JPH02197863A - User interface for recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To offer a recording device with a good operability which is applicable even to a small-sized recording device having many functions by providing a user interface controller for informing a display control means for controlling a display screen of a display means of display contents. CONSTITUTION:Information inputted by a soft button and a hard button is communicated by a high speed communication line 6 to the user interface (UI) controller 5 through the display control means 4. The display control means 4 has only the function for displaying a screen that is instructed from the UI controller 5 on a display means 1, that means, the function of the CRT controller. And the information about the screen status and the machine state exists in the UI controller 5, by recognizing what kind of screen which positioned button is depressed at, the succeeding screen that should be displayed is decided, and the display control means 4 is informed of the information through the high speed communication line 6 and the display means 1 is made to display the prescribed screen. And the checking of the copying mode set by the user is also performed in the UI controller 5.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to recording 81 of copying machines, facsimile machines, printers, etc., and in particular, to a user interface of a recording device constructed so that anyone can easily use it. It is related to.

[Prior Art] In recent years, with the introduction of computers, recording devices such as copying machines have come to make full use of advanced control technology and data processing technology, resulting in a diversification of available functions and the need to select and execute functions. Many and various operations are required to set the conditions. For the operator, there are many types of operations to memorize, and the operations become complicated, making it easy for the operator to make mistakes in operating procedures or perform erroneous operations. Therefore, in order to make operations as easy as possible for the operator, conventional recording apparatuses employ a console panel as a user interface (hereinafter referred to as tJI). The console panel is equipped with operating means such as various key switches and numeric keys for operation selection, and is also equipped with indicator lamps and indicators that display selections made by key operations, setting status, and operation guidance messages. .

An example is shown in FIG. FIG. 49(a) is a plan view of the copying machine, in which a console panel 801 is arranged in front of a platen glass 800, and although not shown, a display section using a liquid crystal display device, a numeric keypad, a start key, paper size, magnification, etc. Keys are provided for making various settings.

Furthermore, a method as shown in FIG. 2(b) has also been proposed.

This console panel is arranged on the front side of the copying machine main body 802, which is similar to that shown in FIG. 2A, but it is divided into two panel parts 803 and 804. The panel section 803 is a panel section that has a display section and various keys such as a numeric keypad that are commonly used for making copies.The panel section 804 is used by service personnel when making various settings or checks. This is a panel section on which keys with little use, such as keys used to access the computer, are arranged, and is covered with a cover so as not to confuse the user.

In addition, this copying machine has a function that allows a wide variety of editing to be performed using an edit pad, and for this purpose, an edit pad 806 is built into the platen cover 805, and the edit pad 806 can be positioned at a desired position. the pen 8
By indicating t in step 07, a desired editing area can be set. The area indicated by 808 in the figure is a panel section in which keys are placed for making various settings for editing, and these are special keys for editing, so the keys used for normal copying are They are placed separately.

The above is an example in which a console panel is used as the Ul, but the C of B/W (BLACK AND TRITE)
Ul that adopts RT has also been proposed. This was proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 63-103710, and is shown in FIG. 49(C).

FIG. 49(C) is a diagram showing the appearance of the CRT display, in which keys/LED boards are arranged on the lower side and right front of the CRT display 901.

As for the screen structure, in the selection mode screen, the screen is divided into multiple areas, one of which is a selection area, and the selection area is further divided vertically, and each is used as a cascade area to select and set each function individually. I'm trying to make it possible.

Therefore, on the key/LED board, cascade keys 919-1 to 919-5 for cascade selection settings are placed below the selection area of the vertically divided screen, and mode selection keys 919-1 to 919-5 are used to switch the selection mode screen. 908-910
, other keys (902-904.90B, 907.9
15-918) 15 and LED (905,811-e
14) employs a configuration in which it is placed on the right side.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, as shown in Fig. 49(a), the keys are arranged in a concentrated manner!
! ! The new console panel has the following problems: In other words, recording devices such as copying machines occupy a large proportion of offices and are essential for smooth office processing, but the cost of office space is rising rapidly. Therefore, in order to efficiently utilize office space, there is a strong demand for recording devices such as copying machines to be made more compact and occupy less space.

On the other hand, there is also a demand for a highly functional copying machine having various editing functions. However, in a console panel like the one shown in FIG. 49(a), as the number of functions increases, the number of switches and displays for selecting them and setting execution conditions increases, so a large space is required. As a whole, the size of the console panel increases, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to secure a space for installing the console panel in a compact copying machine. Therefore, when trying to make a copying machine more multi-functional and more compact, there is a problem that increasing the functionality and making the console panel in particular contradict each other, making it difficult to make the console panel smaller, and there is a limit to how compact it can be made. be.

Furthermore, if an attempt is made to make the device compact, multi-functional, and improve operability, the console panel must be mounted at a limited position in front of the device due to operability. On the other hand, if space is limited, the number of switches, displays, etc. will have to be reduced. In this case, if there are only a small number of switches and indicators, they must be used in combination, making operations and displays complicated. Also, if you try to minimize the number of switches and displays,
Switches and displays are often placed in close quarters or are small in size.As a result, the characters displayed on the display are also small.1. Moreover, the density becomes high, and the surface of the console panel becomes complicated.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 49(b), if the console panel is divided into several parts, the size of each key and the display area can be kept at an appropriate size, but the panels are scattered all over the place. This becomes more troublesome for the user. In other words, a user using a copier can:
It does not mean that you are familiar with the functions and configuration of the copier,
Some people say that all you need is to be able to make copies, and for such beginners, the panels are distributed and each panel has many keys, so even if you make one copy, it is difficult to You may be confused as to which key on the panel should be operated.

In addition, designers and others who do creative and original work often use the editing functions of copying machines, so they can be said to be relatively proficient in operating copying machines. However, if the panels are spread out, the operating procedures are unclear and it is not easy to use. For example, when considering the case of using a certain editing function, it becomes difficult to decide from which panel section and in what order copy conditions should be set.

As mentioned above, whether it is centralized or distributed, there is a limit to how much operability can be improved by adopting a console panel.

Therefore, the applicant proposed a CRT as shown in FIG. 49(C).
He proposed an Ul that uses a display.

Unlike liquid crystal display devices, CRT displays have a narrow field of view and can display a large amount of information at once, making it possible to construct a screen that is very easy to read.
This allows the user to be guided in an orderly manner even when performing various edits or when complex condition settings are required. Furthermore, since one cascade key can be used for multiple purposes by changing the display screen, the number of hard keys can be kept to the minimum necessary.

Furthermore, since the CRT display can be placed three-dimensionally in the upper right corner of the copying machine, the size of the copying machine can be designed without considering the UI, making the entire copying machine more compact. It is possible to aim for

In addition, in a copying machine, the height of the platen glass, that is, the height of the device, is designed to be at a suitable waist height for setting a document, and this height defines the height of the device. . Therefore, although the console panel placed on the top of the copying machine as shown in FIGS. 49(a) and 49(b) is located at about waist height and close to the user's hand, it is easy to operate. The operating section and display section for selecting functions and setting copy execution conditions will be placed at a distance from the eyes.

On the other hand, a UI that uses a CTR display can be placed higher than the platen, that is, at a height close to the user's eye level, making it easier to see, as well as ensuring that the UI is in front of the operator rather than below. It is on the right side and is easy to operate.

As described above, although it is very meaningful to use a CRT display as a UI, there are problems with using it as is in a copying machine that can make color copies, such as this copying machine.

That is, this copying machine is a color copier and has many editing functions. Therefore, it is possible to convert the color of a desired area of the document to another color, or to adjust the color appearance of the entire document. At that time, if you can't know until you actually perform the copy, the cost of copying will be that much higher, so it is necessary to make it possible to check in advance the color that will be output as a copy. It is hoped that there will be.

In addition, in the UI shown in Figure 49 (C), copy conditions are set by operating the cascade key to move the cascade up and down on the display screen, but in some cases, the cascade key must be pressed many times to do so. The cascade had to be moved to the desired position using the cascade, which sometimes caused trouble.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a user interface for a recording device that is easy to operate and can be applied to a small, multi-functional recording device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a user interface for a recording device that uses a color CRT display and can transmit necessary information to an operator more accurately and quickly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a user interface for a recording apparatus in which a single copy execution condition can be set with one touch by providing an infrared touch board on a color CRT screen.

Furthermore, the present invention divides the pathway, which is a function selection area, into a basic copy function and an editing function, and furthermore, the editing function is divided into several hierarchies according to the operator's proficiency with the recording device and the functions of the recording device. The purpose is to provide a user interface for a recording device that can provide various screens and functions.

Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a software module for achieving the various objectives mentioned above.

[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Effects] In order to achieve the above object, the user interface of the recording apparatus of the present invention has the configuration shown in FIG. 1(a). The display means 1 is composed of a color RT display monitor, and an optical touch board 2 is arranged on the front surface thereof. The configuration of this touch board 2 is as shown in FIG. 1(b).
Infrared light emitting elements such as D are arranged, and light receiving elements are arranged below and to the right. In this configuration, if the soft button indicated by 8 is pressed, the amount of light received by the light-receiving element placed at that location will decrease, so the position of the soft button will be detected from its vertical and horizontal positions. can do. In addition to these soft buttons, a hard control panel 3 is provided, which includes a numeric keypad that must be able to be pressed at all times, a start button, an interrupt button, an information quiet on/off button, an all clear button, and a stop button. button, audiotron button, and language button can be attached.

With the above configuration, an exhilarating operating feeling can be obtained, and since the operation contents are efficiently distributed between the soft buttons and the hard buttons, the operation can be simplified.

The information entered using these soft buttons and hard buttons is sent to the U through a high-speed communication line 6 via a display control means 4.
l controller 5 is notified.

Here, the display control control means 4 only has the function of a so-called CRT controller for displaying a screen instructed by the tJI controller 5 on the display means 1. In addition, the UI controller 5 stores information on screen status and machine status, recognizes which screen and which button was pressed, determines the next screen to be displayed, and uses that information. The display control means 4 is notified via the high-speed communication line 6, and the display means 1 is caused to display a predetermined screen. The UI controller 5 also checks the copy mode set by the user, and if mutually contradictory modes are set, it notifies the display control means 4 via the high-speed communication line 8 and displays a warning message. Display on means 1. Furthermore, even if a fault such as a jam occurs in the machine, a corresponding message is similarly displayed on the display means 1.

The display means 1 displays a function setting area (hereinafter referred to as pathway). The pathways are broadly divided into the basic copy pathway, which sets the mode essential for executing the copy, and the editing pathway, which allows desired editing. They are layered, and their pathways are in an exclusive relationship with each other. The basic copy pathway can also be divided into several parts as necessary.

The Ul controller 5 is composed of several software modules, and these software modules correspond to each pathway, and are composed of modules for each editing function, modules related to area control, and the like.

With the above configuration, it is easy for beginners to understand, and for experts, it is possible to operate even the highest level pathway with minimum steps. Furthermore, a unified method of operation is guaranteed for each pathway, and a user who has learned the operation of one pathway can guess and operate the higher-level pathway.

〔Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Examples.

■Hiro In this embodiment, a color copying machine will be explained as an example of a recording device, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below, and can be applied to printers, facsimiles, etc.
Of course, the present invention can also be applied to other image recording devices.

First, before explaining the examples, a table of contents will be shown. In the following description, (■) to (n) are sections that explain the main structure of the overall configuration of a copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and the detailed explanation of the present invention will be explained within that configuration. The term is (In).

(I) Overview of the device (I-1) Device configuration (I-2) Functions and features of the system (I-3) Configuration of the electrical control system (n) Specific configuration of each part (II-1) System ( II-2) I IT (n-3) IPS (II-4) IOT (n-5) F/P (m) User interface (UI) (III-1)
Adoption of color CRT display and optical touch board (III-2) Installation of UI (III-3) System configuration (III-4) Display screen configuration (III-5) Pathway and its layout (II
I-6) Busway interaction (III-7) Screen transition (Ill-8) SYSUI software module (I
II-9) Other screen controls (III-10) Hard control panel (I) Overview of the device (r-1) Device configuration Figure 2 shows an example of the overall configuration of a color copying machine to which the present invention is applied. It is a diagram.

A color copying machine to which the present invention is applied has a base machine 30 as a basic configuration, a platen glass 31 on which a document is placed, an image input terminal (IIT) 32, an electrical control storage section 33, an image output terminal ( IOT)
34, paper tray 35, user interface (U/I
) 3E3, as an option, an edit pad 61, an auto document feeder (ADF) 1
32, sorter 63 and film projector (F/
P) 64.

Electrical hardware is required to control the IIT, IOT, U/I, etc., but these hardware is an IIT that performs image processing on the output signal of the llT111T.
It is divided into multiple boards for each processing unit such as PS, U/I% F/P, etc., and the SYS board and IOT that control them.

It is housed in an electrical control system storage section 33 together with an MCB board (master control board) for controlling the ADF, sorter, etc.

11T32 consists of an imaging unit 37, a wire 38 for driving the unit, a drive pulley 39, etc., and uses a CCD line sensor and a color filter in the imaging unit 37 to convert a color document into a primary color of light B (
(blue), G (green), and R (red), convert them into digital image signals, and output them to the IPS.

IPS converts the 11T32 B and 0% R signals into toner primary colors Y (yellow), C (cyan), M (magenta), and K (black), and further converts the color, gradation,
In order to improve reproducibility such as definition, various data processing is performed to convert the process color gradation toner signal into an on/off binary toner signal, which is output to the 10T34.

10T34 develops a scanner 401 and a sensitive material belt 41, converts the image signal from the IPS into an optical signal in a laser output section 40a, and converts the image signal from the IPS into an optical signal, and outputs the sensitive material belt through a polygon mirror 40b, an F/θ lens 40c, and a reflecting mirror 40d. A latent image corresponding to the original image is formed on 41. The sensitive material belt 41 is driven by a drive pulley 41a, and around it are a cleaner 41b1, a charger 41, a charger CN Ys
M% C1K developing devices 41d and transfer devices 41e are arranged. A transfer device 42 is provided opposite to the transfer device 41e, and holds the paper sent from the paper tray 35 through the paper conveyance path 35a. 4
Rotate and transfer Y, M, 01 onto the paper in this order. The transferred paper passes from the transfer device 42, passes through the vacuum conveyance device 43, is fixed by the fixing device 45, and is discharged. Furthermore, sheets are also selectively supplied to the sheet conveying path 35a from a 5SI (single sheet inserter) 35b.

The U/I 38 allows the user to select a desired function and instruct its execution conditions, and is equipped with a color display 51, a hard control panel 52 next to it, and an infrared touch board 63 to control the software on the screen. Direct commands can be given using buttons. Next, options for the base machine 30 will be explained. One is to place an edit pad 61, which is a coordinate input device, on the platen glass 31 to enable various image editing using an input pen or a memory card. In addition, the existing ADFE
! 2. The sorter 63 can be attached.

Furthermore, the feature of this embodiment is that the platen glass 31
A mirror unit (M/U) 85 is placed on top, and the F
By projecting a film image from the /PE 14 and reading it as an image signal by the imaging unit 37 of the IIT 32, it is possible to make a color copy directly from the color film. The target document can be negative film, positive film, or slide, and is equipped with an autofocus placement and an automatic correction filter exchange device.

(I-2) Functions and Features of the System (A) Functions The present invention fully automates the process from entrance to exit of copying operations while providing a wide variety of functions that meet the needs of users. A major feature is that function selection, execution condition selection, and other menus are displayed on a display such as a CRT, making it easy for anyone to operate.

Its main functions include start, stop, all clear, numeric key interactive, and
Information system 1, language switching, etc. can be performed, and various functions can be selected by touching soft buttons on the basic screen. In addition, by touching the pathway tab corresponding to the pathway in the function selection area, you can select various editing functions such as marker editing, business editing, creative editing, etc., and you can make full-color and black-and-white copies with easy operations that feel like conventional copying. It can be performed.

A major feature of this device is its four-color full-color function, in addition to which three colors and black can be selected.

For paper supply, automatic paper selection and paper specification are possible.

The reduction/enlargement can be set in 1% increments within the range of 50 to 400%, and a biasing function for independently setting the vertical and horizontal magnifications and an automatic magnification selection function are provided.

Copy density is automatically adjusted for black and white originals.

Automatic color balance adjustment is performed for color originals.
Color balance allows you to specify the colors you want to reduce on your copy.

The sheep program allows you to read and write to the jeep using a memory card, and up to 8 programs can be stored on the memory card. The capacity is 32 kilobytes and the Jeep is programmable except in film projector mode.

In addition, additional functions include copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy positive retainer, film projector page programming, and margin functions.

For the copy output, if a sorter is attached as an optional loan, and ncollated is selected, the maximum adjustment function operates to adjust the set number of sheets within the maximum bin storage value.

Copy sharpness, which emphasizes edges, is a 7-step manual sharpness adjustment as an op-scene, and a photo (
Photo), Character (Character), Halftone printing (Priot), Mixing of photo and text (Photo)
t.

/Character) is provided. You can also set the default and tool pathways as you like.

Copy contrast can be controlled by the operator in 7 steps, and the default can be set as desired using the tool path.

The copy position is a function for selecting the position on which a copy image is placed on paper, and has an optional auto-centering function that places the center of the copy image on the center of the paper, and the default is over centering.

The film projector is capable of making copies from various types of film, and includes a 35-inch negative and positive camera, a 35-inch negative platen holder, and an EC phoenix x 8 cm.
You can choose between a slide platen installation and a 41nX 41n slide platen installation. With film projectors, A4 paper is automatically selected unless you select a specific paper.
In addition, the film projector pop-up has a color balance function; setting the color balance to “reddish” will correct the reddish tone, and setting the color balance to “blueish” will correct the bluish tone. Is going.

Page programming includes a cover function that attaches a front Φ pack cover or front cover to the copy, an insert function that inserts blank or colored paper between copies, a color mode that allows you to set the color mode for each page of the original, and a color mode that allows you to set the color mode for each page of the original. There is a paper selection function that allows you to select the paper tray and set it in conjunction with the color mode.

The margin can be set in the range of 0 to 30 mm in increments of 11, and only one side can be specified for one document.

Marker editing is a function that edits the area surrounded by markers, and is intended for documents. Therefore, the original is treated as a black and white original, and when in black mode, the specified area is
The colors are returned to the palette colors on RT, and areas outside the designated area are copied in black. In addition, when in red-black mode, the image is converted to red,
Areas outside the area are red and black copies, and trim, mask, color mesh, and black to color functions are provided. Note that area designation is performed by drawing a closed loop on the document surface or by specifying the area using a numeric keypad or an edit pad. The same applies to area specification in each editing function below. The designated area is then displayed in a similar shape in the bitmap area on the CRT.

Trim copies only the image within the marked area in black and white,
Images outside the marked area are erased.

The mask erases the image within the marked area and copies only the image outside the marked area in black and white.

With color mesh, a specified containment pattern is placed within the marked area, the image is copied in black and white, and the colors of the color mesh are 8 standard colors (predetermined colors),
8 registered colors (1670 colors registered by users)
You can select from 8 out of 8 colors (up to 8 colors can be registered at the same time), and you can also select from 4 nets and patterns.

With black to color, the image in the marked area can be copied in a specified color selected from 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors.

Business editing aims to quickly create high-quality originals mainly for business documents. The manuscript is treated as a full-color manuscript, and all functions require specifying areas or points, and multiple funk scenes can be set for one manuscript. can.

When in black/mono color mode, areas other than the specified area are copied in black or mono color, and black images are copied within the area.
Converts the color to the palette color on RT, and 1 when in red-black mode.
Copies outside the designated area in red and black, and converts inside the area to red. In addition to trim, mask, color mesh, and black to color, which are similar to those used in marker editing, the following functions are provided: logotype, line, paint 1, flex scene, and funxy sun clear.

Logotype is a function that allows you to insert a logo such as Symbo 7 Remark at a fixed point, and two types of logos can be placed vertically and horizontally. However, 1 for 1 Hara
Only one piece can be set, and the logo pattern can be prepared for each customer.
Supplied by OM.

Line is a function that draws perpendicular or horizontal lines to the X-axis using a two-point display.Line colors can be selected for each line from 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors, and there is no limit to the number of lines that can be specified. , up to seven colors can be used at once.

Paint 1 is a function that fills the inside of a closed loop with a color selected from 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors for each loop by specifying one point inside the closed loop.

The net can be selected from four patterns for each area, the number of loops that can be specified is unlimited, and the number of included patterns that can be used is up to seven.

The correct scene function is elite/point change that allows you to check and modify the funk scene settings for each area, area/point correction function that allows you to change the area size and point position in 1-haze increments, and designation. It has an area/point cancel mode that erases the area, and allows you to confirm, correct, change, delete, etc. the specified area.

Creative editing by Image Combo Gin.

Copy on Copy Color Composite 1, Partial Image Shift, Multi Page Enlarge, Paint 1, Color Mesh, Color Converge 1, Negative/Positive Reversal, Repeat, Paint 2, Density Control, Color Balance,
Copy contrast, copy sharpness, color mode, trim, mask, mirror image, margin, line, shift, logotype, split scan, correction 1, funxilon clear, Add Funct
lon function is provided. With this function, the original is treated as a color original, multiple functions can be set for one original, functions can be used in conjunction with one area, and two areas can be specified. These are a rectangle based on the instruction and a point based on the single point instruction.

Image compositing is a function that after color copying a base original in 4 cycles, holds the paper on a transfer device, and then copies a trimmed original overlappingly in 4 cycles and outputs the same.

Copy-on-copy is a function that, after copying the first original in four cycles, holds the paper on the transfer device, and subsequently copies and outputs the second original in four cycles.

Color Composite 1 copies the first original in magenta, then holds the paper on the transfer device, then overlays the second original in cyan, then holds the paper on the transfer device, and then copies the second original in cyan. This is a function to overlay the third original in yellow and output after copying, and in the case of 4-color composite, further overlay black and output after copying.

Partial image shift is a function that holds the paper on the transfer device after color copying in 4 cycles, and then copies and outputs the paper overlappingly in 4 cycles.

Among the color modes, in full color mode, copies are made in 4 cycles, in 3-color color mode, copies are made in 3 cycles except when mA mode is set, and in black mode, copies are made in 1 cycle except when edit mode is set. Copies in cycles, and in plus 1 color mode copies in 1 to 3 cycles.

The tool path includes audiotron, machine set up, default selection, color registration lane 2, film type registration storage, color correction, preset, film projector scan area correction, audio tone, timer set, pilling. It has a meter, diagnostic mode, maximum adjustment, and memory card formatting. In order to make settings or changes to this pathway, you must enter your PIN number. Therefore, only key operators and customer engineers can make settings/changes in the tool pathway. However, only the customer engineer can enter the diagnostic mode.

Color registration lane 2 is used to register colors to register color buttons in a color palette, and is read from a color original by a COD line sensor.

Color correction is used to fine-tune the colors registered in the register color buttons.

The film type register register a is used to register the register film type used in the film projector mode, and if it is not registered, the register button cannot be selected on the film projector mode screen.

Presets include reduction/enlargement values, 7-step copy control,
Copy sharpness 7 steps, copy contrast 7
Preset steps.

Film projector scan area correctionan
Adjust the scan area in film projector mode.

Audio tone adjusts the volume used for selected sounds, etc.

The timer setting is for setting a timer that can be released to the key operator.

In addition, there is a crash recovery function that restarts the subsystem when it enters a crash state, a function that puts the subsystem into fault mode if it cannot return to normal even after performing crash recovery twice, and a function that causes jams. There are also functions to deal with abnormal systems, such as an emergency shutdown function in the event of an abnormality.

Furthermore, combinations of basic copy and additional functions, basic/additional functions and marker editing, business editing, creative editing, etc. are also possible.

The entire system of the present invention having the above functions has the following features.

(B) Features (a) Achievement of high image quality and full color This device has excellent black image quality reproduction, light color reproduction, generation print quality, OHP image quality, fine line reproduction, film copy image quality reproduction, and copy maintainability. The aim is to achieve high-quality, full-color images that can clearly reproduce color documents.

(b) Lower costs Reduce the cost of art materials and consumables such as photoreceptors, developing machines, and toner, reduce service costs such as UMR and parts costs, and make it possible to use it as a black and white copying machine. The black-and-white copy speed is also three times higher than conventional models, at 30 sheets/A4, reducing running costs.

We are trying to reduce the cost per copy.

(c) Improving productivity By installing an ADF and sorter in the input/output device (option scene), it is possible to process a large number of originals, and the magnification is 50 to 40.
0% can be selected, maximum document size is A3, paper tray is upper row B5-B4, middle row B5-B4, lower row B5-A3.5
SIB5 to A3, and the copy speed is 4.8 CPM for 4 full color A4.

4.8CPM on B4, 2.40PM1 on A3, black and white, A
4: 19.2CPM1 B4: 19.2CPM1, A3: 9.6CPM1 Warm-up time within 8 minutes, FCO
T achieves full color in 28 seconds or less, black and white in less than 7 seconds, and continuous copy speed is 7.5 in full color.
Aiming for high productivity by achieving 30 pages/A4 and black and white 30 pages/A4.

(d) Improved operability Hard buttons 7 and CR on the hard control panel
By using the soft buttons on the T-screen soft panel, it is easy for beginners to understand, does not bother experts, allows direct selection of functions, and concentrates operations in one place to improve operability. Colors are used effectively to accurately convey the necessary information to the operator. High-fidelity copying can be performed using only the hard control panel and basic screen operations.
Start, stop, all clear, interrupts, etc. that cannot be specified in the operating flow are performed by operating the hard buttons, while paper selection, reduction/enlargement, copy density, image quality adjustment, color mode, color balance adjustment, etc. are performed by operating the basic screen soft panel. This makes it easy for users of single-color copying machines to use it naturally. Furthermore, various editing functions can be opened and selected by simply touching the pathway tab in the pathway area of the soft panel. Furthermore, by storing the copy mode, its execution conditions, etc. in advance in the memory card, it is possible to automate certain operations.

(e) Enhanced functionality By touching the pathway tab in the pathway area of the software panel, you can open a pathway and select various editing functions.For example, marker editing uses a tool called marker to edit black and white documents. With business editing, you can quickly create high-quality originals mainly for business documents, and with creative editing, you can quickly create high-quality originals for business documents.Creative editing offers a variety of editing functions, allowing designers to choose from full color, black, and monochrome. We are able to accommodate specialists such as copy service providers and key operators. Furthermore, the area specified in the editing function is displayed as a bitmap area, allowing you to confirm the specified area.

In this way, you can greatly improve your ability to express your writing with the rich editing functions and color creativity.

(f) Achievement of power saving Achieving a high-performance copying machine with 4 full colors and 1.5kVA. Therefore, 1.5kV in each operation mode
A control method to achieve A has been determined, and power distribution by function has been determined to set target values. In addition, an energy system table is created to determine energy transmission routes, and energy system management and verification are performed.

(C) Example of differentiation The copying machine to which the present invention is applied can be used in both full color and black and white, is easy for beginners to understand, allows experienced users to make copies without bothering them, and is enriched with various functions to make copying easier. Since it is possible not only to take pictures but also to make originals, it can be used by professionals and artists, and in this point, it is possible to differentiate the use of copying machines. An example of its use is shown below.

For example, poster calendars, which were traditionally made by Ingo,
Cards, invitations, New Year's cards with photos, etc. can be produced at a much lower cost than printing if the number of cards is not very large. In addition, by making full use of the editing function, it is possible to create original calendars according to one's tastes, for example, and instead of printing uniformly on a company-by-company basis, it is possible to create original designs on a company-by-company basis. It becomes possible to produce a variety of things.

In addition, as seen in interiors and electrical products in recent years, colors affect sales volume, and by copying colored designs at the production stage of interiors and clothing items, multiple people can work on the design and colors as well. It is possible to develop new colors that improve consumption. In particular, in the apparel industry, when ordering products from distant production sites, by sending a colored copy of the finished drawing, colors can be specified more accurately than before, improving work efficiency. Can be done.

Furthermore, since all books can be used for both color and black-and-white printing, it is possible to make the required number of copies of one original document in black-and-white or color, as needed. Therefore, when learning color science at a vocational school or university, for example, a colored design can be expressed in both black and white and in color, and by comparing the two, it can be realized that, for example, red has almost the same brightness as gray. You can also learn about the effects of brightness and coloring on visual perception, such as being able to see things clearly at a glance.

(I-3) Configuration of Electrical System Control System In this section, the hardware architecture, software architecture, and state division of the electrical control system of this copying machine will be explained.

(A) Hardware architecture-a and software architecture - When a color CRT is used as a numeric device like this copying machine, the amount of data for color display increases compared to when a monochrome CRT is used, and the display If you try to create a more friendly UI by improving the screen configuration and screen transitions, the amount of data will increase.

On the other hand, although it is possible to use a CPU with a large memory capacity, the board becomes large, making it difficult to store it in the copier itself, and making it difficult to respond flexibly to changes in specifications. However, there are problems such as high cost and so on.

Therefore, in this copying machine, a technology that can be shared with other models or devices, such as a CRT controller, is used as a remote and the CPU is distributed to cope with the increase in data l.

The electrical hardware is as shown in Figure 3.
It is roughly divided into three types: UI system, SYS system, and MCB system. The tJI system includes a UI reso-1 door 0, and the SYS system includes an F/P remote 72 that controls the F/P,
An IT remote 73 that performs document reading and an IPS remote 74 that performs various image processing are distributed. IIT remote 73 is an IIT remote for controlling the imaging unit.
IT controller 73a and VIDEO circuit 7 which digitizes the read image signal and sends it to IPS remote 74
3b and VCPUT4a along with IPS remote 74
controlled by SYS (5ysts school) is the one that centrally manages each remote mentioned above and below.
A remote 71 is provided.

Since the SYS remote 71 requires a huge memory capacity for programs and the like to control the screen transitions of the UI, an 808B equipped with an 18-bit microcomputer is used. Note that in addition to 808B, for example, 88000 can also be used.

