JPH02293176A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] This invention... The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer that includes an operation mode setting means for setting an operation mode.

[Conventional technology]

In an electrophotographic image forming device such as a laser printer, the operating mode for executing the print operation is determined to match the connected host or application, such as the type of interface, baud rate or line when using a serial interface. Many of them allow the pitch, character pitch, etc. to be selectively set by operating keys on the operation panel.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In such image forming apparatuses, due to cost considerations, one key has multiple functions (for example, pressing only the font select key functions as the font select key, but pressing the font select key while holding down the shift key functions as a font select key; As more and more font select keys (which function as mode set keys when pressed) have become available,
In many cases, it is difficult to know which key corresponds to what function, so before setting the operating mode. There were problems in that it required preparation of manuals, and the setting work was complicated and prone to errors.

In particular, in a device that displays selectable items (items) and their contents (menus) for setting the operation mode as a combination of numbers on a segment (digital) display provided on the operation panel, for example, the displayed The user also has to understand the meaning of the numbers, which makes it even more difficult to use.

This invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and reliably set or change the operating mode without using a manual. [Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that operates according to an operation mode set to suit a host and an application, as shown by the functional blocks in FIG. a help information storage means A that stores help information such as each settable operation mode or how to set the operation mode; a help information output instruction means B that instructs the output of the help information; help information output means D that causes the image forming section C to print out the help information stored in the help information storage means A when output is instructed; and setting content storage means E that stores the set operation mode; A setting completion instructing means F for instructing the end of the setting of the operation mode, and a setting content output means G for causing the image forming section C to print out the operation mode stored in the setting content storage means E when an instruction is given by the means F. It is equipped with the following. [Operation] According to the image forming apparatus configured in this way, when the output of help information is instructed by the help information output instruction means B, the help information output means D is stored in the help information storage means A. The help information is printed out by the image forming section C.

Further, when an instruction is given by the setting completion instruction means F, the setting content outputting means G causes the image forming section C to print out the operation mode stored in the setting content storage means E.

Therefore, even if you do not have a manual, you can understand how to set the operating mode and which operating modes can be set, and you can easily and reliably set or change the operating mode. It takes less time and improves work efficiency.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal mechanism of a laser plink according to an embodiment of the present invention. This laser printer includes a main body 1 with a removably attached paper feed tray 2, a first stray paper stacker 3 at the top, and a second stray paper stacker 4 at the rear.

Of the two paper output stackers 3 and 4, the first stray paper stacker 3 is normally selected, but in special cases, such as when using paper that tends to curl, such as envelopes and postcards, the second paper stacker is selected. Stacker 4 is selected. Note that the stray paper to these two discharged paper stackers can be switched by a switching claw 5. Furthermore, inside the main body 1, there are a photosensitive drum 6, a charging section 7, an optical writing section 8, a developing section 9, a transfer section 9, and a charging section 7, which constitute an image forming section of the printer engine corresponding to the image forming section C shown in FIG. Part 10
, a fixing section 11, a paper feeding section including a paper feeding roller 12, a pair of registration rollers 13, etc., and a paper discharging conveying section 14 consisting of a conveying roller, a paper guide plate, etc. Further, on the top of this printer, boards for a printer controller 30 and an engine driver 15, which will be described later, are mounted. When the print sequence is started by a command from the host described later, the paper feed roller 12 starts feeding paper from the paper feed tray 2, and pauses at the position where the leading edge of the paper is held between the registration roller pair 13. do.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 6 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. A laser beam is irradiated and exposed while main scanning in the direction of the drum axis to form a latent image. It is developed with toner in the developing section 9, transferred to a sheet of paper fed at a predetermined timing by a pair of registration rollers 13 by a transfer section 10, and then heated and fixed in the fixing section 11, and transferred to the second wandering paper. The paper is ejected to the stacker 4 or the first stray paper stacker 3 via the paper ejection transport section 14. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of this laser printer. In this laser printer main body 1, a phono-load cartridge insertion slot 17 and an emulation card insertion slot are located at the back of the right side of the cover 16A of the upper unit IA. An insertion slot 18 is provided, and an operation panel 19A is attached to the front surface, on which a display panel 20 for displaying various information and a group of various operation keys 21 including a help information output instruction key to be described later are provided. ．． Also, on the front left side of the cover 16B of the lower unit 1B,
The direction of the switching claw 5 is changed by turning the paper ejection switching knob 5A for rotating the switching claw 5 shown in FIG. The print paper is delivered to either the stacker 3 or the second paper stacker 4 (FIG. 2). Note that the font cartridge insertion slot 17 is an insertion slot for inserting a font cartridge having a RAM or ROM that stores character fonts, and the emulation card insertion slot 18 is an insertion slot for inserting a font cartridge having a RAM or ROM that stores character fonts. This is an insertion slot for inserting an emulation card containing a ROM that stores an emulation program for consistency. These upper unit IA and lower unit 1B are hinged at the back and fixedly held together by a locking mechanism on the front side, and the locking mechanism is released by pushing up the lock lever knob 22 protruding from the front surface of the cover 18A. The upper unit 1A can be rotated relative to the lower unit 1B and opened to facilitate maintenance work and parts replacement.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer controller of this laser printer.

