JPH04335367A - color copier - 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]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color copying machine having a color adjustment function.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of color copying machine has a mode key for setting a color adjustment mode for performing color adjustment, a color selection key for selecting a color to be adjusted in the color adjustment mode, and a color selection key for selecting a color to be adjusted in the color adjustment mode. The operation panel has adjustment keys for making the selected color darker or lighter. When the mode key is pressed, the mode shifts to color adjustment mode, and when the color selection key is pressed in this state, the color of that color is changed. The mode shifts to adjustment mode, and in this state, the adjustment keys are configured to adjust the density of the color.

When the density is adjusted in the color adjustment mode, the density can be controlled by controlling the exposure voltage of the light source, the charging voltage of the charger, and the developing bias of the developer. Therefore, when copying special originals such as extremely neutral color originals or originals with high density all over,
Recording colors can be adjusted according to the original image.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, since color copying machines usually function as black and white copying machines, it is necessary to select various functions and adjust each status of the functions. The problem is that the number of keys and displays increases, making operations cumbersome when copying special originals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a color copying machine that can reduce the number of keys and displays on the operation panel and perform color adjustment with simple operations. do.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problem] In order to achieve the above object, a first means includes a first key for selecting a color adjustment mode and for selecting a color to be adjusted in the color adjustment mode. , a second key for adjusting the density of each color, and a first key for storing whether the color adjustment mode is set and the order of the adjustment colors.
a storage means for storing the density of each color adjusted by the second key; and a second storage means for storing the density of each color adjusted by the second key; When operated, the color adjustment mode is set and the mode shifts to the adjustment mode of the first color in the order stored in the first storage means, and the color adjustment mode is set in the first storage means. When the first key is operated in the state, the mode shifts to the next color adjustment mode and the density of each color adjusted by the second key in each color adjustment mode is stored in the second storage means. However, when the first key is operated in the last color adjustment mode,
The present invention is characterized by comprising a color adjustment means for resetting a color adjustment mode.

The second means includes a display means for displaying the density of each color, and the color adjustment means of the first means displays the density of each color adjusted by the second key in the adjustment mode of each color. It is characterized in that the display means is controlled to display.

[0008] The third means is that the color adjustment means of the first and second means sets the density of each color in the second storage means to a reference density when the power is turned on, when a mode clear key is pressed, or when an auto-reset is performed. It is characterized by

[0009] In the fourth means, the color adjustment means of the first to third means adjust the density of each color in the second storage means to the reference density after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the color adjustment mode has been reset. It is characterized by setting.

0010

[Operation] In the first means, with the above configuration, the color adjustment mode can be selected by the first key when the color adjustment mode is not set, and the color adjustment mode can be selected by the first key when the color adjustment mode is set. The adjustment color can be selected using the 1 key. Therefore, color adjustment can be performed with a simple operation by reducing the number of keys and displays on the operation panel.

[0011] In the second means, since the adjusted density of each color is displayed, color adjustment can be performed with a simple operation.

In the third means, the density of each color in the second storage means is set to the reference density when the power is turned on, the mode clear key is pressed, or the auto-reset is performed, and therefore the adjustment data can be cleared at the user's will. .

[0013] In the fourth means, the density of each color in the second storage means is set to the reference density after a predetermined time has elapsed after the color adjustment mode is reset, and therefore the adjustment data can be automatically cleared. can.

[0014]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a color copying machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operating section in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows the detailed configuration of the main part of the operating section in FIG. 4. 4 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the color copying machine, and FIG.
is a flowchart for explaining the main operation of the CPU in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the black/full color key control routine in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the black/full color key control routine in FIG. Flowchart for explaining detailed operations; FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining detailed operations of the mode clear key control routine of FIG. 5; FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining detailed operations of the auto-reset control routine of FIG. 5. flow chart,
10 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the color adjustment/color selection key control routine of FIG. 5, FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the color adjustment/color selection key control routine of FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the color adjustment light key control routine of FIG. 5. FIG.

