U.S. patent application number 09/955307 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for image forming apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus.
Invention is credited to Nakayama, Fumiharu.
Application Number | 20030053116 09/955307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25496641 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030053116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakayama, Fumiharu |
March 20, 2003 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus
Abstract
When a user registers a type and a condition of image formation
by a terminal, the terminal determines a reservation number
specific to contents of the registration, and the determined
reservation number is displayed on the display of the terminal. The
user watches this display and can know the reservation number. Once
the reservation number is determined, registration data containing
the determined reservation number and the content of the
registration is generated by the terminal. The registration data is
sent to the body of the apparatus. The registration data sent to
the body is stored in the body. When the user stands in front of
the body and inputs the reservation number, respective registration
data are searched for corresponding to the reservation number.
Further, based on the searched registration data, image reading,
image processing, and image printing are controlled.
Inventors: |
Nakayama, Fumiharu;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER
SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Family ID: |
25496641 |
Appl. No.: |
09/955307 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 ;
358/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 15/502 20130101;
H04N 1/00474 20130101; G03G 2215/00109 20130101; H04N 1/00416
20130101; H04N 1/00241 20130101; G03G 15/5087 20130101; H04N
1/00236 20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101; H04N 2201/001 20130101;
H04N 1/00435 20130101; H04N 1/00238 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 ;
358/1.13 |
International
Class: |
B41J 001/00; G06F
015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an original document
table for setting an original document; a read section which reads
an image of the original document set on the original document
table; an image processing section which processes an image read by
the read section; a print section which prints an image to be
processed by the image processing section, onto paper; a terminal
for previously registering a type and a condition of image
formation, provided separately from a body of the apparatus; and a
controller which controls the read section, the image processing
section, and the print section, in accordance with a content of
registration made by the terminal.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is
connected to the body through a network.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the type and
the condition of image formation are registered, the terminal
determines a reservation number specific to a content of
registration, informs the reservation number to a user, generates
registration data constructed by the reservation number and the
content of registration, and sends the registration data to the
body.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the controller
stores each of registration data sent from the terminal, searches
each of the stored registration data for registration data
corresponding to an inputted reservation number when the
reservation number is inputted to the body, and controls the read
section, the image processing section, and the print section, based
on the searched registration data.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a
touch-panel type liquid crystal display section capable of
inputting and displaying information.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the controller
stores each of registration data sent from the terminal, searches
each of the stored registration data for registration data
corresponding to an inputted reservation number when the
reservation number is inputted by a touch operation on the
touch-panel type liquid crystal display section, and controls the
read section, the image processing section, and the print section,
based on the searched registration data.
7. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the terminal has a
controller, a display, and an operation section.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller of
the terminal displays sequentially an initial screen, a select
screen, a confirmation screen, and a guide screen for allowing a
user to register a type and a condition of image formation, on the
display.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the initial screen
allows a user to specify the presence or absence of registration,
if the presence of registration is specified based on display of
the initial screen, the select screen allows a user to specify a
type of image formation as a target of the registration, the
setting screen allows a user to set a condition necessary for the
type of image formation selected based on display of the select
screen, the confirmation screen allows a user to confirm the type
of image formation which is selected based on the display of the
select screen, and the condition of image formation which is set
based on display of the setting screen, and when image formation
confirmed on the confirmation screen is executed, the guide screen
informs a user of a treatment which the user should carry out on
the body, together with the reservation number.
10. A method of the image forming apparatus which reads an image of
an original document set on an original document table, processes
the read image, and prints the processed image on paper, the method
comprising: a step of, when a type and a condition of image
formation are registered by a terminal separate from a body of the
apparatus, determining a reservation number specific to a content
of registration by means of the terminal; a step of informing the
determined reservation number by the terminal; a step of generating
registration data including the determined reservation number and
the content of registration, by the terminal; a step of sending the
generated registration data from the terminal to the body of the
apparatus; a step of storing each of the registration data sent to
the body, into the body; a step of, when a reservation number is
inputted to the body, searching each of the stored registration
data for registration data corresponding to the inputted
reservation number; and a step of controlling the reading, the
processing, and the printing, based on the searched registration
data.
11. An image forming apparatus comprising: an original document
table for setting an original document; a read section for reading
an image of the original document set on the original document
table; an image processing section for processing an image read by
the read section; a print section for printing an image to be
processed by the image processing section, onto paper; a terminal
for previously registering a type and a condition of image
formation, provided separately from a body of the apparatus; and a
control means for controlling the read section, the image
processing section, and the print section, in accordance with a
content of registration made by the terminal.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the terminal is
connected to the body through a network.
