JP2004117969A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently manage image forming conditions in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming condition memory which stores image forming conditions including functions and conditions used for a print job in image formation; an operation means which performs an operation for storing the image conditions into the image forming condition memory or for reading the image forming conditions stored in the memory; a control means which performs image formation in such a manner that, among the image forming conditions stored in the image forming condition memory, one read by the operation means is used for the print job; and a display means which shows various displays based on control exerted by the control means. The control means adds attribute data to the image forming conditions when storing the image conditions into the image forming condition memory. Conversely, when reading the image forming conditions from the image forming condition memory, the control means displays the image forming conditions on the display means with reference to the attribute data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently managing image forming conditions when a plurality of image forming conditions are stored in an image forming condition memory.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Some copiers and the like have an image forming condition memory, and are configured to store image forming conditions including various combinations of various functions and conditions such as density, magnification, paper size, and color adjustment. ing.
[0003]
That is, in this type of image forming apparatus, an image forming condition comprising a combination of a plurality of frequently used functions and conditions is registered as an “image forming condition file” in the image forming condition memory, and detailed information is stored when necessary. It is configured such that it can be easily called from the image forming condition memory without performing the setting operation. That is, at the time of image formation, the read image formation condition file is applied to the print job so that image formation in a desired state is quickly realized.
[0004]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a key arrangement of a hard key portion of the image forming apparatus. As the hard keys, an "image forming condition memory key" ((1) in FIG. 12) is provided in addition to a "copy start key" and a "numeric keypad".
[0005]
When the image forming condition memory key is pressed, a list screen of image forming conditions registered by the user is displayed on the LCD integrated with the touch panel as a display screen of the image forming condition memory mode as shown in FIG. The touch panel and the LCD 1 are electrically separated from each other, but are mechanically overlapped. Therefore, by pressing and operating the touch panel at the position displayed on the LCD, a state equivalent to pressing a predetermined button is generated.
[0006]
In the list screen of the image forming condition memory mode shown in FIG. 13, the user registers image forming conditions composed of a combination of frequently used functions and conditions, or reads out the already registered image forming conditions to read the image. Or used for forming.
[0007]
In addition, for management in the case where a large number of image forming conditions are registered, there is a method that uses a registration date and a frequency of use.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-13667
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the list screen of the image forming condition memory mode shown in FIG. 13, since the registered image forming conditions are individually named, the contents must be estimated and determined based on the names.
[0010]
For this reason, when used by a plurality of users, it may be difficult to determine the contents of the registered image forming conditions because similar names are assigned to similar uses for each user.
[0011]
Further, even for the same user, it may be difficult to determine the contents of the image forming conditions used for various purposes from the name alone. For example, a test copy for one condition and a test copy for another condition are applicable.
[0012]
That is, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to find a desired image forming condition when the number of registrations increases. In such a case, there is a problem that even if the registration date or the use frequency is used, the contents cannot be accurately grasped.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to realize an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently managing a plurality of image forming conditions.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the present invention as means for solving the above-mentioned problems is as described below.
[0015]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming condition memory for storing image forming conditions including functions and conditions to be applied to a print job when forming an image, and storing the image forming conditions in the image forming condition memory. Operating means for performing an operation for storing the image forming conditions stored in the image forming condition memory, and an operation for reading out the image forming conditions stored in the image forming condition memory. Control means for executing image formation by applying the image forming conditions to the print job, and display means for performing various displays based on the control of the control means, wherein the control means When storing in the image forming condition memory, attribute data is added to the image forming condition, and when the image forming condition is read out from the image forming condition memory, Refers to the attribute data attached to the image forming conditions for displaying the image forming condition on the display unit, it is an image forming apparatus according to claim.
[0016]
According to the present invention, when the image forming condition is stored in the image forming condition memory, attribute data is added to the image forming condition, and when the image forming condition is read out from the image forming condition memory, the attribute data is added to the image forming condition. The image forming conditions are displayed on the display means with reference to the attribute data thus obtained.
[0017]
Therefore, by assigning an attribute suitable for each image forming condition, such as when a plurality of users use the same user or when the same user uses the same for various purposes, when the registered image forming conditions are read out, Also, it is easy to determine the contents of the image forming conditions from the attributes. That is, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently managing a plurality of image forming conditions.
