JP2003169174A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] A new function, such as forcibly canceling a reserved job, can be added to an operation panel without increasing the number of keys on the operation panel. SOLUTION: A processing operation when an all release key is pressed is switched according to an operation state of an image forming apparatus. If the all release key is pressed during the image data reading operation, this reading operation is forcibly stopped,
The processing mode ends. Further, when the image data reading operation is not performed and the all release key is pressed while the processing mode is the copy mode, if the image forming operation is being executed, the image forming operation is temporarily stopped. While the image forming operation is not being executed,
The pressing of the all release key is canceled and the processing operation is continued.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus represented by a digital copying machine or the like. In particular, the present invention relates to measures for realizing a multifunctional operation panel without complicating the key layout.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a composite type digital image forming apparatus having a plurality of processing modes such as a copy mode, a facsimile mode and a printer mode has been known. In the copy mode, the image data of the original is read and the image is formed on the recording paper based on the image data. In the facsimile mode, original image data is transmitted by facsimile, and an image is formed on a recording sheet based on the received facsimile image data. In printer mode, the network (eg L
An image is formed on a recording sheet based on image data from an information processing terminal (for example, a personal computer) connected via an AN (Local Area Network).

The switching of the processing modes is performed by the user operating the operation panel provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus. Further, the user can arbitrarily set various image forming conditions and the like by operating the operation panel after selecting the processing mode. For example, the number of copies and the image density in the copy mode, the destination facsimile number in the facsimile mode, and the like can be input by operating the operation panel.

However, in this type of composite image forming apparatus, the operability is poor because it is necessary to select the processing mode and the image forming conditions in the selected processing mode on one operation panel. It is required to be good.

For this reason, the operation panel is provided with, for example, a mode selection key for easily switching the processing modes, and the number of copies in the copy mode and the destination facsimile number in the facsimile mode are input. A numeric keypad is provided as a common input means that can be used. That is, when executing the copying operation, the copying mode is selected by operating the mode selection key, the number of copies is input by operating the ten-key pad, and the copying operation is executed by pressing the start key. On the other hand, when performing facsimile transmission, the facsimile mode is selected by operating the mode selection key, the facsimile number of the transmission destination is input by operating the ten-key pad, and the facsimile transmission is performed by pressing the start key.

As described above, the number of keys on the operation panel is suppressed to a necessary minimum by providing the mode selection keys and making the keys common in each processing mode, and the operation panel is simplified. Good quality is secured.

Further, in this type of composite image forming apparatus, it is possible to reserve a plurality of jobs in order to receive processing execution commands from a plurality of users. That is, the processing mode and various conditions (printing conditions, etc.) of each job are stored in the memory in the order in which the processing execution commands are received, and each processing operation is executed while switching the processing mode in this reserved order. Has been adopted. In FIG. 10A, when the plurality of jobs are reserved, the basic screen 81 and the job status screen (screen for displaying the reservation status of jobs) 82 on the operation panel are partially overlapped and displayed. It shows the state. Such a two-screen display state is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-154773. In this figure, jobs are reserved in the order of "1-copy mode", "2-printer mode", "3-facsimile mode", and "4-printer mode".

Further, any one of the reserved jobs is canceled (job status screen 82
When deleting from the top), a job status display key (not shown) on the operation panel is pressed to display the entire job status screen 82 as shown in FIG. 10B. The job status screen 82 displays a list of reservation statuses of currently reserved jobs. Then, the job to be canceled is pushed up / down key 82d.
Is selected by the operation of, and as shown in FIG. 10C, “YES” is pressed on the delete confirmation screen 83 displayed on the job status screen 82. After that, the delete confirmation screen 8 is displayed while the operation panel display is returned to the basic screen 81.
3 is displayed again, and a specific job can be canceled by pressing "YES" on this screen.
FIG. 10 shows a case where the "1-copy mode" reserved as the first job is canceled. Actually, since the "1-copy mode" is reserved first, the copy operation has already started, and the job is canceled (the copy operation is stopped) during execution of the copy operation. ing.

