JPH0711733B2 - Programmable copier - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a copying system for sorting copy sheets discharged from a copying machine, and in particular, each bin can be sorted in association with a distribution destination. Programmable copying machine

"Prior Art" When making a plurality of copies from a manuscript, it is convenient to classify them in advance in association with the distribution destination. For this reason, a sorter is often connected to a copying machine for use. The sorter includes a plurality of bins for storing sorted sheets.

The most basic method of using the sorter is to take a plurality of copies of one original and store them one by one in a bin (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 56-143455). . On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-44464 proposes a sorter capable of various sorts according to the request of the user of the copying machine.

FIG. 59 is for explaining the sorting method according to this proposal. Here, FIG. A shows the "stack function". The stack function is a function of sequentially stacking the same type of copies in one bin. In the figure, three copies 11 of the first original are stacked in the first bin B-1, and three copies 12 of the next original are stacked in the second pin B-2. Third bin B
At -3, three copies 13 of the last original will be stacked.

On the other hand, FIG. B shows the "bin skip function". The bin skipping function is a function of advancing the bins by two or more bins at a time. In the figure, the bins are advanced to the third and fifth bins B-3, B-5.

Finally, FIG. 7C shows the "bin advance prohibition function". This feature is used to stack copies without advancing the bins. In the figure, the second
Bin advance to bin B-2 onward is prohibited.

Although various functions of the sorter have been described above, these functions may still impose a heavy burden on the copier user. That is, in the copy room etc. established in each company,
There is a strong demand to make a copy of each sorter bin in a format corresponding to each department. For example, as shown in FIG. 60, the first bin B-1, the second bin B-2, ...
It is assumed that the first section K-1, the second section K-2, ... At this time, one distribution document is the first section K-
Assuming that different copies are distributed such as 5 copies for 1 and 3 copies for the second section K-2, in the conventional sorter, each bin B-1, B
-2 ... It is not possible to perform such sorting according to.

Therefore, conventionally, in such a case, a method of setting the number of copies in each section and repeating the copy work for the number of sections to be distributed, or copying the total number of copies at once and sorting this later is proposed. I was collecting. In such a method, there are problems that the copying work is troublesome and the sorting work becomes difficult.

Therefore, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-140545, a copying machine with a sorter (programmable copying machine) equipped with a device for designating the number of a bin for storing copy paper and a microcomputer.
Is proposed. In this device, data such as the required number of copies and bin number to be stored for each original is input to a paper tape or a keyboard before starting copying, and the sorting control is performed by the microcomputer installed in the main body of the copying machine. It has become.

"Problems to be Solved by the Invention" In the proposed apparatus, sorting can be automatically performed using input data, but there are the following problems.

(1) Since it was necessary to specify the number of copies and the number of the bin for each original, the specifying work is complicated and time-consuming.
There was a risk of making mistakes during the designated work.

(2) Moreover, even if a part of the inputting work procedure for sorting is searched or corrected, this programmable copying machine is not easy because it does not have a special means for this purpose.

(3) Further, in this programmable copying machine, even if the relation between the bin number as the input data and the number of sheets output to the bin is checked once before the copying is started, this is virtually impossible, and the sorting is completed. There were also cases in which an error was discovered and a copy was made again at that point.

(4) In addition, this programmable copying machine can store the relationship between the bin number and the number of sheets to be output to the bin, but does not have the function of storing the relationship between the bin number and the distribution destination. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to store and manage the distribution result of the copy result output when the user wants to execute the sorting work procedure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a programmable copying machine having excellent operability, which can easily output a copy result sorted according to distribution destinations based on the same original.

"Means for Solving Problems" The programmable copying machine of the present invention is a name that is information indicating the correspondence between (a) a sorter having a plurality of bins and (b) each bin of the sorter and a distribution destination. Name pattern setting means for setting a pattern, (c) first storing means for storing a plurality of name patterns set by the name pattern setting means, and (d) a name for specifying a name pattern to be used. Pattern setting means, (e)
Display means for displaying the content of the name pattern designated by the name pattern designating means, and (f) for designating the number of copies to be output for each bin while the content of the name pattern is displayed on the display means. Copy number setting means for setting a sorting pattern which is information, and (g)
Second storage means for storing a plurality of sorting patterns set by the copy number setting means, (h) sorting pattern selecting means for selecting a sorting pattern to be used, and (ii) this sorting pattern selecting means And a copying means for executing copying according to the selected sorting pattern.

That is, in the present invention, a mechanism for creating and storing a name pattern, which is information indicating the correspondence between each bin of the sorter and the distribution destination, in a copying machine having a sorter having a plurality of bins (name pattern setting means, first A mechanism for setting / storing a sorting pattern, which is information for designating the number of copies to be output for each bin while observing the storage means) and the stored name pattern (name pattern designating means, display means, copying) A copy number setting means, a second storage means, and a mechanism (sorting pattern selecting means) for executing a copying process according to the stored sorting pattern.
By making it possible to create and modify a sorting pattern associated with a distribution destination by providing a copying means), it is possible to fully utilize the function of outputting different combinations of copying results to a plurality of bins.

[Examples] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Examples.

Items Contents For the embodiments of the programmable copying machine described below, the items used for the description will be listed first.

[1] Outline of copier [2] Operation of general-purpose computer Initial setting …… Name pattern registration Initial setting …… Charge system definition Pattern registration Data registration work Data correction / search / delete work …… Data correction Data correction / search / delete Work ... Search Data correction / search / delete Work ... Delete Data transmission fee aggregation [3] Example of work in copy room [4] General-purpose computer configuration [5] Controller configuration [6] Communication data structure [7] ] Operation of general-purpose computer Flow of menu screen Soft end process Data registration process Data correction / search / delete Data correction details Data search details Data deletion details Data transmission pattern registration Charge aggregation Initial setting Name pattern registration details Charge system definition Detailed communication processing [8] Controller control System control Shutdown control Keith Figure 2 Overview of the control communication processing copier pitch is flowchart showing a connection state of the programmable copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This programmable copying machine comprises a general-purpose computer 32 to which a printer 31 is connected. The general-purpose computer 32 is connected to a sorter-equipped copying machine 34 equipped with a controller 33.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing each functional part of such a programmable copying machine.

The general-purpose computer 32 of this programmable copying machine is a CR
It has a T41 and a keyboard 42. General purpose computer 32
Is a printer 31 for outputting data regarding sorting, a controller 33 and a cable 43, respectively.
Connected by 44. Controller 33 is a cable
The copying machine main body 46 is connected by 45, and the copying machine main body 46 is controlled based on the data output from the general-purpose computer 32. A sorter 47 is connected to the copying machine main body 46.

In this programmable copying machine, the general-purpose computer 32 is equipped with a floppy disk drive so that various data can be stored in the floppy disk. Data (job data) can be input to the general-purpose computer 32 at any time while looking at the CRT 41, is managed by the reception number at the time of input, and is stored in the floppy disk. The operator selects the reception number of the job to be executed, and the job data is transferred from the general-purpose computer 32 to the controller 33. At this time, CR
A receipt number and other necessary data are displayed on T41.
The operator can use the printer 31 to output a copy confirmation slip and confirm the sort mode to be performed.

After this confirmation, the operator sets, for example, a document on the main body 46 of the copying machine and presses a print button (not shown) to start the copying operation. That is, in the programmable copying machine of this embodiment, when a manuscript is set on the copying machine main body 46 and the start button is pressed, the programmed job is executed and desired sorting is performed.

The general-purpose computer 32 and the controller 33 shown in FIG. 3 have the following functions.

(1) General-purpose computer 32 (a) Definition of distribution destination name corresponding to bin number of sorter 47.

(B) Definition of the charge system for each distribution destination.

(C) Aggregate the number of copies based on the receipt number and create an invoice.

(D) Counting the number of copies for each predetermined section and creating an invoice.

(E) Registration, storage and management of job data by receipt number.

(F) Communication of job data and the like with the controller 33.

(G) Data transfer when the copy confirmation slip is output from the printer 31.

(2) Controller 33 (a) Communication with the general-purpose computer 32 for job data and the like.

(B) Display of stock of received job data and receipt number.

(C) Controlling the copying machine main body 46 according to the job data.

(D) Switching between a normal copy mode and a programmed sorting mode (hereinafter referred to as program sorter mode).

(E) Regarding the copy made on the copying machine main body 46 side, the data about the number of originals, the size of copy paper, and the number of copies corresponding to the receipt number is transferred to the general-purpose computer 32.

Operation of General-purpose Computer FIG. 4 shows the contents of the display screen of the CRT 41 attached to the general-purpose computer 32. When the power of the general-purpose computer 32 is turned on, a menu selection screen 51 is displayed as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows this menu selection screen.
The operator selects (1) data registration on the menu selection screen 51,
(2) Data correction, search, deletion, (3) Data transmission,
Either (4) pattern registration, (5) fee collection, or (6) initial setting can be selected and executed.

Here, (1) data registration refers to job registration work for sorting. This work is performed by calling the data registration screen 52. Next, (2) data correction, search, and deletion are operations for correcting, searching, and deleting registered data. This work is performed by calling the data correction, inspection, deletion, and index screen 53. (3) What is data transmission?
This refers to the work of transmitting the data (or plural data) for each job from the general-purpose computer 32 shown in FIG. 3 to the controller 33. This work is performed by calling the data transmission screen 54 (FIG. 4).

Next, (4) Pattern registration is a task in which the distribution destination is fixed due to copy work that occurs on a daily basis (standard task)
Is registered as a "pattern". This programmable copier can register up to 500 patterns. This pattern registration operation is performed by calling the pattern registration screen 55. Next, (5) charge aggregation is an operation used when managing charges and the like for each department using this programmable copying machine. When setting the aggregation period or the like for this work, the charge aggregation screen 56 is called. Finally, (6) Initial setting is a work of making various definitions for operating the system using this programmable copying machine. This work is performed by calling the initial setting screen 57.

The operator inputs one of the numerical values from "1" to "6" in the "selection NO." Displayed at the bottom of the menu selection screen 51 shown in FIG. Can be selected. The "DISK free space" displayed to the right of this "Selection No." is the remaining number of data registration screens (remaining free space). In this example, it is displayed that 4000 screens can be registered. Has been done.

(Initial setting ... Name pattern registration) FIG. 6 shows a screen for initial setting. In order to operate this system, it is necessary to first make initial settings. Therefore, the operation of initial setting will be described.

On the initial setting screen 57, two items (1) name pattern definition and (2) fee system definition are displayed, and one of these is selected at the "selection NO." Part.
When the operator selects (1) name pattern definition,
The name pattern registration screen 61 is called. Here, the name pattern refers to the distribution destination of each sorter bin as a pattern.

FIG. 7 shows the initial state of the name pattern registration screen. In the name pattern registration screen 61,
There is a column called Name Code. The operator can enter a number from "1" to "15" here,
A name pattern can be registered for each. In this example, the name pattern is registered by inputting the distribution destination of the copy paper accommodated in each of the bins (BIN) from “1” to “50” to be used.

8 and 9 show examples of registration of name patterns. Among them, the example shown in FIG. 8 shows the registration pattern for the name code “1”, and the example shown in FIG. 9 shows the registration pattern for the name code “2”.

Registration work will be described with reference to the example shown in FIG. The operator enters one of the bin numbers for storing the copy sheets as the bin number in the first bracket [] at the "BIN NO." Displayed at the bottom of the name pattern registration screen 61. . If this is "1", for example, the registration work for the first bin will be performed. In this state, the operator puts the distribution destination name in the next bracket []. In the example shown in FIG. 8, "design management section"
Is input. Similarly, the operator enters the numerical value "2" in the first parenthesis for the second bin and "1st design department" in the next parenthesis. The same applies hereinafter.

However, in this example, the sixth and seventh bins and the eleventh bin
~ There is no data input for the 13th bin, etc., and the use of sorter bins is distributed. This is because, in the present embodiment, the use of the bins is assigned to some groups such as the factory department, the head office department, or the sales department, and the distribution destinations can be associated without any gap from the first bin. is there.

