JP3538415B2 - Image forming apparatus provided with magnification setting device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for forming an image by setting an arbitrary magnification when an image is formed by an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus, in particular, in a copying apparatus or a laser printer using an electrophotographic system, a photosensitive member serving as a recording medium is uniformly charged, and after uniform charging, reflected light from a document or image information. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor by irradiating the laser beam driven according to the image, and is developed using a developer or the like in order to make the image a visible image. The developed image is transferred to a sheet-shaped sheet that is appropriately conveyed, and the sheet is fed to a fixing device, so that the toner image transferred on the sheet is fixed as a permanent image and then externally. Is output.

Here, after the photoreceptor is charged to a specific polarity, the surface of the photoreceptor is image-exposed at a predetermined magnification. In other words, if it is 1x,
Exposure of the image itself, that is, exposure is performed in a 1: 1 state, but when reduction is performed, a light image to be exposed to an image of one size is formed as an image smaller than one. .

For example, in a copying apparatus, a reflected light image from a document is formed on a photoreceptor in a reduced or enlarged state via an image forming lens or the like. Also, in a digital image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, the size of a laser beam is not controlled according to the magnification, but the number of pixels of the image is controlled. The number of pixels is increased in the case of enlargement.

Here, conventionally, the size and use of an original
Paper size is fixed sizethat
Thus, an image can be formed according to the determined magnification. example
If the document size is A3, A4, B4, B5 and used
If the paper size to be printed is A4, A5, B4, B5
The size is A4, and the paper size for forming the image is B4.
The exposure on the photoreceptor surface at a magnification of 1.22 times (122%).
If the paper size is B5, it is 0.86 times (86
%) On the surface of the photoreceptor.

If the original size is B4 and the paper size used is A4 or B5, the original used in B5 is 0.81 times (81%) or 0.70 times (70%). In the case of B4, image exposure at 1.15 times (115%) or 1.41 times (141%) is performed.

As described above, when a fixed size original and a sheet are used, the entire image of the original can be formed on the sheet by performing image exposure at a predetermined magnification. Such a predetermined magnification is called a fixed magnification, and a setting key (fixed magnification key) dedicated to the fixed magnification is provided in order to obtain an image at the fixed magnification. This fixed magnification key is provided when a number of keys corresponding to the above-described magnification are provided, or by using one setting key, for example, 70% → 81.
% → 86% → (100% may be skipped)
A key to set the fixed magnification in order of → 115% → 122% → 141% → 70% cyclically, or to set the fixed magnification in the enlargement direction (70% → 81%... 141%). And shrink (direction 141% →
122%... 70%).

[0008] In contrast, a zoom key or the like is found provided that to set the magnification in 1% increments. In other words, it is used when the user sets an arbitrary magnification instead of the fixed magnification described above. For example, if the document size is A4 and the paper size on which the image is formed is B5, it is normal to form the image with a fixed magnification of 86%, but there is no problem, but the magnification is slightly smaller (for example, 83%). It is used when an image is formed by performing the process.

[0009]

According to the above-mentioned conventional magnification setting apparatus, both a key for setting a fixed magnification and a zoom key for freely setting an arbitrary magnification are provided. Therefore, an image with a desired magnification can be formed by operating these keys.

[0010] However, in the above-described magnification setting, a skilled operator can easily operate, but inexperienced operators often cannot understand what the fixed magnification is. In other words, even if it is understood that the document size is B4, when forming an image on A4 size paper, the magnification is set by operating the fixed magnification key, or the magnification is operated by operating the zoom key. I do not understand at all what to set. Further, even when the fixed magnification is set using the zoom key, the fixed magnification to be set is not known, and the wrong setting may be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the magnification setting operation with reference to the comparison table, and the operation is very troublesome.

Further, since the fixed magnification key and the zoom key are separately provided as described above, the operator only needs to increase the number of setting keys, and can easily determine which key can be operated to easily set a desired magnification. It becomes very difficult to understand, and a cumbersome operation is forced. In addition, while viewing the balance sheet as described above, must be magnification setting, if there is no its balance sheet, make a wrong magnification setting rely on feeling, Miss copy, etc. has occurred.

In addition to a fixed magnification key and a zoom key, frequently used magnifications are stored in advance as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-3547, and in order to set the magnifications, The setting key is provided separately from the zoom key and the fixed magnification key. Providing such a setting key simplifies the operation in the case of a very frequently used magnification setting. However, it is necessary for the user to memorize the magnification in advance, and an inexperienced user feels confused by increasing the number of setting keys, and the magnification setting becomes a very burdensome.

Therefore, in order to set a fixed magnification, each setting key corresponding to the fixed magnification is set by the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-3.
It is provided as described in Japanese Patent No. 547, and a fixed size is printed in correspondence with each of the setting keys. For example, in correspondence with a fixed magnification key of 70%, B4
The optimum paper size for forming an image corresponding to the document size, such as → B5, A3 → A4, is displayed.

However, there are provided a number of keys, zoom keys, special magnification setting keys, etc. corresponding to each fixed magnification described above.
In the case of performing the above-mentioned display, the space for providing a large number of keys on the operation panel is also limited, and at present it is printed or displayed in very small characters, and the display is very difficult to see, so refer to the display. It is rare to do. Also,
If the combination of all originals and the optimal paper size corresponding to each fixed magnification is displayed, it takes time and effort to search for the appropriate state, in addition to the problem that the display becomes smaller as described above. Troublesome operation is required.
Furthermore, since a large number of zoom keys, fixed magnification keys, frequently used magnification storage keys, and the like are arranged on the operation panel, the user's annoyance precedes and the impression that the operation is troublesome tends to be very strong. It becomes.

When a fixed magnification or a magnification in the vicinity of the fixed magnification is set by the zoom key, it is sufficient to be familiar with the magnification itself as described above, but an unskilled operator sets the magnification. The magnification cannot be easily known, making setting very difficult.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.
A first object is to simplify the operation for setting the magnification. It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnification setting device that simplifies not only the setting of a fixed magnification but also the setting operation of an arbitrary magnification using a specific magnification setting key.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve the operability of a zoom key so that a fixed magnification and an arbitrary magnification can be easily set by using the zoom key for setting a magnification.

[0018]

An image forming apparatus provided with a magnification setting device for achieving the above object of the present invention is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification. provided are, zoom key for setting by increasing or decreasing every units determined the magnification, the magnification setting apparatus having a display unit for displaying a set magnification according to the operation of the zoom key, pre Me-determined variety A sub-message consisting of a fixed magnification and a combination of the paper size and the original size corresponding to the various fixed magnifications is collectively displayed on the display unit.
Display and set the magnification using the zoom keys.
Display control means for causing the display to display the fixed magnification when the magnification set by operating the zoom key passes the fixed magnification.

In the above configuration, when it is confirmed that the magnification set by the operation of the display control means and the zoom key has passed the fixed magnification, the display of the fixed magnification passed therethrough is erased, and the annoying display disappears. Can be more reliably and easily recognized.

An image forming apparatus provided with a magnification setting device for achieving the above object of the present invention is provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification. increased or decreased for each unit that has been decided to set zoom key, the magnification setting apparatus having a display unit for displaying the set <br/> constant is magnification in accordance with the operation of the zoom key, pre Me-determined variety When a sub-message consisting of a combination of a fixed magnification and a paper size and a document size corresponding to the various fixed magnifications is displayed collectively on the display unit,
Both of them include a display control means for displaying the magnification set by the zoom key together, and the display control means makes the magnification set by the operation of the zoom key the next magnification and the remaining fixed magnification. It is characterized by being displayed so as to be distinguished.

According to this configuration, by displaying the set magnification by operating the zoom key so that the next set magnification is distinguished from the remaining fixed magnification, the fixed magnification and the set magnification to be increased or decreased are displayed. It ’s easier to understand the correspondence,
The magnification setting operation can be performed reliably and easily. In this case, the different display can be reversed, and if the magnification set by the zoom key is the corresponding fixed magnification state, the display is reversed so that it can be easily distinguished from other fixed magnifications. become.