[0009]

By the way, when the operation panel as described above is adopted, the processing mode can be easily switched only by operating the mode selection key. Therefore, when executing an image forming operation, etc. It is essential to check whether the desired processing mode is selected. If this confirmation is neglected, the image forming operation or the like may be executed in a processing mode that the user does not desire.

For example, when a user tries to perform a facsimile transmission, the copy mode may be set because the mode selection key is operated incorrectly and the selected processing mode is not confirmed. In this case, the user operates the ten-key pad to input the facsimile number of the transmission destination without knowing that the apparatus is set to the copy mode. That is, even if the user intends to input the facsimile number of the transmission destination by operating the ten keys, the number of copies in the copy mode is actually input. Therefore, a facsimile number having a plurality of digits is set as the number of copies, and if the start key is pressed in this state to execute the processing operation, a large number of copies will be started.

In this case, the user sees that the copying operation has been executed, recognizes that the operation of the mode selection key is wrong, and cancels the job (copying operation) being executed. . However, as an operation to cancel this job, as described above, the job status display key on the basic screen 81 of the operation panel is pressed, the job to be canceled is selected on the job status screen 82, and the delete on the job status screen 82 is performed. It is necessary to perform an operation such as pressing “YES” on the confirmation screen 83, and further pressing “YES” on the delete confirmation screen 83 displayed again on the basic screen 81. In other words, until this operation is completed, the copying operation due to the erroneous setting is continuously executed, and in the meantime, useless copying operation is performed. In particular, in recent years, the speed of image forming apparatuses has been increasing, which causes a problem that a large amount of useless copies are produced before the cancel operation is completed.

As one of means for solving this problem, a job cancel key for forcibly canceling a reserved job is newly provided on the operation panel. That is, when the copy operation due to the above-mentioned erroneous setting is started, the copy operation is immediately stopped by pressing the job cancel key.

However, this not only requires the operation panel to be large in size in order to secure a space for disposing the job cancel key, but also increases the number of keys on the operation panel. This is contrary to the original purpose of simplifying and improving the operability.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to forcibly cancel a reserved job without increasing the number of keys on the operation panel. To add various functions to the operation panel.

[0015]

[Means for Solving the Problems] A solution means taken by the present invention to achieve the above object is based on image data acquisition means for acquiring image data and image data acquired by the image data acquisition means. It is assumed that the image forming apparatus includes an image output unit that performs an image output operation. This image forming apparatus is provided with processing operation switching means for switching processing operation when an existing operation key is operated according to the operation status of the image data acquisition means and the operation status of the image output means.

Due to this specific matter, when an existing operation key is operated, in addition to the conventional function of the operation key, a new switch is made according to the operation status of the image data acquisition means or the operation status of the image output means. A function can be added to the operation key. For example, if the image data reading process is being executed during execution of the copy mode, the reading process is canceled. If the image data reading process is not being executed and the image forming operation (printing operation) is not being executed, the operation of the operation key is canceled and the processing operation is continued. Further, when the image forming operation is being executed, the image forming operation is temporarily stopped. In this way, the processing operation can be switched according to the operation status of the device. The image data acquisition means is a scanner unit that reads an original image in the copy mode and the facsimile transmission mode, a reception unit such as a facsimile modem in the facsimile reception mode, and a printer mode. It corresponds to an interface or the like for receiving an image signal from the information processing terminal. On the other hand, the image output means is an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper in the copy mode, the facsimile reception mode, and the printer mode, and the facsimile that transmits facsimile image data in the facsimile transmission mode. It corresponds to a transmission unit such as a modem.

As another solution of the present invention, on the premise of an image forming apparatus configured to be capable of selectively executing a plurality of processing modes, the processing operation when an existing operation key is operated, It is possible to provide processing operation switching means for switching according to the processing mode being executed.