In this example, the same distribution destination (first manufacturing department) is defined for the eighth to tenth bins. In this case, the first
It is possible to store, for example, three copies in the same bin (for example, the eighth bin) as the manufacturing department. However, in this way, one copy of copy paper from one original document is sequentially stored in the same bin. Will be deposited. Therefore,
This cannot be bound as it is with a stapler or the like, and it becomes necessary to perform sorting again. Therefore, when there is a sufficient number of bins, it is effective to associate one bin with one copy in this way so that the copy sheets after sorting can be bound as they are.

Now, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the bin number and the distribution destination are entered up to the 41st bin, and when all the data has been entered, the operator is at the bottom of the screen at this point the cursor (not shown). Move to the “Registered; T Unregistered; N” part on the right. When the above name pattern is registered in the general-purpose computer 32, the letter "T" is input. In addition, if a correction portion is found at the time of moving the cursor as described above, the alphabet “N” is input.

In the former case, the name pattern displayed on the screen is registered. In the latter case, the displayed screen can be modified and the bin number and distribution destination can be added. The concept of "unregistered" in the programmable copying machine of this embodiment is that the cursor is once registered "T;
Unregistered; move to the "N" section, and then click "BIN NO."
This is because it is not possible to move to that location at that time, and the concept of "unregistered" can be omitted if it can be moved.

When the operator inputs the letter "T" in the place of "registered; T unregistered; N", after the name pattern is registered, the name pattern registration screen 61 is displayed again on the seventh screen.
It returns to the state before data input as shown in the figure. Therefore,
By entering the following name code, the operator
The following name patterns can be registered. The same applies hereinafter.

On the other hand, when the operator wants to end the registration of the name pattern, the operator presses an escape key (not shown) on the keyboard 42 (FIG. 3). When the escape key is pressed once, the name pattern registration screen 61 returns to the previous setting screen 57 as the previous screen. When the escape key is pressed again, the menu selection screen 51, which is the previous screen, is returned to.

(Initial setting ... Charge system definition) Next, a case where the numerical value "2" is selected as the "selection NO." On the initial setting screen 57 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. In this case, the charge system is defined.

FIG. 10 shows an input example of the charge system definition screen that appears on the CRT 41 when the numerical value “2” is selected.
On the charge system definition screen 62, "Page" shown in the upper right corner
You can enter a numerical value from "1" to "100" in order in the field, and you can define a maximum of 100 different charge systems.
In FIG. 10, the input state of the first charge system is shown.

In this screen 62, the department code is a part for inputting a code representing a department as a unit for collecting charges. The department code can be specified by a maximum of 6 digits or letters. All the departments entered on one screen have the same relation between the "paper size" and the "unit price" in the lower column. In the example shown in FIG. 10, three types of paper “A4”, “B4”, and “B5” are specified as the “paper size”, but for example, the same “B4” size copy paper is used. In case of charging different charges for color paper (colored paper), it is possible to input them separately. Regarding the "unit price", a different amount of money can be specified in relation to the number of copies. Looking at the paper size "A4" in this example, it is 10 yen per sheet up to 99 sheets, and 8 yen from 100 sheets to 999 sheets. In addition, the fee is JPY 7 per sheet for 1000 or more sheets.

When the input of the data for one charge system is completed as described above, the operator moves the cursor to the location of "registered; T unregistered; N". Then, as described in the registration of the name pattern, when the registration is performed, the alphabet "T" is input, and when it is not registered, the alphabet "N" is input. When the letter "T" is entered, the next charge system definition screen 62 is displayed with no data entered. In this state, the operator defines the following charge system. The same applies hereinafter.
On the other hand, when the operator wants to finish the work of defining the charge system, the operator presses the escape key. Once you press this escape key, the charge system definition screen
62 returns to the initial setting screen 57 as the previous screen. Then, if the escape key is pressed again, the screen returns to the menu selection screen 51 as one screen.

(Pattern Registration) In this way, when the initial setting is completed, the operator shifts to the work for the job actually performed. In a copy room of a company or a public office, a considerable number of fixed-form work such as a copy of a weekly report or a monthly report is performed as a copy work. Therefore, a pattern registration operation for patterning these operations is performed. As described above, enter the numerical value "4" as the "selection NO." In the state where the menu selection screen 51 is displayed as described above, and the pattern registration screen 55
Is done by calling.

11 to 17 show display examples of the pattern registration screen. Of these, FIGS. 11 to 14 relate to the registration screen linked as one job for the monthly report. Here, the pattern registration screen 55 in FIG. 11 relates to the cover with the summary of the monthly report, and those after FIG. 12 are more detailed monthly reports attached to this cover.

First, a description will be given based on FIG. 11 relating to the cover of the monthly report.
In Fig. 11, "Pattern code No." means 1
This is the code number for displaying and registering as a screen. In this embodiment, "1" to "500" as "pattern code NO."
You can enter up to numerical values up to 500 patterns can be registered separately. FIG. 11 is an example when the "pattern code NO." Is "1". The "pattern name" is input to the right of the "pattern code NO." Field. Here, the “pattern name” is a name or nickname representing the content of the pattern used.
In this example, since the pattern for the monthly report is registered, the name "monthly report" is entered.

Below the "pattern code NO.", There is a column for "name code NO.". The name code is a code representing a name pattern. For example, if you enter the number "1" as the name code, the name pattern shown in Fig. 8 will
It will be displayed on the pattern registration screen 55 as shown in FIG. Only one name code is assigned to one job. That is, in each pattern registration screen 55 shown in FIG. 11 to FIG.
The name code of is given.

To the right of the "Name Code No." column, there is a "Document Number" column. In this field, the number of pages of the original document to which the pattern code in the corresponding job is applied is input. In the example shown in FIG. 11, since the cover of the monthly report is one, the numerical value “1” is input as the “number of originals”.

At the upper right of the pattern registration screen 55, a “Page” column and a “number of originals” column are provided. Here, the number before the slash in the "Page" column indicates the number of the screen currently displayed. In the same job, this number will increase sequentially from 1. The number after the slash represents the number of currently registered screens. Registration will be described later. Next, the number before the slash in the "number of originals" column indicates the total number of originals before the currently displayed screen. The number after the slash represents the total number of currently registered documents.

Now, in the name pattern given by the name code, the number of copy sheets accommodated in each bin is inputted at the stage of pattern registration. In the monthly reports shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the cover sheet is distributed to all the distribution destinations specified by the name code, and the subsequent copies vary depending on the distribution destinations. In other words, depending on the department, only the cover page with the summary will be distributed,
There is also a department where all monthly report contents are distributed.

Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 11, one or more copies are individually input to all distribution destinations. The Tokyo head office and the Osaka head office each have 3 due to the internal distribution content.
The number of copies or two copies will be designated.

The number of copies for each bin number is input using the "BIN NO. []-[] Number of copies [] C / N []" column displayed at the bottom of the putter registration screen 55. That is, the bin number is entered in the first bracket and the number of copies is entered in the next bracket. When the letter C is entered in the last bracket, the cursor moves to the left again because the input for the next bin is made, and the entry is possible from the first bracket.
On the other hand, if the alphabet N is entered in the last bracket, it is considered that all the copies have been entered. In this case, "Register; T / F Not Registered; N" in the bottom row of the cursor not shown
Move to the column automatically.

When the operator inputs the letter T in parentheses in this state, the data on the displayed pattern is written and registered in the floppy disk described later. In this case, a link address is created and linked to the screen displayed next.

On the other hand, the operator puts the alphabet F in parentheses
When is input, the link is not performed, the data on the displayed pattern is written on the floppy disk and registered, and the end mark indicating the end is added.

When the alphabet N is input instead of the above operation, it is in an unregistered state, and the operator can input or correct data again.

When the alphabet T is input in the example shown in FIG. 11 and the input of the data for pattern registration is completed, the pattern registration screen 55 in which no data has been input is displayed on the CRT 41. In this state, the operator inputs data as shown in FIG. 12 and sets the pattern for the second and third monthly reports. Unlike FIG. 11, in FIG. 12, “pattern code N
O. "," Name code No. "and" Pattern name "are not in parentheses, and data entry is prohibited.
This is because these are the screens that are linked to each other, and these inputs are unnecessary for the second and subsequent screens. Here, the "number of originals" being "2" indicates that the monthly report of this pattern is a set of two.

In the pattern registration shown in FIG. 12, the number of copies is not input to the distribution destinations of the 21st and 22nd bins, for example. This indicates that a copy of the "monthly report" will not be distributed to them. Similarly, the number of copies of the 39th bottle of the Tokyo head office is different from the example of FIG. 11, but this shows that there may be a more detailed distribution form (sorting pattern) for the distribution destination. The pattern shown in FIG. 12 is also registered by the procedure shown in FIG. 11, and the next pattern registration work is started. In this way, the pattern registration shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 is performed for the same job.

To end the pattern registration work with necessary data input, enter the alphabet F in the "registration; T / F unregistered; N" field or press the escape key of the keyboard 42. When the letter F is entered, the pattern registration screen is displayed to register the next pattern.
55 will be displayed. At this time, it goes without saying that the "pattern code No.", "name code No." and "pattern name" fields can be input again.

When the escape key is pressed, registration work is not performed for the screen displayed at that time,
The screen will return to the menu selection screen 51. That is, if some patterns are registered immediately before that, these data are registered in the floppy disk and an end mark is added to the data of the last pattern registration of the same job.

Note that FIG. 15 shows the pattern code “300” and FIG. 16 shows the pattern code “200”. Further, in the above description, FIG.
Although the patterns shown in FIG. 14 have been described for one job, they can be easily discriminated by the fact that the "pattern code NO." And the "name code NO." Do not change.

(Data registration work) When the above work is completed, it is finally time to move to daily work. As the beginning of this work, the operator performs data registration work. Data registration is a job data registration work for sorting.

18 to 20 show display examples of the data registration screen.

First, FIG. 18 will be described as an example. When the data registration screen 52 is called, a screen on which "registration date" and "reception number" are displayed appears. Here, "October 27, 1986" as the "registration date" and "1027001" of the "reception number" are managed by the general-purpose computer 32 side and automatically displayed. The “receipt number” is composed of a total of 4 digits of data relating to the month and day and 3 digits of data relating to the “order”.

The operator first inputs the “department code”, the “requester”, and the “pattern code”. Where “department code”
For, enter the department code used in the charge system definition in the initial setting. The "requester" can be entered in any format such as its name. As for the “pattern code”, the desired pattern code in the pattern registration illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 17 is input.
As a result, the registered pattern is called. The operator can change the "number of originals", "paper size", and "paper feed tray" at this point. Also, the number of copies can be changed for distribution destinations. In this case, use the "BIN NO. []-[] Number of copies [] C / N []" column.

When the above work is completed, the operator advances the cursor to “register; T / F not registered; N []”. Here, when registering, the alphabet T or N is selected, and when not registered, the alphabet N is selected. When the letter T is selected, the data of the currently displayed screen is registered in the floppy disk, but it is considered that the same job is continuing. That is, the "reception number" on the data registration screen 52 displayed next is the same as that on the previous screen. On the other hand, when the alphabet F is selected, it is considered that the job is completed. In this case, the "reception number" on the data registration screen 52 displayed next is advanced by "1" from the previous screen.

Now, the "reception number" of the three data registration screens 52 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 are both "1027001", and they are the same job. These individual data registration screens 52 will be referred to as "data frames" in this specification. The job shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 is composed of 3 data frames. The number of originals in the first data frame (Fig. 18) is one, and the second data frame (Fig. 19) and the third data frame (Fig. 20)
Since the number of each of the originals is 2, the sorting is performed as one job for the originals of 5 pages in total.

If the letter T is entered in the "Registration: T / F not registered; N []" field, the next display screen is for the same job. Therefore, in this case, the same fields as those in the previous screen are automatically displayed in the fields of “department code” and “requester”, and the operator does not need to input them.

The data registration screen 52 shown in FIG. 21 is a screen displayed next to the data registration screen 52 shown in FIG. Therefore, the "reception number" is advanced by "1" from the previous screen. If the data registration is to end with the data registration shown in FIG. 21, the operator must enter “Register; T / F not registered; N
After inputting the alphabet F in the [] column, press the escape key on the keyboard 42 (Fig. 3).
As a result, from the data registration screen 52 to the menu selection screen 51
The screen display will return to.