13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the terminal
includes means for, when the type and the condition of image
formation are registered, determining a reservation number specific
to a content of registration, means for informing the reservation
number to a user, means for generating registration data
constructed by the reservation number and the content of
registration, and means for sending the registration data to the
body.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control means
includes means for storing each of registration data sent from the
terminal, means for searching each of the stored registration data
for registration data corresponding to an inputted reservation
number when the reservation number is inputted to the body, and
means for controlling the read section, the image processing
section, and the print section, based on the searched registration
data.
15. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a
touch-panel type liquid crystal display section capable of
inputting and displaying information.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control means
includes means for storing each of registration data sent from the
terminal, means for searching each of the stored registration data
for registration data corresponding to an inputted reservation
number when the reservation number is inputted by a touch operation
on the touch-panel type liquid crystal display section, and means
for controlling the read section, the image processing section, and
the print section, based on the searched registration data.
17. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the terminal has a
controller, a display, and an operation section.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the controller of
the terminal displays sequentially an initial screen, a select
screen, a confirmation screen, and a guide screen for allowing a
user to register a type and a condition of image formation, on the
display.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the initial screen
allows a user to specify presence or absence of registration, if
the presence of registration is specified based on display of the
initial screen, the select screen allows a user to specify a type
of image formation as a target of the registration, the setting
screen allows a user to set a condition necessary for the type of
image formation selected based on display of the select screen, the
confirmation screen allows a user to confirm the type of image
formation which is selected based on the display of the select
screen, and the condition of image formation which is set based on
display of the setting screen, and when image formation confirmed
on the confirmation screen is executed, the guide screen informs a
user of a treatment which the user should carry out on the body,
together with the reservation number.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] An image forming apparatus which optically reads an image of
an original document set on an original document table, processes
the read image, and prints it on paper, is known.
[0002] This image forming apparatus comprises a control panel. This
control panel is provided with a touch-panel-type liquid crystal
display section, a ten-key section, a copy key, and the like. A
user stands in front of the body of the apparatus and touches the
touch-panel-type liquid crystal display section by fingertip. Thus,
the type of image formation (copy mode) and the conditions of image
formation (the size and direction of the original document, size
and direction of paper, number of copies, and the like) can be set
in a desired state.
[0003] However, if the number of types of image formation increases
much or if the conditions of image formation are complicated,
proper setting cannot be achieved in some cases. For example, a
setting error may occur or a long time may be taken for
setting.
[0004] If a setting error occurs, paper may be wasted. If a long
time is taken for setting, other persons cannot use the apparatus
readily.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an image
forming apparatus capable of properly and rapidly setting the type
and conditions of image formation even when there are a large
number of types of image formation or if the conditions of image
formation are complicated.
[0006] An image forming apparatus according to the present
invention comprises:
[0007] an original document table for setting an original
document;
[0008] a read section which reads an image of the original document
set on the original document table;
[0009] an image processing section which processes an image read by
the read section;
[0010] a print section which prints an image to be processed by the
image processing section, onto paper;
[0011] a terminal for previously registering a type and a condition
of image formation, provided separately from a body of the
apparatus; and
[0012] a controller which controls the read section, the image
processing section, and the print section, in accordance with a
content of registration made by the terminal.
[0013] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a view showing the outer appearance of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view showing the internal structure of the
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of a control panel of
the embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining control of the terminal
of the embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view showing an initial screen displayed on a
terminal of the embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a view showing a select screen displayed on the
terminal of the embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a view showing a setting screen displayed on the
terminal of the embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a view showing a confirmation screen displayed on
the terminal of the embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a view showing a guide screen displayed on the
terminal of the embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining control of the body of
the embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a view showing a menu screen displayed on a
touch-panel type liquid crystal display section of the
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a view showing a re-input guide screen displayed
on the touch-panel type liquid crystal display section of the
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] In the following, an embodiment of the present invention
will be explained with reference to the drawings.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a transparent document table
(glass plate) 2 for setting an original document is provided at the
upper surface part of the body 1. An indicator 3 is provided at an
end part of the document table 2. A gap part between the indicator
3 and the document table 2 is a reference position for setting of
an original document.
[0030] In the side of the lower surface of the document table 2,
there are provided a plurality of original document sensors 11
described later. These document sensors 11 optically detect the
presence or absence and size of an original document D set on the
document table 2.