By this specific matter, when an existing operation key is operated, a new function of switching according to the processing mode can be added to the operation key in addition to the conventional function of the operation key. . For example, even if the operation key is operated during execution of the facsimile transmission mode, the operation key is canceled and the processing operation is continued. On the other hand, when the operation key is operated during execution of the copy mode, the image forming operation is temporarily stopped. In this way, the processing operation can be switched according to the processing mode being executed.

Further, a plurality of jobs can be reserved,
A job reservation unit is provided to execute the image data acquisition operation of the image data acquisition unit and the image output operation of the image output unit in the order of reservation. Conventionally, in the case of having this job reservation means, when canceling (deleting) a job, it can be canceled only after calling a dedicated screen (the above job status screen) for performing this cancellation. It was According to the present solving means, it is possible to add a function of canceling a job only by operating an existing operation key, and operability is good. Further, for example, when it is necessary to cancel the job during execution of the copy mode, conventionally, there is a problem that a large amount of useless copies are produced until the cancel operation is completed. According to the solving means, it is possible to immediately stop the copying operation by operating the existing operation key.

As the existing operation keys, specifically, at least one of the all release key and the clear key is listed. When the existing operation key is pressed, the processing operation switching means switches between the case where the operation is valid and the case where the operation is invalid.

Further, when the existing operation key is operated, the processing operation switching means outputs a confirmation message for prompting the user to confirm whether or not to execute the processing operation associated with the operation. . According to this, when the operation key is operated, it is possible to switch the image forming operation being executed after confirming with the user whether the operation is an erroneous operation, and the job is inadvertently canceled. Such a situation can be avoided. The output of the confirmation message includes image display on the operation panel, voice output, and the like.

Further, the processing operation switching means is configured to cancel the operation of the existing operation key if the user does not perform a confirmation operation within a predetermined time after outputting the confirmation message. According to this, when the image forming operation is temporarily stopped as the operation key is operated, the image forming operation is stopped for a long time due to the operation key being operated by mistake. It is possible to avoid such a situation that the error occurs and the image forming operation can be automatically restarted.

[0023]

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 composite type digital image forming apparatus having a copy mode, a facsimile mode and a printer mode will be described.

Thus, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment
Has a plurality of processing modes, and as shown in FIG. 2, a personal computer (host computer) P
C and the telephone line L are connected to each other, and image data and the like can be transmitted to and received from the personal computer PC and the telephone line L.

(First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment according to the present invention
An embodiment will be described.

-Description of Overall Structure of Image Forming Apparatus 1- Fig. 1 schematically shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes
A scanner unit 2 as an image data acquisition unit, an image forming unit 3 as an image output unit for forming an image on a recording sheet P as a recording medium, and a sheet conveying mechanism 4 for conveying the recording sheet P to the image forming unit 3. I have it. Hereinafter, 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 includes the document 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 6J (see FIG. 2) described later, where after various processing is performed, the image data is temporarily stored in the image memory 6G, and according to the output instruction The image data in the image memory 6G is read out and used for 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, the image data transmitted from the personal computer PC, and the like. It is a thing. 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 static eliminator 38, a peeling device, a cleaning device 37 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. Static eliminator 38
Is for removing residual charges on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33. 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.

As a result, when forming an image on the recording paper P, the surface of the photosensitive 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 residual charges on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33 are removed by the static eliminator 38, and the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 33 is removed by the peeling device and the cleaning device 37. 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 reversing conveyance path 47 is connected to the main conveyance path 46 on the downstream side (left side in the figure) from 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 conveying path 47 and the discharge side of the main conveying 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 reversal 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.

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.

Further, as described above, as the sheet discharging section of the image forming apparatus 1, the upper and lower two first and second sheet discharging trays 51 and 52 and the stapler (not shown) incorporated in the post-processing apparatus 50 are provided. It is provided with one third paper discharge tray 53 equipped with a finisher. That is, inside the post-processing device 50, the downstream end of the main transport path 46 and each of the discharge trays 51, 5 are
The recording paper P is provided with a conveyance path connecting the recording paper P and the recording paper P.
The transport path can be switched according to the paper discharge trays 51, 52, 53 from which paper is discharged.