(Data correction / search / erase work ... Data correction) Now, when the data registration work described above is completed on a daily basis, the data transmission work described later is performed and the sorting is executed. However, in some cases, it may be desired to correct or confirm the data registered in the previous data registration work. In such cases,
This is possible by calling the data correction, search, deletion, and index screen 53. To perform these operations, the numerical value "2" is input to the "selection NO." Displayed at the bottom of the menu selection screen 51 shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 shows an example of the data correction, search, deletion and index screen 53. The example shown in FIG. 22 corresponds to FIGS. 18 to 21, and two jobs are displayed. At the bottom of the screen 53, there are "correction; 1 search; 2 delete; 3 []" and "INDEX number" fields. In the former field, enter the numerical value according to the work contents. Here, “correction” means to correct the contents of data registration, and “search” means to check the contents of data. Further, "erasing" means erasing the contents of the corresponding data registration. The latter column is for selecting the index number of the job to be performed. Here, the index number means a number from "1" to "45" shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 shows a data correction screen when the operator selects the correction work. Data correction screen 63
The "Page" column displayed in indicates the number of data frames in the job and the data frame of the displayed screen. In this example, it is "1/3", so
This job is composed of three data frames, and it is shown that the first data frame is currently displayed.

Below this “Page” column, a “original number” column is provided. This indicates to which number the document displayed as the total number of documents in this job belongs. In this example, since it is "1/5", it can be seen that the total number of originals in this job is 5, and the displayed original is the first.

The "registration date" is shown at the left end of the same line as the "original number" column. In addition, "reception number", "department code", etc. are displayed below it. At these points, the operator can select "requester", "pattern code", "number of originals",
Corrections can be made to the data regarding "paper size" and "paper tray". Also a screen for data correction
It is also possible to modify the "BIN NO. []-[] Number of copies [] C / N []" column displayed at the bottom of 63. Of these, when the necessary corrections are completed, enter the alphabet in the fields of "Register; T Not Registered; N After Insertion; A Before B; Delete; D []".

If you want to replace the displayed data frame with the data frame before modification and register it,
Enter the letter T in "[]". Also, if you want to modify the data frame again,
Enter the letter N in "[]".

By the way, in this data correction work, not only correction of the data frame but also addition and deletion can be performed. To delete the displayed data frame itself, select “Register; T Not Register; N After Insert; A Before B; Delete; D
Enter the letter D in the [] "field. In this case, the data in the" Page "field and the" Number of originals "field will be automatically corrected accordingly. If you want to insert one screen after the current screen, enter the letter A in the above column. If you want to insert one screen before the currently displayed screen, enter the letter B in the above column. When adding screens (data frames) in this way, additional screens are displayed along with the input of alphabets.
The data in the "ge" column and the "number of originals" column will be automatically corrected.

When the user wants to output the next screen while calling the data correction screen 63, he or she may press the up-direction cursor key (not shown) arranged on the keyboard 42. Similarly, if the user wants to output the previous screen, he can press the down key of the cursor key.

To end the data modification work, press the escape key. When the escape key is pressed once, the data correction, search, deletion and index screen 53 is displayed, and when it is pressed again, the menu selection screen 51 is displayed.

(Data correction / search / erase work ... Search) Next, the data search will be described. If the number "2" is entered while the data correction, search, deletion, and index screen 53 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed and the target index number is entered, the data search for that job is performed. It becomes a state.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a state in which the operator has selected the data search screen. Job data cannot be modified or deleted on the data search screen 64. That is, this data search screen 64 is used to confirm the job if necessary before executing the job.

Such confirmation can be performed by calling the data correction screen 63 described above. However, in this case, there is a risk that the data will be replaced with different contents due to a key operation error or the like, so the system configuration is such that the data correction screen 63 can be called separately. This data correction screen 63 can also be switched to a required screen by pressing the up or down cursor keys. To end the data search operation, press the escape key. When the escape key is pressed once, the data correction, search, deletion and index screen 53 is displayed, and when it is pressed again, the menu selection screen 51 is displayed.

(Data correction / search / erase work ... Erase) Next, data erase will be described. Enter the numerical value "3" while the data correction, search, delete, and index screen 53 shown in Fig. 22 is displayed, and then enter the target index number to delete the data for that job. It becomes a state.

FIG. 25 shows an example of the data erasing screen displayed when the operator inputs the above-mentioned numerical value "3". The data erasing screen 65 has the same configuration as the data correcting, searching, erasing and indexing screen 53 shown in FIG. When you enter the index number of the job you want to delete, the "Reception number" and "Delete Y / N []" fields are displayed at the bottom of the screen to confirm the deletion. When the receipt number is confirmed and the letter Y is entered, the job data of that receipt number is deleted. By pressing the letter N, the index number of the job to be deleted can be input again. In this state, press the escape key to return to the data correction, search, delete, index screen 53, and press the escape key again to display the menu selection screen.
Return to 51.

(Data transmission) Now, "selection NO." On the menu selection screen 51 shown in FIG.
Entering the numerical value "3" in the field indicates that data transmission is being performed. In this data transmission work, the contents registered in the data are transmitted from the general-purpose computer 32 to the controller 33. After the transmission is completed, the operator operates the controller 33 to start the copy work for the necessary job.

Fig. 26 shows CRT4 when the value "3" is entered in the above-mentioned place.
This shows the data transmission screen displayed in 1. On the data transmission screen 54, "reception number" and "department code" are displayed in association with the index number. Here, these job data are displayed in different colors as follows.

(I) Before data transmission ... Green (ii) After data transmission before the end of the job ... White (iii) End of the job ... Red Now, at the bottom of the data transmission screen 54, "Transmission INDEX number [ ]-[] Reception number scroll [] "column is provided. In the first two brackets, enter the index number to start transmission in the previous bracket. When transmitting data from the index number "1", enter the numerical value "1" here. Transmission is performed in order from this number. The last index number to be transmitted is entered in the subsequent parentheses. However, if you do not want to limit the ending number, leave this part blank.

Data can be sent for up to 45 jobs at a time, and these can be further selected on the controller 33 side, so
There is no need to adjust which reception number is sent first when sending.

By the way, the "receipt number scroll []" is used when displaying the receipt number which is not currently displayed on the screen of the CRT 41 at the time of data transmission and transmitting the data. That is, in the programmable copying machine of this embodiment,
You can create more than 46 jobs, but CRT4
4 as the maximum number that can be sent at one time on one screen
Only 5 jobs can be displayed. Therefore, enter the number of the first job among the jobs that should be displayed in parentheses in this "receipt number scroll []", "upgrade" it to the first index number, and then "send INDEX number again. By specifying []-[] ", you can specify multiple jobs that extend from the second half of the first screen to the next screen, and jobs on the next and subsequent screens.
It becomes possible to display it on the CRT41 and send it.

When a job to be transmitted is set and a return key (not shown) on the keyboard 42 is pressed, data transmission is started. At the same time, a message indicating the current state is output to the bottom column of the data transmission screen 54. These include, for example:

(I) Start data transmission.

(Ii) Data is being transmitted.

(Iii) Data is being received.

(Iv) Communication error.

(V) Copying is in progress.

(Vi) A paper jam has occurred.

(Vii) Copying is complete.

The total number of jobs sent is displayed on the right side of the bottom column of the screen 54.

In this message, (iii) “Receiving data” means that the controller 33 is receiving data for collecting charges from the general-purpose computer 32. Further, (v) the following copying is a message indicating the operating state of the copying machine with sorter 34.

When the data is transmitted, these job data are written in a RAM (random access memory) (not shown) in the controller 33. Further, the numerical value display section (not shown) of the controller 33 displays the index number of the first job of the transmitted job data. Further, when the job data is transmitted, a copy confirmation slip is output from the printer 31 for the convenience of the copy work.

The job data can be transmitted any number of times while the system is operating. In this case, the RAM in the computer 33 writes a set of job data sent later on the previous job data and changes the stored contents.

So, for example, in the morning, index numbers "1" through "1"
If job data up to 5 "is sent and job data with index numbers" 5 "to" 40 "is sent in the afternoon, in the latter stage, index numbers" 1 "to" 4 "will be sent. Jobs with reception numbers cannot be executed.If it is necessary to execute jobs with reception numbers with index numbers "1" to "4" later, you must send new job data for them. I won't.

If the contents stored in the RAM are changed by the job data sent later, the color displayed on the CRT 41 will also be all green at the time of this change.

27 and 28 show examples of output of the copy confirmation slip. When the job data is transmitted, the copy confirmation slip 60 is printed out for each receipt number. 27th
The figure shows the job contents for the reception number "1027001" shown in FIG. 26, and FIG. 28 shows the job contents for the reception number "1027002".

Here, the copy confirmation slip 66 will be described with reference to FIG. 27 as an example.
In the bottom column of the copy confirmation slip 66, the total number of originals in the job, the copy size, and the total number of copies are displayed. The number of sheets for each delivery destination is different from the display of each data frame at the time of data registration, and the total number for each job, that is, the total number of delivery destination sheets in the previous data frame is displayed. The process of calculating the number of sheets in the fourth design unit of the fifth bin is as follows.

(1 × 1) + (2 × 1) + (2 × 2) = 7 The operator can use the copy confirmation slip 66 to confirm the contents before the start of the copying work, and after the copying is completed. Can be used as reference data when confirming the number of copies and distributing.

By the way, on the side of the copying machine with sorter 34, the operator operates the controller 33 to set the index number of the job to be performed from now on. Then, the original used for the job is set on an original feeding device (not shown) or set on a platen glass (not shown) to start the copying operation. When the work for one job is completed, the data corresponding to the job on the CRT 41 is changed to red as described above. At this stage, the operator
Operate to select the next job and start copying in the same way. In this way, copy work is performed.
Of course, the operator can select not only the job displayed in white on the CTR 41 but also the job which has already been executed and turned red, on the controller 33, and the copying work of the same content is performed again. You can also

In this way, the daily copying work is carried out. In the programmable copying machine of the present embodiment, the data as a result of these copying works is accumulated and the copying fee is charged to each department based on this. can do. For this purpose, data setting for fee collection is performed.

(Charge total) Now, select "NO." On the menu selection screen 51 shown in Fig. 5.
Entering the numerical value "5" in the field will cause the charge to be calculated.

FIG. 29 shows the charge collection screen displayed on the CRT 41 in this state. On the fee collection screen 56, two columns are displayed: a "total period []-[]" column and a "department; 1 reception number; 2 []" column. If you enter the number "1" in the latter field, the totals for each department will be calculated. On the other hand, if you enter the numerical value "2" in this latter field, the totaling by receipt number will be performed.

FIG. 30 shows an example of inputting data when tabulation by department is performed. In this example,
From September 1, 1986 to September 30, the same year. When the period is set and the return key on the keyboard 42 is pressed, the general-purpose computer 32 calculates the charge based on the data sent from the controller 33, and the result is printed by the printer.
Output to 31.

FIG. 31 shows the charge summary by department as the contents printed out in this case. The department-specific charge aggregation 67 is the charge aggregation by department defined by the department code described above. The fee shown here is not based on the contents set as a job, but based on the copying operation actually performed by the sorter-equipped copying machine 34. That is, when the copy work is stopped in the middle of a job or when the same job is repeated a plurality of times, the exact number of copies is calculated and output. Not only the fee for each department but also the data about the number of originals, the number of copies, and the paper size is output.
This is because it can be used not only as the basic data for calculating the charge but also for reviewing the entire copying work such as when changing the model of the copying machine.

FIG. 32 shows an example of the result when fees are collected by receipt number. In this case, the charge is calculated for each job in ascending order of the reception number. Also, the total charges for all reception numbers for the relevant period will be calculated and displayed. Since the department codes are also displayed in the charge number-based charge aggregation 68, it is possible to analyze which department code work is concentrated at which time.

Example of Work in Copy Room The programmable copier of this embodiment has been described above focusing on the operation of the general-purpose computer 32. Next, an example of actual work in the copy room will be described.

FIG. 33 shows an example of the flow of work in the copy room. In this figure, the work flow is represented by eight steps. It goes without saying that initial setting and pattern registration are performed prior to these operations.

