JP4233247B2 - Digital copier system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital copying machine system having a plurality of application functions such as a fax function and a printer function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an inexpensive digital copier such as a hard disk that does not have an optional memory capacity has a configuration in which there is no cassette stage of the same size in different directions or when the transfer paper becomes a paper end in the middle when performing rotational sorting. The process is interrupted once and a message such as “Please set a cassette (or paper) in the direction” is issued to notify the operator.
[0003]
When the operator leaves the copying machine, the operator is unaware of this message and the copying machine is left suspended. In addition, when multiple applications are using the memory on the copier side, the temporary electronic sort temporary area can only be taken for one page (data from other applications is already stored, etc.). When the rotation sort is continued, the output from the paper feed stage in the rotating direction must be performed after the decompression process when the parallel processing of decompression → output is performed, and copy productivity deteriorates.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and checks the machine configuration at the start of input in the electronic sort rotation mode, and cancels the rotation sort mode when there is no cassette paper feed stage of the same size and different direction. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a digital copying machine system that can prevent useless copying operations from being interrupted.
[0005]
Also, when the electronic sort rotation mode is canceled, the machine configuration is checked, and if a post-processing sorting device such as a shift tray is installed, the sorting is performed by switching the paper discharge destination to the sorting device and starting the copying operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a digital copying machine system that realizes functions and prevents useless copying operations from being interrupted.
[0006]
Also, when the sorting device is not installed, the paper feed stage is checked again, and if the cassette stage in the same direction as the original is set, the copying operation is started as it is, and the cassette stage in the direction different from the original is set. If this happens, notify the operator before starting the copy operation with a message such as “Please reset the transfer paper in the direction.” The sort function will be canceled but productivity will not be degraded. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital copying machine system that prevents the above.
[0007]
Furthermore, when multiple applications were using the memory area of the copier, the temporary electronic sort temporary area could only be taken for one page (data for other applications was already stored, etc.). (Rotational electronic sort productivity decreases), the rotary electronic sort mode is continued until the section is separated, the paper source of the same size as the original is selected from the subsequent sections, and the paper discharge destination is switched to the sorting device. An object of the present invention is to provide a digital copying machine system that prevents the deterioration of productivity.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the invention described in claim 1 is a digital having a plurality of applications, an original reading device, an automatic document feeder, a post-processing sorting device, and a laser scanning system including a polygon motor. In the copying machine, image input means for inputting image information for each page as digital image data, compressed data storage means for compressing and storing a plurality of pages of image data input by the image input means, and the image data Paper supply means for supplying recording paper for recording the image, copy number setting means for setting the number of image forming copies for the same page, image data from the compressed data storage means is sequentially expanded one page at a time, and from the paper supply means The operation for sequentially forming images of all pages on the supplied recording paper is regarded as one cycle, and each cycle is the same as the number of copies set by the copy number setting means. Has an electronic sorting image forming means for repeating number of times, and the electronic sorting the image forming means, among said plurality of applications share the compressed data storage means, during the rotating electronic sort mode, the compression When only one side of the temporary area of the data storage means can be taken, the process continues in the rotating electronic sort mode until the division of the output part being executed, and the next part is transferred to the shift tray with the same size as the original. It is characterized by performing a sorting process .
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The terms commonly used in this specification will be explained and defined below.
[0013]
"Image reading device"
An "image reading device" used in a digital copying machine is a device that has the function of irradiating a document with a light source and converting the reflected light into an electrical signal with a "solid-state image sensor = CCD" to perform the necessary image processing. It is.
[0014]
"Image forming device"
An “image forming apparatus” used in a digital copying machine is an apparatus that forms an image image sent by an electric signal on plain paper, thermal paper, or the like by means of electrophotography, thermal sensitivity, thermal transfer, inkjet, or the like.
[0015]
"Extended function" or "Application (abbreviated as app)"
A major feature of a digital copying machine is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is restored by an image forming apparatus. By having means for changing and transmitting the electric signal read at this time, it can be applied to fields other than copying machines. In addition to the FAX and printer described above, the application range such as a scanner and a file system is very wide. These extended functions are expressed as “applications”.
[0016]
"Video signal"
The “electrical signal of the image converted by the above-mentioned“ image reading device ”, the electrical signal of the image input to the“ image forming device ”, and the signal for synchronizing with the electrical signal of the image are collectively referred to as“ video signal ”. Express.
[0017]
"Control signal""Command"
In order to exchange “video signals” between “image reading device”, “image forming device”, and “application”, it is necessary to transmit information between the devices. This means is expressed as “control signal” or “command” issuance.
[0018]
"System", "System Control", "System Controller"
In recent digital copying machines, not only one application but also a plurality of applications are listed at the same time. In this way, a digital copier that shares one resource is expressed as “system”, and controllers that control this system are expressed as “system control” and “system controller”.
[0019]
"Resource" or "resource"
Functional unit units shared by multiple applications are expressed as “resources” and “resources”. The “system controller” described above performs system control in units of resources. Resources managed by the digital copying machine of the present invention include “image reading device”, “image forming device”, “operation unit”, “memory”, and “peripheral device (DF = document feeding device, sorter, etc.)”.
