JPH0258070A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To display an operating procedure or trouble releasing information at a display device and to improve operability by loading an external storing device. CONSTITUTION:Besides an IC card stored data for a copying condition as the external storing device an IC card stored the explanation of the operating procedure or the explanation of releasing at the time of occurring a trouble such as paper jamming are prepared. Paper-jamming is detected during copying or stopping, a JAM message is displayed at the display part 3. When the card 5 which is specified by this display is loaded, a JAM releasing method stored in a card 5 is displayed. Thus, the operating procedure or trouble releasing information is displayed at the display part and a user is not required to look into a manual book. As a result, operability is improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image forming device such as a copying device that reads an image of a document and forms a copied image, and is particularly easy to deal with when the operator is unfamiliar with the operation or when trouble occurs. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that has become

[Background of the invention]

As the functions of copying devices become more complex,
Operation methods are also becoming more complex.

In general, copying machines with more complex functions have an increased number of display lamps to indicate the status inside the machine, making it difficult for the user to easily understand the status of the copying machine and making it difficult for the user to know what operations to perform. It becomes equally difficult to know what to do. This is one of the causes of operational errors.

Next, a device was proposed in which a message display section was provided to accurately display the status to the user.

This makes it possible to directly inform the user of the machine's status and give operating instructions in the language they use on a daily basis. In particular, verbal expressions have made it possible to give more detailed instructions.

Therefore, by using such a message display section, it is possible to display on the display section explanations of operating procedures and explanations of what to do in the event of trouble, which were conventionally written in manual books, which is extremely convenient for the user. becomes.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in order to display such a display, it is necessary to have a storage device with a considerable capacity internally, and the explanation content often differs depending on the model, so it is not a good idea to store it internally.

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and its purpose is to enable the user to receive explanations on the display without having to refer to a manual book when the user wants to know the operating procedure or when a problem occurs. Furthermore, the purpose is to avoid increasing the burden on the machine body.

[Means for Solving the Problems] To this end, the present invention provides a display device capable of expressing image information in dots, an external storage device loading section, and an external storage device as an accessory device in which troubleshooting information or operating procedure information is recorded. The device is configured such that when the external storage device is loaded into the loading section, the operating procedure or troubleshooting information is displayed on the display device.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment. This device consists of a copy paper feeding section A into which a case of copy paper of a plurality of sizes is loaded, an image copying section B which transfers an image onto the copy paper fed from the copy paper feeding section A, and a finisher section C that performs a process of ejecting the copy paper on which the image has been formed in the image copying section B to a tray as it is, or ejecting the paper after punching holes and/or stabilizing a plurality of sheets at once; It is equipped with a double-sided original feeding section D that automatically feeds the sent original to the original table of the image copying section B, and an input/display section E consisting of a color CRT, a group of operation buttons, a remote control device, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus.

The copy paper feeding section A has a feeding control section AI, and the image copying section B has a main body control section B1, a process control section B2, and an optical system control section B3. Further, the finisher section C has a finisher control section CI, and the double-sided document feeding section has a feeding control section DI.
has. Further, the human power/display section E includes an input/display control section El, an image memo IJ E 2 , an input section E3, and a display section E4. The main body control section B1 is configured to control the entire device, and a serial method is adopted for data transmission and reception.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the front of the input/display section E. FIG.

In this embodiment, a function key operation section 1 and a removable remote control device 2 are used as the input section E3 of the human input/display section E, a color CRT 3 is used as the display section E4, and an internal memory 4 is used as the image memory E2. An IC card 5 that is inserted into and removed from the connector is used. Reference numeral 6 denotes a copy number counter using an LED or the like, which is fixedly attached to the front.

Note that an anti-reflection plate 8 integrally formed with the display panel 7 is attached to the display surface of the color CRT 3. The remote control device 2 uses an infrared type.

The entire input/display section E can be moved forward, backward, left, and right on the upper surface of the copy paper feed section A, and its vertical orientation angle can also be adjusted using a well-known tilt mechanism or the like.

The function key operation section 1 includes a magnification key rMAG J for enlarging/reducing, a magnification mode setting (fixed/zoom selection) key 'RE MODE J, a one-sided/double-sided copy selection key '5IDEJ, and an image shift (binding agent). Selection key '5tllFT J, paper ejection selection (selecting whether to eject the copy side with the front side or the back side) key r FAC
EDOWN”, Finisher C function selection key rFTN
In addition to J, density selection key 'EXP J, copy size selection key '5IZEJ, etc., function key F1
, F2 are also provided. This function key F1
, F2 are spent on selecting display data in the IC card 5, etc. described above.