[0018]
(2) The invention according to claim 2, wherein the control means assigns a plurality of attribute data to the image forming condition when storing the image forming condition in the image forming condition memory. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the image forming condition is read from the image forming condition memory, a search is performed using a plurality of attributes assigned to the image forming condition, and the image forming condition is displayed on the display unit. 1 is an image forming apparatus.
[0019]
According to the present invention, when storing the image forming condition in the image forming condition memory, a plurality of attribute data are added to the image forming condition, and when reading out the image forming condition from the image forming condition memory, the image forming condition is stored in the image forming condition memory. A search is performed based on a plurality of attributes given to the forming conditions, and the image forming conditions are displayed on the display unit.
[0020]
For this reason, by assigning a plurality of attributes suitable for each image forming condition, such as when used by a plurality of users or when the same user is used for various purposes, the registered image forming conditions can be changed. Also at the time of reading, it is easy to determine the contents of the image forming conditions from the combination of attributes. That is, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently managing a plurality of image forming conditions.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus will be described as a specific example. Similarly, the operation of the image forming apparatus will be described as an image forming method.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a function of outputting image data read by a built-in scanner by image formation (print output), and an operation of storing image forming conditions in an image forming condition memory, or an image forming condition memory. The image forming apparatus has a function of displaying the image forming conditions stored in the image memory on a display unit for each folder when an operation of reading the image forming conditions stored in the image memory is performed. These functions are included in the main body control unit 101 as control means.
[0023]
In the image forming apparatus 100, 101 is a main body control unit as a control unit for controlling each unit of the image forming apparatus 100, 102 is an operation display unit for inputting various operations of the apparatus and performing various displays, and 103 is an image forming unit. Non-volatile memory as a table for storing various data including image forming conditions of the apparatus 100; 104, a scanner for reading a document image to generate image data; 105, for performing image processing on image data from the scanner An image processing unit 106 is a print engine that forms an image on recording paper and outputs the image.
[0024]
Further, in the post-processing device 110 that performs post-processing such as sorting and stapling processing on the recording paper output from the image forming apparatus 100, the post-processing unit 112 executes various post-processing in accordance with an instruction from the post-processing control unit 111.
[0025]
Note that the nonvolatile memory 103 has a function as an image forming condition memory in the claims. Further, the main body control unit 101 has a function as a control unit that executes image formation by applying the image forming conditions designated and read out by the operation display unit 102 to a print job.
The image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to various devices such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer. The print engine 106 may be of an electrophotographic type using a laser beam, an LED print head, or an inkjet type.
[0026]
In the image forming apparatus as described above, the operation of the characteristic portion of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3 and the explanatory diagrams of the screen display examples of FIG. In the following description of the operation of the embodiment, control and operation by the main body control unit 101 and programs stored in the non-volatile memory 103 will be simply described as control of the main body control unit 101.
[0027]
That is, in the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming condition including a combination of functions and conditions (density, magnification, paper size, color adjustment, tray selection, and the like) applied to the print job at the time of image formation is changed to the image forming condition. A file is registered in the non-volatile memory 103 serving as an image forming condition memory, and can be easily called from the non-volatile memory 103 serving as an image forming condition memory when necessary, without performing detailed setting operations. Have been.
[0028]
<Registration of image forming conditions>
When registering the image forming conditions, the user presses an image forming condition memory key (see FIG. 12 (1)) provided on a hard key of the operation display unit 102. Accordingly, the main body control unit 101 displays the initial screen of the image forming condition memory mode of FIG. 4A on the LCD integrated with the touch panel. Next, the user presses a key “register image forming conditions” at the bottom of the initial screen of the image forming condition memory mode (S1 in FIG. 2). When such an operation is performed from the operation display unit 102, the main body control unit 101 controls each unit in the image forming condition registration mode.
[0029]
The touch panel and the LCD 1 are electrically separated from each other, but are mechanically overlapped. Therefore, by pressing and operating the touch panel at the position displayed on the LCD, a state equivalent to pressing a predetermined button is generated.