In FIG. 1, a CPU (central processing unit) 1
00 controls the entire color copying machine of this embodiment, and in particular controls color adjustment as shown in FIGS. 5 to 12. The program of the CPU 100 is stored in advance in a ROM (read only memory) 101, and the RAM 102 is
It has a work area for the CPU 100. The operation unit 103 is
As shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, it has an input key 103a for performing various settings and a display 103b for displaying various setting states, and is connected to the CPU 100 via a serial port 104.

The input keys 103a of the operation unit 103 are as shown in FIG.
~As shown in FIG. 3, a black/full color selection key 2-1 for selecting black and white copying or full color copying;
Single color key 2 for selecting one of the colors used in full color copying (single color mode)
-4, color adjustment/color selection key 2-7, which doubles as a key for selecting the color adjustment mode and a key for selecting the color to be adjusted in the color adjustment mode, and a "lightening" key for making the color lighter. 2-11, a "dark" key 2-12 for making the color darker, and a mode clear key 2-6.

The display unit 103b of the operation unit 103 includes copy mode display units 2-2 and 2-3 that display whether black-and-white copying or full-color copying is selected, and cyan, blue, magenta, red, yellow, Single color indicators 2-5 each displaying that each green single color mode is selected, and cyan display section 2 that displays each of cyan adjustment mode, magenta adjustment mode, and yellow adjustment mode being selected. -8, a magenta display section 2-9, and a yellow display section 2-10. As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the display 103b also includes a density display section 2- for displaying the densities of cyan, magenta, and yellow adjusted in seven levels using the light key 2-11 and the dark key 2-12, respectively. C-1-2-C-7, 2
-M-1 to 2-M-7 and 2-Y-1 to 2-Y-7. That is, the center density of cyan, magenta, and yellow in this example is "4".

Next, the overall configuration and operation of the color copying machine of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. The original image on the original platen 1 is guided to the color separation filter 7 by the first to third mirrors 2 to 4, the lens 5, and the fourth mirror 6, and is separated into three colors of R, G, and B by the color separation filter 7. Then, electrostatic latent images of each color are formed on the photosensitive drum 8.

The photosensitive drum 8 rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure, and around it, along the rotational direction, a charger 9,
Eraser 10, B/W developing roller 11 for black and white copying, Y developing roller 12 for yellow, M developing roller 13 for magenta, C developing roller 14 for cyan, transfer drum 15
, and a cleaning roller 16 are arranged.

The transfer drum 15 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, and is wrapped around the recording paper conveyed from the lower left in the figure. In the case of full-color copying, the transfer drum 15 rotates three times to superimpose each toner image on the recording paper. Transcribe. A transfer charger 16 and a separation charger 1 are installed around or inside the transfer drum 15.
7, AC static elimination chargers 18, 19, and DC static elimination chargers 20, 21 are arranged.

When black and white copying is selected using the black/full color selection key 2-1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the original image on the original table 1 is scanned once by the optical systems 2 to 7, and the photosensitive drum rotates once to form a black and white toner image on the photosensitive drum 8, and the transfer drum 15 rotates once to transfer it to the recording paper.

On the other hand, black/full color selection key 2-
If full color copying is selected by 1,
The original image on the original table 1 is scanned three times by the optical systems 2 to 7, and the photosensitive drum 8 rotates three times to form cyan, magenta, and yellow toner images on the photosensitive drum 8, and the transfer drum 15 rotates. The images are rotated three times and transferred onto the recording paper in a superimposed manner.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment, particularly the operation of the CPU 100, will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12. In step S1 shown in FIG. 5, first, after initialization, in the subsequent step S2, the set densities of cyan, magenta, and yellow in the RAM 102 are reset to the center density "4".

Next, in steps S3 to S9, a black/full color key control routine as shown in detail in FIG. 6, a single color key control routine as shown in detail in FIG. 7, and a mode clear key control as shown in detail in FIG. 8 are executed, respectively. an auto-reset control routine as shown in detail in FIG. 9; a color adjustment/color selection key control routine as shown in detail in FIG. 10; a color adjustment key control routine as shown in detail in FIG. 11; Execute color adjustment light key control routine.