This printer controller 30 has an interface (I
Host as /F)! A host interface 32 for connecting to I1, an engine interface 34 for connecting to printer engine 3'5, a panel interface 35 for connecting to operation panel 19, and connecting to options such as font cartridge 27 and emulation card 28. Optional interface 3 days, microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as rCPUJ) 37, ROM 3g, RAM! ; 9, and a non-volatile memory 40. Note that the above-mentioned parts are interconnected by bus lines 41 such as an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus.

Further, the host interface 32 selects various parallel interfaces or serial interfaces depending on the host to be connected.The CPU 37 is a general-purpose interface consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, I/O, etc.
It is a 6-bit or 32-bit microcomputer. Responsible for overall control of the entire printer controller.

The RoM38 is a read-on memory that contains a control program for operating the CPU37, help information such as each operation mode that can be set with this laser printer or how to set the operation mode, and each error process (recovery process).
It stores fixed data such as guide information for each key function, segment data values or message strings corresponding to each key function, and resident fonts necessary for creating video data.

RAM39 is a large capacity random access memory,
An input buffer that temporarily stores data such as character codes and control codes mainly transferred from the host 31, data in the input buffer, and ROM"1g
Help information read from within or non-volatile memory 4
A page buffer that stores page data created based on the operation mode information read from 0, a video buffer that expands video (bitmap) data that is created page by page based on the page buffer and font data, etc., and a host. It is used as a font file that stores downloaded fonts from 31 or fonts from font cartridge 27.

It is also used as a temporary memory for temporarily storing information corresponding to each key input, and as a system memory used by CPtJ;7.

The nonvolatile memory 40 stores information on the set operating mode, logging information for recording changes in the operating state of the printer controller 30, etc. over time.

This non-volatile memory 40 includes NVRAM, E E
RA backed up by P ROM or battery
Use M etc. Note that the CPU 37 also functions as the help information output means D and the setting content output means G shown in FIG.
The OM 38 and the nonvolatile memory 40 function as a help information storage means A and a setting content storage means E, respectively.

The printer engine 33 is a mechanism that includes the photosensitive drum 6 shown in FIG. 2, various parts around it, an image forming section (image forming section) including an optical writing section 8, and a paper transport section such as a pair of registration rollers 13. and a control section controlled by an engine driver 15. The engine driver 15 performs sequence control of the mechanical section in response to commands and video data from the printer controller 30. 5 and 6 are plan views showing different examples of one day of the operation panel shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

The operation panel 19A shown in FIG.
61 and two segment indicators 62 and 63; a paper size selection switch SW; and an operation key group 21 consisting of eight keys KEY1 to KEYa. ing.

The pictograms 51 to 61 on the display panel 20 are respectively 51 for warming up, 52 for power on, 53 for printer controller error, 54 for serviceman call, 55 for jam occurrence, 56 for photoconductor life, and 57 for 1-. 58 indicates paper end, 59 indicates image data (video data) available, 60 indicates online, and 61 indicates that option tray is installed by lighting.