[0022]

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a magnification setting device for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which a zoom key is operated in accordance with a magnification to be set and a document and a paper size in an optimum state near a fixed magnification are set as sub-messages. It is a figure showing the form displayed simultaneously with a set magnification. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel for an operator according to the present invention to set a magnification, and FIG. 3 is a control section of a scanning panel portion of FIG. 2 including control of an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the internal configuration of a digital copying machine having the operation panel shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is an image exposure unit which is analog, that is, a document image is directly recorded on a recording medium. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a copying machine in another image forming apparatus for forming an image on a photoconductor.

First, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in particular, a digital copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the main body of the copier 1 is provided with a scanner unit 2, a laser printer unit 3, and a multi-stage paper feed unit 4, and if necessary,
A sorter 5 is provided for performing post-processing of the recording paper discharged outside the apparatus, for example, distribution matching of the recording paper.

The scanner section 2 includes a document table 21 made of transparent glass and a two-sided automatic document feeder (RD).
H) 22, and a scanner unit 23. The scanner unit 23 is for reading an image of a document as a digital image, and includes an exposure assembly 24 for illuminating the document to be read, a plurality of mirrors 25 for reflecting light reflected from the document to a required area, and an image forming apparatus. The optical system 27 includes a system lens 26, and a CCD 28, which is a reading element, because reflected light from the original is imaged by the optical system 27 and undergoes photoelectric change.

The RDH 22 is provided with a document placing portion (document tray / not shown) on which a plurality of documents can be set at one time, and the documents placed on the document placing portion are scanned one by one. It is transported to the reading position. At this time, the front and back surfaces of the document conveyed as required, is conveyed to the reading position, it is the this reading them sequentially. The reading position is provided on the same horizontal plane as the document table 22, and a transparent glass plate for reading an image is disposed at that position.

The exposure assembly 24, the optical system 27 and the CCD 28 are supported on the same support member 29. The support member 29 is driven to run parallel to the lower surface of the document table 21 at a predetermined speed. . Thus, the image of the document placed on the document table 21 is formed on the CCD 28, and the images are sequentially read. In addition, the support member 29
The image is moved to the document reading position of the RDH 22 and stopped at that position, and the image of the document conveyed to the RDH 22 is formed on the CCD 28 via the optical system 27. It is designed to read. Therefore, the original is placed on the original table 21 or the RDH2
Depending on whether the document is placed on the second side, it is selected whether the travel is controlled along the support member 27 and the document table 21 or the still position is controlled by moving to the document reading position on the RDH 22 side. That is, the optical system 27 is scanned along the document table 22 by selecting a mode for forming an image of the document placed on the document table 22 and a mode for forming an image of the document using the RDH 22. Whether the document is moved to the document reading position on the RDH 22 side and stopped is controlled.

The image data read after the image of the original was Tsu preparative read in CCD28, in known image processing apparatus not shown, the image is an image processing the formed state is output onto the sheet by the printer unit 3 This is temporarily stored.

The printer unit 3 inputs image information processed by the above-described image processing apparatus, and controls a laser writing unit 31 that is driven and controlled in accordance with the image information. Image forming process unit 33 having photoconductor 32 as a recording medium to be irradiated
As a main element, and for recording the image information on a recording sheet conveyed appropriately. In particular, the laser writing unit 31 includes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam (laser beam) corresponding to image information, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular velocity, and a laser beam that is deflected at a constant angular velocity on the photoreceptor 2. F-
a θ lens and the like.

The image forming process section 33 is of a well-known electrophotographic type, and is a charger for uniformly charging the photosensitive member 1 to a specific polarity, and develops an electrostatic latent image formed by irradiating a laser beam. A developing device, a transfer device for transferring the developed image onto a recording paper that is appropriately conveyed, a cleaning device for removing toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor after transfer, and a next device for removing unnecessary charges remaining on the photoconductor. A static eliminator and the like provided for image formation are arranged around the photoconductor 1 so as to face each other.

Further, the printer section 3 includes a recording paper transport system 34 for feeding the recording paper to a transfer position facing the transfer unit of the image forming process section 33. The transport system 34 includes a manual paper feed tray 35 disposed on the right side of the printer unit 3 in a protruding state. Sheets placed on the paper feed tray 35 are fed and synchronized with the rotation of the photoconductor 32. A registration roller for controlling the start of sheet conveyance at the timing thus set, a fixing section 37 for fixing an unfixed image on the recording sheet after transfer, and a path 38 for discharging the fixed recording sheet outside the printer section 3.
And path 3 for sending the image to the image forming process section again
9, a path switching unit 30 for switching to any one of the transport paths.

On the other hand, apart from a manual paper feed table 35 for feeding paper to the printer unit 3, a multi-stage paper feed unit 4 provided for sequentially feeding paper of a selected size automatically is provided. In the figure, a first paper cassette 41, a second paper cassette 42, and
A third paper feed cassette 43 and a fourth paper feed tray 44 that can be added to the right end by selection are provided. In addition to these paper feeding units, an intermediate tray 46 is provided for forming an image on the other surface of the paper on which an image is formed on one surface by the printer unit 3. Further, the first, second, and third sheet cassettes 41, 4
An image-formed sheet stored in an intermediate tray 45 and a merged conveyance path 46 for feeding sheets selectively fed from the second, fourth, and fourth sheet feeding trays 44 to the conveyance system 34 of the printer unit 3. Path 4 for feeding
7, and a double-sided conveyance path 48 for guiding the sheet on which an image has been formed sent from the printer unit 3 to be stored in the intermediate tray 45.

The above-mentioned merged transport path 46 and the feed transport path 4
7. The two-sided conveyance path 48 is provided in a state where the two-sided conveyance path communicates with the conveyance system 34 provided in the printer unit 3 so that the two-sided conveyance path can be transferred. Although the description is omitted in the two-sided conveyance path 48, when an image is formed on both sides of a sheet, the image is guided to the intermediate tray 45 and stored as it is, and when an image is formed again on the same side. Guides the sheet to the transport path 47 without passing through the intermediate tray 45. Therefore, the sheet guided to the intermediate tray 45 is reversed in its feeding direction at the position of the intermediate tray 45, and is conveyed to the conveyance path 47 to be conveyed to the registration roller 36 with the image forming surface inverted. You. When the sheet is directly fed from the two-sided conveyance path 48 to the conveyance path 47, the image is conveyed such that its image forming surface is again opposed to the image forming process section 33.

The sorter 5 receives the paper discharged from the printer unit 3 and distributes and discharges the paper to the multi-stage bin 51. The sorter 5 sorts the number of pages in the same bin. Alternatively, it is selectively switched to a stack mode in which a plurality of sheets of the same document are stored in the same bin and stored.

The above copying machine 1 is a digital copying machine.
The image of the original is once decomposed into pixels, read, and image-processed.
, The image is exposed on the photoconductor 32 in the image forming process. At this time, the image irradiated on the photoconductor 1 is subjected to magnification processing through the above-described image processing device in accordance with the set magnification, and the image is irradiated through the laser irradiation unit 31 so that the image is irradiated in accordance with the set magnification. The resulting electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 32. That is,
If the size of the document to be read is A4 and the size of the paper to be used for copying is B4, digital processing is naturally performed at a magnification of 1.22 times (122%) as shown in FIG. Will be.

The copying machine 1 is not limited to a digital copying machine, but is of a type in which an image of a document is directly exposed on a photoconductor 32. The optical system 27 is configured as shown in FIG. 5, and the light reflected from the original on the original table 21 is reflected by three mirrors 27a, 27b, and 27c, and a zoom lens 27d of an imaging system is formed. The light is further reflected by the fixed mirror 27e through the optical axis and irradiates an image onto the photoreceptor 32. Therefore, the mirror 27a is supported by the same support as the light source 27f and is driven parallel to the document table 21 at, for example, a speed of V, and the two mirrors 27b and 27c are supported by the same support different from the above support. It is driven in parallel with the document table 21 at a speed (V / 2) that is half the speed V.

The zoom lens 27d focuses the reflected light from the document on the surface of the photosensitive member 32 at a focal point corresponding to the set magnification. Then, the traveling of the mirror 27a and the light source 27f is controlled at a speed corresponding to the magnification. That is, if the set magnification is m, drive control is performed at a speed of V / m, and the two mirrors 27b and 27c are driven at a speed of V / 2m.