[0030]
Further, as an initial screen of the image forming condition memory mode as shown in FIG. 4A, a list of folders (upper attributes in the present embodiment) storing image forming conditions registered by the user is selected as a selection screen, and The information is displayed on an integrated LCD. The name (user name or the like) given to this folder also constitutes a part of the “attribute” of the image forming condition in the present embodiment.
[0031]
In FIG. 4A, “SUZUKI”, “TANAKA”, “SATOH”, and “SAITOH” are already set as upper-level attributes handled as folders when searching or displaying image forming conditions. This shows a state created for a file. It should be noted that the above upper attributes may be created for each user, or may be created by the same user for each purpose. Therefore, the name of the upper attribute may be a user name or an arbitrary name, and in any case, constitutes a part of the attribute attached to the image forming condition.
[0032]
That is, in the present embodiment, when the image forming condition file is searched or displayed under the control of the main body control unit 101, an upper attribute described below is treated as a main folder, and a lower attribute is treated as a subfolder.
[0033]
Further, in the image forming condition initial screen of FIG. 4, for any one of the four folders “SUZUKI”, “TANAKA”, “SATOH”, and “SAITOH”, select the number from 1 to 4 using the numeric keypad. Alternatively, when any one of the display portions of the four folders is pressed, the main body control unit 101 refers to the non-volatile memory 103, searches for an image forming condition in a corresponding folder (upper attribute), and searches for the image forming condition. The list is displayed on the LCD of the operation display unit 102.
[0034]
FIG. 4B shows a case where a folder (upper attribute) “SUZUKI” is selected on the selection screen. One subfolder (lower attribute) “Punch” registered for the folder and three image forming conditions are selected. This shows a state in which the existence of “ABC CORPORATION”, “MAIL”, and “DEF COMPANY” as files is displayed.
[0035]
Here, when the user creates a new image forming condition, it is possible to start the registration from the initial screen of FIG. 4A, and it is also possible to start the registration from FIGS. 4B and 4C. As described above, it is also possible to create a new image forming condition after observing the already registered image forming conditions.
[0036]
By the operation of “register image forming condition” (S1 in FIG. 2), the main body control unit 101 performs an operation for registering the image forming condition including the combination of the function and the condition designated by the user in the nonvolatile memory 103. (FIG. 2S2). For this reason, the main body control unit 101 performs a function-based display on the operation display unit 102 on a setting registration screen as shown in FIGS.
[0037]
Here, FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 show examples in which reciprocation can be made alternately by the up and down arrow keys at the lower right of each screen. 5 shows basic function settings, FIG. 6 shows original settings, FIG. 7 shows image quality adjustment settings, FIG. 8 shows image quality adjustment settings, FIG. 9 shows application function settings, and FIG. 10 shows tray settings. In the present embodiment, it is possible to register as image forming conditions in a state where these respective functions and conditions are combined. Pressing the “tray setting confirmation” key at the bottom of the screens in FIGS. 5 to 9 causes the tray setting confirmation screen in FIG. 10 to be displayed.
[0038]
By pressing a “change setting” key on each of the screens shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, the user can change the settings of the respective image forming conditions. By pressing the "end" key in the lower right part of the screen in FIGS. 5 to 9, the selection of the image forming condition including the combination of the function and the condition is ended (Y in FIG. 2S3).
[0039]
Thereafter, the user assigns attribute data to the image forming conditions combined as described above via the operation display unit 102 using an attribute input screen (not shown) (S4 in FIG. 2). The attributes include the name of the creator of the image forming condition, the date and time when the image forming condition was created, the image forming operation mode, the type of the function or condition, the use of the function or condition, and the like. Further, it is preferable that the above attribute data is represented by alphabets, numerals, and the like. The above attribute data may be a single attribute data or a combination of a plurality of attributes (FIGS. 2 S4 and S5). When a plurality of attribute data are used, it is also preferable to determine an upper attribute and a lower attribute from the viewpoint of a search described later.
