U.S. patent application number 09/176597 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-06 for image formation apparatus having image memory.
Invention is credited to KOH, SHOKYO, NISHIKATA, AKINOBU, OSARI, YOSHIHITO.
Application Number | 20020067496 09/176597 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26558985 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020067496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NISHIKATA, AKINOBU ; et
al. |
June 6, 2002 |
IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS HAVING IMAGE MEMORY
Abstract
An image formation apparatus which has a memory for storing
plural read images is provided. In the apparatus, setting of a
second copy job and image reading are possible even if a first copy
job is being executed. Further, even if feeder jam or printer jam
occurs in the first copy job when the second copy job is being set,
such the jam is displayed at appropriate timing, so that
operability of the apparatus can be significantly improved.
Inventors: |
NISHIKATA, AKINOBU;
(MISHIMA-SHI, JP) ; KOH, SHOKYO; (MISHIMA-SHI,
JP) ; OSARI, YOSHIHITO; (SHIZUOKA-KEN, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Family ID: |
26558985 |
Appl. No.: |
09/176597 |
Filed: |
October 22, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.13 ;
358/1.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 15/00 20130101;
G06K 15/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.13 ;
358/1.16 |
International
Class: |
G06K 015/02; G06F
012/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 24, 1997 |
JP |
9-292435 |
Oct 20, 1998 |
JP |
10-297461 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image formation apparatus comprising: an original feeder for
feeding an original to a reading position; an image reader for
reading an image of the original fed by said original feeder; a
memory for storing the image read by said image reader; a printer
for printing the image stored in said memory, on a recording paper;
display means for displaying a screen concerning a copy job; switch
instruction means for switching the screen concerning a first copy
job and the screen concerning a second copy job, and causing said
display means to display the switched screen; reservation copy
means for causing said switch instruction means to switch the
screen to that concerning the second copy job during execution of
the first copy job, to enable setting of the second copy job; and
display control means for causing, in a case where abnormality in
the first copy job is detected during the setting of the second
copy job by said reservation copy means, said display means to
display a center screen used to select the displaying of the
setting screen for setting the second copy job or the displaying
concerning the abnormality in the first copy job, without
immediately releasing the abnormality in the first copy job.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality in
the first copy job is recording paper feeding jam in said
printer.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the displaying
of the setting screen for setting the second copy job is selected,
said display control means causes said display means to perform the
displaying concerning the abnormality in the first copy job after
the original reading in the second copy job terminates.
4. An image formation apparatus comprising: an original feeder for
feeding an original to a reading position; an image reader for
reading an image of the original fed by said original feeder; a
memory for storing the image read by said image reader; a printer
for printing the image stored in said memory, on a recording paper;
display means for displaying a screen concerning a copy job; switch
instruction means for switching the screen concerning a first copy
job and the screen concerning a second copy job, and causing said
display means to display the switched screen; reservation copy
means for causing said switch instruction means to switch the
screen to that concerning the second copy job during execution of
the first copy job, to enable setting of the second copy job; and
display control means for switching, in a case where abnormality in
the first copy job is detected during the setting of the second
copy job by said reservation copy means, the displaying of the
setting screen for setting the second copy job to the displaying
concerning the abnormality in the first copy job without operating
said switch instruction means, and for returning the displaying to
that of the setting screen for setting the second copy job after
the abnormality is released.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the abnormality in
the first copy job is recording paper feeding jam in said
printer.
6. An image formation apparatus comprising: an original feeder for
feeding an original to a reading position; an image reader for
reading an image of the original fed by said original feeder; a
memory for storing the image read by said image reader; a printer
for printing the image stored in said memory, on a recording paper;
display means for displaying a screen concerning a copy job; switch
instruction means for switching the screen concerning a first copy
job and the screen concerning a second copy job, and causing said
display means to display the switched screen; reservation copy
means for causing said switch instruction means to switch the
screen to that concerning the second copy job during execution of
the first copy job, to enable setting of the second copy job and
reading of the original; and display control means for preventing,
even in a case where abnormality in the first copy job occurs
during the reading of the original in the second copy job by said
reservation copy means, the switching from the displaying of the
screen concerning the second copy job to the displaying concerning
the abnormality in the first copy job without operating said switch
instruction means until the original reading in the second copy job
terminates, and for switching the displaying to that concerning the
abnormality in the first copy job after the original reading in the
second copy job terminates.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the abnormality in
the first copy job is recording paper feeding jam in said
printer.
8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, when the abnormality
is released after the displaying is switched to that concerning the
abnormality in the first copy job, said display control means
returns the displaying to that of the screen concerning the second
copy job.
9. A control method for an image formation apparatus comprising: an
original feeder for feeding an original to a reading position, an
image reader for reading an image of the original fed by the
original feeder, a memory for storing the image read by the image
reader, a printer for printing the image stored in the memory, on a
recording paper, display means for displaying a screen concerning a
copy job, and switch instruction means for switching the screen
concerning a first copy job and the screen concerning a second copy
job, and causing the display means to display the switched screen,
said control method comprising: a first job execution step of
causing the apparatus to execute the first copy job; a reservation
step of causing the display means to display the screen concerning
the second copy job, to enable setting of the second copy job; a
detection step of detecting occurrence of abnormality in the first
copy job during the setting of the second copy job; and a selection
display step of causing, when the abnormality is detected in said
detection step, the display means to display a selection screen
used to select the displaying of the setting screen for setting the
second copy job or the displaying concerning the abnormality in the
first copy job without immediately releasing the abnormality in the
first copy job.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said selection display
step causes the display means to display the selection screen when
the abnormality in the printer is detected in said detection
step.
11. A method according to claim 9, further comprising an
abnormality display step of causing, when the displaying of the
setting screen of the second copy job is selected, the display
means to display the abnormality in the first copy job after the
image reading in the second copy job terminates.
12. A control method for an image formation apparatus comprising:
an original feeder for feeding an original to a reading position,
an image reader for reading an image of the original fed by the
original feeder, a memory for storing the image read by the image
reader, a printer for printing the image stored in the memory, on a
recording paper, display means for displaying a screen concerning a
copy job, and switch instruction means for switching the screen
concerning a first copy job and the screen concerning a second copy
job, and causing the display means to display the switched screen,
said control method comprising: a first job execution step of
causing the apparatus to execute the first copy job; a reservation
step of causing the display means to display the screen concerning
the second copy job, to enable setting of the second copy job; a
detection step of detecting occurrence of abnormality in the first
copy job during the setting of the second copy job; and a display
switch step of switching, when the abnormality is detected in said
detection step, the displaying of the screen concerning the second
copy job to the displaying concerning the abnormality in the first
copy job without operating the switch instruction means, and for
returning the displaying to that of the screen concerning the
second copy job after the abnormality is released.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein, in said detection
step, original feeding jam in the original feeder is detected.
14. A control method for an image formation apparatus comprising:
an original feeder for feeding an original to a reading position,
an image reader for reading an image of the original fed by the
original feeder, a memory for storing the image read by the image
reader, a printer for printing the image stored in the memory, on a
recording paper, display means for displaying a screen concerning a
copy job, and switch instruction means for switching the screen
concerning a first copy job and the screen concerning a second copy
job, and causing the display means to display the switched screen,
said control method comprising: a first job execution step of
causing the apparatus to execute the first copy job; a reservation
step of causing the display means to display the screen concerning
the second copy job, to enable setting of the second copy job; a
detection step of detecting occurrence of abnormality in the first
copy job during the setting of the second copy job; and a display
switch step of preventing, when the abnormality is detected in said
detection step, the switching from the displaying of the screen
concerning the second copy job to the displaying concerning the
abnormality in the first copy job without operating the switch
instruction means until the original reading in the second copy job
terminates, and for switching the displaying to that concerning the
abnormality in the first copy job after the original reading in the
second copy job terminates.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein, in said detection
step, recording paper feeding jam in the printer is detected.
16. A method according to claim 14, further comprising a second
display switch step of returning the displaying to that of the
screen concerning the second copy job when the abnormality is
released after the displaying is switched to that concerning the
abnormality in the first copy job in said display switch step.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image formation
apparatus which has an image memory, and in which, during execution
of one job, a setting operation for the other job can be
performed.
[0003] 2. Related Background Art
[0004] Conventionally, in image formation apparatuses such as a
digital copy machine and the like each having a memory such as a
hard disk or the like to store plural image data, it has been
proposed the apparatus having an electronic sorter mode in which
original images obtained throughout a copy job are stored in the
memory, data of a first output image in the copy job is read from
the memory in due order to form or reproduce the image, and thus an
image formation process corresponding to the desired number of
copies is performed.
[0005] In such the image formation apparatuses as above, when a
digital copy machine, an analog copy machine or the like not having
the memory such as the hard disk or the like is used, an original
image reading process must be repeated plural times corresponding
to the number of output copies. On the other hand, when the
apparatus having the electronic sorter mode is used, the original
image reading process may be performed only once irrespective of
the number of output copies. Therefore, the image formation process
can be performed without being affected by a factor such as a
circulation loss or the like in an automatic original feeder
(document feeder: DF) or the like which decreases productivity.
[0006] Further, in order to more effectively operate a system of
the image formation apparatus which uses the electronic sorter
mode, it has been proposed the apparatus in which the original
image reading and storing processes are separated from the image
formation process, and thus the original image reading and storing
processes for a next copy job can be started irrespective of the
image formation process after the reading process terminated.
[0007] Since the conventional image formation apparatus has been
structured as above, in a case where there are two copy jobs
intended to be continuously subjected to the image formation
process in the image formation apparatus capable of performing in
parallel the original reading and storing processes for the next
copy job while the image formation process is being performed,
there has been a following problem. That is, if a user does not
issue any instruction such as start key depression or the like
after the original reading process for these two copy jobs
terminated, the image formation process can not be started.
[0008] Further, in a system which has a display structure capable
of displaying setting contents and copy job states (in original
reading, in printing, on standby for printing, and the like) for
each copy job such that the user can effectively set a copy mode
and start a copy operation, when an abnormal state such as paper
jam, paper empty or the like occurs, there has been a problem that
it is difficult to selectively control whether or not the abnormal
state is displayed according to a state of the apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an image
formation apparatus and its control method in which such drawbacks
as above have been eliminated.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
image formation apparatus and its control method which can
appropriately perform alarm displaying in a case where abnormality
in a first job occurs when a setting operation of a second job is
being performed during execution of the first job.