The RDH 22 transfers the original placed on the original tray 22a to a paper feed belt 22b,
In this configuration, the sheet is conveyed by a conveyance belt 22e disposed on the document table 22 via conveyance means including the roller 2c and the driven roller 22d, and conveyed onto the document table 21. Then, when the image of the document is read, that is, when the image exposure is completed, the document is conveyed by conveyance means including a reversing roller 22f and a driven roller 22g, and is sent to the above-described document tray 22a via the discharge rollers 22h and 22i. Will be returned.

When the RDH 22 operates in the normal RDH mode, the document is conveyed one by one from the lowermost portion, conveyed to the position of the optical system 27 in the figure, and the image is conveyed without stopping the document without stopping. The image exposure is performed by exposing or positioning the leading end of the document (the rear end in the document transport direction) at the reference position of the document table 21 and stopping it, and scanning the optical system 27 along the document table 21. In this case, RDH
In the mode, after one exposure of the document is completed, the document is returned to the document tray 22a. In the case of operating in the ADF mode, the original is returned to the original tray 22a when the exposure scanning for the set number of copies is completed.

Next, an example of the present invention for simplifying the operation of setting the magnification in the above-described copying machine 1 will be described in detail.

In order to set the magnification, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the magnification setting key, a number of keys for setting various copying conditions other than the magnification and the conditions are sequentially displayed on the operation panel. A display device and the like are provided.

In FIG. 2, an operation panel 101 displays a set magnification and the like according to the present invention and a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as L) as display means for displaying other necessary information.
CD: Liquid Crystal Display) 102, a key for setting the magnification according to the present invention, wherein the magnification is 1
A zoom-up key 103 and a zoom-down key 104, which are zoom keys that can be changed in units of%, an operation guide key 105 for guiding the operation state of the copier as needed, and a set number display unit for displaying the set number of copies 10
6, a copy completion display unit 107 for displaying the number of copies completed, a numeric keypad 108 for setting the number of copies, a clear key 109 for clearing the set number of copies, and a copy start key (print switch) for starting a copy operation ) 110 is provided. Further, on the operation panel 101, a sorter function setting unit 111 for instructing processing in the sorter 51, for example, stacking or dispensing / discharging, a copy mode setting unit 112 for setting double-sided or single-sided copy mode, other RDH mode, and the like, image formation And a function setting unit 113 for setting various image processing functions such as securing the binding margin of the recording paper on which the image processing has been performed, centering the image, and trimming. Reference numeral 114 denotes a paper selection key for selecting a paper.

The zoom up key 103 on the operation panel 101 is operated to gradually increase the magnification in 1% units, that is, to zoom up. The zoom down key 104 is operated to gradually lower the magnification in 1% units, that is, to zoom down.

The operation panel 101 is a main CPU 12 for controlling the image forming operation of the copying apparatus as shown in FIG.
4 via a communication interface. In particular, the numeric keypad 108 on the operation panel 101,
A key matrix 152 in which reduction keys 103 and 104, operation guide keys 105, and other various operation keys are connected in a matrix state, an LED display unit 151 for displaying set functions and the like, and an LCD 1 according to the present invention.
02 is controlled via the operation panel control unit 128.

The operation panel control unit 128 includes a program ROM 141, a data ROM 142, a CPU 143,
Attribute RAM 144, V-RAM 145, 14
6. Character generator ROM (hereinafter CG-ROM)
147), a graphic ROM 148, a color palette 149, and an LC for performing magnification display according to the present invention.
A D controller 150 is provided.

The program ROM 141 stores the CPU 1
The display control means of the present invention is constituted together with the LCD controller 43, the LCD controller 150, and the like, and stores in advance a control program of the CPU 143, particularly a program for controlling the operation panel. The data ROM 142 stores message data in characters indicating a series of operation procedures for jam processing in each section such as the copying machine body 1 and the RDH 22, storage addresses and display color information of the data in the graphic ROM 148, and a magnification according to the present invention. Information such as a sub-message in the setting is stored in advance in, for example, a code. The CPU 143 is connected to the main CPU 124 of the image forming apparatus via a communication interface, and performs a control operation based on a program in the program ROM 141 in accordance with an input from the CPU 124.

The attribute RAM 144 stores the display data written in the RAM 144 in the L format.
It instructs the CD controller 150 to blink the displayed image, invert black and white, and the like in the display on the LCD 102. The V-RAMs 145 and 146
Is a memory for temporarily storing, as code data, display data such as a magnification display and message data to be displayed graphically according to the present invention. CG
-The ROM 147 stores the font of each character. The graphic ROM 148 stores graphic data such as a magnification (display in large characters) display according to the present invention, a document size of a copying machine, a selected paper size, and the like.

Therefore, in order to better understand the above configuration, its simple operation will be described. First, when a zoom-up key or a zoom-down key 103 or 104, which is a zoom key on the operation panel 101, is operated, an operation signal is input to the CPU 143 of the operation panel control unit 128 via the key matrix 152. Check the operation status and send it to the main CPU 1 of the copier.
24 via the communication interface. Main C
Upon receiving this operation signal, the PU 124 sequentially counts the magnification. That is, the zoom up key 10
If 3, the counter "1" not a One going to add. This is a magnification setting in units of 1%. The contents of the counter are usually the initial values when the power is turned on.
00% (1: 1), for example, “100” is preset.

The main CPU 124 sends the counted copy magnification (image magnification) data to the operation panel control unit 128 via the communication interface. Upon receiving this magnification data, the CPU 143 executes the program R
According to the contents of OM141, the magnification data is stored in the CG-ROM.
147 and the graphic ROM to convert the data into bit data and the like, store them in the V-RAMs 14 and 15,
It is displayed on the LCD 102 via the controller 150. At this time, in the magnification setting according to the present invention, in a state near the fixed magnification, a message is displayed separately from the magnification display, for example, the document and paper size which are the optimal conditions for forming an image at the fixed magnification are displayed. A4 → B
In order to display a sub-message according to the present invention, such as 5 ", the message is written into the V-RAMs 145, 146, etc., and displayed on the LCD 102.

Therefore, the LCD controller 150 reads the data stored in the V-RAMs 145 and 146 as described above via, for example, the CG-ROM 147, and drives the LCD 102 in accordance with the read data to display the data. At this time, when displaying a graphic other than the magnification and the message on the LCD 102, the graphic RO
It is read via M148.

The attribute RAM 144 is used for causing the LCD 102 to partially blink or invert the display as necessary as described above, and the color palette 149 is used for causing the LCD 102 to perform color display. Is stored in the V-RAMs 144 and 145, and is particularly used for color display of the data in the color display area stored in the V-RAMs 144 and 145.

The main CPU 124 not only controls the operation panel unit via the communication interface with the operation panel control unit 128 as described above, but also controls the image forming operation of the main body of the copying machine 1. I go along. For example, by inputting detection signals from various detection sensors of the copying machine 1 or the like, the image forming process unit 33 of the printer unit 3 is controlled, and at the same time, the automatic selection, paper feeding, and conveyance of the paper are controlled, and the image forming is sequentially performed. Control. Also, by inputting signals from various detection sensors from the RDH 22, the document transport control by the RDH 22 is simultaneously controlled.

In the magnification setting of the present invention, a zoom key is used as a magnification setting key, and this zoom key, in particular, a zoom up key or a zoom down key 10 is used.
An example in which an arbitrary magnification can be easily set in accordance with the operations of 3, 104 will be described. Therefore, it is a matter of course that a fixed magnification key or the like may be separately provided as necessary in addition to the zoom key, as in the conventional case. In the present invention, a fixed magnification and other arbitrary magnifications can be easily set by using a zoom key as compared with the related art, and the operability of the key is improved.

Therefore, before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the features of the present invention relating to the magnification setting will be described.
For example, when setting a fixed magnification as the image formation magnification,
Either the zoom up key or the zoom down key 103 or 104 is operated. In response to this operation, the magnification at the start (initial time) is sequentially increased and decreased in units of 1% and displayed. At that time, a predetermined fixed magnification, for example, 86%
Or, when it is close to 115%, the LCD 102 displays a sub-message as an appropriate combination of the original and the paper size based on the fixed size at the fixed magnification of 86% or 115% according to the fixed magnification display. Here, the document size includes not only a sheet-shaped document size but also, in the case of a digital image, an image size input via a scanner or an image input unit (a word processor, a personal computer, or the like).