<Description of Configuration of Control System> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in this figure, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 6A, a system memory 6B, a scanner unit controller 6C, an image forming controller 6D, an operation display unit 6E, an encoding / decoding unit 6F, an image memory 6G, and a facsimile modem. 6H, a network control device 6I, an image processing unit 6J, a job management unit 6K as a job reservation unit, and a communication interface 6L. These are connected to the system bus SB so that data is exchanged between them.

The control section 6A has a so-called CPU (Central
Processing Unit), and the image forming apparatus 1
Data signals and control signals are transmitted / received to / from each of the means 2, 3 and 4 constituting the above, and the facsimile operation control including the circulation transfer function is performed by controlling the copying operation and the printing operation. is there.

The system memory 6B is a ROM (Read Onl
y Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores a control processing program executed by the control section 6A and various data necessary for executing this program, and a work area of the control section 6A. Are configured.

The scanner section controller 6C controls the scanning operation in the scanner section 2.

The image forming controller 6D controls the image forming operation in the image forming section 3.

The operation display unit 6E controls the display state of the operation panel 7 (see FIG. 3) arranged on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 1 and the operation when the user operates the keys on the operation panel 7. It receives a signal. In particular, in the operation display unit 6E, when the job status display key 76 on the operation panel 7 is pressed, the display state of the display unit 7A of the operation panel 7 is the basic screen 81 (see FIG. 4) and the job status screen. 82 (see FIG. 5). Details of the configuration of the operation panel 7 and the switching operation of the display state thereof will be described later.

The encoding / decoding unit 6F is for encoding and compressing the image signal and for decoding the encoded and compressed image signal into the original image signal.

The image memory 6G includes the encoding / decoding unit 6 described above.
The image signal coded and compressed in F is temporarily stored.

The facsimile modem 6H is for realizing the modem function of the G3 facsimile, and has a low speed modem function for transmitting / receiving a transmission procedure signal and a high speed modem function for mainly transmitting / receiving image information. There is.

The network control device 6I connects the facsimile modem 6H to the public telephone line network when transmitting and receiving a facsimile, and has an automatic call-out function.

The image processing section 6J compresses, expands, rotates, and rotates the image data stored in the image memory 6G.
It performs processing such as scaling.

The job management unit 6K manages the reservation status of these plural jobs when receiving the processing execution commands from the plural users. That is, when an execution command for a plurality of jobs is received, the processing modes and various conditions (printing conditions, etc.) of each job are stored in the memory in that order, and each processing operation is executed while switching the processing modes in this reserved order. To control.

The communication interface 6L is a communication interface means for receiving image data from the personal computer PC, and when there is a print request (reception of print job information) from the personal computer PC, the information is stored. Based on this, the image forming operation is executed.

The image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above
In the copying operation as the basic operation of the above, the image of the original is read and the image is formed on the recording paper P as described above. In the print operation, print data as image data is received from the personal computer PC and the data is printed out. The image forming apparatus 1 can also be used as a scanner. In this scanner operation, an image of a document set on the document table 21 is read, and the image is read as scanning image data by a personal computer PC. Send to. Further, in the facsimile transmission operation of transmitting the image of the original by facsimile, the image of the original is read by the scanner unit 2 and output as facsimile image data to the telephone line L via the facsimile modem 6H and the network control device 6I. . In the facsimile receiving operation, the image forming unit 3 prints out the facsimile image data received through the telephone line L. As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured as a multifunctional multifunction peripheral having a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and preferably an Internet fax function for exchanging information by e-mail. Information is exchanged with various data processing devices on the network.

Then, as a characteristic configuration of this embodiment,
The control section 6A includes a processing operation switching section 6M as processing operation switching means. The processing operation switching unit 6M is configured to switch the processing operation when the all release key 74 provided on the operation panel 7 described later is pressed according to the operating condition of the image forming apparatus 1.