[0031] A carriage 4 is provided at the side of the lower surface of
the document table 2, and an exposure lamp 5 is provided on the
carriage 4. An exposure means is constructed by this carriage 4 and
the exposure lamp 5. The carriage 4 is capable of moving
(reciprocating) along the lower surface of the original document
table 2. The carriage 4 moves and the exposure lamp 5 turns on,
thereby exposing the original document D set on the original
document table 2.
[0032] By this exposure, a reflection light image from the original
document D is obtained and is projected onto a CCD (Charge Coupled
Device) 10 by reflection mirrors 6, 7, and 8 and a magnification
change lens block 9. The CCD 10 has a large number of photoelectric
conversion elements in light receiving regions, and these light
receiving regions are subjected to line-scanning thereby to output
an image signal corresponding to the image of the original document
D.
[0033] The image signal outputted from the CCD 10 is amplified and
converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is processed by
the image processing section 74 described later and is thereafter
supplied to a laser unit 27. The laser unit 27 generates a laser
beam B corresponding to the input signal.
[0034] A window 12 for reading an original document is provided at
a position adjacent to the indicator 3 of the document table 2. The
window 12 has a size and shape corresponding to the length of the
indicator 3 in its lengthwise direction.
[0035] An automatic document feeder (ADF) 40 is provided to be
openable and closable above the original document table 2,
indicator 3, and window 12. The automatic document feeder 40 has a
tray 41 for setting an original document, and a plurality of sheets
of an original document D are fed one after another to the window
12 and passed over the window 12, and the original document D which
has passed there over is discharged to a tray 42. When this
automatic document feeder 40 operates, the exposure lamp 5 emits
light at a position corresponding to the window 12, and the light
is irradiated on the window 12. The light irradiated on the window
12 exposes the original document D passing over the window 12,
through the window 12.
[0036] By this exposure, a reflection light image from the original
document D is obtained and is projected onto the CCD 10 by the
reflection mirrors 6, 7, and 8 and the magnification change lens
block 9.
[0037] At the upper surface part of the body 1, a control panel 13
is provided at a position where the automatic document feeder 40
does not hang over. The control panel 13 comprises a touch-panel
type liquid crystal display section 14, a ten-key section 15 for
numerical input, an all-clear key 16, a copy key 17, and a stop key
18. The touch-panel type liquid crystal display section 14 allows
finger-input of information, and can display various information
including information thus inputted. As a user touches the
touch-panel type liquid crystal display section 14, the type (copy
mode) of image formation and the conditions (size and direction of
an original document, size and direction of paper, the number of
sheets of copies) of image formation can be set in desired
states.
[0038] Meanwhile, the photosensitive drum 20 is provided to be
rotatable at the substantial center part in the body 1. Around this
photosensitive drum 20, a charger 21, a developing device 22, a
transfer device 23, a peeling device 24, a cleaner 25, and a
discharger 26 are provided sequentially. Further, a laser beam B
emitted from the laser unit 27 is irradiated on the surface of the
photosensitive drum 20, between the charger 21 and the developer
22.
[0039] At the bottom part of the body 1, there are provided a
plurality of paper supply cassettes 30. These paper supply
cassettes 30 respectively contain different sizes of paper P. When
either the copy key 17 or a convenient key 19 is pressed, sheets of
paper P are picked out one after another from any one of the paper
supply cassettes 30. The cassettes 30 are respectively provided
with pick-up rollers 31. Each of the sheets of paper P thus picked
out is separated from the cassette 30 by a separator 32 and is
supplied to a resist roller 33. The resist roller 33 feeds each
sheet of paper P between the photosensitive drum 20 and the
transfer device 23 at a timing in consideration of rotation of the
photosensitive drum 20.
[0040] The charger 21 applies a high voltage to the photosensitive
drum 20, thereby charging it with an electrostatic charge. The
laser beam B emitted from the laser unit 27 is irradiated onto the
surface of the photosensitive drum 20 after completion of this
charging. The laser unit 27 performs main-scanning (line scanning)
on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20. By sub-scanning in
which the main scanning is repeated in accordance with rotation of
the photosensitive drum 20, an electrostatic latent image
corresponding to a read image from the original document D is
formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20.
[0041] The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 20
receives a developing agent (toner) from the developing device 22
and is thereby developed. This developed image is transferred to a
sheet of paper P by the transfer device 23. The paper sheet P to
which the developed image has been transferred is peeled off from
the photosensitive drum 20 by the peeling device 24. The developing
agent and electric charge remain on the surface of the
photosensitive drum 20 from which the paper sheet P has been peeled
off. The remaining developing agent is removed by the cleaner 25
and the remaining electric charge is removed by the discharger
28.
