JP2003066784A - Set value display method, set value display device, and image forming apparatus equipped with the set value display device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a set value display device for displaying set values of various image forming conditions related to the operation of an image forming machine without increasing the size of a display panel. To be able to grasp the information necessary for adjusting the set value without needing a service manual. SOLUTION: When adjusting a set value of each image forming condition by operating a touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 of an operation panel, if a current set value or an input set value is different from a reference value, the value of the value is changed. The display character is inverted and a predetermined color is displayed on the background. When the set value is larger than the reference value, the background is displayed in a warm color, and conversely, when the set value is smaller than the reference value, the background is displayed in a cool color. Further, the display color is changed stepwise according to the difference between the set value and the reference value.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of displaying set values of various operating conditions (image forming conditions, etc.) in an information device represented by a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, etc. and a display of the set values. And an image forming machine equipped with this device. In particular, the invention is
The present invention relates to measures for increasing the efficiency of work for setting various operating conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming machines such as copiers, printers, and facsimile machines have become multifunctional by digitizing information. For this reason, multifunctional machines in which one image forming machine has a plurality of functions such as a copying function, a printer function, and a facsimile function are becoming popular.

In such a multifunctional machine, each function is provided so that a high-quality image can be formed for each function and an image-formed product can be obtained according to a user's request. It is also possible to set image forming conditions. As the image forming conditions, various conditions such as exposure adjustment, charging voltage, developing bias, transfer bias, image forming position with respect to the paper, and the like are listed.
At the time of shipment of the image forming machine, these image forming conditions are preset to predetermined values recommended by the manufacturer, adjusted so as to obtain an average image formed product, and the set values are stored in advance as reference values.

At the time of installing the image forming machine, a serviceman changes and sets the image forming conditions that need to be changed according to the user's request, the environment in which the image forming apparatus is installed, etc., and the image satisfying the user is obtained. The forming operation is performed.

[0005]

However, even when a serviceman appropriately sets each image forming condition when installing the image forming machine, the image forming condition is readjusted due to a change with time of the image forming machine. Otherwise, the image forming operation that the user is satisfied with may not be performed. In addition, there are cases where readjustment of each image forming condition becomes necessary due to changes in user requirements.

As described above, since the image forming machines of recent years are becoming more multifunctional, when the readjustment of the image forming conditions becomes necessary, a large number of setting values must be changed and a serviceman However, it is very complicated because it is necessary to individually adjust while adjusting the reference value and adjustable range of each set value.

Although the reference value and adjustable range of each setting value are described in the service manual of the service person, the reference value and adjustment of the setting value of each image forming condition described in this service manual. The task of finding a corresponding setting value from a huge amount of information such as a possible range is extremely complicated and requires a long time. In addition, it is highly likely that the setting value will be erroneously adjusted when referring to such a service manual, and if the setting value is far from the reference value and is near the limit value (recommended). If the value is set to a value that has not been set, an inconvenience will occur in that an image-formed product that is completely different from the one requested by the user will be provided.

As one means for solving this problem, a display section for displaying the reference value, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of each set value is individually arranged on the display panel of the image forming machine, and separately from this. Providing a setting value input section is mentioned.
This eliminates the need for work while referring to the service manual, and suppresses the possibility of erroneously adjusting the set value.

However, in this case, a large display area for displaying the reference value, the upper limit value and the lower limit value is required as the display panel, which leads to an increase in size of the image forming machine and a cost increase. This is not desirable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to adjust the set values of the respective image forming conditions without increasing the size of the display panel. It is to make it possible to grasp information (information such as reference values for each set value) without the need for a service manual.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] -Outline of the Invention-To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, to what extent the set values of various operating conditions (image forming conditions, etc.) differ from a reference value. Can be easily grasped by changing the display form itself of the set value.

-Solution Means-Specifically, it is premised on a set value display device provided in an information device for displaying set values of various operating conditions relating to the operation of the information device. For this set value display device, if the currently set value is different from the reference value, this set value is set as a value greater than the reference value or a value less than the reference value. The display control means for changing the display mode of the set value depending on whether the set value is displayed is provided.

As another means, if the changed set value is different from the reference value in the set value display device, this set value is set as a value larger than the reference value, or A display control unit that changes the display form of the set value depending on whether the value is set as a value smaller than the reference value is provided.