Next, the detailed operation of the black/full color key control routine shown in step S3 will be explained with reference to FIG. When the black/full color selection key 2-1 is pressed in the black mode, step S3-1;
Proceed from step S3-2 to step S3-3 and below, and press the black/full color selection key 2-1 while not in black mode.
When is pressed, steps S3-2 to S3-
Branches to 7 or less.

[0026] If full color mode is selected,
The black mode set in the RAM 102 is reset (step 3-3), and the black mode display section 2-
2 is turned off (step S3-4), full color mode is set in the RAM 102 (step 3-5), and full color mode display section 2-3 is turned on (step S3-4).
6).

On the other hand, if the black mode is selected, the full color mode and single color mode set in the RAM 102 are reset (step S3-
7) Turn off the single color mode display section 2-5 (
Step S3-8), the black mode is set in the RAM 102 (step S3-9), and the black mode display section 2-2 is turned on (step S3-10).

Next, the detailed operation of the single color key control routine in step S4 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. Single color key 2- shown in Figures 1 and 2
When 4 is pressed, steps S4-1 to S4
-2, it is determined whether the single color mode is currently set. If the single color mode is currently set, the process advances to step S4-3; if the single color mode is not currently set, the process branches to step S4-4 and subsequent steps.

In step S4-3, each time the single color key 2-4 is pressed, the color mode changes in the order of cyan, blue, magenta, red, yellow, and green. On the other hand, in steps S4-4 and below, the currently set black mode or full color mode is reset (S4-4), and the black mode display section 2-2 or the full color mode display section 2-3 is turned off (S4-5). )
, then set the cyan single color mode (
Step 4-6), cyan single color display section 2-
Turn on 5.

Next, the detailed operation of the mode clear key control routine in step S5 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. When the mode clear key 2-6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is pressed, steps S5-1 to S5-2
Proceed below to reset the currently set full color mode or single color mode (step S5-2
), currently set full color mode display section 2-3
Alternatively, the single color display section 2-5 is turned off (step S5-3), the color adjustment mode is reset (step S5-4), and the cyan, magenta,
Yellow output buffer (dy-Cyan, dy-Ma
genta, dy-Yellow) are reset to the center density "4" (step S5-5).

Next, the detailed operation of the auto-reset control routine in step S6 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. This routine proceeds when none of the keys shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are pressed for, for example, about 1 minute to 3 minutes (step S6-1). In this case, similarly to the mode clear key control routine, the currently set full color mode or single color mode is reset (step S6-2), and then the currently set full color mode display section 2-3 or single color mode is reset (step S6-2). Color display section 2-
5 is turned off (step S6-3), the color adjustment mode is reset (step S6-4), and the set densities of the cyan, magenta, and yellow output buffers in the RAM 102 are reset to the center density "4" (step S6).
-5).

Next, the detailed operation of the color adjustment/color selection key control routine in step S7 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. If the full color mode has been set, the process advances from step S7-1 to step S7-2, and if the full color mode has not been selected, the process jumps from step S7-1 to step S7-15. Further, in step S7-2, when the color adjustment/color selection key 2-7 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S7-3 and subsequent steps, and therefore, color adjustment is not performed in black and white mode or single color mode.

In steps S7-2 and S7-3, if the color adjustment/color selection key 2-7 is pressed while the color adjustment mode is not set in the RAM 102,
First, the cyan display section 2-8 is turned on (step S7-
4), and set the color adjustment mode (step S7-5).
), RAM 102 storage buffer (dy-CyanBU
FF, dy-Magenta BUFF, dy-Ye
The adjustment values for each color (low BUFF) are displayed on the density display sections 2-C-1 to 2-C-7, 2-M-1 to 2-M-.
7, 2-Y-1 to 2-Y-7 (step S7-
6), and also set it in the output buffer of RAM102 (
Step S7-7), the process proceeds to the density adjustment routine shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