In the key operation for setting the magnification described above, the operator can see the sub-message at the same time as the displayed magnification to know the state of the fixed magnification. Therefore, the user can easily set the fixed magnification based on the content for each fixed magnification displayed in the sub message. If you want to set an arbitrary magnification near the fixed magnification,
Since the magnification can be set with reference to the display of the sub-message, the operation is simplified.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a basic control flow in a state of being enlarged (zoomed up) or reduced (zoomed down) by 1% when the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is operated. . The control state of zooming up or zooming down will be described with reference to FIG. This shows an example in which the magnification is changed in units of 1%, and the present invention is not limited to this case.

First, an enlargement key (Z-
7 is operated in FIG.
Zoom-up control for increasing the magnification in units of% is performed.
When the zoom-up key 103 is operated, the operation state is confirmed (S1), and the content of the counter is set to "0".
It is confirmed whether or not this is the case (S2). This counter is used to continuously increase or decrease the magnification while the state in which the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is operated (ON). If the operation is continued for a long time, control is performed so as to shorten the cycle in which the increasing / decreasing magnification changes, thereby shortening the time for setting the desired magnification.

Here, the content of the counter (C) is "0", the timer T is set to 400 msec, and the timer operation is started (S4). Thereafter, the content of the counter (C) is incremented by "1" (S4), and the content of the magnification counter (M) is similarly incremented by "1" (S5). The set magnification is sent to the operation panel control unit 128 (S6).

On the other hand, on the main CPU 124 side, S
Return to 1. At this time, by confirming in step S0 that the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated, the flow shifts from S1 to S2, and it is confirmed that the content of the counter is not "0". Set timer T is 400
whether measures the msec is confirmed (S7), repeated confirmed such BUT MUST S1 → S2 → S7 operation. And
If the timer T counts 400 msec, it is checked whether or not the content of the counter (C) is less than 5 (S8), and 400 msec is set in the timer T again (S9) to start the timing operation and the counter (C). Is incremented by "1" (S4), and the magnification counter (M) is incremented by "1".
The count is incremented (S5), and the operation panel control unit 128
(S6), and the contents are displayed via the LCD 102.

As described above, the zoom-up key 10
If 3 is continuously operated, the zoom-in is performed in increments of 1% every 400 msec, and when it is increased by 5%, the counter C becomes "5", and then S8 → S10 → S11.
The timer T is set to 200 msec from the next time (S11), and the timer T is shifted by 1% every 200 msec.
Is being improved. Then, if there is a magnification change of 10%, the zoom-in is performed in units of 1% every 100 msec after that, via S12 → S13. In step S12, if the content of the magnification counter M has reached "141", no further magnification can be set, and the process returns to S1 without counting up the magnification counter M or the like. That is, the zoom up key is operated continuously (O
N), when the upper limit of the magnification is reached, the magnification state is maintained, and further setting of the magnification is prohibited.

When the zoom-down key 104 is operated, the zoom-down is performed in units of 1%, as shown in FIG. 8, and the state is displayed on the LCD 102 sequentially. If the operation of the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is released (OFF),
This state is detected in step S0 (or step S00), and in this state, the content of the counter C is cleared,
It becomes "0" (S15 or S015). However, the magnification counter M maintains the set content. However, when the power of the copier is turned on or when the copier is left unused for a predetermined time, the set magnification is set to 100% as an initial value, and the magnification counter M is preset to “100”. Therefore, if the zoom up or zoom down key 103 or 104 is operated in this state, 100%
Is increased or decreased in the above-described 1% unit.

Therefore, on the operation panel control unit 128 side,
Displaying the set magnification data sent from the main CPU 124 on the LCD 102 is as described above. Moreover, in the present invention, the main CPU 124
The sub message is displayed on the LCD 102 simultaneously with the magnification display according to the magnification data transferred from the sub-message.

This will be described in accordance with the control flow shown in FIG. 9. In the operation panel control unit 128, the main CP
When the magnification data is transferred from U124, it is confirmed in step S20 that the magnification data has been transferred.
The process proceeds from S21 to S22, and it is confirmed whether or not the transferred magnification data is near a fixed magnification (S22). For the fixed magnification data, for example, the data ROM 14
The stored data is compared with the set magnification data.

The data ROM 142 stores 64% to 14%.
When the magnification can be set up to 1%, as shown in FIG. 6, the fixed magnification is 70%, 81%,
86%, 115%, 122% and 141% are stored. In the comparison, for example, in this embodiment, confirmation is made within a range of ± 5% of the fixed magnification. For example, from 81% to 76% to 86%, it is determined as Yes in step S22. This step S22 is a determination means for determining whether the set magnification (magnification counted by the magnification counter M) in the present invention is a fixed magnification or a magnification in the vicinity thereof.

If it is confirmed that the set magnification is not in the vicinity of the specific fixed magnification, only the set magnification is graphically displayed in a predetermined area of the LCD 102 in step S23. However, if it is confirmed that the set magnification data is around one specific fixed magnification, step S
At 24, the sub-message is displayed in the usual character form, in particular, the content stored in the CG-ROM 147, simultaneously with the display of the set magnification. This sub-message is a combination of the document size and the paper size under optimal conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, if the fixed magnification is 70%, A4 (document or image size) → A5 (paper size),
The contents are A3 → A4, B4 → B5.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the operation of the zoom-up key 103 or 104 causes
If the set magnification is near a specific fixed magnification, a sub-message is displayed at the same time as the set magnification. By visually checking this display, the operator can visually determine the display of the optimal conditions for the document and the paper size without making a determination based on the set magnification at that time. Therefore, the desired magnification setting by the operator is simplified. Also, if the operator is familiar with the magnification itself, the desired magnification state can be easily operated by visually checking the set magnification instead of the sub message.
Even if the operator is unskilled, even a skilled person can easily operate in the same manner.

In FIG. 9, when the set magnification is not near a certain fixed magnification or in the vicinity of the fixed magnification in step S23 or S24, a sub-message is displayed simultaneously with the fixed magnification. In this display, for example, as shown in FIG.
The document size (for example, B5) set on the document tray and the selected paper size (for example, A4)
May be displayed graphically at the same time. In such a display, a code for displaying a copying machine or the like is stored in the data ROM 142, and bit data necessary for display corresponding to the code is read out via the graphic ROM 148, and the LCD controller 150 is read. Displayed via For the document size and paper size, the main CPU
By sending the data to the PU 143, the size display at that time can be performed.

If the display as shown in FIG. 10 is performed at the same time, the display of the sub-message at that time and the fixed magnification based on the current document size and paper size can be easily grasped. The fixed magnification can be set more easily and reliably. In addition, when setting an arbitrary magnification near the fixed magnification, the display can be used as a reference and an accurate magnification can be set.

Here, as the fixed magnification, the fixed magnification forms in the A and B series are shown according to the example of FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies to the inch system. For example, 64% (8.5 × 11 → 5.5 × 8.5,
11 × 17 → 8.5 × 11), 77% (8.5 × 14 →)
8.5 × 11, 11 × 17 → 8.5 × 14), 121%
(8.5 × 14 → 11 × 17), 129% (5.5 ×
The fixed magnification is 8.5 → 8.5 × 11, 8.5 × 11 → 11 × 17).

In the above description, the zoom up key 103
Is continuously operated, and when the operation is canceled (OFF) on the way, the set magnification at that time is displayed, and the sub-message is displayed near the fixed magnification. In this case, the sub-message may be erased after a certain period of time after the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is released, or the sub-message may be continuously displayed.

The above sub-messages are stored in the data ROM 142 in the correspondence shown in FIG. 6, and the contents are read out and read out from the V-RAM or the CG-RO.
Displayed on the LCD 102 via M. At this time, if you want to display the number as a graphic as a graphic,
The display data is stored in the graphic ROM 148, read out via the graphic ROM 148, and read out from the LCD 102 via the LCD controller 150.
Will be displayed.