From these specific matters, it is easy to confirm whether the set value is set as a value larger than the reference value or a value smaller than the reference value by only confirming the display form of the set value. Can be grasped. In other words, after confirming the reference value in advance using a service manual, etc., confirm whether the current setting value or the changed setting value is set higher or lower than the reference value. You do n’t have to
The workability is improved, and the possibility of erroneous setting value adjustment is reduced.

Further, when the display form of the set value is changed stepwise according to the difference between the set value and the reference value, not only the magnitude relationship between the set value and the reference value but also the set value is set as the reference value. It is also possible to understand how different the value is.

As a specific example of the method of changing the display form of the set value, switching of the display color can be mentioned. According to this, only by visually recognizing the color of the set value display part,
It is possible to easily understand whether the set value is set as a value larger than the reference value or a value smaller than the reference value, and how much the set value is relative to the reference value. It is possible to easily grasp whether or not they are different.

As a method of switching the display color,
It is also possible to invert the display character of the set value and switch the background color according to the difference between the set value and the reference value. According to this, it is possible to secure a large area of the color changing portion (the portion where the display color is switched by the display control means) as compared with the case where the display color of only the character portion of the set value is switched, and this display is performed. Color visibility can be improved.

As a concrete method of switching the display color, when the set value is larger than the reference value, the display color is a warm color, and when the set value is smaller than the reference value, the display color is cold. It is the color of the system. As a result, it is possible to more easily grasp in what direction the set value deviates from the reference value.

When the reference value is set to an arbitrary value, the set value is adjusted with respect to the reference value as an average value set at the time of factory shipment, or installed. It is possible to select whether or not to adjust the set value with respect to a reference value as an appropriate value unique to the device in accordance with the position conditions and the like, and it is possible to meet a wide range of user demands.

The set value display device described in any one of the above is provided, and the set value display device displays the set values of various image forming conditions as the set values of various operating conditions. The image forming machine is also within the technical idea of the present invention.

Furthermore, the set value display method executed by the set value display device is also within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine as an image forming machine will be described.

-Description of Overall Structure of Copying Machine 1- Fig. 1 schematically shows the internal structure of the digital copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the present digital copying machine 1
Includes a scanner unit 2, an image forming unit 3 that forms an image on a recording sheet P as a recording medium, and a sheet conveying mechanism 4 that conveys the recording sheet P to the image forming unit 3. Less than,
Each part will be described.

<Description of Scanner Unit 2> The scanner unit 2 includes
A document placing table 21 made of transparent glass or the like, and a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) for feeding a document onto the document placing table 21.
r) 22 and is a portion for reading an image of a document on the document table 21 to create image data.

The RADF 22 is provided with an automatic paper feed tray 22a for automatically feeding a plurality of set originals one by one onto the original placing table 21. Also, this RA
The DF 22 can read one side or both sides of a document by a scanner unit 23, which will be described later, according to a user's selection. Specifically, it is provided with a conveyance path for conveying the original on the automatic paper feed tray 22a onto the original placing table 21, and a reverse path for inverting the original so that the scanner unit 23 can read both sides of the original. Then, when only one side of the original is read, only the conveyance path is used, while when both sides of the original are read, the original conveyed on the original placement table 21 through the conveyance path is reversed in the reverse path. The document is conveyed again on the document table 21. Therefore, each path is provided with a transport path switching means and a sensor group (both not shown) for recognizing the transport position of the document. RADF2
Since the configuration of No. 2 is conventionally known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

Further, the scanner unit 2 is provided with a document placing table 2
The scanner unit 23 is provided for reading the image of the original document conveyed on the sheet 1. This scanner unit 23
Includes a lamp reflector assembly 24, a plurality of reflecting mirrors 25a, 25b, 25c, an optical lens body 26, and a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 27.

The lamp reflector assembly 24 includes:
The document placed on the document table 21 is irradiated with light. Each reflection mirror 25a, 25b, 25c
As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the reflected light from the document is first reflected in the left direction in the figure, and then reflected downward, and then in the right direction in the figure toward the optical lens body 26. It is designed to reflect in the direction.