Two digital displays 82 and 83 display mode numbers and other information, which will be described later, using numbers.

Keys KEY1, KEY2, and KEYa are an online/offline selection key, an option tray selection key, and a help information output instruction key, respectively.

The four keys KEY4 to KEY7, when pressed individually, perform the standard functions displayed above each key: KEY4 is the font select key, KEY5 is the form feed key, and KEY6 is the portrait/landscape selection key. KEY7 functions as a test key.

Meanwhile, hold down the shift key KEY3 and press the keys KEY4~
When you press any of KEY7, you can select the function displayed below each key, that is, KEY4 is the mode set key, KEYs is the guide information output instruction key, KEY6 is the hexaprint key, and KEY? functions as a reset key.

Furthermore, when pressing the font select key KEY4 while holding down the shift key KEY3 to enter the mode set state, KEYs functions as an up key and KEY7 functions as a sub up key, and the items (items) to be set and the menu for each item (details: setting content) can be sequentially incremented or decremented.

In addition, when the mode is set, the help information output instruction key KEY8 becomes usable and can function as the help information output instruction means B in FIG. When the font select key KEY4 is pressed while pressing KEY3, this key KEY4 functions as a mode set release key corresponding to the setting completion instruction means F.

Note that the paper size selection switch SW and operation key group 21
All keys are the online/offline selection key KE
Yl and key KEY? It does not operate in the online state, except as a reset key.

The operation panel 19B shown in FIG. 6 is a display panel (indicator) equipped with pictographs 61 to 69 displayed by lighting of LEDs, an LCD (liquid crystal) display (hereinafter abbreviated as rLcDJ) 70, and a key KEY1o. ) 71, brightness adjustment knob 72, and 7 keys K
E Y 11 to K E Y 17 and two LEDs 7
3.74.

The pictograms 61 to 69 on the display panel 71 are substantially the same as the pictograms 51 to 61 in FIG. 5, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The LCD 7Q is, for example, a 2-line x 32-character character display, and is capable of displaying supplementary explanations using pictograms (only when necessary), operation mode information, help information, and various other messages.

The brightness adjustment knob 72 is . The brightness of the LCD7Q can be adjusted freely to suit the user's eyes. Keys KEY14 to KEY16 are a tray select key, a mode set key, and a help information output instruction key, respectively. The four keys KE Y 1o - KE Y 13 normally perform the standard functions displayed above each key when pressed alone, namely KE Y 1. is the online/offline selection key. KEYu functions as a test key, KEY12 functions as a font select key, and KEY13 functions as a form feed key. On the other hand, when the keys KEY1o - KEY13 are pressed together with the shift key KEY17, the functions displayed below the respective keys, namely KEY1
o is the reset key, KEYII is the hexaprint key,
KEY12 is portrait/landscape selection key K
E Y 13 functions as a form feed key.

Further, when the mode set key KEY Is is pressed to enter the mode set state, KEY 13 functions as an up key and KEY+1 functions as a sub up key, allowing items to be set and menus for each item to be sequentially incremented or decremented.

In addition, when the mode set state is entered, the help information output instruction key KEY16 becomes available in the same way as the help information output instruction key KEY8 in FIG. When pressed, this key KE Y ts functions as a mode set release key.

Note that all keys do not operate in the online state, except for the online/offline selection key KEY1o and its function as a reset key.

Next, regarding the operation mode setting procedure, use the operation panel 19A in Figure 5 to change the font to "Letter Gothic 15".
” will be explained as an example.

Note that the operation mode refers to items or printing conditions that are compatible with the host or application to which this laser printer is connected, and the operation can be performed by selecting the items to be set and the menu for each item as shown in Figure 8. The mode is set or changed.

The item display is displayed on the segment display 62, and the menu display is displayed on the segment display 63 using the mode numbers shown in FIG. 8, respectively.

First, it is assumed that the pictogram (online display) 60 in FIG. 5 is lit and the system is online. From this state, perform the following key operation.