The remote control device 2 also includes numeric keys "1" to 'OJ'.
, preset mode key 'PRESETJ', program key 'P', reset key rRESETJ, interrupt key 2a, stop/clear key 2b, copy start key 2
Keys such as 0 are arranged.

In addition to the keys shown in FIG. 3, this remote control device 2 has a second function key 2d on the left side when facing the front. This second function key 2d is not exposed when the remote control device 2 is attached to the human power display section E, but as shown in FIG. 4, when the remote control device 2 is removed from the human power display section E, it is exposed and can be operated. becomes.

By pressing another key on the top surface of the remote control device 2 while holding down this second function key 2d, the remote control pattern output from the remote control device 2 will be the same as that when the key is pressed without pressing the second function key 2d. The configuration is different from that of the remote control signal pattern used in the remote control device 2, so that an operation key on one remote control device 2 can be used for two or more meanings.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, each key of the function key operation unit 1 shown in FIG. 3 is assigned to the second function of each key on the remote control device 2.

As described above, when the remote control device 2 is removed from the input/display section E, all input operations can be performed only by operating the remote control device 2. Further, when the remote control device 2 is stored in a predetermined position of the input/display section E, the second function key 2d is not exposed, and unnecessary confusion for the user can be avoided.

Note that it may be inconvenient if the mode installed in the remote control device 2 cannot be used in the input/display section E after the remote control device 2 is removed. For example, if someone takes away the remote control device 2, etc. In preparation for such a case, a second function key with the same function as the remote control device 2 is prepared on the function key operation section 1 of the input/display section E, so that even if the remote control device 2 is not available, all keys can be manually operated. It is also advantageous to configure it so that it can be entered from the keyboard of the display section E.

Next, the circuit configuration of the input/display section E will be explained based on the block diagram of FIG. The input/display section E is the controller 3
1, video display processor (VDP) 32,
Programmable sound generator (PSG) 33,
Video RAM (VRAM) 34, parallel peripheral interface (PPI) 35, remote control receiver (remote control receiver) 36, remote control 'A'
W2, key operation unit 1, CRT3 as an image display device,
A connector 3 for connecting an LED 6 as a numeric display device, a speaker 37, an internal memory 4, and an IC card 5
It consists of 8 mag.

The controller 31 is in charge of overall control of the input/display section E. That is, it accepts and receives input signals from the key operation unit 1 or the remote control device 2 according to a predetermined program,
After processing, the signal is sent to the main body control section B1 of the copying machine,
Conversely, after receiving and processing the signal from the main body control unit B1,
Performs a series of processing to send signals to the CRT3. For this purpose, the controller 31 requires a program storage memory and a time processing memory, which include ROM and EPROM, respectively.
, EEPROM, OTPROM, etc. or RAM are used. As the controller 31, a microprocessor is used here.

Display information from the main body control unit B1 (is transferred to the controller 31 in parallel through the PP I 35 or serially using a serial communication unit (ASCI) instead of the PP I 35. In this embodiment, the main body Control part B
The display information from 1 is imported into the controller 31 using the serial communication function possessed by the controller 31 program itself. Also, internal memory 4 and r
Display information from the C card 5 is directly imported into the controller 31 in parallel. Display information processed within the controller 31 is transferred to the VDP 32. V
The DP 32 creates display image data on the VRAM 34 based on the given information, and at the same time periodically reads out the display image data and converts it into a video signal and transfers it to the CRT 3.

Various types of video signals can be considered at this time. 1
One is the modulated RF multiplied signal, and the other is the modulated 1
This is a composite color signal that has not been erased. All three can transmit color image information using one signal line. On the other hand, in the RGB method, it is necessary to send a synchronization signal in addition to the RGB color signals, but it is superior in terms of image quality, and thus the RGB method is adopted in this embodiment.

While the machine is in use, it is necessary to alert the user with audio information in addition to image signals.
is equipped with. This PSG33 is the controller 3
1, the receiver interprets the received voice output command, generates a voice signal, and sends it to the speaker 37. The PSG 33 generates a low frequency when a valid key signal is input, thereby providing the user with useful information audibly as to whether the key is accepted or not. Also PSG3
3 generates different outputs when the warm-up of the machine is completed and when an abnormal condition such as a paper jam (JAM) occurs, allowing the user to stay away from the machine. You can also obtain useful information. This is especially advantageous when using the remote control device 2.