Here, in FIGS. 7 and 8, in connection with the operation of the zoom-up key or the zoom-down key 103, 104, the operation is started every 400 msec.
Finally, the magnification is zoomed up or down in units of 1% every 100 msec, but the present invention is not limited to this. That each from the beginning determined Mera time, for example it may be zoomed up or zoom-down every 200 msec, or if allowed to be the magnification set by the speed enough to visually magnification the operator changes.

In the magnification display described above, there is a case where the magnification changes in accordance with the determined time. In order to speed up the desired magnification setting, the transition time is shortened. Therefore, the timing at which the key operation is canceled by determining the target magnification value may be shifted, and the state may be set to a position before the target magnification or beyond the target magnification.

In order to solve such a problem, in displaying the sub-message near the fixed magnification,
The transition of the change of the magnification set in accordance with the display of the sub message is delayed. For example, at the start of the operation of the zoom up or zoom down key 103 or 104, in the description of the present embodiment, zoom up or zoom down is performed every 400 msec, and after a 10% change, zoom up every 100 msec. Alternatively, the zoom may be down, and it may go too far from the target magnification setting, or may stop shortly. Therefore, when the zoom-up or zoom-down key 103 or 104 is continuously operated from around the fixed magnification, particularly from the time when the sub-message is displayed, the zoom-in or zoom-down is performed at an initial interval of 400 msec. You can do so.
This can be easily executed by the time set in the timer T as described above. Including the timer T, the cycle of counting up or counting down the magnification counter M, in particular, the cycle of changing the magnification in units of 1%. A count control unit for controlling is configured.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, three stages of switching are performed for zooming up or zooming down.
That is, 400 ms in the initial stage, and 200 ms in the next stage.
ec, and finally switch to 100 msec. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where zoom-in or zoom-down is performed at a fixed time from the initial state, for example, every 100 msec, as described above, in the period in which the sub-message with the fixed magnification is displayed, Even if it changes every 200 msec, the target magnification can be easily set. In short, at the stage where the sub-message is displayed, the sub-message may be changed every time the change-up time of the zoom-up or the zoom-down is slightly longer.

However, in the initial change every 400 msec, if the change time is set longer than that, it becomes troublesome. Therefore, the magnification may be changed every 1% while maintaining the 400 msec. In other words, it is sufficient that the change is not made longer than the longest time.

As described above, since the change of the magnification set near the fixed magnification (change at every 1%) becomes slow, the magnification setting near the fixed magnification can be easily performed by one operation. It can be performed reliably. Therefore, the time required for setting the magnification can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.

(First Embodiment of the Present Invention) Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In this embodiment, in the magnification setting using the zoom key, the sub message is displayed only near the fixed magnification. Therefore, the sub message, because it is not displayed not approach the fixed magnifications, unfamiliar operator may not understand or may perform any good Una magnification setting is in a state where the display disappears. Therefore, in this embodiment, when performing zoom-in or zoom-down to set a target magnification, sub-messages corresponding to various fixed magnifications in a state where the zoom-up is performed with respect to the initial magnification are collectively displayed. .

For example, in the case of a fixed magnification in the A and B systems, when the initial magnification before zooming up or down is 85%, the zoom up key 103
By operating, various sub-messages at a fixed magnification of 85% or more are displayed. That is, as the fixed magnification of 85% or more, 86%, 115%, 122%, and 141%
%, And a sub-message is displayed in a lump with a combination of the original size and the paper size under the optimum condition at each fixed magnification. The operator can easily set a desired magnification by referring to this display.

Therefore, control for realizing the above-described operation will be described with reference to the control flow of FIG. Before performing the flow of the Figure 1, in the control flow of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8,
Either the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is operated.

When the operation is confirmed, the control flow shown in FIG. 7 or 8 is executed, and step S6 (or step S0) is executed.
In step 6), the set magnification that is increased or decreased by “1” from the initial magnification is transferred to the operation panel control unit 128. When the transferred magnification data is received by the operation panel control unit 128, the control flow shown in FIG.
Control and execution are performed at 43.

Therefore, if it is confirmed that the magnification data has been received (S30), it is recognized that the received data has the set magnification (S31), and the initial value before the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 is operated. the set magnification (m) is stored in the storage unit M2, a storage new set magnification which is transferred to (m1) in the memory unit M1 (S32, S3
3) The initial set magnification (m) is usually stored in the storage unit M.
1 and the contents of the storage unit M1 are stored in the storage unit M
2 and stored. The transferred new set magnification (m1) is the content of the magnification counter M set by operating the zoom up key 103 or the zoom down key 104 in FIG. 7 or FIG.

Then, the contents of the storage units M1 and M2 are compared in the next step (S34). If the transferred magnification (m1) of the storage unit M1 is larger than the magnification (m) of the storage unit M2, the zoom is performed. It is recognized that the zoom-up state is established by the up key 103. On the other hand, when the magnification of the storage unit M1 is smaller than the magnification of the storage unit M2, it is recognized that the zoom-down state is established by operating the zoom-down key 104.

Therefore, the storage content M2 (m) of each storage unit>
If it is M1 (m1), the process proceeds to step S35, where a sub-message is displayed on the LCD 102 along with the set magnification and various fixed magnifications present on the zoom-down side, as shown in FIG. Is done. If M2 <M1, the process proceeds to step S36. As shown in the figure, the sub-message is displayed on the LCD 102 along with the set magnification and various fixed magnifications present on the zoom-up side, in combination of the original and the paper size under the optimal condition. Is displayed.

[0085] In the above display, the operator, with reference to the sub messages in various fixed magnifications which are collectively appear and the easily adjust the ratio of interest.

The display of the sub-message may be performed only for a predetermined period after the operation, and may be deleted thereafter, and only the set magnification may be displayed. The predetermined period is set so that the operator can recognize the displayed sub-message, and may be set to, for example, about 5 seconds. In addition, as described above, the sub-messages that have been erased may be displayed again for a predetermined period of time once the fixed magnification or near the fixed magnification is reached. In this case, only a combination of appropriate conditions of the document and the paper size near a specific fixed magnification may be displayed, or may be displayed collectively. Therefore, when the magnification approaches the fixed magnification, the sub-message is displayed again so that the operator can recognize the desired magnification again, so that the desired magnification can be easily set without fail, and the operation becomes easier.

(Another Aspect of First Embodiment) FIG.
In the operation of the zoom-up key 103 or the zoom-down key 104, when displaying various fixed magnifications and sub-messages existing in the zoom-up or zoom-down direction, the sub-message is deleted after a predetermined time. The sub message is always displayed including various fixed magnifications, and when passing through one fixed magnification displayed collectively, the sub message at that fixed magnification is deleted and the sub message corresponding to the remaining fixed magnification is displayed. Display. By doing so, the recognition of the target magnification is facilitated by erasing the unnecessary conditions, and the magnification setting can be performed more reliably without mistake.

FIG. 11 shows this embodiment. That is,
In the state displayed on the LCD 102 as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the zoom-up key 103 is operated from an initial value of 100% (actual magnification), and the operation is continued (ON is continued).
In this state, 115%, 122
A sub-message consisting of a combination of the original and the paper size under the optimal conditions at the fixed magnification of% and 141% is displayed. Then, the display state is maintained until the magnification state of 115%, passes through the fixed magnification of 115%, and the set magnification becomes 1
When the magnification reaches 16%, the sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification of 115% is deleted.

Further, by continuing the operation of the zoom-up key 103, a corresponding sub-message is displayed together with the fixed magnification in the zoom-up direction until the fixed magnification of 122% elapses. Only the sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification of% is displayed.
As described above, each time the fixed magnification is passed, the fixed magnification that is no longer needed and its sub message are deleted,
The troublesomeness at the time of visual observation is reduced, the operability can be improved, and the target magnification setting can be definitely simplified.

In this description, the zoom-up direction has been described, but a sub-message corresponding to the fixed-magnification display in the zoom-down direction and the corresponding sub-message are displayed. The fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message are deleted.