■ Go offline.

Key operation: Online/offline selection key KEYI
Press . Online display: Off■ Put into mode set state (operation mode can be set).

Key operation: Press the shift key KEYR and the font select key KEY4.

Item display; "0" Menu display; "1" (rlJ in the menu display indicates the type of host interface previously set.) (■ Select font (item). Key operation; Form feed key K
Press EYs 7 times.

Item display; “7” Menu display: “1”■
Select Letter Gothic 15.

Key operation: Press test key KEY7 twice.

Item display; "7" Menu display; [3]■
Cancels the mode set state (ends the operating mode setting).

Key operation: Press shift key KEYa + font select key KEY4.

Note that when using the operation panel 19B in FIG. 6, the operation mode can be set by key operations similar to those described above, but in this operation panel 19B, items and menus are displayed not by mode numbers but by characters on the LCD 70. Display in columns.

That is, each time the form feed key KEY 13 is pressed, the
The item display changes sequentially from ``→''Emulation''''.

Also, each time the test key KEY 11 is pressed, for example, "CourielO"'→"P resting
E lite 1 2” and the menu display changes sequentially.

Next, printout of help information and operation mode when using the operation panel 19A shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

The routine shown in FIG. 7 starts when the mode set state described above is entered, and determines key operations. If the form feed key KEYs or test key KEY7 is pressed, the operation mode setting process is performed, and the above-mentioned item names or menu names corresponding to each key function are sequentially stored in the temporary memory (RAM 39), and the above-mentioned Segment data values (numbers) corresponding to the item name or menu name are sequentially displayed on the segment display 62 or 63, and the process returns to key operation determination and is repeated.

Also, if the help information output instruction key KEYs is pressed, R
Help information is read from the OM 38, page data is created based on the help information, and the page data is written to the page buffer (RAM; 9).

It then creates a video buffer (
After creating video data on the RAM 39), the printer engine 33 uses the video data to generate help information as shown in FIGS. Print out the setting procedure (method).

Also, shift key KEY3 and font select key KE
When Y4 is pressed at the same time, the mode set state is canceled (
At the same time, the operation mode information is transferred from the temporary memory to the non-volatile memory 40, and the operation mode information is read from the non-volatile memory, thereby creating page data and creating a page buffer (RAM).
39). Next, video data is created on the video buffer based on the page data, and the printer engine 33 prints out a summary sheet of the set operation mode as shown in FIG. 10 using the video data. In addition, when using the operation panel 19B shown in FIG. 6, the help information output instruction key K E Y 1 provided on the panel is used.
Help information and setting operation mode information can also be printed out by pressing a and mode set key KEYts (which functions as a mode set cancellation key), but in the case of this operation panel 19B, as described above, Since the operation mode items and menus are displayed as character strings, there is no need for the list of configurable operation modes shown in Figure 8, and the help information includes operation mode settings as shown in Figure 9. You only need to output a list with the steps.

Next, the display of guide information when using the operation panel 19B of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17.

Note that the guide information is information that instructs the user to follow the steps to resolve the error, and for example, the guide information shown in FIGS.
As shown in the figure, the LC
D70 displays guide information for resolving each error.

Also, in any of Figures 12 to 17, (a)
indicates the error content, and the part after (mouth) corresponds to the original guide information.

In other words, Fig. 12 shows that when a jam occurs in the wandering paper section,
Fig. 13 shows when a jam occurs in the conveyance section, Fig. 14 shows when paper runs out, Fig. 15 shows when toner runs out, Fig. 16 shows when the photoconductor (OPC) needs to be replaced, and Fig. The figure shows guide information when one henna bottle is full.

Here, the display of guide information when a jam occurs in the paper ejection section shown in FIG. 12 will be explained in more detail according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11.

The stray paper section (fixing section 1) in the printer engine shown in Figure 2
If a jam occurs in 1), the engine driver 1
5 detects the jam using a sensor (not shown) and sends a corresponding command to the printer controller 30.