On the other hand, in steps S7-2 and S7-3,
If the color adjustment/color selection key 2-7 is pressed while the color adjustment mode is set in the RAM 102,
The process proceeds to step S7-9 and subsequent steps. When the current adjustment color is magenta (step S7-9), the magenta display section 2-9
is turned off (step S7-10), and the yellow display section 2 is turned off (step S7-10).
-10 is turned on (step S7-11), and the process proceeds to the density adjustment routine shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Further, when the current adjustment color is cyan (step S7-12), the cyan display section 2-8 is turned off (step S7-13), the magenta display section 2-9 is turned on (step S7-14),
The process advances to the density adjustment routine shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

When the current adjustment color is the final yellow, the process advances from step S7-12 to step S7-15 and subsequent steps. First, the cyan display section 2-8 and the magenta display section 2-9
and all of the yellow display sections 2-10 are turned off (step S7-15), and the color adjustment mode is reset (step S7-16). Next, in steps S7-17, S7-18, and S7-19, the cyan, magenta, and yellow adjustment data are stored in the RAM.
102 to the storage buffers (db-1C, db-2C, db-3C) of the RAM 102, and in the subsequent step S7-20, the reference density "4" is stored in the RA.
Store in the output buffer of M102.

Therefore, in this case, the cyan, magenta, and yellow adjustment data are stored in the storage buffers (db-1C, db-2C, db-3C) of the RAM 102, and during actual copying, the adjustment data of the RAM 102 is Copying is performed at the output buffer reference density "4".

Next, the detailed operation of the color adjustment key control routine in step S8 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In color adjustment mode, press “Darkness” key 2
When -12 is pressed, the process advances from step S8-1 to step S8-2 and step S8-3. When cyan is selected, the storage buffer db- of the RAM 102
The cyan adjustment value of 1C is incremented by one and the adjustment value is displayed on the cyan density display sections 2-C-1 to 2-C-7 (steps S8-3 to S8-6), and magenta is selected. In the state, the storage buffer db-2 of the RAM 102
The magenta adjustment value of C is incremented by one and the adjustment value is displayed on the magenta density display sections 2-M-1 to 2-M-7 (steps S8-7 to S8-10), and yellow is selected. In the state, the storage buffer db of the RAM 102
The yellow adjustment value of -3C is incremented by one and the adjustment value is displayed on the yellow density display sections 2-Y-1 to 2-Y-7 (steps S8-7, S8-11 to S8-13).
).

Next, the detailed operation of the color adjustment light key control routine in step S9 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained with reference to FIG. 12. In this case as well, when the "light" key 2-6 is pressed in the color adjustment mode, steps S9-1, S9-2, and S9-3
Proceed to. When cyan is selected, RAM10
The cyan adjustment value in the storage buffer db-1C of No. 2 is decremented by one and the adjustment value is displayed on the cyan density display section 2-C-1.
to 2-C-7 (steps S9-3 to S9-6)
, when magenta is selected, the magenta adjustment value in the storage buffer db-2C of the RAM 102 is decremented by one and the adjusted value is displayed in the magenta density display section 2-M-1.
to 2-M-7 (steps S9-7 to S9-10)
), when yellow is selected, the RAM 102
The yellow adjustment value in the storage buffer db-3C is decremented by one and the adjustment value is displayed in the yellow density display section 2-Y-.
1 to 2-Y-7 (steps S9-7, S9-
11-S9-13).

Therefore, according to the above embodiment, since the color adjustment mode can be selected using only the color adjustment/color selection key 2-7, and the adjustment color can be selected, the keys on the operation panel can be used. Color adjustment can be performed with simple operations by reducing the number of display devices.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the main operations of the second embodiment of the color copying machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operations of the color adjustment reset control routine of FIG. 13. In this embodiment, a color adjustment reset control routine (step S10) is added as shown in FIG. 13, and the operations shown in steps S1 to S9 are the same as in the first embodiment, so the same step numbers are assigned. Therefore, the explanation will be omitted.

Next, the detailed operation of this color adjustment reset control routine will be explained with reference to FIG. When the color adjustment mode is not set in RAM102 (
Step S10-1) When the timer for resetting the color adjustment data elapses, for example, 5 seconds (step S10-1),
0-2), the process advances to step S10-3, and each adjustment data in the storage buffers db-1C, db-2C, and db-3C of the RAM 102 is reset to the reference density "4".