[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an image formation apparatus and its control method which can
appropriately control switching of display screens for a next job
in accordance with abnormality in an original feeding system or
abnormality in a recording system.
[0012] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description based on the accompanying
drawings and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining a structure of an
image formation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control structure
of the image formation apparatus according to the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of an image
process unit shown in FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of an image
memory unit shown in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a structure of an external
interface process unit shown in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a view showing a layout of a first operation unit
shown in FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an example of an application
mode selection screen on a display panel shown in FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 8A is a view for explaining an example of a desirable
key setting screen on the display panel shown in FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 8B is a view for explaining an example of a copy A
setting screen on the display panel displaying registered desirable
keys;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a view for explaining an output order display
screen on the display panel of FIG. 2 displaying a state of a print
output queue;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of first data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of second data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of third data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of fourth data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control structure of an
image process apparatus according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a layout of a second
operation unit shown in FIG. 14;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a block diagram for explaining a management
structure of a RAM shown in FIG. 14;
[0030] FIG. 17, composed of FIGS. 17A and 17B, is a flow chart
showing an example of fifth data process procedure in the image
formation apparatus according to the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of sixth data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of seventh data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of eighth data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of ninth data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of tenth data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a view showing a copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A image reading and copy B mode setting;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A feeder jam and copy B mode setting;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A printing and copy B mode setting;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A print jam and copy B mode setting;
[0040] FIG. 27 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A print jam process and copy B mode setting;
[0041] FIG. 28 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A print jam and copy B mode setting;
[0042] FIG. 29 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A printing and copy B image reading;
[0043] FIG. 30 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A printer jam and copy B image reading;
[0044] FIG. 31 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A printing and after copy B image reading end;
[0045] FIG. 32 is a view showing the copy B setting screen after
copy A printing end and at the time of copy B printing;
[0046] FIG. 33 is a view showing the copy B setting screen at the
time of copy A image reading and copy B printing; and
[0047] FIG. 34 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage
medium which stores various data process programs readable by the
image formation apparatus according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] (First Embodiment)
[0049] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining a structure of an
image formation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the
present invention, which is composed of an image formation
apparatus body 100 and an automatic original feeder (DF) 180.
[0050] In the drawing, numeral 100 denotes the image formation
apparatus body, and numeral 180 denotes the DF.
[0051] In the body 100, numeral 101 denotes a platen glass acting
as an original mounting board glass. Numeral 102 denotes a scanner
composed of an original illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror
104 and the like. Light generated from the lamp 103 is reflected by
an original mounted on the platen glass 101 and then inputted into
an image sensor unit (CCD sensor or the like) 109 through a lens
108 by the scanning mirrors 104 to 106, thereby forming an image
corresponding to the original. It should be noted that, since the
scanner 102 can be reciprocated along a predetermined direction by
a not-shown motor, it can scan the original in whole.
[0052] Further, instead of scanning the original by moving the
scanning mirror 104 after the original was mounted on the platen
glass 101, it is possible to read an original image by fixing the
mirror 104 and feeding or moving the original itself with the DF
180.
[0053] Numeral 120 denotes an exposure control unit composed of a
laser beam generator, a polygon scanner (including rotation
polyhedron mirror) and the like (all not shown). The unit 120
generates laser beam 129 modulated based on an image signal
converted by the image sensor unit 109 and subjected to a
predetermined image process by a later-described image process unit
170, and applies the generated beam 129 to a photosensitive drum
110.
[0054] Numeral 126 denotes an image formation unit composed of the
photosensitive drum 110, a primary charger 112, a development unit
121, a transfer charger 118, a separation charger 119, a cleaning
unit 116, a preexposure lamp 114 and the like. The chargers 112,
118 and 119, the units 121 and 116, and the lamp 114 are arranged
around the drum 110.
[0055] In the image formation unit 126, the drum 110 is rotated by
a not-shown motor in a direction indicated by an arrow, charged at
desired potential by the primary charger 112, and then applied with
the laser beam 129 from the exposure control unit 120, thereby
forming a latent image. The latent image formed on the drum 110 is
developed by the development unit 121, and visualized as a toner
image.
[0056] On the other hand, a transfer paper or sheet fed from an
upper cassette 131 by a pickup roller 133 or from a lower cassette
132 by a pickup roller 134 is carried to the body 100 by feed
rollers 135 or 136, and fed to the image formation unit 126 by
resist rollers 137. Thus, the visualized toner image is transferred
onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 118.
[0057] After the image was transferred, a residual toner on the
drum 110 is removed by the cleaning unit 116, and also residual
charges are removed by the preexposure lamp 114.
[0058] Further, the transfer paper after the image transfer is
separated from the drum 110 by the separation charger 119, and
guided between prefixing chargers 139 and 140 by a transfer belt
130, whereby the toner image is recharged. Then, the toner image is
pressed and heated by a fixing unit 141 to fix the toner onto the
paper, and the paper is discharged outside the body 100 by
discharge rollers 142.
[0059] In the body 100, a deck 150 capable of putting, e.g., 4000
sheets of transfer paper is provided. A lifter 151 of the deck 150
goes up according to an amount of the transfer paper such that the
paper always contacts with a paper feed roller 152.
[0060] It should be noted that, instead of 4000 sheets, the number
of sheets loaded on the deck 150 may be 100 or others. Also, a
multi-type manual paper feed unit 153 capable of loading 100 sheets
of transfer paper is provided.
[0061] Numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper used to change
or switch a transfer paper feed path among a double-face recording
side, a multirecording side and a discharge side. Numeral 158
denotes a lower feed path. The transfer paper fed by the discharge
rollers 142 is reversed through a reverse path 155, and then fed to
a paper refeed tray 156 through the path 158.
[0062] Numeral 157 denotes a multiflapper used to change or switch
the path between the double-face recording side and the
multirecording side. When the multiflapper 157 is moved leftward,
the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower feed path 158
without passing through the reverse path 155.
[0063] Numeral 159 denotes a paper feed roller feeding the transfer
paper to the image formation unit 126 side through a path 160.
Numeral 161 denotes discharge rollers provided in the vicinity of
the flapper 154 to outwardly discharge the transfer paper guided to
the discharge side by the flapper 154. In case of double-face
recording (i.e., double-face copy) or multirecording (i.e.,
multicopy), the flapper 154 is raised such that the transfer paper
already subjected the copy process is loaded on the paper refeed
tray 156 through the paths 155 and 158.
[0064] In case of the double-face recording, the multiflapper 157
is moved rightward, while in case of the multirecording, the
multiflapper 157 is moved leftward. The transfer paper on the paper
refeed tray 156 is fed one by one from the bottom of the stacked
sheets, to the resist rollers 137 of the body 100 by the paper feed
roller 159 through the path 160.
[0065] When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the
body 100, the paper discharge flapper 154 is moved upward and the
multiflapper 157 is moved rightward to feed the copy-processed
transfer paper to the reverse path 155 side. After a trailing edge
of the transfer paper passed through a first feed roller 162, the
flapper 154 is moved rightward to feed the paper to a second feed
roller 162a by using reverse rollers 163. Then, the transfer paper
is reversed and discharged to a sorter 190 side by the discharge
roller 161.
[0066] Numeral 190 denotes the paper discharge process unit (i.e.,
sorter) to align the sheets discharged from the body 100 and bind
them into a bundle. That is, in the unit 190, the discharged paper
is loaded and aligned on a process tray 193 for each sheet. When
the discharging of one image formation process terminates, the
bundle of the loaded sheets is stapled and discharged to a
discharge tray 191 or 192. The trays 191 and 192 are moved up and
down by a not-shown motor such that the desired tray intended to be
used for the loading is moved to a process tray position before the
image formation operation starts.
[0067] Hereinafter, a control structure of the image formation
apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS.
2 to 5.
[0068] FIG. 2 is the block diagram for explaining the control
structure of the image formation apparatus according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] In the drawing, numeral 171 denotes a CPU performing basic
controlling of the image formation apparatus body 100. A ROM 174
storing control programs, a RAM 175 acting as a working area for
the process, and an input/output port 173 are connected to the CPU
171 through address and data buses. Further, not-shown various
loads such as a motor, a clutch and the like for controlling the
body 100, and a not-shown sensor or the like for detecting a
position of the paper are connected to the port 173. The CPU 171
serially controls data input and output operations through the port
173 on the basis of contents of the control program written in the
ROM 174, and performs an image formation operation.
[0070] Further, since a first operation unit 172 is connected to
the CPU 171, the CPU 171 controls later-described display and key
input means (FIG. 6) of the unit 172. An operator instructs the CPU
171 to change or switch an image formation operation mode and a
displayed state by key inputting at the unit 172, and the CPU 171
displays a state of the body 100 and key-inputted operation mode
setting.
[0071] Furthermore, the image process unit 170 processing the
electrical signal converted by the image sensor unit 109 (FIG. 1),
and an image memory unit 3 storing the processed images are
connected to the CPU 171.
[0072] Hereinafter, a structure of the image process unit 170 shown
in FIG. 2 will be explained along an image data flow.
[0073] FIG. 3 is the block diagram for explaining the structure of
the unit 170. It should be noted that, in FIG. 3, the same parts as
those in FIG. 2 are respectively added with the same reference
numerals.
[0074] In the drawing, the original image data (inputted as
luminance data of black in the embodiment) inputted in the image
sensor unit 109 through the lens 108 shown in FIG. 1 is further
inputted to an analog signal process unit (not shown) to be
subjected to a sample-and-hold process, a dark level correction and
the like.
[0075] After then, in an A/D conversion and shading correction
(A/D-SH) unit 301, the data from the unit 109 is analog-to-digital
(A/D) converted and the obtained digital image signal is
shading-corrected (i.e., dispersion of original reading sensors and
light distribution characteristic of original illumination lamp are
corrected).
[0076] After then, the A/D converted image signal is sent to a
logarithmic conversion unit 302. A lookup table (LUT) for
converting the inputted luminance data into density data is
provided in the unit 302, and the LUT converts the luminance data
into the density data by outputting a table value corresponding to
the inputted data.