Specifically, depending on whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is in the process of reading the image data, the processing operation when the all release key 74 is pressed is switched and the image data reading operation is performed. If not, the processing operation is switched depending on whether the processing mode is the copy mode. Specifically, when the all cancel key 74 is pressed during the image data reading operation, the reading operation is forcibly stopped urgently and the processing mode is ended. When the image data reading operation is not performed and the all release key 74 is pressed when the processing mode is the copy mode, if the image forming operation in the image forming unit 3 is being executed. While temporarily stopping the image forming operation, when the image forming operation in the image forming unit 3 is not being executed,
The pressing of the all release key 74 is canceled to continue the processing operation. Further, even when the read operation of the image data is not performed and the all release key 74 is pressed when the processing mode is not the copy mode, the all release key 74 is also pressed.
The button is canceled and the processing operation is continued.

When the image forming operation is temporarily interrupted, the processing operation switching section 6M operates a confirmation message for prompting the user to confirm whether or not to execute the processing operation associated with the operation of the all release key 74. The information is displayed on the display portion 7A of the panel 7.

Further, after outputting this confirmation message, the processing operation switching means 6M cancels the operation of the all-release key 74 if there is no confirmation operation from the user within a predetermined time. The image forming operation that has been temporarily interrupted is restarted.

The details of the processing operation by the processing operation switching means 6M will be described later with reference to a flowchart.

Further, in the present embodiment, the processing operation when the all release key 74 is pressed is switched according to the operating condition of the image forming apparatus 1, but the processing operation when the clear key 73 is pressed. May be switched according to the operating condition of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the processing operation can be switched according to the operating condition of the image forming apparatus 1 regardless of which one of the all release key 74 and the clear key 73 is pressed, or the processing operation when other keys are pressed. Alternatively, the switching may be performed according to the operating condition of 1.

<Description of Operation Panel> FIG. 3 shows the operation panel 7 provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 1.
As shown in this figure, the operation panel 7 includes a display section 7A and an operation section 7B. The display unit 7A is composed of a liquid crystal display panel and can display not only numbers and symbols but also images. It is preferable that the display unit 7A is composed of a touch panel. When the touch panel is configured, the input operation is facilitated, the key arrangement of the operation unit 7B is not complicated, and the configuration of the operation unit 7B can be simplified.

The operation section 7B is for inputting instructions to the image forming apparatus 1 such as settings, conditions or processing operations. The operation unit 7B includes a ten-key 71 for inputting the number of images to be formed and the number of copies, a start key 72 for starting the image output operation, a clear key 73 for clearing the input information, and a set condition. Clear all keys (CA key) 74, copy mode
A mode selection key 75 for selecting a printer mode / facsimile mode, a job status display ski 76 for giving an instruction for selectively displaying the current status of the image forming job, and the like are provided.

On the other hand, in the display section 7A, the operation display section 6E can switch the display between the basic screen 81 (see FIG. 4) and the job status screen 82 (see FIG. 5). The display switching of each screen is such that when the user presses the job status display key 76 on the operation panel 7, the operation display unit 6E receives the signal and switches the display of the display unit 7A. Each screen will be described below.

The basic screen 81 is a screen for inputting the instruction of the condition of the processing operation in the image forming apparatus 1.
As shown in FIG. 4 (basic screen of copy mode), in the copy mode, for example, the external appearance of the entire apparatus and the current state of the apparatus are displayed, and the copy density setting key 8 is displayed.
1a, copy paper setting key 81b, copy magnification setting key 81c, and the like, condition setting keys for setting copy conditions are displayed.

The job status screen 82 is a screen for confirming and displaying the status of processing operations such as the job reservation status in the image forming apparatus 1, and as shown in FIG. 5, a main status for displaying each job in the order of execution. Area 82
a, job list area (processing operation list area) 82b,
The job mode key 82c and the like are displayed. When the reservation of the job is confirmed by the operation of the operation unit 7B, the details of the job are displayed in the main status area 82a, and, for example, an icon indicating the content of the job is displayed in the job list area 82b.