In the image reading operation of the original, when the original is placed on the original placing table 21, the first scanning unit 23a including the lamp reflector assembly 24 and the reflecting mirror 25a is horizontally moved along the original placing table 21. Then, the entire original is irradiated with light. At this time, the reflection mirror 2
The second scanning unit 23b composed of 5b and 25c is the first
It moves in the same direction at a speed of a predetermined ratio with respect to the scanning unit 23a (half speed with respect to the first scanning unit 23a). Then, each of the reflection mirrors 25a, 25b, 25c
The light that has been reflected by and has passed through the optical lens body 26 is imaged on the photoelectric conversion element 27, and the reflected light is converted into an electric signal (original image data) in this photoelectric conversion element 27. Then, the image data obtained in this way is transmitted to an image processing unit (not shown), where after various processing is performed, the image data is temporarily stored in the memory of this image processing unit and stored in the memory in response to an output instruction. Image data is read and used in the image forming operation by the image forming unit 3.

<Description of Image Forming Section 3>
Laser writing unit 31 and electrophotographic process unit 3
Equipped with 2. The laser writing unit 31 irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 33 of the electrophotographic process section 32 with laser light based on the original image data converted by the photoelectric conversion element 27. Specifically, the laser writing unit 31 includes a semiconductor laser light source for irradiating a laser beam according to the image data, a polygon mirror for deflecting the laser beam at a constant angular velocity, and the laser beam deflected at the constant angular velocity for a photosensitive drum. It has an f-θ lens and the like for performing correction so that the angular velocity is deflected on the 33.

The photosensitive drum 33 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1, and the laser light from the laser writing unit 31 is reflected by the reflection mirror 31a and is irradiated therewith, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface thereof. To be formed.

Further, in the electrophotographic process section 32, a charging device 34, a developing device 35, a transfer device 36, a peeling device, a cleaning device 37, a charge removing device 38 and a fixing device 39 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 33. It is made up of The charger 34 is
The surface of the photosensitive drum 33 before the electrostatic latent image is formed is charged to a predetermined potential. Developing device 35
Is for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33 into a visible image with toner as an image forming substance. The transfer device 36 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 33 to the recording paper P. The fixing device 39 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper P on the recording paper P by heating. The peeling device and the cleaning device 37 are configured to remove the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 33 after the toner transfer. The static eliminator 38 removes residual charges on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33.

As a result, when forming an image on the recording paper P, the surface of the photoconductor drum 33 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 34, and the laser writing unit 31 exposes the laser light based on the image data. The surface of the body drum 33 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image. After that, the developing device 35
Develops a visible image with toner on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33, and the toner image is transferred by the transfer device 36 onto the recording paper P fed from the paper transport mechanism 4. Then, the recording paper P is heated by the fixing device 39, and the toner image is fixed. On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33 is removed by the peeling device and the cleaning device 37, and the residual charge on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33 is removed by the static eliminator 38. As a result, one cycle of the image forming operation (printing operation) on the recording paper P is completed. By repeating this cycle, it is possible to continuously form images on a plurality of recording sheets P, P, ....

<Description of Paper Transport Mechanism 4> Paper Transport Mechanism 4
Is the first, second and third paper cassettes 41, 42, 4
3, the recording paper P stored in the multi-bypass tray 44,
.. are conveyed one by one to cause the image forming unit 3 to form an image, and the recording paper P on which the image is formed is discharged to the first, second or third discharge tray 51, 52, 53. To do. The paper transport mechanism 4 also includes a double-sided copy unit 45 for temporarily collecting the recording paper P having an image formed on one side and then causing the image forming unit 3 to form an image on the other side.

Recording papers P, P, ... Of different sizes are accommodated in the respective paper cassettes 41, 42, 43, and the recording papers P from the paper cassettes that accommodate the recording papers P of the size desired by the user. Are sequentially taken out one by one and sequentially conveyed to the image forming unit 3 via the conveyance path 40.

As the transport path 40 of the paper transport mechanism 4, there are a main transport path 46 and a reverse transport path 47.

The main conveyance path 46 is branched at one end (upstream end side in the recording paper conveyance direction) into the respective paper cassettes 41, 42,
43 and the manual feed tray 44, and the other end (downstream end in the recording paper conveyance direction) of the manual feed tray 44 passes through the transfer device 36 and the fixing device 39, and the paper output trays 51, 52, 52 ,.
It faces the post-processing device 50 having 53.