[0020]
"Insert output" or "Interleave"
This is mainly used for explanation of operations when outputting images. In normal image output, other operations are not executed until a series of operations (= 1 job) having the same purpose is completed. For example, functions are combined in recent digital copying machines, and a combination of copying machine + FAX or printer or more is integrated into one. However, most of them output in units of functions (= units of jobs) so as to switch to printer output after the copying function is completed, for example. On the other hand, inserting and outputting another job output in the output of one job is expressed as “interleave”. For example, the printer output is realized without stopping the machine operation during the output of the copying machine.
[0021]
"Initial setting"
It is to change the initial setting value of each function or set the operation condition according to the frequently used condition. Initial settings include "system initial settings" for setting the functions of the entire copier system, "copy initial settings" limited to copy mode function settings, and "fax initial settings" limited to facsimile mode function settings. There is. For example, “System Initial Setting” includes “Auto Clear Time Setting” that returns to the state when the power is turned on after no key operation after a key operation. There are "Copy set number limit setting" to change the upper limit of the number of copies that can be set, and "Double-sided copy left margin width" that allows you to set the left margin width on the back side in "single side → double side" copy . Also, when page printing is selected, where to print the page on the transfer paper, such as upper right, lower right, lower center, etc., when stamp printing is selected, stamp size, presence of watermark, etc. In some cases, this setting is enabled in this mode.
[0022]
"Priority application" / "Priority startup application"
The priority application setting is one of the system initial setting items. When the most frequently used application is selected, when returning from the energy saving mode or when no operation is continued for a certain period of time. This is a setting item for the purpose of improving the operability by shifting to the set application screen.
[0023]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
First, digital copier system control which is an object of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital copying machine, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an operation unit (operation panel), FIG. 3 is an example of system / software configuration, and FIG. 4 is an example of system / hardware configuration.
[0025]
FIG. 2 shows the names of the main keys of the operation unit for carrying out the present invention. The “program registration / call key” 201 is used for program mode registration and call. An “initial setting key” 203 is used when performing initial setting. The keys from [01] to [28] in the “FAX shortcut key group” 204 are used for assigning programs in the facsimile mode. The keys from [0] to [9], which are the “ten-key” 205, are used for various settings as well as copy mode program allocation.
[0026]
An “application switching key” 206 is a switching key to copy, fax, and printer applications, and transfers the operation unit display right to the application corresponding to the pressed key.
[0027]
In order to configure a multitasking system, it is necessary to manage a functional unit as a resource and to share one resource among multiple applications. This management is performed by the system control layer shown in FIG. The device control layer in FIG. 3 performs conversion to drive and input mechanical inputs / outputs such as clutches, sensors, and motors in order to actually move the device from logical instructions such as commands and control signals from the system control layer. ing.
[0028]
The application layer is a layer in which a plurality of applications such as copy, printer, FAX, etc. can coexist as functions with functions provided from the system control layer.
[0029]
In the hardware configuration example of FIG. 4, a CPU is provided for each application, and the system control layer and the device control layer are controlled by one CPU. A hardware is also conceivable in which each application, system control, and each resource has a CPU and a command from the system controller to each controller is transmitted via a control signal line.
[0030]
Here, the image reading apparatus is connected to an automatic document feeder not shown in the figure, and includes document setting sensor information and size detection sensor information for detecting the size of the document set on the document table. Entered. This size detection sensor is a reflective sensor, and several sizes are arranged on a document feed tray, and when a document is set, the document size can be detected by a combination of ON / OFF sensor inputs.
[0031]
The image forming apparatus shown in the figure has a laser scanning system having a rotation deflecting means (polygon motor), and an activation signal = ON for instructing the rotation activation is output to the polygon motor. When the rated speed is reached, a lock signal is entered to notify that effect. Of course, printing on the recording paper is limited to the state where the polygon motor is at the rated rotation, but when all the printing operations are completed, the system controller outputs the start signal = OFF so that the polygon motor stops. I do.
[0032]
Although there is an operation unit control bus for controlling the operation unit in the figure, it is naturally conceivable to perform the command exchange using the control signal line described above.
[0033]
FIG. 5 shows a basic copy screen for performing various copy settings. FIG. 6 is a screen for instructing the operator the direction of the highly productive paper when the paper feed stage and the post-processing sorting device of the same size and different directions are not installed at the start of the rotating electronic copy mode.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 7, when only one page can be secured for outputting a temporary area for input and expanded image data due to the memory configuration or the like, the first paper feed stage is oriented to the original. Otherwise, the output operation cannot be performed unless the input process is completed. Similarly, during the output process, if the direction of the compressed image data and the direction of the paper feed stage are different, the output operation cannot be performed unless the decompression operation of the compressed data is finished. End up.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 7 shows a temporary area in the memory area. The temporary area includes an area for temporarily inputting image data to be compressed for electronic sorting, and an area for expanding to output image data that is also used as an input temporary area.