[0077] After then, a zooming unit 303 zooms the image at desired
magnification, and the zoomed image is inputted to a gamma
correction unit 304. In the unit 304, in a case where the density
data is outputted, the inputted data is converted by using the LUT
in consideration of an image output characteristic of a printer to
adjust the output according to a density value set by the first
operation unit 172.
[0078] After then, the gamma-corrected density data is sent to a
binarization unit 305. In the unit 305, the multivalue density data
included in the image data is binarized, whereby the density value
becomes "0" or "255". That is, the eight-bit image data is
converted into the binarized one-bit image data of "0" or "1",
whereby an amount of the image data to be stored in the memory
becomes small.
[0079] However, if the image is binarized, the number of gradation
is changed from "256" to "2". For this reason, when the data of a
much-halftone image such as a photographic image is binarized,
generally the image is remarkably deteriorated. Thus, pseudo
halftone expression based on the binary data is necessary. In the
embodiment, an error diffusion method is used as a pseudo halftone
expression method.
[0080] In this method, if the density of one image is larger than a
threshold, the data of this image is considered as the "255"
density data and binarized. On the other hand, if the density is
equal to or lower than the threshold, the data is considered as the
"0" density data and binarized. Then, a difference between the
actual density data and the binarized data is diffused to
peripheral pixels as an error signal.
[0081] The error diffusion in this method is performed by
multiplying an error in the binarization by a weighting coefficient
on a previously prepared matrix and then adding an obtained value
to the peripheral pixels. Thus, an average density value can be
preserved throughout the image, so that the pseudo halftone can be
expressed in binary.
[0082] The binarized image data is sent to the image memory unit 3
and stored therein. Since the image data is processed as the binary
image data in a later-described external interface process unit 4,
the image data inputted from the unit 4 is sent to the unit 3 as it
is. The image memory unit 3 has a page memory accessible at high
speed and a large-capacity memory (i.e., hard disk 404 (FIG. 4) in
the embodiment) capable of storing the image data of plural
pages.
[0083] The data of the plural images stored in the hard disk 404 is
outputted in the order according to an edit mode designated on the
first operation unit 172 (FIG. 2). For example, if a sorter is
designated, the image data of the original bundle sent from the DF
180 is outputted in the reading order. That is, the image data of
the original once stored in the hard disk 404 is read in the
storing order, such the reading is repeated plural times
(corresponding to the desired number of copies), and the obtained
data is outputted. Thus, since the image data is outputted in the
same order as the page order of the original, the operation can
acts as the sorter having plural bins.
[0084] The image data outputted from the image memory unit 3 is
sent to a smoothing unit 306 in a printer unit 2. In the unit 306,
the data is interpolated such that a leading-edge portion of the
binarized image becomes smooth, and the obtained data is then
outputted to the exposure control unit 120. In the unit 120, the
image corresponding to the inputted image data is formed on the
photosensitive drum 110 through the previously described
process.
[0085] The printer unit 2 is composed of, in addition to the
smoothing unit 306 and the exposure control unit 120 shown in FIG.
3, the image formation unit 126 and all the feed paths through
which the transfer paper is fed.
[0086] Hereinafter, details of the image memory unit 3 shown in
FIG. 2 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4.
[0087] FIG. 4 is the block diagram for explaining a structure of
the image memory unit 3 shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that,
in FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are
respectively added with the same reference numerals.
[0088] In the drawing, numeral 3 denotes the image memory unit
which writes the binarized image sent from the external interface
process unit 4 and the image process unit 170 into a page memory
401 composed of a memory such as DRAM or the like through a memory
controller 402, reads and sends the image to the printer unit 2,
and accesses image inputting/outputting to/from the hard disk 404
acting as the large-capacity memory.
[0089] Numeral 402 denotes the memory controller which generates a
DRAM refresh signal to the page memory 401, and controls the
accessing from the external interface process unit 4, the image
process unit 170 and the hard disk 404 to the page memory 401.
[0090] Further, the memory controller 402 controls management of
the writing/reading addresses to/from the page memory 401, a
reading direction and the like according to an instruction from the
CPU 171. Thus, the CPU 171 controls a function to form a layout of
the page memory 401 by arranging the plural original images and
output the formed layout to the printer unit 2, a function to cut
out only a part of the image and output the cut-out image, and a
function to rotate the image.
[0091] Numeral 403 denotes an LZ compression unit which compresses
and depresses the image data when the image is read from and
written into the hard disk 404, respectively.
[0092] FIG. 5 is the block diagram for explaining a structure of
the external interface process unit 4 shown in FIG. 3. It should be
noted that, in FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIGS. 3 and 4 are
respectively added with the same reference numerals.
[0093] In the drawing, numeral 4 denotes the external interface
process unit which is composed of a core unit 506, a facsimile unit
501, a hard disk 502 for storing communication image data of the
unit 501, a computer interface unit 503 connected to an external
computer (PC/WS) 11, a formatter unit 504, and an image memory unit
505.
[0094] As previously described, the binary image data read by a
reader unit 1 and processed in the image memory unit 3 is inputted
to the external interface process unit 4. On the other hand, the
binary image data in the unit 4 is outputted to the printer unit 2
through the image memory unit 3 to perform the image formation. The
reader unit 1 is composed of the scanner 102, the original
illumination lamp 103, the scanning mirrors 104 to 106, the lens
108, the image process unit 170 and the like shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0095] Numeral 501 denotes the facsimile unit which is connected to
a public line such as a telephone line through a modem (not shown),
receives facsimile communication data from the public line, and
transmits the data to the public line. The facsimile unit 501 has a
facsimile function to store a facsimile image in the hard disk 501
and process the stored image. For example, the unit 501 performs
facsimile communication at a designated time, and transmits the
image data in response to a partner's inquiry of a designated
password.
[0096] By such the facsimile function, after the image was once
transferred from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 501 or the
hard disk 502 through the image memory unit 3, it is then possible
to perform the facsimile transmission without using the units 1 and
3.
[0097] Numeral 503 denotes the computer interface unit performing
the data communication to the external computer 11. The computer
interface unit 503 contains, e.g., a LAN (local area network), a
serial interface, a SCSI (small computer system interface), and a
centronics interface used for the printer data input.
[0098] Through the computer interface unit 503, states of the
printer unit 2 and the reader unit 1 are notified to the external
computer 11, the image reading by the reader unit 1 according to an
instruction from the computer 11 is transferred to the computer 11,
and print image data is received from the computer 11. The print
image data notified from the computer 11 through the unit 503 is
described by using a dedicated printer code.
[0099] Numeral 504 denotes the formatter unit which converts the
printer code of the print image data transmitted from the computer
11 into raster image data, to perform the image formation by the
printer unit 2 through the image memory unit 3. In this case, the
formatter unit 504 expands or depresses the raster image data in
the image memory unit 505.
[0100] As described above, the image memory unit 505 is used as the
memory in which the formatter unit 504 expands the raster image
data, or as the area in which, when the image reading by the reader
unit 1 through the unit 503 is sent to the external computer 11
(image scanner function), the image data sent from the unit 3 is
partially expanded to convert its data format into that suitable
for the computer 11.
[0101] Numeral 506 denotes the core unit which manages and controls
data transfer among the facsimile unit 501, the computer interface
unit 503, the formatter unit 504, and the image memory units 505
and 3. Thus, even if the plural image output units (i.e., facsimile
unit 501 and computer interface unit 503) are connected to the
external interface process unit 4, exclusive control, priority
control and image outputting are performed under the management of
the core unit 506 only by using the single image transfer path to
the image memory unit 3.
[0102] FIG. 6 is the view showing a layout of the first operation
unit 172 shown in FIG. 2.
[0103] By handling various keys arranged on the first operation
unit 172, the operator can set the copy operation of the image
formation apparatus body 100, instruct the copy operation and
perform other operation.
[0104] In the drawing, numeral 621 denotes a power lamp indicating
a power state. That is, lamp 621 is turned on/off according to
power on/off based on a switching operation of a power switch
613.
[0105] Numeral 622 denotes a ten-key used when it is necessary to
input numerals to the image formation apparatus for setting the
number of copies, the mode and the like. Further, in a facsimile
setting screen, the ten-key 622 is used to input telephone numbers.
Numeral 623 denotes a clear key used to clear the setting inputted
by the ten-key 622. Numeral 616 denotes a reset key used to return
the setting number of copies, the setting operation mode, the
setting selection paper feed berth and the like to their default
values.
[0106] Numeral 614 denotes a start key. When the start key 614 is
depressed, the image formation operation starts. Red and green LEDs
(not shown) are provided at the center of the key 614. When
starting of the image formation operation is impossible, the red
LED is ON. On the other hand, when the starting of the operation is
possible, the green LED is ON.
[0107] Numeral 615 denotes a stop key used to stop the copy
operation. Numeral 617 denotes a guide key. When one key is
depressed after the guide key 617 was depressed, a later-described
display panel 620 displays guidance of the function capable of
being set by such the key. When the key 617 is again depressed,
such the displayed guidance can be released.
[0108] Numeral 618 denotes a user setting key used when the user
changes various setting of the image formation apparatus body 100.
For example, the user can change the setting of a time when the
setting is automatically cleared, the setting of the default (or
preset) value at the time of depressing the reset key, and other
setting.
[0109] Numeral 619 denotes an interruption key. When the
interruption key 619 is depressed during the image formation
operation, execution of the current image formation operation and
execution of later reserved image formation operations are
interrupted. Instead, a copy operation not using the DF 180 can be
executed.
[0110] Numeral 620 denotes the display panel having a liquid
crystal display and the like, and having touch sensors on its
surface. In order to easily perform the detailed mode setting, the
display panel 620 displays various screens (or image planes) each
different from others according to the setting mode. For example,
FIG. 6 shows a copy A setting screen 650 which displays a copy A
mode being one of plural copy modes. Further, keys 624 to 631 are
displayed on the panel 620. Thus, by touching a position at which
the specific key is displayed, the operator can set the desired
mode indicated by such the specific key.
