JPH0387765A - Image forming device capable of using portable external storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To effectively use only completely transferred data by discriminating the way that an external storage device is loaded while it currently transfers data to an image forming device main body and canceling a mode instructed by the transferred data if the external storage device is not loaded. CONSTITUTION:During data transfer, an IC card 400 being the external storage device, is detected whether it is inserted or not. First, data transfer is discriminated, and if so, the IC card 400 being the external storage device is discriminated whether it remains inserted. If it is removed, all image load modes set by the transfer data so far are canceled. Thus, a mode set by insufficiently transferred data is eliminated and only the completely transferred data can be effectively used.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image using data related to image formation stored in a portable external storage device.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, in most cases, image forming apparatuses have a copy mode in which an external storage device such as an IC card or the like can be used, and a device having a relatively small capacity is stored and used.

[Problem that the invention is trying to solve] However,
In recent years, image forming devices such as copying machines have been designed to store large amounts of data such as image data in an external storage device, which is attached to the main body as needed, and the image data is transferred from the external storage device to the main body for use. is proposed.

However, transferring a large amount of data takes more time than transferring copy mode, etc.
"Setting up" time is taking longer than before. If the external storage device is removed during this "setting", the data transferred up to that point will be incomplete, making it impossible to perform normal image formation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent data transferred from an external storage device from being used in an incomplete state. It is in.

[Means and effects for solving the problem] In the present invention, a portable external storage device is provided with an attachable portion, and data related to image formation transferred from the external storage device attached to the attachable portion is provided. an image forming apparatus that receives the data and forms an image on a recording material in a mode based on the data; and control means for invalidating the mode setting based on the data transferred up to that point, in accordance with the determination result of the determination means when the device is in a non-wearing state.

This prevents mode setting based on incomplete data even if the external storage device becomes unattached during data transfer.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is roughly divided into a copying machine main body part A, a pedicle part B, an editor part C, and an IC card unit embedded in the main body. It consists of parts, etc. In addition, each part B-D is configured to be connectable to the main body part A in a selective manner.

In the main body part A, l is a system controller (sequence controller), which includes a CPU and a ROM that serve as a controller for controlling each of the above parts A to D.

It consists of RAM, interface, etc.

Reference numeral 2 denotes an original table glass, on which an original is placed flat.

Reference numeral 3 denotes an irradiation lamp (exposure lamp) that exposes the original placed on the original platen glass 2. 4 to 6 are reflective mirrors for scanning (scanning mirrors), which change the optical path of the reflected light of the document exposed by the irradiation lamp 3. Incidentally, the irradiation lamp 3 and the reflection mirror 4 constitute a scanning unit that moves together with the document scanning.

A lens 7 adjusts the optical path length and focus of the reflected light scanned by the scanning mirror 6. Note that the lens 7 is positioned at a position corresponding to the magnification between the dotted line positions in the figure in accordance with a magnification specified by an operation unit to be described later.

Reference numeral 8 denotes a reflecting mirror (scanning mirror) that reflects light reflected from the original projected through the lens 7 onto the photoreceptor 17 . Reference numeral 9 denotes an optical system motor that changes the speed of the scanning unit according to the magnification, and causes the scanning unit to move and scan at a constant speed corresponding to the magnification. 10. Sensors 11 and 12 detect the movement state of the scanning unit and notify the sequence controller l. 13 is a semiconductor laser, and a sequence controller l
is inserted into the IC card unit section. It is 0N10FF modulated based on stamp image data read from an IC card (described later), is deflected by a polygon mirror 14 rotated at a constant speed by a scanner motor 15, and is sent to a photoreceptor 17 by a reflecting mirror (scanning mirror) 16.
to form characters, stamp images, etc.

Note that the above 13 to 16 constitute a laser unit. A main motor 18 rotates the photoreceptor 17 at a constant speed (in the direction of the arrow). 19 is a high pressure unit, and photoreceptor 17
is charged to the latent image forming level electric device.

Reference numerals 20 and 20' designate a black developing unit and a color developing unit, which develop original images and regular format images formed on the photoreceptor 17 using developing material (toner) supplied from a toner hopper.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a transfer charger that transfers the toner image developed on the photoreceptor 17 onto the recording paper being conveyed. A separation charger 22 separates the recording paper after the transfer process from the photoreceptor 17. A cleaner device 23 collects toner remaining on the photoreceptor 17.