On the other hand, the input from the key operation section 1 of the input/display section E is input to the PP I 35 by the matrix circuit, and the signal from the remote control device 2 is received by the remote control receiver 36 and input to the PP 135. These key signals are transferred from the PPl 35 to the controller 31 for processing, and then passed through the PPl 35 in parallel or by a serial communication unit (AS) instead of the PPl 35.
CI), etc., and is serially sent to the main body control unit B1. In this embodiment, the key manual signal is transferred to the main body of the copying machine using the serial communication function possessed by the microprocessor itself of the controller 31.

The main body of the copying machine performs the necessary preparation operations, copying operations, and operations associated therewith, depending on the conditions such as the key human power signal received through the communication means and various sensor signals within the main body, and accordingly, the copying machine The information to be notified is sent to the input/display unit E by the communication means, and is outputted as an image display including a message display and an audio signal through the detailed processing described above.

An overview of the software configuration of the input/display section E is shown in FIG. The function analyzer 41 determines information to be displayed on the display device 43 based on key signals and the status table from the main body 42, and also sends a monitor table to the main body 42. The image generator 44 reads the bit pattern from the pattern table 45 and displays it on the display device 43.
Transfer to the function section. message code 46
decodes the message code from the main body 42 to display the message. Mesosage generator 4
7 reads the font from the font table 48, generates a message pattern, and transfers it to the message section of the display device 43. Sound generator 49 generates an audio signal and transmits it to speaker 50. The key scanner 51 scans the keyboard 52. The font table 48 is a table in which character patterns to be used are stored, and the pattern table 45 is a table in which graphic patterns to be used are stored. The part surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6 is input/display software.

As shown in Figure 7, when the color CRT3's screen starts up after the power is turned on, it first displays an opening message, then changes to the basic screen after a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds), and then displays a preset screen depending on the mode. The mode changes to one of cent mode, in-flight status display mode, and demonstration mode.

These screens are expressed in a dot configuration (256 x 212 dots, each dot can express 256 colors).

The basic screen is a screen that is always displayed during wait, ready, and copying. For example, when ready, the screen is as shown in FIG. 8. 'READY T' in the message section at the top
o Messages are displayed in languages such as C0PY J, and functions are displayed in pictographs and symbols in the function section at the bottom.

In the example in Figure 8, the original (ORIGINAL) is a double-sided original (
2 indicates duplex), and double-sided document feeding section D'R
The DHJ is set for double-sided originals. Further, the copy (COPY) is also a double-sided copy, and the front side of the obtained copy is set to the bottom side and stacked. What is the magnification? a
The degree rEXP J is AUTO rAIJTOj, and the copy paper size '5IZE J is AUTO' selected corresponding to the original size. In addition, the resulting copy paper has a binding margin on the left side (indicated by dotted line a in the figure),
The upper left side is stapled (indicated by b in the figure), and a punch hole (indicated by C in the figure) is formed on the left side.

The message part mentioned above has alphanumeric characters, 1
A special symbol of 2x12 dots is used, and the message structure consists of a maximum of 20 character lines and a minimum of 2 lines. Further, the function section displays the currently selected function or the function to be selected, and is composed of text information and image information. In this function section, WYSIWYG (Wh
at you sea is what you get
) concept and display all the necessary information there so that what you see is what you get.

When the user operates the function key operation unit 1 based on the above basic screen, the content of the function changes.

Next, the message section of the basic screen will display the ready message “READ”.
If the preset key 'PRESET J' of the remote control device 2 is operated at the time of Y To C0PY J, the preset mode is entered and the screen shown in FIG. 9 appears. In the message section, an instruction 'PLEASE ENTERKEYJ' to select rNo.J of the function section is displayed.

Each of rNo. and J of the function section has the size '
5IZEJ, magnification rMAG J, mode “MODE
J (both sides are 2, one side is 1), shift'
Different preset combination copy conditions are displayed for 5IIIFT J (left L shift, right R shift 1-), density 'EXP J , and finisher rFI old 5IIERJ.

Therefore, the desired combination copy condition 'No, J
By inputting the numbers from the numeric keypad of the remote control device 2, the copy condition of the combination of numbers is selected. As a result, the screen changes to a basic screen as shown in FIG. 8, for example, in which the combination copy conditions are displayed in the function section.

Therefore, if the user then operates the copy button 2c of the remote control device 2, he or she can start copying under the above combination of copy conditions.

The above-mentioned copy conditions are preset in advance in order of frequency of use, but since these vary depending on the user, it is necessary to allow the user to preset them as well.