The display of the main status area 82a is not particularly limited, but as shown in FIG. 5, the job information is displayed in order from the top. The job information displayed on the job status screen 82 includes a user name / mode name, set time, set number of sheets, current status, and the like.

Further, due to the display area of the display unit 7A, the number of jobs that can be displayed at one time in the main status area 82a is limited, for example, four jobs in FIG. 5, but the number is not limited to this. . Further, on the right side of the main status area 82a, an up / down key 82d is displayed, and by operating this key 82d, information of the upper or lower jobs not displayed in the main status area 82a can be displayed. When deleting a job, the job to be deleted can be selected.

The job list area 82b is included in a part of the job status screen 82. Even if the basic screen 81 is displayed over the job status screen 82 as shown in FIG. Only the list area 82b remains as the background of the basic screen 81. In other words, the job list area 82b, which is a part of the job status screen 82, is not obstructed by the basic screen 81 displayed so as to be overlaid thereon,
The basic screen 81 is always displayed on the display unit 7A, and conversely, the job status screen 82 other than the job list area 82b is hidden by the basic screen 81.

As described above, in the display portion 7A of the operation panel, while the basic screen 81 is displayed, the job list area 82b briefly showing the contents of the job status screen 82 can be simultaneously displayed. Therefore, even when the basic screen 81 for inputting a new instruction is displayed on the image forming apparatus 1, the contents of the processing operation input in the past can be confirmed in the job list area 82b. As a result, new input can be performed after always checking the current status of the image forming apparatus.

-Explanation of Operation when Canceling Job- Next, an operation when canceling a reserved job will be described. As this operation, there are cases where a job is selected and canceled on the job status screen 82, and cases where the job is canceled without displaying the job status screen 82. The former cancel operation is a conventional cancel operation, and the latter cancel operation is a cancel operation that is a feature of this embodiment. Hereinafter, each operation will be described.

First, the case where a job is selected and canceled on the job status screen 82 will be described. This operation is the same as the conventional operation already described with reference to FIG. That is, in summary, the job status display key 76 on the operation panel 7 is pressed to display the entire job status screen 82 shown in FIG. On the job status screen 82, select the job to be canceled by operating the up / down key 82d,
As shown in FIG. 10C, “YES” is pressed on the delete confirmation screen 83 displayed on the job status screen 82. Further, thereafter, the delete confirmation screen is displayed again with the operation panel 7 returned to the basic screen 81 (see FIG. 10).
(See (d)), a specific job can be canceled by pressing "YES" on this screen. Figure 1
The number 0 indicates that the "1-copy mode" reserved as the first job is canceled.

Next, a case of canceling a job without displaying the job status screen 82 will be described. This operation is performed by the operation of the processing operation switching unit 6M, and is an operation capable of urgently stopping the job currently being executed. For example, when the job is executed while the selection of the processing mode or the setting of the image forming condition is mistaken, the job can be stopped urgently. Hereinafter, this operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the user presses the all cancel key 74 in step ST1 while the image forming apparatus 1 is being driven, in step ST2, is the image forming apparatus 1 currently executing the image data reading process? It is determined whether or not. Here, if the reading process is being executed, the process proceeds to step ST3 to cancel the image data reading process, and when the cancel process ends in step ST4, the job stored in the job management unit 6K is deleted. . That is, the job currently being executed (the image data reading process) is canceled. in this case,
If the next reserved job exists, the execution of that job starts.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step ST2 that the image forming apparatus 1 is not executing the image data reading process, the process proceeds to step ST5, and the currently executed process mode is the copy mode. Determine whether or not. If this determination is NO, the pressing of the all release key 74 is canceled and the processing operation is continued. For example, when the image data is being transmitted in the facsimile transmission mode, the facsimile transmission operation is continuously performed.