[0036]
8 and 9 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the embodiment of the present invention. When a rotation electronic sort mode request is received from the application (step S802 / YES), it is checked whether or not the same size different direction paper feed stage exists (step S803). If it exists (step S803 / YES), the rotating electronic sort process is started (step S814). If it does not exist (step S803 / NO), the connection of a post-processing sorter such as a shift tray is checked (step S804). When it is detected that a post-processing sorting device such as a shift tray is mounted (step S804 / YES), the mode is switched to the electronic sort mode using the post-processing sorting device (step S807).
[0037]
If a sorting device such as a shift tray is not installed in step S804 (step S804 / NO), the size of the paper feed stage is checked again to check whether the size in the same direction as the original is set. (Step S805). If sheets in the same direction are set in the paper feed tray (step S805 / YES), the electronic sort mode is started as it is (step S808).
[0038]
In step S805, if a paper in a different direction is set in the paper feed tray (step S805 / NO), a message such as “Please set in the direction again (FIG. 6)” is displayed to the operator ( Step S806) prompts the user to set the paper in the direction of high productivity. When the operator presses the “execute” key on the screen of FIG. 6 (step S809 / YES), the electronic sort process is started in the direction of the currently selected paper feed tray (step S810).
[0039]
In step S803, if there are paper feed stages of the same size and different directions (step S803 / YES), the rotating electronic sort mode is started (step S814). During the execution of the process, the number of electronic sort temporary areas is checked (step S815). As long as there are two faces (step S815 / YES), the rotating electronic sort mode process is continued.
[0040]
When only one side can be taken (step S815 / NO), the rotating electronic sort mode process is continued until the division of the parts (step S816 / NO). When the copy is separated (step S816 / YES), it is checked whether there is a paper feed stage in the same direction as the original (step S817). If it exists (step S817 / YES), the paper feed stage is selected (step S818). After that, or when there is no paper feed stage (step S817 / NO), it is checked whether or not a post-processing sorter such as a shift tray is installed (step S819). If it is attached (step S819 / YES), the paper discharge port is switched to the sorting device, and the electronic sort mode is continued (step S820).
[0041]
The above-described embodiment shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. is there.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the machine configuration is checked at the start of input in the electronic sort rotation mode, and if there is no cassette paper feed stage of the same size and different direction, the rotation sort mode. By canceling, it is possible to prevent unnecessary interruption of the copying operation.
[0043]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the electronic sort rotation mode is canceled, the machine configuration is checked, and if a post-processing sorting device such as a shift tray is mounted, By switching the paper tip to the sorting apparatus and starting the copying operation, it is possible to realize the sorting function and prevent unnecessary interruption of the copying operation.
[0044]
According to the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 2, when the sorting device is not mounted, the sheet feeding stage is checked again, and when the cassette stage in the same direction as the original is set, it remains as it is. When a copy operation is started and a cassette tray in a direction different from the original is set, notify the operator before starting the copy operation with a message such as “Please set the transfer paper in the direction again.” By doing so, the sorting function is canceled, but it is possible to prevent the deterioration of productivity.
[0045]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of applications are using the memory area of the copying machine, a temporary electronic sort temporary area can be obtained for only one page (data for other applications is already stored). , Etc.) (rotational electronic sort productivity is reduced), the rotary electronic sort mode is continued until the section is separated, and the paper feed stage having the same size as the original is selected from the subsequent sections, and the sorting apparatus is selected. By switching the paper discharge destination, it is possible to prevent deterioration in productivity.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a digital copying machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an operation unit of the digital copying machine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system software configuration of the digital copying machine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system hardware configuration of the digital copying machine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a basic copy screen of the operation unit of the digital copying machine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a paper feed direction change notification screen of the operation unit of the digital copying machine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a state of a temporary area in a memory area of the digital copying machine system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 1) for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine system in the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (No. 2) for explaining the operation of the digital copying machine system in the embodiment of the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
201 Program Registration / Call Key 202 Interrupt Key 203 Initial Setting Key 204 Fax Short Key Group 205 Ten Key 206 Application Switch Key 207 Menu Key

Claims (1)

In a digital copying machine having a plurality of applications, an original reading device, an automatic document feeder, a post-processing sorting device, and a laser scanning system including a polygon motor,
Image input means for inputting image information as digital image data one page at a time;
Compressed data storage means for compressing image data input by the image input means and storing a plurality of pages;
Paper supply means for supplying recording paper for recording the image data;
Copy number setting means for setting the number of image forming copies for the same page;
The number of copies is set for each cycle, with the operation of sequentially decompressing the image data from the compressed data storage unit one page at a time and sequentially forming an image of all pages on the recording paper supplied from the paper feeding unit. Electronic sort image forming means that repeats the same number of times as the number of copies set by the means,
When the electronic sort image forming unit is executing the rotating electronic sort mode while the plurality of applications share the compressed data storage unit, only one side of the temporary area of the compressed data storage unit can be taken, A digital copier system characterized in that the processing is continued in the rotary electronic sort mode until the division of the output part being executed, and the next part performs the sort process with the shift tray in the same direction as the original .

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