[0111] Numeral 627 denotes the paper selection key used to select a
paper berth. When the key 627 is depressed, the panel 620 displays
a screen used to set which of the cassettes 131 and 132 and the
deck 150 is used for feeding the paper. Numerals 628 to 631 denote
the magnification setting keys. By depressing one of the keys 628
to 630, a desired regular (or fixed) magnification can be selected.
On the other hand, after the key 631 was depressed, a zooming
magnification can be manually set by inputting desired
numerals.
[0112] Numeral 626 denotes the application mode setting key. When
the key 626 is depressed, the panel 620 displays a screen used to
set application function modes such as a multicopy operation mode,
a reduction layout mode, a cover sheet synthesis mode and the like.
For example, the panel 620 displays an application mode selection
screen 700 (later described in FIG. 7) showing setting keys of
various application function modes, to enable various setting of
the application modes.
[0113] Numeral 624 denotes the double-face operation setting key.
For example, by using the key 624, three kinds of double-face
modes, i.e., "single-double mode" to perform double-face outputting
from a single-face original, "double-double mode" to perform the
double-face outputting from a double-face original, and
"double-single mode" to perform two single-face outputting from the
double-face original. Numeral 625 denotes the sorter key. When the
sorter key 625 is depressed, an operation mode of the paper
discharge process unit 190 and a sorting mode of the output sheets
using the image memory unit 3 are set.
[0114] As above, the display panel 620 displays the various keys.
However, in a case where the mode corresponding to the displayed
key can not be set, the panel 620 displays the screen different
from the ordinary screen. For example, the panel 620 can indicate
that the displayed key is inoperable by displaying dotted lines (or
meshed lines) which are ordinarily displayed as solid lines.
[0115] Numeral 633 denotes a function setting display area for
displaying the setting contents of the copy operation and the like.
On the left of the area 633, a display area 633a for displaying
that the currently displayed screen corresponds to which of
later-described function modes is provided. In the drawing, since
the setting screen 650 for the copy A is displayed on the panel
620, "copy A" is displayed. It should be noted that, although
characters are used to discriminate the function in the embodiment,
a symbol (numerical symbol, icon or the like) indicating the
function included in the body 100 may be used.
[0116] Numeral 632 denotes an operation display area for displaying
an operation state of the later-described other function mode or a
currently processed operation state, within a range capable of
displaying single-line information. In the drawing, e.g., the area
632 displays that a copy B is in an output operation to the printer
unit.
[0117] Numerals 634 and 635 respectively denote desirable keys. By
depressing the desirable key 634 or 635, the user can set a desired
item (function capable of being set by using application mode
setting screen) registered on a desirable key setting screen 800
(later described in FIGS. 8A and 8B). In the drawing, since any
function is not registered, meshes are displayed on the keys 634
and 635.
[0118] Numerals 601, 604, 607 and 610 respectively denote switch
keys (or change keys). When the switch key is depressed, the screen
displayed on the first operation unit 172 is changed to newly set
the other functions such as the copy operation, the system
operation and the like using the body 100. In the drawing, although
the setting screen 650 for the copy A is displayed on the panel
620, e.g., if the switch key "printer" 610 is depressed, the screen
is changed to a not-shown setting screen for the printer.
[0119] The switch keys 601, 604, 607 and 610 are semitransparent
key buttons, and each key contains therein a display lamp (not
shown) such as an LED or the like. When operation screen is
selected by depressing the switch key, the display lamp in the
depressed key is turned on. That is, it is controlled that only the
lamp in the key corresponding to the selected setting screen is
turned on, and the lamps in the other keys are turned off.
[0120] Each of the switch keys 601, 604, 607 and 610 can be
depressed at any time irrespective of operation states of the
respective functions. When the switch key is depressed, operation
targets of the keys 614 to 619, 622 and 626 on the first operation
unit 172 are changed or switched. For example, in such a case as in
the embodiment where it is possible to switch the function between
a copy A function and a copy B function, the start key 614, the
stop key 615, the reset key 616 and the like other than the keys
displayed on the panel 620 are operated on the function selected by
the switch key 601 or 602.
[0121] That is, e.g., in the case where the copy A setting screen
650 is being displayed, when the stop key 615 is depressed, it is
impossible to stop the copy in the copy B output operation. If it
is intended to stop the copy for the copy B, it is necessary that
the switch key "copy B" 604 is once depressed and then the stop key
615 is depressed. Thus, the output operation for the copy B
stops.
[0122] Numerals 603, 606, 609 and 612 denote green LEDs, each
arranged on the right of each switch key. Each LED is turned on to
indicate the operation state of each function.
[0123] For example, the LED 606 of the copy B is controlled to be
OFF during the copy B is on standby. On the other hand, when the
copy B is in the output operation as in FIG. 6, the LED 606 is
turned on and off repeatedly. Further, in a case where the image of
the copy B has been stored in the hard disk 404 of the image memory
unit 3 but the print operation of the copy B is not yet performed,
the LED 606 is controlled to be ON.
[0124] Similarly, the LED 609 of the facsimile is turned on and off
repeatedly during the communication operation, the print operation
and the reading operation. In a case where the facsimile image has
been stored in the hard disk 502 connected to the facsimile unit
501 shown in FIG. 5, the LED 609 is controlled to be ON.
[0125] Numerals 602, 605, 608 and 611 denote red LED, each arranged
on the left of each switch key. Each LED is turned on to indicate
that abnormality occurs in each function. For example, the LED 605
of the copy B is turned on and off repeatedly when the abnormality
such as paper-empty interruption, jam or the like occurs while the
image formation apparatus body 100 performs the copy B
function.
[0126] At this time, if the switch key "copy B" 604 is depressed to
change the displaying on the first operation unit 172 to that of
the copy B setting screen, the state of the copy B is displayed on
the display panel, whereby the operator can confirm the details of
the abnormality.
[0127] The setting operation to set the data by using the user
setting key 618 can be independently performed on the selected one
of the copy A and copy B screens of the first operation unit 172.
That is, each screen independently contains the necessary data.
[0128] FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an example of the
application mode selection screen displayed on the display panel
620 shown in FIG. 6.
[0129] In the drawing, numeral 700 denotes the application mode
selection screen displayed when the application mode setting key
626 shown in FIG. 6 is depressed. Concretely, the screen 700
displays the keys "page serial copy", "multicopy", "area
designation", . . . , and "enlargement layout" respectively used to
set the various functions of the body 100. That is, when the above
key on the screen 700 is depressed, the screen necessary to set
each item is displayed.
[0130] FIG. 8A is the view for explaining an example of the
desirable key setting screen on the display panel 620 shown in FIG.
6, and FIG. 8B is the view for explaining an example of the copy A
setting screen on the display panel 620 for displaying registered
desirable keys.
[0131] In FIG. 8A, numeral 800 denotes the desirable key setting
screen used to set the items of the desirable keys 634 and 635.
This screen is displayed by selecting the setting of the desirable
key 634 or 635 at the setting item of a user setting screen (not
shown) displayed after the user setting key 618 was depressed.
[0132] Numeral 801 denotes a function selection area. When the
desired item is displayed within the function selection area 801 by
operating scroll keys 802 and then this item is depressed, the
depressed item can be selected. In the drawing, the item "page
serial copy" is selected and thus reversely displayed. This
selected item can be registered to the desirable key by depressing
an "OK" key 803. Numeral 804 denotes a cancel key depressed when
the registration to the desirable key is stopped.
[0133] Thus, even if the plural setting keys within the application
mode selection screen 700 shown in FIG. 7 are not selected by
depressing the application mode setting key 626, since the
functions "page serial copy" and "OHP" have been registered
respectively at the desirable keys 634 and 635 and thus these keys
are displayed to be used as ordinary keys (i.e., not meshed keys),
the setting screen of "page serial copy" or "OHP" is displayed on
the display panel 620 by depressing the registered key.
[0134] As above, since the key corresponding to the function
frequently used by the user is independently provided in the
embodiment, the setting screen desired by the user can be displayed
only by depressing one registered key without complicated
operation.
[0135] Hereinafter, an operation method to change an output inquiry
order registered in a print output queue will be explained with
reference to FIG. 9.
[0136] FIG. 9 is the view for explaining an example of an output
order display screen for displaying a state of the print output
queue. The print output queue is displayed on the display panel 620
shown in FIG. 6.
[0137] In the drawing, numeral 900 denotes the output order display
screen for displaying output inquiries and their states in the
output queue. Numeral 907 denotes an output queue display area in
which the states of a currently outputted job and jobs waiting for
the outputting are displayed. The screen 900 displays that the copy
B is being outputted, and thereafter a copy C, a printer job of
reception No. 110, the copy A and a printer job of reception No.
111 are sequentially outputted in due order. Therefore, when the
outputting of the copy B terminates, then the outputting of the
copy C is performed.
[0138] Further, if a part representing a job name in the area 907
is depressed, the job corresponding to such the name can be
selected. In the drawing, the copy A being the third job in the
output queue is being selected and reversely displayed. Further, it
is controlled that the currently outputted job (copy B in FIG. 9)
can not be selected.
[0139] Numeral 903 denotes a return key used to stop the input
operation on this screen and return the screen to original one.
Numeral 905 and 906 denote cursor keys used to scroll the screen
when it is impossible to display all the jobs in the output queue
within the output queue display area 907. That is, if the downward
cursor 905 is depressed, fifth to eighth jobs in the queue are
displayed instead of the currently displayed first to fourth
jobs.
[0140] Numeral 902 denotes a cancel key used to cancel or delete
the job in the output queue. That is, when the job to be cancelled
is selected by using the touch key and the cancel key 902 is
subsequently depressed, the output operation in such the job can be
cancelled. However, it is controlled that the currently outputted
job (copy B in FIG. 9) can not be selected in this screen.
[0141] Numeral 904 denotes a detailed information key. When the job
of which detailed information is intended to be displayed is
selected and the key 904 is subsequently depressed, processing
contents of the selected and outputted job are displayed. As such
the contents, e.g., there are the number of copies, the number of
originals, an output mode (double-face output, etc.) and the
like.
[0142] Numeral 901 denotes a priority key. When the job intended to
be preferentially outputted is selected and the priority key 901 is
subsequently depressed, the selected job is moved at the top (i.e.,
first job) of the output queue. At this time, each of the jobs of
which order are smaller (i.e., earlier) than that of the selected
job is moved down by one in order. For example, the copy A job at
the third order is being selected in the drawing. However, if the
priority key 901 is depressed in this state, the order in the
output queue is changed to be the copy A (first order), the copy C
(second order), the printer job of reception No. 110 (third
order).