(Step) Now, in the copying room, the operator 72 uses the communication means such as the telephone 71 and the facsimile device to preliminarily accept the contents of the job, and the contents are registered in the general-purpose computer 32 as data. For example, if a certain department makes a prior notification to copy the monthly report, the worker 72 will register the data for this at this point. Details of data registration by the general-purpose computer 32 have been described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22 above.

(Step) After this, the originals to be copied are gathered in the copy room.

(Step) The operator compares the arrived manuscript with the contents registered in advance to check whether the manuscript is missing or changed. Regarding this, it is convenient to perform the data search described in FIG.

(Step) If there is a need to make corrections or changes to the location where the data was registered, this work will be performed. Even when the registered job is canceled, the work is changed at this point. The work of this step corresponds to FIGS. 22 to 25.

(Step) When the job as a work target is determined, data is transmitted from the general-purpose computer 32 to the controller 33. At this time, the copy confirmation slip 66 is printed out. The above work corresponds to the work described in FIGS. 26 to 28.

(Step) After the data is stored in the controller 33, the copying operation by the sorter-equipped copying machine 34 is performed. At this time, the operator as an operator confirms the receipt number of the controller 33 and the receipt number of the manuscript to perform the copying work.

(Step) The operator takes out the completed copy from the sorter 47 and moves it to the mail shelf 74 using the copy confirmation slip 66.
The mail shelf 74 has shelves corresponding to each distribution destination,
Distribution destinations are written on these shelves. When the sorter 47 becomes empty, the process returns to the step again and the next copy operation is performed. In addition, data registration and data transmission will be performed as necessary.

(Step) The copy paper stored in the mail shelf 74 is appropriately distributed to each distribution destination by the mail delivery worker 75.
In addition, the general-purpose computer 32 collects the charges for each predetermined period such as monthly payment, and bills the corresponding departments. Billing has been described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 32. For example, in the case of continuing to manage the fee on a monthly basis, the floppy disk used in the general-purpose computer 32 for accumulating the fee total data may be exchanged every month to store the data.

The contents of the programmable copying machine have been described above. Next, the main parts of this copying machine will be described.

Structure of General-purpose Computer FIG. 34 shows the structure of a general-purpose computer and the input / output devices connected to it. General purpose computer
32 has a dedicated CPU (central processing unit) 101. CPU1
01 is connected to the following parts by a bus 102.

(A) Boot ROM 103 The boot ROM (BOOT ROM) 103 is a general-purpose computer 3
It is a read-only memory that stores a basic program for starting up 2.

(B) DAM controller 104 This is a circuit for controlling data exchange with the memory independently of the CPU 101.

(C) Clock circuit 105 This is a circuit for creating a clock.

(D) Printer interface 106 This is an interface circuit for connecting the printer 31.

(E) CRT interface 107 This is an interface circuit for connecting the CRT41.

(F) Keyboard interface 108 An interface for connecting the keyboard 42.

(G) RAM109 Random access for work to temporarily store data
It is a memory.

(H) Clock circuit 110 Since this programmable copier manages the date, this clock circuit 110 stores the calendar and operates with the internal power supply even if the general-purpose computer 32 is powered off. You can do

(B) Buzzer interface 111 This is a circuit for generating a buzzer sound when a key on the keyboard 42 is pressed.

(F) Floppy disk controller 112 This is a circuit for controlling the two kinds of floppy disk drivers 113 and 114 equipped in the general-purpose computer 32. Here is the first floppy disk driver 11
3 is (i) a program for operating the system of the general-purpose computer 32, (ii) fee system data, (iii)
This is a driver for a floppy disk that stores the name pattern data and (iv) pattern registration data. Further, the second floppy disk driver 114 is a driver for driving a floppy disk used for data for fee collection and data registration.

(L) Communication control circuit 115 The communication control circuit 115 is a circuit used to control data communication with the controller 33 described below.

Structure of Controller FIG. 35 shows the structure of the controller 33 having the above-mentioned general-purpose computer 32 and the copying machine with sorter 34 (see FIG. 3).

The controller 33 also has its own CPU 121. The CPU 121 is connected to the following parts by a bus 122.

(B) ROM123 This is a read-only memory that stores a program for controlling the controller 33.

(B) RAM124 This is a random access memory for work.

(C) Communication control circuit 125 This is a circuit used to control data communication with the communication control circuit 115 in the general-purpose computer 32.

(D) First input port 126 The first input port 126 handles input data inside the controller 33. This includes mode switch 12
There is mode switching information sent from 7 and push information sent from the forward switch 128.

FIG. 36 shows the operation panel of the controller. At the lower left part of the operation panel 129, a mode changeover switch 127 and a forward switch 128 are arranged. Here, the mode changeover switch 127 is a switch for selectively selecting one of two modes of "program sorter mode" and "copy code". However, when copying is being performed while the controller 33 is set to the "program sorter mode", this mode selection switch 127
When is pressed, the "interrupt copy mode" is set. In this "interrupt copy mode", the copying machine with sorter 34 can perform the interrupt processing of copying.

On the other hand, the forward switch 128 is used when advancing a job, that is, advancing an acceptance number when a large number of jobs are sent to the controller 33. Each time the forward switch 128 is pressed once, the job advances one job at a time, and when the forward switch 128 is pressed continuously, the job advances by one job every 0.3 seconds by the processing of the CPU 121. To move the job back one job at a time, press the mode switch 12
The forward switch 128 may be pushed in the state of being set to the "copy mode" by 7. Also,
In this controller 33, when the mode changeover switch 127 and the forward switch 128 are pressed at the same time, the reset operation is performed so that the process in the data frame currently in progress returns to the beginning of the data frame.

(E) First output port 131 In FIG. 35, the first output port handles output data inside the controller 33. This includes data output for the acceptance number display circuit 132, data output for the operation display circuit 133, and data output for the controller power supply off circuit 134.

Here, the reception number display circuit 132 is a circuit for displaying the reception number in three digits on the display window 135 arranged at the upper left of the operation panel 129 shown in FIG. In the display window 135, the data frame number of the job is displayed when copying is started in the sorter-equipped copying machine 34. When the designated job is completed, the dot in the display window 135 is turned on, indicating that the reception number displayed again at this point is already completed. This is to prevent a situation in which the operator mistakenly restarts the copying operation with the receipt number.

When a dot is displayed in the display window 135, the operator operates the forward switch 128 to select the next job unless the job is repeated. Incidentally, when all the jobs sent to the controller 33 are completed, the reception number itself in the display window 135 blinks.

Eight display lamps (light emitting diodes) 137 are arranged in a row on the right side of the display window 135 of the operation panel. These are driven by the operation display circuit 133.
Here, the program sorter mode lamp is a lamp that indicates a state in which the copying machine is set to the program sorter mode. The copy mode lamp is a lamp indicating that the copying machine is set to the copy mode. The interrupt copy lamp is a lamp that displays a state in which interrupt copy is performed. The program sorter mode copying lamp is a lamp that lights up while copying is being performed in the program sorter mode. The data receiving lamp is a lamp that indicates a state where data is being received from the general-purpose computer 32. This includes sending job data. The data transmitting lamp is a general-purpose computer.
This is a lamp that displays the status of transmitting data to 32. This includes data for fee collection. The communication error lamp is a lamp displayed when a communication error occurs. The communication error will be described in detail later.

The wait lamp is a lamp that indicates a standby state. This lamp is lit during that time, for example, if the operator attempts to switch the program on the general purpose computer 32 that pressed the escape key to a program other than a programmable copier, which would be temporarily postponed. The communication error lamp is a lamp that lights up when an error occurs in communication data between the general-purpose computer 32 and the controller 33.

(F) Second input port 141 Returning to FIG. 35, the explanation will be continued. Unlike the first input port 126, the second input port 141 handles data input from the sorter-equipped copying machine 34. Ready data here 14
2 is data indicating that the sorter-equipped copying machine 34 is ready. Automatic document feed selection switch data 143
Is data indicating that the automatic document feeder (not shown) is selected in the copying machine with sorter 34. The sorter selection switch data 144 is data indicating that the sorter 47 has been selected. Start print switch data 145
Is data indicating that a start print switch (not shown) on the copying machine body 46 side has been pressed to instruct to start copying.

The exposure signal 146 is data indicating that flash exposure has been performed as an exposure operation on the copier body 46 side. Each time the flash exposure is performed once, the original is copied one by one. Registration clock 147 is Sorter 47
When the timing of the flash exposure control differs depending on the bin number of, the data is used as data for notifying the timing. The machine clock 148 is the copier body 46.
It is a basic clock created on the side. The document empty signal 149 is data indicating that the document is empty while the automatic document feeder is selected. The sorter increment signal 150 is data that is output each time a copy sheet enters the bin of the sorter 47 and is used as billing data. The machine shutdown signal 151 is data indicating that the copying machine with sorter 34 is stopped. The copying machine power-on signal 152 is data indicating that the copying machine main body 46 is powered on.

(G) Second Output Port 161 Unlike the first output port 131, the second output port 161 handles data to be sent to the sorter-equipped copying machine 34.
Here, the start print pulse 162 is a pulse generated after the start print switch data 145 is input to the controller 33, and is output when the controller 33 side is ready when the program sorter mode is set. . The copy number setting signal 163 is data for setting the copy number. The sorter bin select pulse 164 is data for selecting the bin of the sorter 47 according to the sort mode. Program delivered pulse
Reference numeral 165 is data for notifying the copy machine with sorter 34 side each time copy paper is stored for each original.

The program clear pulse 166 is data output to clear the number of copies when the first original is taken, for example, when the first original is 5 sheets and the second original is 10 sheets. Is. The print pause signal 167 is data output when a pause is taken when the flash exposure timing is thinned. The tray selection signal 168 is
This is data for selecting which supply tray on the side of the copying machine main body 46 to use.

Structure of Communication Data Next, the structure of communication data performed between the general-purpose computer 32 and the controller 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 40.

Of these, FIG. 37 shows a controller from the general-purpose computer 32.
This shows the structure of the job data sent to 33. The job data 171 communicated at one time includes a plurality of reception numbers (normally, such as the job data 171-1 for the first reception number, the job data 171-2 for the second reception number, etc.). Multiple jobs). Furthermore, the respective job data 171-1, 1
71-2 ... is composed of a data unit 172 for each frame.

Here, in the first data unit 172 of the receipt number, data regarding the receipt number, the size of copy paper, the number of originals, the allocation of each bin number and the number of copies, and the number of frames in the job data of the receipt number are stored. It is arranged. In addition, subsequent data units within the same receipt number
In 172, data excluding the reception number is arranged.

In the data unit of the final frame, a flag indicating the final frame is written at the display position of the number of frames. As for the last frame of the last job data of one communication, a transmission end code indicating the end of transmission is written in a data arrangement location that displays the number of frames.

Next, FIG. 38 shows the controller 33 to the general-purpose computer 32.
It shows the structure of the aggregated copy data sent to. The copy total data 173 has a configuration in which a receipt number, the number of documents, paper size information, and copy number information are sent in this order, and a data end code is added at the end. Here, the paper size information is information such as specifying the size of the copy paper to A4 size, for example. The copy number information indicates the number of copies for that paper size. When there are a plurality of combinations of paper size and the number of copies, the result of actual copying for each combination is displayed in the blank spaces in the figure.

FIG. 39 shows the structure of a message sent from the controller 33 to the general-purpose computer 32. message
174 includes a receipt number, a message copy, and a data end code. Here, the message code and its contents are as follows, for example.

M1; Receipt number XXX is being copied.

M2; Receipt number XXX has finished copying.

A jam has occurred in M3; reception number XXX.

M4; reception number XXX Please supply copy paper.

M5; Power is off.

M6; A mismatch occurred in the number of manuscripts.

M7; Copier is down.

M8; (Message clear code) M9; Communication error occurred.

FIG. 40 shows the structure of a message sent from the general-purpose computer 32 to the controller 33. This message
175 is composed of a soft end code. CRT
When the operator presses the aforementioned escape key on the keyboard 42 while the menu screen is displayed at 41, the general purpose computer 32 initiates the process of ending the execution of the program for the programmable copier. At this time, if the program as a programmable copying machine can be terminated, a message 175 as a software end code is sent to the controller 33 side.