In addition, in the MCB system, a video signal used to form a latent image on the photosensitive material belt with a laser is received from the summer PS remote 74, and a raster output scan (Raster Output 5can) is performed to send it to the IOT.
RO8) interface, VCB (Video
Control Board) Remote? +3.
RCB remote 77 for transfer device (turdle) servo, and IOB remote 78 as I10 port for l0T1 ADF, sorter, accessories.
, and accessory-remote 79, and use an MCB (master code) to centrally manage them.
ntrol Board) remote 75 is provided.

Note that each remote in the figure is composed of one board. Also, the thick solid line in the figure is 18 feet.

5kbps LNET high-speed communication network, thick broken line is 98oo
Each figure shows a BPS master/slave type serial communication network, and the thin solid line shows a hot line which is a control signal transmission path. In addition, 711.8kbp in the figure
s indicates the shape information drawn on the edit pad,
This is a dedicated line for notifying the IPS remote 74 from the UI IJ mote 70 of the copy mode V information input from the memory card and the graphic information of the editing area. Furthermore, CCC (Common Catl.) in the figure.

n Control Chlp) is an IC that supports the protocol of the high-speed communication line LNET.

As mentioned above, the hardware architecture can be roughly divided into three types: UI system, SYS system, and MCB system.The division of processing among these systems can be explained as follows with reference to the software architecture in Figure 4. It is. The arrow in the figure indicates the 187.5 kbps LNET high-speed communication network shown in Figure 3, 5soob p 817)? It shows the relationship between data exchange via a star/slave type serial communication network or control signal transmission via a hotline.

UI remote) 70 is L L U I (Low L
evel [11) module 80, and a module (not shown) for processing the edit pad and memory card. The LLUI module 80 is similar to what is commonly known as a CRT controller, and is a software module for displaying a screen on a color CRT.The 5YSUI module determines what kind of picture is displayed on the screen at any given time. 81 or MCBUI module 66. It is clear that this allows the UI remote to be shared with other models or devices. This is because the CRT controller is used integrally with the CRT, although the screen configuration and screen transitions vary depending on the model.

SYS remote 71 and 5YSUI module 81,
SYSTEM module 82, and SYS, DIAG
It is composed of three modules: module 63.

The 5YSUI module 81 is a software module that controls screen transitions, and the SYSTEM module 82 is an F/F (Feature Function) that recognizes which screen and which coordinates of the soft panel have been selected, that is, what kind of job has been selected. !on) Selection software, job confirmation software that ultimately checks the Jeep for consistency in copy execution conditions, and F/F selection between other modules.
Geeve Recovery - This is a module that includes software that controls communication for exchanging various information such as machine state.

The SYS, DIAG module 63 is a module that operates in a customer simulation scene mode in which a copy operation is performed in a diagnostic state in which self-diagnosis is performed. Since the customer simulation mode operates in the same way as normal copying, the SYS and DIAG modules 63 are essentially the same as the SYSTEM module 82, but since they are used in a special state called diagnostic, the SYSTEM module -Le 82
These are written separately, but with some overlap.

In addition, the IIT remote 73 includes an IIT remote controller that controls the stepping motor used in the imaging unit.
The IPS remote 74 stores an IPS module 85 that performs various processes related to IPS, and these modules are controlled by the SYSTEM module 82 .

On the other hand, the MCB remote 75 includes an MCBUI module 66, which is software that controls screen transitions in the event of faults such as diagnostics, audiotrons, and jams, controls the photosensitive material belt, controls the developing machine, and controls the user. Each software module includes a 10T module 90 that performs necessary processing when copying such as control, an ADF module 91 that controls the ADF, a 5ORTER module 92 that controls the sorter, and a Cobia executive module 87 that manages them. Diagnostic executive module 88 that performs various diagnoses; Auditron module 8 that accesses the electronic counter and processes charges using a code number
9 is stored.

Further, the RCB remote 77 stores a turdle servo module 93 that controls the operation of the transfer device, and the turdle servo module 93 is under the control of the IOT module 90 in order to control the transfer process of the xerography cycle. It is located in The reason why the cobia executive module 87 and the diagnostic executive module 88 overlap in the figure is the same as the reason why the SYSTEM module 82 and the SYS and DIAG modules 63 overlap.

The division of the above processing will be explained in accordance with the copy operation as follows. The copying operation is a repetition of similar operations except for the difference in the color to be developed, and can be considered divided into several layers as shown in FIG. 5(a).

One color copy is made by repeating the smallest unit called pitch several times. Specifically, for one-color copying, how to operate the developing machine, transfer device, etc., how to detect jams, and how to perform pitch processing in Y, M, Y, M, etc. If you do this for the 3 colors of C, you will get 3 color copies of Y, M,
If you use the four colors C and K, you will be able to make one full-color copy in just seven seconds. This is a copy layer, and specifically, it is a layer that performs a process of transferring each color toner onto a sheet of paper, fixing it in a user, and ejecting the sheet from the main body of the copying machine. The processing up to this point is managed by the MCB-based copier executive module 87.

Of course, in the process of pitch processing, the IIT module 84 and IPS module 85 included in the SYS system are also used, but for this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, IIT module 84
Two signals, PR-TRUE and LE@REG, are exchanged between them. Specifically, P R (PIT
The CII RESET) signal is continuously generated by the MCB by dividing the rotation of the photosensitive material belt into two or three. In other words,
In order to make effective use of the photosensitive material and improve copying speed, the number of sheets is adjusted depending on the size of the copy paper used, for example, 2 pitches for A3 size copy paper and 3 pitches for A4 size copy paper. Since the PR signal is divided into pitches, the period of the PR signal generated for each pitch is, for example, as long as 3 seconds in the case of 2 pitches, and as short as 2 seconds in the case of 3 pitches.

Now, the PR signal generated by the MCB is distributed via the hotline to necessary locations within the 10T, such as the VCB remote that handles VIDEO signals.

The VCB has a gate circuit therein, and selectively outputs only pitches that can be imaged within the IOT, that is, pitches that can actually expose an image onto the photosensitive material belt, to the IPS remote. This signal is the PR-TRUE signal. Note that information for generating a PR-TRUE signal based on a PR signal received from the MCB via the hotline is notified from the MCB via LNET.

On the other hand, during a period when the image cannot actually be exposed on the photosensitive material belt, an empty pitch for one pitch is created on the photosensitive material belt, and for such an empty pitch, PR- A TRUE signal is not output. P like this
Examples of pitches where R-TRUE is not generated include:
An example of this is the period from when the paper on which the transfer has been completed in the transfer R[ is discharged until the next paper is supplied to the transfer device. In other words, for example, if a long sheet of paper such as A3 size is to be ejected with the final transfer, the image quality will deteriorate due to the slippage when the leading edge of the sheet enters the entrance of the facer. Even after the transfer is completed, the material is not ejected as it is, but is held by a gripper bar (described later) and rotated one more time at a constant speed before being ejected, so the photosensitive material belt has a skip of one pitch. It becomes necessary.

Furthermore, the PR-TRUE signal is not output from the start of copying using the start key until the end of the cycle-up sequence. This is because the document has not yet been read during this period, and therefore no image can be exposed on the photosensitive material belt.

The PR-TRUE signal output from the VCB remote is
- While being received by the PS remote, it is also transmitted as is to the IIT remote, where it is used as a trigger signal to start the IIT scan.

This allows IIT remote 73 and IPS remote 7
4 can be synchronized with the IOT to perform pitch processing. Also, at this time, a video signal for modulating the laser light used to form a latent image on the sensitive material belt is exchanged between the IPS remote 74 and the VCB remote 76, and is received by the VCB remote 78. After the video signal is converted from a parallel signal to a serial signal, it is directly applied to the RO8 as a VIDEO modulation signal to the laser output section 40a.

When the above operations are repeated four times, one four-color full-color copy is completed, and one copy and one operation are completed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5(b) to 5(e), a description will be given of the signal exchange and timing from when the image signal read by the IIT is output to the IOT until it is finally transferred to paper at the transfer point.

As shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c), when a start job command is input from the SYS remote 71, the l0T7
At step 8b, a cycle-up sequence including driving the main motor and starting up the high-voltage power supply begins. In order to form a latent image corresponding to the paper length on the photosensitive material belt,
Outputs a PR (pitch reset) signal. For example, each time the photosensitive material belt rotates once, it outputs 3 pitches of PR signals for A4 and 2 pitches for A3. When the cycle up sequence of l0T78b is completed, PR
In synchronization with the signal, the PR-TRUE signal is sent to the IIT controller 73a corresponding to only the pitch that requires imaging.
is output to.

In addition, l0T78b is l0T- which is output for each rotation of one line of RO8 (raster output scan).
The LS (line sync) signal is connected to the T in the VCPU74a.
G (timing generator), where l0T-
The IPS-LS, which is apparently advanced in phase by the total pipeline delay of the IPS relative to the LS, is sent to the IIT:I:/troller 73a.

When the PR-TRUE signal is input, the IIT controller 73a enables a counter and counts the 10T-LS signal. When a predetermined count is reached, the IIT controller 73a starts the rotation of the stepping motor 213 that drives the imaging unit 37 to start imaging. The unit starts scanning the document. After counting again for 72 seconds, output LE@REG at the original reading start position and send this to IOT78.
send to b.

This document reading start position can be determined in advance by driving the imaging unit only once after turning on the power, and then moving the resin sensor 217.
No place I! (near the register position, specifically approximately 10-s+ on the scanning side from the register position) is detected, the true register position is calculated based on the detected position, and at the same time the normal stop position (home positive scene) can also be obtained by calculation. In addition, since the registration position differs from machine to machine due to machine variations, by storing the correction value in NVM and making corrections when calculating the true registration position and home position scene, the accurate document reading start position can be determined. Can be set. This correction value can be changed by a factory or a service person, etc., and can be implemented by simply rewriting this correction value electrically, and no mechanical adjustment is required. In addition, Resinsa 217
The reason why the position is shifted about 10 degrees toward the scanning side from the true registration position is to always make the correction a negative value and to simplify the adjustment and software.

Furthermore, the llTllTl-ra 73a outputs the IMAGE-AREA signal in synchronization with LE@REG. This IM
The length of the AGE-AREA signal is equal to the scan length, which is defined by the start command communicated from SYSTEM module 82 to IIT module 84. Specifically, when copying by detecting the original size, the scan length is the original length, and when copying by specifying the magnification, the scan length is the copy paper length and the magnification (100%). is set as the divisor of 1). IMAGE-AREA signal is VCPU7
4a, where it is renamed IIT-'PS (BageSync) and sent to IPS74. IIT-PS is a signal indicating the time to perform image processing.

When LE@REG is output, data for one line of the line sensor is read in synchronization with the l0T-LS signal,
The VIDEO circuit (FIG. 3) performs various correction processes and A/D conversion, and sends the signal to the IPS 74. In the IPS74, one line of video data is sent to the IOT78b in synchronization with the IOT-LS. At this time I 0T-BYTE
RTN-BYTE-CLK, which is an inverted signal of -CLK, is sent back to the IOT in parallel with the video data, and the data and clock are similarly delayed to ensure synchronization.

When LE@REG is input to 10T78b, I
Video data is sent to RO8 in synchronization with the 0T-LS signal, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive material belt. l0T78b
When LB@REG is input, counting is started by l0T-CLK based on the timing, while the servo motor of the transfer device is controlled so that the leading edge of the paper is at the transfer position of a predetermined number of counts. By the way, Figure 5 (d
), the P output by the rotation of the photosensitive material belt is
l0 output by R-TRUE signal and rotation of RO8
Originally, it is not synchronized with the T-LS signal. For this reason,
When the PR-TRUE signal enters and starts counting from the next 107-LS, moves the imaging unit 37 at count m, and outputs LE@REG at count n, L
E@REG will be delayed by 71 hours relative to PR-TRUE. This delay is a maximum of 1 lie/sync and 4
In the case of full-color copying, this delay accumulates and appears as a color shift in the output image.

To do this, first, as shown in FIG. 5(C), when the first LE@REG is input, the counter 1 starts counting, and when the third LE@REG is input, the counter 2 starts counting.
．． 3 starts counting, and when each counter reaches the count number p up to the transfer position, it is cleared, and the counters are sequentially used for the fourth and subsequent inputs of LE@REG. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(e), when LE@REG is input, the correction clock counts the time T3 from the pulse immediately before l0T-CLK.

The latent image formed on the photosensitive material belt is close to the transfer position, l0
When the T-CLK counts the count number p to the transfer position, the correction clock starts counting at the same time, and the point where the count number r corresponding to the above time T3 is added becomes the accurate transfer position, and this is the point that the transfer device In addition to the control of the counter for controlling the transfer position (timing) of LE@
The servo motor of the transfer device is controlled so that the leading edge of the paper is accurately synchronized with the REG input.

The above is the process up to the copy layer, but on top of that, 1
There is a process for setting the number of copies, which is the number of times a copy job is to be performed for a sheet of original, and this is a process performed in PER0RIGIIIAL L/Ear. Further above that is a jib programming layer that handles changing jib parameters.

Specifically, these are whether to use the ADF or not, and whether or not to use a biasing function that changes the color of a part of the document. These per-original processing and jeb programming processing are managed by a SYS module 82 of the SYS system.

For this purpose, the SYSTEM module 82 checks the job contents sent from the LLU module 80, and
Confirm, create the necessary data, and create 98OOb ps.
The job contents are notified to the IIT module 84 and the IPS module 85 through the real communication network, and to the MCB system through the LNET.

As mentioned above, those that perform independent processing, other models,
Alternatively, we distributed those that perform processing that can be shared with devices as remote units, divided them into UI systems, SYS systems, and MCB systems, and defined modules to manage machines according to the copy processing layer. This makes it possible to clarify the work of people, standardize development technology for software, etc., clarify delivery dates and cost settings, and easily respond to changes in specifications by changing only the relevant modules. Therefore, the development efficiency can be improved.

(B) State division Above, we have discussed the division of processing between the UI system, SYS system, and MCB system.
What kind of processing is performed by the system at each time of a copy operation will be explained step-by-step through the copy operation.

In a copier, the state from power-on to copy operation and after the copy operation is divided into several states, and the jobs to be performed in each state are determined, and all jobs in each state are completed. If not, the system does not move to the next state to ensure control efficiency and accuracy.

This is called state division, and in this copying machine, state division is performed as shown in FIG.

A characteristic feature of the state division in this copying machine is that in each state, the control right to manage the entire state and the UT master right to use the Ul in the state are in the SYS remote 71 at some times, and at other times. is in the MCB remote 75. In other words, by distributing the CPUs as described above, U
■LLU I module 80 of remote 70 is 5YSU
Not only I module 81 but also MCBUI module 6
Also, pitch and copy processing are managed by the MCB-based Cobia executive module 87, while per-original processing and job programming processing are managed by the SYS module 82.
Because the processing is divided such that it is managed by
Correspondingly, in each state, the SYS module 8
2. The difference lies in which of the Cobia executive modules 87 has the overall control authority and the UI master authority. In FIG. 6, states indicated by vertical lines indicate that the MCB-based Cobia executive module 87 has the UI mastership, and states filled in black indicate that the SYS module 82 has the UI mastership.

The state division shown in FIG. 6 from power ON to standby will be explained with reference to FIG. 7.

When the power is turned on and the power is turned on, s appears in Figure 3.
ys remote 71 to IIT remote 73 and IPS
IPS reset signal and I supplied to remote 74
The IT reset signal becomes H (IIIG■), and the IPS
The remote 74 and IIT remote 73 are released from reset and start operating.

Furthermore, when it is detected that the power supply voltage has become normal, the power normal signal rises, the MCB remote door 5 starts operating, establishes control authority and UIl master authority, and tests the high-speed communication network LNET. Further, the power normal signal is sent from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71 via the hotline.

When a predetermined time TO has elapsed after the start of operation of the MCB remote 75, the system reset signal supplied from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71 through the hotline becomes H, the reset of the SYS remote 71 is released, and the operation is started. However, at this time, the start of operation of the SYS remote 71 is triggered by the internal signal 8 of the SYS remote 71.
8NM1166 reset signal causes the above 1.
After 0 hours have elapsed, it is further delayed by 200 μsec. This 2
The time of 00 μsec is a non-volatile value that indicates which state the machine is in when the machine stops or runs out of control due to a temporary problem such as a momentary power outage, software runaway, or software bug. It is provided for storing in memory.

When the SYS U mote 71 starts operating, it performs a core test, ie, checks the ROM, RAM, hardware, etc., for about 3.8 seconds. If undesired data is input at this time, there is a possibility of the system going out of control.
Under its own supervision, SYS remote 74 and IIT set the IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal to L (Low) at the start of the core test, and
Reset the 7 colors of IT remote to stop its operation.

When the core test is completed, the SYS remote 71
A CCC self-test is performed for ~3100 seconds, and the IPS reset signal and IIT reset signal are set to H.
Then, the IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 73 are restarted to perform a core test. C.C.
The C self-test is performed by sending predetermined data to the LNET, receiving it by itself, and confirming that the received data is the same as the transmitted data. Note that when performing the CCC self-test, time is allocated to each CCC so that the self-test times do not overlap.

In other words, in LNET, SYS remote 71, M
Each node such as the CB remote 75 transmits data when it wants to transmit data, and if a data collision occurs, it retransmits the data after a predetermined period of time.This means that the SYS remote 71 transmits data when it wants to transmit data. This is because if another node is using LNET when performing a self-test, a data collision will occur and the self-test cannot be performed. Therefore, SYS remote 71 is CCC
When starting the self-test it, MOB remote 7
5 LNET test has been completed.

When the CCC self-test is completed, the SYS remote 71
waits until the core test of IPS remote 74 and IIT remote 73 is completed, and performs SYS during period T1.
Perform a communication test of the TEM node. This communication test
This is a test of a 960Qbps serial communication network, and predetermined data is sent and received in a predetermined sequence. When the communication test is completed, an LNET communication test is performed between the SYS remote 71 and the MCB remote 75 during the period T2. That is, the MCB remote 75 is the SYS remote 7
1 to request self-test results, S Y S
In response to the request, the U-mote 71 issues the results of the tests conducted so far to the MCB remote 75 as self-test results.

Upon receiving the self-test result, the MCB remote 75 issues a token bus to the SYS remote 71. The token bus is a tag for exchanging UL master rights,
By passing the token bus to SYS remote 71,
The UIl master right will be transferred from the MCB remote 75 to the SYS remote 71. This is the power-on sequence. During the power-on sequence, the UI
The remote 70 displays a message such as "Please wait for a while" and also performs various tests such as its own core test and communication test.

In the above power-on sequence, if there is no response to the self-test result request or if there is an abnormality in the self-test result, the MCB remote 75 will make the machine dead, activate the UI control authority, and display the UI.
It controls the remote 70 and displays that an abnormality has occurred. This is the machine dead state.

After the power-on state is completed, the system enters the initialization state to set up each remote.

In the initialization state, the SYS remote 71 has overall control rights and UL master rights. Therefore, the SYS remote 71 initializes the SYS system and
S Ding EMJ: I? :/ code is issued to the MCB remote 75 to initialize the MCB system as well. The result is sent to the MCB remote 75 as subsystem status information.
It is sent from. As a result, for example, in the IOT, the user is heated, the tray elevator is placed in a predetermined position, and preparations are made for copying. This is the initialization state.

When initialization is completed, each remote enters a standby state. Even in this state, the SYS remote 71 has the UI master right, so the SYS remote 71 displays the F/F on the UI screen based on the UI master right.
F is displayed and a state is entered in which copy execution conditions are accepted.

At this time, the MCB remote 75 is monitoring the IOT. In addition, in the standby state, the MCB remote 75 sends 500
Background ball for every m5ec SYS remote 7
1, and the SYS remote 71 performs a process of returning the self-test result to the MCB remote 75 within 200 m5ec. At this time, if the self-test result is not returned or there is an abnormality in the content of the self-test result, the MCB remote 75
1 Notify the remote 70 that an abnormality has occurred and display a display to that effect.

When the audiotron is used in the standby state, the audiotron state is entered and the MCB remote 75 performs audiotron control and the U
The remote control 70 is controlled to display a message for audio (audio) 0. F/F is set in the standby state, and when the start key is pressed, the process enters the progress state. The progress state is subdivided into six states: setup, cycle up, run, skip pitch, normal cycle down, and cycle down shutdown, and these states will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a timing chart when the platen mode is set and the number of 4-color full-color copies is set to 3.

When the SYS remote 71 detects that the start key has been pressed, it transmits the job contents via the serial communication network.
It sends the contents of the jeep to the IT remote 73 and the IPS remote 74, and issues the contents of the jeep via LNET to the copier executive module 87 in the MCB remote 75, along with the command StartJib. This will cause the machine to go into setup, and each remote will prepare to perform its designated jeep. For example, the IOT module 90 drives the main motor, adjusts the parameters of the photosensitive material belt, and the like.

ACK (Ackno) is a response to the start request.
When the sYs remote 71 confirms that the IIT remote 71 has sent the IIT remote 73 back from the MCB remote 75, the sYs remote 71 causes the IIT remote 73 to perform a Briscan.

Briscan includes Briscan for detecting the document size, Prescan for detecting the color at a specified position on the document, Briscan for closed loop detection when coloring, and Marker for marker editing. There are four types of prescans for reading, and prescans are performed up to three times depending on the selected F/F. At this time, Ul
For example, a message such as "Please wait for a while" is displayed.

When the pre-scan ends, a command IIT Ready is issued to the Cobia executive module 87, and cycle-up begins from here.

Cycle up is a state in which each remote waits for the rise time, the McB remote 75 starts the TOTl transfer H position operation, and the sYS remote door 1 initializes the IPS remote 74. At this time, the UI displays that the job is currently in a productionless state and the details of the selected job.

When the cycle up is completed, the run starts and the copy operation starts. First, when the first PRO is output from the IOT module 90 of the MCB remote 75, the IIT performs the first scan, and the IOT develops the first color. This completes the process for one pitch. Next, when PRO is issued again, the second color development is performed and the second pitch processing is completed.

This process is repeated four times, and when the four-pitch process is completed, the IOT uses the user to fix the toner and discharges the paper. This completes the first copy process. By repeating the above process three times, three copies can be made.

Pitch layer processing and copy layer processing is performed by MCB
The remote 75 manages it, but the process of setting the number of copies to be performed on the par original layer, which is a layer above it, is S Y
Performed by S U Mort 71. Therefore, when the first PRO of each copy is issued, the MC
The B remote 75 is configured to issue a maid count signal to the SYS remote 71. Also, when the last PRO is issued, the MCB remote 75
rRDY FORNXT for YS remote 71
Issue a command called JOBJ to request the next job. If you issue a start job at this time, you can continue the jeep, but if the user does not set the next jeep, the jeep will end, so the SYS remote 71 will
A command J OBJ is issued to the MCB remote 75.

When the MCB remote 75 receives the rEND JOBJ command and confirms that the jeep is finished, the machine enters a normal cycle down. In normal cycle down, the MCB remote 75 stops the operation of the IOT.

During the cycle down, when the MCB remote 75 confirms that all the copied paper has been ejected, it sends a SYS command to that effect using the rDELIVERED JOBJ command.
Notify the remote 71, and also send the (F)W to rIOT when the normal cycle down is completed and the machine stops.
SYS remote 7 with 5TAND BYJ command
Let 1 know. This ends the production state and returns to the standby state.

Although skip pitch and cycle down shutdown are not mentioned in the above example, in skip pitch, the sYs remote 71 initializes the SYS system for the next job, and the MCB remote 75 initializes the SYS system for the next copy. Waiting for. Also,
Since the cycle down shutdown is a state in the event of a fault, both the sYs remote 71 and the MCB remote 75 perform fault processing in this state.

As described above, in the production state, the MCB remote 75 manages pitch processing and copy processing, and
Since the Ys remote 71 manages the per-original processing and the job programming processing, both parties have the right to control the processing according to their share of the processing. On the other hand, the [1 master right is held by the SYS remote 71. This is because the UI needs to display the set number of copies, the selected editing process, etc., which belong to per-original processing or job programming processing and are under the control of the SYS remote 71.

When a fault occurs in the production state, the state moves to the fault recovery state. Fault is a general term for abnormal conditions such as no paper jam, failure or damage of parts, etc., and there are cases where the user can recover by resetting the F/F, and cases where service personnel can repair it by replacing parts. There are 2m types of things that must be recovered. As mentioned above, faults are basically displayed by the MCBUI module 66, but the F/F is
Since the YS module 82 manages the faults, the SYS module 82 is in charge of recovery from faults that can be recovered by resetting the F/F, and the Cobia executive module 87 is in charge of other recoveries.

Further, fault detection is performed for each of the SYS system and the MCB system. In other words, IIT, IPS1F/P is SYS
Since it is managed by the remote 71, the SYS remote 71 detects the IOT, ADF, and so on.

Since the sorter is managed by MCB remote 75, MCB
Remote 75 detects. Therefore, it can be seen that there are the following four types of faults in this copying machine.

■Detected by SYS node, SYS node recovery
For example, if the start key is pressed before the F/P is prepared, a fault will occur, but the user will have to restart the F/P.
You can recover by setting .

■When detected by the SYS node and recovered by the MCB node This type of fault includes, for example, failure of the cash register sensor,
Imaging unit speed abnormality, imaging unit overrun, PRO signal abnormality, CCC abnormality,
This includes errors in the serial communication network, R0M or RAM check errors, etc. In the case of these faults, the U
1 displays the details of the fault and a message such as "Please call a service person."

■When the MCBMC8 node is set and the SYS node recovers If the sorter is set on the F/F even though the sorter is not set, a fault will be detected on the MCB node, but the user will try to set the F/F again. You can also recover by reconfiguring the settings and changing to a mode that does not use the sorter. The same applies to ADF. Also, if the toner is low (
A fault also occurs if the tray is not set, or if there is no paper left. Normally, these faults can be recovered by the user replenishing toner, setting a tray, or replenishing paper, but if one tray runs out of paper, another tray must be used. If the toner of a certain color runs out, it can be recovered by specifying another color. In other words,
Since recovery is also performed by F/F selection, recovery is performed at the SYS node.

■MCBMC 8 nodes, MCB node coverage
For example, if the developing machine is malfunctioning, toner distribution is abnormal, motor clutch failure, user failure, etc. are detected by the MC8 node, and the UI displays the location of the failure and the message ``Call service personnel.'' Message such as "Please do so." will be displayed. Furthermore, if a jam occurs, the location of the jam is displayed as well as a method for clearing the jam, leaving the recovery to the user.

As described above, in the fault recovery state, control rights and UI master rights may be held by the SY9 node or the MCB node depending on the location where the fault occurs and the recovery method.

Once the fault is recovered and an IOT standby command is issued from the MCB node, it moves to the job recovery state and completes the remaining jeeps. For example, suppose that the set number of copies is 3 and a jam occurs while copying the second copy. In this case, after the jam is cleared, the remaining two sheets must be copied, so the SYS node and the 4CB node perform respective management processes to recover the job. Therefore, even in job recovery, the control right is SY
Both the S node and the MCB node have them according to their respective processing assignments. However, UI master rights are SYS
The node has This is because when performing job recovery, for example, "Press the start key"
, ``Please set the remaining originals,'' etc., must be displayed for job recovery, because this is a matter related to per-original processing or web programming processing managed by the SYS node.

In addition, even if an IOT standby command is issued in the progress state, it will move to the jib recovery state.
Once it is confirmed that the jeep has been completed, it moves to standby state and waits for the next jeep. In the standby state, a diagnostic (hereinafter simply referred to as "diag") state can be entered by performing a predetermined key operation.

Diagnosis state includes component input check, output check, various parameter settings, various mode Y settings, NVM
This is a self-diagnosis state for initializing (nonvolatile memory), etc., and its concept is shown in FIG. As is clear from the figure, two modes are provided for diagnosis: TECHREP mode and customer simulation mode.

TECHREP mode is a mode used by service personnel to diagnose the machine, such as input check and output check.Customer simulation mode is a mode used for diagnosis, which is the customer mode normally used by users when copying. It is.

Now, from the standby state of the customer mode, the TECl-I R is
Suppose you enter EP mode. If you want to exit the TECHREP mode by simply performing various checks, setting parameters, and setting the mode, and then return to the customer mode (route B in the figure), press the specified key and the screen shown in Figure 6 will appear. It is possible to move to the power-on state as shown and return to the standby state using the sequence shown in Figure 7. However, since this copier makes color copies and is equipped with various editing functions, various operations can be performed in TECHREP mode. After setting the parameters, it is necessary to actually perform copying and check whether the colors requested by the user appear and whether the editing functions function as specified. This is done in the customer simulation mode, which differs from the customer mode in that pilling is not performed and the UI displays a message indicating that it is a diagnostic mode. This is the meaning of customer simulation quiet mode, which uses customer mode in diagnosis. In addition, TECHR
The transition from the EP mode to the customer simulation scene mode (route C in the figure) and the reverse transition from the customer simulation scene mode to the TECHREP mode (route D in the figure) can be performed by respective predetermined operations. Furthermore, since the TECHREP mode is performed by the diagnostic executive module 88 (Fig. 4), the MCB node has both control rights and UI master rights, but in the customer simulation mode, SYS, D
Since the normal copy operation is performed under the control of the IAG module 63 (FIG. 4), the SYS node has both control rights and UI master rights.

(n) Specific configuration of each part (II-1) System FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the system and other remotes.

As mentioned above, the remote 71 is equipped with the 5YSUI module 81 and the SYSTEM module 82, and the 5Y
Data is exchanged between the SU I 81 and the SYSTEM module 82 through an inter-module interface.
Also SYSTEM module 82 and summer IT73, IPS
74 is connected by a serial communication interface, and MCB75, RO876, and RAIB79 are connected by LN.
Connected via the ET high-speed communication network.

Next, the module configuration of the system will be explained.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the system.

In this copying machine, each module such as IT, IIT, IPS, and IOT is thought of as a component, and each module of the system that controls these is thought of as having a brain. By adopting a distributed CPU method, the system side is responsible for per-original processing and job programming processing, and correspondingly has control rights to manage the initialization state, standby state, set-up state, and cycle state, as well as control rights to manage these states. Since he has the Ul master right to use Ul in the state of
The system is composed of corresponding modules.