Reference numeral 24a designates an upper cassette from which recording paper is fed to the main body A by driving a paper feed roller 25. Reference numeral 24b denotes a lower cassette from which recording paper is fed to the main body A by driving a paper feed roller 26. A registration roller 27 aligns the leading edge of the image formed on the photoreceptor 17 with the leading edge of the fed recording paper, and feeds the stopped recording paper to the main body A at a predetermined timing. A conveyance belt 28 conveys the recording paper that has undergone the transfer process to a fixing device 29. The fixing device 29 fixes the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression bonding.

First, the operation of the main body section A will be explained.

The surface of the photoreceptor 17 is composed of a seamless photoreceptor using a photoconductor layer and a conductor, and is rotatably supported by a main motor 18 that is activated in response to pressing of a copy start key, which will be described later. It starts rotating at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Next, when the predetermined rotational control and potential control processing (preprocessing) of the photoreceptor 17 is completed, the original placed on the original platen glass 2 is scanned by a scanning unit consisting of an irradiation lamp 3 integrated with a scanning mirror 4. The light reflected from the original document passes through scanning mirrors 4 to 6, lens 7, and scanning mirror 8, and forms an image on photoreceptor 17. The photoreceptor 17 is corona charged by the high voltage unit 19, and then the irradiation lamp 3
The image (original image) illuminated by is exposed to slit light,
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor 17 using a known electrophotographic process.

Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 17 is developed by the developing roller 20a or 20a of the developing unit 20 or 20' and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to the recording paper by the transfer charger 21 as described later. transcribed into. That is, the transfer paper in the upper cassette 24a or the lower cassette 24b is fed into the main unit by the paper feed roller 25 or the paper feed roller 26, and then transferred to the registration roller 27.
The latent image is conveyed toward the photoreceptor 17 with accurate timing, and the leading edge of the latent image and the leading edge of the recording paper are aligned. Thereafter, the recording paper passes between the transfer charger 21 and the photoreceptor 17, so that the toner image on the photoreceptor 17 is transferred onto the recording paper. After this transfer process is completed, the recording paper is transferred to the photoreceptor 17.
The toner is separated by the separation charger 22, guided to the fixing device 29 by the conveyor belt 28, and then discharged to the outside of the main body portion A by the discharge roller 44.

After the transfer, the photoreceptor 17 continues its post-rotation, and the surface thereof is cleaned by a cleaner device 23 composed of a cleaning roller and an elastic blade, and residual toner is collected.

In the pedestal section B, 31 is a paper deck that accommodates, for example, about 2000 sheets of recording paper. 32 is an intermediate tray that temporarily holds the recording paper so that the side of the recording paper on which image formation has been completed is the top side during duplex copying, and so that the side of the recording paper on which image formation has been completed is the bottom side during multiple copying. Place it. Reference numeral 33 denotes a lifter that gradually lifts up according to the amount of recording paper stored in the paper deck 31 so that the uppermost recording paper comes into contact with the paper feed roller 34 .

35 is a paper ejection flapper (direction flapper), and the feed roller 3
The path of the recording paper conveyed through 0 is switched between the paper conveyance path on the double-sided recording side or the multi-recording side and the ejection conveyance path. 3
6. Reference numeral 37 denotes a conveyance path through which recording paper is conveyed when the paper conveyance path on the double-sided recording side or the multi-recording side is selected. Reference numeral 38 denotes an intermediate tray weight, and by driving this intermediate tray weight 38, the paper ejection flapper 35 and the conveyance path 3 are
6. The recording paper that has passed through 37 is reversed and transferred to intermediate tray 3.
It is stored in 2.

Reference numeral 39 denotes a multiple flapper, which is arranged between the conveyance paths 36 and 37 to switch the conveyance path of the recording paper between double-sided recording and multiple recording, and guides the transfer paper to the multiple recording conveyance path 40 by rotating upward. . 41 is a multiple paper ejection sensor, and multiple flapper 3
The end of the transfer paper of the recording paper passing through 9 is detected and notified to the system controller l.

