 162a to 162d is pressed, the display color of the corresponding one of the magnification display LEDs 131a to 131d becomes black. Thereby, it can be recognized that the function is already selected.
[0062]
In this embodiment, when each function is selected, the display color of the corresponding display unit is uniformly black. However, even when each function is selected, the display color may be changed for each function fee.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, after the copying operation is performed in S7, the fee used for the copying operation is deducted from the fee machine 400 in S8. That is, the fee machine 400 updates the fee used for the copy operation. For example, if the basic charge for the copying operation is 10 yen and the charge 1 and charge 2 in charge setting are 0 yen and 10 yen, respectively, the duplex copying function is selected under charge setting A in Table 1, and the paper cassette 42 When the copy operation is performed using the same paper, the fee machine 400 performs a reduction update of 20 yen for each copy operation for one copy paper.
[0064]
In the present embodiment, the fee machine 400 has been described as a separate device connected to the copying machine 1 connected to the copying machine 1, but the copying machine 1 includes a device such as the fee machine 400. You can also.
[0065]
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The copying machine according to the present embodiment is obtained by changing the key display switching process described with reference to FIG. 7 from the copying machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the overlapping part is omitted, and the key display switching process in the present embodiment will be described below. In the key display switching process of the present embodiment, the display color of the display unit corresponding to each function is controlled based on the relationship between the charge for the function and the balance of the charge machine 400. In addition, the key display switching process of the present embodiment is also performed individually for all functions that can be set as to whether or not to be selected in the copying machine 1, but here, one of the functions is selected. Will be described.
[0066]
FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a subroutine of the key display switching process in the present embodiment. In the key display switching process of the present embodiment, first, in SA51, it is determined whether or not the function is selected in the copy mode setting in S3 (see FIG. 4). If the function is not selected, the process proceeds to SA52, and it is determined whether or not the “remaining money 1” of the toll machine 400 is less than zero. Here, the balance 1 is the balance of the charge machine 400 when the copy operation is performed by further selecting a function that is currently targeted, and when the copy operation fee is reduced and updated. If it is determined that the balance 1 is less than 0, the process proceeds to SA53, and a process of setting the display color of the display unit corresponding to the function to “color 2” is performed. Table 5 shows the meanings of the display colors corresponding to the settings and the corresponding display colors for “color 0” to “color 3”, which are settings including “color 2”.
[0067]
[Table 5]

[0068]
As shown in Table 5, the fact that the display unit is displayed in color 2, that is, yellow, means that if the function corresponding to the display unit is selected from now on, the charge stored in the fee machine 400 will be exceeded. .
[0069]
If it is determined in SA52 that the balance 1 is equal to or greater than 0, the process proceeds to SA54, in which a display color corresponding to the function is set to “color 1”. Here, referring to Table 5, the fact that the display portion is displayed in color 1, that is, in blue, is that within the charge stored in the charge machine 400 even if the function corresponding to the display portion is selected from now on. This means that a copy operation can be performed.
[0070]
On the other hand, if it is determined in SA51 that the function is selected, the process proceeds to SA55, in which it is determined whether or not the “remaining amount 2” of the toll machine 400 is less than zero. Here, the balance 2 is the balance of the fee machine 400 when the copy operation is performed in the currently set copy mode and the copy operation fee is reduced. Therefore, the balance 2 being less than 0 means that the fee stored in the fee machine 400 is insufficient for the copy operation in the current state.
[0071]
If the balance 2 is smaller than 0, the process proceeds to SA56, and assuming that the function is not selected, whether or not the balance of the charge machine 400 when the copy operation charge is updated is 0 or more. In other words, if it is determined that the function is not selected, it is determined whether or not the charge shortage is resolved. If the charge shortage is resolved, the process proceeds to SA57, and a process of setting the display color of the display unit corresponding to the function to color 3 is performed. Here, referring to Table 5, if the display section is displayed in color 3, that is, red, if the currently selected function is not selected, the charge shortage for the copy operation is resolved. Means.
[0072]
If it is determined in SA55 that the balance 2 is 0 or more, or if it is determined in SA56 that the shortage of charges is not resolved even if the function is not selected, the process proceeds to SA58, and the display color of the display unit corresponding to the function is changed. Processing for setting color 0 is performed. Here, referring to Table 5, the fact that the display section is displayed in color 0, that is, black, means that the function is currently selected and the function is selected even if a fee shortage has occurred. It means that it has nothing to do with or not.
[0073]
Hereinafter, a change in the display mode of the display unit of each function according to the key display switching process when the set copy mode is different will be described in detail. First, Table 6 shows a specific example of the amount of money charged into the fee machine 400 and the fee for each function.
[0074]
[Table 6]