As a result, the CPU in the printer controller 30
17 recognizes that a jam has occurred in the paper discharge section by receiving the above command via the engine interface 34, simultaneously lights up the LED of the pictogram 62 on the operation panel 19B, and starts the routine shown in FIG. do.

First, “Exit at Jam” (r
When the guide information output instruction key (Shift key KEY 17 + Form feed key KEY1a) is pressed, the "Open Top
Cover” (“Please open the top cover.”)
Display. Then, when the upper cover opens, the engine driver 15 detects this with a sensor (not shown), sends a corresponding command to the printer controller 30 in the same way as described above, and the CPtJ 37 receives it, thereby causing the "O"
"pen Fuser" (Please open the fuser section.

”) is displayed.

Then, at the same time as the fixing section is opened, 11 Rem
Please remove the paper.

'') is displayed, and when the paper is removed and the jam is cleared, ``Close Fuser'' is displayed.

When the fixing unit is closed, “Close Top Cov” is displayed.
er"("Please close the top cover."), and when the top cover closes, "End"'("End") is displayed (at this time, the LED of pictogram 62 is also turned off), and the process is executed. finish.

In this process, a jam is displayed on the LCD 7Q, and the guide information is displayed on the LCD 70 by pressing the guide information output instruction key on the operation panel 19B by the user. For example, as shown in FIG.
After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since "at Ja
``open Top Cover'' may be displayed automatically.

Further, when the operation panel 19B is used, the guide information is displayed on the LCD 7Q by pressing the guide information output instruction key, but the guide information may be printed out.

When using the operation panel 19A in Fig. 5, the guide information output instruction key (shift key KEY3) on the panel
By pressing the + form feed key (KEMS), the guide information corresponding to the error content can be printed out. As mentioned above, in this laser printer,
Equipped with a function to print out help information using the help information output instruction key and print out operation mode information set using the mode set release (end of operation mode setting) key, so you can set the operation mode without the manual. Alternatively, changes can be made easily and reliably, and there is no need to prepare a manual or search for the relevant page in the manual, improving work efficiency.

Note that this invention is applicable not only to laser printers, but also to other optical printers such as LED printers and liquid crystal printers, as well as dot printers such as wire dot printers, thermal printers, and inkjet printers, as well as digital copying machines and facsimile machines. The present invention is similarly applicable to image forming apparatuses such as the above.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, the operation mode can be easily and reliably set and changed without using a manual.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the basic configuration of the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing the internal mechanism of a laser printer which is an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of its appearance. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer controller, FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan views showing different examples of the operation panel, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer controller. FIG. C in case
A flowchart for explaining the printout of help information and operation modes by the PU37, Figure 8 is a diagram showing a list of operation modes that can be set in this embodiment, and Figure 9 is a diagram showing the procedure for setting operation modes. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a summary sheet in which set operation modes are described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the guide information displayed by the CPU 37 when using the operation panel shown in FIG. 6. Flowcharts for explanation and FIGS. 12 to 17 are diagrams showing display examples of the guide information. 1...Laser printer body 15...Engine driver 19, 19A, 19B...Operation panel 30...Printer controller 33...Printer engine 37...Microcomputer (CPU) 38...
Read-on memory (ROM) 3 days...Random access memory (RAM) 40...Non-volatile memory 62.63...Segment display 70...LCD display KEY 4...Font select key (mode) set, mode set release key) KEYs, KEY16
...Help information output instruction key KEY1s...Mode set key (mode set release key) Fig. 1 B s7 Fig. 9 Fig. 10

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In an image forming apparatus that operates according to an operation mode set to suit a host or an application, help information such as each settable operation mode or how to set the operation mode is stored. help information storage means; help information output instruction means for instructing the output of the help information; and when output of the help information is instructed by the means, the help information stored in the help information storage means is sent to the image forming unit. help information output means for printing out the information by means of a computer; a setting content storage means for storing a set operation mode; a setting end instruction means for instructing to finish setting the operation mode; An image forming apparatus comprising: setting content output means for causing an image forming unit to print out the operation mode stored in the content storage means.