(Other Aspects of First Embodiment) FIG.
In the following, a description will be given of a case where the fixed magnification that has passed is erased every time the light passes through the fixed magnification. Apart from this, when the sub message is displayed together with the fixed magnification displayed collectively, the fixed magnification that has passed is not erased, but the next fixed magnification differs from the other fixed magnification. To display. This makes it easier to understand the setting of the target set magnification, and also solves the problem of easily recognizing that the target set magnification has passed.

FIG. 12 is a display example showing the above case. In FIG. 12, initially, as in FIG.
If the zoom-up key 103 is operated at 00% (actual magnification), the setting is zoomed up to a magnification of 101%. Oite this state, is displayed on the zoom up direction of the various fixed magnifications and LCD102 collectively by sub message combined corresponding thereto for collectively 100%. At this time, the display 102a of the sub message corresponding to the first fixed magnification of 115% is changed to another fixed magnification of 1%.
Display of sub-messages corresponding to 22% and 141% 10
2b.

When the set magnification becomes 116%, only the next fixed magnification of 122% is displayed separately from the other fixed magnifications.
Is displayed separately from the other magnifications.

Among the various fixed magnifications displayed in this way, the fixed magnification next to the magnification displayed on the display of the set magnification is highlighted in the figure, and can be easily distinguished from the display of other fixed magnifications. . Therefore, the next fixed magnification can be easily recognized, and the desired magnification can be easily set. Further, since the relationship between the display state of the set magnification and the fixed magnification can be easily recognized, it is easy to determine whether or not the target set magnification has passed, and if the target magnification has passed, the operation is continued. The user can reliably operate without setting a desired magnification. Then, if you confirm the passing state, you can use the zoom up key 1
By operating the zoom-down key 104 separately from the step 03, the target magnification can be easily set. At this time, the fixed magnification in the zoom-down direction is displayed collectively, and the first fixed magnification is displayed separately from the other fixed magnifications, so that the magnification setting in the vicinity can be set very easily. .

The above is the description of the operation of the zoom up key 103, but the same applies to the operation of the zoom down key 104, so that the description will be omitted.

In addition to the reverse display, the display can be distinguished by changing the color, displaying in large characters, or adding a mark such as → at the top. In the reverse display, as described above, the attribute RAM 144 is used, and when the color is changed, the color palette 149 or the like is used. When changing colors, the LCD 102 is a display device for displaying a color image.

(Another Aspect of the First Embodiment) As a final aspect of this embodiment, as a collective display including a fixed magnification of a sub-message, an area for collective display according to the mode in which the copying machine 1 is set. Restrict. For example, FIG.
In the copying machine shown in (1), an image is read by a CCD, and the read digital image is subjected to image processing in accordance with a set magnification. Therefore, the reading scan is always performed at a fixed speed regardless of the set magnification.

However, when an image of a document as shown in FIG. 5 is formed directly on the photosensitive member 32, it is necessary to control the scanning speed of the optical system according to the set magnification. Here, when the document is placed on the document table 21 and the optical system 23 is scanned to expose the image of the document to the photoconductor 32, problems such as speed fluctuations are solved, and the optical speed is set at the set speed. Scan can be performed. However, in the case where the reflected light is imaged on the photoreceptor 32 via the fixed optical system 27 while conveying the original in the RDH 22 or the like, the allowable range of the magnification is set on the original table 21. It is smaller than when a placed document is scanned. For example, assuming that the magnification that can be obtained by scanning the optical system 27 is 64 to 141%, when an image is formed on the photoconductor 32 while the original is being conveyed, 70 to 12%.
It is limited to about 1%. This is for accurately forming an image on the photoconductor 32.

Therefore, if the mode in which the image formation by the RDH 22 is performed is selected, the fixed magnification and the sub-message within the above-described magnification range are displayed together. This case is as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 13, when the zoom up key 103 is operated when the initial value is 69%, 70%
A fixed magnification of 70% in the zoom-up direction with the set magnification of
%, 81%, 86%, and 115% are displayed together with the sub-message that is the optimum condition for the original and the paper size at that time. When the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated, the magnification is gradually zoomed up and the magnification becomes 71
%, 72%... 100%, and in the 100% state, sub-messages and the like are deleted. In addition, 11
After passing through the fixed magnification of 5%, the display of the sub-message is deleted, the zoom up is performed to the magnification of 121%, and the subsequent zoom up is prohibited.

Normally, the original is not placed in the RDH mode,
In the mode in which copying is performed in a state where the image is stopped at 1, the fixed message of 122% or 141% is also added in addition to the above-mentioned fixed image, and a sub-message corresponding to the fixed image is displayed. In the RDH mode, 122% and 141% outside the allowable range are not displayed. As described above, the sub message is displayed as the sub message indicating the correspondence between the original and the paper size permitted in each mode according to the copy mode set in advance. Or, an arbitrary magnification can be easily and reliably set.

As another mode in which the magnification range to be set is determined, such as the RDH mode, an original is set in a state where the original is stationary on the original platen 21, and the left and right images are separated from the set original. There is a one-set two-copy mode for copying on paper. This is used, for example, when a book document is set on the document table 21 in a double-page spread state, and the images of the left and right pages are copied on individual sheets or copied on the front and back of one sheet. Therefore, the magnification that can be set at that time is 64% to 100% (when the allowable setting magnification of the copying machine is 64% to 141%), and enlargement copying cannot be performed. Even in such a mode setting,
The various fixed magnifications existing in the above range are displayed together with the sub message.

[0103] Also in this embodiment, as shown in the display at the same time 10 sub-message, the whole copying machine and the document size and the selected paper size, Ru is displayed further combined feedable paper sizes, etc. Needless to say, this may be done.

[0104] Next (second embodiment of the present invention), as a second embodiment, the display of your Keru sub message to the first embodiment <br/> described above, simplified, Zumuki
A specific example in which the target magnification can be reliably and easily set by the user operation will be described below.

That is, in the sub-message, the optimum condition of the combination of the usable original size and the usable paper size is displayed. Therefore, the number of combinations increases as the number of usable originals and papers increases, and the visual confirmation is ambiguous and may be erroneous. Therefore, if the document size is set in advance, the used paper size at the magnification for the document is specified and displayed. By doing so, the content of the sub-message is specified, and the operation for setting the magnification can be performed more easily and reliably.

Further, in addition to specifying or setting the size of the document, even when the paper size is selected, the size of the document corresponding to the set magnification, particularly the fixed size, can be specified. Moreover, even if the paper size is not specified, as long as the paper that can be fed is specified, the original size corresponding to those sizes can be specified.

(When Document Size is Set) First, a case where a document size for copying is specified will be described. When this document size is specified,
When the size of a document placed on a platen or the like is automatically detected, and the size of the document is recognized each time. Also,
When the operator himself knows the document size and the operator inputs this document size. In RDH and the like, since a document is placed in advance, a method for automatically detecting the size of the placed document is well known, and there is a case where this is automatically set as the document size.

The automatic detection device for detecting the size of a document placed on the document table 21 is well-known prior to the filing of the present application, and is listed here in the publications showing known technologies and in publicly used devices. do not do. In the RDH 22, ADF, or the like that automatically conveys a document, as described above, the size of the document placed on the document tray 22a or the like is automatically detected in advance.

When the size of the original to be copied is specified and set as described above, a sub message is displayed according to the detected original size as shown in FIG. For example, if the document size is set to A4, when the zoom-up key 103 is used to zoom in from the initial value of 100%, for example, a sub message for the first fixed magnification of 115% is not displayed. The sub message is displayed with the fixed magnification of 122%. The sub-message includes a document size A4 and a fixed magnification of 1
The optimum combination of paper sizes that can be copied at 22%, that is, “A4 → B4”.

When the operation of the zoom-up key 103 is continued to achieve a fixed magnification of 141%, a sub message is displayed by a combination of “A4 → A3” at that time. When this document size is A4,
In particular, when the zoom down key 104 is operated,
Sub message is not displayed at a fixed magnification of 1%.
“A4 → B5” is displayed as a sub message corresponding to the fixed magnification of 86%, and “A4 → A5” is displayed as a sub message corresponding to the fixed magnification of 70%.