The system main 100 takes in the received data from the 5YSU engineer, MCB, etc. into an internal buffer, clears the data stored in the internal buffer, and
It calls each lower-level module and passes the processing to update the system state.

The M/C initialization control module 101 controls the initialization sequence from power-on until the system enters a standby state, and is activated when the power-on process for performing various tests after power-on by the MCH is completed.

The M/C set-up control module 103 controls the set-up sequence from when the start key is pressed until starting the MCB that processes the coby layer. M/ to achieve the requirements of
A job mode is created based on the instruction item for C), and a setup sequence is determined according to the created sheave mode.

As shown in FIG. 12(a), the creation of the J4B mode is as follows:
It analyzes the mode specified by the F/F and separates the Jeep. In this case, J1B means M/B at the request of the user.
It refers to the M/C operation from the start of C to the time when all requested copies are ejected until it is stopped, and is the minimum unit that can divide the work according to the user's request, and is a collection of jib modes. For example, in the case of inset compositing, as shown in Figure 12(b), the job modes are delete, move,
Jeep is a collection of these modes. Further, as shown in FIG. 12(C), in the case of three ADF documents, the job mode is feed processing for document 1, document 2, and document 3, respectively, and the jeep is a collection of these documents.

Then, in automatic mode, document scan, in coloring mode, pre-scan, in marker editing mode, pre-scan, in color detection mode, sample scan (pre-scan up to 3 times), and copy cycle. IIT, IPS, MCB
Distribute IZ vs. shite and MC at the end of setup sequence
Start B.

The M/C standby control module 2 controls the sequence during M/C standby, and specifically performs start key reception, color registration control, diagnosis mode entry, etc.

The M/C copy cycle control module 104 controls the copy sequence from when the MCB is activated until it is stopped, and specifically sends a paper feed count notification, determines the end of a JOB, requests IIT startup, and MCH. It determines whether to stop and issues a request to shut down the IPS.

It also has the function of notifying the remote destination of through commands that occur while the M/C is stopped or in operation.

Fault control module 106 is IIT,I
Monitors the cause of the shutdown from the PS and activates the MCB when the cause occurs.
Specifically, the shutdown is performed by issuing a fail command from IIT and IPS, and the MC
After a shutdown request is issued from B, recovery is determined when the M/C is stopped, and recovery is performed by, for example, a jam command from MCB.

The communication control module 107 is
It sets the IIT ready signal from IT and enables/disables communication in the image area.

The DIAG control module 1o8 controls the input check mode and the output check mode in the DIAG mode.

Next, the exchange of data between these modules or with other subsystems will be explained.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data flow between the system and each remote and the data flow between modules within the system. In the figure, A to N indicate serial communication, 2 indicates a hot line, and 2 to 0 indicate inter-module data.

Between the 5YSUI remote and the initialization control unit 101, the 5YSUI sends a TOKEN command that transfers control of the CRT to the SYSTEM NODE, while the initialization controller 7) sends a configuration command.

5YSU I remote and standby control section 10
2, the 5YSUI sends a mode change command, start copy command, jib cancel command, color registration request command, and tray command, while the standby control unit 102 sends the M/C
A status command, tray status command, toner status command, collected bottle status command, color registration ANS command, and TOKEN command are sent.

5YSU I remote and setup control section 1
03, the setup control section 103!
p etc. M/C status command (progress), AP
An MS status command is sent, while a stop request command and an interlove command Y are sent from the 5YSUI remote.

IPS remote and initialization control section 101
An initialize end command is sent from the IPS remote, and the initialize control section 1
An NVM parameter command is sent from 01.

IIT remote and initialization control section 101
The IIT ready command is sent from the IIT remote, and the NVM is sent from the initialization control unit 101.
A parameter command and an INITIALIZE command are sent.

Between the IPS remote and the standby control unit 102, the IPS remote sends the initialize free hand area, answer command, remove area answer command, and color i1 information), and the standby control unit 102 sends the color detection point command and initialize. free hand area command,
A remove area command is sent.

Between the IPS remote and the setup control unit 103, the IPS ready command,
A document information command is sent, and a scan information command, basic copy mode command, edit mode command, and M/C stop command are sent to the setup control section 103.

Between the IIT remote and the standby control unit 102, the IIT remote sends an IIT ready command to notify that the prescan has ended, and the standby control unit 102 sends a sample scan start command and an initialize command.

Between the IIT remote and the setup control unit 103, the IIT remote sends an IIT ready command and an initialize end command, and the setup control unit 103 sends a document scan start command, a sample scan start command, and
A copy scan start command is sent.

Between the MCB remote and the standby control unit 102, the standby control unit 102 sends an initialize subsystem command and a standby selection command, and the MCB remote unit sends a subsystem status command.

Between the MCB remote and the setup control unit 103, the setup control unit 103 sends a start copy command, an IIT ready command, a shortcut command, and a declare system fault command, and the MCB remote sends an IOT standby command and a declare MCB fault command. command is sent.

Between the MCB remote and the cycle control unit 104, the switch 1 is connected to the cycle control unit 104.
A command is sent from the MCB remote, and a MADE command, a ready for next command, a deliver command, and an IOT standby command are sent from the MCB remote.

A declare system fault command and a system shutdown completion command are sent from the fault control unit 106 between the MCB remote and the fault control unit 106, and the declare M
CB fault command and system shutdown command are sent.

Between the IIT IJ mote and the communication scene control section 107, a scan ready signal and an image area signal are sent from the IIT remote.

Next, the interface between each module will be explained.

From system main 100 to each module (101 to 10
7) and the received data are sent to the receiving remote, and each module exchanges data with its respective remote. On the other hand, nothing is sent from each module (101 to 107) to the system main 100.

Initialization control unit 101 It, when initialization processing is completed, fault control unit 106
, standby control [102], respectively, to notify the system state (standby).

Communication control unit 107 c) Notifies the initialization control unit 101, standby control unit 102, setup control unit 103, copy cycle control unit 104, and fault control unit 106 of communication availability information, respectively.

When the start key is pressed, standby control unit 102 notifies setup control unit 103 of the system state (progress).

When the setup is completed, the setup control section 103 notifies the copy cycle control section 104 of the system state (cycle).

(II-2) Image input terminal (IIT) (A)
Original scanning mechanism FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the original scanning mechanism, in which the imaging unit 37 has two slide shafts 202.2.
03, and both ends are connected to the wire 2.
It is fixed at 04.205. This wire 204.2
05 is wound around drive pulleys 208 and 207 and tensine pulleys 20B and 209, and tensine pulley 20g
, 209 are tensioned in the direction of the arrow in the figure. A reduction pulley 211 is attached to a drive shaft 210 to which the drive bools IJ20B and 207 are attached, and is connected to an output shaft 214 of a stepping motor 213 via a timing belt 212. Note that the limit switches 215 and 216 are connected to the imaging unit 3.
It is a sensor that detects abnormal operation of No. 7, and is a sensor for detecting abnormal operation of No. 7.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a sensor for setting a reference point for a document reading start position.

To obtain one four-color copy, the imaging unit 37 must repeat the scan four times.

In this case, the major issue is how to reduce synchronization and positional deviations within four scans.To do this, it is necessary to suppress fluctuations in the stopping position of the imaging unit 37,
It is important to suppress variations in the arrival time from the home position to the register position and to suppress variations in scan speed. For this purpose, a stepping motor 213 is employed. However, since the stepping motor 213 has greater vibration and noise than a DC servo motor,
Various measures are being taken to improve image quality and speed.

(B) Stepping motor control method The stepping motor 213 has motor windings connected in a pentagonal pattern, and each connection point is connected to the positive side or negative side of the power supply using two transistors. Bipolar drive is performed using switching transistors. In addition, the current value flowing through the motor is fed back, and the motor is driven while being controlled to keep the current flowing through the motor constant.

FIG. 15(a) shows a scan cycle of the imaging unit 37 driven by the stepping motor 213. The figure shows the relationship between the speed of the imaging unit 37, that is, the frequency applied to the stepping motor, and time when performing forward scanning and pack scanning at a magnification of 50%, that is, the maximum movement speed. During acceleration, for example, 259 Hz is multiplied to a maximum of about 11 to 12 KHz, as shown in FIG. 2(b). Providing regularity to the pulse train in this way simplifies pulse generation. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, regular acceleration is performed in a stepwise manner at 2591) ps/3.9 ms to create a trapezoidal profile.

In addition, a pause time is provided between the forward scan and the forward scan to wait for the vibration of the IIT mechanical system to decrease.
Also, it is synchronized with image output in IOT. In this embodiment, the scan cycle time is shortened by increasing the acceleration to 0.7G compared to the conventional one.

As mentioned above, when reading a color original, a major problem is how to reduce the positional deviation during four scans and the resulting color deviation or image distortion for the system. Figures 15(C) to 15(e) are diagrams for explaining the causes of color shift, and Figure 15(C) shows that the position at which the imaging unit scans and stops at the original position is different. , when starting next time, the time to the registration position will be different and color misregistration will occur. Also, the same figure (
As shown in d), due to excessive vibration of the stepping motor (speed fluctuation until reaching a steady speed) within 4 scans, the time required to reach the registration position deviates and color misregistration occurs. In addition, the same figure (e) shows the variation in constant speed scanning characteristics from passing through the registration position to the tail edge, and it is clear that the variation in speed fluctuation in the first scan is larger than the variation in speed fluctuation in the second to fourth scans. It shows. Therefore, for example, during the first scan, Y is developed in which the color shift is less noticeable.

The causes of the color shift described above are thought to be mechanical instability factors such as aging of the timing belt 212 and the wires 204 and 205, and viscous resistance between the slide pad and the slide rails 202 and 203.

(C) IIT Control Method IIT Remote has sequence control for various copy operations, service support functions, self-diagnosis functions, and fail-safe functions. IIT sequence control is
It is divided into normal scan, sample scan, and initialization. Various commands and parameters for IIT control are sent from the sys remote 71 via serial communication.

FIG. 16(a) shows a timing chart of normal scanning. The scan length data is set from 0 to 432 steps (1-1 step) depending on the paper length and magnification, the scan speed is set according to the magnification (50% to 400%), and the prescan length (from the stop position to the register position) is set according to the paper length and magnification. Distance) data is also set by a magnification (50% to 400%). When a scan command is received, the FL-ON signal turns on the fluorescent lamp, the 5CN-RDY signal turns on the motor driver, and after a predetermined timing, a shading correction pulse WHT-REF is generated to start scanning. When passing through the registration sensor, the image area signal IMG-AREA becomes low level for a predetermined scan length, and in synchronization with this, the IIT-PS signal is output to the IPS.

FIG. 16(b) shows a timing chart of sample scan. The sample scan is used for color detection during color conversion, color balance correction and shading correction when using F/P. Stop position from cash register position,
Based on the data on the moving speed, number of micro-movements, and step interval, it goes to the target sample position, pauses, or repeats the micro-movement multiple times, and then stops.

FIG. 16(C) shows a timing chart of initialization. When the power is turned on, a command is received from the sYs remote to check the register sensor, check the operation of the imaging unit using the register sensor, and correct the home position of the imaging unit using the registration sensor.

(D) Imaging unit FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 37, in which the original 220 is set with the image surface to be read facing downward on the platen glass 31, and the imaging unit 37 moves its lower surface in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. Then, the document surface is exposed to light using a 30W daylight color fluorescent lamp 222 and a reflecting mirror 223. Then, by passing the reflected light from the original 220 through the SELFOC lens 224 and the cyan filter 225, an erect, same-size image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD line sensor 228. The SELFOC lens 224 is a compound lens consisting of four rows of fiber lenses, and because it is bright and has high resolution, the power of the light source can be kept low.
It also has the advantage of being compact. Further, the imaging unit 37 is equipped with a circuit board 227 including a COD line sensor drive circuit, a CCD line sensor output buffer circuit, and the like. In addition, 228 is a lamp heater, 229 is a flexible cable for lighting power supply, 23
0 indicates a flexible cable for control signals.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the arrangement of the CCD line sensors 228. As shown in FIG. 18(a), five CCD line sensors 228a to 228e are arranged in a staggered manner in the main scanning direction X. This is because with multiple line sensors, it is difficult to form a large number of light-receiving elements without missing parts and with uniform sensitivity, and when multiple line sensors are arranged on one line, both ends of the line sensor are difficult to form. This is because it is difficult to configure pixels up to this point, resulting in unreadable areas.

The sensor section of this CCD line sensor 228 is shown in FIG.
), three color filters of R, G, and B are repeatedly arranged in this order on the surface of each pixel of the CCD line sensor 228, and three adjacent bits constitute one pixel during reading. Assuming that the reading pixel density of each color is 16 dots/II and the number of pixels per chip is 2928, the length of one chip is 2928/(18X3)"81m-,
The total of 5 chips is 61X5=305. − length. Therefore, this makes it possible to read the A3 version with equal base CC.
A D line sensor is obtained. Additionally, each R, G, and H pixel is arranged at a 45-degree angle to reduce moiré.

In this way, a plurality of CCD line sensors 228a to 22
When θe is arranged in a staggered manner, adjacent CCD line sensors scan different document surfaces. In other words, when the CCD line sensor is moved in the sub-scanning direction Y orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the following second row of CCD line sensors 22θas 228 C122
A time lag occurs between the signal from 8e and the signal from 8e, which corresponds to the positional shift of the adjacent COD line sensor.

Therefore, in order to obtain one line of continuous signals from image signals divided and read by multiple CCD line sensors, at least the signals from the first row of CCD line sensors 228b and 22θd that scan the document in advance are stored. The following second row of CCD line sensors 22 e a12
It is necessary to read out the data in synchronization with the signal output from the 28cs and 228e. In this case, for example, if the amount of deviation is 250 μm and the resolution is 1θ dot/ms, a delay of 4 lines is required.

Generally, reduction/enlargement in an image reading device is performed in the main scanning direction by IPS thinning and padding and other processing, and in the sub-scanning direction by increasing/decreasing the moving speed of the imaging unit 37. Therefore, the reading speed (the number of lines read per unit time) in the image reading device is fixed, and the resolution in the sub-scanning direction is changed by changing the moving speed. In other words, for example, if the resolution is 16 dots/dragon when the scaling ratio is 100%, (hereinafter the margin) r 7 ---Ikko-7-- ---1
Reduction ratio 1 speed 1 resolution I staggered correction! 1111 1 % I times 1 toft l ■■ 1
Number of lines: 1 to --- 10 ---+ ----+ ---
-1-11501218+ 2 To---10-----10----+---1 To-
−−+−−−−10−−−−+−−−−−1120011
/2 + 32 1 8 1)---
−−+ −−−−10−−−−10−−−1 @1400
+1/4 1 84 + 1EI
The relationship is as follows. Therefore, as the reduction ratio increases, the resolution increases, and therefore, the difference in the staggered arrangement described above is 250 μm.
The number of line memories required to correct this will also increase.

(E) Video signal processing circuit Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the CCD line sensor 228 is used to read the color original as a reflectance signal for each RlG and B, and convert this into a digital value as a density signal. The video signal processing circuit will be explained.

The original is divided into 5 parts and separated into 5 channels into R, G, and H by five CCD line sensors 228 in the imaging unit 37 and read.
After each signal is amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier circuit 231, it is transmitted to the circuit on the main body side via a transmission cable connecting the unit and the main body (FIG. 20, 231a). Next, the sample and hold circuit 5H232 removes noise and performs waveform processing using a sample and hold pulse SHP (232a in FIG. 20). However, since the photoelectric conversion characteristics of the CCD line sensor differ for each pixel and each chip, the output differs even when reading originals with the same density, and if this is output as is, streaks and unevenness will occur in the image data. For this purpose, various correction processes are required.

Gain adjustment circuit A G C (AIITOMATIC (i
AIII C0NTR0L) 233 is a circuit for amplifying the output of each sensor to a size commensurate with the input signal range of the A/D converter 11235. Before reading the original, each sensor reads the white glue fluorance data in advance, and The data is digitized and stored in the shading RAM 240, and this data is compared with a predetermined reference value in the SYS remote 71 (Fig. 3), an appropriate amplification factor is determined, and the corresponding digital data is D/A converted and sent to the AGC 233. Each gain is automatically set by sending the signal to

Osset adjustment circuit A OC (AtlTOMAYIC
0FSETCONTROL ) 234 is called black level adjustment, and adjusts the dark output voltage of each sensor. To do this, the fluorescent lamp is turned off and the dark output is read by each sensor, this data is digitized and stored in the shading RAM 240, and this one line of data is transmitted to the SYS remote 71 (Fig. 3) and set in a predetermined manner. The offset value is compared with the reference value, and the offset value is D/A converted and AOC
Output to 234, offset voltage to 256 levels! 1l
jl is there. The output of this AOC is adjusted so that the output density becomes a specified value with respect to the density of the document to be finally read, as shown in FIG. 20 234a.

The data thus converted into digital values by the A/D converter 235 (235a in FIG. 20) is GBRGBR/
It is output in the form of a continuous 8-bit data string. The delay amount setting circuit 236 is a memory that stores a plurality of lines, has a FIFO configuration, and has a first row of CCD line sensors 228b1228 that scans the document in advance.
The second column of CCDs stores the signals from d and follows them.
Line sensor 228 B122 B CM 2213
It outputs in synchronization with the signal output from e.

The separation/synthesis circuit 237 has Rl for each CCD line sensor.
After separating the G and B data, one line of the original is serially combined and output for each R, G, and B data of each COD line sensor. Converter 238 is a ROM
A logarithmic conversion table LUT "1" is stored, and when a digital value is input as a ROM address signal, R, G,
H reflectance information is converted to density information.

Next, the shading correction circuit 239 will be explained.

Shading characteristics may be caused by variations in the light distribution characteristics of the light source, the amount of light decreasing at the edges of a fluorescent lamp, variations in sensitivity between each bit of a CCD line sensor, or variations in reflector, etc. These appear when there is dirt.

To this end, at the start of shading correction, the reflected light when irradiating the white plate, which serves as the reference density data for shading correction, is input to the CCD line sensor, and the signal processing circuit performs A/D conversion and log conversion. The reference density data log(R1) is stored in the line memory 240. Next, scan the original and read the image data lo
By subtracting the reference concentration data log(Rs) from g(Dt), logCD I) −log(Ri)=l
og(D I / RI), and the logarithm value of the data of each pixel subjected to shading correction is obtained. By performing shading correction after log conversion in this way, there is no need to build a hard logic divider in a complicated and large-scale circuit as in the past, and the calculation process can be simplified by using a general-purpose full adder IC. It can be carried out.

(n-3) Image processing system (IPS) (A) IP
Module Configuration of S FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an overview of the module configuration of IPS.

In a color image forming apparatus, a COD line sensor is used in an IIT (image input terminal) to read a color document by separating the light into the primary colors B (blue), G (green), and R (red), and converts this into toner. Primary colors Y (yellow), M (
magenta), C (cyan), and further K (black or black), and is exposed to a laser beam and developed at an image output terminal (IOT) to reproduce a color image. In this case, one copy process (pitch) is performed by separating each of Y, M, C, and K toner images and using Y as the process color, and similarly, a copy cycle is performed for M and 01K with each as the process color. A full-color image is reproduced by executing a total of four copy cycles, one at a time, and superimposing images formed by these halftone dots. Therefore, the color separation signal (B
, G1R signal) to the toner signal (Y, M, C1
When converting to a signal), how to adjust the color balance, IIT reading characteristics, and IOT
Problems include how to reproduce the color according to the output characteristics of the image, how to adjust the balance of density and contrast, and how to emphasize edges, blur, and moiré.

IPS inputs 8% G and H color separation signals from IIT and performs various data processing to improve color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, definition reproducibility, etc. It converts the toner signal into on/off state and outputs it to the IOT, and as shown in Fig. 21, it performs END conversion
lty: isoeugenic concentration conversion) module 301, color masking module 302, document size detection module 303, color conversion module 304, O
CR (Under Co1or Removal;
Undercolor removal) & heat generation module 305, spatial filter 306, TRC (Tone Reproduction)
Control; color tone correction control) module 307
, a reduction/enlargement processing module 308, a screen generator 309, an IOT interface module 310, an area image control module 311 including an area generation circuit and a switch matrix, an editing module including an area command memory 312, a color palette video switch circuit 313, a font buffer 314, etc. Consists of control modules, etc.

Then, 8-bit data (286th floor 11) for each B, G, and R color separation signal is sent from IIT.
is input to the END conversion module 301, YlM,
After converting it into a toner signal of C1, the process color toner signal X is selected, binarized, and outputted from the IOT interface module 310 to the IOT as on/off data of the process color toner signal. Therefore, in the case of full color (4 colors), after first detecting the document size, editing area, and other document information in pre-scanning, for example, first copying with process color toner signal X set to Y. Each time a cycle is sequentially executed, followed by a copy cycle in which the process color toner signal X is M, signal processing corresponding to four document reading scans is performed.

At IIT, CCD sensors are used to detect B, G, and R.
For each, one pixel is read with a size of 16 dots and 71 cm, and the data is divided into 24 bits (3 colors x 8
Bit; 256th floor Fl) is output.

The CCD sensor has a B1 G1 R filter attached to the top surface and has a density of 16 dots/■-300 cm.
It has a length of 190.5 m/sec and scans 16 lines/cm at a process speed of 190.5 m/sec, so it outputs read data for each color at a rate of 15 M pixels/sec. At IIT, the analog data of BlG and H pixels is log-converted to convert reflectance information to density information, which is further converted to digital data.

Next, each monoyl will be explained.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining each module constituting the IPS.

(a) END conversion module The END conversion module 301 is a module for adjusting (converting) the optical reading signal of a color original obtained at IIT into a gray-balanced color signal. The amount of toner in a color image is equal in the case of gray, and gray is the standard. However, the values of the 81G and R color separation signals input when reading a gray original from IIT are not equal because the spectral characteristics of the light source and color separation filter are not ideal. Therefore, END conversion uses a conversion table (LUT; lookup table) as shown in FIG. 22(a) to balance this. Therefore, the conversion table has the characteristic that when a gray original is read, it is always converted into B, G, and R color separation signals at the same gradation corresponding to the level (black → white) and output. , depends on the characteristics of the IIT. In addition, 16 conversion tables are prepared, of which 11 are tables for film projectors containing negative film, and three are tables for normal copying, photography, and generation photocopying.

(b) Color masking module The color masking module 302 is BXG.

YIM by performing matrix calculation on the R signal.

It converts into a signal corresponding to the amount of toner C,
Gray balance I by END conversion! The signal after performing I is processed.

The conversion matrix used for color masking is a 3x3 matrix that calculates Y, M, and C purely from B, G, and R, respectively, but BXGl
Not only R, but also BGl GRl RBl B2, G2,
Of course, various matrices or other matrices may be used in order to take into consideration the component of R2. Two sets of conversion matrices are provided: one for normal color adjustment and one for generating intensity signals in monochrome mode.

In this way, when processing IIT video signals with IPS, gray balance adjustment is performed first and foremost. If this were to be performed after color masking, the conversion table would become more complex because it would be necessary to perform gray balance adjustment using the gray original in consideration of the characteristics of color masking.

(c) Original Size Detection Module Not only standard size originals but also originals of arbitrary shapes such as cutouts or other shapes may be copied. In this case, it is necessary to detect the document size in order to select a paper of an appropriate size corresponding to the document size. Furthermore, when the copy paper is larger than the original size, erasing the outside of the original can improve the quality of the copy. Therefore, the document size detection module 303 performs document size detection during pre-scanning and platen color erasing (frame erasing) processing during document reading and scanning. For this purpose, the platen color is set to a color that can be easily distinguished from the original, for example black, and the upper and lower limits of platen color identification are set in the threshold register 30 as shown in FIG. 22(b).
Set to 31.

During pre-scanning, a signal converted (γ-converted) into information close to the reflectance of the document (spatial filter 300 to be described later) is used.
) X and threshold register 3031
Comparator 303
2, an edge detection/output circuit 3034 detects the edges of the document, and stores the maximum and minimum values of coordinates (x+y) in a maximum/minimum sorter 3035.

For example, as shown in Figure 22(d), if the document is tilted or not rectangular, the maximum and minimum values (
Xl, X2.31'l, Y) are detected and stored in black. Also, when scanning a document, the comparator 3033 reads Y, M%C and the threshold register 30 of the document.
31 are compared, and a platen color erasing circuit 3038 erases the outside of the edge, that is, the platen reading signal, and performs frame erasing processing.

(d) Color Conversion Module The color conversion module 305 enables conversion of a specified color in a specific area, and as shown in FIG. 22(C), a window comparator 305
2. A threshold register 3051, a color palette 3053, etc. are provided, and when performing color conversion, the upper and lower limits of each Y1M1G of the converted color are set in the threshold register 3051, and each Y1 of the converted color is set.
M.

The value of C is set in the color palette 3053.

Then, the Nantes gate 3054 is controlled according to the area signal input from the area image side control module, and if it is not the color conversion area, Yl Ml C of the original is sent out from the selector 3055 as it is, and when it enters the color conversion area, the original is When the M1C signal falls between the upper and lower limit values of Y and MlC set in the threshold register 3051, the selector 3055 is switched by the output of the window comparator 3052 and the color palette 3 is selected.
Conversion color Y, M, C set to 053
Send out.

The specified color can be specified by pointing the digitizer directly at the document, and selecting the 81st color around the coordinates specified during prescanning.
The designated color is recognized by taking the average of each 25 pixels of G1R. By this averaging operation, for example, even in a 150-line original, the color difference is 5.
It becomes possible to recognize with an accuracy within 81G, reading Rim degree data is! The specified coordinates are converted into addresses and read out from the IT shading correction RAM. When converting the addresses, it is necessary to readjust the register storage and register adjustment as in the case of document size detection. In prescan, the IIT operates in sample scan mode. The B1G1R density data read from the shading correction RAM is subjected to shading correction by software, averaged, and further subjected to END correction and color masking before being set in the window comparator 3052.

Up to 8 colors out of 16.7 million colors can be registered in the color palette 3o53 at the same time, and the standard colors are Y1M1.
C% G, B, R and their intermediate colors,
Available in 14 W colors.

(e) UCR & black generation module If the amounts of Y, M, and C are equal, the result will be gray, so theoretically, the same color can be reproduced by replacing equal amounts of Y, M, and C with black. In reality, if the color is replaced with black, the color becomes muddy and the reproducibility of vivid colors deteriorates. Therefore, the UCR & black generation module 305
Now, to prevent such color turbidity, generate an appropriate amount of K, and reduce Yl Ml C by an equal amount according to that amount (
Undercolor removal) processing. Specifically, detect the maximum and minimum values of YlM, C, generate K below the minimum value from the conversion table according to the difference, and generate Y, Y, according to the amount.
A certain amount of undercolor removal is performed for M and C.

In UCR & black generation, as shown in Figure 22(e), for example, when the color is close to gray, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value becomes small, so the minimum value of YLM and C is directly removed and K is However, if the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is large, the amount of removal is made smaller than the minimum value of YlMlC and the amount of K generated is also reduced to prevent ink contamination and low brightness and high saturation colors. Prevents saturation.

In FIG. 22(f) showing a specific circuit configuration example, Y and M are detected by the maximum value/minimum value detection circuit 3051.

The maximum value and minimum value of C are detected, the difference is calculated by the calculation circuit 3053, and the conversion table 3054 and the calculation circuit 3 are calculated.
055 to generate K. Conversion table 3054 is K
When the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is small, the output value of the conversion table 3054 becomes zero, so the minimum value is directly output from the arithmetic circuit 3055 as the value of K. If the difference between the value and the minimum value is large,
Since the output value of the conversion table 3054 is no longer zero, the arithmetic circuit 3055 subtracts that amount from the minimum value and outputs it as the value of K. A conversion table 3058 is a table for determining values to be removed from Y and MIC corresponding to K,
Through this conversion table 3056, an arithmetic circuit 3059 performs removal corresponding to YIM, C to K. Also, AND gates 3057 and 3058 are mono color mode, 4
Signal and Y according to each signal in full color mode
, M.

The selectors 3052 and 3050 select one of Y, M, C, and K based on the process color signal. In this way, in reality, Y, M.

Since the C halftone color is reproduced, the removal of Y and MlC and the generation ratio of K are set using empirically generated curves, tables, etc.

(f) Spatial filter module In the device applied to this copying machine, as mentioned earlier, II
Since the document is read while scanning the COD with the T, if the information is used as is, the information will be blurred.Also, since the document is reproduced by halftone dots, the halftone period of the printed matter and 16
Moiré occurs between the sampling period of dot/-1. Furthermore, moiré occurs between the halftone dot period generated by the user and the halftone dot period of the document. Spatial filter module 30
El has a function of restoring such blur and a function of removing the 7-dimensions. A low-pass filter is used to remove halftone dots, and a bypass filter is used to emphasize edges.

In the spatial filter module 306, FIG. 22(g)
7% M1C% Man and Max as shown in
A selector 3003 extracts one color of the -Mln input signal and converts it into information close to reflectance using a conversion table 3004. This is because it is easier to pick up edges with this information, and for example, Y is selected as one of the colors. In addition, for each pixel, a threshold field register 3001.
Y, M, C.

Mlll and Max-Min to YlM, C,K
, BlG, and RlW (white). The decoder 3005 shown in FIG. 3G recognizes the hue according to the binarized information and outputs 1-bit information indicating whether the process color is a required color or not.

The output of FIG. 22(g) is input to the circuit of FIG. 22(h). Here, PIF03061, 5X7 digital filter 3063, modulation scene table 3066
Generate halftone removal information using PIF030B2 and PIF030B5.
The X7 digital filter 3064, the modulation table 3067, and the delay circuit 3065 are used in the same figure (g).
Generates emphasis information from the output information. The modulator table 3066 and 3067 are selected depending on the copy mode such as photo, text only, mixed copy mode, etc.