[0143] Further, in order that a job newly registered in the output
queue after the priority was changed is not set at the top of the
queue, the priority of the job changed to be-the first job is set
to be highest as compared with those previously set for the
respective jobs such as the copy, the printer and the like. Thus,
even if the new job or function is registered in the output queue,
such the job or function is never registered before the job of
which priority has been changed to be highest in the queue.
[0144] Hereinafter, a process at the time of data setting in the
user setting mode will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.
[0145] FIG. 10 is the flow chart showing an example of first data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention. This chart corresponds to a subroutine process
called when the data setting has been established in the user
setting mode. It should be noted that, in the drawing, numerals (1)
to (5) denote respective steps.
[0146] Initially, it is judged whether or not the copy A screen is
displayed on the display panel 620 shown in FIG. 6 (1). If judged
that the copy A screen is displayed, the flow advances to the step
(3). On the other hand, if judged that the screen is not displayed,
i.e., that the copy B screen is displayed, then it is judged
whether or not a common setting flag is set to be ON, i.e., whether
or not the user data in the copy A job and copy B job are common
(2). If judged that the flag is set to be ON, the flow advances to
the step (3) to write the setting data of the copy B job into the
setting data area of the copy A job.
[0147] On the other hand, if judged that the flag is not set to be
ON, the set user data is written into the user setting data area of
the copy B (5), and the process terminates.
[0148] On the other hand, in the step (3), the set user data is
written into the user setting data area of the copy A, and it is
again judged whether or not the common setting flag is set to be ON
(4). If judged that the flag is not set to be ON, the process
terminates.
[0149] In the meantime, if judged that the flag is set to be ON,
the set user data in the copy A job is written into the user
setting data area of the copy B (5) to write the setting data in
the copy A job into the setting area of the copy B. Then, the
process terminates.
[0150] That is, by providing such a switch means as above, the user
setting data essentially capable of being set for each screen can
be common by both the copy A screen and the copy B screen. Thus, an
identical environment can be easily provided in both the copy A job
and the copy B job. Moreover, the screen setting according to
peculiar usage in each of the copy A job and copy B job can be
realized.
[0151] Hereinafter, an example of a control flow chart of the copy
operation will be explained with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.
[0152] FIG. 11 is the flow chart showing an example of second data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention. This chart corresponds to data process procedure
at a time when the image reading in the copy A or B operation is
controlled. In FIG. 11, it should be noted that the process shown
is called by a main sequence at every constant time or according to
necessity, and that numerals (101) to (111) denote respective
steps.
[0153] Initially, it is judged whether or not the start key 614
shown in FIG. 6 is depressed (101). At this time, it is necessary
that the copy A or the copy B has been selected by the switch key
601 or 602. If judged that the key 614 is not depressed, the flow
returns to the step (101) to wait for key depression.
[0154] On the other hand, if judged in the step (101) that the key
614 is depressed by the user, then it is judged whether or not the
copy start is possible (102). In this case, when the reading
operation of the copy B or copy A is being performed, or when the
reading operation in the facsimile function is being performed, it
is judged that the copy start is impossible. Moreover, when the set
copy operation mode is inoperable, e.g., when a set paper feed
cassette contains no paper, when the copy operation is designated
with a paper size incapable of being managed by the paper discharge
process unit 190, or the like, it is also judged that the copy
start is impossible.
[0155] If judged in the step (102) that the copy start is
impossible, the flow returns to the step (101). At this time, the
state that the copy start is impossible may be displayed on the
display panel 620 of the first operation unit 172.
[0156] On the other hand, if judged in the step (102) that the copy
start is possible, then it is judged whether or not abnormality
such as jam or the like occurs in the printer unit 2 due to the
print output operation of the other function (103). If judged that
the abnormality occurs, occurrence of abnormality such as jam or
the like in the printer unit 2 is displayed on the panel 620 of the
first operation unit 172 (110), and then the process
terminates.
[0157] The checking of abnormality in the printer unit 2 (step
(103)) may be performed and displayed at the same time when the
depression of the start key 614 is judged in the step (101).
[0158] On the other hand, if judged in the step (103) that the
abnormality does not occur in the printer unit 2, the copy A job or
copy B job is registered in the output queue which is provided to
control or manage the order of print output (104). In this case,
the job is registered in the queue according to information
concerning the priority previously determined for the function of
each job. For example, the output queue is searched from its end to
find the function of the already registered job of which priority
is equal to or higher than that of the job currently registered,
and such the currently registered job is registered after the found
job in the output queue.
[0159] By doing so, the respective jobs are registered from the top
of the queue in the order to be processed. Thus, if the priority of
the function of the currently registered job is higher than those
of the already registered jobs in the queue, the currently
registered job is processed before the already registered jobs are
processed.
[0160] Subsequently, it is displayed within the operation display
area 632 on the display panel 620 of the first operation unit 172
that the reader unit 1 is in the original image reading operation
(105). Then, the original is fed onto the platen glass 101 by the
DF 180, the original mounted on the glass 101 is scanned to read
the image thereon, the read image is subjected to the zooming
process and the like by the image process unit 170 (FIG. 3)
according to the mode set by the first operation unit 172, and then
the processed image is written into the page memory 401 in the
image memory unit 3 (106).
[0161] The image written into the unit 3 is stored in the hard disk
404 through the LZ compression unit 403. After then, the original
on the platen glass 101 is discharged. In this case, the images
stored in the hard disk 404 are added with numbers in the image
reading order for convenience in management. In this management,
the information for managing the number of originals is added with
"1".
[0162] Subsequently, it is judged whether or not feeding
abnormality occurs in the DF 180 (107). If judged that the
abnormality occurs, it is displayed on the display panel 620 of the
first operation unit 172 of the copy A or B that the original
feeding state of the DF 180 is abnormal (111). At this time, in a
case where the image reading is performed as the original is fed by
the DF 180, it can not be assured that the original finally read
was normally fed and the image data of such the original has been
read as a whole. Therefore, the above management information is
returned to its initial state, the image data in the hard disk 404
is deleted, and then the process terminates.
[0163] On the other hand, if judged in the step (107) that the
abnormality does not occur, then it is judged whether or not the
original finally read is the final image (108). If judged that such
the original is not the final image, the flow returns to the step
(106) to feed the next original. This operation is repeated until
all the originals are processed.
[0164] In the meantime, if judged that such the original is the
final image (108), the contents displayed within the operation
display area 632 on the display unit 620 and indicating that the
image reading is being performed are deleted (109), and then the
process terminates.
[0165] FIG. 12 is the flow chart showing an example of third data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention. This chart corresponds to data process procedure
at a time when the image formation in the copy A or B operation is
controlled. In FIG. 12, it should be noted that the process shown
is called by the main sequence at every constant time or according
to necessity, and that numerals (201) to (215) denote respective
steps.
[0166] Initially, it is judged whether or not the print output
inquiry of the copy A or B has been registered in the print output
queue (201). If judged that the inquiry is not registered yet, the
process waits for the operation to register the inquiry.
[0167] On the other hand, if judged in the step (201) that the
inquiry has been registered, the display panel 620 of the first
operation unit 172 of the copy A or B displays a print output wait
(202). It is controlled that such a message is displayed on the
operation display area 632 within the setting screen of the panel
620, together with the above-described state of the reader unit 1,
e.g., a message representing that the unit 1 is reading the
original image.
[0168] Subsequently, an output order checking subroutine based on
the flow chart of FIG. 13 (later described) is called, and it is
judged whether or not the order of next print output in the print
output queue is the copy A or B (203). If judged that the order is
not the copy A or B, the flow returns to the step (203). On the
other hand, if judged that the order is the copy A or B, the
display panel 620 of the first operation panel 172 of the copy A or
B displays that the copy A or B is in print outputting (204).
[0169] Then, it is judged whether or not the abnormality such as
jam, paper empty or the like occurs in the printer unit 2 (205). At
this time, the abnormality in the unit 2 occurred before the print
operation of the copy A or B starts is also checked. Such the
abnormality occurred before the print operation of the copy A or B
starts is the abnormality due to the print operation of the other
job.
[0170] If judged in the step (205) that the abnormality does not
occur, the flow advances to the step (206). On the other hand, if
judged that the abnormality occurs, then it is judged whether or
not the reading operation of the copy A or B terminates (211). If
judged that the reading operation does not terminate yet, the
process waits for the termination.
[0171] On the other hand, if judged in the step (211) that the
reading operation terminates, the current job is registered in a
recovery queue to restart the printer output (212). It should be
noted that, in the recovery queue, the job is processed in the
order registered. After then, the display panel 620 displays the
abnormality in the printer unit 2 (213), and the process
terminates.
[0172] On the other hand, if judged in the step (205) that the
abnormality does not occur in the printer unit 2, the image is read
from the hard disk 404 in the image memory unit 3 in the image
formation order, the read image is subjected to an edit process
according to the image formation mode set at the first operation
unit 172, and the processed image is then expanded in the page
memory 401. At this time, if the setting mode is the layout mode or
the like, the plural original images are read, and the read images
are subjected to layout on the memory 401 and then expanded.
[0173] After then, the image is outputted to the printer unit 2,
and the above-described image formation is performed on the
inputted image (206). That is, the transfer paper is fed from the
cassette, the image is formed on the fed paper in synchronism with
the image sent from the image memory unit 3, and the obtained paper
is discharged outside the apparatus. In the step (206), if the
original reading necessary for next image formation is not
performed yet and there is no image data of the next-processed
original in the hard disk 404, the process waits for the data
storage in the disk 404.
[0174] Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the image obtained
in the image formation is the image of the final original and
whether or not the abnormality occurs in the DF 180 in the reading
operation of the copy A or B (207). If judged that the obtained
image is not the image of the final original and that the
abnormality does not occur in the DF 180, the flow returns to the
step (205) to judge whether or not the abnormality occurs in the
printer unit.