[0040]
After that, the user inputs an arbitrary file name from the operation display unit 102 using the file name input screen (not shown) for the image forming condition to which the attribute data is added as described above. (FIG. 2S6). This file name is preferably represented by an alphabet, a numeral, or the like. As described above, the main body control unit 101 stores the image forming condition, for which the file name has been input from the operation display unit 102, in the nonvolatile memory 103 as an image forming condition file while associating it with the assigned attribute data (FIG. 2S7). ).
[0041]
In the description of this embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, “ABC CORPORATION”, “MAIL”, and “DEF” are applied to the upper attribute data “SUZUKI”. The figure shows a state in which three image forming condition files having a file name of "COMPANY" are registered. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, “Staple”, “Z-Fold”, “Cover”, and “SZUKI” are assigned to the upper attribute data “SUZUKI” and the lower attribute data “Punch”. This shows a state in which four image forming condition files having a file name “Shift” are registered. The display like the hierarchical structure in FIG. 4 will be described in the following search / application section.
[0042]
<Search for image forming conditions and apply to print jobs>
When the image forming conditions are applied to the print job, the main body control unit 101 searches for the upper attribute attached to the image forming condition file (S1 in FIG. 3) and sets the image forming conditions as shown in FIG. As an initial screen in the memory mode, the upper attribute is displayed on the LCD integrated with the touch panel (S2 in FIG. 3).
[0043]
In FIG. 4A, as the upper attributes of the folder for storing the image forming condition file, the upper attributes of four names of “SUZUKI”, “TANAKA”, “SATOH”, and “SAITOH” have already been created. It shows the situation.
[0044]
That is, in the present embodiment, the upper attribute added to the image forming condition file is treated as a main folder under the control of the main body control unit 101, and a sub-folder of a lower attribute and a lower attribute are added to the folder. An image forming condition file that has not been set is included.
[0045]
Here, in the image forming condition initial screen of FIG. 4A, numbers 1 to 4 are assigned to any of the four higher-level attributes “SUZUKI”, “TANAKA”, “SATOH”, and “SAITOH”. When a selection is made with the numeric keypad or one of the four upper attribute display portions is pressed (Y in S3 in FIG. 3), the main body control unit 101 refers to the nonvolatile memory 103, and selects the lower attribute in the corresponding upper attribute. Alternatively, the image forming condition file is searched (S4 in FIG. 3), and a list of the corresponding lower attributes or the image forming condition file is displayed on the LCD of the operation display unit 102 (S5 in FIG. 3).
[0046]
FIG. 4B shows a case where the upper attribute “SUZUKI” is selected on the upper attribute selection screen, and one lower attribute “Punch” registered for the upper attribute and “3” as three image formation condition files. This shows a state in which the presence of “ABC CORPORATION”, “MAIL”, and “DEF COMPANY” is displayed. That is, FIG. 4B shows a lower attribute / image forming condition selection screen. Note that a mark indicating that “Punch” is a subfolder and an image forming condition file exists further below the subfolder is attached to the head of the display of “Punch”. In addition, since only the attribute "SUZUKI" is attached to the three image forming condition files, they are displayed at these positions.
[0047]
Here, in the lower attribute / image forming condition selection screen of FIG. 4B, when the display part of “Punch” as the lower attribute is pressed and selected (S6 in FIG. 3), the main body control unit 101 stores the nonvolatile memory 103 With reference to the image forming condition file in the corresponding lower attribute, a search is made (S8 in FIG. 3), and a list of applicable image forming condition files is displayed on the LCD of the operation display unit 102 as shown in FIG. 3S9).
[0048]
In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the upper attribute data “SUZUKI” and the lower attribute data “Punch” have the file names “Staple”, “Z-Fold”, “Cover”, and “Shift”. The figure shows a state where two image forming condition files are registered.
[0049]
For example, when the display of the image forming condition file “Shift” is pressed to select it (S10 in FIG. 3), and when “OK” is pressed in the lower right part of the screen, the main body control unit 101 causes the image forming condition file “Shift” to be displayed. Then, the image formation is executed by applying to the print job (S11 in FIG. 3). At this time, the main body control unit 101 controls to display the basic screen (FIG. 11).