[0075]
In Table 6, “basic fee” is the minimum fee for the copying operation that is required even if the copying operation is performed without selecting any function. The “duplex copying function fee” is a fee required in addition to the basic fee when the duplex copying function is selected. The “paper cassette 42 usage fee” is a fee required in addition to the basic fee when a copy is made using the paper in the paper cassette 42. In the present embodiment, the paper cassette 42 stores a copy sheet having a size of “A3”, and the paper cassette 43 stores a copy sheet having a size of “A4”. For convenience, the functions of performing copying using the paper in the paper cassette 42 and the paper in the paper cassette 43 are referred to as “paper cassette 42 use function” and “paper cassette 43 use function”, respectively. The “staple function fee” is a fee required in addition to the basic fee when the staple function is selected.
[0076]
The “staple function fee” is a fee that is required each time a sheet is bound by stapling, while the other fee is a fee that is required for each sheet of a copy operation. That is, in S43 (see FIG. 5), the charge for the copy mode is calculated, for example, when a copy operation using n sheets (n is an integer) is performed, and the n copy sheets are set to 1 In the case of binding, the fee for the copy operation is calculated according to the following equation (1). However, in the following specific example, for the sake of convenience, the fee for the copying operation is considered for a case where copying is performed on one sheet (n = 1).
[0077]
[Expression 1]

[0078]
As described in the first embodiment, the copying machine 1 can select functions other than the functions shown in Table 6, such as magnification selection. Only those that are added to the basic charge are shown. In the following description of the copy mode, the relationship between the selection status and the display color of the display unit will be described focusing on the functions shown in Table 6.
[0079]
1) First example of copy mode
Table 7 shows the function selection status in the first example of the copy mode and the display color of the display unit corresponding to each function.
[0080]
[Table 7]

[0081]
Referring to Table 7, in the first example of the copy mode, the paper cassette 43 use function is selected. Since the copying machine 1 cannot be set to use the paper in the two paper cassettes at the same time, the function for using the paper cassette 42 is not selected. In addition, both the duplex copying and stapling functions are not selected. That is, the charge for the copy operation in this copy mode is “30 yen” which is the basic charge only. On the other hand, the amount of money currently charged into the fee machine 400 is “100 yen” (see Table 6). As a result, “70 yen” is left among the charges put into the fee machine 400 at present. Therefore, in this copy mode, there is no charge shortage even if any one of the double-sided copying function, stapling function, and paper cassette 42 using function is further selected. Therefore, the display color (touch key 152, touch key 151, LED 132) corresponding to each of these functions has a blue display color corresponding to the aforementioned “color 1” (see Table 5). Although the function for using the paper cassette 43 is selected, the selection status of the function does not affect the charge for the copying operation. Therefore, the display color of the display unit (LED 131) corresponding to the function for using the paper cassette 43 is It is black corresponding to the aforementioned “color 0” (see Table 5).
[0082]
2) Second example of copy mode
Table 8 shows the function selection status in the second example of the copy mode and the display color of the display unit corresponding to each function.
[0083]
[Table 8]

[0084]
Referring to Table 8, the staple function is selected in the second example of the copy mode. Both the double-sided copying function and the paper cassette 42 using function are not selected. In other words, the charge for the copy operation in this copy mode is “50 yen” which is the basic charge plus the charge for the stapling function. As a result, “50 yen” is left out of the charges put into the fee machine 400 at present. Therefore, first, the display color of the display unit corresponding to the stapling function is black corresponding to the aforementioned “color 0”. In this copy mode, even if the duplex copy function is further selected, there is no shortage of charges. Therefore, the display color of the display unit corresponding to this function is blue. On the other hand, in this copy mode, when the use function of the paper cassette 42 is selected, the charge is insufficient by “10 yen”. Accordingly, the display color of the display unit corresponding to this function is yellow corresponding to the aforementioned “color 2” (see Table 5).
[0085]
3) Third example of copy mode
Table 9 shows the function selection status in the third example of the copy mode and the display color of the display unit corresponding to each function.
[0086]
[Table 9]