One end (upper end in the figure) of the reverse conveyance path 47 is connected to the main conveyance path 46 on the downstream side (left side in the figure) of the position where the fixing device 39 is disposed, and at the middle (upper and lower sides in the figure). The central portion in the direction) is the first and second branch paths 47A and 47B.
Has been branched into. The first branch path 47A extends vertically downward. On the other hand, one end of the second branch path 47B faces the carry-in side of the duplex copying unit 45.

First and second branch claws 47a and 47b are provided at the connecting portion between the main conveying path 46 and the reversing conveying path 47 and the branching portion of the reversing conveying path 47, respectively.

The first branch claw 47a closes the first position for closing the reverse conveyance path 47 and the discharge side of the main conveyance path 46,
The second for connecting the main transport path 46 and the reverse transport path 47 to each other
It is rotatable about a horizontal axis between it and the position. When the first branch claw 47a is at the first position, the recording paper P that has passed through the image forming section 3 is directly discharged into the paper discharge trays 51, 52 ,.
The paper is discharged to 53. On the other hand, when the first branch claw 47a is at the second position, the recording paper P that has passed through the image forming unit 3 is supplied to the reverse conveyance path 47.

The second branch claw 47b has a first position for opening the first branch path 47A and closing the second branch path 47B of the reverse conveyance path 47, and a second position for opening the second branch path 47B and the first branch path. It is rotatable about a horizontal axis between itself and a second position that closes 47A. When the second branch claw 47b is at the first position, the recording paper P transported to the reverse transport path 47 is guided to the first branch path 47A and transported to its lower end position. After that, when the second branch claw 47b reaches the second position and the transport direction of the recording paper P is reversed, the recording paper P is transported to the second branch path 47B via the branch portion and supplied to the double-sided copying unit 45. It is supposed to be done. That is, the recording paper P is supplied to the double-sided copying unit 45 via the first branch path 47A and the second branch path 47B, so that when the recording paper P is supplied to the image forming unit 3, the recording paper P is turned upside down. An image can be formed on the back surface of the recording paper P.

Thus, when one-sided copying is performed by the copying machine 1, the first branch claw 47a is at the first position, and the recording paper P taken out from each of the paper cassettes 41, 42, 43 or the manual feed tray 44. However, after the image is formed by the image forming unit 3, the sheet discharge trays 51 and 5 are directly used.
The paper is discharged to 2,53.

On the other hand, when double-sided copying is performed, first, the first branch claw 47a is at the second position, and the second claw 47b.
Is the first position. As a result, each paper cassette 41,
The recording paper P, which is taken out of the paper 42, 43 or the manual feed tray 44 and image-formed on one side by the image forming unit 3,
It is guided to the first branch path 47A of the reverse conveyance path 47. After that, the second branch claw 47b is set to the second position and the conveying direction of the recording paper P is reversed, and the recording paper P is supplied from the second branch path 47B to the double-sided copying unit 45 via the branch portion. When forming an image on the other surface of the recording paper P, the first branch claw 47a is at the first position, and the recording paper P taken out from the double-sided copying unit 45 is image-formed by the image forming section 3 and discharged. The sheets are discharged to the trays 51, 52, 53.

The upstream end of the main transport path 46 (sheet cassette 4
1, 42, 43, the manual feed tray 44, and a portion facing the discharge side of the duplex copying unit 45) are provided with pickup rollers 48. Further, a plurality of paper feed rollers 49 for feeding the taken-out recording paper P to the main transport path 46 are disposed on the downstream side of each pickup roller 48. The pickup roller 48 and the paper feed roller 4
By rotating 9, the recording sheets P stored in the sheet cassettes 41, 42, 43, the manual feed tray 44 and the double-sided copying unit 45 can be selectively fed one by one to the main transport path 46.

As described above, the paper discharge unit of the copying machine 1 includes the first and second paper discharge trays 51, which are vertically arranged in two stages.
52 and one third output tray 53 equipped with a staple finisher (not shown) installed in the post-processing device 50.
It has and. In other words, inside the post-processing device 50,
The downstream end of the main transport path 46 and each paper discharge tray 51, 52, 53
There is provided a transport path for connecting the sheet and the sheet, and the transport path can be switched according to the paper discharge trays 51, 52, 53 to which the recording paper P is discharged.