[0042] The paper sheet P peeled off from the photosensitive drum 20
is sent to a fixing device 35. The fixing device fixes the
transferred image to the paper sheet P by heat. The paper P after
the fixing is sent to a discharge port 37 by a discharge roller 36
and is discharged from the discharge port 37 to a tray 38 outside
the body 1.
[0043] On another side of the body 1, a power source switch 39 is
provided.
[0044] The total control circuit of the apparatus is shown in FIG.
4.
[0045] A system controller 70 is connected with a control panel
controller 80, a scan controller 90, and a print controller 100.
The system controller 70 unitarily controls the control panel
controller 80, scan controller 90, and print controller 100.
[0046] Also, the system controller 70 is connected with a ROM 71
for storing a control program, a RAM 72 for storing data, an NVM
73, an image processing section 74, a page memory controller 75, a
sorter interface 77, an external internal 78, and a FAX modem 79.
The page memory controller 75 is connected with a page memory 76.
Further, the image processing section 74, page memory controller
75, external interface 78, and FAX modem 79 are mutually connected
with each other by an image data bus 701.
[0047] The external interface 78 is connected with a plurality of
terminals provided separately from the body 1, through a network
such as a LAN 110. Each terminal 111 is, for example, a personal
computer which is constructed by a controller 112, a display 113,
and an operation section 114. The controller 112 includes: a means
for sequentially displaying an initial screen, a selection screen,
a setting screen, a confirmation screen, and a guide screen for
allowing a user to register the type and conditions of image
formation, in accordance with an operation on the operation section
114; a means for determining a reservation number specific to a
content of registration in a case where the type and conditions of
image formation are registered by the operation on the operation
section 114 accompanied by display of those screens; a means for
informing a user of the determined reservation number by the
display 113; a means for generating registration data comprised of
the determined reservation number and the registration content; and
a means for transmitting the generated registration data to the
body 1.
[0048] The FAX modem 79 is connected with a telephone line 120.
[0049] The control panel controller 80 is connected with the
touch-panel type liquid crystal display section 14, ten-key section
15, all-clear key 16, copy key 17, and stop key 18.
[0050] The scan controller 90 is connected with the ROM 91 for
storing a control program, the RAM 92 for storing data, the shading
correction section (SHD) 93, a CCD driver 94, a scan motor driver
95, the exposure lamp 5, the automatic document feeder 40, and the
respective original document sensors 11. The CCD driver 94 drives
the CCD 10. The scan motor driver 95 drives a scan motor 96 for
driving the carriage. The automatic document feeder 40 has a
document sensor 43 for detecting an original document D set on the
tray 41 and its size.
[0051] The print controller 100 is connected with a ROM 101 for
storing a control program, a RAM 102 for storing data, a laser
driver 103, a polygon motor driver 104, a main motor driver 106,
and a sorter 44. The laser driver 103 drives the laser unit 27. The
polygon motor driver 104 drives the motor of a polygon mirror for
scanning the photosensitive drum 20 with the laser beam B. The main
motor driver 106 drives a main motor 107 as a drive source for the
photosensitive drum 20 and a paper conveyor mechanism.
[0052] A read section for optically reading an image of an original
document D is constructed mainly by the scan controller 90. A print
section for printing an image read by the read section onto a paper
P is constructed mainly by the print controller 100.
[0053] The system controller 70 includes: a means for storing
respective registration data items sent from the terminals 111 into
the RAM 72; a means for searching the registration data in the RAM
72 for registration data corresponding to a reservation number in
case where a registration number as described above is inputted
through the touch-panel type liquid crystal display section 14; and
a means for controlling the read section, image processing section
74, and print section, based on the searched registration data.
[0054] Next, the operation will be explained with reference to
FIGS. 5 to 13.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows control of the terminal 111. FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9,
and 10 show screens displayed on the display 112 on each terminal
112. FIG. 11 shows control of the system controller 70. FIGS. 12
and 13 shows screens displayed on the touch-panel type liquid
crystal display section 14.
[0056] The initial screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the
display 113 of each terminal 111 (step S1). The initial screen
allows a user to specify the presence or absence of
pre-registration, and includes a specification window of "YES", a
specification window of "NO", and a key "OK". If the specification
window of "YES" is checked with a check mark by operation on the
operation section 114 and if the key "OK" is then clicked, a
pre-registration mode (presence of pre-registration) is
specified.