By the way, when the general-purpose computer 32 arbitrarily stops the cooperating work as the programmable copying machine, the controller 33 cannot collect the charges for the copies being sorted. Therefore, if the escape key is pressed during the collection of charges, the general-purpose computer 32 does not immediately terminate the execution of the program as the programmable copying machine. The execution of the program will be terminated when the general-purpose computer 32 side completely completes the copy fee collection task and the printout task.

Therefore, in the programmable copying machine system in which the operator does not request the charge collection work for this programmable copying machine, the general-purpose computer 32 can immediately terminate the execution of the program when the escape key is pressed. Thus, it becomes possible to immediately perform other work such as creating a Japanese sentence using another floppy disk.

Operation of General-purpose Computer Next, the operation of the general-purpose computer 32 will be described for each item.

(Menu Screen Flow) FIG. 41 shows an outline of the menu screen flow on the CRT 41. When the power of the general-purpose computer 32 is turned on, a menu selection process is performed (step), and a menu selection screen 51 (see FIG. 5) is output (step). On this menu selection screen 51, the number of records in which data can be registered is displayed (step).

In this state, the CP in the general-purpose computer 32 shown in FIG. 34 is
U101 waits for any key on keyboard 42 to be pressed (step). Then, when the numerical value "1" is input from the ten-key pad (step: Y), the data registration process is performed (step). On the other hand, if the numerical value "2" is input (step: Y), data correction / search / erase processing is performed (step). Numerical value “3” from the numeric keypad
If is input (step: Y), the data transmission process is performed (step). If the numerical value "4" is entered from the numeric keypad (step: Y). Pattern registration processing is performed (step). If the numerical value "5" is entered from the ten-key pad (step: Y), the charge totaling process is performed (step). If the number “6” is entered using the numeric keypad (step
: Y), initial setting processing is performed (step).

Unlike the above, when the escape key (ESC) is pressed while the menu selection screen 51 is displayed (step: Y), the process for terminating the software as the programmable copying machine is performed (step). . Also “1”
If any key other than “6” and the escape key is pressed from (Step: N), a message indicating a key input error is displayed on the menu selection screen 51 (Step), and the user waits for the correct key input. It becomes (step).

Soft Termination Process FIG. 42 specifically shows the software termination process as the termination of the program of the programmable copying machine in the step of FIG. 41.

If there is no data transmitted from the general-purpose computer 32 to the controller 33 when the escape key is pressed (step: N), that is, if the work for starting the job is not performed, the general-purpose computer 32 immediately ends the soft end. The code 175 (see FIG. 40) is transmitted to the controller 33 (step). In this case, the controller
The program down is performed (step) at the time when there is communication to the effect that it has been received from the 33 side (step: Y), whereby the work of the programmable copying machine by the cooperation of the general-purpose computer 32 and the controller 33 is completed.

On the other hand, if there is reply data, CPU101
Determines whether or not copying is being performed in the program sorter mode (step). If copying is in progress, a message indicating that copying is in progress is output until the copying is completed (step).

When the copying in the program sorter mode has been completed, it is determined whether or not there is unaggregated data regarding the billing (step). If there is no unaggregated data, the general-purpose computer 32 immediately returns the soft exit code 17
5 (see FIG. 40) is transmitted to the controller 33 (step).

On the other hand, when there is unaggregated data, the copy aggregated data 173 (see FIG. 38) is continuously received from the controller 33 (step). At the end of this reception, the general-purpose computer 32 displays the soft end code.
175 (see FIG. 40) is transmitted to the controller 33 (step).

(Data Registration Process) FIG. 43 concretely shows the flow of the data registration process in the step of FIG. 41.

When the data registration screen 52 (see FIG. 18) is output (step), the CPU 101 calls out the final registered reception number. Then, "1" is added to this, and this is used as the current reception number and is output to the data registration screen 52 (step).
After this, a key input standby state is entered (step).

When there is a key input from the keyboard 42, if it is related to a pattern code (step: Y), the corresponding pattern is output to the data registration screen 52 (step). Then, it again enters a state of waiting for key input (step).

When a name code is input from the keyboard 42 (step), the corresponding name pattern is output on the data registration screen 52 (step). And
It is ready to wait for key input again (step).

Further, when data is input from the keyboard 42 (step), the input data is displayed on the data registration screen 52 (step), and a state of waiting for key input again is set (step).

When "" of the cursor keys is pressed (step), the screen of the next page is output (step), and when "" is pressed (step), 1
The screen of the page before the page is output (step).
Then, it again enters a state of waiting for a key input (step).

On the other hand, the operator displays "BIN NO. []-[] Number of copies [] C / N displayed at the bottom of the data registration screen 52.
If you enter "N" in the [] column (step), the cursor moves to the "Register; T / F not registered; N []" column and waits for key input (step). When "T", which means registration, is typed in (step:
Y), the data displayed on the CRT 41 is stored in the floppy disk stored in the second floppy disk driver 114 (step). Then, the next registration screen is displayed on the CRT 41 (step). CPU in this state
101 counts the number of pages and the number of originals, and displays it on the relevant part of the data registration screen 52 (step). In this case, the input of the name code and the name of the client is prohibited thereafter (step). This is because the same content as the previous page is automatically displayed. After this, the key input is again waited for (step).

If the cursor is advanced to the "Register; T / F Not Registered; N []" field and the alphabet "N" that means Not Registered is keyed in (Step: Y), it is displayed The key input is again permitted for the data registration screen 52 (step).

On the other hand, when the alphabet "F" which means the registration of the final screen is keyed in (step: Y), the data on the screen is stored in the above-mentioned floppy disk (step), and then the data registration is performed. The registration end flag, which means the output of, is set (step), and the next data registration screen is output (step).

Also, unlike the above key input, when the escape key is pressed (step), the screen display returns to the menu selection screen 51 for which the data registration work has been completed.

When a key input other than the above-described key input is performed (step: N), a key input error message is displayed on the screen (step), and a key input standby state is set (step).

Even when the escape key is pressed in the state before shifting to the step (step: Y), the data registration work ends and the screen display returns to the menu selection screen 51. If the letter "C" is entered in the "BIN NO. []-[] Number of copies [] C / N []" field (step), key input continues on that display screen (step) When data other than "C" or "N" is input to this input location, a key input error message is displayed on the screen (step) and the key input standby state is entered (step).

(Data Correction / Search / Delete) FIG. 44 specifically shows the flow of the data correction / search / delete processing in the step of FIG. 41.

Data correction, search, deletion, index screen 53 (22nd
(See the figure) (step), the CPU 101 outputs the reception number and department code of the registered data to the calling screen (step). After this, a key input standby state is entered (step).

In this state, if the numerical value "1" is input and data correction is instructed (step: Y), the data correction flag is set to RAM1.
It is set in a predetermined area in 09 (step). Then, it is in a state of waiting for the input of the index number. On the other hand, when the numerical value “2” or “3” is input, it means that the data retrieval (step) or the data deletion (step) is instructed. Therefore, in such a case, the search flag is set (step) or the erase flag is set (step) in the predetermined area in the RAM 109, and then the input of the index number is awaited.

Now, when the index number is entered after selecting the state of data correction, search, or deletion (step
: Y), the CPU 101 determines whether job data exists at the corresponding index number (step).
When a nonexistent index number is input (N), a key input error message (MSG) is output on the screen 53 for correcting, retrieving, deleting, and indexing data as a mistake in key input (step). .

On the other hand, when the job data exists at the corresponding index number, the CPU 101 refers to the contents of the area of the RAM 109 described above. If the flag set in that area is a data correction flag (step: Y), a process for data correction is performed (step). If the flag set in the area is a data search flag (step: Y), a process for data search is performed (step). Furthermore, if the flag set in that area is a data erasing flag (step: Y),
A process for erasing data is performed (step). These processes (steps, ...) Will be described in detail later. When these processes are completed, the CRT 41 outputs the data correction, search, deletion, and index screen 53 again (step).

On the other hand, when the escape key is pressed in the key input standby state (step) (step: Y), the data correction, search, and deletion operations are completed, and the screen display returns to the menu selection screen 51. If information other than the index number or escape key press information is input (step: N), the key input error message (MSG) indicates that there was a mistake in key input, and the data correction, search, deletion,
It is output on the index screen 53 (step).

(Details of Data Correction) FIG. 45 specifically shows the data correction process shown in the step of FIG. In the data correction process, the data correction screen 63 (see FIG. 23) is first output on the CRT 41 (step). Then, the first page (first data frame) of the data of the corresponding receipt number designated by the index number is displayed on the CRT 41 (step). After that, the key input standby state is entered (step).

In this state, if the correction data is input (step), the input data is displayed at the corresponding position on the data correction screen 63 (step). Then, the state of waiting for key input is resumed (step).

On the other hand, when "" of the cursor keys is pressed as key input (step), the screen of the next page is output (step), and when "" is pressed (step), The screen one page before is output (step). Then, it again enters a state of waiting for a key input (step).

Now, "BIN NO. []-[] Copies [] C / N []"
If the letter "N" is entered in the field (step), the cursor advances to the next lower column, but if the letter "C" is entered (step: N ,:
Y), the correction work of the data in the data frame can be continued (step). When the escape key is pressed as a key other than the above keys (step: Y), the work for data correction ends, and the CRT41 displays the data correction, search, delete, and index screen 53. . If any key other than the above is pressed (step: N), the key input error message (MSG) is displayed on the data correction screen 63 as a mistake in key input.
Output above (step).

By the way, "BIN NO. []-[] Number of copies [] C / N
When the letter "N" is entered in the [] column (step: Y), the cursor moves to the "Register; T Not Registered; N After Insert; A Before; B Delete; D []" The key input for the alphabet is awaited at (step).

When the corrected contents are not registered, the operator inputs the alphabet "N" which means unregistered at this point (step). In this case, the step state is returned to again.

When replacing the displayed data frame with the uncorrected data frame and registering it, the operator inputs the letter "T" (step). In this case, CR
The data of the data frame displayed on T41 is the second
It is stored in the floppy disk set in the floppy disk driver 114 (step). Then, the number of corrected originals is calculated, and the next data correction screen 63 is output (step). After this, a key input standby state is entered (step).

By the way, as described above, in this data correction work, not only the correction of the data frame can be performed, but also addition and deletion can be performed. First, to insert one screen after the currently displayed screen, enter the alphabet "A" in the "Register; T Not Registered; N After Insert; A Before; B Delete; D []" fields ( Step). When inserting one screen before the currently displayed screen, the alphabet "B" is entered in the above-mentioned field (step). In these cases, the link address is changed (step).

Here, the link address is one job (reception number)
The address that links each data frame in. For example, assume that a job with a certain receipt number is composed of a data frame of 5 pages in total. In this case, the address of the data frame of the next second page is written in the first data frame, and the address of its own data frame and the address of the third data frame are written in the second data frame. It is written. Third
In the same manner, the address of this data frame itself and the address of the next fourth data frame are also written in the data frame of. In the fifth data frame, the address of the fourth data frame of the link destination and the end mark indicating the end of the link are written.

Therefore, when adding or deleting the data frame itself, it is necessary to match the addresses between the two linked data frames. For this purpose, one page is added to all pages of the current data frame (step), the linking address is changed, and then the added registration screen is output to the CRT 41. (Step). Then, key input is permitted on the screen displayed for this addition (step).

To delete the displayed data frame itself, click “Register; T Not Register; N After Insert; A Before; B Delete; D
Enter the letter “D” in the [] ”field (step). In this case also, the link address is changed (step), and the total number of data frames constituting the job is reduced by 1 (step). The screen of the page one page after this will be displayed on the CRT 41 (step). In this case also, the key input for data correction can be performed on the newly displayed data correction screen 63. Becomes (step).

On the other hand, if the escape key is pressed at the time of shifting to the step (step), the work for data correction is completed, and the CPT41 displays the data correction, search, delete, and index screen 53. become. When any key other than the above is pressed (step: N), a key input error message is output on the data correction screen 63 as a key input error (step). In this state, the operator can make a correct key input (step).