<Description of Operation Panel> FIG. 2 shows the copying machine 1.
The operation panel 6 provided on the upper surface of the is shown. As shown in this figure, a touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 capable of color display is arranged in the central portion of the operation panel 6, and various mode setting key groups are arranged around it. On the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61,
There is a screen switching instruction area for switching to a screen for selecting an image editing function, and various editing functions are listed on the liquid crystal screen so that various image editing functions can be selected by directly pressing this area with a finger. The editing function is set by touching the area, in which the function desired by the operator is displayed, with a finger from the various editing functions displayed.

The various setting key groups arranged on the operation panel 6 will be briefly described below. When the key 61a for shifting to the mode for setting the copy density is operated, the copy density adjustment is switched from the automatic mode to the manual mode or the photo mode. In the manual mode or the photo mode, the density level can be finely set. Key 6 to switch to the mode for selecting the paper tray
By operating 1b, a desired paper size can be selected from the recording papers P set in the copying machine 1. Key 61 for shifting to the mode for setting the magnification
When c is operated, select the setting of the mode that automatically selects the magnification, the setting of the copy magnification in 1% steps, the setting of reading and selecting the fixed magnification, and the setting of returning the copy magnification to the standard magnification (actual magnification). be able to.

On the left side of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61, a key 62 for shifting to a mode for performing a special function.
a, a double-sided mode setting key 62b for setting the double-sided copying mode, a post-processing mode setting key 62c for setting the operation mode of the post-processing device 50 for sorting the copies discharged from the copying machine 1, and the above A setting confirmation key 62d is provided for confirming the contents of the function currently set in the special function setting of. When the key 62a for shifting to the mode for performing the special function is operated, the binding margin setting function for forming a margin at the end of the copy, the frame erasing function for erasing surrounding shadows, and the copying for almost the center of the paper It is possible to set a centering function, an index function for giving an index as an index to the recording paper P so that sorting can be easily performed when a plurality of copy jobs are performed.

On the right side of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61, an operation guide key 63a for displaying a message about each operation method of the copying machine 1 by operating when the operation of the copying machine 1 is unknown, and this operation guide key 63a. A message forward key 63b for displaying the continuation of the message displayed by the operation of the key 63a, a message reverse key 63c for returning the above message to the previous one, and a number setting key (ten keys for setting the number of copies). ) 6
4. An interrupt key 65 that is operated when it is desired to copy another original during continuous copying, a clear key 66 that is operated when clearing the number of copies or stopping continuous copying halfway, and all currently set modes There is provided an all-release key 67 for releasing and resetting to the standard state, and a start key 68 for instructing the start of copying.

Further, on the left side of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61, the mode 69 of the copying machine 1 is changed to a facsimile mode key 69a, a printer mode key 69b and a copy mode key 69c.
Is provided.

The operation panel 6 and the various keys arranged on the operation panel 6 in this embodiment are merely examples, and the keys provided on the operation panel 6 differ depending on various functions installed in the digital copying machine 1. Needless to say

<Description of Image Processing Portion> Next, the configuration and function of the image processing unit installed in the digital copying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing unit. This image processing unit includes an image data input unit 71a, an image processing unit 71b, an image data output unit 71c, an image memory 7 including a hard disk device, a RAM (random access memory), and the like.
1d, a central processing unit 72, and a communication interface section 71e. The configuration and operation of each unit will be briefly described below.

The image data input section 71a is the CCD 2
A shading correction circuit that corrects the line image level of the line data read by 7, a line matching unit such as a line buffer that corrects the deviation of the image line data, and correction so that the change in the signal of each pixel has a conspicuous effect. An MTF correction unit, a γ correction unit that corrects the brightness of the image to perform the visibility correction, and the like are provided.

The image processing section 71b is an area separating section for separating whether the input image data is a character section, a halftone dot photograph or a photographic paper photograph, and an image inputted on the basis of a set magnification. It is composed of a zoom processing circuit for converting the magnification of information, a spatial filter, a halftone processing unit for expressing gradation such as multi-value error diffusion and multi-value dither.

The image memory 71d is a hard disk (rotary storage medium), a delay buffer memory (semiconductor memory),
It is composed of an image synthesis memory (semiconductor memory). The image data subjected to the halftone processing is temporarily stored in the image memory 71d. The hard disk sequentially receives the 8-bit image data serially output from the image processing unit 71b,
Store in the buffer temporarily.

The image data output section 71c is a laser control unit for performing pulse width modulation based on image data, and a laser scanner unit for performing laser recording based on a pulse width modulation signal corresponding to an image signal output from the laser control unit. Consists of.