[0087]
Referring to Table 9, in the third example of the copy mode, the duplex copy function is selected. Both the staple function and the paper cassette 42 use function are not selected. That is, the charge for the copy operation in this copy mode is “60 yen”, which is the basic charge plus the charge for the duplex copying function. As a result, “40 yen” is left out of the charges put into the fee machine 400 at present. Therefore, first, the display color of the display unit corresponding to the double-sided copying function is black corresponding to “color 0”. In this copy mode, even if the staple function is further selected, there is no shortage of charges. Therefore, the display color of the display unit corresponding to this function is blue corresponding to “Color 1”. On the other hand, in this copy mode, when the use function of the paper cassette 42 is selected, the charge of “20 yen” is insufficient. Therefore, the display color of the display unit corresponding to this function is yellow corresponding to “Color 2”.
[0088]
4) Fourth example of copy mode
Table 10 shows the function selection status in the fourth example of the copy mode and the display color of the display unit corresponding to each function.
[0089]
[Table 10]

[0090]
Referring to Table 10, in the fourth example of the copy mode, the paper cassette 42 use function is selected. Both the double-sided copying function and the stapling function are not selected. That is, the charge for the copy operation in this copy mode is “90 yen”, which is the basic charge plus the charge for using the paper cassette 42. As a result, “10 yen” is left out of the charges put into the fee machine 400 at present. Accordingly, first, the display color of the display unit corresponding to the function of using the paper cassette 42 is black corresponding to “color 0”. On the other hand, in this copy mode, when the double-sided copy function or the staple function is selected, the charge is insufficient by “20 yen” or “10 yen”, respectively. Accordingly, the display color of the display unit corresponding to these functions is yellow corresponding to “Color 2”.
[0091]
5) Fifth example of copy mode
Table 11 shows the function selection status and the display color corresponding to each function in the fifth example of the copy mode.
[0092]
[Table 11]

[0093]
Referring to Table 11, in the fifth example of the copy mode, the staple function and the paper cassette 42 use function are selected. The duplex copying function is not selected. That is, the charge for the copy operation in this copy mode is “110 yen” which is the basic charge plus the charge for the staple function and the paper cassette 42 use function. As a result, a fee shortage of “10 yen” is currently occurring with respect to the fee charged into the fee machine 400. If the stapling function is not selected, the fee for the copying operation is “90 yen”, and if the function for using the paper cassette 42 is not selected, the fee for the copying operation is “50 yen”. Therefore, the display color of the display unit corresponding to the stapling function and the paper cassette 42 using function is red corresponding to the aforementioned “color 3” (see Table 5). In this copy mode, when the double-sided copy function is selected, the shortage of charge for the copy operation further proceeds. Accordingly, the display color of the display unit corresponding to the duplex copying function is yellow corresponding to “Color 2”. In this copy mode, for the paper cassette 43 function whose selection status is not related to the charge, the display color of the corresponding display section is blue corresponding to “Color 1”.
[0094]
In the present embodiment, in the copying machine 1, when the balance 2 becomes less than 0, that is, when the fee for the copying operation exceeds the amount stored in the fee machine 400 in the current copying mode, It is configured not to be able to make a setting to further select a function that requires an additional fee.
In other words, for example, in the fifth example of the copy mode described above, since a fee shortage of “10 yen” has occurred, it is configured so that a setting for further selecting a function requiring an additional charge, that is, a duplex copy function cannot be performed. Yes.
[0095]
In the copying machine 1, display units corresponding to selectable functions, other than the above-described display units, correspond to each other because the selection status of the corresponding function is not related to the charge. When the function is selected, the display color is black corresponding to “Color 0”, and when the function is not selected, the display color is blue corresponding to “Color 1”.
[0096]
In addition, in the copying machine 1, when the amount charged to the fee machine 400 is less than “30 yen” of the basic fee, not only any function can be selected, but also the copying operation itself cannot be performed. In such a case, the copying machine 1 is provided with a display unit such as an LED corresponding to the print key 160, and the display color of the display unit corresponding to all functions including the display unit is “color 2”. It can be configured to be yellow corresponding to. In such a case, the CPU 201 that controls the display color of the display unit controls the display mode of the input unit or the display unit according to whether or not the charge corresponding to the selected function reaches the input amount. A display control unit is configured. That is, in this case, the LED corresponding to the print key 160 constitutes a function display unit corresponding to the function “performs a copy operation without selecting any function”, and the display mode of the function display unit corresponds to the function. The corresponding charge size of 30 yen was compared with the amount charged to the fee machine 400 and controlled.
[0097]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment described above, when it is assumed that the CPU 201 performs a copy operation by further selecting a certain function that is not currently selected by performing each process of SA52 to SA54, the copy is performed. The display mode of the display unit corresponding to the function is changed depending on whether or not the balance of the fee machine 400 (the above “remaining amount 1”) when the operation fee is reduced and updated is less than 0. Therefore, when the CPU 201 that performs the processes of SA52 to SA54 controls the display mode of the input unit or the display unit corresponding to a certain function, some of the functions are selected. A display control unit configured to control a display mode of the input unit or the display unit corresponding to the certain function according to whether or not a fee corresponding to the selected function reaches an input amount. Yes.
[0098]
In addition, even when the fee set corresponding to the function is changed, the display control unit is configured to be able to control the display mode of the input means or the display unit according to the changed fee. Has been.
[0099]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus.
2 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the copier of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a control circuit of the copying machine of FIG. 1;
4 is a flowchart of a main routine of a CPU of the copying machine of FIG.
5 is a flowchart of a fee calculation processing subroutine of FIG. 4;
6 is a flowchart of a fee setting process subroutine of FIG. 5;
7 is a flowchart of a subroutine for key display switching processing in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one state of the operation panel of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another state of the operation panel of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of a subroutine for key display switching processing of FIG. 4;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Copying machine
100 Operation panel
131a to 131d Magnification display LED
132,133 Cassette LED
151,152 touch keys
162a to 162d Magnification key
164,165 Cassette key
201 CPU
300 LCD touch panel
400 fee machine