To preset, the user must first press key operation section 1.
Alternatively, use the remote control device 2 to set the copy conditions as described above. The copy conditions set by this are
Displayed on the basic screen. Next, when the user presses the preset key 'PRESET J', a preset screen as shown in FIG. 9, for example, appears in the function section, and at this time the copy button 2C, which means registration, is pressed. Upon sensing that the copy button has been pressed, the control section inquires through the menu display section as to which number to register next. Here, when the user enters any number from 'OJ' to '4' into the remote control device 2, the control unit flashes the number for confirmation and displays a message asking if it is OK to register. This is done through the department.

When the user presses the copy button 2c again, the control section interprets that the registration has been confirmed and registers the copy conditions set so far on the basic screen in the corresponding number.

The characters, symbols, etc. used for the above display are stored in the internal memory 4 as fonts, and the image patterns are similarly stored in the internal memory 4 as focus patterns. Also,
The preset data for the copy conditions described above is stored in the internal memory 4.
In addition to being stored in the IC card 5, the information can also be stored in the IC card 5.

When a single copying machine is used by multiple users, the copying conditions tend to vary, so if all of them are stored in the internal memory 4, the memory capacity will have to be increased. If the copy conditions for each user are registered in the IC card, the capacity of the internal memory will not be a problem.

A plurality of types of IC cards 5 are prepared for use here. That is, in addition to the IC card that stores the copying condition data described above, an IC card that stores an explanation of operating procedures, an IC card that stores an explanation of how to clear a problem such as a paper jam, or both of these explanations. Other items such as IC cards will be provided.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between this IC card 5 and the connector 38 into which it is loaded. This IC card 5 is approximately the size of a business card, and is provided with a semiconductor memory 501 and an input/output terminal array 502 as a means for accessing the memory 501, and is housed in a thin plate-like container. has been done. The connector 38 has a terminal row 381 to which the terminal row 502 of the IC card 5 is connected, and also has a holding member 382 that elastically holds the inserted IC card 5.

Here, a case will be described in which one type of IC card 5 is used that stores explanations for troubleshooting. The internal memory of the IC card in this case is configured as shown in FIG. 11, and stores a plurality of messages explaining troubleshooting methods using pictures or text.

First, when a JAM (paper jam) is detected during copying or while copying is stopped, the JAM is detected by the control shown in Figure 12.
message is displayed. Here, the JAM detection program determines the JAM type and detects the JAM inside the program.
Message inhibition is determined from the M discrimination table (Figure 13). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the JAM detection section of FIG. 13. 1st
Figure 5 shows an example of the message. If you insert the IC card according to this, the IC card will be
The JAM release method stored in the card is displayed on the display section. The message data is stored in the IC card as shown in the above No. 1111D, and the message data is displayed on the 17th
It changes as shown in the figure.

Therefore, the user can learn how to resolve the trouble by inserting an IC cart that is instructed according to the trouble that has occurred.

Note that the above is an example of how to resolve a trouble, but regarding the operating procedure, by inserting an IC code that stores the explanation of the operating procedure and pressing a specific operating button, each time the button is pressed, The explanations can be changed sequentially.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, when a user is unfamiliar with the device and wants to know the operating procedures, or when a trouble such as a paper jam occurs, the user can read the manual book by loading an IC card containing the explanations. You can receive explanations on the display without having to turn over the pages. Further, for the device side, there is an advantage that there is no need to increase the built-in memory, and if operations or explanations differ depending on the model, it can be handled by simply changing the contents of the IC card.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram thereof, and FIG. 3 is a front view of a display section.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the remote control device, Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the input/display section E, Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the software configuration of the input/display section E, and Fig. 7 is a change in the display screen. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the basic screen of the display screen, Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the preset screen, Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the IC card and connector part, and Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the memory contents of the IC card. Explanatory diagram, Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the JAM occurrence detection display, Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the type of JAM discrimination, and Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the JAM occurrence detection display.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the AM detection unit, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the JAM message, FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the IC card insertion process for canceling the JAM, and FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the display of the JAM canceling method. Agent Patent Attorney Tsuneaki Nagao Figure 3 Figure C □ Figure 2-5 Figure 6 Figure S4

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) It is equipped with a display device capable of expressing image information in dots, an external storage device loading section, and an external storage device as an accessory device in which troubleshooting information or operation procedure information is recorded, and the external storage device is An image forming apparatus characterized in that when the image forming apparatus is loaded into the loading section, operating procedures or troubleshooting information are displayed on the display device. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external storage device is an IC card. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has a plurality of types of external storage devices, and the display device displays which external storage device should be loaded.