The central processing unit 72 includes an image data input section 71a, an image processing section 71b, and an image data output section 71.
c, image memory 71d, communication interface unit 71e
Is controlled based on a predetermined sequence.

Further, the communication interface section 71e is
It is a communication interface means for receiving image data from an external image input processing device (personal computer, communication portable terminal, etc.) provided separately from the digital copying machine 1.

Further, the central processing unit 72 includes the scanner unit 2, the image forming unit 3, and the like, as well as the digital copying machine 1.
The drive mechanism units 73 to 78 constituting the above are managed by sequence control, and control signals are output to each unit.
Further, the operation board unit 6A of the operation panel 6 is connected to the central processing unit 72 in a mutually communicable state, and a control signal indicating the content of the copy mode set and input by the operator in response to the operation of the operation panel 6 is transmitted. Central processing unit 72
Then, the entire digital copying machine 1 is controlled to operate according to the set mode. Further, control signals indicating various operating states of the digital copying machine 1 are transferred from the central processing unit 72 to the operation board unit 6A,
On the side of the operation board unit 6A, the operation state is displayed on the display unit or the like so as to show the operator what state the apparatus is currently in by this control signal.

<Description of Display Control Section> Next, the display control section 6B, which is a characteristic part of the present embodiment, provided in the operation board unit 6A will be described. This display control unit 6B
Is for displaying an adjustment screen on the touch panel liquid crystal display device 61 of the operation panel 6 when adjusting setting values such as various image forming conditions.

The image forming conditions are, for example,
Exposure adjustment, charging voltage, writing output, developing bias, transfer bias, fixing temperature, detection level of various sensors, offset amount of image position, and the like are listed. Further, the display control unit 6B displays the value when adjusting the set value related to the operation of the apparatus other than the image formation, and displays the value when adjusting the time until switching to the energy saving mode or the sleep mode. Alternatively, it is possible to display the value when adjusting the brightness, density, etc. of the display device 61.

Then, the display control section 6B determines whether the current set value currently set is different from the reference value or the input set value changed by the operation of the operation panel 6 is different from the reference value. In addition, the display form displayed on the liquid crystal display device 61 is different from the normal state (monochrome display).

In this case, the reference value is set as an average value (value recommended by the manufacturer) set at the time of factory shipment. Further, this reference value can be arbitrarily set according to the user's request or the like.

Specifically, when the current setting value or the input setting value is different from the reference value, the display form is changed by reversing the display character of the value and switching the background color. That is, when the set value is larger than the reference value, the background is displayed in warm colors, and conversely, when the set value is smaller than the reference value, the background is displayed in cool colors. .

The color of the displayed character itself may be switched without inverting the displayed character.

Further, the display color of the set value can be switched stepwise according to the difference between the set value and the reference value.
In other words, when the set value is larger than the reference value and the difference becomes larger, the background color is changed to “yellow”,
Switch in the order of "orange" and "red". On the other hand, when the set value is smaller than the reference value and the difference increases, the background color is switched in the order of “light blue”, “blue”, and “dark blue”. This background color switching differs depending on the target image forming condition. The setting value adjustment stage is
There are 5 steps, 10 steps, 50 steps, 100 steps, 1000 steps, etc., which are different depending on the image forming conditions. These multiple steps are evenly distributed to each color. For example, when the adjustment width is 10 steps (5 steps from the reference value to the + side and 5 steps to the − side), the first and second sides on the + side
Stages are displayed in yellow, + third and fourth stages are displayed in orange, +
The fifth stage on the negative side is displayed in orange, the first and second stages on the negative side are displayed in light blue, the third and fourth stages on the negative side are displayed in blue, and the fifth stage on the negative side is displayed in dark blue.

-Description of Setting Value Adjustment Operation-Next, the setting value adjusting operation will be specifically described. Here, a case where the serviceman adjusts the setting value of the exposure adjustment will be described.

First, the serviceman gives the code number for displaying the screen for adjusting the setting value of the exposure adjustment on the liquid crystal display device 61, the number setting key 64 and the interrupt key 6.
Operate 5 etc. to input. As a result, the exposure adjustment screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. Here, "1.
To be able to adjust the setting value of the exposure adjustment individually for each of the "photograph", "2. text", "3. print photograph", "4. photographic paper photograph", "5. map" originals. Has become.