In edge enhancement, for example, when trying to reproduce a green character like ■ in Figure 22 (1) as ■, YlC is changed to ■,
Emphasis processing is performed as shown in (2), and no emphasis processing is performed for M as shown in (solid line). This switching is performed by AND gate 3 in the same figure (b).
It is carried out at 068. To carry out this process, by emphasizing as indicated by the dotted line (■), the edges become muddy due to the color mixture of M as shown in (■).

The delay circuit 3065 shown in FIG. 3(h) synchronizes the PIF030B2 and the 5×7 digital filter 3064 in order to switch such emphasis for each process color using an AND gate 3068. When bright green characters are reproduced using normal processing, magenta is mixed into the green characters, causing them to become muddy.

Therefore, when green is recognized as described above, Y and C are output as usual, but M is suppressed and edges are not emphasized.

″()) The TRC conversion module 10T converts Y according to the on/off signal from the IPS.
, M, C, and K process colors are used to perform four copy cycles (in the case of 4 full-color copies), making it possible to reproduce full-color originals. To faithfully reproduce colors, delicate adjustments are required that take into account the characteristics of the IOT. The TRC conversion module 309 is intended to improve such reproducibility, and converts 8-bit image data into an address input as shown in FIG. It has an address conversion table in RAM to perform density adjustment, contrast adjustment, negative/positive inversion, color balance adjustment, etc. according to the area signal.
It has editing functions such as character mode and watermark composition. Bits 0 to 3 of the area signal are used for the upper three bits of this RAM address. Furthermore, the above functions can be used in combination using the out-of-area mode. In addition,
For example, this RAM consists of 2 bytes (256 bytes x 8 sides) and holds 8 conversion tables.
Up to eight pages are stored during the IIT carriage return for each cycle of G, and are selected according to the area 1 designation and copy mode. Of course, if the RAM capacity is increased, there is no need to load it every cycle.

(H) Reduction/enlargement processing module The reduction/enlargement processing module 308 uses the line buffer 13063.
In the process of temporarily holding and transmitting data
1 for sampling pitch signal and line buffer 3063
Generate read/write addresses for. line buff 1
3063 is a ping-pong buffer consisting of two lines, so that the next line data can be written to the other at the same time as one is read. In the reduction/enlargement processing, the reduction/enlargement processing module 308 performs digital processing in the main scanning direction, but the scanning speed of the IIT is changed in the sub-scanning direction. The scan speed can be changed from 50% to 4 by changing from 2x speed to 1/4x speed.
Can be scaled up to 00%. In digital processing, when data is read/written to the line buffer y3063, it can be reduced by thinning and complementing, and it can be expanded by adding and complementing. If the complementary data is in the middle, it is generated by weighting according to the distance from the data on both sides, as shown in the same figure.For example, in the case of data Xi', data X11 on both sides Xl+1 and the distance between these data and the sampling point 11id11d2
From, (XIXd2)+(X1+IXdl)However,
It can be found by performing a journey of dl+d2=1.

In the case of reduction processing, data is complemented and written to the line buffer 3063, and at the same time, the reduced data of the previous line is read out from buffer 1 and sent. In the case of enlarging processing, the data is written as-is, and at the same time the data of the previous line is read out, supplemented and enlarged, and then sent out.

If complementary enlargement is performed at the time of writing, the clock rate at the time of writing must be increased according to the enlargement ratio, but if it is done as described above, writing/reading can be performed with the same clock.

In addition, using this configuration, it is possible to perform shift image processing in the main scanning direction by reading from the middle or by reading with delayed timing, and by repeatedly reading, it is possible to perform repeated processing by reading from the opposite direction. It is also possible to perform mirror image processing.

(2) Screen generator The screen generator 309 converts the process color gradation toner signal into an on/off binary toner signal and outputs it, and compares the threshold matrix with the gradation-expressed data value. Binarization processing and error diffusion processing are performed. In the IOT, this binary toner signal is input, and it is approximately 80 μm vertically to correspond to 16 dots/-■.
A half-tone image is reproduced by turning on and off an elliptical laser beam with a diameter of 60 μm.

First, the method of expressing gradation will be explained. Figure 22 (n
), for example, a case where a 4×4 halftone cell S is configured will be explained. First, in the screen generator, a threshold matrix m is set corresponding to such a halftone cell 8, and this is compared with a data value expressed in gradation. In this comparison process, for example, if the data value is "5", a signal is generated to turn on the laser beam at a portion of the threshold matrix m that is equal to or less than "5".

A 4×4 halftone cell with 16 dots/■■ is generally referred to as 100 apl and 188 halftone dots, but this results in a coarse image and poor reproducibility of color images. Therefore,
In order to increase the gradation, this copying machine divides these 16 dofts/10 pixels into four vertically (main scanning direction), and changes the on/off frequency of the laser beam for each pixel as shown in the figure (o). As shown in the figure, by increasing the number by 174 units, that is, by 4 times, a 4 times higher gradation is achieved. Therefore, in response to this, a threshold value matrix m' as shown in FIG. 3(0) is set. Furthermore, it is also effective to employ a submatrix method to increase the number of lines.

The above example used the same threshold matrix m with the only growth nucleus near the center of each halftone cell, but the submatrix method is constructed by a set of multiple unit matrices, as shown in Figure 2(p). In this way, the growth nuclei of the matrix are set at two or more locations (plurality). If such a screen pattern design method is adopted, for example, the number of lines can be adjusted freely depending on the dark or bright areas by setting the screen to 141 spl and 84 gradations in bright areas, and 200 apl and 128 gradations as it gets darker. You can change the gradation. Such a pattern can be designed by visually determining the smoothness of gradation, fineness, graininess, etc.

When a halftone image is reproduced using a dot matrix as described above, the m1ni number and resolution have a contradictory relationship. In other words, there is a relationship in which increasing the number of gradations causes a decrease in resolution, and increasing the resolution causes a decrease in the number of gradations. Furthermore, if the matrix of threshold data is made smaller, a quantization error will occur in the image that is actually output. The error diffusion process is
As shown in the same figure (q), the screen generator 3o8
The density conversion circuit 3093 and the subtraction circuit 3 convert the quantization error between the on/off binary signal generated in step 2 and the Kugata gradation signal.
094, correction circuit 3095, addition circuit 30
91 is used for feedback to improve gradation reproducibility when viewed from a macroscopic perspective. For example, error diffusion processing is performed in which the corresponding position of the previous line and the pixels on both sides are convolved through a digital filter. Is going.

As mentioned above, the screen generator switches threshold data and error diffusion processing feedback coefficients for each document or area depending on the type of image, such as a halftone image or character image, to improve the reproducibility of high-gradation, high-definition images. .

(J) Area image control module The area image control module 311 has a configuration in which seven rectangular areas and their priorities can be set in the area generation circuit, and area control information is set in the switch matrix corresponding to each area. be done.

The control information includes color conversion, color mode such as monochrome or full color, modulation selection information for photos and text, TRC selection information, screen generator selection information, etc., and the color masking module 302, color conversion Module 304, U.C.
It is used to control the R module 305, spatial filter 306, and TRC module 307. Note that the switch matrix can be set by software.

(Le) Editing control module The editing control module reads a manuscript that is not a rectangle but a pie chart, for example, and makes it possible to perform coloring processing such as filling in a specified area of any shape with a specified color. A G D to the CPU bus as shown in m).
C (Advanced Graphic D 1
g1tal Controller) 312 L Font Babufa 3128, Logo ROM 128, DMA
C (DMA Controller) 3129 is connected. Then, the encoded 4-bit area command is written from the CPU to the plain memory 3122 through the AGDC 3121, and the font buffer 31
The font is written in 28. Plain memory 312
2 is composed of four sheets, and each point of the document can be set with four bits of planes 0 to 3, such that, for example, in the case of "0000", the command is 0 and the original document is output. The decoder 3123 decodes this 4-bit information into commands 0 to 15, and the switch matrix sets commands 0 to 15 to perform fill pattern, fill logic, or logo processing. It is 3124. Font address controller 3125! Generates the address of the font buffer 3128 in accordance with patterns such as halftone shade and hubching shade using a 1.2-bit fill pattern signal.

The switch circuit 3127 is a switch matrix 3124
Based on the fill logic signal and the contents of the original data X, the selection of the original data X1 font buffer 3128, color palette, etc. is performed. Phillogic is
This information is used to fill only the background (background part of the document) with a color mesh, color convert a specific part, masking, trimming, filling, etc.

As described above, the IPS of this copier first performs END conversion on the IIT original reading signal, then performs color masking, and performs processing such as original size, border erasure, and color conversion, which is more efficient when processing with full color data. After that, I removed the undercolor and created ink to focus on process colors. However, processing such as spatial filters, color modulation, TRC, and scaling can reduce the amount of processing by processing process color data compared to processing full color data, and reduce the number of conversion tables used. /3, and the number of types is correspondingly increased to improve the flexibility of adjustment, reproducibility of color, reproducibility of gradation, and reproducibility of definition.

(B) Hardware configuration of image processing system No. 23
The figure is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an IPS.

The IPS of this copier is divided into two substrates, IPS-A and IPS-B, and is designed to meet the basic needs of a color image forming device, such as color reproducibility, gradation reproducibility, and definition reproducibility. On the first board IPS-A, the part that achieves the function is
The parts that perform applied and specialized functions such as editing are mounted on the second board IPS-B. The former configuration is shown in FIGS. 23(a) to 23(c), and the latter configuration is shown in FIG. 23(d). In particular, if the basic functions can be sufficiently achieved with the first board, applications and specialized functions can be flexibly handled simply by changing the design of the second board. Therefore, if it is desired to further enhance the functionality of the color image forming apparatus, this can be achieved simply by changing the design of the other substrate.

The IPS board has CPU paths (address bus ADRS BUS, data bus DATABUS, control bus CTRLB) as shown in Figure 23.
US) is connected and IIT video data B1G1R1
Video clock IITΦVCLK as a synchronization signal,
Line synchronization (main scanning direction, horizontal synchronization) signal IIT/LS
, page synchronization (sub-scanning direction 1. vertical synchronization) signal I
IT-PS is connected.

Since video data is subjected to pipeline processing after the END converter, processing is required at each processing stage, resulting in a data delay in units of locks. Therefore,
The line synchronization generation and fail check circuit 328 generates and distributes horizontal synchronization signals in response to delays in each process, and performs a fail check on the video clock and line synchronization signals. Therefore, the video clock I
IT”VcLK and line synchronization signal IIT-LS are connected, and the CPU bus (ADR8BUS1 DATABUS% CTRI,
BUS) and chip select signal C8 are connected.

Video data B and GlR of IIT are input to the ROM 321 of the END conversion section. The END conversion table may be configured to be loaded from the CPU using RAM, for example, but there is almost no need to rewrite it while processing image data when the device is in use, so B.
Two 2-byte ROMs are used for each of G and H, and a ROM-based LUT (look-up table) method is adopted. Then, 16 conversion tables are maintained and switched by a 4-bit selection signal ENDSel.

The output of ROM321 after END conversion is 3 for each color.
3 calculation LSIs 322 with 2 ×1 matrices
connected to a color masking section consisting of Arithmetic LSI
Each path of the CPU is connected to 322, and the coefficients of the matrix can be set from the CPU. A setup signal SU and a chip select signal C8 are connected to switch from image signal processing to a CPU path for rewriting by the CPU, and a 1-bit switching signal MONO is connected to switch matrix selection.

A power-down signal PD is also input to stop the internal video clock when the IIT is not scanning, that is, when not performing image processing.

BlG, R to Y, M by calculation LSI322
.

The signal converted to C is transferred to the second substrate I shown in FIG.
After color conversion processing is performed through the PS-B color conversion LSI 353, the signal is input to the DOD LSI 323. The color conversion LSI 353 has four color conversion circuits including a threshold register for setting non-conversion colors, a color palette for setting conversion colors, a comparator, etc., and the DOD LSI 323 has a document edge detection circuit, It has a frame eraser circuit, etc.

The output of the DOD LS l323 that has undergone frame erasure processing is UC
Sent to LS1324 for R. This LSI includes a UCR circuit, a black generation circuit, and a necessary color generation circuit, and outputs each signal of process color X1 (necessary color) 1 uel (necessary color) 1 uel (edge) corresponding to the toner color in the copy cycle. Therefore, a 2-bit process color designation signal C0LR and a color mode signal (4COLR%MONO) are also input to this LSI.

Life fi% 13325! t, LSI for UCR
Process color x1 output from 324 Required 11 Color Hue.

Error') FIFO for accumulating 4 lines of data in order to input each signal of Edge to the 5 x 7 digital filter 328 and F for matching the delay.
Consists of IFO. Here, process color X and edge E
For dge, 4 lines are accumulated and a total of 5 lines are sent to the digital filter 328, and the necessary color Hue is
For this, delay with FIFO and use digital filter 3.
28 and sends it to the MIX LSI 327.

The digital filter 328 is a 2×7 filter LS
2 5x7 filters consisting of 3 I, II (low pass LP and bypass HP), one performs processing on process color X, and the other performs processing on edge
We are processing about.

The MIX LSI 327 uses a conversion table to remove halftone dots and emphasize edges, and mixes them into process color X. Here, the edge E D G El is used as a signal for switching the conversion table.
5harp is input.

The TRC 342 consists of a 2 byte RAM holding eight conversion tables. The conversion table is configured to be rewritten using the carriage return period before each scan, and is switched by a 3-bit switching signal TRC5el. Then, the processing output from here is sent to the LS for reduction processing from the transceiver.
Sent to I345. The reduction/enlargement processing section configures a ping pong buffer 1 (line buffer T) using two 8-byte RAMs 344, and generates a resampling pitch and a line buffer address using an LSI 343.

The output of the reduction/enlargement processing section returns to the EDF LSI 34B through the area memory section of the second board shown in FIG. 3(d). E
The DFJILSI 34B uses a FIFO that holds information on the previous line and performs error diffusion processing using the information on the previous line. Then, the signal X after error diffusion processing
is the 5GpALSI that constitutes the screen generator
347 and is output to the 10T interface.

In the 10T interface, the signal from the SG LSI 347 input as a 1-bit on/off signal is transferred to the LSI.
349, and sends it to the IOT using parallel transmission.

In the second board shown in FIG. 23, the data actually flowing is 18 dots/■-, so the reduced LS I
In step 354, the image is reduced to 1/4, binarized, and stored in the area memory. The enlarged decoder 81359 has a fill pattern RAM 3eO, and when reading area information from the area memory and generating a command, enlarges it to 16 dots and performs logo address generation, color palette, and fill pattern generation processing. The DRAM 35El is configured on four sides and stores coded 4-bit area information. The AGDC 355 is a dedicated controller that controls area commands.

(n-4) Image Output Terminal (A) Schematic Structure FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the image output terminal (IOT).

This device uses an organic photosensitive material belt (Photo) as a photoreceptor.

A developing machine 404 consisting of black (K), magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) for four full colors, and a transfer device that conveys the paper to the transfer unit! ! (Toy Roll Trans
fer L.

op) 408, a vacuum transport device (Vacuum Trans) that transports paper from the transfer device 404 to the fixing device 408;
fer) 407, paper trays 410 and 412, and a paper conveyance path 411, and the three units of a photosensitive material belt, a developing machine, and a transfer V& unit are configured to be pulled out to the front side.

The information light obtained by modulating the laser light from the laser light source 40 is irradiated onto the sensitive material 41 via the mirror 40d to form a fog light, thereby forming a latent image.

The image formed on the photosensitive material is developed by a developing device 404 to form a toner image. The developing machine 404 is M,
It consists of C1Y and is arranged in the positional relationship as shown in the figure. This arrangement takes into account, for example, the relationship between dark attenuation and the characteristics of each toner, and the difference in influence caused by mixing other toners with black toner. however,
The driving order for full color copying is Y-+04M→
It is.

On the other hand, the other 4101 consists of two elevator trays.
The paper fed from the tray 412 of the stage is transported through the conveyance path 411.
The image is supplied to the transfer device 406 through the transfer device 406 . Transfer device 406
is placed in the transfer unit and consists of two rolls connected by a timing chain or belt and a glyph paper as described below.The glyph paper grips the paper and transports the paper, transferring the toner image on the photosensitive material to the paper. let 4
In the case of full color, the paper rotates 4 times in the transfer device section.
Images of YNCl MS K are transferred in this order. After the transfer, the sheet is released from the gripper, passed from the transfer device to a vacuum conveyance device 407, fixed by a fixing device 408, and discharged.

The vacuum conveyance device 407 includes a transfer device 408 and a fixing device 40.
It absorbs the speed difference with 8 and maintains synchronization. In this device, the transfer speed (process speed) is 190m5/
sea, and in the case of full color copying, the fixing speed is 80 -/SOC, so the transfer speed and fixing speed are different.

In order to ensure the degree of fixation, the process speed is reduced, and on the other hand, to achieve 1.5 kVA, power cannot be given to the user.

Therefore, in the case of small paper such as B5 or A4, the transferred paper is released from the transfer device 406 and transferred to the vacuum conveyance device 40.
7, the speed of the vacuum transfer device is increased to 190 mm.
/sea to 90cm/sea to make it the same as the fixing speed. However, in this device, the distance between the transfer point and the fixing device is made as short as possible to make the device compact, so if A3 paper is used, it will not fit between the transfer point and the fixing device, and the speed of the vacuum conveying device will be reduced. If the paper is dropped, the rear edge of the A3 paper is being transferred, and the brakes will be applied to the paper, resulting in color misregistration. Therefore,
A baffle plate 409 is provided between the fixing device and the vacuum conveyance device, and in the case of A3 paper, the baffle plate is tilted downward to make the paper draw a loop to lengthen the conveyance path.The vacuum conveyance HR is the transfer speed. The leading edge of the paper reaches the fixing device after the transfer is completed at the same speed as the speed difference, thereby absorbing the speed difference. Also, in the case of OHP, heat conduction is poor, so A3
The process is the same as for paper.

Furthermore, this device is capable of copying not only full color but also black without reducing productivity; in the case of black, the toner layer is small and the amount of heat is small (but it can be fixed, so the fixing speed is 190 mm/sec). The speed is not reduced by the vacuum conveyance device.This is done in the same way when there is only one toner layer other than black, such as a single color toner layer, because there is no need to reduce the fixing speed.Then, transfer When this is completed, the toner remaining on the photosensitive material is scraped off by a cleaner 405.

CB) Structure of transfer device The transfer device 406 has a structure as shown in FIG. 25(a).

The transfer device of this apparatus is characterized by having a structure that does not have a mechanical paper support to prevent color unevenness and the like, and by controlling the speed to increase the transfer speed.

The paper is ejected from the tray by a feed head 421, conveyed through a buckle chamber 422 driven by a paper path servo 423, and supplied to the transfer device via a registration gate 425 whose opening and closing are controlled by a registration gate solenoid 428. A pre-registration gate sensor 424 detects that the paper has reached the registration gate. The transfer device is driven by a servo motor 432 driving a roller 433 via a timing belt.
It is rotating counterclockwise. The rollers 434 are not particularly driven, and two timing chains or belts are hung between the rollers, and between the chains (in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction), the chains are normally closed with elasticity, and the transfer Gripper bar 4 whose mouth is opened by a solenoid at the entrance of the device
30 is provided, and conveys the paper by holding the paper in its mouth at the entrance of the transfer device and twisting it around. Conventionally, paper was supported by attaching a Mylar sheet or mesh to an aluminum or steel support, but due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients, unevenness was created, resulting in poor transfer efficiency. In contrast, color unevenness occurred due to differences in color.
By using this grip bar, there is no need to provide a special support for the paper, and the occurrence of color unevenness can be prevented.

The transfer device does not have a support for the paper to be conveyed, and the paper will be thrown outward by centrifugal force at the rollers.To prevent this, two rollers are vacuumed and the paper is transferred to the rollers. When it passes the rollers, it is transported while fluttering. At the transfer point, the paper is attracted by electrostatic force toward the photosensitive material on which the pig corotron and transfer corotron are arranged, and the transfer is performed. After the transfer is completed, the gripper home sensor 436 detects the position at the exit of the transfer device, and at an appropriate timing, the solenoid opens the gripper bar and separates the paper.
It will be passed to the vacuum transfer device 413.

Therefore, in the transfer device, the - sheet is transferred four times in the case of full color, and three times in the case of three colors, to perform the transfer.

The timing control of the servo motor 432 is shown in FIG. 25(b).
This is explained by: In the transfer device, the servo motor 432 may be controlled at a constant speed during transfer, and once the transfer is completed, the latent image may be transferred to the paper or the edge may be controlled to synchronize with the transfer point of the next latent image. On the other hand, the length of the sensitive material belt 41 is such that latent images are formed on 3 sheets of A4 paper and 2 sheets of A3 paper, and the length of the belt 435 is slightly longer than the length of 3 sheets of paper (approximately 4/3 times) is set.

Therefore, when performing color copying on A4 paper, the servo motor 432 is controlled at a constant speed when transferring the first color latent image, and when the transfer is completed, the lead edge transferred to the paper is transferred to the second color latent image. The servo motor is rapidly accelerated and controlled in synchronization with the tip of I2. Also, in the case of A3 paper, use the first color latent image! When the transfer is completed, the servo motor is controlled to slow down and wait so that the lead edge transferred to the paper is synchronized with the leading edge of the second color latent image I2.

(n-5) Film image reading device (A) Schematic structure of film image reading device As shown in FIG.
M/U)65.

(A-1) Configuration of F/P As shown in FIG. 28, the F/P 84 is equipped with a housing 801, and this housing 601 includes an operation confirmation lamp 602, a manual lamp switch 803, an autofocus/ Manual focus changeover switch (AF/MF changeover switch) 804, and manual focus operation switch (M/F operation switch)
606a and (305b) are provided.The housing 601 is also provided with an opening/closing portion θ06 that can be freely opened and closed.

A document film 6 is provided on the top and side surfaces of this opening/closing section 606.
Holes 808 and 809 are formed in each case so that the film holding case 607 holding the original film 633 can be inserted vertically or horizontally into the housing 801 depending on how the subject recorded on the original film 633 is to be photographed. has been done. A hole (not shown) through which the film holding case 607 can protrude is also provided on the opposite side of the holes 808 and 609. The opening/closing part 808 is rotatably attached to the housing 801 by a hinge, or detachably attached to the housing 601. By making the opening/closing part 608 freely openable and closable,
This makes it possible to easily remove small foreign matter when it enters the housing 601 through the holes E308 and 609.

The film holding case 807 includes a case for 35m1+ negative film and a case for positive film. Therefore, F/P64 is designed to be compatible with these films. Also, F/P64
It is also possible to handle negative films of 8 cm x 8 cm and 41 nd h x 51 nch. In that case, this negative film is attached to M/U65 and platen glass 31.
The platen glass 31 is in close contact with the platen glass 31 between the two.

As shown in FIG. 29, a projection lens holding member 611 that holds a projection lens 610 is slidably supported on the right side of the housing 601 in the drawing.

Further, inside the housing 601, a beam flap B12 and a light source lamp 613 made of a halogen lamp or the like are arranged coaxially with the projection lens 610. A cooling fan 614 for cooling the lamp 813 is provided near the lamp 613. Further, on the right side of the lamp 613, an aspherical lens θ15 for converging the light from this lamp 813, a heat ray absorption filter 616 for cutting light rays of a predetermined wavelength, and a convex lens 617 are arranged coaxially with the projection lens 810. is placed on top.

On the right side of the convex lens 617 is a correction filter that supports a correction filter 635 (the correction filter for one film is shown in the figure) for adjusting the film density for, for example, 35+++* negative film and positive film. Holding member 818 and this correction filter holding member 618
drive motor 819 and correction filter holding member 618
first and second position detection sensors 6 that detect the rotational position of the
20° 621 and a control device (provided within the F/P 84 but not shown) for controlling the drive motor 619, respectively, are provided. Of the correction filters 635 supported by the correction filter holding member 618, the original film 6
A correction filter 635 corresponding to No. 33 is automatically selected so as to be aligned with the use position coaxially with each lens such as the projection lens 610. The correction filter 635 of this correction filter automatic exchange device can be placed anywhere on the optical axis of the projection light, such as between the platen glass 31 and the imaging unit 37, for example.

Further, an autofocus sensor including a light emitter 623 and a light receiver 624 for an autofocus sensor that are linked to the projection lens holding member 811 and a sliding motor 825 that slides the projection lens holding member 811 of the projection lens 610 with respect to the housing 601 is provided. A focus device is provided. When the film holding case 607 is inserted into the housing 601 through the hole 608 or the hole 809, the original film 633 supported by the film holding case 807 is placed between the correction filter holding member 818, the light emitter 623, and the light receiver 624. Being located.

A film cooling fan 828 for cooling the original film 633 is provided near the position where the original film 635 is set.

A power source for the F/P 64 is provided separately from a power source for the base machine 30, but is housed within the base machine 30.

(A-2) Structure of M/υ As shown in FIG. 27, the mirror unit 65 includes a bottom plate 627 and a cover 628 rotatably attached to the bottom plate 627 at one end. A pair of support pieces 829 and 829 are pivotally mounted between the bottom plate 627 and the cover 628, and these support pieces 829. E329 is designed to open the cover 628 so that the angle between the cover 628 and the bottom plate 627 is 45 degrees when the cover 628 is opened to the maximum.
is now supported.

A mirror 630 is provided on the back surface of the cover 628. Further, a large opening is formed in the bottom plate 627, and a Fresnel lens 631 and a diffusion plate 632 are provided so as to close this opening.

As shown in FIG. 29, the Fresnel lens 631 and the diffuser plate 632 are made of a single acrylic plate, and the Fresnel lens 631 is formed on the front side of the acrylic plate, and the Fresnel lens 631 is formed on the back side of the acrylic plate. A diffusion plate 632 is formed. The Fresnel lens θ31 has a function of preventing the periphery of the image from becoming dark by changing the projection light that is reflected by the mirror θ30 and is about to be diffused into parallel light. Further, the diffusion plate 632 diffuses a small amount of parallel light in order to prevent the line sensor 228 from detecting the shadow of the Selfoc lens 224 in the imaging unit 37 formed by the parallel light from the Fresnel lens 631. It has a function.

This mirror unit 85 is folded and stored in a predetermined storage location when the F/P 84 is not performing color viewing. When the mirror unit 85 is used, it is opened and placed at a predetermined location on the platen glass 31 of the base machine 30.

(B) Main functions of the film image reading device The film image reading device has the following main functions.

(B-1) Correction filter automatic exchange function The halogen lamps commonly used as the light source lamp 613 in the F/P E34 are numerically red (R);
Since it has a spectral characteristic that blue (B) is small, when a film is projected with this lamp 613, the red (B) of the projected light is
R), green (G), and blue (B) are affected by the spectral characteristics of the lamp 613. Therefore, when projecting using a halogen lamp, it is necessary to correct the spectral characteristics.

On the other hand, there are many types of films for recording images, including not only negative films and positive films, but also several types of negative films and positive films.

Each of these films has different spectral properties. For example, a negative film has a orange color, and has a high transmittance of R, but a low transmittance of B. Therefore, in a negative film, it is necessary to correct the spectral characteristics so as to increase the amount of B light.

Therefore, the F/P 84 is provided with a correction filter for correcting such spectral characteristics.

The F/P 84 allows these correction filters to be replaced automatically. To replace the correction filter,
This is performed by the above-mentioned correction filter automatic exchange device. That is, when a 2-bit command signal is output from the microprocessor (CPU) in the system (SYS) remote to set the correction filter corresponding to the original film 633 in the use position, the control device outputs the first,
The drive motor 619 is configured so that the 2-bit signal from the second position detection sensor 620.821 matches the CPU signal.
to drive and control. Then, when the signals from the sensors 620 and 821 match the CPU signals, the control device stops the motor 619. When the motor 619 stops, the correction filter corresponding to the original film is automatically set to the use position.

Therefore, the correction filter can be replaced easily and accurately.

(B-2) Original film insertion direction detection function The original film 633 is inserted into the insertion hole 1308.6 formed in the opening/closing part 606.
In other words, the original film 633 can be inserted from any of the holes 09, that is, the original film 633 can be inserted from two directions, vertically and horizontally, depending on how the subject is to be photographed. In that case, the insertion holes 808, 8
09 is provided with a film detection switch. That is, at least one film detection switch is provided. If the film detection switch is provided on the hole 608 side but not on the hole 609 side, when the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 608 and a film is detected, it is turned on and sends a detection signal. Output. When this detection signal is present, the required area of the line sensor 228 is set vertically, that is, the sub-scanning direction is set in the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

Furthermore, when the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 609, this switch remains off and does not output a detection signal. When there is no detection signal, the required area is set horizontally, that is, so that the main scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

Similarly, when the film detection switch is provided only on the hole 609 side, or when the film detection switch is provided on both the hole 808 and 809 sides,
When the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 608, the required area of the line sensor 228 is such that the sub-scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of the projected image, and when the film holding case 607 is inserted through the hole 609, the line sensor 228 is required area. 2
In the required area 28, the on/off signal of the film detection switch is set so that the main scanning direction is the longitudinal direction of the projected image.

(B-3) Autofocus function (AF function) When the film holding case 607 is attached to the F/P 84, the attachment position of the original film 633 requires an accuracy of several tens of μ-. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the focus after mounting the original film 633. When performing this focusing manually, the M
/The image of the original film 633 must be projected onto the diffusion plate 632 of the UEI 5, and the projection lens holding member 811 must be slid while viewing the projected image.

In that case, the image projected onto the diffuser plate 632 is extremely difficult to see, making it extremely difficult to focus accurately.

Therefore, when the original film 633 is attached to the F/P 64, the F/P 64 is configured to be able to automatically adjust the focus.

This AF function is the aforementioned AF! *I is performed as follows.