When it is determined in step ST5 that the processing mode currently being executed is the copy mode, the process proceeds to step ST6, and the image forming apparatus 1 is currently operated.
Determines whether the image forming operation (printing process) is being executed. Here, when the image forming operation is not being executed, the pressing of the all release key 74 is canceled and the processing operation is continued. On the other hand, when it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is currently executing the image forming operation, the image forming apparatus 1 temporarily suspends the image forming operation (step ST7).

Then, when the interruption process is completed in step ST8, a process selection message is displayed on the display section 7A of the operation panel 7 in step ST9. The state is shown in FIG. This processing selection message is for confirming to the user whether the image forming operation which is currently temporarily suspended is to be ended as it is or is restarted.

In step ST10, when the user performs an operation for designating the processing method and this operation selects "stop" (when "YES" is selected on the screen of FIG. 7), To end the image forming operation as it is,
The print job is deleted from the job management unit 6K (steps ST11 and ST12). After that, step S
If the cancel process ends at T13 and there is a next reserved job, the process proceeds to the execution of that job.

On the other hand, when the predetermined time (wait time) is up while waiting for the user to specify the processing method in step ST10, step ST
The process moves from step 14 to step ST15 to restart the print job. Further, in step ST11, when the processing method designated by the user is “restart” (“N” on the screen of FIG. 7).
(When “O” is selected), the process proceeds to step ST15 and the print job is restarted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the processing operation when the all release key 74 provided on the operation panel 7 is pressed is switched according to the operating condition of the image forming apparatus 1. That is, in addition to the functions up to now, other functions are added to the all release key 74, and the functions are switched according to the operating condition of the image forming apparatus 1.
For example, in the case of the present embodiment, for example, when the user attempts to perform facsimile transmission and operates the mode selection key 75 incorrectly to set the copy mode, the user is set to the copy mode. Without knowing this, the operation of the ten-key pad 71 is performed to input the facsimile number of the transmission destination. In other words, the user can
Even if the user has intended to input the facsimile number of the transmission destination by the operation of 1, the setting input of the number of copies in the copy mode is actually performed. Therefore, a facsimile number consisting of a plurality of digits is set as the number of copies, and in this state, the start key 72
When is pressed to execute the processing operation, the copying operation for a large number of sheets is started.

In this situation, conventionally, it was necessary to open the job status screen 82, specify a job on the screen, and cancel the job.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, when the all release key 74 is pressed, the copying operation is immediately stopped, and when the reading process is being executed when the all release key 74 is pressed. While deleting the job, if the image forming operation is being executed, let the user reconfirm whether to delete the job. If the image forming operation is not being executed, continue the processing operation. I am trying to let you. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the conventional problem that a large number of useless copies are produced before the cancel operation is completed.

Further, since no new key is provided on the operation panel 7, it is possible to realize a multi-function without inviting a complicated key arrangement on the operation panel 7.

(Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment of the present invention
An embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processing operation by the processing operation switching means 6M is different from that of the first embodiment described above, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, here, the processing operation switching means 6M
Only the processing operation by will be described.

FIG. 8 shows the processing operation switching means 6 according to this embodiment.
7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation by M. The same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment are given the same step numbers.

As shown in FIG. 8, the processing operation of this embodiment does not include step ST5 in the flowchart (FIG. 6) according to the first embodiment. That is, in step ST2, when it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is not executing the image data reading processing, the image forming apparatus 1 is not determined whether or not the currently executed processing mode is the copy mode. 1 determines whether the image forming operation (printing process) is being executed. When the image forming operation is not being executed, the pressing of the all release key 74 is canceled and the processing operation is continued. Meanwhile, currently
When it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is performing the image forming operation, the image forming apparatus 1 temporarily suspends the image forming operation (step ST7), and proceeds to the operation after step ST8.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the image forming operation is being executed, the image forming operation is temporarily interrupted regardless of the processing mode, and the processing method specifying operation by the user after step ST9. I'm trying to do.
Therefore, regardless of which processing mode is being executed, it is possible to avoid the problem that a wasteful image forming operation is performed until the cancel operation is completed.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processing operation by the processing operation switching means 6M is different from that of the first and second embodiments described above, and the other configurations are the first and second embodiments.
It is similar to that of the embodiment. Therefore, here, only the processing operation by the processing operation switching means 6M will be described.