[0175] On the other hand, if judged in the step (207) that the
obtained image is the image of the final original or that the
abnormality occurs in the DF 180, it is further judged whether or
not the abnormality occurs in the DF 180 in the reading operation
of the copy A or B (208). If judged that the abnormality occurs,
the image formation operation is interrupted (214), and the process
terminates. At this time, since the recording sheets being halfway
through the copy output in the first copy of the copy A or B remain
on the process tray 193 of the paper discharge unit 190, such
information as representing that the print operation is being
performed is set based on internal management information to lock
the operation, such that the print operation of the other function
or job does not start. Then, the process terminates.
[0176] On the other hand, if judged in the step (208) that the
abnormality does not occur, then it is judged whether or not the
image formation corresponding to the number of copies set at the
first operation unit 172 has completed (209). If judged that the
image formation does not terminate yet, the flow returns to the
step (205). On the other hand, if judged that the image formation
has completed, the display panel 620 of the first operation unit
172 displays that the print output of the copy A or B terminates
(210).
[0177] Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the print-output
inquiry of the copy A or B has been registered in the print output
queue (215). If judged that the inquiry is not registered yet, the
copy image formation operation terminates. On the other hand, if
judged in the step (215) that the inquiry has been registered, the
flow returns to the step (202). Then, the processes from the steps
(202) to (215) are repeated until the print output inquiry of the
copy A or B empties.
[0178] Hereinafter, a flow chart of an output order checking
subroutine will be explained with reference to FIG. 13.
[0179] FIG. 13 is the flow chart showing an example of fourth data
process procedure in the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention. This chart corresponds to the process in the
subroutine called and executed in the step (203) in FIG. 12. It
should be noted that numerals (301) to (304) denote respective
steps.
[0180] Initially, it is judged whether or not the job other than
the function to be checked is in the output operation (301). If
judged that the job is in the output operation, it is set to a
return value that the output order is "NG" (204), and the flow
leaves from the subroutine.
[0181] On the other hand, if judged in the step (301) that the job
is not in the output operation, then it is judged whether or not
the current job is at the top of the output queue (302). If judged
that the current job is not at the top, the flow advances to the
step (304), and it is set to the return value that the output order
is "NG". Then, the flow leaves from the subroutine.
[0182] On the other hand, if judged in the step (302) that the
current job is at the top of the queue, the output inquiry of
current job is released from the queue, and it is set to the return
value that the output order is "OK" (303). Then, the flow leaves
from the subroutine.
[0183] As described above, during the image process in one image
process mode, in the case where the same image process mode is
registered, it is possible to automatically start the subsequent
image process every time the previous image process terminates.
Therefore, a conventional load for the operator who instructs the
apparatus to start each image formation can be remarkably
reduced.
[0184] Further, in the case where the abnormality in the original
feed unit or the image formation unit is detected, the display unit
promptly displays that the abnormality occurs. Therefore, the user
can easily and clearly know such the state.
[0185] Furthermore, in the state that the plural copy jobs have
been registered, in the case where the abnormality is detected
during the image process by one copy job, the setting screen for
the other copy job can be replaced by that for the copy job in
which the abnormality was detected. Therefore, the confusion of the
copy job in which the abnormality occurs with the other copy jobs
can be prevented, and thus the user can easily and clearly know
such the state.
[0186] Furthermore, in the state that the plural copy jobs have
been registered, in the case where the abnormality is detected
during the image process by one copy job, the setting screen can be
replaced by the screen for the copy job in which the abnormality
was detected, after reading all the originals without interrupting
halfway the original reading in the subsequent copy jobs.
Therefore, the process to again read the original for the next copy
job can be made unnecessary, and a period of time from the release
from abnormality to the start of next copy job can be shortened, so
that efficiency in the copy job process can be remarkably
improved.
[0187] (Second Embodiment)
[0188] In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the
plural switch keys 601, 604, 607 and 610 are provided on the first
operation unit 172 was explained. However, it may be structured
that the functions can be switched to others on the screen
displayed on the display panel 620. Further, in the first
embodiment, the user setting process in which the setting is
performed by using the program was explained. However, it may be
structured that memory access is managed or controlled by using a
data common bus controller to store such the user setting.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the original is read after
registering it in the print output queue. However, it may be
structured that all the originals are read and then the read
originals are registered in the print output queue. Hereinafter,
the second embodiment showing such modifications as above will be
explained.
[0189] It should be noted that, since a structure of an image
formation apparatus according to the second embodiment is identical
with that of the apparatus according to the first embodiment,
detailed explanation thereof is omitted.
[0190] FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining a control
structure of the image process apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that, in
FIG. 14, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 2 are respectively
added with the same reference numerals.
[0191] In the drawing, numeral 1500 denotes a second operation unit
connected to a CPU 171. Thus, the CPU 171 controls a display means
and a key input means of the unit 1500. The operator instructs the
CPU 171 to change or switch an image formation operation mode,
displaying and the like, through key input from the unit 1500, and
the CPU 171 displays a state of an image formation apparatus body
100 and operation mode setting made by the key input.
[0192] Numeral 1603 denotes a data common bus controller connected
to address data buses 1604 to 1604 (later described in FIG. 16) to
control them.
[0193] Since structures of an image process unit 170, an image
memory unit 3, the external interface unit 4 are respectively
identical with those shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, explanations
thereof are omitted.
[0194] FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a layout of the second
operation unit 1500 shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, it should be
noted that the same parts as those shown in FIG. 6 are added with
the same reference numerals.
[0195] As the embodiment in which the screens are changed or
switched, the second embodiment will be explained hereinafter with
reference to FIG. 15.
[0196] In the drawing, numeral 1500 denotes the second operation
unit. Numeral 1501 denotes a function switch key capable of being
depressed during any operation is being displayed. That is, when
the key 1501 is depressed, a function selection screen 1550 is
immediately displayed on a display panel 620.
[0197] The function selection screen 1550 is the screen used to
switch or change an operation screen for each function. Numeral
1508 denotes a function selection area on which a list of the
functions realized by the image formation apparatus body 100
according to the embodiment is displayed. When a function name
displayed on the area 1508 of a touch panel is depressed to select
the corresponding function, the selected name is reversely
displayed. In the drawing, "copy A" is being selected.
[0198] Numeral 1504 and 1505 denote cursor keys used to scroll the
screen when it is impossible to display all the functions of the
body 100 within one screen of the function selection area 1508. In
the example shown in FIG. 15, all the items can be displayed within
one screen, and the cursor keys are illustrated by dots (or mesh).
This means that the key depression is impossible.
[0199] Numeral 1506 denotes an OK key. When the function is
selected on the function selection area 1508 and the OK key 1506 is
then depressed, the current screen is switched to the setting
screen for the selected function. Numeral 1507 denotes a cancel key
used to cancel the switching of the setting screen. When the cancel
key 1507 is depressed, the screen returns to the setting screen
displayed before the key 1501 is depressed.
[0200] Numeral 1503 denotes a green LED arranged on the right of
the function switch key 1501. The LED 1503 is turned on to indicate
an operation state of a function other than the function currently
displayed on the display panel 620 of the second operation unit
1500. For example, in a case where the copy A setting screen is
being displayed, if any one of copy B, copy C, printer and
facsimile functions is in an operation state, the LED 1503 is
controlled to be turned on and off repeatedly. Further, in a case
where images of the functions being not in the operation state have
been stored in the hard disk 404 of the image memory unit 3 and all
the functions are not in the operation state, the LED 1503 is
controlled to be ON.
[0201] Numeral 1502 denotes a red LED on the left of the key 1501.
The LED 1502 is turned on to indicate that abnormality occurs in a
job of the function other than the function currently displayed on
the display panel 620 of the second operation unit 1500. For
example, on the copy A setting screen, when the abnormality such as
paper-empty interruption, jam or the like occurs in any one of the
copy B, copy C, printer and facsimile functions, the LED 1502 is
controlled to be turned on and off repeatedly.
[0202] As above, when the setting screens of the respective
functions are changed or switched, the function selection screen
1550 is displayed on the display panel (touch sensor display or the
like) 620 such that the selection operation is performed on the
screen 1550. Therefore, even if the number of functions to be
realized by the image formation apparatus body 100 is increased,
the setting screen can be easily changed or switched without adding
any hard key or the like.
[0203] FIG. 16 is the block diagram for explaining a management
structure of a RAM 175 shown in FIG. 14. This diagram shows a case
where the memory access is managed by the data common bus
controller 1603. In FIG. 16, it should be noted that the same parts
as those shown in FIG. 2 are added with the same reference
numerals.
[0204] In the drawing, numeral 1601 denotes a user setting data
area for the copy A secured in the RAM 175 of FIG. 14 and mapped in
a memory space of the CPU 171. The numeral 1602 denotes a user
setting data area for the copy B secured in the RAM 175 of FIG. 14
and mapped in the memory space of the CPU 171. It should be noted
that these data areas may be secured in the hard disk.
[0205] Numerals 1604, 1605 and 1606 respectively denote the address
data buses. The bus 1604 connects the CPU 171 and the data common
bus controller 1603, the bus 1605 connects the areas 1601 and 1603,
and the bus 1606 connects the areas 1602 and 1603.
[0206] Both the areas 1601 and 1602 are connected to the controller
1603 respectively by the address buses 1605 and 1606 for data
writing and reading. The CPU 171 accesses the memory space thereof
through the address data bus 1604.
[0207] The data common bus controller 1603 controls connection
between the but 1604 and the buses 1605 and 1606.
[0208] Further, the controller 1603 judges a switch setting flag
for determining whether or not the user data is common by the copy
A and the copy B. In a case where it is considered that the user
data is common, when the controller 1603 receives an instruction
from the CPU 171 to access the address of the user setting data
area 1602 for the copy B, it controls the address data buses 1604
and 1605 to be connected to each other. Thus, if the CPU 171
accesses either the user setting data area 1601 or 1602, the user
setting data area 1601 is accessed.
[0209] As above, in the case where the operation setting screens
are provided respectively for the copy A and the copy B, the
respective screens for the copy A and the copy B are appropriately
switched such that copy operation start, copy operation stop and
state confirmation for the copy A and the copy B are performed on
the respective screens. Therefore, the plural copy functions can be
executed by the same operation as that in the first embodiment.