According to the first embodiment, various fixed magnifications in the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down direction may be displayed together with the sub-message. In this case, for example, at an initial value of 100%, the fixed magnifications of 122% and 14
Along with 1%, the sub-messages “A4 → B4” and “A4 → A3” are displayed collectively corresponding to the fixed magnification. On the other hand, in response to the operation of the zoom down key 104, at the initial value of 100%, fixed magnifications of 86% and 70% are displayed, and "A4 →
The sub-messages “B5” and “A4 → A5” are displayed collectively.

In this way, by displaying the fixed magnification and the sub message corresponding to the set original size, it is possible to easily recognize and set the desired magnification. In particular, since a copyable paper size or the like in the set original size is specified, even if the intended magnification cannot be understood, it can be easily recognized by referring to the display of the sub-message. In this case, the display of the sub-message becomes the minimum necessary information and can be easily recognized.

FIG. 14 shows the document size to be set.
A display example of not only A4 but also B5 is shown. That is, if the set document size is B5,
As shown in the figure, the fixed magnification of the object is 115% and 141% in the zoom-up direction.
In the zoom down direction, only the fixed magnification is 81% from FIG. By setting the document size in this way, the specified paper size is determined, and the sub-messages are displayed in a narrowed state. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the desired setting magnification. it can.

Since the set document size (or image size) is sent from the main CPU 124 to the CPU 143 of the operation panel control unit 128,
On the PU 143 side, the combination by the sub-message can be specified as described above.

Note that the set original size is
Displayed as shown in FIG. 10, the selected paper size (A4) can be compared with the paper size based on the combination of the original size displayed in the sub message, and the magnification setting can be performed together with the paper size selection. Operation will be easier.

(When the paper size is selected) The description has been made on the display of the fixed magnification and the sub message at that time when the original size is set and the zoom-up or the zoom-down is performed. On the other hand, even in accordance with the set paper size, the display can be performed in a state where the fixed magnification and the sub message are narrowed down.

To set the paper size means that the operator manually inputs the desired paper size. That is, the operator selects a target paper size. In accordance with the selected paper size, a sub message indicating the fixed magnification and the original size under the optimum conditions for this paper size is displayed.

The paper size is determined by the operation panel 10 shown in FIG.
It is selected by one of the paper selection keys 114. That is, by operating the paper selection key 114, one of the paper feed cassettes of the paper feed unit 4 is selected, and the paper in the paper feed cassette is fed. At this time, the size of the paper accommodated (set) in the paper cassette is detected by well-known size detection means, and at the same time as the selected paper cassette, the paper size is displayed in a specific area on the LCD 102, for example. Is displayed.

FIG. 15 shows a case where the paper size is selected as described above, and the case will be described in detail. First, when the operator selects A4 as a paper size for forming an image, the zoom-up key 103 is operated at an initial magnification of 100%.

In response to this operation, the magnification is zoomed up in units of 1% and increased to 101%... 115%. In this rise, at a fixed magnification of 115%,
The sub message “B5 → A4” is displayed simultaneously with the fixed magnification. When the zoom-up key 103 is continuously operated, the magnification condition is different from the target paper size B5 at the next fixed magnification of 122%. At that time, the sub message is not displayed, and the magnification becomes 141%. For example, a sub-message “A5 → A4” is displayed simultaneously with the fixed magnification.

As described above, when the paper size is selected, for example, in the case of A4, a sub message with a fixed magnification of 122% is displayed. Contrary to this zoom-up, in the zoom-down direction, 86% as understood from FIG.
Is not displayed at the fixed magnification of
“B4 → A4” at a fixed magnification of 81% and “A3 → A4” at 70% are displayed as sub messages.

When the selected paper size is B4, as shown in FIG. 15, in the zoom-up direction, "A4 → B4" of the sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification of 122% and 141%. ”,“ B5 → B
Further, in the zoom-down direction, only “A3 → B4” corresponding to the fixed magnification of 86% is displayed in the display example of the fixed magnification and the sub message shown in FIG. .

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the key 10 for the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down direction is used.
After confirming the operation of 3 or 104, a sub-message is displayed based on a combination of the fixed magnification and the original size, which are related to the paper size selected collectively, under the optimal condition. For example, if A4 is selected as the paper size, in the zoom-up direction with respect to the initial magnification of 100%, the sub-message corresponding to the fixed magnification is "B5 → A4" together with the fixed magnifications of 115% and 141%. “A5 → A
4 "is displayed collectively according to the fixed magnification.
In the zoom-down direction, "B4 → A4" and "A3 → A4" are displayed collectively as sub messages corresponding to the fixed magnifications of 81% and 70%.

Even when the paper size is selected as described above, the fixed magnification and the document size are narrowed down, so that the target magnification can be more easily recognized. Therefore, the operator can easily set not only the desired fixed magnification but also an arbitrary magnification.

In the paper size selection, if the paper of the size selected by the operator is not set in the copying machine 1 main body, even if the fixed magnification and the sub message are displayed, it may be useless. is there. That is, if the selected paper size is not set, the copier 1 cannot automatically select and feed the paper, and makes the copying impossible. Therefore, the above-described display is performed in a state where the paper of the selected size is confirmed to be present in the paper feeding unit, and the paper is selected to be fed.

For this purpose, as is well known, the size of paper to be set is sequentially detected in each paper feed unit, and the detected paper size is sent to the main CPU 124. Then, the main CPU 124 grasps the set paper size, and selectively drives the operation of the paper feed cassette of the paper feed unit that matches the selected paper size based on the paper feed command. Therefore, when the sheet of the selected size is not set, the state is notified to the operator, and the operator is prompted to set the target sheet. Thus, the operation of the copying machine 1 is stopped until a sheet of the selected size is set.

Therefore, if the paper size selected by the operator is set, the above-described display is performed, and the operation of setting the magnification at that time is simplified. Here, the presence or absence of the paper in the set paper feed unit is detected, and even when the paper is not present, a message for replenishing the lost paper as described above is sent to the operator. Will be notified. Therefore, if there is no paper of the selected size, the state is transferred to the operation panel control unit 128 and the CPU 143
In the above, the operator is prompted to replenish or set the paper, and when the operator sets the magnification without following the prompt, the sub-message such as a sub-message is made to correspond to the first embodiment regardless of the selected paper. Control for displaying may be performed.

(When paper that can be fed is specified)
On the other hand, even if the operator does not select the paper size and displays the combination of the original size and the fixed magnification corresponding to the paper size set in the copying machine 1 and ready to be fed, the magnification setting may be changed. Easy to do. That is, as described above, the copying machine 1, particularly the main CPU 124, detects the size of the paper set corresponding to each paper feeding unit by using a well-known paper size detecting unit (not shown). This size signal is received, and the paper of a size that can be fed in each paper feed cassette of the paper feed unit is grasped.

In this case, the main CPU 124 controls the sheet feeding unit corresponding to each sheet feeding cassette of the sheet feeding unit 4
In addition to grasping the paper size that can be fed by the paper feeding unit, the status of the paper feeding unit that cannot feed paper due to a paper feed roller failure, paper jam, or the like is also known. Here, the case where the paper cannot be fed includes not only a trouble due to a paper feeding failure of the paper feeding unit, but also a paper feeding impossible state in a state where the paper is not set in the paper feeding cassette as described above. That is.

For this reason, the paper size that can be fed from the main CPU 124 is transferred to the operation panel control unit 128, and
Thereby, the combination of the document size and the fixed magnification is displayed. This display example is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 17, assume that the paper sizes that can be fed are, for example, A4 and A3. Initial magnification is 1
When the zoom up key 103 is operated at 00%, the magnification is zoomed up to 101%, 102%, etc. in 1% units. Then, the fixed magnification 115%, to display a combination of the original size appropriate for the paper size in this fixed magnification as Sabumejji. The display examples are “B5 → A4” and “B4 → A3”. When the zoom-up key 103 is further operated, the zoom is gradually increased. At the next fixed magnification of 122%, there is no fixed original size suitable for the paper sizes A3 and A4 that can be fed. Is not displayed.

At a fixed magnification of 141%, a combination of the paper sizes A3 and A4 and the document sizes A4 and A5 suitable for the fixed magnification is used as a sub message "A5 →
A4 "and" A4 → A3 "are displayed.