FIG. 9 shows the processing operation switching means 6 according to this embodiment.
7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation by M. The same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 8 in the second embodiment are given the same step numbers.

As shown in FIG. 9, the processing operation of this embodiment does not include steps ST7 to ST11, ST14, and ST15 in the flowchart (FIG. 8) according to the second embodiment. That is, in step ST6, when it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is currently executing the image forming operation, the image forming operation that is being executed is terminated without the user performing the operation of designating the processing method. To do so, the print job is deleted from the job management unit 6K (step ST12). With this operation, it is possible to avoid the problem that an unnecessary image forming operation is performed until the cancel operation is completed, and the operation when deleting the print job from the job management unit 6K is simplified. Can be achieved.

-Other Embodiments- In the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a composite type digital image forming apparatus having a copy mode, a facsimile mode and a printer mode has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other image forming apparatuses.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention, the processing operation when the existing operation key is operated is switched or is being executed according to the operation status of the image data acquisition means or the operation status of the image output means. The processing mode is switched according to the processing mode. Therefore, it is possible to achieve multi-functionality without newly providing a key on the operation panel. In particular, if the user mistakenly sets the operation to the copy mode when the user tries to perform the facsimile transmission, and the processing operation of the apparatus is executed, a large number of copy operations are started and the job status By opening the screen, it is possible to avoid the conventional problem that the job cannot be canceled.

When an existing operation key is operated, if a confirmation message is output so that the user can confirm whether or not the processing operation associated with the operation is executed, the job is carelessly executed. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the above is canceled and the reliability of the operation of the device can be improved.

Furthermore, if there is no confirmation operation from the user within a predetermined time after outputting the above confirmation message,
When the operation of the existing operation key is canceled, it is possible to avoid the situation where the image forming operation is stopped for a long time due to the operation key being operated by mistake. The image forming operation can be automatically restarted, which also improves the reliability of the operation of the apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a basic screen displayed on a display unit of an operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a job status screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a job cancel processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a processing selection message is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a job cancel processing operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a job cancel processing operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display switching state on the display unit of the operation panel when canceling a job on the job status screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image forming device 2 Scanner section (image data acquisition means) 3 Image forming unit (image output means) 6K job management unit (job reservation means) 6M processing operation switching unit (processing operation switching means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kaoru Ishikura             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Takashi Imai             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Yuji Okamoto             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company (72) Inventor Kenji Takahashi             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 CQ01 CQ34                       HN04 HN21                 2H027 DA31 FA35 GA12 GB19                 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB20 AC02 AC21                       AF12

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising image data acquisition means for acquiring image data, and image output means for performing an image output operation based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition means. An image forming apparatus comprising processing operation switching means for switching processing operation when a key is operated according to an operation status of the image data acquisition means and an operation status of the image output means. 2. An image forming apparatus configured to be capable of selectively executing a plurality of processing modes, the processing operation switching for switching a processing operation when an existing operation key is operated according to a processing mode being executed. An image forming apparatus comprising means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of jobs can be reserved, and the image data acquisition operation of the image data acquisition unit and the image output operation of the image output unit are performed in the reserved order. An image forming apparatus comprising: a job reservation unit for executing each of the above. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the existing operation key is at least one of an all release key and a clear key, and the processing operation switching means is the existing operation key. An image forming apparatus configured to switch between a case where the operation is enabled and a case where the operation is invalidated when the operation is pressed. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing operation switching unit operates when an existing operation key is operated.
An image forming apparatus configured to output a confirmation message for prompting a user to confirm whether or not to perform a processing operation associated with the operation. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processing operation switching unit outputs the confirmation message, and if there is no confirmation operation from the user within a predetermined time, the existing operation is performed. An image forming apparatus configured to cancel operation of an operation key.