[0210] By applying such the structure as above, if predetermined
abnormality by which the image formation should be interrupted is
found in the printer unit, the screen is immediately and
automatically switched to the copy mode setting screen for the copy
job in which the abnormality occurs. Therefore, the abnormality can
be quickly notified to the user.
[0211] Further, as the output order of the plural copy jobs
registered after reading all the original images is changed, the
outputting of the copy job can be performed in the higher-priority
order.
[0212] FIGS. 17A and 17B are flow charts showing an example of
fifth data process procedure in the image formation apparatus
according to the present invention. This chart corresponds to data
process procedure at a time when the image reading and the image
formation operation in the copy A, B or C operation is controlled.
In FIGS. 17A and 17B, it should be noted that the process shown is
called by the main sequence at every constant time or according to
necessity, and that numerals (401) to (420) denote respective
steps.
[0213] Initially, it is judged whether or not the start key 614 is
depressed (401). At this time, it is necessary that the copy A, B
or C has been selected on the function selection screen 1550
displayed by depressing the function switch key 1501 of the second
operation unit 1500. If judged that the key 614 is not depressed
yet, the flow returns to the step (401) to wait for key
depression.
[0214] On the other hand, if judged in the step (401) that the key
614 is depressed by the operator, then it is judged whether or not
the copy start is possible (402). In this case, in the case where
the reading operation of the copy B or C or the copy A is being
performed, or the case where the reading operation by the facsimile
function is being performed, it is judged that the copy start is
impossible. Moreover, in the case where the set copy operation mode
is inoperable, e.g., the case where a set paper feed cassette
contains no paper, or the case where the copy operation is
designated with a paper size incapable of being managed by the
paper discharge process unit, it is also judged that the copy start
is impossible.
[0215] If judged in the step (402) that the copy start is
impossible, the flow returns to the step (401). At this time, the
state that the copy start is impossible may be displayed on the
display panel 620 of the second operation unit 1500.
[0216] On the other hand, if judged in the step (402) that the copy
start is possible, then it is judged whether or not abnormality
such as jam or the like occurs in the printer unit 2 due to the
print output operation in the job of the other function (403). If
judged that the abnormality occurs, occurrence of abnormality such
as the jam or the like in the printer unit 2 is displayed on the
panel 620 of the unit 1500 for the copy A, B or C job, and then the
process terminates (417).
[0217] On the other hand, if judged in the step (403) that any
abnormality does not occur in the printer unit 2, the state that
the reader unit 1 is in the original reading operation is displayed
on the display panel 620 of the unit 1500 (404). Then, the original
is fed onto the platen glass 101 by the DF 180, and the original
mounted on the glass 101 is scanned to read the original image
(405). After then, the image is subjected to zooming or the like by
the above image process unit 170 and the processed image is then
written into the page memory 401 of the image memory unit 3
according to the mode set by the unit 1500. At this time, when the
abnormality occurs in the original feeding by the DF 180, the
reading process is not performed and the process in the step (405)
terminates.
[0218] At this time, the image from the unit 3 is stored in the
hard disk 404 through the LZ compression unit 403. After then, the
original on the platen glass 101 is discharged. In this case, the
images stored in the hard disk 404 are added with numbers in the
image reading order for convenience in management. In this
management, the information for managing the number of originals is
added with "1".
[0219] Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the feeding
abnormality occurs in the DF 180 (406). If judged that the
abnormality occurs, it is displayed on the display panel 620 of the
unit 1500 of the copy A, B or C that the original feeding state of
the DF 180 is abnormal (418), and the process terminates. At this
time, in a case where the image reading is performed as the
original is fed by the DF 180, it can not be assured that the
original finally read was normally fed and the image data of such
the original has been read as a whole. Therefore, the above
management information is returned to "O", the image data in the
hard disk 404 is deleted, and then the process terminates.
[0220] On the other hand, if judged in the step (406) that any
abnormality does not occur, then it is judged whether or not the
original of which reading has terminated immediately before such
the judgment is the final image (407). If judged that such the
original is not the final image, the flow returns to the step (405)
to feed the next original. This operation is repeated until all the
originals are processed.
[0221] In the meantime, if judged in the step (407) that such the
original is the final image, the copy A, B or C job is registered
in the print output queue to control the print output order (408).
In this case, the job is registered in the queue according to
information concerning the priority previously determined for each
function. For example, the output queue is searched from its end to
find the function of the already registered job of which priority
is equal to or higher than that of the job currently registered,
and such the currently registered job is set after the found job in
the output queue.
[0222] By doing so, the respective jobs are registered from the top
of the queue in the order to be processed. Thus, if the priority of
the function of the currently registered job is higher than those
of the already registered jobs in the queue, the currently
registered job is processed before the already registered jobs are
processed.
[0223] Subsequently, the display panel 620 of the second operation
unit 1500 of the copy A, B or C displays print output wait (409).
It is controlled that such a message is displayed on the operation
display area 632 within the setting screen of the panel 620.
[0224] Subsequently, the output order checking subroutine based on
the flow chart of FIG. 13 is called, and it is judged whether or
not the order of next print output in the print output queue is the
copy A, B or C (410). If judged that the order is not the copy A, B
or C, the flow returns to the step (410). On the other hand, if
judged that the order is the copy A, B or C, the display panel 620
of the second operation unit 1500 of the copy A, B or C displays
that the copy A, B or C job is in print outputting (411).
[0225] Then, it is judged whether or not the abnormality such as
jam, paper empty or the like occurs in the printer unit 2 (412). At
this time, the abnormality in the unit 2 occurred before the print
operation of the copy A, B or C starts is also checked. Such the
abnormality to be checked is the abnormality due to the print
operation of the other job by which the print operation is
interrupted.
[0226] If judged in the step (412) that any abnormality does not
occur, the current job is registered in a recovery queue to restart
the printer output (419). It should be noted that, in the recovery
queue, the job is processed in the order registered. After then,
the display panel 620 displays the abnormality in the printer unit
2 (420), and the process terminates.
[0227] On the other hand, if judged in the step (412) that any
abnormality does not occur in the printer unit 2, the image is read
from the hard disk 404 of the image memory unit 3 in the image
formation order, the read image is subjected to an edit process
according to the image formation mode set at the second operation
unit 1500, and the processed image is then expanded in the page
memory 401. At this time, if the setting mode is the layout mode or
the like, the plural original images are read, and the read images
are subjected to layout on the memory 401 and then expanded.
[0228] After then, the image is outputted to the printer unit 2. In
the unit 2, according to the above image formation operation, the
transfer paper is fed from the cassette, the image is formed on the
fed paper in synchronism with the image sent from the image memory
unit 3, and the obtained paper is discharged outside the apparatus
(413).
[0229] Subsequently, it is judged whether or not the image obtained
in the image formation is the image of the final original (414). If
judged that the obtained image is not the image of the final
original, the flow returns to the step (412). On the other hand, if
judged that the obtained image is the image of the final original,
then it is judged whether or not the image formation corresponding
to the number of copies set by the second operation unit 1500 has
wholly completed (415). If judged that the image formation does not
terminate yet, the flow return to the step (412).
[0230] On the other hand, if judged in the step (415) that the
image formation has completed, the display panel 620 of the second
operation unit 1500 displays that the print output of the copy A, B
or C terminates (416), and then the copy image formation operation
terminates.
[0231] As above, according to the second embodiment, since the
image formation operation starts after all the original images were
read, the image formation operation is not interrupted due to the
abnormality such as jam or the like in the DF 180. Therefore, even
if the abnormality such as the jam or the like occurs in the DF 180
when the original image is read, it is unnecessary for the print
output of the other function to wait for the operation for
eliminating such the abnormality.
[0232] For this reason, in the case where the abnormality is
detected in the image process of any one of the registered copy
jobs, if such the job occurred in the image formation unit and thus
it is necessary to interrupt the image process, the screen can be
promptly switched or changed to the setting screen for the copy job
in which the abnormality was found. Therefore, it is possible to
quickly issue to the user an instruction for eliminating damage in
the apparatus due to the abnormality, and it is also possible to
shorten a standby time until the next image process can start.
[0233] (Third Embodiment)
[0234] Subsequently, a display control operation performed on an
operation screen when abnormality occurs in copy A, B or C job will
be explained.
[0235] It should be noted that, in the third embodiment, the
operation unit (FIG. 6) in the first embodiment is used.
[0236] Hereinafter, an example of a control flow chart in case of
performing image reading and image formation in composite copy A
and B operations will be explained with reference to FIGS. 18 to
22.
[0237] FIG. 18 is the flow chart showing the control procedure and
the screen display timing while the copy A is in the image reading
and the copy B is in the copy mode setting (state I). This
procedure is executed when the copy B is being selected by the
switch key 604.
[0238] Initially, a copy B setting screen as shown in FIG. 23 is
displayed (501). This setting screen is a standard screen which has
been previously registered by the user or a screen which displays
the copy mode set prior to such registration. When the key input is
performed at the operation unit, the screen is updated to reflect
the operation.
[0239] Then, the flow advances to a step (502) to judge whether or
not the image reading for the copy A terminates. If judged that the
image reading does not terminate, then it is judged whether or not
DF jam occurs during the image reading for the copy A (503). If
judged in the step (503) that the DF jam occurs in the copy A job,
it is impossible to start the image reading for the copy B unless
the jam is not released. Therefore, the DF jam is immediately
displayed on a screen as shown in FIG. 24 instead of the copy B
setting screen (504), and the process waits for release from jam
(505). If a jam process terminates and thus the jam is released in
the step (505), the copy B setting screen displayed before the jam
occurs is displayed (506). After the screen was displayed, the flow
returns to the step (502). Then, the processes in the steps (502)
to (506) are repeated until the image reading for the copy A
terminates. Also, if judged in the step (503) that any DF jam does
not occur, the flow returns to the step (502).
[0240] If the switch key 601 is depressed while the jam screen is
being displayed, the screen identical with that shown in FIG. 23 is
displayed. After the jam was released, the copy A screen is
displayed.
[0241] If judged in the step (502) that the image reading for the
copy A terminates, the flow advances to a step (507) to shift the
copy B job to be in a readable state, and the process terminates.
After the state was shifted, the copy A job is in the printing and
the copy B job is in the copy mode setting (state II).