By operating the keys on the display of the U/136 to switch to F/P mode, the light emitter 623 emits light, and in FIG. 28, the AF/MF changeover switch 604 of the F/PE 34 is selected to AF. As a result, the AF device becomes ready for operation. As shown in FIG. 29, a film case 60 containing an original film 633
7 is attached to the F/P 64, the light from the light emitter 623 will be reflected by this original film 633,
The reflected light is used for AF by a two-element type light receiver 62, for example.
Detected by 4.

Then, the two elements of the light receiver 624 output to the CPU 634 a signal of a magnitude corresponding to the amount of reflected light detected by each element. The CPU 1334 calculates the difference between these signals, and when the result of the calculation is not 0, it issues an output signal and drives the motor 625 in a direction that reduces the difference between the signals from the two elements. Therefore, as the projection lens holding member 611 slides, both the light emitter 623 and the light receiver 824 move in conjunction with this. Then, when the difference between the output signals from the two elements becomes 0, the CPU 634 stops the motor 825. The image is in focus when the motor 625 stops.

In this way, AF operation is performed. This eliminates the need for manual focusing each time a film case containing original film is attached to the F/P 64. Therefore, not only is it time-saving, but also copying failures due to out-of-focus can be prevented.

(B-4) Manual focus function (MFt![)A
By switching the F/MF changeover switch 804 to MF, the lamp 613 is automatically turned on for a predetermined period of time, allowing manual focusing. Midfielder
The operation is performed by pressing the operation switch E305 while viewing the image of the original film projected on the diffuser plate 632 of the mirror unit 65.
This is done by pressing a, 805b. This MF makes it possible to focus on a specific part of the film image.

CB-5) Manual lighting function of light source lamp By pressing the manual lamp switch 803, the lamp 813 can be turned on unconditionally. Although this switch is not normally used, it is used when copying images recorded on relatively thick materials, when performing pack writing, when viewing a projected image for a long time at A2, and when checking if the lamp is burnt out. used for.

(B-8) Automatic magnification change and scan area automatic change function By setting the paper size using U/13E3, the magnification can be automatically set. Furthermore, by selecting the type of original film using the U/I 38, a copy area can be automatically selected according to the film.

(B-7) Automatic shading correction function The ROλ of the CPU 634 uses FUJI (registered trademark), KODAK (registered trademark), which is a negative film often used for photography.
(registered trademark) and KONICA (registered trademark) ASA
Density data for 100 orange masks are stored, and when one of these films is selected, the CPU 634 can automatically perform shading correction based on the stored density data.

In that case, the base film of these films is F/P.
There is no need to attach it to 84.

Therefore, not only can the effort of attaching the base film be saved, but also it is possible to prevent the base film from being attached by mistake, and there is no need to manage the base film.

Further, for one type of film other than the 3111 type film, the density data of the orange mask of the film can be registered. This data is stored in RAM within the copier system. In the case of this registered film, the above-mentioned 3
Shading correction is automatically performed as with other types of film.

(B-8) Automatic image quality adjustment function It is possible to perform corrections such as γ correction based on various conditions such as the density characteristics of the original film and the exposure conditions when shooting the film, and automatically adjust the density and color balance. That's what I do.

(C) Image signal processing (C-1) Necessity of image signal correction and principle of correction Generally, the density range of a film is wider than that of an original. Further, even for the same film, the density range differs depending on the type of film, for example, the density range of positive film is wider than that of negative film.

Further, the film density range is influenced by the photographing conditions of the original film, such as the exposure amount of the film, the density of the subject, or the brightness at the time of photographing. In fact, the subject density is widely distributed within the film's density range.

Therefore, when an image recorded on such a film is to be copied using a copying machine that copies an original using reflected light, good reproducibility cannot be obtained by performing the same signal processing. Therefore, good reproducibility is obtained by appropriately correcting the image reading signal so that the density of the main subject becomes appropriate.

FIG. 28 shows the density characteristics of a certain negative film and the principle of density correction. In this figure, the right half of the horizontal axis represents the exposure amount of the subject (corresponding to the subject density), and the left half represents the density after shading correction. Further, on the vertical axis, the upper half represents the video circuit output (equal to the negative density), and the lower half represents the output Kafubi density.

In other words, the first quadrant describes the density characteristics of the negative film,
The second quadrant shows the relationship between shading correction, and the third quadrant shows the relationship between γ
The fourth quadrant represents the relationship between the correction and the relationship between the subject exposure amount and the corrected output copy density.

The density characteristics of this negative film are shown by the line α in the first quadrant of FIG. That is, when the amount of exposure from the subject is large, the density of the negative film is high, and as the amount of exposure from the subject decreases, the density of the negative film decreases linearly. When the amount of exposure from the subject decreases to a certain extent, the linearity between the amount of exposure from the subject and the density of the negative film disappears. If this exposure amount is small, for example, if the image recorded on the film is a bust of a human being, the contrast between the face and the hair will not be adequate. Further, even when the exposure amount is large, the slope of the line α, that is, the value of γ is smaller than 1, so unless γ correction is performed, the copy will be soft.

For this reason, γ correction is necessary.

Next, the principle of correction will be explained using FIG. 28.

In the third quadrant of the figure, an END curve β for γ correction is set. The slope γ- of this END curve β is the fourth
In order to make the relationship between the exposure amount from the subject and the output image density a linear relationship of 45 degrees in the quadrant, γ'=1/γ is set.

For example, in the case of area a where the amount of exposure from the subject is relatively high, if the density adjustment value set in the register of the shading correction circuit is a value represented by a straight line ■ in the second quadrant, then after shading correction The concentration is in area a
''.The area in this area a is no longer within the conversion range of the END curve β, and this area becomes white when copied.Therefore, in the second quadrant, the density adjustment value is changed from straight line ■ to straight line ■ , so that the density after shading correction falls within the conversion range of the END curve β.By doing this, the relationship between the exposure amount from the subject and the output copy density becomes 45 degrees in the fourth quadrant. The copy will now follow the straight line ■, and will have a gradated density.

In addition, in the case of an area where the amount of exposure from the subject is relatively small, the linearity between the amount of exposure from the subject and the density of the negative film is lost.In this case, the density adjustment value of the shading correction circuit is In the second quadrant, set the value of the straight line ■.Then, in the third quadrant, select the END curve β represented by the line ■.By selecting this END curve β, the exposure amount from the subject and the output copy density can be adjusted. Fourth
It can be represented by a 45 degree straight line (■) in the quadrant. In other words, when the amount of exposure from the subject is within the range, for example, if a person with black hair is wearing a brown hat, the hair and hat will be prevented from having almost the same density, and the hair and hat will be You will be able to clearly bring out the contrast between.

In this way, correction is performed so that the density of the subject becomes appropriate.

(C-2) Image signal processing method As shown in FIG. 29, the line sensor 228 reads the projection light of the image on the original film 633 in analog form as the light intensity for each RlG and B, and the light intensity is expressed by this light intensity. The image signal sent to the amplifier 231 is amplified to a predetermined level. The amplified image signal is converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter 235, and further converted into a digital signal by the log converter 23.
8 converts the light quantity signal into a density signal.

The image signal expressed in density is sent to the shading correction circuit 2.
Shading correction is performed by 38. This shading correction removes from the image signal the effects of uneven light intensity of the self-photo lens 224, uneven sensitivity of each pixel in the line sensor 228, variations in the spectral characteristics and light intensity level of the correction filter and lamp 613, and changes over time. .

Before performing this shading correction, first, when the above-mentioned three types of films and registered films are selected as the original film, the correction filter is set in the positive film filter, and the original film 633 is not attached. Read the light amount signal from the lamp 613,
After the signal is amplified and converted into a digital signal, data obtained based on the converted density signal is stored in the line memory 240 as reference data.

That is, imaging units 3'lR,G.

Each pixel of B is scanned and sampled in 32 line steps, and these sampling data are sent to the CPU 634 through the line memory 240.
Calculate the average concentration value of the two lines of sampling data,
Take shading data. By taking the average in this way, errors for each pixel are eliminated.

Furthermore, when the original film is loaded and the image of the original film is read, the CPU 634 calculates the density data of the negative film stored in the ROM/1 degree adjustment value DADj, and calculates the density data of the negative film stored in the ROM/1 degree adjustment value DADj, and registers the LSI in the shading correction circuit 239. Rewrite the DAI)j value set in .

Further, the CPU 634 adjusts the light intensity of the lamp 613 and the gain of the amplifier 643 in accordance with the selected film.

Then, the shading correction circuit 239 shifts the read density value by adding the D ADj value to the actual data read from the original film. Further, the shading correction circuit 239 performs shading correction by subtracting shading data for each pixel from the adjusted data.

In addition, in the case of a film that is not recorded in the ROM of the CPU 634 and is not registered in the RAM of the system, the base film is attached, the density data of the film is obtained, and the DADj value is calculated from the obtained density data. Must.

After shading correction is completed, IIT32 changes to IPS33
The RlG and B concentration signals are output.

Then, the CPU 634 selects an END curve based on the actual data of the original film, and outputs a correction signal to perform γ correction based on the selected curve. Based on this correction signal, the IPS 33 performs γ correction to correct the ambiguity of contrast caused by the fact that γ of the original film is not 1 and non-linear characteristics. Explain operating procedures and signal timing. Note that a signal indicated by a broken line indicates that the signal may be used.

F/P6417) The operation is mainly performed using the U/P of the base machine 30.
This is done by I36. That is, by operating the F/P operation key displayed on the display screen of the U/I 36, the base machine 30 is placed in the F/P mode.

Assuming that the original film is one of the above three types of films and registered films, as shown in Fig. '' and then select the film type.'' is displayed. therefore,
First, the M/U 85 is opened and set in a predetermined position on the platen glass 31.

Next, when the film selection key on the screen is pressed, the screen displays the message "Please wait without loading film." At the same time, the lamp 613 is turned on and the correction filter control (FCC0NT) signal becomes (0,0) to perform the FC operation. That is, the correction filter automatic exchange device is operated and the positive correction filter is set in the use position. When the correction filter is set, the correction filter exchange end (FC5ET) signal becomes LOW.

In addition to this being LOW, the lamp 613 is lit and 3
The acquisition of shading data for shading correction is started using the elapse of ~5 seconds as a trigger. When this shading data collection is completed, this completion is used as a trigger to set FCC0NT to (0, 1), the correction filter automatic exchange device is activated, and the film correction filter is set in the use position. In addition, the shading correction is triggered and the screen displays "Focusing. Please insert film."
Lamp 613 turns off. Therefore, the original film 6
The film case 807 containing the film 33 is attached to the F/P 134. Thereby, the light from the light emitter 623 is reflected by this film, and the reflected light is detected by the light receiver 624.

When the difference in the amount of reflected light received between the two elements of the light receiver 624 is not O, the motor 628 of the AF device is activated to focus. That is, AF operation is performed. When focusing is completed, F/P is ready for operation (F/P
RDY) signal becomes LOW. After this F/PRDY signal becomes LOW and one second has elapsed since FCSET becomes LOW, "Copy ready" is displayed on the screen. When you press the start key of the U/136, the screen displays "Copying in progress" and the lamp 813 lights up. After waiting for the lamp 613 to start up, data for automatic density adjustment (A/E) is displayed. Collection begins. That is, in order to obtain data for performing density adjustment, color balance adjustment, gamma correction, etc., the imaging unit 37 partially scans and reads part or all of the projected image.

Next, in the case of full color, the imaging unit 37 scans four times to perform copying. In that case,
Shading correction and density adjustment are automatically performed based on the shading data and automatic density adjustment data. When the copying is completed, the lamp 613 turns off and the screen displays "Copy ready".

Therefore, when the start key is pressed again, a new copy is performed. If you want to copy another image, you have to change the frames of the film. When changing frames, F/P
As soon as RDY becomes HIGH, the message "Focusing" is displayed on the screen. Then, when a new frame is set, the AF operation is performed, and at the same time, the F/P R
DY becomes LOW and the message "Copy ready" is displayed on the screen. After that, copying is performed by pressing the start key.

(II[) User interface (UI) (III-
1) Adoption of a color CRT display and optical touch board As mentioned above, this copier is capable of not only color copying (four-color, full-color, three-color, etc.), but also black-and-white copying, as well as various editing functions. In addition to being equipped with functions,
This is a highly functional digital color copier that is fully automated, so it is useful not only for so-called beginners who are not familiar with the functions or configuration of copiers who simply want to copy the required number of black and white documents, but also for designers. - It is also possible for so-called experts who often use copying machines to create novel and original documents using various editing functions.

Now, when using not only this copying machine but also any copying machine, it is necessary to set copy execution conditions (copy mode) and necessary parameters depending on the type of copying to be performed.

When making these settings, Ul intervenes between the user and the copying machine and supports the interaction.

Therefore, the operability of the UI is a very important point. In other words, if it has various functions and is highly reliable, its reputation as a copier will be higher, but if those functions are difficult to use, its value will drop dramatically even if it has excellent functions. On the contrary, it becomes expensive, and the overall evaluation deteriorates significantly. In particular, with a copying machine that has many editing functions like this one, many operations are required to select functions and set parameters, making it easy for errors in operating procedures and erroneous operations to occur (
It will become.

From this perspective, the UI is a factor that greatly influences whether or not a copying machine is easy to use, especially in a multifunctional copying machine like this one.
The operability of the UI becomes a problem.

So, how can Ul be configured to improve operability?

First of all, even if it is a high-performance copying machine, if it requires operations that are completely different from those of conventional copying machines, it will only confuse the user and make it extremely difficult to use. Therefore, it is obvious that it is desirable to have operability similar to that of conventional copying machines. For example, if you want to make 3 copies on A4 paper at 100% magnification, press the ``100'' button or key to set the magnification.
%" button, and press the "A4J" button for paper settings.
It is important that the machine can be operated in the same way as a conventional copying machine, such as pressing the button and then pressing "4" on the numeric keypad to start copying.

Furthermore, it is important to provide users with as much information as they need, when they need it. This is because redundant information not only confuses the user but also causes operational errors.

Furthermore, if the operating units are distributed, the user will have to look everywhere, which will not only be cumbersome, but also make the operating procedure unclear, so it is desirable to have the operating units concentrated in one place.

Further, as described above, this copying machine can be used by everyone from beginners to experts, and the usage differs depending on the user's skill level, so the UI needs to have operability that corresponds to the usage by various users.

In other words, when you simply want to make a copy, you only need to specify the basic mode such as magnification, paper, and whether the color is black and white, and when you want to perform advanced editing, you can eliminate the hassle. In order to satisfy all of the above requirements, this copying machine uses a color CRT display as the display device for displaying modes and parameters. As a selection method, we decided to use an optical touch board that uses infrared light.

According to this configuration, for example, if you want to set the magnification to 100%, select rlo in the magnification column on the display screen.

%" (hereinafter referred to as a soft button), which has the same operational feel as pressing a conventional hard button. Note that pressure-sensitive touch boards are also known, but these require you to actually press with a certain amount of force, whereas optical touch boards only require you to block infrared rays with your finger or other object. Therefore, the operation feeling is excellent. In addition,
In the following description, the operation to block infrared rays is "press",
Alternatively, it will be written as "push down."

Furthermore, since the display screen of a CRT display can be configured as appropriate, it is possible to provide the user with the necessary amount of information at the necessary time. Furthermore, by appropriately switching the display screen, it is possible to clearly show the relationship of information or the operating procedure.

This also allows for goal-oriented operability.

This goal-oriented operability can be explained using, for example, the case of ``fitting synthesis'' as follows. As shown in Figure 50, the inset composition is performed on the manuscript A.
The editing involves fitting a predetermined portion a of the document B into a predetermined portion of the document B. To perform this editing, first trim and copy a predetermined area a of the document A, and then copy the predetermined area a of the document B. Several operations must be performed, such as masking the area A of the document A and enlarging or contracting the area a of the document A to fit the area A of the document B. Some of these operations may be necessary for other edits as well.

In the past, when several operations had to be performed in succession, such as inset synthesis, the required operations were checked one by one, and the operations were performed one by one. However, this is extremely troublesome, and if even one necessary task is omitted, the desired editing task cannot be performed. If you can switch the screen by pressing , or display a pop-up screen to guide you on what settings to make and how to perform the editing, the above troubles can be eliminated. resolved,
Misoperations will no longer occur. This is goal-oriented operability, which allows easy and direct operation.

Furthermore, since a color CRT display is used, it is possible to not only create a screen that looks good, but also to make the information more impressive to the user by using color effectively. , information can be transmitted to the user more quickly.Also, since this copying machine is a color copier, it has color-related functions such as tone adjustment and color conversion. Occasionally,
You can also check on the screen how the color of the output copy will be.

As mentioned above, by combining a color CRT display and an optical touch board, it is possible to set the copy mode directly in one place, which is easy for beginners to understand and does not bother experts. It is possible to build a UI.

(III-2) Fig. 31 shows the installation of the UI on the main body of the copying machine using a color CRT monitor, and Fig. 32 shows the state and appearance of the UI.
The mounting of l is a diagram for explaining the angle and height.

In order to obtain the above-mentioned operability, the UL of this copying machine is the 31st
A 12-inch color CRT monitor 501 as shown in the figure
and a hard control panel 502 next to it. The size of the color CRT monitor 501 can be selected as required, but it is not a good idea to make it too large since it needs to be attached to the copying machine body. In order to arrange the necessary information in an easy-to-see manner, the screen needs to be of a certain size. Taking these into consideration, this copying machine uses 12
We are using inches.

In addition, the hard control panel 502
The reason for the difference is as follows. Of course, it is possible to make all buttons soft buttons, but
The numeric keypad used to set the number of copies and enter the code number, the start button used to start copying or restart after an interruption, the stop button used to interrupt copying, etc. must be ready to be pressed at any time. If these buttons were to be formed using soft buttons, they would have to be displayed on the screen at all times, which would reduce the display area for copy mode settings. will have to be made smaller to accommodate the required number of buttons. However, frequent screen switching is only a nuisance for the user, and a smaller soft button makes it difficult to press and makes it difficult to see the screen, which is not preferable. Therefore, buttons that need to be pressed at any time, such as the numeric keypad start button, are formed on a hard control panel, separate from the soft buttons.

In addition to providing users with easy-to-read and easy-to-understand menus through the use of color displays, the color CRT monitor 50
1 is combined with an infrared touch board 503 to allow direct access using soft buttons on the screen. In addition, the hard buttons of the hard control panel 502,
By efficiently distributing the operation contents to the soft buttons displayed on the screen of the color CRT monitor 501, it is possible to simplify the operation and efficiently configure the menu screen.

On the back side of the color CRT monitor 501 and the hard control panel 502, there is a monitor control/power board 504 and a video engine board 5, as shown in FIGS.
05, various boards such as a CRT driver board 506 are arranged, and the hard control panel 502 is shown in the same figure (
As shown in C), the color CRT monitor 501 is arranged at a certain angle so as to face further toward the center of the monitor 501.

Further, the color CRT monitor 501 and the hard control panel 502 are not mounted directly on the base machine (copying machine main body) 507 as shown in the figure, but on a support arm 508 erected on the base machine 507. If a stand-type color CRT monitor 501 is used instead of a console panel as in the past, it can be mounted three-dimensionally above the base machine 507 as shown in FIG. 31(a). In particular, by placing the color CRT monitor 501 at the back right corner of the base machine 507 as shown in FIG. 32(a),
The size of the copying machine can be designed without considering the console panel as in the past, and the apparatus can be made more compact.

In a copying machine, the height of the platen, that is, the height of the device, is designed to be at a comfortable waist height for setting a document, and this height regulates the height of the device.

Conventional console panels are mounted on the top of the copying machine, so they are located at waist height and close to the hand, making them easy to operate, but function selection and execution condition settings are located at a fairly similar distance from the eyes. An operation section and a display section will be arranged for this purpose. In this regard, the UI of this copying machine is located at a position higher than the platen, that is, close to eye level (as shown in FIG. 32 (11)), making it easier to see, and the UI is located at a lower position for the operator (in front). , and is on the right side, making it easier to operate.

Moreover, by bringing the height of the color CRT monitor 501 closer to eye level, the lower side can be used as a space for installing obscillin kits such as UI control boards, memory card devices, key counters, etc. It can be used for Therefore, there is no need to make any structural changes to install the memory card device, the memory card device can be additionally equipped without changing the appearance at all, and at the same time, the color CRT monitor 501 can be installed in a position and height that is easy to see. Can be done. Furthermore, although the color CRT monitor 501 may be fixed at a predetermined angle, it is of course possible to employ a structure that allows the angle to be changed.

(I[l-3) System Configuration Next, the electrical system configuration of the UI of this copying machine will be explained. The electrical system of the UI includes software and hardware, and the configuration of the UI software module is shown in FIG. 33, and the hardware configuration of the UI is shown in FIG. 34. The software is LLUI shown in Figure 4.
80, and the hardware is U in Figure 3.
This corresponds to the I-remote 70.

The software module configuration of the UI of this copier is
As shown in FIG. 3, a video display module 5 controls the display screen of a color CRT monitor 501.
11, and edit pad 513, memory card 5
The system UI 517, 519, subsystem 515, touch screen 503, and control panel 502 are connected to the video display module 511.

The edit pad interface module 512 receives the X and Y coordinates from the edit pad 513 and the job and X coordinates from the memory card 514.

In addition to inputting the Y coordinate, video map display information is sent to the video display module 511, and UI control signals are exchanged with the video display module 511.

By the way, area specification includes marker specification, which specifies an area on the document with a red or blue marker, and performs cropping and color conversion.
There are two point specifications using the coordinates of a rectangular area, and closed loop specifications by tracing with an edit pad, but marker specifications do not have any particular data, and two point specifications have less data, whereas closed loop specifications can only be used as an area to be edited. Requires large amounts of data. This data is edited using IPS remote, but the amount of data is too large to transfer at high speed.

Therefore, such X, Y coordinate data is configured to use a dedicated transfer line (78.8 kbps transfer line in Figure 3) to the IIT/IPS518, in addition to the general data transfer line. ing.

The video display module 511 inputs the vertical and horizontal input points (coordinate position w of the touch screen) of the touch screen 503, recognizes the button ID, and inputs the button ID of the control panel 502. and ζ
The button ID is sent to the system UI 517.619, and a display request is received from the system UI 517.519. Further, a subsystem (ESS) 515 is connected to, for example, a workstation or a host CPU, and is a printer controller when this apparatus is used as a laser printer. In this case, information on the touch screen 503, control panel 502, and keyboard (not shown) is transferred as is to the subsystem 515, and the contents of the display screen are sent from the subsystem 515 to the video display module 511.) The system UI 517.519 exchanges information on the copy mode and machine state with the master controller 518.520. Corresponding to FIG. 4 explained earlier, one of the system UIs 517 and 519 is the 32
5YSUI module 81 of the SYS remote shown in the figure, and the other is the MCBUI module 81 of the MCB remote shown in FIG.
This is module 66.

The UI of this copying machine consists of two control boards consisting of a UICB 521 and an EPIB 522 as hardware as shown in FIG. 34, and its functions are broadly divided into two in correspondence with the above module configuration. And U.I.C.
The B521 includes a CPU (for example, Intel's 80
85 or equivalent) and a CRT controller (e.g., Intel's 8845 or equivalent), and since 8 bits is insufficient for the EPIB522 to draw in the bitmap area, an 18-bit CPU (e.g., Intel's 80C196KA) is used. ), and the drawing data of the bitmap area is transferred to the UICB 521 by direct memory access (DMA), thereby achieving functional distribution.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the configuration of the UICB.

In addition to the above-mentioned CPUs, the UICB has a CPU 534 (e.g., equivalent to Intel's 8051), and a CCC 531 is connected to the high-speed communication line L-NET and the communication line of the obcise keyboard, and the CPU 534 and CCC 531 control communication. , the CPU 534 is also used to drive the touch screen. The touch screen signal is sent from the CPU 534 to the CCC 5 with its coordinate position information intact.
31 to the CPU 532, and the CPU 532
The button ID is recognized and processed. It is also connected to the control panel through the input port 551 and output port 552, and from the EPIB 522 and subsystem (ESS) through the subsystem interface 548, receiver 549, and driver 550.
Along with the clock of Z, video data is received and received at IMB1)s, and commands and status information can be exchanged at 9 eoo bps.

The memory is BootR, which stores the bootstrap.
In addition to OM535, frame ROM538 and 539, RA
M538, bitmap RAM637, V-RAM54
It has 2. Frame ROMs 536 and 539 are memories in which display screen data is stored not in a bit map but in a data structure that is easy to handle with software.
The PU 532 first generates drawing data in the RAM 536 as a work area, and the DMA 541 generates the V
- written to RAM 542; Further, the bitmap data is transferred by the DMA 540 from the EPIB 522 to the bitmap RAM 537 and written therein. Character generator 544 is for graphic tiles, and text character generator 543 is for character tiles.

The V-RAM 542 is managed by a tile code, which consists of 24 bits (3 bytes), 13 bits for tile type information, 2 bits for identification information of text, graphics, or bitmap, and 1 bit for identification information. for blink information, 5 bits for background color information, 3 bits for background color information,
Each bit is used for foreground color information. CRT: l7) 0-5533 is V-RAM542
G: Develop both sides of the display based on the written tile hood information, shift register 545, multiplexer 5
46, convert video data to C through color palette 547
I'm sending it to RT. To draw the bitmap area,
It is switched by a shift register 545.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the configuration of EPIB.

The EPIB includes a 16-bit CPU (for example, equivalent to Intel's 800198KA) 555, a boot page food ROM 55B, an OS page code ROM 557, an area memory 558, and a RAM 5 used as a work area.
It has 59. And interface 5θ1,
U through driver 662 and driver/receiver 563
The high-speed communication interface 5 transfers bitmap data, commands, and status information to the ICB.
64, the x and y coordinate data is transferred to the IPS through the Nrai z4585. Note that reading/writing to/from the memory card 525 is performed through the interface 560. Therefore, when closed-loop editing area specification information and copy mode information are input from the editor/zurad 524 or memory card 525, these information are sent to the U through the interface 561 and driver 562 as appropriate.
The data is transferred to the ICB, and to the IPS via the high-speed communication interface 564 and driver 565, respectively.

(Ill-4) Display screen configuration Next, how should the screen be configured for easy operation?
Let's think about whether we can build it.

Even when using a color CRT monitor for the UI,
Providing information compatible with multi-functionality requires a large amount of information, so if you think about it simply, a large display area is required, which makes it difficult to support miniaturization. Furthermore, when a compact size display device is adopted, it becomes difficult to provide all necessary information on a single screen not only because of display density issues, but also because it is difficult to provide a screen that is easy for the operator to view and understand.

Therefore, various measures are required to provide a screen that is easy to view and understand by using a compact color CRT monitor like the Ul of this copying machine.

Now, since this copier is a color mode with various editing functions, there are 4 copy modes to set on the UI.
Basic copy mode settings that are essential for copying, such as color mode settings such as full color, three-color, or black and white copying, paper size settings, and magnification settings. In addition, when using an editing function, instructions for the editing function to be used and necessary parameters must be set.

However, since the screen size is 12 inches, it is neither possible nor advisable to display this information on one screen. This is because, as more information is displayed, the screen not only becomes more difficult to read and understand, but also causes unnecessary confusion for beginners as the number of items to be set increases.

Therefore, it is necessary to divide the screen for setting the copy mode into several parts, but it is desirable to first provide a screen for setting the basic copy mode. In other words, since the basic copy mode is a mode in which copying cannot be executed unless it is set, it is necessary not only when simply copying, but also when using the editing function.

By the way, in addition to the above-mentioned color mode, paper size, and magnification, the basic copy mode also includes binding margin settings, whether to use F/P, copy density adjustment, color adjustment, copy contrast adjustment, etc. . However, while the color mode, paper size, magnification, and whether or not to use the sorter when the sorter is installed are essentially basic setting conditions, other binding margin settings and F/P use settings are essential. The presence/absence, copy density adjustment, color adjustment, copy contrast adjustment, etc. are items that can be performed as needed, so separate screens are provided for setting these items.

By dividing the screen in this way, the basic setting conditions such as color mode, paper size, magnification, and whether or not to use the sorter when the sorter is installed can be set on one screen (hereinafter referred to as this). (This screen is referred to as a basic copy screen.) Furthermore, when it is desired to adjust the copy density, etc., another screen can be called up and desired adjustments and settings can be made.

It is also very effective to display a pop-up screen. For example, when considering magnification settings, the automatic magnification and 100% are usually used, but there are other cases where you may want to enlarge or reduce the document as needed. , also has a biasing function that allows copying at different magnifications in the horizontal direction, so you must also select whether or not to perform biasing, but if you make these settings within the basic copy screen, the screen The display becomes complicated. Therefore, on the basic copy screen, there are three types of magnification setting items: automatic magnification, 100%, and variable pull, and when variable pull is selected, a pop-up will open and you can set the desired magnification. Good.

As is clear from the above, by dividing the screen appropriately in this way and displaying pop-up screens as appropriate, it is possible to provide the user with ``only the information that is needed when it is needed''. Since the relevant information is hidden and can be called up as needed, it does not confuse the user, making it possible to construct a UI with good operability.

The basic mode settings have been explained above, and now the editing function settings will be explained.

There are two ways of thinking about setting the editing function:

One is to display all of the editing functions that the copier has and let the user select the desired editing function from among them. In this copying machine, the latter is adopted.

One reason for this is that goal-oriented operability cannot be achieved with the former method. Taking ``inset synthesis'' as an example, in the former case, as mentioned above, you have to perform trimming of a predetermined area of document A, masking of a predetermined area of document B, etc. one by one in an orderly manner. , the latter can be done directly by pressing the "Inset Composition" soft button. Further, some users are accustomed to using the editing function, while others are not, and the method of using the same editing function may differ depending on each user's level of proficiency. An example is as follows.

Now, if we consider the case where the background of a predetermined area of a document is to be colored with a desired color, one possible way to designate the area is to first surround the desired area with a marker pen. The machine recognizes the color of the marker pen, so
It is possible to automatically detect a closed loop and apply a specified mesh in a specified color to the area surrounded by the closed loop. This is the simplest way to specify an area,
Even users who have just learned how to edit can easily do this. However, in the method of using a marker pen, a closed loop is written on the document with the marker pen, which results in the document being smeared. To avoid this, you can use the edit pad to specify the desired area, but this method requires inputting the coordinates of the desired area using the edit pad, which increases the number of operations and Since inputting coordinates still requires a certain degree of skill, this method can be said to be a more advanced editing function than the method using a marker pen described above.