A paper feed roller 42 feeds the recording paper to the photoreceptor 17 through a path 43. A paper discharge roller 44 discharges the recording paper on which image formation has been completed from the pedicle section B. Reference numeral 45 denotes a paper discharge tray on which recording paper on which image formation has been completed is placed in a stack.

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) show the operating section 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part for explaining a first configuration example, in which a first operating section is configured in a state where they are connected by a membrane rupture line.

In the figure, 101 is a power switch that controls power supply to the copying machine (image forming apparatus). A reset key 102 operates as a key for returning to the standard mode during standby. 103 is a copy key. Reference numeral 104 denotes a color developer selection changeover key, and the color developer selection changeover key 104 is used to select a plurality of developing devices (not shown).

Numeric keys 105 are used mainly to input the number of copies. 1
A cassette selection key 06 instructs the amount of paper fed from a paper feeding mechanism such as a pedestal (not shown). 107 is a copy density adjustment key, and 108 is a same size key, which is pressed when selecting a same size copy. A zoom key 109 is used to designate the copy magnification in predetermined magnification steps, for example, in 1% increments.

1.10 is a standard magnification key, which is pressed to specify a standard reduction or expansion rate. 111 is the frame erase key,
Press when instructing to erase the border on copy paper.

A binding margin key 112 is pressed to create a binding margin at one end of the copy paper. A photo mode key 113 is pressed when copying a halftone image such as a photo original.

125 is an area designation key, which is pressed to designate an area. 126 is the area call key, area designation key 1
This button is pressed when partially modifying the contents of the area set by 25. Reference numeral 117 is a guide key, which is pressed to know the contents of each function. A preheating mode key 131 is used to set the preheating mode.

Numeral 114 is a multiple key, which is pressed when selecting multiple mode. Reference numeral 115 is a continuous copying key that divides the copying area of the document platen glass 3 into two left and right (the divided area differs depending on the copy paper size).
Press this button to specify continuous shooting to automatically make two copies. 116 duplex key, which is pressed to select the duplex copy mode. Reference numerals 119 and 120 indicate sorter keys, which are pressed to specify the sorter operation mode (group, sort, etc.). 122 to 124 are character keys, character key 1
22 is pressed when forming date information (with multiple types of data recording formats) to be updated and stored in advance on copy paper, and character keys 1 and 23 are input by pressing character keys provided on a digitizer (not shown). The character key 124 is pressed when forming memo information on copy paper, and the character key 124 is pressed when formatting numbering information on copy paper. 127,1
28 is a mode memory key that stores the copy mode set on the operation section 2 in the main body memory (RAM 1a of the controller section 1).
(with backup)) Press to save the data to the above.

Reference numeral 129 denotes an IC card key, which is pressed to store the copy mode set on the operation unit 2 in the IC card or to read the copy mode stored in the IC card.

Reference numeral 130 denotes an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically enlarge or reduce the size by m according to the size of the transfer paper.

133 is the up key, 134 is the down key, display 1
38 is pressed to move the instruction guide (triangular mark in this embodiment) displayed on the screen to instruct the selection element. Note that the display 138 is composed of, for example, a backlit liquid crystal display device, and displays the number of copies, transfer paper size, set magnification, message, etc. 132 is an asterisk key, 135 is a registration key, and 136 is a password key.

Reference numerals 139 to 150 are indicators composed of light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. The indicator 139 lights up when the sorter is used, and displays the sorter mode, group mode, etc. The display 140 lights up when the automatic exposure adjustment (AE) key 137 is pressed, and the display 141 displays the corresponding density level set by the density key. Display 14
2, when a color developer in the main body or in an optional multiple developer storage device is selected, a color display corresponding to the color of the developer is lit. The display 143 lights up when the auto magnification key 1.30 is pressed.

The indicator 144 lights up when the photo mode is set. The display 145 lights up when the date writing mode is set. The display 146 lights up when area designation is set. The display 147 is a display and lights up when the binding mode is set. The indicator 148 lights up when the memo writing mode is set.

The display 149 lights up when the frame erase mode is set. The display 150 lights up when the number writing mode is set.