[0242] FIG. 19 is the flow chart showing control procedure and
screen display timing in the copy B job while the copy A is in the
printing and the copy B is in the copy mode setting (state II).
This procedure starts on the termination of the image reading for
the copy A in the state I.
[0243] The screen is changed to a copy B setting screen as shown in
FIG. 25 according as, in the copy A job, the image reading state is
shifted to the print state.
[0244] Initially, it is judged whether or not the start key is
depressed (601). At the same time, other key inputs are also
accepted, and the copy mode setting for the copy B can be performed
subsequent to the state I. If judged in the step (601) that the key
is not depressed, the flow advances to a step (602) to judge
whether or not the copy A printing terminates. If judged that the
printing does not terminate, then it is judged whether or not
printer jam occurs in the copy A printing (603). If judged in the
step (603) that the printer jam occurs, a jam process execution
selection screen as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed (604). In this
printer jam, since the processes up to the image reading process
can be performed in the copy B job even if the jam is not released,
it is possible for the user to select whether the jam process is to
be performed before the copy B image reading starts. Therefore,
such a selected result is checked (605). If checked in the step
(605) that the jam process being prior to the copy B image reading
is selected, a jam screen as shown in FIG. 27 is displayed (606),
and the process waits for release from jam (607). If the jam
process terminates and thus the jam is released in the step (607),
the setting screen displayed before the jam occurs is displayed
(608). After the setting screen was displayed, the flow returns to
the step (601). Then, the processes in the steps (601) to (608) are
repeated until the start key is depressed or the copy A printing
terminates.
[0245] Also, if judged in the step (603) that any printer jam does
not occur, the flow returns to the step (601).
[0246] If it is selected in the step (605) that the jam process is
to be performed after the copy B image reading started, the flow
advances to a step (610) to display a copy B setting screen as
shown in FIG. 28. Then, the process waits for the instruction
issued by depressing the start key to start the copy B image
reading (611). If the start key is depressed in the step (611), the
copy B reading is started (612).
[0247] Also, if judged in the step (602) that the copy A printing
terminates, the flow advances to the step (611) to wait for the
copy B reading start instruction. In this case, if the reading for
a job next to the copy A job is subsequently started, it may be set
that the copy B reading start is impossible and the process waits
for the termination of the copy A image reading (state I).
[0248] If the start key is depressed in the step (601), the copy B
reading starts, and then the process terminates (609). After the
state was shifted, the copy A job is in the printing (on standby)
and the copy B job is in the image reading (state III).
[0249] FIG. 20 is the flow chart showing control procedure and
screen display timing in the copy B job while the copy A is in the
printing and the copy B is in the image reading (state III). This
procedure starts on the copy B image reading start in the state
II.
[0250] Initially, a copy B reading screen as shown in FIG. 29
representing that the copy B is in the reading is displayed (701),
and the flow advances to a step (702) to judge whether or not the
copy B image reading terminates. If judged that the reading does
not terminate, then it is judged whether the DF jam occurs in the
copy B image reading (703). If judged in the step (703) that the DF
jam occurs, such the DF jam is displayed on the screen as shown in
FIG. 24 (704), and the process waits for release from jam (705). If
the jam process terminates and thus the jam is released in the step
(705), an original reset screen (not shown) is displayed to restart
the copy B image reading (706), and the process waits for start key
depression (707). If the start key is depressed in the step (707),
the copy B image reading is restarted (i.e., recovery operation),
and the screen displays that the image is being read in the copy B
job (708). After such displaying, the flow returns to the step
(702), and then the processes from the steps (702) to (708) are
repeated until the copy B image reading terminates. Also, if judged
in the step (703) that any DF jam does not occur, the flow returns
to the step (702).
[0251] If judged in the step (702) that the copy B image reading
terminates, the flow advances to a step (709) to shift the copy B
job to be on print standby, and the process terminates. After the
state was shifted, the copy A job is in the printing (on standby)
and the copy B job is on print standby (state IV).
[0252] During the copy B reading in the state III, it is not judged
whether or not the printer jam occurs in the copy A job, to prevent
operator's confusion. Thus, the operator does not confuse the
printer jam in the copy A printing and the DF jam in the copy B
image reading. As the other method to prevent such confusion, it
may apply a method not to perform the jam display but display on
the operation display area 632 shown in FIG. 6 that the printer jam
occurs in the copy A job as shown in FIG. 30.
[0253] FIG. 21 is the flow chart showing control procedure and
screen display timing in the copy B job while the copy A is in the
printing (on standby) and the copy B is on print standby (state
IV). This procedure starts on termination of the copy B image
reading in the state III.
[0254] Initially, a copy B print standby screen is displayed as
shown in FIG. 31 (801), and the flow advances to a step (802) to
judge whether or not the copy A printing terminates. If judged that
the printing does not terminate, then it is judged whether or not
the printer jam occurs during the copy A printing (803). If judged
in the step (803) that the jam occurs, it is impossible to start
the copy B print operation unless the jam is released. Therefore,
the printer jam is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 27
(804), and the process waits for release from jam (805). If the jam
process terminates and thus the jam is released in the step (805),
the copy B print standby screen is again displayed (806). After the
pint standby screen was displayed, the flow returns to the step
(802), and then the processes from the steps (802) to (806) are
repeated until the copy A printing terminates. Also, if judged in
the step (803) that any printer jam does not occur, the flow
returns to the step (802).
[0255] If judged in the step (802) that the copy A printing
terminates, the flow advances to a step (807) to start the copy B
printing, and then the process terminates. After the state was
shifted, the copy A job is on standby (capable of starting next-job
reading) and the copy B job is in the printing (state V).
[0256] FIG. 22 is the flow chart showing control procedure and
screen display timing in the copy B job while the copy A is on
standby (capable of starting next-job reading) and the copy B is in
the printing (state V). This procedure starts according to the copy
B printing start in the state IV.
[0257] Initially, a copy B printing screen indicating that the copy
B job is in the printing is displayed as shown in FIG. 32 (901). If
next image reading starts in the copy A job, a copy B printing
screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 33. Then, the flow advances to
a step (902) to judge whether or not the copy B printing
terminates. If judged that the printing does not terminate, then it
is judge d whether or not the printer jam occurs during the copy B
printing (903). If judged in the step (903) that the jam occurs,
the printer jam is immediately displayed as shown in FIG. 27 (904),
and the process waits for release from jam (905). If the jam
process terminates and thus the jam is released in the step (905),
the print operation is restarted and the copy B printing screen is
displayed (906). After the pint standby screen was displayed, the
flow returns to the step (902), and then the processes from the
steps (902) to (906) are repeated until the copy B printing
terminates. Also, if judged in the step (903) that any printer jam
does not occur, the flow returns to the step (902).
[0258] If judged in the step (902) that the copy B printing
terminates, the flow advances to a step (907) to judge whether or
not the copy A image reading starts and the DF jam occurs. If
judged in the step (907) that the jam occurs, the DF jam is
displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 24 (908), and the process
waits for release from jam (909). If the jam process terminates and
thus the jam is released in the step (909), the process terminates.
Also, if judged in the step (907) that any DF jam does not occur,
the process terminates. When the copy B print process terminates,
the copy B screen returns to that as shown in FIG. 23.
[0259] Thus, a series of operations from the copy B image reading
to the copy B printing terminates, and then the state is again
shifted to the state I or the standby state (capable of setting
next job and starting read operation) for both the copies A and
B.
[0260] By controlling the operation as above, the copy operation in
the copy B job can be effectively performed during execution of the
copy A job. Moreover, the jam can be effectively displayed even if
the copy A job and the copy B job are in any operation state.
[0261] Hereinafter, a structure of a data process program capable
of being read by the image formation apparatus according to the
present invention will be explained with reference to a memory map
of a storage medium (floppy disk, CD-ROM or the like) shown in FIG.
34.
[0262] Even in the embodiment, output inquiry order registered in a
print output queue may be changed through a display operation on
the screen shown in FIG. 9.
[0263] FIG. 34 is the view for explaining the memory map of the
storage medium which stores various data process programs readable
by the image formation apparatus according to the present
invention.
[0264] Although not specifically illustrated, there is a case where
information such as version information, programmer's names or the
like used to manage program groups in the storage medium is also
stored therein, and also information such as an icon or the like
depending on an OS (operating system) or the like provided on a
program reading side used to discriminate and display the program
is stored therein.
[0265] Further, data according to various programs is stored in a
directory of the above storage medium. Furthermore, in a case where
a program used to install various programs in a computer and
programs to be installed in the computer have been compressed,
there may be a case where a program or the like used to depress or
expand the compressed programs is stored in the storage medium.
[0266] The processes shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 and FIGS. 17 to 22 in
the above embodiments may be performed by a host computer on the
basis of externally installed programs. In this case, the present
invention can be applied to even a case where information groups
including the programs are supplied to an output device from a
storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, a FD (floppy disk)
or the like or from an external storage medium through a
network.
[0267] As described above, it can be obviously understood that the
objects of the present invention can be achieved also in a case
where a storage medium storing program codes of a software to
realize the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to a
system or an apparatus, and thus a computer (or CPU, MPU) in this
system or apparatus reads and executes the program codes stored in
the medium.
[0268] In this case, the software program codes themselves read
from the storage medium realize the new functions of the present
invention. Therefore, the storage medium storing these program
codes constitutes the present invention.
[0269] As the storage medium to store the program codes, e.g., a
floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk,
a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a
ROM, an EEPROM or the like can be used.
[0270] Further, it can be obviously understood that the present
invention includes not only the case where the functions of the
above-described embodiments are realized by executing the program
codes read from the computer, but also a case where an OS or the
like running on the computer performs a part or all of the actual
processes on the basis of instructions of these program codes and
thus the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized
by such the processes.
[0271] Furthermore, it can be obviously understood that the present
invention also includes a case where, after the program codes read
from the storage medium were written into a function expansion
board inserted in the computer or a memory in a function expansion
unit connected to the computer, a CPU or the like in the function
expansion board or unit performs a part or all of the actual
processes on the basis of instructions of these program codes, and
the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized based
on such the processes.
[0272] The present invention is not limited the above-described
embodiments, but various modification are possible in the present
invention within the scope of the appended claims.
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