Therefore, according to this embodiment, if the color adjustment mode is not set for 5 seconds, the reference density can be automatically reset to "4".

[0043]

As described above, the invention according to claim 1 provides one first key for selecting a color adjustment mode and selecting a color to be adjusted in the color adjustment mode; a second key for adjusting density; a first storage means for storing whether or not a color adjustment mode is set; and a first storage means for storing the order of adjustment colors; a second storage means for storing the density of each color; and when the first key is operated in a state where the color adjustment mode is not set in the first storage means, the color adjustment mode is set; When the mode is shifted to the adjustment mode of the first color in the order stored in the first storage means and the first key is operated while the color adjustment mode is set in the first storage means, The mode shifts to the next color adjustment mode, and the density of each color adjusted by the second key in each color adjustment mode is stored in the second storage means, and in the last color adjustment mode, the density of each color adjusted by the first key is stored. It is equipped with a color adjustment means that resets the color adjustment mode when the color adjustment mode is operated.
By reducing the number of keys and displays on the operation panel, color adjustment can be performed with simple operations.

The invention according to claim 2 is provided with a display means for displaying the density of each color, and the color adjustment means displays the density of each color adjusted by the second key in the adjustment mode of each color on the display means. Since it is controlled so that it is displayed, color adjustments can be made with simple operations.

In the invention as set forth in claim 3, the color adjustment means of the means of claims 1 and 2 sets the density of each color in the second storage means to a reference density when the power is turned on, when a mode clear key is pressed, or when an auto-reset is performed. Therefore, the adjustment data can be cleared at the user's will.

[0046] The invention described in claim 4 is based on claims 1 to 3.
Since the color adjustment means described above sets the density of each color in the second storage means to the reference density after a predetermined time has elapsed after the color adjustment mode is reset, the adjustment data can be automatically cleared. .

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a color copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operating section in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the detailed configuration of the main parts of the operating section in FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of a color copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the main operations of the CPU in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the black/full color key control routine of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the single color key control routine of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining detailed operation of the mode clear key control routine of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining detailed operations of the auto-reset control routine of FIG. 5;

10 is a flowchart for explaining detailed operations of the color adjustment/color selection key control routine of FIG. 5; FIG.

11 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the color adjustment key control routine of FIG. 5; FIG.

12 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the color adjustment light key control routine of FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the main operations of a second embodiment of the color copying machine according to the present invention.

14 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of the color adjustment reset control routine of FIG. 13. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

2-7 Color adjustment/color selection key 2-11 "Light" key 2-12 "Dark" key 2-C, 2-M, 2-Y Density display section 100 CP
U (central processing unit)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A first key for selecting a color adjustment mode and selecting a color to be adjusted in the color adjustment mode, a second key for adjusting the density of each color, and a color adjustment key. The first one that remembers whether the mode is set and also remembers the order of adjustment colors.
a storage means for storing the density of each color adjusted by the second key; and a second storage means for storing the density of each color adjusted by the second key; When operated, the color adjustment mode is set and the mode shifts to the adjustment mode of the first color in the order stored in the first storage means, and the color adjustment mode is set in the first storage means. When the first key is operated in the state, the mode shifts to the next color adjustment mode and the density of each color adjusted by the second key in each color adjustment mode is stored in the second storage means. However, when the first key is operated in the last color adjustment mode,
A color copying machine equipped with a color adjustment means for resetting a color adjustment mode. 2. Further comprising display means for displaying the density of each color, wherein the color adjustment means is arranged such that the display means displays the density of each color adjusted by the second key in each color adjustment mode. 2. The color copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the color copying machine is controlled to: 3. The color adjustment means, when the power is turned on,
3. A color copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the density of each color in said second storage means is set to a reference density at the time of a mode clear key or auto-reset. 4. The color adjustment means adjusts the second color adjustment mode after a predetermined time has elapsed after the color adjustment mode is reset.
4. A color copying machine according to claim 1, wherein the density of each color in the storage means is set to a reference density.