Furthermore, there are cases where it is desired not only to simply shade the area, but also to perform other editing functions such as trimming on the area at the same time. In this case, the operation becomes more complicated and requires considerable skill to master.

In this way, some editing functions can be extremely difficult to use depending on the user's skill level, and it is therefore desirable to divide the editing functions into several stages and layer them. I understand that. In addition, this makes it possible to achieve the purpose of this copying machine, which is to "provide the user with the necessary amount of information when necessary."

In other words, if you want to perform a simple edit, all you have to do is call up the corresponding screen, specify the desired editing function, and set the necessary parameters, and no unnecessary information will be displayed to the user. This is because unnecessary confusion will not be caused.

Another advantage is that by layering editing functions, it becomes easier to create software. In other words, if all editing functions are grouped together, there will be a large number of branches, which will be very difficult to create software, but if the various editing functions are divided into similar functions and layered, the number of branches will be reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier to create software.

As mentioned above, the screen for guiding copy mode settings is roughly divided into basic copy mode and edit mode, and by layering each of basic copy mode and edit mode as appropriate, information can be accurately and Since it becomes possible to transmit information to the user as much as necessary when necessary, it is possible to construct an easy-to-use UI without causing any operational errors.

Next, the question is how to layer the basic copy mode and editing mode, and what setting items should be provided in each layer.As mentioned above, the basic copy mode has color mode, paper size,
The magnification and sorter are set as one set, and other copy density adjustments are handled separately.

Furthermore, it is possible to decide how many layers the editing modes should be divided into, but as mentioned above, for example, the stage of using markers,
It is preferable to have at least three stages: a stage where only one editing function can be performed using the edit pad, and a stage where all editing functions can be used.

(III-5) Pathway and its layout Next,
The problem is how to lay out the screen.

First, when setting items for functions or modes are hierarchically arranged as described above, it is obvious that a display area must be provided for each hierarchy. Moreover, in order to be able to set a desired mode with minimal steps at any level, it is preferable that the display area of each level display only the basic items in that level, and display the rest as a pop-up. Furthermore, the display area of each hierarchy needs to be able to be called up at any time. This is because there will be problems in terms of operability unless a hierarchical display area that allows the desired editing to be immediately called up whenever the desired editing is desired.

These display areas are areas for selecting functions for each layer (
Hereinafter, this is referred to as a pathway.

Based on the above considerations, we decided to provide the following pathway in this copying machine.

(A) Basic Feature Pathway The pathway adopted in this copying machine will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

What is shown in FIG. 37(a) is a screen displaying a basic feature busway, and the overall screen layout will be explained using this screen first.

As shown in FIG. 37(a), the display screen is divided into two areas: message area A and pathway B.

Message area A uses the top three lines of the screen,
Predetermined messages are displayed on the first line for state messages, and on the second and third lines for guidance messages when there is a contradiction in function selection, messages regarding abnormal conditions of the device, and warning information messages.

Further, the right end of the message area A is used as a number display area, where the set number of copies input using the numeric keys and the number of copies being copied are displayed.

Pathway B is an area for selecting various functions,
Basic features Azoid features Copy quality, tools, marker editing, business editing,
It has free hand editing and creative editing pathways, and a pathway tab C is displayed corresponding to each pathway. Pathway B has a soft button D1 that is an option and selects a function when touched. An icon (picture) that changes depending on the selected function and displays that function.
El Indicator F etc. that display the reduction ratio are displayed. In addition, each pathway has a pop-up to improve operability, and if the pop-up is opened by pressing the soft button D, a "Δ" pop-up mark G
is attached. By touching the pathway tab C, the pathway can be opened, so that the desired pathway can be displayed whenever needed.

Now, in the basic feature pathway, mode settings are made for each item of color mode, paper size, magnification, and sorter, which are essential modes when executing copying.

The color modes are full color, which copies with four types of toner: YlM, C, and K (black); three-pass color, which copies with three types of toner except K; black, which makes regular black-and-white copies, and red/black. The default that is automatically selected when the power is turned on can be set as desired by the user. Note that red/black mode is a mode that copies using only red and black toner.
This mode is used to convert the black part of the original to red, delete the red part of the original, or color it with red.Select the red/black mode and start copying. If you do this, the red parts of the original will become redder and the black parts will become darker, so you can also perform a generation syncopy.

The paper size is automatic paper selection (APS), ) Ray 1.2
．． There are 3 options, and the default is APS.

There are three options for magnification: 100%, automatic magnification selection (AMS) that sets the magnification based on the paper size and original size when paper is selected, and variable magnification (variable magnification). The calculated magnification, calculated magnification, or automatic is displayed. When the barrier pull is selected, a pop-up as shown in FIG.
The magnification can be set in % increments.

rAnamorphlcJ in the pop-up in the same figure is a biasing function that allows you to independently set the vertical and horizontal magnification of the document, and when you press the corresponding soft button,
The pop-up shown in C) opens and allows the vertical and horizontal magnification of the document to be set independently and arbitrarily.

In this way, detailed setting information for a specific function will be displayed in a pop-up, and by opening the pop-up as necessary, the pathway screen display will be easy to see and count, and the minimum necessary information will be displayed. Since only information can be displayed, the user can be guided accurately. Note that the default is, for example, 100.
%.

The sorter is an item for selecting whether to output copies to the top tray or to use a sorter. However, the sorter items are not always displayed, but are hidden when the sorter is not attached, as shown in FIG. 37(d). This is because when the sorter is not installed, the output is limited to the top tray, and there is no need to select whether or not to use the sorter, so the user is not given unnecessary information. Therefore, the occurrence of erroneous operations can be avoided.

The above are the mode settings for Basic Feature Pathway, and with these mode settings you can perform normal high-fidelity copying without any editing.

Now, how to arrange the menus to be displayed is an important issue, not only for the basic feature pathway but also for other pathways to be described later. In other words, as can be easily understood from FIG. 32, when pressing a soft button, the user inevitably covers the screen with his or her hand or arm. Therefore, it is not enough to simply arrange the menus provided for each pathway, but it is necessary to arrange them so that the mode can be set in an ideal order by selecting from the left or right side. For example, when arranging the color mode, paper size, magnification, and sorter items, since this copier is in color mode, it is desirable to select the color mode first, and then select the paper size. If you proceed with the settings in the order along the paper transport path, such as what size to copy and where to output the copied paper, you will be able to make the necessary mode settings in an orderly manner. It will be obvious that the arrangement of the menus in the basic feature pathway in FIG. 37(a) is done based on the above consideration.

For right-handed users, the right side of the screen is hidden,
Since the left side of the screen for left-handed users will be hidden, for right-handed users the settings should be made sequentially from the left side as shown in Figure 37(a), and for left-handed users, the settings should be made in order from the left side. It is also effective to have the display switchable so that the settings can be made in order starting from the right side, as opposed to the arrangement shown in FIG. 37 <a).

However, it is not appropriate to set priorities in the order of selection. If modes can only be set in a certain order, pressing a button may not function, which may confuse the user.

Note that the jib program shown in the lower right of FIG. The display as shown in the figure can be made only when the card is inserted into the slot of the reader. This is to avoid giving unnecessary information to the user as described above.

Although it is desirable that the memory card has a larger capacity, for example, if a memory card with a capacity of 32 bytes is used, it is sufficient to store about 8 gigabytes of information.

(B) Azoid feature pathway The azoid feature pathway is shown in FIG. 37(e).

This pathway belongs to the basic mode, not the edit mode, but it is not a mode that absolutely cannot be copied unless it is set, like the basic feature pathway, but it can be set as necessary. This is the function setting area where all modes are grouped together, and is the 37th function setting area.
As shown in Figure (e), settings are made for each item of copy positive scene, book copy 272% Exeptlon Pages (page programming).

The copy positive scene is an auto center that aligns the center of the copy image with the center of the paper, and sets margins on the top, bottom, left, and right of the copy in increments of 11- for the width from the edge of the paper to the edge of the copy image within the range of 0 to 3011. There are three options: margin shift, which allows you to change the size of the copy image, and corner shift, which allows you to align the corners of the copy image with the corners of the specified paper. In addition,
It is best to set the default to Auto Center.

This is because setting margins is necessary in special cases.

Book copy is the mode used when copying books: Normal, Side A1 Side B1 Side A
There are four options: &B. Normal is for normal copying with the book spread out, Side A is for copying only one side of the spread, e.g. the right side (or left side), and Side B is for copying the other side of the spread, e.g. It copies only the left side (or right side),
Sides A & B are also referred to as continuous page copying, and each page of a two-page spread is copied onto a single sheet of paper.

The film projector is in the mode of copying from various films, and has two options: off and on.
When you press the on button, a pop-up as shown in Figure 37 (Ct) will open and display various parameters necessary when using a film projector, i.e., the distinction between 35-Yu negative and 35-Positive when using the projector. , or when copying on a platen, 35■ken negative, 6c seal
6 am Slide IJ% 4"X5" You can now distinguish between slides and set color correction.

Page programming is a function that inserts the front cover, back cover, and mount, changes the color mode settings for each page, and changes the tray that supplies paper.

(C) Copy quality pathway As shown in FIG. 37(g), this pathway is a busway that performs copy-related adjustments such as copy density, color adjustment, sharpness, and contrast, and belongs to the basic mode. This is not an absolute condition for copying, but can be done as needed, so it is set in a pathway different from the basic feature pathway.

The copy density has two options: automatic and manual. Auto is a button that performs automatic density adjustment for black and white originals, and when the manual button is selected, a pop-up opens and seven steps of density control can be performed.

Color adjustment is automatic, which performs automatic color adjustment. When pressed, a pop-up opens, and C1M, YlRlB,
A color sub-rev scene that allows you to subtract any color among the six colors of G, and when pressed, a pop-up opens and C1
It has three color balance options that allow you to arbitrarily adjust the balance of M and Yl.

FIG. 37(h) shows a pop-up of the color sublessen, and FIG. 37(i) shows a pop-up of the color balance. In the pop-up of the Color Sublessin, the name of the em color and six tubes are displayed, and each tube is given its own color. Now, if you press the soft button labeled rRedJ (third from the top of the diagram) to reduce the red color, a red tube will be displayed on the soft button, and the third red tube from the left will be displayed. The length of is shortened, indicating that red reduction has been set. In this way, the UI of this copier does not just display icons, but also changes the way the icons are displayed depending on the mode setting, so the user can easily check the settings just by looking at the icons. It is possible.

FIG. 37(i) is a color balance pop-up, in which soft buttons for selecting toner colors 01M1Y and K and scroll buttons for balance adjustment are displayed. Therefore, by selecting a color and setting its amount using the scroll button, it is possible to copy with the desired color balance.

There are two options for sharpness: Normal and Manual, which allows you to select the type of document and 7-step sharpness control via pop-up. The manual pop-up is shown in Figure 37 (j). How to sharpen documents with only text (Text)
t), a photo (Photo), a print, and a document with text and photos (Mlxed), so it is necessary to set the document type, and there is a soft button for that and a soft button for setting the level of sharpness. is located.

There are two contrast settings: standard and manual with a pop-up 7-step contrast control.
It has two options.

(D) Marker Editing Pathway The Marker Editing Pathway proposes a unique way to use a tool called a marker, by directly encircling the desired area of the document with a marker in a color that the machine can recognize.
Simple editing can be performed just by specifying commands.

It is up to you what kind of editing functions the pathway can be equipped with, but since this is a busway that performs the most basic editing, for example, the one shown in Figure 38 (
As shown in a), it is sufficient to have four editing functions: trim, mask, mesh (coloring), and Kurotoge color conversion.

In addition, the pathway is characterized by being able to be edited with simple operations, so that even beginners who have just learned the editing function can do it without making mistakes, so only one editing function can be set for one manuscript. Good. That is, even if a plurality of areas are set with markers, it is preferable that only one editing command can be set for the plurality of areas. This is because, as will be described later, another pathway is prepared for users who perform more advanced editing. This is a feature of the layered editing functions. However, since the marker color is not limited to one color, it is possible and useful, for example, to have blue and red markers perform different editing operations.

Furthermore, in this pathway, it is preferable to treat the manuscript as a black and white document. In fact, in black and white documents,
Editing such as trimming and masking is useful, and in black and white documents, it is easy to determine the color of the marker, and it is also easy to determine whether there is an image, i.e. whether it is white or black, so judge and color the area. It is also easy to determine the background.

This is also a feature that can only be obtained by layering. In other words, if editing for color originals and editing for black-and-white originals are in separate layers, it is possible to create designs that take advantage of the characteristics of black-and-white originals and color originals, and it is also easier for users to copy with a clear sense of purpose. Because you can.

Each editing function of the marker editing pathway will be explained below.

Trim is a function that copies only the image within the marked area in black and white and erases the other areas.

Masking is a function that erases the image in the marked area and copies the image in other areas in black and white.

Coloring is a function that copies the image in a marked area in black and white and also applies a specified color density pattern to the area, and the color and density pattern are specified on a pop-up screen.

The pop-up is shown in FIG. 38(b). color is.

Eight preset standard colors (R, B, G, Y
.

It is possible to select from a total of 16 colors, including C, M, lime, orange) and 8 registered colors that the user has registered in advance.If you press the soft button for the third registered color, for example, as shown in the figure. An icon showing paint coming out of a tube is displayed so that it can be determined at a glance that the color has been set.

Furthermore, four types of density patterns are prepared, and one can be selected from them.

In addition, in the area indicated by A in the figure, a message for guiding the mode setting, such as, for example, "Please select r color and density pattern" is displayed.

Black → color conversion is a function that copies the image within the marked area in a specified color, and the color is specified using a pop-up. The pop-up is shown in FIG. 38(C).

This pop-up is similar to the coloring pop-up shown in FIG. 38(b), and a desired color is specified from a total of 16 colors, 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors. An icon with paint appearing on the soft button of the specified color is displayed, so in the figure, the second blue button from the top of the leftmost column (Figure 38 (b)
) is specified.

Although the above description assumes that the machine treats the document as a black and white document, it is clear that the red/black mode described in the section on the page pig feature pathway is also useful. In other words, red is a conspicuous color in black and white manuscripts, and in fact, marking exams, checking manuscripts or draft documents, etc. is usually done in red on black and white documents. In some cases, you may want to perform some kind of editing on the file. Therefore, it is meaningful for users to be able to use not only black and white documents but also red/black mode. Of course, you can convert the image to red or apply a red density pattern by specifying red in the pop-up in Figure 38 (b) and (c), but the area outside the mark is determined to be a black and white document. Therefore, even if red exists, black (will be copied).

Therefore, in the marker editing pathway, the image of the marked area can be converted to red or a red density pattern can be applied, and the other unmarked areas can be converted to red/black so that the red/black generation copy can be performed. A black mode was added.

Now, as described above, in addition to the black mode in which all documents are handled as black and white documents, if the red/black mode in which red and black documents are handled is to be enabled, there are several methods of mode switching.

First, it is conceivable to provide a red/black mode selection soft button on the marker editing screen shown in FIG. 38 (a>). Second, Fig. 37(a)
The "red/black" soft button provided in the color mode column of the basic feature pathway can also be used for editing, first press red/black on the basic feature pathway, then edit the marker. It is conceivable to be able to select a pathway and perform desired editing in red/black mode. Third, it is also conceivable to do the opposite, ie select the marker editing pathway and then return to the basic feature pathway and select red/black there. Furthermore, as a fourth method, it is conceivable that any of the above three methods can be used.

You can decide which of the above methods to use depending on your needs, but in this copier, the red/black mode is a special mode, the number of operation steps should be minimized, and the number of operation errors should be avoided. The second method described above is adopted in consideration of the fact that even if there is, it does not affect other modes.

Figure 38 shows the marker editing pathway in red/black mode (
Shown in d). As mentioned above, select "red/black" in the color mode column of the basic feature pathway shown in Figure 37(,a), and then press the 5iJ(1) Marker Edit Pathway tab as shown in Figure 38. The screen shown in (d) is displayed. As is clear from comparing this screen with the screen in Figure 38(a), “MeshJ and rBIa
The display ck to Co1oprJ is r
RedMeshJ and rBlack to RedJ
It has changed to This is because in the red/black mode, the color of the density pattern is limited to red, and black is only converted to red. Therefore, as shown in Figure 38(e), the pop-up of rRed IIeshJ does not allow color selection, but only density pattern selection. ,
This busway targets color documents and aims to make it easy and quick to create high-quality originals. Furthermore, in marker editing, areas are set by directly coloring the manuscript with markers, whereas in business editing, settings are made using an edit pad, which has the advantage of not having to stain the manuscript.

Therefore, since it is intended for color originals, there are many editing functions that can be used, and although the operation is complicated because it uses an edit pad, it allows more advanced editing than marker editing.

As shown in Figure 39(a), the business editing busway is equipped with six types of editing functions: trim, mask, coloring, black → color conversion, logo insertion (Logo Type), and paint 1. , modify the region, and modify the functions set in the region.
ct Ion) function is provided.

Trim, mask, coloring, and black → color conversion are functions that are also provided in marker editing, but as shown in Figure 38 (a)
As you can see from the comparison, Business Edit Busway has pop-ups for all functions. This is because in marker editing, you can set the area by drawing a desired closed loop with a marker, so there is no need to open the popup, whereas in business editing, you need to set the area using the edit pad. for example,
When you press color, a pop-up will open and the screen will appear as shown in Figure 39 (
As shown in b), in addition to setting the color and density pattern, the area to be colored is set in the bitmap area indicated by A in the figure. The bitmap area A is used to display the set area as a bitmap when an editing area is set on the edit pad, and since it is only necessary to recognize the area, it is designed to be displayed in black and white. ing. The same applies to trim, mask, and black to color conversion.

To set an area using the edit pad, you only need to specify two points on the edit pad, and a rectangle with diagonal corners of the two points will automatically be displayed on the bitmap area. Ru.

Also, in order to differentiate business editing from marker editing, it is best to do the following. In other words, in marker editing,
You can set as many areas as you like, but only one function can be set in common for all areas, whereas business editing allows you to set different functions for each area. . For example, if you set two areas, one area has a coloring function,
In the other area, a mask function can be set.

This allows more advanced editing than marker editing to be performed with the same simple operations as marker editing.

Logo insertion is a function that allows you to copy a logo such as a symbol mark to a specified point.The pop-up shown in Figure 38 (C) allows you to set three parameters: logo type, insertion position, and insertion direction. is being done.

The number of logo patterns to be provided can be set arbitrarily, taking into consideration the necessity, ROM capacity, etc., but it is preferable to have two as shown in the figure. Also, in the figure, there are two insertion directions: vertical and horizontal.
Normally this is sufficient, but it will be obvious that oblique insertion may be possible if necessary.

Paint 1 is a function that fills in an existing loop by specifying one point within the existing loop on the document.The pop-up shown in FIG. 38(d) allows you to select the color and density pattern to be filled in for each set area. It is designed to be set. Colors can be selected from a total of 16 colors, including the a standard color and 8 registered colors, and 4 density patterns are available. Note that the number of loops that can be set is arbitrary, but is preferably unlimited. It is similar to coloring in that it fills in a predetermined area, but unlike coloring, which requires setting a rectangular area by specifying two points on the edit pad, Paint 1 uses closed shapes on the manuscript. The difference is that by specifying a point inside the area, the area within the closed area is filled.

Correction 17 functions include modifying the size of the area, deleting it, modifying the position of the pointing point, and checking the functions set for each area.
This is to make corrections, and when the button is pressed, the 38th
The pop-up shown in Figure (e) opens, allowing you to delete or change the setting area and setting points, and change the editing function. If there are multiple setting areas, deletion can be performed by sequentially specifying the areas using the scroll button located below the bitmap area.

The reason why the collection 17 function is provided is as follows. In other words, in business editing, different editing functions can be set for many areas, so it is possible to make mistakes in the size of the area or the functions that should be set. This collection 87 function is provided because there are times when you want to check the functions that have been created.

The business editing pathway has been described above, but like marker editing, it is preferable to provide a red/black mode.

Business editing is for color manuscripts, while red/black mode is a function used for text manuscripts that include red in some parts of black and white manuscripts. The functions that can be performed with business editing include all the functions that can be performed with marker editing, so it is better to make it possible to do what can be done with marker editing with business editing.

This allows business editing to be a higher level pathway than marker editing.

To switch the mode at this time, first select the red/black mode in the basic feature pathway, and then press the business editing pathway, as in marker editing. The reason for doing this is the same as mentioned for marker editing, but another reason is that when using red/black mode for marker editing and when using red/black mode for business editing. , if the mode switching methods are different, it will confuse the user, so
Another example is the desire to unify the way to enter red/black mode, regardless of pathway.

The business editing pathway when the red/black mode is selected is shown in FIG. 39(f). rMeshJ is rRed
MeshJ, r Black to Co1orJ
is changed to rBlack to RedJ, which is similar to marker editing, but in addition to that, in business editing, the function of 41 logos and paint is removed, and Red Delete (Red Delete), which deletes red letters or patterns,
ete) function is added. This is the result of a collection of functions specific to the red/black mode, and in fact, in the business editing concerned, the manuscript is treated as a full-color manuscript, so if you want to insert a logo into a red/black document, see Figure 39 (a). ), if you select Insert Logo in the normal black mode business editing pathway, blacks other than the logo will be copied blacker and reds will be copied redder. Also, as with marker editing, the pop-up operation is the same as the black mode except that the editing function changes as described above.

(F) Freehand Editing Pathway In the Business Editing Pathway, each area where an editing function is set is a rectangle, but in this Freehand Editing Pathway, any polygon or loop (closed curve) can be traced on the edit pad. By doing this, it is possible to set an area with an arbitrary shape (free shape). Of course, it is possible to always be able to set an arbitrary shaped area using the edit pad, but using a free shape is often a special, advanced editing, and it is also possible to use the edit pad to set a region of any shape. This may require some skill, and in addition, in normal editing, it is sufficient to set a rectangular area, so it is designed to be used as an independent pathway only when a free form is required. It is.

Freehand editing includes trim, mask, coloring, and black to color conversion (Black t.

It is equipped with four types of functions: Co1or). The contents of these functions are the same as those described for marker editing except that the area to be set is free-form, and the busway screen is different in that pop-up marks are provided for all functions. It is only different from the marker editing pathway in Figure 38(a), and the pop-up display is similar to Figure 39(b) except that a free shape is displayed in the bitmap area.
), so illustration is omitted.

(G) Creative Editing Pathway This busway is intended for experienced professionals such as designers, copy service providers, and key operators, and includes all the editing functions provided by this copier. This is a pathway at the top. Therefore, all originals are treated as full-color originals. Further, as with the pathway described above, it is not possible to perform sophisticated editing with one function per area, so it is preferable to be able to set a plurality of functions for one area.

The creative pathway includes trim, mask, and mask/shift (partial movement) as shown in Figure 40 (a).
, Copy-on-copy (watermark composition), logo insertion, inset composition (Image Composition), a cut/paste column about image cutting and pasting, Paint 1, Paint 2, color conversion, coloring (color mesh), color mode. Color column, repeat, mirror image, negative/positive reversal, enlarged continuous shooting (Multi Page Enlarge＋＊ent) related to processing
), which applies special effects to images, and an image quality column, which deals with image quality adjustments such as color balance and copy quality.

In this way, there are many options in the creative pathway, and therefore, unlike the above-mentioned pathway, no icon is displayed due to the display area, but the person who uses the pathway is an expert such as a key operator or designer. Since it exists, it is sufficient to display the function name. In addition, for experienced users, even if there are many options, they will not get confused and there is no need to guide them through each operation, but if the screen changes frequently, there will be more opportunities for erroneous operations, so use pop-ups as much as possible. It is necessary to make it possible to set the desired editing mode with the minimum number of steps.

Each function will be explained below.

Trim and mask are the same functions as described above. Now, if you press the trim soft button, the fourth
The pop-up shown in Figure 0 (b) will open and the area to be trimmed can be set in the bitmap area. Note that the area set at this time is a rectangle formed by specifying two points on the edit pad.

The same goes for the mask, and when the soft button is pressed, Figure 40 (
The pop-up shown in C) opens and allows you to set the area to be masked.

Partial movement is a function of moving the image of a desired area to a desired position, as well as masking a predetermined area of the document. This function is a package of two functions, mask and shift, and the package function can be easily set by pressing one soft button, thereby achieving goal-oriented operability.

Watermark composition is a function that after copying a first original, holds the paper on a transfer device, and then copies a second original overlappingly. This function is also clearly in line with goal-oriented operability, since it is possible to package several functions that should be performed in the future, such as copying and compositing two manuscripts.

Logo insertion is the same function as explained in business editing, and the insertion position and
The logotype and insertion direction can be set.

Inset compositing is a function that makes a color copy of the first original that serves as the base, then holds the paper on the transfer device and then copies the trimmed second original overlappingly. As mentioned above, this is the case.

When the inset composition soft button is pressed, the screen shown in Figure 40 (
The pop-up shown in e) opens and allows you to set the necessary parameters. In the bitmap area, the first
The area to be masked on the original and the area to be trimmed on the second original are respectively set. The magnification is used to set the size of the area of the second document to be fitted into the first document, and has three options: 100%, automatic magnification, and variable pull. Note that the soft button ``Atofuncy'' in the figure is used when adding other editing functions; for example, if you want to convert the color of the area to be trimmed on the second document to the desired color. , just press this button, select the color conversion function, and specify the color to be converted and the color after conversion.

Paint 1 has the same functions as described in Business Editing,
When the button is pressed, the pop-up shown in Fig. 40(f) will open, allowing you to select the area, color scheme, and mesh type.
It is done like this.

Paint 2 is a function that applies a -H mask to a specified area and then colors the area with a specified color. It is functionally similar to coloring, but differs from coloring in that coloring copies the ρ image within the specified area as is, whereas coloring erases the image within the specified area.

Color Converge Adventure (Co1or Conversl)
on) is a function that converts a desired color in a desired area of a document to another color, and when the button is pressed, the screen shown in Fig. 4b (g
) pop-up opens, allowing you to set the converted color, converted color, and detection sensitivity. You can specify the color to be converted and the conversion color by pressing the point button and specifying the desired color on the document using the edit pad, or by using the palette button to specify a total of 8 standard colors and 8 registered colors (1θ).
You may choose from among the colors. That is, when you press the palette button (Pro side) of the color to be converted, the pop-up shown in Fig. 40 (h) opens, and when you press the palette button (To side) of the conversion color.
When pressed, a pop-up (Figure 4.0) opens, allowing you to select each color.

In addition, the detection sensitivity of the color of the original is "Co1" in Figure 40 (g).
or 5ensltlvltyJ, it is possible to switch to, for example, seven stages.

Coloring is similar to the functionality described above.

The color mode is the same as the color mode selection in the basic feature pathway, and you can select 4 full color, 3 color, black and white, or red/black mode by pop-up.

Repeat image is a function that repeatedly copies a predetermined image vertically or horizontally, and is an effective function when copying multiple logos, service marks, etc.

Mirror image is a function to obtain a mirror image.

Negative/positive inversion is a function that performs negative/positive inversion using a specified single color.

Multi-page enlargement is a function that enlarges the double-page spread of a book to a predetermined magnification and copies each page successively onto paper of a predetermined size.
The pop-up shown in Figure 0 (j) opens and allows you to select the magnification and paper size.

There are three options for magnification: to 0% for both vertical and horizontal directions, final output size, and arbitrary magnification. The final output size is a function that directly sets the size of the image to be output, rather than setting the magnification, and when the button is pressed, the pop-up shown in Figure 40 (k) will open and the output size of the image can be set. It is done like this. Also, when the desired magnification button is pressed, the pop-up shown in Figure 40 (1) will open and the preset magnification, vertical,
A desired magnification can be set for each side.

The color balance is the same as described in the copy quality pathway, and when the button is pressed, the image shown in Figure 40 (m)
A pop-up will open, allowing you to arbitrarily set the area for color balance adjustment, the toner color, and its amount.

Copy quality is a function for making adjustments similar to those described in the copy quality pathway, such as copy density adjustment, and allows desired adjustments to be made by pop-up.

Color balance and copy quality can be set in the basic mode as mentioned above, but there may be cases where it is necessary to adjust the color balance etc. only within a desired area of the document, so Creative Pathway does not require such adjustments. It has a function.

Correctlon, as mentioned in Business Editing Hathway, allows you to add, delete, and add setting functions.
This is a function for making changes, deleting a setting area, adjusting the size, correcting the position, deleting designated points, correcting the position, etc.

When the collection scene button shown in FIG. 40(a) is pressed, the pop-up shown in FIG. 40(n) opens and a bitmap area and collection menu are displayed. If you select to modify the area, the pop-up shown in FIG. 40(0) will open, and you can change the size of the area in 1-step increments using the scroll buttons on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the area display. Also, for example, use the scroll button above to move up 5
■If you enlarge it and further reduce it by 5 fins upward using the scroll button below, you can move the entire setting area upward by 5+n.

If the user selects to modify the point in the pop-up shown in Figure 40(n), the pop-up shown in Figure 40(p) opens, and the position can be moved in steps of one dragon using the scroll button.

The above is the creative pathway, and as is clear from the above, it is designed to allow an expert to perform desired editing in the minimum number of steps.

(H) Tool Pathway The pathways described so far are used when the user sets the ;P mode, but the tool path (
The Too Is) pathway differs from these pathways in that it does not set the copy mode, but rather sets the machine state such as setting up initial values. Therefore, in order to prevent general users from making settings, the tool pathway cannot be set unless the password number is entered. This allows only the key operator and customer engineer to configure the pathway.

The tool pathway is shown in FIG. 41(a).