(Details of Data Search) FIG. 46 specifically shows the data search process shown in the step of FIG. 44. In the data search process, the data search screen 64 is first displayed on the CRT 41 (see Fig. 24).
Is output (step). Then, the first page (first data frame) of the data of the corresponding receipt number designated by the index number is displayed on the CRT 41 (step). After that, the key input standby state is entered (step).

When "" of the cursor keys is pressed in this state (step), the screen of the next page is output (step), and the operator can confirm the content. When "" of the cursor keys is pressed (step), the screen one page before is output (step), and the operator can confirm the content.

To end the data search, the operator presses the escape key (step). In this case, instead of the data search screen 64, the data correction, search, deletion and index screen 53 is displayed. When any key other than the above is pressed (step: N), a key input error message is output to the data search screen 64 because there is a mistake in key input (step). And
The key input standby state is entered again (step).

(Details of Data Erasing) FIG. 47 specifically shows the data erasing process shown in the step of FIG. In the data erasing process, the operator inputs the numerical value “3” while the data correction, search, erasure and index screen 53 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. As a result, the data erasing screen 65 (see FIG. 25) is output on the CRT 41 (step). This data erasing screen 65 has the same structure as the data correcting, searching, erasing and indexing screen 53 shown in FIG.

In this state, the CPU 101 waits for a key input by the operator (step). When the operator enters the index number of the job (reception number) to be deleted (step), the "reception number" and "delete Y / N []" fields are displayed at the bottom of the screen to confirm the deletion. (Step). If the operator notices an operation error at this stage, he / she inputs the alphabet “N” key for invalidating the erasure as a key input (step). This allows the operator to enter the index number again (step).

On the other hand, if the escape key is pressed instead of the index number (steps: N,: Y), the data deletion process ends and the data correction, search, deletion, index screen 53 is displayed. become. When a key other than the above is erroneously input (step: N), a key input error message is output (step), and the correct key can be input (step).

On the other hand, if the "receipt number" is displayed at the bottom of the screen to confirm the deletion and the "Y" key for confirming the deletion is entered with the "Erase Y / N []" field displayed. (Step), the data of the corresponding receipt number is deleted (Step). Then, the reception number is cleared on the screen display, and the screen display is performed in a state where the next reception number is carried up to the index number (step). On the other hand, when the operator wants to end the erasing operation without erasing the data or re-designating the index number for erasing, the operator presses the escape key (step).

When any key other than the "N" key, the "Y" key and the escape key is pressed, a key input error message is output (step), and the correct key can be input (step).

(Data Transmission) FIG. 48 specifically shows the flow of data transmission processing in the step of FIG. 41. In this data transmission operation, the contents registered in the data are transmitted from the general-purpose computer 32 to the controller 33. At this time, CP
The U101 first outputs the data transmission screen 54 (see FIG. 26) (step). Then, the reception number and department code of the registered data are output on the screen (step).
After this, a key input standby state is entered (step).

When the operator inputs the start number and the end number of the index number for which data should be transmitted from the keyboard 42 (step: Y), the data of the corresponding reception number is transmitted (step). During data transmission, a message "data transmission" is displayed on the screen (step). When the data transmission for each job is completed, the reception number of the transmission data changes from green to white (step). When transmission of all the jobs to be transmitted is completed (step: Y), the transmission data is printed out by the printer 31 (step).

By the way, only a maximum of 45 jobs can be displayed on the data transmission screen 54 displayed on the CRT 41. Therefore
When 46 or more jobs are prepared, the "" key or "" key of the cursor keys is used to confirm another screen as necessary. When the "" key is pressed (step), the screen of the next page is output (step). When the "" key is pressed (step), the screen one page before is output (step).

In this way, the operator can grasp the status of each screen and
It is assumed that the reception number that extends over pages or the reception number that starts over on page 2 is specified. In this case, the operator inputs, for example, the index number of the earliest job among the jobs to be data-transmitted in the "reception number scroll []" displayed on the data transmission screen 54 (step: Y). As a result, the screen display pointer is moved by the number of scrolls (step), and the reception number and department code from the position newly indicated by the pointer to +44 jobs are displayed on the CRT 41 (step). That is, the currently input index number is "upgraded" to the first index number. In this state, the operator displays "Send INDEX number []-" on the display screen.
[]] Is designated (step). Of course, the operator does not have to designate the index number "1".

Unlike the above key operation, when the escape key is input in the state (step) where the key can be input (step), the data transmission work is completed and CR
The menu selection screen 51 is displayed on T41.
If any key other than those described above is operated by mistake (step: N), a key input error message is output (step), and the correct key can be entered (step).

(Pattern Registration) FIG. 49 specifically shows the flow of pattern registration processing in the step of FIG. 41. In this pattern registration work, the CPU 101 first sets the pattern registration screen 55 (first
(See Fig. 11) is output (step). Here, a key input standby state is set (step).

If there is a key input (Y) and this is the depression of the cursor key "" (step: Y), the screen of the next page is output (step). On the other hand, when the "" key is pressed (step: Y), the screen one page before is output (step). In the state where the desired page is output in this manner, the operator performs the pattern registration work in which the standard work is patterned.

First, the operator inputs "pattern code NO." From the ten keys (steps: N,: Y). The entered number is
It is displayed at the corresponding location on the CRT41 (step). Similarly, the operator inputs the pattern name (step). At this time, kanji can be input by a method such as kana-kanji conversion. The pattern name is also displayed at the corresponding location on the CRT41 (step).

When the above operation is completed, the name code is input (step: Y). When the name code is input, the corresponding name pattern will be displayed on the screen (step). Then, the operator inputs the number of documents to which the name pattern is applied in the corresponding job from the ten keys (step,). Then, the number of copies is input for each bin.

The number of copies for each bin is input by specifying the bin number and inputting the number of copies (step,). Such input is performed using the "BIN NO. []-[] Number of copies [] C / N []" column displayed at the bottom of the pattern registration screen 55. After this, you will enter the letter "C" or "N" in the last bracket of this field.

If the alphabet “C” is input here (step,: N,: Y), the input for the next bin is enabled. That is, the cursor moves to the left side again in that field on the display screen, and input is possible from the first bracket.

On the other hand, when the alphabet “N” is entered in the last bracket (step: Y), it is considered that all the copies have been entered. In this case, the cursor automatically moves to the "Registered; T / F unregistered; N" column in the lower column, and enters a key input standby state (step). When the operator inputs the letter "T" in parentheses in this state (step), the displayed pattern is registered (step). That is, the data on the screen is stored in the floppy disk set in the first floppy disk driver 113 in association with the pattern code. After this, the next pattern registration screen to link to
55 is output (step). At the same time, the number of screens, the number of originals, etc. are counted and output to the "Page" and "original number" columns of the displayed screen (step).

In addition, the "brackets" in the "Pattern code No.", "Name code No." and "Pattern name" fields are erased and the input of pattern code No., name code No. and pattern name is prohibited. Is done (step). In this display state, the key input to the linked pattern registration screen 55 is awaited (step).

On the other hand, if the letter "N" is entered in the last bracket in the step stage (step: Y), the state becomes unregistered, and the data can be corrected for the pattern registration screen 55. (Step). When the alphabet “F” is entered in the last bracket (step: Y), the displayed pattern is registered (step). That is, as in the case where the alphabet “T” is input, the data on the screen is associated with the pattern code and the data is stored in the floppy disk set in the first floppy disk driver 113. When F "is input, the pattern linking operation is completed, and the sorting pattern to be linked is the pattern of the current display screen as the final pattern. Therefore, also in this case, the end mark as a flag indicating the end of pattern registration in one job is set (step).

On the other hand, if the escape key is pressed instead of the above key operation at the step stage (step), the work of the pattern registration process is completed and the menu selection screen 51 is displayed on the CRT 41. Will be. If any other key is pressed by mistake (step
: N), a key input error message is output (step), and key input can be performed again (step).

Similarly, when the escape key is pressed in the key input state of the step (step: Y), the work of the pattern registration processing ends, and the CRT 41 displays the menu selection screen 51. If a key other than those described above is pressed in the key input status of this step (step: N), a key input error message is output (step), and the key input can be performed again. (Step).

(Charge Aggregation) FIG. 50 specifically shows the flow of the fee aggregation processing in the step of FIG. 41. In the work of the charge totaling process, the CPU 101 first outputs the charge totalizing screen 56 (see FIG. 29) (step). Then, a key input standby state is set (step).

By the way, the screen 56 for totaling the charges shows "Total period []-
Two columns are displayed: []] and "Department; 1 by reception number; 2 []." Therefore, the operator first inputs the start and end of the aggregation period using the numeric keypad (step). CPU 101 determines whether or not there is data corresponding to the aggregation period (step), and if data is present, the cursor is moved as it is to the section of “Department; 1 reception number; 2 []”. When the data corresponding to the aggregation period does not exist, the message "No aggregation data" is displayed on the screen and the same as above. The cursor is on “By department; 1 By receipt number; 2
It moves to the field of [] "and waits for key input (step). The latter case is a case where a total period is set in advance for copy work to be performed in the future.

When the operator inputs "1" from the numeric keypad with the cursor moved to the "Department; 1 receipt number; 2 []" field, the CPU 101 determines that totaling by department has been instructed (step: Y). . In this case, aggregated data within the corresponding period is calculated for each department according to the charge system (step). Then, the result is printed out by the printer 31 as a section charge collection 67 (see FIG. 31) (step).

On the other hand, if the cursor is moved to the "Department; 1 receipt number; 2 []" field and "2" is entered from the numeric keypad, it is judged that the aggregation by receipt number has been instructed. (Step). In this case, the aggregated data within the corresponding period is calculated for each receipt number according to the charge system (step). Then, the result is printed out by the printer 31 as the charge number-based fee collection 68 (see FIG. 32) (step).

Unlike the above, when the escape key is used for input (step Y), the charge totaling process ends. That is, the menu selection screen 51 is displayed on the CRT 41. If any other key input is made by mistake (step: N), a key input error message is output on the display screen (step), and the key input standby state is resumed (step).

(Initial setting) FIG. 51 specifically shows the flow of the initial setting process in the step of FIG. 41. In the work of this initialization process, the CPU 101 first outputs the initialization screen 57 (see FIG. 6) (step). Then, a key input standby state is set (step).

Now, when the value "1" is entered on the initial setting screen 57, the CPU1
01 determines that the name pattern is to be registered (step: Y). Then, the name pattern registration process is executed (step). This will be described later.

On the other hand, when the numerical value “2” is input from the keyboard 42, the CPU 101 determines that the fee system is defined (step: Y). In this case, the charge system definition process is executed. This will also be described later.

Unlike the above, when the escape key of the keyboard 42 is pressed, the work of the initial setting process ends, and the menu selection screen 51 is displayed on the CRT 41. If there is a key input other than the key input explained above (step:
N), a key input error message is displayed as if there was a key operation error, and the key input is accepted again (step).

(Details of Name Pattern Registration) Next, the details of the name pattern registration processing in the step of FIG. 51 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the operator selects the name pattern registration, the name pattern registration screen 61 (see FIG. 7) is output (step). Then, a key input standby state is set (step).

The name pattern registration screen 61 has a field called "name code". When the operator enters a numerical value here, this becomes the name code (step: Y).
As a result, the process of creating the screen of the name pattern is displayed (step), and the cursor moves to the position for inputting the bin number and waits for key input (step).

When the bin number is input in this state, the input data is displayed on the screen (step), and the cursor moves to the place where the distribution destination name is input. When the distribution destination name for the bin number is input (step), the input data is displayed on the screen (step). The operator repeatedly inputs the data of the pair of bin number and distribution destination like this,
Create a name pattern.

When the creation of the name pattern for the name code is completed as described above, the operator moves the cursor to the position "registered; T unregistered; N". When registering the name pattern currently displayed (steps: N,: Y), the alphabet "T" is input from the keyboard 42. In this case, the name pattern displayed on the CRT 41 is stored in the floppy disk through the first floppy disk driver 113 (step).

On the other hand, if the operator notices the need to correct the data at the stage when the cursor is moved to the position of “Register; T Unregistered; N”, the operator inputs the alphabet “N” (Step: Y ). In this case, the CPU 101 accepts the key input again (step), so that the data can be corrected or added.