[0057] If the pre-registration mode is specified (YES in step S2),
the screen switches to the select screen for copy modes (step S3),
shown in FIG. 7. The select screen for copy modes allows a user to
select the type of image formation (copy modes A, B, . . . ) as a
target of the pre-registration, and includes a specification window
of "copy mode A", a specification window of "copy mode B", a key
"back", and a key "next page".
[0058] The copy mode A achieves image formation in which, for
example, images of a plurality of original documents, e.g., four
images are each minified. These minified plural images are
connected with each other and printed onto one sheet of paper P.
The copy mode B achieves image formation in which, for example, an
image of one original document is divided into a plurality of
portions, and these portions are respectively printed onto a
plurality of paper sheets P. Actually, not only the two types of
copy modes A and B but also more types of copy modes are prepared.
Since all of these copy modes are taken as selection targets, a
plurality of select screens are prepared. These select screens can
be switched and displayed by clicking the key "next page".
[0059] In the case of selecting the copy mode A by operation on the
operation section 114, a check mark is written in the specification
window of "copy mode A", and the key "OK" is clicked next. In the
case of selecting the copy mode B, a check mark is written in the
specification window of "copy mode B" by operation on the operation
section 114, and the key "OK" is clicked next. If a copy mode other
than the copy modes A and B should be selected, the key "next page"
is clicked to switch the select screen, and a similar operation is
carried out on the select screen which introduces a desired copy
mode.
[0060] If the key "back" is clicked without clicking the key "OK"
(NO in step S4 and YES in step S5), the display of the display 113
returns to the initial screen shown in FIG. 6 (step S1).
[0061] When the key "OK" is clicked (YES in step S4), the display
of the display 113 switches to the setting screen for input/output
conditions which is shown in FIG. 8 (step S6), upon determination
that selection is completed (YES in step S4).
[0062] The setting screen for input/output conditions allows a user
to set the conditions necessary for the copy mode selected on the
basis of the display of the select screen, and includes a plurality
of windows for specifying the size and direction of an original
document, a plurality of windows for specifying the size and
direction of a paper sheet P, a number of windows for specifying
the number of sheets of an original document, a key "back", and a
key "OK".
[0063] In the copy mode A in which the images of four sheets of an
original document are each minified and these minified plural
images are combined to be printed onto a paper sheet P, all images
of an original document can be printed onto four sheets of paper
when the original document consists of 16 sheets. In this case, a
check mark is written into the specification window of
"A4*longitudinal" as a specification of the size and direction of
the original document, and a numerical value "16" is written in the
number specification window. Next, the key "OK" is clicked.
[0064] If the key "back" is clicked without clicking the key "OK"
(NO in step S7 and YES in step S8), display on the display 113
returns to the select screen for the copy mode, which is shown in
FIG. 7 (step S3). On this select screen for the copy mode, the type
of image formation can be re-selected.
[0065] When the key "OK" is clicked (YES in step S7), the display
on the display 113 is switched to the confirmation screen shown in
FIG. 9 (step S9) under a determination that setting has been
completed (YES in step S7).
[0066] The confirmation screen allows a user to confirm the type of
image formation selected on the basis of display of the select
screen for the copy mode, and the conditions of image formation set
on the basis of the setting screen for the input/output conditions.
That is, it shows each of the states, i.e., images equivalent to
four sheets of first to fourth pages of the original document are
printed on a first paper sheet P, images equivalent to four sheets
of fifth to eighth pages of the original document are printed on a
second paper sheet P, images equivalent to four sheets of ninth to
twelfth pages of the original document are printed on a third paper
sheet P, and images equivalent to four sheets of thirteenth to
sixteenth pages of the original document are printed on a fourth
paper sheet P. Also, the confirmation screen includes a key "back",
a key "OK", and a key "next page".
[0067] A plurality of pages are prepared for the confirmation
screen. Any of these pages of the confirmation screen is selected
by clicking the key "next page", and thus, the images of four
sheets of the original document can be rearranged and printed.
[0068] When the key "back" on the confirmation screen is clicked
(NO in step S10 and YES in step S11), the display of the display
113 returns to the setting screen for input/output conditions,
which is shown in FIG. 8 (step S6). On this setting screen for
input/output conditions, conditions of image formation can be
reset.