The color register storage date is a function used when registering a desired color to the register color button in the color palette, and when the button is pressed, the color shown in FIG. 41(b)
A pop-up will open, displaying the color point to be registered in the color document in the bitmap area, and setting the button to which the color should be registered.0For example, "1" When the operator presses the "1" button to register a desired color, a tube icon is displayed as shown in the figure, so the operator can easily confirm the color. Also, if you want to fine-tune the tone of the registered color, press the Color Correction J button in Figure 41 (b) to open the pop-up window in Figure 41 (C), where you can adjust the amount of toner for each color. can be adjusted. In addition, in the figure, the paint is falling from the magenta tube, so you can see that the amount of magenta toner is being adjusted.

Film registration storage is a function to register the type of film used in a film projector.

Default setting is a function to set defaults for each mode such as color mode, paper size, and magnification.

Machine Setup is a function that performs settings related to the entire machine, and is similar to the default setting above in that it sets defaults, but it sets defaults for parameters for functions that have default settings. The 77-setup differs in that it sets machine defaults for higher-level concepts.

Social accessories is a function that allows you to configure settings when using accessories.

Pilling is total pilling, full color copy 3
Color copy This is a function to view the values of each pilling meter for black and white copies.

Service diagnostics is a feature that uses a self-diagnosis mode to check the machine condition, and is available only to customers who ensure it.

(m-8) Interaction of Pathways The configuration of pathways as function selection regions has been described above. Next, interactions between each pathway will be described.

As mentioned above, pathways are broadly divided into basic features and edits, and both basic features and edits are hierarchical.

Therefore, unless the interaction between each pathway is defined, the user may move between the pathways without permission and the copy mode or parameter settings may be messed up. Therefore, we decided to specify the following interaction.

The base of each pathway is displayed in a different color.

This is so that the user can easily determine which pathway is currently open by color. However, the azoid feature copy quality and tool pathways are similar to the basic feature pathway, as well as the pathway related to basic mode settings (hereinafter referred to as
These pathways are collectively referred to as the basic copy pathway. ), so it is good to have the same color as the basic feature pathway. The color of each pathway is up to you, but it is better to display it in calm tones using intermediate tones rather than primary colors.For example, basic feature azoid feature
It is preferable that the copy quality and tool pathways be gray, the marker editing pathway blue, the business editing pathway green, and the creative editing pathway pink.

(1) Basic feature Interaction between each busway of azoid feature, copy quality, and tool In principle, these pathways can be freely moved. This is because these pathways are a set of basic copy modes that must be set when performing any kind of copying, and therefore must be freely movable at any time. However, if a pop-up is open, the user must close the pop-up before moving to another pathway.

In other words, when a pop-up is open, it means that the user is trying to set some mode or parameter using the pop-up, so give priority to the pop-up and wait until the settings in the pop-up are complete before starting other settings. The goal is to move them to the pathway.

Furthermore, since the jeep has not yet been completed from the time job recovery is completed until the start button is pressed, movement between pathways is prohibited.

(1-2) Timeout and Priority If no operation is performed within a predetermined period of time after opening the Azoid Feature Pathway, it will time out and automatically return to the Basic Feature Pathway. Ru. This is because the azoid feature can be set as necessary, and copying can be executed even if it is opened and no settings are made. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined time is set in the machine setup of the tool pathway.

While the tool pathway is open, the modes set in the basic features and azoid features are retained. As mentioned above, some mode parameters can be changed in the tool pathway, so it is necessary to specify at what point the mode and parameters set in the tool pathway become effective. In the copy machine Ul, while the tool pathway is open, the previous mode and parameters are retained, and when another pathway is selected and the tool pathway is closed after the settings in the tool pathway are completed,
The set mode and parameters are now valid.

Tool pathways close when another pathway is selected or when the clear all button on the hard control panel is pressed.

If a fault occurs while some mode is set and copying is being executed, a message indicating that the fault has occurred is displayed on the screen of the pathway. At this time, the copy mode is not canceled and the state at the time the fault occurred is maintained. This regulation stipulates what should be prioritized and displayed on the display when an abnormality occurs, and what mode the machine should be in at that time. In other words, it is possible to prepare a fold screen to display when an abnormality occurs, and then erase the pathway and display the fault screen, but in that case, it would be difficult to tell which pathway was open. (Therefore, the fault is displayed while the pathway is displayed.Also, since it is necessary to continue the remaining jib after the fault is resolved, it is necessary to maintain the mode at the time the fault occurs.) I made it.

The hardware control panel, which will be described later, has an information button, and when the button is pressed, an explanation of the functions of the copying machine, how to operate, etc. is displayed on the pathway. At this time, the machine retains the set mode. In other words, if the pathway is deleted when the information button is pressed during mode setting, there is a possibility that you will not know which pathway was opened up to that point, so the information is displayed on the screen where the pathway is displayed. In addition, if the information button is pressed during mode setting, the previously set mode will be canceled, and the setting will have to be restarted from the beginning, making it inconvenient to use. Therefore, the previously set mode was retained.

(1-3) Interrelation of modes within a pathway In a column consisting of multiple options, the soft buttons for each option are mutually exclusive.

This is clear. For example, there are four options for the color mode shown in FIG. 37(a). Now, when full color is selected and in the on state, if rRed and BIackJ is pressed to switch to red/black mode, the rRed and BlackJ soft button will be turned on, and the full color soft button will be turned off.

Note that the soft button can be turned on or off by changing the brightness of the button area.

That is, by displaying the display with high brightness when it is on and with low brightness when it is off, it is possible to clearly distinguish between operation and non-operation.

Although buttons arranged in different columns are not mutually exclusive, when a certain button is pressed, buttons of modes that are mutually inconsistent with the current mode are rendered unselectable. For example, automatic magnification and automatic paper selection are mutually contradictory modes. This is because automatic magnification is a mode that functions only after the original and paper sizes are determined, whereas automatic paper selection is a mode that functions only after the original size and magnification are determined. This is because when is selected, neither the paper size nor the magnification is determined. In such cases, conventionally, a warning message has been displayed to alert the user, but in the UI of the present invention, for example, when the user selects automatic magnification, a button for automatic paper selection is displayed. The soft button is set in a non-selectable state to prevent the user from pressing the corresponding soft button.

This prevents conflicting modes from being selected by mistake, saving users the hassle of warning messages and reducing machine downtime. It can be shortened.

As a means for this purpose, for example, a shadow (hereinafter referred to as shadow) 821 is displayed on a soft button 920 for a selectable soft button, as shown in FIG. , the shadow is not displayed, as shown in FIG. 3(b). If you add a shadow to a button, the button will stand out and give the impression that it can be pressed. If you do not add a shadow, the button will feel like it is pushed into the back ground, giving the user the feeling that it cannot be pressed. This is because you can let them know.

However, it is still possible that contradictory modes may be selected. For example, assume that the current default state is 100% magnification and automatic paper selection for paper size.
In this state, if the user wants to copy with automatic magnification, it is easy to imagine that the user will press the automatic magnification button whose shadow disappears and selection is disabled. In such a case the machine will not work and therefore the only option is to change the mode, so a warning message will be displayed requesting the mode change.

There are other such mutually contradictory modes, such as a combination of black and white mode and color balance, SSI (Single
5heet In5erter) and other paper selections, and combinations of the package function described in creative editing and other package functions.

(2) Interaction between editing pathways Here, interactions between marker, business, and creative editing pathways are defined.

First, the basic interactions between each editing pathway are as follows:
It is assumed that each editing busway is mutually exclusive. As mentioned above, the editing busways are layered according to the user's skill level and editing functions, and desired editing can be performed only within one busway. This is because creative editing includes all the editing functions of business editing, so each editing busway can be treated as an independent entity. However, it will be clear that each editing busway is not entirely independent, but is always used in conjunction with basic features and other basic copies.

(2-1) Function carryover This section defines whether or not to influence each other when different pathways have the same function. For example, copy density adjustment can be done in the basic feature pathway as well as in the creative editing pathway, but when density adjustment is done in the basic feature pathway, the density adjustment should be reflected in the creative editing. The problem arises as to whether or not to do so.

Functions are not carried over between each editing busway. This means, for example, that even if coloring is selected in creative editing, coloring in business editing is not automatically selected. It is clear that this regulation is natural since each editing pathway is mutually exclusive.

This also means that when a feature is selected in one editing pathway, e.g. the Marker Editing Pathway, pressing the Pathways tab to open another pathway, e.g. the Creative Editing Pathway, will not immediately open the Creative Pathway. means. In other words,
If functions were to be carried over between editing pathways, the functions selected in marker editing would also be automatically selected in creative editing, but this is because carryover of functions between editing pathways is prohibited. This is because when the creative editing pathway is opened, the function selected in marker editing will be automatically canceled.

Therefore, in such a case, "Are you sure?"
Are you 5ure? ) It is necessary to confirm the user's intention through a message such as J or a pop-up.

In this way, since there is no carryover of functions between editing busways, it is easy for the user to understand and therefore has good operability.

(3) Interaction between the basic copy pathway and editing pathway, and actions within the editing pathway (3-1) Interaction between the basic copy pathway and editing pathway Here, we will discuss the interaction between the basic copy pathway such as basic features and the editing pathway. Define the action.

The settings made in the basic copy pathway are valid in each edit pathway. This is evident since the edit pathway is used in conjunction with the basic copy pathway.

If the basic copy pathway and the edit pathway have a common function, the settings will be retained even if you move between the pathways.

Specifically, this is as follows. For example, the copy quality pathway for basic copy allows copy density to be set, while the creative editing pathway has its own copy quality function as described above. Now, if the copy density is set to a dark state in the basic copy pathway, the copy density will be in a dark state even if you move to the creative pathway. This is clear from the above item (3-1-1). Therefore, if the copy density is reduced in the creative pathway, the copy density in the basic copy pathway is also reduced accordingly. In other words, if the copy density of Creative Pathway 7 and the basic copy pathway are made independent, the user will not know which copy density is set for which pathway, which will cause unnecessary confusion. This makes it possible to copy at the same concentration in the pathway as well. Note that although copy density has been taken as an example above, the same applies to color balance, contrast, sharpness, etc.

(3-2) Duplication of functions within the pathway in Collection II In creative editing, it is possible to select whether to apply a desired function to the entire document or only to a desired area. When a function is set for the entire document, the buttons of other functions that have a mutually exclusive relationship with the function are shaded and rendered unselectable, as shown in FIG. 42(b). .

As mentioned above, in the Creative Editing Pathway, multiple functions can be set for one area, but when a certain editing function is set for a given area, the The related editing function buttons are shaded and rendered unselectable. Examples of functions that have this kind of relationship include partial movement (Mask).
and 5hift), inset compositing, and watermark compositing (Copy on (!opy).In other words, each of these functions is a package of several functions, and these processes are performed at once. Therefore, when moving a part is selected, the shadows of the buttons for inset compositing and watermark compositing are erased, making them unselectable, and Unless the set function, in this case partial movement, is canceled, inset combination and watermark composition cannot be set. Combinations of mirror image and partial movement, and mirror image and inset composition are also prohibited.

Partial movement and inset compositing are both performed through complex processing, and if you combine them with a mirror image and copy, it may be confusing to judge whether the copied result is the desired image. There are so many that it is prohibited. Therefore, when a mirror image is set, the inset synthesis and partial movement buttons are rendered unselectable. Further, the combination of area enlargement continuous shooting and trimming is also prohibited. This should be obvious. If so, trim is a function that copies only the image within the desired area, and area enlargement continuous shooting is also a function that enlarges the image within the desired area to the desired magnification and copies it. They overlap.

Therefore, if trim is set, continuous enlarged shooting of an area is made unselectable, and conversely, if continuous enlarged shooting of an area is set, trim is made unselectable.

In addition, when all settable functions are set in one area, the automatic function button used to add a function is disabled. This is because there are no other functions that can be additionally set.

(III-7) Screen Transition Having described pathways and their interactions, next we will provide an overview of screen transitions, that is, what kind of screen is displayed when and under what conditions. will be explained with reference to the figure.

First, when the power is turned on and the machine starts up, it is necessary to display some kind of pathway so that the copy mode can be set. 922 in Figure 43(a)
Shown below. Here, the walk-up frame (Walkup
"Fra" means a set of all pathways. When this pathway is displayed, if the information on button on the hard control panel is pressed, the 923 information frame will be displayed, and if the information off button or interrupt button is pressed while the information is on frame, a walk-up will occur. frame, ie, the original pathway. Furthermore, if a fault such as a jam occurs while the mode is set in a walk-up frame and a copy is being executed, a fault frame 924 is displayed, and when the jam is cleared, the original pathway is returned. The same applies to the diagnosis screen 825, and by performing a predetermined operation, it is possible to enter diagnosis or return to the original pathway from diagnosis.

In addition, Phosphor 7-Saver (Phosphor 5a
ver) means a screen that displays a moving clock to prevent burn-in on the fluorescent screen of a color CRT monitor.If the same screen continues to be displayed for a predetermined period of time, the moving clock is automatically displayed, and some When the key is pressed, the screen changes to the screen immediately before the Phosph 1-Saver screen. However, if the machine is auto-clearing while the Phosph 1-Saver screen is displayed, it will transition to the walk-up frame when the key is pressed. In the figure, numerical values such as "1" for the walk-up frame and "2" for the information frame indicate the hierarchy, and the same applies hereafter.

The above is the overall screen transition, but the pathway transition will be explained below.

FIG. 43(b) shows transitions between pathways.

First, when the startup of the machine is completed, the basic copy pathway 927, that is, the beta-tack feature pathway shown in FIG. 37(a) is displayed. This is because, as described above, this pathway has a mode that must be set even when performing a temporary copy.

In addition, in the figure, the thick solid line circle indicated by A indicates the pathway screen, the thick solid line rectangle indicated by B indicates a frame other than the walk-up frame, and the broken line circle indicated by C indicates that the screen does not change but the machine state changes. D indicates the condition for screen transition in the direction of the arrow. The same applies below.

Now, as mentioned above, the basic copy pathway can be used in combination with each editing pathway, so
It is necessary to be able to directly transition to the desired pathway by pressing the pathway tab from the screen where the basic copy pathway is displayed. FIG. 43(b) shows this, and it can be seen that by pressing the marker editing, business editing, free style editing, and creative editing pathway tabs from the basic copy pathway 927, it is possible to transition to the desired pathway. For that purpose, Figure 37 (a)
), (e), (g) and FIG. 41(a), the screen on which the basic copy pathway is displayed includes an edit bus so that the basic copy pathway can be changed to the desired edit busway whenever necessary. This is what the pathway tab of the way is displayed.

It will be understood that this allows for transition to a desired pathway in one step, providing excellent operability. That is,
-Although it is possible to first erase the basic covey pathway, display the edit busway menu, and select the desired edit busway from there, it is obvious that the operability is inferior.

Further, from this figure, it can be seen that the editing busways are mutually exclusive because the only way to transition between the editing pathways is to return to the basic covey busway and then select another desired pathway. For this reason, FIG. 38(a),
As shown in FIGS. 39(a) and 40(a), the pathway tabs of other edited busways are not displayed on the screen where the edited busway is displayed.

Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, when setting red/black mode in marker editing or business editing, first select red/black mode in the basic copy pathway, and then select marker editing or business editing. , this transition state is also shown in the figure. The reason for this was briefly mentioned earlier, but it is also mentioned in the previous section (
This also depends on the provisions of 3-1-2). That is, since marker editing is originally intended for black and white documents, when marker editing is selected, the black and white mode is automatically set, and the red/black mode button in FIG. 37(a) is in a non-selectable state. done to. So if you select the Marker Edit Pathway and then go back to the Basic Copy Pathway and want to be able to set the Red/Black mode there,
The black mode button must be returned to a selectable state, and to do so, marker editing must be canceled once. In other words, a contradiction will occur, and the operation will therefore be very complicated. Therefore, in order to unify the operation method and to easily set the desired mode with minimum steps, the screen transitions as shown in FIG. 43(b) were adopted.

This also means prioritizing by operating procedure. In other words, if editing is selected, editing takes priority and red/black mode cannot be selected unless it is canceled, and conversely, if red/black mode is selected,
This takes priority and editing is set to red/black mode.

Furthermore, for example, the conditions for returning from the marker editing pathway to the basic copy pathway are when the All Clear, Interrupt, Save/Close, and Cancel buttons are pressed, as shown in D in the figure. , when the marker editing pathway is displayed for a predetermined period of time and times out, when the pathway tab for marker editing is pressed again, or when the basic copy pathway tab for basic features, azoid features, and tools is pressed. However, it can be seen that this condition applies both when returning from the business editing pathway to the basic copy pathway and when returning from the creative editing pathway to the basic copy pathway. In other words, the conditions for returning from each editing pathway to the basic copy pathway are all the same regardless of which editing pathway the return is made from. This is important.

This is because if the conditions for returning to the basic copy pathway differ depending on the editing pathway, the user would have to remember all of these operations, which would be extremely troublesome and cause operational errors.

Of the conditions for returning from each editing pathway to the basic copy pathway, the all clear button and interrupt button are located on the bird control panel and can be pressed at any time. Fourth
As shown in FIG. 0(a), save/close and cancel buttons are arranged for each edited pathway, and a basic copy pathway tab is also displayed.

This guarantees the above conditions.

FIG. 43(c) shows the transition within the basic copy pathway. From the figure, it can be seen that after the power is turned on, the basic feature pathway is displayed first, and by pressing the pathway tab of the azoid feature pathway or tool pathway, you can transition to each pathway. Note that although the copy quality pathway is not shown in the figure, it is clear that a similar transition can be made.

Also, from the figure, it can be seen that diagnosis can be entered from the tool pathway by a predetermined operation. This is shown in Figure 41 (a
), some machine adjustments such as machine setup are open to key operators, but service diagnostics are operated differently so only customer engineers can access them. In other words, depending on how the machine is operated, it can be operated by either the key operator or the customer.
It is designed to determine whether the user is an engineer and decide whether to open the diagnostic screen or not.

FIG. 43(d) shows a pop-up transition state in the basic feature pathway. Note that the thin solid circle in the figure indicates a pop-up. The same applies hereafter.

From the figure, in the basic feature pathway of Fig. 37(a), arbitrary magnification (Varable R/E
) button opens the pop-up (you can see that). The same goes for job programming. Also,
Although the "single color" button is not shown in Fig. 37(a), if the single color mode is provided as a color option as shown in Fig. 43(e), 43(f) shows that a desired color can be set at any time by opening a pop-up as shown in FIG. 43(f).

Also, according to FIG. 43(d), all pop-ups can be closed automatically by pressing the Save/Close, Cancel, All Clear, Interrupt, etc. You can see that it will return to .

In other words, the way the pop-up opens and closes is all unified, and a user who has memorized one operation can guess the other operations as well.

In Fig. 43(d), when the button of arbitrary magnification is pressed, rVariables R/EJ and r Anamor
phlc R/):J's two pop-ups are shown open, but this is a point that requires attention; specifically, the meaning is as follows. In addition to being able to set the same magnification both vertically and horizontally as shown in Figure 37(b), this copying machine also has a biasing function as shown in Figure 37(C). It is possible to set the Therefore, when a button with an arbitrary magnification is pressed, the problem is which pop-up should be displayed with priority. Therefore, when an arbitrary magnification is selected, if the same magnification has been used before, the pop-up of the same magnification shown in FIG. 37(b) is displayed as I11! ! , the third if previously used in the bias
Open the pop-up for biased magnification in Figure 7 (C). This is the meaning of the pop-up at an arbitrary magnification in FIG. 43(d). It would be possible to set both equal magnification and biased magnification in one pop-up from the beginning, but that would only confuse the user with too many options, and it would be possible to set the same magnification and biased magnification settings from the beginning. It is also troublesome for users who use a lot of deviations to set the priority in advance so that the pop-up of the deviation magnification cannot be opened otherwise. Considering that there is a high possibility that it will be used at the same magnification, and that if it has been used with a deviation before, there is a high possibility that it will be used with an deviation as well, we adopted the above pop-up opening method. .

FIG. 43(g) is a diagram showing a transition state in which a single color pop-up opens when a single color is selected in the basic feature pathway shown in FIG. 43(e). The small circle indicates that in addition to single color, full color, three-pass color, black and white, and red/black buttons are available for selection, and the same applies hereafter.

That's all for basic feature pathway screen transitions! ! Although the main points have been described above, the same applies to other basic copy pathways such as the azoid feature pathway, copy quality pathway, and tool pathway.

For example, as is clear from Figure 37(e), '(g), and Figure 41(a), the pathway tab of the edited pathway is always displayed on the screen where these basic copy pathways are displayed. It is designed so that desired editing can be performed at any time.

In addition, Fig. 44 (a) shows the screen transition when the Copy Posisilon button is pressed in the Azoid Feature Pathway. It can be seen that fine adjustment and fine adjustment in the vertical direction are possible. An example of the pop-up is shown in FIG. 44(b), and fine adjustment of the upper, lower, left, and right positions can be performed using the respective scroll buttons. The same applies to corner shift. Further, according to FIG. 44(a), it can be seen that the no shift and auto center buttons can be selected as copy positive scene options.

In this way, in the basic copy pathway, the editing pathway tab is always displayed, and you can open the editing pathway whenever you want.Moreover, the conditions for returning from each editing pathway to the basic copy pathway are all the same. being done.

Also, to open a pop-up, you need to press each button, but to close it, just press the save/close button or cancel button for all pop-ups.

Since the operation methods are unified in this way, even a novice user can learn how to perform one operation and then analogize how to perform other operations, which proves that the operability is good.

FIG. 45 shows screen transitions within the marker editing pathway.

FIG. 45(a) is a diagram showing the screen transition from FIG. 38(a), and it can be seen that pop-ups open when the coloring and color conversion buttons are pressed. This figure shows the transition in black-and-white mode, but in red/black mode, there is only one pop-up colored in red, as shown in FIG. 45(b). These screen transitions are shown in Figure 38 (
It is clear that it corresponds to a) and (b).

Also, it can be seen that the way to open and close the pop-up is the same as in the basic copy pathway. Therefore, a user who can operate the basic copy pathway can use the marker editing pathway by analogy.

FIG. 46 shows screen transitions within the business editing pathway.

First, in the black and white mode, each pop-up opens by pressing each function selection button as shown in FIG. 46(a). Note that although the figure only shows trim and paint 1 as editing functions, the same applies to other functions such as masks as shown in Figure 39<a
), it is clear.

Also, the way to close the pop-up is basically copy bus way,
It can be seen that this is the same as the marker editing pathway.

Therefore, if you select coloring now, the same figure (b)
As shown in the figure, the coloring pop-up opens and allows you to set the color and density type, 2-point instructions for setting the area, enter to confirm these data, and cancel area to delete the area. I understand that.

Also, when the COLLEXIRON button is pressed on the screen in Figure 39(a), a pop-up (Figure 39(e)) opens,
You can delete areas and scroll areas. Now, when you press the coloring button to change the function set for a certain area to coloring, the coloring pop-up (Figure 39 (b)
)) will open, and you can set the color, pattern type, etc. in the same way as above. Then, if you close the pop-up with the save/close button, you will be returned to the Collect 1 pop-up, and if you press the save/close button again to close the Collect Day pop-up, you will be returned to the Business Edit Busway screen.

Although not shown in FIG. 39(a), function cancellation (FunctlonalC
When you press the ``cancel'' button, a pop-up opens and you can cancel the function set for the area, in this case coloring.

FIG. 46(C) shows the screen transition when the collection button is pressed on the business editing busway.

It can be seen that when the COLLEXIRON button is pressed during business editing in FIG. 39(a), a pop-up opens and it is possible to delete areas/points, scroll areas/points, and perform various editing functions. This is as shown in FIG. 39(e). In addition, in FIG. 46(c), r Fu
nctloaJ indicates various editing functions shown in FIG. 39(e).

Therefore, if you select a function to change the function set in a certain setting area, a pop-up will open and you can set the parameters, and if you press the save/close button in the pop-up of the function, the 39th Figure (e
), you can return to the Collection 1 pop-up and change the functions you want to set. To change the area or point, press the area/point correction button in the pop-up shown in FIG. 39(e). This will open a pop-up where you can move the area/point up/down/left/right or reset it. If you press the save/close button after changing the area/point in this way, you can return to the collection 1 pop-up shown in Figure 39(e), and now you can change the area/point. It is. Then, if you press the save/close button on the pop-up of the collection, you will return to the business editing busway, where you can change the setting area, points, or change the editing function set for the area.

The above is the screen transition in black and white mode.

Figures 46(d), '(e), and (f) show screen transitions in the red/black mode corresponding to Figures 46(a), (b), and (C), and it is clear from these figures that As shown, the screen transition conditions are the same except for the editing function. This is an important matter. In other words, the screen transition conditions for two mutually exclusive modes, black and white mode and red/black mode, which are on the same busway called business editing,
In other words, if the operation methods are different, it will only confuse the user, but since the screen transition conditions are unified as described above, users who can use black and white mode can also use red/black mode. It is something that can be done.

FIG. 47 shows screen transitions in the creative pathway.

FIG. 47(a) shows the screen transition from the creative editing busway shown in FIG. 40(a). Note that although the figure does not show only inset synthesis as an editing function, this is described as a representative editing function, and the same applies to other an functions.

Now, when some editing function, such as inset compositing, is selected in the creative editing pathway, popup 9 will appear.
29 is opened, and a desired editing function can be set on the entire surface of the document or on a set area in the document. Further, when the collection button is pressed, a pop-up 930 opens, and it is possible to change the area size, change the position/point position, and change the editing function set for the area. Furthermore,
Although not shown in FIG. 40(a), when the function cancel button is pressed, a pop-up 931 opens, allowing the user to cancel the editing function set for a predetermined area or point. If the cancel button or the save/close button is pressed in each of these pop-ups after setting certain parameters, the pop-up will be canceled.

The pop-up is closed and the screen returns to the creative editing pathway display screen shown in FIG. 40(a).

Now, if you select inset composition on the screen of Figure 40 (a), the pop-up 632 (Figure 40 (
e)) opens and allows you to set and delete areas, set magnification, etc. If you only want to perform inset compositing, you can press Save/Close after making these settings and return to the creative editing pathway, but if you also want to set other editing functions in the settings area, click popup 932 ( Press the Add Function button in FIG. 40(e)). Then,
A pop-up 633 for additional functions opens, and when an editing function to be added to the area is specified in the pop-up, a pop-up 934 for the editing function opens. If you set the necessary parameters in this popup and press the save/close button, the popup 934 will close and you will return to the additional function popup 932. By repeating this operation, a plurality of desired editing functions can be set in the setting area.

The above is the screen transition when setting a new area and setting the desired function to the area.Next, once the area and the editing function to be applied to the area are set, the area and editing function can be changed. The screen transition when doing so will be explained.

When you press the collection cod button in the creative editing pathway in Figure 40(a), the pop-up 935 (Figure 40(n)) in Figure 47(b) opens, and you can select the area, point, etc.
Editing functions can be deleted and changed. If you want to delete the preset editing function, press the function clear button in FIG. 40(n). This will pop up 9
38 will open and unnecessary editing functions can be deleted.

In addition, in Fig. 40(n), the function is changed (Function
When the Change button is pressed, a pop-up 637 shown in FIG. 47(b) opens, and when a desired editing function is selected in the pop-up 937, a pop-up 938 opens.

If you cancel the function selected in this pop-up and press the cancel button, or set predetermined parameters and press the save/close button, you will return to the pop-up 935 of Collection 2. Furthermore, Collection 2's pop-up 935
When the Add Function button is pressed, a pop-up 638 listing editing functions opens, and when the button for the editing function desired to be added is pressed, another pop-up 638 opens. If the user cancels the addition of the editing function in the popup and presses the cancel button, or sets the predetermined parameters and presses the save/close button, the popup 638 closes and returns to the collection popup 935. This allows you to modify the area and editing functions.

In addition, in the figure, the same pop-up is opened in the transition from 933 to 934 and from 939 to 938, but the screen when the additional function button is pressed is different, so
The transition states are also different. In this way, in this UI, even when the same screen is displayed, the screen transition state differs depending on what kind of screen the button is pressed on, so the user may make a mistake in operation. It can be done without any problems.

The screen transitions have been explained above using the inset synthesis as an example, but the same applies when other editing functions are selected in the creative editing pathway of FIG. 40(a).

In this way, in the creative editing pathway, the screen transition when setting a new area or editing function is different from the screen transition when making corrections after the area or editing function has been set. In other words, the operation method is different, so the user can be operated without any confusion.

(III-8) SYSUI Software Module In this section, a software module (hereinafter simply referred to as module) for realizing the screen transition as described above will be described.

As mentioned in relation to Figure 4, L L installed in the UI
The UI (formerly known as Low Level) simply has the function of displaying a designated screen, and the 5YSUI determines what kind of screen is displayed at any given time. This is to make each remote of the copying machine more versatile and to reduce the design burden. Therefore, in this section, we will explain what kind of modules 5YSU I is made up of and how the next screen is determined when a button is pressed.

FIG. 48 shows the configuration of the module 5 of the 5YSUI. Fourth
Figure 8 (a) shows its schematic configuration, Figure 8 (b) shows the module configuration for user control, Figure 8 (C) shows the module configuration for user mode, and Figure 8 (d) shows the module configuration for editing mode control. are shown respectively.

As shown in FIG. 48(a), 5YStJI940 is
A user control 941 that controls screen display, and a user mode 9 that interprets the currently displayed screen and pressed buttons to determine the next screen to display.
42. Therefore, user mode 942 is a high-level module and user control 94
1 is a low level module. Also, 5YSUI
940 is the UI via LNET948 (see Figure 3)
943, and imports the coordinate data specified on the edit pad from the PAD 944, button information about which button was pressed from the CRT 945, and memory card information from the memory card 948. The CRT 945 is notified of display information, and the memory card 948 is notified of new data to be written.

Further, the 5YSUI 940 notifies the 5YS 947 of the set false mode information, and receives machine state information etc. necessary for display from the 5Y 8947. Communication 849 for this purpose is performed via RAM. As is clear from FIGS. 3 and 4, 5YSU1940. ! :
This is because the 5YS9471 is running on the same CPU.