When the escape key is pressed in the key input standby state (step), the name pattern registration processing operation ends, and the initial setting screen 57 is displayed. If the escape key is further pressed in this state, the menu selection screen 51 is displayed on the CRT 41.

On the other hand, if any operation other than the above key operations is mistakenly performed (step: N), a key input error message is output on the display screen (step), and a new key input waiting state is entered. Become.

(Details of Charge Structure Definition) Next, with reference to FIG. 53, details of the charge structure definition processing in the step of FIG. 51 will be described.

When the charge system definition process is selected by the operator,
The charge system definition screen 62 (see FIG. 10) is output (step). Then, a key input standby state is set (step).

On the charge system definition screen 62, the operator first inputs the page number (step). This page number is displayed on the upper right of the screen (step). In this state, the key input standby state is again established (step).

Next, the operator inputs the department code commonly applied to the charge system displayed on the screen (step). The department code is displayed at each display location (step). In this state, the key input standby state is again established (step).

After this, the operator inputs various data as a charge system (step). This includes (i) paper size, (i
There are three types of data, i) the number of sheets specified in relation to the unit price, and (iii) the unit price. Each time these data are input, the input data is displayed at the corresponding location on the display screen (step).

When the creation of one page (one charge system) of the charge system definition screen 62 is completed as described above, the operator moves the cursor to the position of "registered; T unregistered; N".
Then, when registering the charge system currently displayed (steps ~: N,: Y), the alphabet "T" is input from the keyboard 42. In this case, the fee system of the page is stored in the floppy disk through the first floppy disk driver 113 (step). In this case, the next charge system definition screen 62 is displayed on the CRT 41 in an unregistered state.

On the other hand, if the operator notices the need to correct the data when the cursor is moved to "Register; T Not Registered; N", the operator inputs the letter "N" (step: Y). . In this case, the CPU 101 accepts the key input again (step), so that the data can be corrected or added.

By the way, in this charge system definition processing, it is possible to operate a cursor key to call an arbitrary page of the screen for charge system, and perform work such as correction. That is, when the "" key of the cursor keys is pressed in the key input standby state (step) (step: Y), the screen of the next page is output (step). On the other hand, when "" is pressed (step: Y), the screen one page before is output (step). In this way, the operator confirms or corrects the charge system while the desired page is output.

When the escape key is input while the key input is on standby (step), the charge system definition processing work is completed and the initial setting screen 57 is displayed. If the escape key is further pressed in this state, the menu selection screen 51 is displayed on the CRT 41.

On the other hand, if any operation other than the above key operations is mistakenly performed (step: N), a key input error message is output on the display screen (step), and a new key input waiting state is entered. Become.

(Communication Process) Next, the communication process of the general-purpose computer 32 with the controller 33 will be described with reference to FIG.

Now, the general-purpose computer 32 side is adapted to receive a transmission from the controller 33 side in response to an interrupt request. That is, when the CPU 101 determines by the interrupt process that there is a communication request (step: Y), it transmits a communication permission to the controller 33 side (step). With this CP
U101 sets a predetermined value in the timer counter in order to monitor the occurrence of a communication error (step). Here, the timer counter can be configured by the clock circuit 105 and the RAM 109 shown in FIG.

In this state, 1 from controller 33 to general-purpose computer 32
Data transmission starts in byte units. Until the CPU 101 receives 1-byte data (step: N), it decrements the count value of the timer counter by 1 (step), and restarts monitoring.

If not, that is, if the count value of the timer counter becomes “0” before the reception of 1 byte (step: Y), it is determined that a communication error has occurred. In this case, the message "Communication error has occurred" is displayed (step).
The count value of the NG counter configured by using a predetermined area in the RAM 109 is cleared (step).

Here, the NG counter is a counter that counts the number of times when an interrupt occurs for a reason other than a communication request. That is, when the general-purpose computer 32 cannot determine the request despite the interrupt being applied (step:
N), the fact that the request from the controller 33 side cannot be recognized is transmitted (step). Then, the count value of the NG counter is incremented by 1 (step). Here, the NG counter is initialized to "0" when the general-purpose computer 32 is started.

When the above-mentioned unrecognizable request is transmitted from the controller 33 five times (step: Y), the CPU 101 determines that there is a communication error, and transmits the communication error to the controller 33 (step). And as mentioned above
The count value of the NG counter will be cleared (step), and monitoring will be restarted.

Return to the step and continue the explanation. When the 1-byte data is transmitted within the specified time (step: Y), the CPU 101 determines whether the data is the end code of the data transmission (step). If not an exit code,
The 1-byte data is stored in the specified area of the RAM 109. Then, the timer counter is set again (step), and the next 1-byte data is received.

When data is received in this way and the end code finally arrives (step: Y), a sum (SUM) check is performed (step). If there is no problem in the sum check, the CPU 101 controls the communication control circuit 115 to transmit to the controller 33 that the data has been properly received (step). After this, the received data is decrypted.

As a result, if the received data is related to the message (step: Y), the message corresponding to the CPU 101 is displayed on the CRT 41. After this, the count value of the NG counter is cleared (step). If the data is related to the copy total (step: Y), the contents are stored in the total file in the floppy disk by the second floppy disk driver 114 (step). After that, the displayed color of the reception number of the job for which the data is received changes from white to red, and it is indicated on the CRT 41 that the copying of the job is completed (step).

Control of Controller Next, the control on the controller 33 side will be described separately for each item.

(System Control) FIG. 55 shows how the controller 33 controls the system. Here, the system control means control when the copying machine with sorter 34 is set to the program sorter mode and a copying operation is performed.

If the program sorter mode is set with the start switch on the copier body 46 side pressed down (step
: Y), the CPU 121 in the controller 33 shown in FIG. 35 is RA
It is checked whether the job data is written in M124 (step). Job data is sent from the general-purpose computer 32, and a copier with a sorter
If 34 is ready for copying (step: Y), the data of the corresponding receipt number instructed by the operator is RAM1.
It is read from 24 (step). After that, the CPU 121 controls the communication control circuit 125 to transmit a message (MSG) "copying" to the general-purpose computer 32 (step). This will be displayed on the CRT 41 on the side of the general-purpose computer 32.

Next, the CPU 121 sets the number of copies for one original,
Further, the tray to which the copy paper is supplied is selected (step). After that, the start print pulse 162 described in FIG. 35 is sent to the sorter-equipped copying machine 34 (step). Then, the display lamp 137 shown in FIG. 36, which is "copying in program sorter mode", is turned on (step). In this state, the copy work is controlled (step). These include (i) counting the number of flash lamp emissions, (ii) controlling the sorter 47, (iii) counting the number of copies, and (iv) displaying the number of frames.

When the number of flash lamps matches the number of copies due to the progress of copying work (step: Y), the exposure of one original is completed, so even before the final copy is stored in the bin of the sorter. At this point, it is checked whether there is a request for an interrupt copy (step). If there is an interrupt copy request, the system waits until shutdown control, which will be described later, is performed (step), and the control ends.

On the other hand, if there is no interrupt request at the time when the exposure of one document is completed and the last exposure for one data frame is not completed at the time when this exposure is completed (step: N ), The originals are replaced, and the number of copies is set and the tray is selected for the replaced originals (step).

If the exposure of one original data frame is completed by the completion of the exposure of the original document (step:
Y), it is determined whether or not the exposure to which this data frame belongs is completed (step). If the exposure has not been completed, the original is exchanged and the same operation is repeated for the next data frame (steps onward). If the job is finished (step: Y),
The dot under the receipt number in the display window 135 in the operation panel 129 shown in FIG. 36 lights up and the end flag indicating the end of the job is set in a predetermined area in the RAM 124 (step). .

Details of the above control of the copying machine with a sorter are described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 50-127643.

In this state, the controller 33 transmits the copy total data of the job that has been finished to the general-purpose computer 32 side (step). Then, the copy totalized flag is set (step). This makes it possible to confirm that the data has been transmitted. Further, since the data itself is stored for a certain period of time, it is possible to retransmit the copy totalized data to the general-purpose computer 32 side when a communication error occurs.

(Shutdown Control) Next, the shutdown control will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the shutdown means a state where the copying machine main body 46 is stopped for any reason.

On the controller 33 side, when the operation of the copying machine main body 46 is stopped, it is determined whether or not the power is on (step). Then, if the power is off (N), it is determined whether or not there is untransmitted aggregate data (step), and as long as there is untransmitted aggregate data, the controller 33 power is shut off. Not (step,
). On the other hand, if there is no untransmitted aggregate data (step: N), a message indicating that the power of the copying machine main body 46 is turned off is transmitted to the general-purpose computer 32 (step), After this controller
Turn off the remote power of the 33 side (step). As a result, the power supply of the controller 33 is turned off, and the control ends.

On the other hand, in the normal state where the power of the copying machine main body 46 is turned on (step: Y), it is determined whether or not the program sorter mode is set (step). When the program sorter mode is set, it is determined whether or not the operation of the copying machine main body 46 is stopped because the interrupt mode is set (step). In this case, the display lamp 137 called "interrupt copy" in FIG. 36 is turned on (step). Then, the I / O on the controller 33 side is set to the above-mentioned copy mode (step). After this, the normal copying control is performed on the copier body 46 side, so the controller
The control on the 33 side ends.

If the interrupt mode is not set (step: N), it is determined whether or not the operation of the copying machine main body 46 has stopped during the copying work in the job (step). If the operation is stopped during the work in one job (Y), it is first determined whether or not a jam (paper jam) has occurred (step). If there is a jam, the data corresponding to the message "A paper jam has occurred." Is sent to the general-purpose computer 32, and the actual number of copies is set in the flash lamp counter and the pointer is set. (Step).

If no jam has occurred, it is checked whether the copy tray is out of paper (step). If the copy paper is out, a message to that effect is sent to the general-purpose computer 32 side (step). Then, the operation shown in the step is performed and all the controls are completed.

When the copy paper is also present, it is checked whether or not the copying machine main body 46 is set to the automatic document feeding mode (ADH) (step). When the operation of the copier body 46 is stopped in the automatic document feed mode, the message data for displaying the message "The copier has stopped." Is a general-purpose computer.
It is sent to the 32 side (step). Such a case is, for example, a case where the operator intentionally presses the stop button of the copying machine.

When the operation of the copying machine main body 46 is stopped in the automatic document feeding mode (step: Y), it is checked whether or not there is a document in the automatic document feeding device (not shown) (step). If there is a manuscript, it is in the middle of the job, so it can be assumed. Therefore, in this case, message data for displaying the message "The copying machine has stopped." Is transmitted to the general-purpose computer 32 side (step). On the other hand, when there is no document in the automatic document feeder, it means that the number of documents set in the job is correct. In this case, the CPU 121 displays the numerical value "888" on the display window 135 to notify the operator of this (step). This indicates a case where the number of documents is insufficient due to occurrence of double feeding, for example. After that, the data for displaying the message "A document mismatch has occurred" is transmitted from the controller 33 side to the general-purpose computer 32 (step).

Next, in the case other than the copy work in the job, the copier body 46
A case where the operation of is stopped will be described. In this case CP
The U121 checks whether or not the copying machine body 46 has stopped immediately after the end of the job (step). If it is not immediately after the end of the job (N), that is, in the normal case, the control ends as it is.

On the other hand, immediately after the end of the job, it is checked whether or not a document exists in the automatic document feeder (step). If no document remains, the data for displaying the message "Program job completed" is transmitted to the general-purpose computer 32 (step). Then, the display lamp 137 "data is being transmitted" in FIG. 36 is turned on (step), and the copy total data is transmitted to the general-purpose computer 32 (step). When the transmission of the copy total data is completed, the display lamp 137 "data is being transmitted" is turned off (step).

On the other hand, immediately after the end of the job and when there are originals in the automatic document feeder (step: Y), the number of prepared originals is larger than the number of originals to be used for one job. This is the case. In this case, the CPU 121 notifies the operator of this by the numerical value "999" in the display window 135.
Is displayed (step). Then, the data for displaying the message "A document mismatch has occurred" is transmitted to the general-purpose computer 32 (step).

(Key Switch Control) FIG. 57 shows how the controller 33 key switch is controlled.