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation,
An input key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions;
A display unit provided in association with the input key ;
Functions that are not selected by the input key are displayed in different display modes according to preset charges corresponding to the functions, and the selected function is not selected. and a display control unit for controlling the pre-Symbol display unit to display at any display mode both display mode different in function, the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation,
A touch key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions;
A display unit having the touch key;
For functions not selected by the touch key, the touch key is displayed in a different display mode according to a charge set in advance corresponding to each function, and for the function being selected, the selection is performed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a display control unit that controls the display unit to display the touch key in a display mode different from any display mode in a function that is not performed. An image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation,
An input key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions;
A display unit provided in association with the input key;
Unselected fee corresponding to the function when you select a function of, depending on whether the reached balance amount of the paid fee, and controls the pre-Symbol display unit so that the display functions of the unselected in different display modes An image forming apparatus including a display control unit . An image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation,
A touch key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions;
A display unit having the touch key;
When the unselected function is selected, the touch key corresponding to the unselected function is displayed in a different display mode according to whether the charge corresponding to the function reaches the balance of the input amount. An image forming apparatus including a display control unit that controls the display unit. An image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation,
An input key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions;
A display unit provided in association with the input key;
If the fee corresponding to the selected function exceeds the input amount and the shortage is resolved by canceling the selection of a part of the selected function, the part of the function for, and a display control section for controlling the display unit to display in a display manner indicating that the fee shortage is eliminated When deselected, an image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus capable of selecting a function of an image forming operation,
A touch key for selecting one or more functions from the plurality of functions;
A display unit having the touch key;
If the charge corresponding to the selected function exceeds the input amount and the shortage is resolved by canceling the selection of a part of the selected function, the selected function A display control unit that controls the display unit so as to display the touch key in a display mode indicating that the shortage of charges is resolved when the selection is canceled. A charge changing unit for changing a charge set in advance corresponding to each function;
Wherein the display controller controls the display mode of the previous SL display unit according to the changed rates, claim 1, an image forming apparatus according to any one of 3,5. The display controller, a display mode of the function to change the display color before Symbol display unit, an image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A charge changing unit for changing a charge set in advance corresponding to each function;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit controls a display mode of the touch key according to the changed fee. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display control unit changes a display color or a display figure of the touch key as a display mode of the function.

Images