[0069] When the key "OK" is clicked on the confirmation screen (YES
in step S10), the type of image formation selected as described
above and the conditions set as described above are fixed as a
pre-registration (step S12). Further, a reservation number specific
to the contents of the fixed registration is determined (step S13),
and subsequently, the display of the display 113 switches to the
guide screen shown in FIG. 10 (step S14).
[0070] The guide screen serves to inform a user of a treatment
which the user should carry out on the body 1 to execute image
formation confirmed (fixed) on the confirmation screen, together
with the determined reservation number. This guide screen includes
a key "back" and a key "OK".
[0071] When the key "back" is clicked on the guide screen (NO in
step S15 and YES in step S16), the display of the display 113
returns to the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 9 (step S9).
[0072] When the key "OK" is clicked on the guide screen (YES in
step S15), registration data comprised of the determined
reservation number and the registration contents is generated, and
the generated registration data is sent to the body 1 (step
S17).
[0073] Meanwhile, in the body 1, the touch-panel type liquid
crystal display section 14 displays the menu screen shown in FIG.
12 (step S21). The menu screen includes an explanation of a
treatment necessary in the case of performing image formation, and
prepares a window for inputting a reservation number. Also, the
menu screen includes a plurality of keys for selecting copy modes
other than the pre-registration mode.
[0074] Registration data sent from any of the terminals 111 is
received by the body 1 (YES in step S22). The received registration
data is stored in the RAM 72 (in step S23).
[0075] The user who has made an operation for pre-registration by a
terminal 111 stands in front of the body 1 for the user's
convenience and inputs a reservation number to the menu screen by
touch operation on the touch-panel type liquid crystal display
section 14. Further, the user presses the copy key 17.
[0076] If a reservation number has already been inputted (YES in
step S25) when the copy key 17 is turned on (YES in step S24),
registration data corresponding to the inputted reservation number
is retrieved from the registration data stored in the RAM 72 (step
S26).
[0077] If the RAM 72 includes registration data corresponding to
the inputted reservation number (YES in step S27), the registration
data is read out (step S28). Further, based on the read
registration data, image reading, image processing, and image
printing are controlled. That is, as is displayed on the
confirmation screen of the display 113 at the terminal 111, images
equivalent to four sheets of first to fourth pages of the original
document are printed on a first paper sheet P, images equivalent to
four sheets of fifth to eighth pages of the original document are
printed on a second paper sheet P, images equivalent to four sheets
of ninth to twelfth pages of the original document are printed on a
third paper sheet P, and images equivalent to four sheets of
thirteenth to sixteenth pages of the original document are printed
on a fourth paper sheet P. These sheets of paper P are stacked on
the tray 38.
[0078] If registration data corresponding to the inputted
reservation number is not included in the RAM 72 (NO in step S27),
the display of the touch-panel type liquid crystal display section
14 switches to the re-input guide screen shown in FIG. 13 (step
S30). The re-input guide screen includes a sentence explaining that
a user is requested to re-input a correct reservation number and
also includes a key "cancel".
[0079] The user who watched the re-input guide screen finds that
the inputted reservation number was wrong, remembers a correct
reservation number, and re-inputs it to the re-input guide screen.
The user then presses the copy key 17.
[0080] If a reservation number has already been inputted (YES in
step S32) when the copy key 17 is pressed (YES in step S31),
registration data corresponding to the inputted reservation number
is searched for from the registration data stored in the RAM 72
(step S26).
[0081] If the RAM 72 includes registration data corresponding to
the inputted reservation number (YES in step S27), the registration
data is read out (step S28). Further, based on the read
registration data, image reading, image processing, and image
printing are controlled.
[0082] However, if the RAM 72 does not hold the registration data
corresponding to the re-inputted reservation number (NO in step
S27), the touch-panel type liquid crystal display section 14
redisplays the re-input guide screen shown in FIG. 13 (step S30).
In this case, if the user gives up copying and clicks the key
"cancel" (NO in step S33), the display of the touch-panel type
liquid crystal display section 14 returns to the menu screen shown
in FIG. 12 (step S21).
[0083] Thus, the type and conditions of image formation can be
previously registered by each terminal 111. Therefore, even if
there are a large number of types of image formation or even if the
conditions of image formation are complicated, proper setting can
be achieved. That is, since the display 113 of each terminal 111 is
much larger in comparison with the touch-panel type liquid crystal
display section 14 of the body 1, setting thereof is easy and
rapid.
[0084] Accordingly, setting errors can be greatly reduced so that
wasteful use of sheets of paper P can be prevented. In addition,
the body 1 is not exclusively used by one user but all users can
easily use the body 1.
[0085] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
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