[0050]
In the lower attribute / image forming condition selection screen of FIG. 4B, the lower attribute “Punch” is not selected (N in FIG. 3S), and the image forming condition files “ABC CORPORATION”, “MAIL”, “ Even if the user presses a display such as "DEF COMPANION" to select the image (S10 in FIG. 3) and presses "OK" in the lower right part of the screen, the main body control unit 101 applies the selected image forming condition file to the print job. And image formation is executed (S11 in FIG. 3). At this time, the main body control unit 101 controls to display the basic screen (FIG. 11).
[0051]
In the above description, the image forming condition file having the attribute of one stage and the image forming condition file having the attribute of two stages (upper and lower) have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is possible to set attributes of three or more levels.
[0052]
Also, an example using a user name is shown here for the upper attribute, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to set a use or function as an upper attribute.
[0053]
As described above, in this embodiment, when storing the image forming condition file in the image forming condition memory, attribute data is added to the image forming condition file, and the image forming condition file is stored in the image forming condition file. When reading from the condition memory, the image forming conditions are displayed with reference to the attribute data assigned to the image forming condition file. In other words, the attribute data assigned to the image forming condition is displayed and searched by treating it as a folder, so that the content of the image forming condition can be determined from the attribute even when the registered image forming condition file is read. It will be easier. That is, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently managing a plurality of image forming conditions.
[0054]
Further, by displaying and searching the attribute data assigned to the image forming condition file like a folder, it is not necessary to manage the image forming condition file on the nonvolatile memory 103 in a folder unit.
[0055]
<Other embodiments>
The above is the registration (new creation) and application of the image forming condition file. However, the content of the image forming condition file can be confirmed, corrected, or deleted. In this case, after selecting the image forming condition file, it is possible to cope by pressing "image forming condition confirmation" and "image forming condition deletion" at the bottom of the screen.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail with the embodiments, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0057]
(1) According to the first aspect of the invention, when storing the image forming conditions in the image forming condition memory, attribute data is added to the image forming conditions, and when the image forming conditions are read out from the image forming condition memory. Is configured to display the image forming conditions on the display unit with reference to the attribute data given to the image forming conditions. Therefore, by assigning an attribute suitable for each image forming condition, such as when a plurality of users use the same user or when the same user uses the same for various purposes, when the registered image forming conditions are read out, Also, it is easy to determine the contents of the image forming conditions from the attributes. That is, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently managing a plurality of image forming conditions.
[0058]
(2) According to the second aspect of the invention, when storing the image forming conditions in the image forming condition memory, a plurality of attribute data are added to the image forming conditions, and the image forming conditions are stored in the image forming condition memory. When reading from the image forming conditions, a search is performed using a plurality of attributes given to the image forming conditions, and the image forming conditions are displayed on the display unit. For this reason, by assigning a plurality of attributes suitable for each image forming condition, such as when used by a plurality of users or when the same user is used for various purposes, the registered image forming conditions can be changed. Also at the time of reading, it is easy to determine the contents of the image forming conditions from the combination of attributes. That is, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently managing a plurality of image forming conditions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation state according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation state according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement of hard keys of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional display screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image forming apparatus 101 main body control section 102 operation display section 103 nonvolatile memory 104 scanner 105 image processing section 106 print engine 110 post-processing apparatus 111 post-processing control section 112 post-processing section

Claims (2)

An image forming condition memory for storing image forming conditions including functions and conditions applied to a print job at the time of image forming;
An operation unit for performing an operation of storing the image forming condition in the image forming condition memory or an operation of reading out the image forming condition stored in the image forming condition memory;
A control unit that executes image formation by applying, to a print job, an image formation condition read out by the operation unit among the image formation conditions stored in the image formation condition memory;
Display means for performing various displays based on the control of the control means,
The control means assigns attribute data to the image forming condition when storing the image forming condition in the image forming condition memory, and sets the image forming condition when reading the image forming condition from the image forming condition memory. Displaying the image forming condition on the display unit with reference to the attribute data given to the condition,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The control means, when storing the image forming conditions in the image forming condition memory, assigning a plurality of attribute data to the image forming conditions,
When reading out the image forming conditions from the image forming condition memory, the image forming conditions are searched by a plurality of attributes given to the image forming conditions and the image forming conditions are displayed on the display unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

Images