It is now assumed that the reference value of the exposure adjustment setting value for all originals is "50". From this state, by operating the operation panel 6, the setting value of “2. Character” is changed to “52” larger than the reference value, and the setting value of “5. Map” is smaller than the reference value “45”. The state changed to is the state shown in FIG. This change operation is performed on the operation panel 6
This is performed by operating the message forward key 63b, the message reverse key 63c, or the number of sheets setting key 64 above.

In this case, in the display portion 61A of the set value of "2. Character" and the display portion 61B of the set value of "5. Map",
The character and the background are respectively inverted, and as the background color,
A warm color (eg, yellow) is displayed on the display of the setting value of “2. Character”, and a cold color (eg, blue) is displayed on the display of the setting value of “5. Map”. Become. Further, the display of other set values is not color-displayed, but is monochrome display.

With such a display mode, the service person can determine whether or not each set value is a reference value, and if the set value is not a reference value, it is a value larger or smaller than the reference value. By visually recognizing the display portions 61A and 61B, it is possible to easily grasp the information such as how much the difference is.

Next, the procedure for displaying each set value by the display controller 6B will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. In this case, the color display switching thresholds are set to a to d below, and the display color is switched depending on which of the thresholds a to d the difference between the set value and the reference value is. The threshold values a to d are as follows.

Threshold (difference) a: When the set value is larger than the reference value and corresponds to 1/6 (or 1/4) of the entire adjustment range.

Threshold value (difference) b: When the set value is larger than the reference value and corresponds to 2/6 (or 1/2) of the entire adjustment range.

Threshold value (difference) c: When the set value is smaller than the reference value and corresponds to 1/6 (or 1/4) of the entire adjustment range.

Threshold value (difference) d: When the set value is smaller than the reference value and corresponds to 2/6 (or 1/2) of the entire adjustment range.

When the adjustment screen of the set value of the image forming condition is displayed as described above, first, in step ST1, it is determined whether or not the currently displayed set value is larger than the reference value. Here, if YES is determined,
In step ST2, it is determined whether the difference between the set value and the reference value is smaller than a. This judgment is YES
In the case of, the process proceeds to step ST3, and although the current set value is larger than the reference value, the difference is relatively small and the display color is set to yellow.

If NO is determined in step ST2, the process proceeds to step ST4 and it is determined whether the difference between the set value and the reference value is smaller than b. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step ST5, and the display color is set to orange because the current set value is larger than the reference value and the difference is relatively large.

Then, in step ST4, NO
If it is determined to be, the process proceeds to step ST6 and the display color is set to red, assuming that the current set value is larger than the reference value and the difference is very large.

On the other hand, if NO in step ST1, the process proceeds to step ST7, in which it is determined whether the difference between the set value and the reference value is smaller than c. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step ST8, and although the current set value is smaller than the reference value, the difference is relatively small and the display color is set to light blue.

If NO is determined in step ST7, the process proceeds to step ST9 and it is determined whether or not the difference between the set value and the reference value is smaller than d. If this determination is YES, the process moves to step ST10,
The current setting value is smaller than the reference value, and the difference is relatively large, and the display color is set to blue.

Then, in step ST9, NO
If it is determined to be, the process proceeds to step ST11 and the display color is set to dark blue, assuming that the current set value is larger than the reference value and the difference is very large.

-Effects of Embodiment-As described above, according to the present embodiment, the display color of the set value is switched stepwise according to the difference between the set value and the reference value. It is possible to easily grasp not only the magnitude relationship between the reference value and the reference value, but also how different the set value is from the reference value.
Therefore, after confirming the reference value beforehand using a service manual, etc., confirmation work such as whether the current setting value or the changed setting value is set larger or smaller than the reference value. Need not be performed, workability is improved, and the possibility of erroneous setting value adjustment is reduced.

-Other Embodiments-In the above-described embodiment, when the set value is larger than the reference value, the warm color is displayed, and conversely, when the set value is smaller than the reference value, the cold color is displayed. It was supposed to be displayed in the color of. The present invention is not limited to this, conversely, when the set value is larger than the reference value, it is displayed in cold colors, and conversely, when the set value is smaller than the reference value, it is displayed in warm colors. You may make it display. Also, the display may be switched by a color other than the above-mentioned colors. Further, the color display is switched in three steps for each of the case where the set value is larger than the reference value and the case where the set value is larger than the reference value. However, the color display may be switched in two steps or four or more steps. .