The module of the user control 841) is shown in FIG. 48(b).

The functions of each module will be explained below.

The button interpretation 950 is a module that mainly checks whether the pressed button can be accepted. Specifically, it receives button information, coordinate information, copy information from the CRT interface 955, and manages state. 852 for the status of the hood, attaches a button receiver based on the status code, distributes attached button information to each module, outputs an ejection request to a memory card, etc.

The sheep handling 961 is a module that mainly monitors the jeep from when the start button is pressed until the copying is completed and displays the maid count, and specifically performs the following processing.

When the start button is pressed, a machine start signal is output to the 5YS947 to notify the copy mode. You can also use the start button as a trigger to manage state 9.
A request to check whether the selected modes are inconsistent with each other is output to the state management 852, and if there is a contradiction between the modes as a result of the check in the state management 852, a message to that effect (
Hereinafter, this will be referred to as J code information. ) to the display 954 to display the message. It also determines whether copy start is possible or not based on the status code, determines color registration/normal copy, notifies the 5YS947 of a color registration request, registers/cancels auto start, and so on.

Furthermore, it performs jib cancellation using all clear and numeric key clear as triggers, provides a trigger to user mode 942, and notifies 5Y8947 of a sheep cancel request. Also, notification to 5YS847 of a stop request triggered by the stop button, notification to 5YS947 of an interrupt request triggered by the interrupt button,
Display corresponding to commands, check toner supply display,
Performs auto clear processing, etc.

The state management 952 manages the state of the entire machine, and updates and creates the machine state and UI state, updates the sheep status, creates a staff state code, and the like. Note that the state management performed by this module is for display purposes, and is distinguished from the state management for job execution performed by 5YS947.

The machine monitor 953 handles machine state update requests, requests to register/cancel display information for the display 954, requests to register/cancel faults, warnings, etc., and job handling 951 of job information among commands received from the 5YS 947. Notify etc.

Display 954 includes user mode 942, sheep handling 951, machine monitoring 953, and in7 home system 95.
Based on the display information received from 7, the actual color CR
Various images are displayed on the T monitor.

The CRT interface 955 receives button information from the CRT and queues information received from the CRT.
display information on the CRT and receive button information, notification of results, queuing of transmission information to the CRT, reception of memory contents from a memory card, transmission of written contents to a memory card, edit pad Receives coordinate data from etc.

The SYS interface 956 receives commands from the 5YS 947 and sends transmission information to the 5YS 947.

The in7 home page 957 is triggered by the pressing of the information on button and requests the display 954 to display the in7 home page.

FIG. 48(C) shows the module configuration of the user mode. As is clear from the figure, there are modules corresponding to each pathway, and each module is configured to manage only the information necessary for the corresponding pathway. Therefore, we can easily respond to changes in specifications.
It is also considered highly secure.

The functions of each module will be explained below.

The operation flow 960 controls screen transitions, and controls screen switching, pop-up, message display, button selectability/inhibition, screen status management, and the like. The operation flow 980 receives and receives button information from the user control 941, and depending on which pathway the button is in, the button information is copied to the basic copy 961, marker edit 962, or business edit 9.
63, creative editing 964, and
The display information is notified to the user control 941.

The basic copy 961 controls the mode set in the basic copy pathway, and specifically, selects the paper size, selects the sorter, controls the set number of sheets, magnification, color mode, copy density, contrast, Control of sharpness, movement, color balance copy mode creation,
Copy mode initialization and display control when copy initialization is instructed, conversion of internally managed editing data to actual copy mode when copy start is instructed, and when mutually contradictory functions are selected Notification of the J code information to the state management 952, maintenance of the current copy mode triggered by the start of an interrupt, initialization and display side control of the current copy mode, and current copy mode triggered by the interrupt end instruction. Conversion from to the currently held copy mode, display recovery control, etc.

Therefore, the basic copy 961 obtains button information from the operation flow 960, copy start information and copy mode initialization information from the user control 941, and notifies the user control 941 of display information and J code information. The module also receives edit management data from the edit mode control 966 and notifies command creation information.

The marker edit 962 manages information handled by the marker edit pathway, and controls copy mode creation for each menu, command cancellation, and the like.

To that end, marker editing 982 is performed using operation flow 980.
button information is obtained from the edit mode control 968, and screen status information is obtained from the edit mode control 968, while display information is notified to the user control 941, and command creation information is notified to the edit mode control 98B.

The business editing 963 manages information handled in the business editing pathway, and specifically includes instructions for creating a copy mode for each editing function menu, instructions for canceling commands, instructions for scrolling areas/points, and instructions for scrolling areas/points. Instructs to modify/delete points, command correction, register coordinates, cancel registered coordinates, cancel operations, etc. For that purpose, business editing 9θ
3 receives button information from the operation flow 960, coordinate information from the user control 941, and 1! Collection mode control 96
While obtaining screen status information from 6, the user control 941 is notified of display information, and the edit mode control 96
6, command creation information, command correction information, area scroll information, area correction information, area deletion information, coordinate registration information, input cancellation information, etc. are notified.

The creative editing 664 manages information handled in the creative editing pathway, and specifically,
Copy mode creation instructions for each editing function menu, command cancellation instructions, area/point scroll instructions, area/point correction/delete instructions, command deletion instructions, command addition instructions, coordinate registration instructions It gives instructions, instructions to cancel registered coordinates, instructions to register colors, instructions to cancel operations, etc. To this end, the creative editing 964 obtains button information from the operation flow 960, coordinate information and registered color information from the user control 941, screen status information from the editing mode control 966, and notifies the user control 941 of display information. The editing mode control 966 is notified of command creation information, area scroll information, ° area correction information, area deletion information, coordinate registration information, input cancellation information, command addition information, etc.

The edit pad control 985 is for displaying the area set on the edit pad in the bitmap area, obtains the output pattern from the edit mode control 966, and notifies the user control 941 of coordinate information. .

Edit mode control 966 manages set areas and editing functions, and specifically has a module configuration as shown in FIG. 48(d).

Edit mode I 970 and edit mode 11 971 are for checking editing, respectively, and check all functions restricted by IPS. ■If a function that cannot be processed by SP is set, and if it is notified to IPS as it is, it will malfunction, so in edit mode)'I, n,
It checks whether exclusive functions have been set or whether multiple functions have been set for one area, although in business editing there is only one function per area.

That is, edit mode I 970. Edit mode ll9
The 71 is equipped with a small IPS world, and functions are checked based on it.

The assignment of editing mode I and editing mode ■ can be done, for example, as follows.

Edit mode I970 checks repeat control, reduction/enlargement control, enlarged continuous shooting control, logo control, movement control, binding margin control, and mirror image control, and edit mode I [971
Checks trim control, deletion control, color filling control, color conversion control, coloring control, inversion control, copy density control, contrast control, sharpness control, color balance control, color mode control, and paint control. You can do as you like. Note that the above division of roles is just one example and can be determined arbitrarily. Also, in the figure, the editing mode is divided into two, I and H, but it is clear that it can be configured as a single module if it can be done in terms of the software configuration, but on the other hand, it can be configured with three or more modules. It is a good thing.

In order to perform the above control, the edit mode I970 inputs the above command creation information and executes the database control 974.
A database request is output to the database controller 974, and an access result as a response is received from the database controller 974. In addition, the edit mode 971 receives command creation information, registered coordinate information, and registered color information, while the database control 97
Make a database request to 4 and obtain the access results.

The package control 972 includes inset composition, watermark composition,
It controls editing in which several functions such as color composition and partial movement are packaged, and by inputting button information, command creation information is notified to edit mode 1970 and edit mode 971. It also issues a database request to the database control 974 and receives access results.

The area control 973 controls the area set on the edit pad, and includes coordinate registration control, coordinate correction control, coordinate deletion control, command deletion control within the area, command addition control, Controls command correction, area scrolling, coordinate cancellation, etc. For this purpose, the area control 973 inputs coordinate information, input cancellation information, scroll information, area correction information, area deletion information, command correction information, command addition information, etc.
The output pattern information of the bitmap area is notified to the edit pad control 965 in FIG. 48(C).

It also issues a database request to the database control 974 and receives access results.

The database control 974 controls the set copy mode,
Manages and controls a database that collectively stores screen status, etc., and passes packets to 5YS947, that is,
It creates information that notifies you of what function has been selected. Specifically, it initializes the database, changes the scroll pointer, deletes and registers information on the area pointed to by the scroll pointer, and changes the area pointed to by the scroll pointer. Adding one command to an area, deleting a command, registering a new command, registering new coordinates, deleting registered coordinates, marking and canceling a registered coordinate pointer, etc. Therefore, the database control 974 sends back as much information as access results in response to database requests from the edit mode, edit mode (2), package control, and area control, and also outputs display information, screen status information, and the like.

As described above, since a molinir is provided for each pathway and each edit, even if the specifications need to be changed, only the relevant module needs to be modified, and this can be easily handled. In addition, the data necessary to control the screen is managed collectively in a database, and the necessary data is sent when there is a request from another module, so there is no need to have conflicting data between each module. There is no problem, and it is highly safe.

The module configuration of 5YStJI has been described above.Next, its operation will be explained using an example of screen transition.

Now, if the pathway tab of the marker editing pathway is pressed in the basic feature pathway, the button information is input from the CRT 945 to the button interpretation 960 via the CRT interface 955, and it is determined whether the button can be accepted or not. be done. If the machine is in the process of copying, etc., it will not be possible to accept a request. If the reception is possible, the button information is sent to the user mode 942. The operation flow 960 notifies the basic copy 961 of button information since the currently displayed basic feature pathway is the basic feature pathway.

The basic copy 961 recognizes that the marker editing pathway tab has been pressed, and notifies the display 954 of the user control 941 of display information in order to turn on the tab. A display 954 displays a command to turn on the pathway tab for marker editing on the CRT interface 9.
55 to the CRT 945. This will turn on the pathway tab for marker editing.

Next, when the user releases the marker editing pathway tab, this button information will be transferred to the CRT as described above.
The user mode 942 operation flow 9E30 is entered via the interface 955 and button interpretation 950. The operation flow 960 switches the screen to marker editing,
A screen switching command is notified to the display 954. This causes a screen transition from the basic feature pathway to the marker editing pathway, but at this time, initial settings are performed because it would confuse the user if the previously used mode was retained.

Therefore, for example, if the trim button is pressed on the marker editing screen, the button information is input to the operation flow 660 through the above-mentioned route, and the operation flow 960 determines that the currently front thread is Marker Edit Since this is a busway, edit the button information with Marker Edit 882.
to notify. If the marker editing 962 can accept the copy mode for the trim button that was just pressed, it creates trim command creation information and passes it to the editing mode control 96θ.W collection mode control 968: Performs various checks based on the command creation information, creates trim data, and registers it in the database as a copy mode. It also creates a packet to notify the 5YS947 that trim has been selected. Further, screen status information indicating what kind of screen is currently displayed is sent to marker editing 962, and display information is sent to display 854 of user control 941. The trim button is now turned on.

After that, when the start button is pressed, a trim packet is notified from the jeep handling 951 to the 5YS 947 via the SYS interface 956, and the jeep is executed.

When the copy is executed, the machine monitor 9 from 5YS947
53 is notified of the machine status and jeep information. The jeep handling 851 obtains jeep information from the machine monitor 953, creates display information, and notifies the display 854. This allows messages such as "copying" and the maid count to be displayed. .

<me-e> In other screen controls tJl, by constantly monitoring the execution state of copying, if a jam occurs, a screen corresponding to the jam is displayed. Further, in the function setting, an infonoft 21 screen corresponding to the currently displayed screen is provided and can be displayed as appropriate.

Note that the screen display has a width of 3, excluding the bitmap area.
-* (8 pixels) and a height of 6 fins (16 pixels), the width is 80 tiles and the height is 25 tiles. The bitmap area is displayed with 151 pixels vertically and 216 pixels horizontally.

As mentioned above, in the UI of this copier, basic copy
The display screen can be switched according to each busway such as Azoid Feature, Edit, etc., and menus for selecting functions and setting execution conditions are displayed in each mode, and options can be specified by touching the soft button. You can also enter execution condition data. In addition, depending on the menu option, detailed items are displayed in a pop-up (superimposed display or window display) to expand the displayed content. As a result, even if there are many selectable functions and setting conditions, the display screen can be kept clean and the operability can be improved.

(nI-1o) Hard control panel As shown in Figure 31, the hard control panel is attached to the right side of the color display at an angle that points further toward the center than the screen. Start, infosilon, audiotron, and language buttons are installed.

The numeric keypad buttons are used to set the number of copies, input food and data in the diagnostic mode, and input the password when using tools, and are disabled while a job is being generated or when printing is interrupted.

The All Clear button is used to return all set copy modes to their defaults and return to the basic copy screen except when the tool screen is open.When setting the interrupt jib, the copy mode is set to the default. Returns, but interrupt mode is not released.

The stop button is used to interrupt the job at the end of copying while the Jeep is running, and to stop the machine after ejecting the copy paper. In the diagnosis mode, it is used to stop (interrupt) input/output checks, etc.

The interrupt button is used to enter interrupt mode in the primary jeep except when the jeep is suspended, and to return to the primary jeep during the interrupt jeep.

Further, if this button is operated during execution of the first jeep, the jeep enters a reservation state, and the jeep is interrupted or terminated at the end of copy paper ejection and enters the interrupt jeep.

The start button is used to start the program and restart after interruption, and in the diagnosis mode, it is used to input and save code values and data values, and to start input/output. If the start button is scanned while the machine is preheating, the machine will auto-start when the preheating ends.

The information screen button consists of an on button and an off button, and is in a state where it can accept data except when copying is in progress.The on button displays the information screen for the currently displayed screen, and the off button displays it. It is a stone item used for.

The audiotron button is operated to enter the password when starting the jeep.

The language button is operated to switch the language on the display screen. Therefore, each display screen has data in multiple languages so that it can be selected.

In addition to the buttons listed above, the hard control panel also has LEDs as appropriate to display the operation status of the buttons.
(light emitting diode) lamp is installed.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, the UI of the present invention provides an exhilarating operational feeling because all you have to do is touch a soft button when setting a function, and it is easy to use even for beginners. Please thoroughly guide the operation.1. Moreover, since the desired copy mode can be set with minimal steps without bothering a skilled person, it is possible to provide tJI with excellent operability.

When setting the copy mode, by introducing the concept of pathway as a function setting area, we have created a hierarchy based on the user's skill level and editing function, so it is possible to easily set the copy mode according to the purpose. It is.

Furthermore, since the software modules that control screen transitions are configured for each pathway and each editing function, changes in specifications can be easily accommodated.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of a user interface of a recording apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a color copying machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the hardware architecture, Figure 4 is a diagram showing the software architecture, Figure 5 is a diagram showing the copy layer, Figure 6 is a diagram showing state division, and Figure 7 is from the power-on state to the standby state. Figure 8 is a diagram explaining the sequence of progress states, Figure 9 is a diagram explaining the concept of diagnostics, Figure 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the system and other remotes, Figure 11 is a diagram showing the module configuration of the system, Figure 12 is a diagram explaining the creation of the jib mode, Figure 13 is a diagram showing the data flow between the system and each remote, and the data flow between modules within the system. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the document scanning mechanism, Figure 15 is a diagram explaining the control system of the stepping motor, and Figure 16 is the I
Timing chart explaining the IT Fundroll method,
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the imaging unit, FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the CCD line sensor, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the video signal processing circuit, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the operation of the video signal processing circuit. Timing chart to explain, 2nd
Figure 1 shows an overview of the module configuration of IPS, Figure 22
The figure is a diagram explaining each module that makes up the IPS.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of IPS.
The figure is Il! of IOT! FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transfer device; FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the F/P;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of M/U, Figure 28 is a diagram explaining the density characteristics of negative film and the principle of correction, and Figure 29 is F/P.
The configuration of F/P, M/U and I is shown schematically.
Figure 30 is a diagram showing the relationship with IT, Figure 30 is a diagram explaining the operating procedure and timing, Figure 31 is a diagram showing an example of how to attach the Ul using a display, Figure 32 is how to attach the Ul to corners and 33 is a diagram illustrating the module configuration of the UI, FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the UI, FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the UICH,
Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of EPIB, Figure 37 shows an example of the configuration of the basic copy pathway, Figure 38 shows an example of the configuration of the marker editing pathway, and Figure 39 shows an example of the configuration of the business editing pathway. Figure 40 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the creative editing pathway, Figure 41 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the tool pathway, Figure 42 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of soft buttons, and Figure 43 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the basic copy ii. ! li
FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the screen transition of azoid feature, FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the screen transition of marker editing, FIG. 46 is a diagram showing the screen transition of business editing,
Fig. 47 is a diagram showing the screen transition of creative editing, Fig. 48 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the software module of 5YSU I, Fig. 49 is a diagram showing an example of the conventional UI, Fig. 5
Figure 0 is a diagram for explaining inset synthesis. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Display means, 2... Touch board, 3... Hard control panel, 4... Display control means, 5...
...UI controller, 6...high-speed communication line. Applicant Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney Hideo Sugai (5 others) Figure 1 (a) Figure 2 6 (b) Figure (C) --------,,, --p Figure 8 Figure 10 Figure 4 ------- Real communication interface between modules Figure 12 (a) Figure 14 Figure 15 (a) ( b) Fig. 16 (a) Fig. 16 (b) Fig. 15 (d) (e) RεG! TAILEDGε Oms Fig. 18 (b) ←WnH Fig. 22 (d) (e) Fig. 22 ( f) Tail 22 (i) ■C--no m (reduced) 1\) (enlarged) Sword 22 (n) Guan 22 (p) (q) Figure 23 (C) Figure 24 Shi-m ＼410 412/Ronini ■Nico Figure 28 Figure 27 531.532 I)t':J Figure 25 (a) Figure 25 (b) Figure 28 Fuki 33 Figure 46 (b) Figure 48 ( a) Figure 48 (c) Figure 49 (a) (b) Figure 48 (d) o 965

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A record comprising a display means, a display control means for controlling a display screen of the display means, and a user interface controller for notifying the display content to the display control means. Device user interface. (2) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface controller has two systems for managing recording modes, machine states, and the like. (3) The system system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system system has a first system system that performs pitch processing and copy processing, and a second system system that performs per-original processing and job programming processing. Recording device user interface. (4) Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a touch board is arranged on the front surface of the display means, and a hard control panel on which hard buttons are arranged near the display means. A user interface of the recording device according to item 1. (5) The display control means notifies the user interface controller of input information from the touch board and the hard control panel, and displays a predetermined screen on the display means based on a command from the user interface controller. 5. A user interface for a recording device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises: (6) The user interface of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display control means has an interface module that controls input/output of information on an edit pad and/or a memory card. . (7) The user interface controller determines the next screen to be displayed based on the currently displayed screen and input information from the touch board or the hard control panel. 6. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of 6. (8) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display control means and the user interface controller are connected via a high-speed communication line. (9) Edit data from the edit pad and/or memory card is transferred from the interface module to the second system via a dedicated communication line. User interface of the recording device described in Section. (10) The user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the touch board is an optical touch board that uses infrared rays. (11) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the display means is a color CRT display. (12) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display means performs tile display and bitmap display. (13) Claim 1, wherein the bitmap display is performed only in a predetermined bitmap area.
13. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of items 12 to 12. (14) The display control means has functions distributed to first and second hardware, and the first hardware controls the hardware of the display means, drives the edit pad and/or the memory card, and The second hardware processes the input from the touch board and displays a predetermined screen on the display means, and the second hardware processes the area data set on the edit pad and/or the area input from the memory card. 10. An area is displayed in the bitmap area based on data, and the area data is transferred to the first hardware and the second system system. 14. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of Items 13 to 14. (15) The second hardware includes at least 16
15. The user interface for a recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an arithmetic unit capable of processing bit data. (18) The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the transfer of area data from the second hardware to the first hardware is performed by direct memory access. User interface. (17) The user interface of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the data for displaying the tiles is managed in a tile code in the video RAM of the first hardware. . (18) The tile code consists of 3 bytes, and 13
Bits are tile type information, 2 bits are text, graphic, or bitmap display identification information, 1 bit is blink information, 5 bits are background color information, and 3 bits are foreground color information. Any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that
User interface of the recording device described in Section. (19) Any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the soft button formed by the display means and the touch board is for setting a recording mode.
User interface of the recording device described in Section. (20) The user interface of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the button arranged on the hard control panel needs to be kept pressed at all times. . (21) The screen of the display means is divided into a first display area where a message is displayed and a second display area where a function setting area is displayed. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the items. (22) Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first display area is allocated to the top three lines of the display screen.
2. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of 1. (23) The function setting area is characterized by comprising a basic function setting area having functions essential for recording and an editing function setting area having an editing function.
23. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of items 22 to 22. (24) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 23, wherein the basic function setting area is hierarchically divided into a plurality of function setting areas as necessary. (25) The basic function setting area includes at least a first basic function setting area for setting basic recording modes such as color mode, paper selection, recording magnification, copy position, book copy, film projector, page programming, etc. The second basic function setting area has various functions, and the third basic function setting area allows you to make various adjustments such as contrast, sharpness, color balance, etc. as necessary. The user of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 24 is hierarchized into a fourth basic function setting area in which various settings of the state of the recording device such as settings and self-diagnosis can be performed. interface. (28) The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the editing function setting area is hierarchized into a plurality of function setting areas depending on a user's skill level and editing function. User interface. (27) The editing function setting area is configured such that one editing function can be set at least in the first editing function setting area in which the editing area is set with a marker of a predetermined color, and in the editing area set with the edit pad. A claim characterized in that the editing function setting area is hierarchically divided into a second editing function setting area and a third editing function setting area in which a plurality of editing functions can be set in the editing area set with the edit pad. 29. A user interface for the recording device according to any one of Items 1 to 28. (28) Claims 1 to 2, wherein the first editing function setting area has a black and white mode and a red and black mode.
7. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of 7. (29) When selecting the red-black mode in the first editing function setting area, the first editing function setting area is selected after selecting the red-black mode in the basic function setting area. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that: (30) When selecting the red-black mode in the second editing function setting area, the second editing function setting area is selected after selecting the red-black mode in the basic function setting area. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that: (31) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the background of each basic function setting area is displayed in a predetermined color. (32) A claim characterized in that the backgrounds of the first, second and third function setting areas constituting the editing function setting area are displayed in different colors from each other and also in a different color from the basic function setting area. 32. A user interface for the recording device according to any one of Items 1 to 31. (33) The ground of the first editing function setting area is a blueish color, the ground of the second editing function setting area is a greenish color, and the ground of the third editing function setting area is a pinkish color. Claim 1 characterized in that each color is displayed in the following colors.
33. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of items 32 to 32. (34) The second editing function setting area includes all the editing functions provided in the first editing function setting area. Recording device user interface. (35) The third editing function setting area includes all the editing functions provided in the second editing function setting area. Recording device user interface. (38) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein each editing function setting area is always combined with a basic function setting area to determine a recording mode. (37) The user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the editing function setting areas are mutually exclusive. (38) The menu provided in each function setting area is as follows:
38. The user interface of the recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface of the recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 37 is arranged so that the recording mode is set in an ideal order by selecting from the right side or the left side. . (39) The user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein no priority is set in the order of selection of the menu. (40) On the screen where the first, second, third, or fourth basic function setting area is displayed, selection buttons for other basic function setting areas and selection buttons for each of the editing function setting areas are displayed. 40. The user interface of a recording device according to claim 1, wherein: (41) On the screen where the first, second, or third editing function setting area is displayed, selection buttons for other editing function setting areas are not displayed, and the first, second, third, and 41. The user interface for a recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a selection button for a fourth basic function setting area is displayed. (42) The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein icons are displayed as necessary for setting items in the basic function setting area and each editing function setting area. User interface. (43) The user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the icon reflects settings. (44) The user interface of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein no icon is displayed in the third editing function setting area, and only function selection buttons are displayed. . (45) The record according to any one of claims 1 to 44, characterized in that in setting the writing mode in each of the basic function setting areas and each of the editing function setting areas, setting of detailed items is performed by pop-up. Device user interface. (48) A user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein a predetermined pop-up mark is attached to a soft button that opens a pop-up. (47) At least the image quality adjustment selection button is provided with a pop-up mark, and the pop-up displays a menu and the degree of image quality adjustment. Recording device user interface. (48) At least a selection button related to coloring or color conversion is provided with a pop-up mark, and the color to be selected and its density pattern are displayed in the pop-up. A user interface of the recording device described in . (49) The user interface for a recording apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the color selection button includes a standard color button and a registered color button. (50) Claims 1 to 49, wherein a pop-up opens when setting, modifying, or deleting an area or point using the edit pad, and a bitmap area is displayed at a predetermined position of the pop-up.
A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the above. (51) Claim 50, characterized in that a message explaining the operating procedure is displayed at the lower left of the pop-up.
User interface of the described recording device. (52) A user interface for a recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein a correction button is provided in the second and third editing function setting areas. (53) A pop-up mark is attached to the modification button, and in the pop-up, it is possible to modify or delete the position of the setting area or setting point, the size of the area, and modify the function set to the area or point. 53. A user interface for a recording device according to claim 52, characterized in that: (54) In the basic function setting area, it is possible to move between the basic function setting areas except when a pop-up is opened and after job recovery and before recording starts. Claim 1
54. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of items 53 to 53. (55) The second basic function setting area is configured to time out after being displayed for a predetermined time and return to the screen of the first basic function setting area. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the items. (56) The recording mode set in the first and second basic function setting areas is maintained while the third basic function setting area is displayed. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the items. (57) The third basic function setting area is closed when the first or second basic function setting area is selected or when an all clear button on the hard control panel is pressed. Claims 1 to 5
6. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of 6. (58) If a fault occurs while the screen of a certain function setting area is displayed, the recording mode at that time is retained and a message indicating that a fault has occurred is overwritten in the function setting area. 58. A user interface for a recording device according to claim 1, wherein: (59) If the information on button on the hard control panel is pressed while the screen of a certain function setting area is displayed, the recording mode at that time is retained and the information is overwritten in the function setting area. Claims 1 to 5 characterized in that
8. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of 8. (60) Any one of claims 1 to 59, characterized in that when the recording mode has a plurality of options in one function setting area, the soft buttons corresponding to each option are mutually exclusive. A user interface of the recording device described in . (61) In each of the function setting areas, among the soft buttons arranged in different recording modes, soft buttons that have mutually exclusive functions are such that when one soft button is pressed, the other soft button becomes unselectable. 61. The user interface of a recording device according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is enabled. (62) The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 61, wherein a mode selected in one editing function setting area is not reflected in other editing function setting areas. User interface. (63) Any one of claims 1 to 62, characterized in that when transitioning from one editing function setting area to another editing function setting area, a message confirming the user's intention is displayed on the display means. A user interface of the recording device according to item 1. (64) The user interface of the recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 63, wherein the recording mode set in each of the basic function setting areas is enabled in each of the editing function setting areas. . (65) The recording mode provided in common to the basic function setting area and the editing function setting area is maintained even when moving between the function setting areas, and the last set state is maintained. 65. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 64. (66) The screen transition from one basic function setting area to another basic function setting area is performed on the condition that a selection button of a desired basic function setting area is pressed. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the items. (67) The screen transition from a certain basic function setting area to a certain editing function setting area is performed on the condition that a selection button of a desired editing function setting area is pressed. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the items. (68) If the first and second editing function setting areas are selected after the red/black mode is selected in the first basic function setting area, the first and second editing functions are selected. 68. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 67, characterized in that the setting area operates in red/black mode. (69) The record according to any one of claims 1 to 68, wherein the screen transition from a certain editing function setting area to a certain basic function setting area is performed on the condition that a predetermined operation is performed. Device user interface. (70) The predetermined conditions include all clear, interrupt,
If the Save/Close or Cancel button is pressed, or if the relevant editing function setting area times out,
70. The user interface of a recording apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the selection button for the editing function setting area is pressed again or the selection button for a desired basic function setting area is pressed. (71) The user interface of a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 70, wherein all pop-ups are closed based on predetermined conditions. (72) The user interface for a recording device according to claim 71, wherein the predetermined condition is a case where a save/close, cancel, all clear, or interrupt button is pressed and a timeout occurs. (73) The arbitrary magnification setting button is provided with pop-ups for equal magnification and biased magnification, and when the arbitrary magnification button is pressed, the previously used pop-up opens. A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the above. (74) In the third editing function setting area, different screen transitions are performed when setting a new area or point and function and when correcting the area or point or function. Claims 1 to 73
A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the above. (75) Claims 1 to 74, wherein the user interface controller is comprised of a user controller module and a user mode module.
A user interface of the recording device according to any one of the above. (78) The user controller module includes a first module that communicates with the display means, a second module that communicates with the main system, and mainly interprets button information notified from the display control means. a fourth module that mainly monitors jobs being performed on the recording device; and a fourth module that mainly receives recording device status and job information from the main system and requests updates to the recording device state. , a fifth module that requests registration/cancellation of display information, a sixth module that mainly manages the status of the recording device, and a module that receives display information from other modules and creates the next screen to be displayed. 76. The user interface for a recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a seventh module for notifying the display control means. (77) The user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 76, wherein the communication with the main system performed by the second module is communication via a memory. (78) The user mode module includes an eighth module that controls the basic function setting area, a ninth module that controls the three editing function setting areas, and a ninth module that controls the three editing function setting areas.
0 and 11 modules, a 12th module that distributes the button information to the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th modules, and a 13th module that controls the editing mode. 78. A user interface for a recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 77. (79) The thirteenth module includes a fourteenth module that creates an editing mode, a fifteenth module that controls areas, and a sixteenth module that controls editing functions that are packaged with multiple functions. 79. A user interface for a recording device according to claim 1, further comprising: a seventeenth module for controlling a database storing recording modes of the recording device. (80) According to any one of claims 1 to 79, the seventeenth module collectively manages the database and sends only necessary information in response to requests from other modules. Recording device user interface.