When the copying machine main body 46 is not stopped (step) and the program sorter mode is not set (step: N), this state is maintained. The same applies when the mode switch 127 (see FIG. 36) is not turned on even when the program sorter mode is set (step: N). Mode switch 127
When is turned on, an interrupt flag for performing interrupt processing is set (step).

On the other hand, when the operation of the copying machine body 46 is stopped (step: Y) and there is a key input (step), it is determined whether or not this is in the process of copying in the job ( Step). If the copying operation within the job is in progress (Y), it is checked whether the mode switch 127 has been pressed (step). If only the mode switch 127 is pressed, it is determined whether or not the interrupt copy is being executed (step). If the interrupt copy is not in progress (N), the interrupt copy is performed. In this case, the display lamp 137 called "interrupt copy" lights up (step), and the I / O on the controller 33 side is set to the copy mode (step). If interrupt copy is in progress, the interrupt processing is completed (step: Y), the display lamp 137 called "interrupt copy" is turned off (step), and the I / O on the controller 33 side is set to the program sorter mode ( Step).

If a key is entered in the middle of a job and it is not in program sorter mode or copy mode (step
: N), if it is pressing both the mode switch 127 and the forward switch 128 at the same time, it is determined that the key operation is for resetting (step: Y). In this case, the above-mentioned pointer comes to the head of the data frame (step).

Also, if a key is input during the job, and neither the program sorter mode nor the copy mode is selected (step: N), and if it is determined to be a state other than reset (step: N), that is, only the forward switch 128 is used. If is pressed, it is determined to be in the forward state (step: Y). In this case, the next reception number is displayed (step), and the pointer is set accordingly (step).

On the other hand, when the mode switch 127 is pressed while the job is not in progress (step: Y), these modes are reversed between the copy mode and the program sorter mode. Along with this, the display lamp 137 of "program sorter mode" and the display lamp 137 of "copy mode" are switched on (step). Then, the flag of the newly set mode is set (step).

If the key is pressed, the job is not in the middle, and the mode switch is not pressed, it is checked whether the forward switch 128 has been pressed (step). When the forward switch 128 is pressed, the next reception number is displayed (step) and the pointer is set in accordance with it (step).
If the forward switch 128 is not pressed, there is only the possibility of back (reverse). Therefore, in this case, the previous reception number is displayed (step). The pointer will then be set accordingly (step).

(Communication process) FIG. 58 shows control of communication process in the controller 33 of FIG.

Now, the controller 33 side is adapted to receive a transmission from the general-purpose computer 32 side in response to an interrupt request. That is, when the CPU 121 determines by the interrupt process that there is a communication request (step: Y), it transmits a communication permission to the general-purpose computer 32 side (step). Then, turn on the indicator lamp 137 “Data is being received”,
The flag for displaying "communication error" is cleared (step). At the same time, the CPU 121 sets a predetermined value in the timer counter in order to monitor the occurrence of a communication error (step).

In this state, 1 from general-purpose computer 32 to controller 33
Data transmission starts in byte units. The CPU 121 decrements the count value of the timer counter by 1 until one byte of data is received (step: N) (step). Then, if the reception of 1 byte is not performed within the specified time, that is, if the count value of the timer counter becomes “0” before the reception of 1 byte (step: Y), communication is performed. It is determined that an error has occurred. In this case, the controller 33 sends data to the general-purpose computer 32 to display the message "Communication error has occurred" (step). After that, the display lamp 137 "Communication error" is turned on (step), and the contents of the NG counter are cleared (step).

Here, the NG counter is a counter for counting the number of times when an interrupt is generated for a reason other than a communication request, as described in the general-purpose computer 32. Ie controller
33 is a general-purpose computer 32 when the request cannot be identified despite the interrupt being applied (step: N).
Sending that the request from the side is unrecognizable (step). Then, the count value of the NG counter is incremented by 1 (step). Here, the NG counter is initialized to “0” when the controller 33 is activated.

When the above-mentioned unrecognizable request is transmitted from the general-purpose computer 32 five times (step: Y), the CPU 121 determines that there is a communication error, and transmits the communication error to the general-purpose computer 32 (step). ). Then, as described above, the display lamp 137 "communication error" is turned on (step), the count value of the NG counter is cleared (step), and the monitoring is restarted.

Return to the step and continue the explanation. When the data of 1 byte is transmitted within the specified time (step: Y), the CPU 121 determines whether the data is the end code of the data transmission (step). If it is not the end code, it is judged whether the execution of the program of the general-purpose computer 32 (personal computer software) has ended (step). If the PC software is not finished, the received 1-byte data is stored in RAM1 as a part of the job data.
Store in 24 (step). Then, the timer counter is set again (step), and the next 1-byte data is received.

When data is received in this way and the end code finally arrives (step: Y), a sum (SUM) check is performed (step). If there is no problem in the sum check, the CPU 121 controls the communication control circuit 125 to transmit to the general-purpose computer 32 that data has been successfully received (step). After that, the display lamp 137 "Data is being received" is turned off, and the received job has not been copied yet, so the uncopy flag is set.
Further, the reception number of the first job is displayed on the display window 135 (step), the contents of the NG counter are cleared, and these controls are ended (step).

On the other hand, when the program of the general-purpose computer 32 is not executed in the step (Y), it is checked whether or not the copying operation is being performed in the program sorter mode (step). If the copying is not in progress, the fact that the data is well received is transmitted to the general-purpose computer 32 (step), and the copying is prohibited in the program sorter mode (step). This is because if the copying is performed in the program sorter mode, the fee collection work cannot be performed.

On the other hand, when copying is being performed in the program sorter mode (step: Y), it is not possible to write job data to RAM124, so a general-purpose computer
Data for canceling the request from the 32 side is transmitted (step). Then, after this, the display lamp 137 "data is being received" is turned off (step), the contents of the NG counter are cleared, and the control is ended (step).

In the programmable copying machine of the above-described embodiment, the computer (general-purpose computer 32) is prepared exclusively for the copying machine main body 46, but it goes without saying that another computer may also be used.

As described above, in the programmable copying machine of the embodiment, it is possible to define a fee system, create fee data according to the copy amount and copy request department, and issue a bill.
Therefore, it is not necessary to manually issue a bill, and the office work efficiency is improved.

Further, in the programmable copying machine of this embodiment, each sorting pattern can be associated with any number of distribution destinations. Moreover, the relationship between the sorter bin and the distribution destination is clear from the CRT display and printer output, and it is easy to confirm these relationships. Therefore, the sorter bins can be used in any number of ways, and the number of distribution destinations can be substantially increased to a multiple of the number of sorter bins.

Further, in the programmable copying machine of the embodiment, two disk drivers are connected to a general-purpose computer, and the first of these is connected.
Stored the name pattern, charge system and pattern registration data that were initially set in the disk driver. Therefore, the copy job data and the copy total data for each receipt number can be stored in the second disk driver. Therefore, for example, even if the fee data is managed with one floppy disk per month, it is not necessary to initialize the fee system for these floppy disks, and the floppy disks used for these second disk drivers are not required. Another advantage is that the disc can be handled easily.

[Advantages of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to create or modify a sorting pattern, which is information that specifies the number of copies to be output to each bin, while checking the relationship between the bin number and the distribution destination. Since it is configured, it is very easy to output different combinations of copy results to a plurality of bins, and copy results sorted according to the distribution destination can be easily obtained from one set of manuscripts. You will be able to

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the programmable copying machine of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 58 are for explaining one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, FIG. 2 is the programmable copying machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the outline of each functional part of the programmable copying machine, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the expanded state of the screen displayed on the CRT, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the menu selection screen, FIG. 6 is a plan view of the initial setting screen, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the initial state of the name pattern registration screen, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are of the name pattern registration screen. Plan view showing a display example, No. 10
Figure is a plan view showing a display example of the fee system definition screen, Figures 11 to 17 are plan views showing a display example of the pattern registration screen,
18 to 21 are plan views showing a display example of a data registration screen, FIG. 22 is a plan view showing a display example of a data correction, search, delete and index screen, and FIG. 23 is a data correction screen. 24 is a plan view showing a display example of a data search screen, FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a display example of a data deletion screen, and FIG. 26 is a table of a data transmission screen. 27 is a plan view showing an example of output of a copy confirmation slip, FIGS. 29 and 30 are plan views showing a display example of a charge tabulation screen, and FIG. 31 is a department. FIG. 34 is a plan view showing an example of a separate charge summary table, FIG. 32 is a plan view showing an example of a separate charge summary table by reception number, FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing an example of the work flow in the copy room, and FIG. Is a block diagram showing the configuration of a general-purpose computer, FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a controller, and FIG. 36 is a controller. Fig. 37 is a data configuration diagram showing the configuration of job data sent from the general-purpose computer to the controller, and Fig. 38 is a data configuration diagram showing the configuration of copy aggregation data sent from the controller to the general-purpose computer. FIG. 39 is a data configuration diagram showing the configuration of a message sent from the controller to the general-purpose computer, FIG. 40 is a data configuration diagram showing the configuration of a message sent from the general-purpose computer to the controller, and FIG. 41 is a screen of the general-purpose computer. A flow chart showing the flow, FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing the flow of ending the execution of the program in the general-purpose computer, FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing the flow of data registration in the general-purpose computer, and FIG. 44 is data correction / search / erase in the general-purpose computer. Fig. 45 is a flow chart showing the flow of Fig. 46 is a flowchart showing a positive concrete flow, Fig. 46 is a flowchart showing a concrete flow of data retrieval in a general-purpose computer, Fig. 47 is a flowchart showing a concrete flow of data erasing in a general-purpose computer, and Fig. 48 is FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing the flow of data transmission in the general-purpose computer, FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing the flow of pattern registration in the general-purpose computer,
FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing the flow of charge aggregation in the general-purpose computer, FIG. 51 is a flow chart showing the flow of initial setting in the general-purpose computer, FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing the flow of name pattern registration in the general-purpose computer, and FIG. 53 is Flow chart showing the flow of charge system definition in a general-purpose computer, Figure 54 is a flow chart showing the flow of communication processing on the side of a general-purpose computer, Figure 55 is a flow chart showing the flow of system control in the controller, and Figure 56 is a shutdown in the controller. Fig. 57 is a flow chart showing the flow of control, Fig. 57 is a flow chart showing the flow of operation of the key switch in the controller, Fig. 58 is a flow chart showing the flow of communication processing on the controller side, and Figs. 59 (A) to (C) are FIG. 60 is an explanatory view showing a conventionally proposed sorting method, and FIG. 60 is an explanatory view showing another example of the sorting method. . 21, 46 …… Copier body, 22 …… Sorter, 23 …… Computer, 24 …… Input / output device, 31 …… Printer, 32 …… General-purpose computer, 33 …… Controller, 34 …… Sortered copier, 41 …… CRT, 42 …… keyboard, 47 …… coater, 101,121 …… CPU, 109,124 …… RAM, 113 …… first floppy disk driver, 114 …… second floppy disk driver, 127 …… Mode selector switch, 135 …… Display window, 137 …… Display lamp.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) Reference JP-A 61-158346 (JP, A) JP-A 54-140545 (JP, A) JP-A 58-195856 (JP, A) JP-A 60- 128459 (JP, A) JP 57-184062 (JP, A) JP 63-149656 (JP, A) JP 63-192056 (JP, A) JP 61-4736 (JP, B2) Japanese Patent Publication 5-30269 (JP, B2)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A sorter having a plurality of bins, a name pattern setting means for setting a name pattern which is information indicating a correspondence relationship between each bin of the sorter and a distribution destination, and the name pattern setting means. First storage means for storing a plurality of name patterns to be set, name pattern setting means for designating a name pattern to be used, and display means for displaying the content of the name pattern designated by the name pattern designating means With the content of the name pattern displayed on the display means, a copy number setting means for setting a sorting pattern which is information for specifying the number of copies to be output for each bin, and the copy number setting means, are set. A second storage means for storing a plurality of sorting patterns and a sorting pattern to be used. A sorting pattern selecting means for-option, a programmable copier characterized by comprising a copying means for performing copying in accordance with the sorting pattern selected by the sorting pattern selecting means.