In the case where the paper sizes that can be fed are A4 and B5, similarly, if the magnification becomes 115%, the original size is set to B5 for A4 size paper according to the fixed magnification at that time. A sub-message by the combination of “B5 → A4” is displayed. And the next fixed magnification of 122%
The document size for B5 size paper is A
5 is displayed in accordance with the combination of "A5 → B5", and a submessage is displayed in accordance with the combination of "A5 → A4" in which the document size is A5 for A4 size paper in accordance with the fixed magnification of 141%. .

Although not shown, in the zoom-down direction from the initial value "100%" state, similarly to the above, when the paper sizes that can be fed are A4 and A3, as shown in FIG. Are 81% and 7 as shown in the figure.
0%, corresponding to this fixed magnification, “B4 → A
4 "and" A3 → A4 "are displayed in a state where the contents as sub-messages are narrowed down.
When the paper sizes that can be fed are A4 and B5, as can be understood from FIG. 6, the above-described sub-message “A4 → B5” at the fixed magnification of 86% is changed to “B4 → A4” at the fixed magnification of 81%. Are displayed at a fixed magnification of 70%, and a sub-message based on the combination of "B4 → B5" and "A3 → A4" is displayed.

According to the first embodiment, each of the above-mentioned displays is displayed together with the corresponding sub-messages together with various fixed magnifications suitable in the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down direction.

As described above, in the sub-message according to the combination of the fixed magnification and the original and paper size described in the second embodiment, when the collective display is performed as described in the first embodiment, the zoom-up direction or the zoom-down It is possible to combine embodiments in which the fixed magnification passed in the direction is deleted and the display of the next fixed magnification is distinguished from the other fixed magnification. According to this, since the combination by the sub-message can be further narrowed down, the magnification setting can be made more accurate and easier.

In each of the embodiments described above, the magnification is set in the copying machine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to a printer instead of such a copying machine. In other words, when the image data sent to the printing is printed on the paper at an arbitrary magnification, it is necessary to set the arbitrary magnification in advance. In the magnification setting, the magnification setting described above can be used as it is. For example, if the size of the image data, for example, the size is a standard size as shown in FIG. 6, a sub-message for the paper size corresponding to this size is displayed, and the magnification can be set according to the display.

[0138]

According to the image forming apparatus provided with the magnification setting device of the present invention, the zoom key is used in the magnification setting, so that the trouble of selecting and operating a large number of keys is eliminated, and the desired magnification can be obtained by a simple operation. Settings can be made.

In this case, according to the operation of the zoom key, a set of the fixed magnification and the sub-message is displayed in a lump, and is erased when the fixed magnification is passed. By setting the fixed magnification to a display mode different from that of the fixed magnification, for example, by inverting the display, the setting of the fixed magnification and the magnification setting near the fixed magnification can be easily and accurately performed.

If the set magnification becomes equal, the batch display is performed.
Is erased and the zoom key is operated in that state to enlarge the magnification.
, The various fixed magnifications in the magnification
The messages are displayed together and the magnification set as described above
And the other fixed magnification displayed together.
The display operation is made easier so that the setting operation can be made easier.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control flowchart for displaying various fixed magnifications and sub messages simultaneously with a set magnification in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of an operation panel according to a magnification setting of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit configuration in a magnification setting according to the present invention, including control for image formation.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a digital copying machine having the magnification setting device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a structure of a main part of another copying machine provided with the magnification setting device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a sub-message according to the present invention and a fixed magnification based on a combination of an AB-series original size and a paper size in a standard size.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for controlling a transition in which a magnification changes in a zoom-up direction by operating a zoom-up key for setting a magnification.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for controlling a transition in which a magnification changes in a zoom-down direction by operating a zoom-down key for setting a magnification.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for displaying a sub message in the present invention at the same time as the set magnification and the magnification.

10A and 10B show display examples in which a document size in a copying machine and a paper size selected from paper sizes to be fed are displayed together with a set magnification for setting a magnification, and FIG. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a display mode in a state irrelevant to a fixed magnification, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a display mode including a sub message at a fixed magnification.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a change in magnification change and a display form of a sub message according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the transition of the magnification change and the display form of the sub message according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a transition of a magnification change and a display form of a sub message according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a display example when a document size is set in a transition example of a change in magnification and a sub message.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a display example in a case where a paper size is particularly selected in a display example of a change in magnification change and a sub message.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a display example of a sub-message relating to a change in magnification change and a sub-message, particularly relating to a paper size that can be fed; It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Copier body 2 Scanner section 21 Original platen (Original plate) 22 RDH (document transport processing device) 27 Optical system 3 Printer section 32 Photoconductor 33 Process Department 4 Paper feed unit 101 Operation panel 102 LCD (display unit) 103 Zoom up key (Zoom key) 104 Zoom down key (Zoom key) 114 Paper selection key 124 Main CPU (for process and magnification setting control) 128 Operation panel control unit 143 CPU (display control means) 145 Display storage unit (V-RAM) 146 Display storage unit (V-RAM) 147 Character Generator (CG-ROM) 150 LCD control unit (display control unit)

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 21/14 G03G 15/00 303

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] A zoom key provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification, for increasing or decreasing the magnification in a predetermined unit;
In a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key, a sub-message including a predetermined fixed magnification and a combination of a paper size and a document size corresponding to the various fixed magnifications. Is displayed on the display unit at the same time, and display control means for displaying together with the set magnification by the zoom key, the display control means, if the magnification set by the operation of the zoom key passes a fixed magnification, An image forming apparatus comprising a magnification setting device, wherein a display of a fixed magnification that has passed is erased. 2. A zoom key provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification, wherein the zoom key is used to increase or decrease the magnification in a predetermined unit.
In a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key, a sub-message including a predetermined fixed magnification and a combination of a paper size and a document size corresponding to the various fixed magnifications. Is displayed on the display unit at the same time, and display control means for displaying together with the set magnification by the zoom key is provided, wherein the display control means sets the next set magnification by the operation of the zoom key and the remaining fixed. An image forming apparatus having a magnification setting device, wherein the image is displayed so as to be distinguished from the magnification. 3. A zoom key provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification, wherein the zoom key is used to increase or decrease the magnification by a predetermined unit.
In a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key, a sub-message including a predetermined fixed magnification and a combination of a paper size and a document size corresponding to the various fixed magnifications. the causes are collectively displayed on the display unit, a display control means for displaying the combined set magnification by the zoom key, the display control means sets of similar operation of the zoom key
The selected magnification is one of the fixed magnifications displayed above.
In other words, a magnification setting device characterized in that the display of the one fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the display of the remaining fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message other than the fixed magnification. Image forming apparatus. 4. A zoom key provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium in accordance with a set magnification, wherein the zoom key is used to increase or decrease the magnification by a predetermined unit.
In a magnification setting device having a display unit for displaying a magnification set according to an operation of the zoom key, a sub-message including a predetermined fixed magnification and a combination of a paper size and a document size corresponding to the various fixed magnifications. Are displayed on the display unit at the same time, and display control means for displaying together with the set magnification by the zoom key is provided. When the set magnification becomes equal by operation of the zoom key, the various fixed magnifications are displayed. And, if the collective display of the sub-messages relating to the various fixed magnifications is erased, and the magnification is increased by operating the zoom key from the same magnification state,
Fixed magnification sub message corresponding to various fixed magnifications and respective species fixed magnifications of enlargement direction collectively displayed, the operation similar to the set magnification of the zoom key is the batch display
According to one of the above, the display of the one fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message is displayed so as to be distinguished from the display of the remaining fixed magnification other than the fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message. An image forming apparatus provided with a setting device. 5. The display control means collectively displays various fixed magnifications on the reduction direction side and sub-messages corresponding to the various fixed magnifications when the set magnification is changed from the same magnification to the reduction magnification by operating the zoom key. is allowed, fixed multiple operation similar set magnification of the zoom key is the batch display
According to one of the rates, the display of the one fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message is displayed so as to be distinguished from the display of the remaining fixed magnification other than the fixed magnification and the corresponding sub-message. An image forming apparatus comprising the magnification setting device according to claim 4 . Wherein said display control means, as the display distinguishes an image forming apparatus having a magnification setting apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that to invert the display.