Further, the method of changing the display form of the set value is not limited to the above-described change in color, but the size of the character of the set value is changed, or the set value is displayed by blinking at this blinking speed. Can be changed, or the density of the character of the set value or the density of the background in the case of reverse display can be changed.

Further, it is also possible to use a method of issuing an alarm or displaying the immediately preceding set value when a value outside the adjustable range is set at the time of adjusting the set value. Alternatively, values outside the adjustable range may not be input in advance.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the digital copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is applied to an image forming machine such as a printer or a facsimile machine, a composite machine thereof, or other information equipment. It is also possible to do so.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, the set values of various operating conditions are used as a reference for the set value display device for displaying the set values of various operating conditions related to the operation of information equipment such as an image forming machine. The degree of difference with respect to the value can be easily grasped by changing the display form of the set value itself. Therefore, after confirming the reference value beforehand using a service manual, etc., confirmation work such as whether the current setting value or the changed setting value is set larger or smaller than the reference value. Is eliminated, the workability is improved, and the possibility of erroneous adjustment of the setting value is reduced, and the efficiency of the setting value adjusting operation can be improved.

Further, as a method of changing the display form of the set value, when the display characters of the set value are inverted and the background color is switched according to the difference between the set value and the reference value, It is possible to secure a large area of the color change portion as compared with the case of switching the display color of only the character portion of the set value, and it is possible to improve the visibility of this display color.
The workability can be further improved.

Further, in the case where the above reference value can be set to an arbitrary value, whether the set value is adjusted with respect to the reference value as an average value set at the time of factory shipment,
Alternatively, it is possible to select whether to adjust the set value with respect to the reference value as an appropriate value unique to the device according to the installation position condition, etc., and it is possible to meet a wide range of user requirements. The usability of the set value display device is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an internal configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation panel provided on an upper surface of a copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display state of an exposure adjustment screen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of displaying each set value by the display control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Copier (information device) 61 Touch panel liquid crystal display device (setting value display device) 6B Display control unit (display control means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP03 AP04 AQ06 AR03 CQ04                       CQ24 CQ30 CQ34                 2H027 GA20 GA23 GA34 GA44 GA45                       GA47 GA56 GB13 HB06 HB07                 5B021 AA01 AA02 AA05 AA19 PP04                       PP06                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB23 AC55 AF15                       BA04

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A set value display device provided in an information device for displaying set values of various operating conditions related to the operation of the information device, wherein the currently set value is different from a reference value. In addition, the display control means for changing the display form of the set value depending on whether the set value is set as a value larger than the reference value or a value smaller than the reference value is provided. Set value display device. 2. A set value display device provided in an information device for displaying set values of various operating conditions related to the operation of the information device, wherein the set value after being changed is different from a reference value. In addition, the display control means for changing the display form of the set value depending on whether the set value is set as a value larger than the reference value or a value smaller than the reference value is provided. Set value display device. 3. The set value display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control means is configured to switch the display form of the set value stepwise according to the difference between the set value and the reference value. Set value display device characterized by. 4. The set value display device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the display control means is configured to change the display form by switching display colors. . 5. The set value display device according to claim 4, wherein the display control means inverts the display character of the set value and switches the background color according to the difference between the set value and the reference value. A set value display device, which is configured to have different display forms. 6. The set value display device according to claim 4, wherein the display control means sets the display color to a warm color when the set value is larger than the reference value, and the set value is larger than the reference value. A set value display device characterized in that the display color is configured to be a cold color when it is small. 7. The set value display device according to claim 1, wherein the reference value is set to an arbitrary value. 8. The set value display device according to claim 1, wherein the set value display device displays the set values of various image forming conditions as the set values of various operating conditions. An image forming machine characterized by being configured as described above. 9. In a set value display method for displaying set values of various operating conditions related to the operation of information equipment on a set value display device, when the set value currently set is different from a reference value, A set value display method characterized in that the display form of the set value is changed depending on whether the set value is set to a value larger than the reference value or a value smaller than the reference value. 10. A set value display method for displaying set values of various operating conditions related to the operation of an information device on a set value display device, when the set value after being changed is different from a reference value, A set value display method characterized in that the display form of the set value is changed depending on whether the set value is set to a value larger than the reference value or a value smaller than the reference value.