FIG. 3(A) is an external view of the editor section C provided on the document pressure plate of FIG. 208 to 211 are function keys for setting a mode for processing a document by dividing it into parts;
07 is an input confirmation key used when setting the split processing mode, 212 is a function key for a mode that adds a background to the original image, and 2 and 3 are function keys 214 for a mode that adds arbitrary character strings to the original. Function keys for adding a specific stamp image (font data) to 202-2
06 selects the copy color when setting each mode -+-1
201 is a key for canceling the mode set on the editing device;
Reference numeral 15 indicates a pointer for inputting each setting on the editor. Further, FIG. 3(B) is a diagram of the digitizer section 253 of the editor section C, which is configured so that data can be input according to the relative position with respect to the origin 254. 252
250 is a character selection area for selecting a character to be added to the document image in the character string addition mode, 250 is an image selection area for selecting a stamp to be added to the document image in the specific image addition mode, and 251 is the character string , and a specific image output direction selection area. When stamp font data is stored in an IC card, which is an external storage means, print data for adding the stamp to a copy of the original, and print data for selecting a desired one from a plurality of images are included. It also has display data to be output to the display unit 138.

Next, the configuration of the IC card unit shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).

4(a) and 4(b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the IC card unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. The IC card unit section is embedded inside the main body and is visually integrated with the main body.

In these figures, 81 is a card insertion slot into which the memory card 400 is inserted. Note that the memory card (IC card) 400 has a semiconductor integrated circuit (CPU, RAM, ROM), etc. built into a base such as a plastic card. Note that the memory card 400 (external storage means) has the following information:
Stamp images to be combined with the original image are input from one or more image scanners (not shown) and stored.

85 and 86 are card position sensors, the card position sensor 85 detects insertion of the memory card 400, the card position sensor 86 detects completion of insertion of the memory card 400,
We will notify you accordingly. 87 is a connector, this connector 8
It is connected to the main body control section via 7. Reference numeral 88 denotes a contact that contacts the boat of the memory card 400. Note that the memory card 400 is attached and detached from the IC card unit section manually by the operator.

Next, the configuration of the system controller 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5.

5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system controller 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in each of FIGS. 1 to 4 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, 1a is a CPU, which collectively controls each part based on a control program stored in ROM 1b. lc is a RAM serving as a main memory device, and functions as a storage area for input data and a working memory area. 1d is an output interface circuit (110 outputs), which outputs a control signal instructed by the CPU 1a to a load such as the main motor 18. An input interface circuit (I10 input) 1e sends a detection input signal detected by the image tip sensor 12 and the like to the CPU 1a. If is an interface circuit that controls input and output to the display group DS and key group of the operating section shown in FIG. The display group DS is a general term for each display shown in Figure 2, which is composed of LED, I, and CD, and the key group includes keys corresponding to each key shown in Figure 2. The CPU 1a determines the pressed state using a known key matrix.

A laser driver 1g outputs a drive signal for driving the semiconductor laser 13 and the scanner motor 15 based on a drive control signal output from the CPU 1a. Note that 27a is a registration clutch that drives the registration rollers 27 shown in FIG. S is a bed sensor, which corresponds to the sensor inside the bed wall section B.

Next, the image writing/erasing operation will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the driving operation of the semiconductor laser 13 shown in FIG. 1, and the same parts as in FIGS. 1 and 5 are given the same reference numerals.

In this figure, 151 is a collimator lens that adjusts the laser beam irradiated from the semiconductor laser 13 into parallel light. A cylindrical lens 152 adjusts the optical axis of the laser beam irradiated via the collimator lens 151 so that it becomes parallel to the axial direction of the photoreceptor 17 on the scanning mirror 16 . Reference numeral 153 denotes an imaging lens that adjusts the scanning speed of the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror 14 on the photoreceptor 17 to a constant value.

Memory card 40 inserted into the IC card unit section
The image data stored in advance in the memory section of CP
U1a takes in the video signal VD corresponding to the image data and outputs it to the laser driver Ig. In response to this, the laser driver 1g sends out a laser drive signal LD for driving the semiconductor laser 13, and the semiconductor laser 13 oscillates a laser beam biased on/off by the laser drive signal LD. The oscillated laser beam is turned into parallel light by the collimator lens 151, and is turned into parallel light by the cylindrical lens 152.
6, it is converted to a straight line parallel to the drum axis. Furthermore, a polygon mirror 14 rotating at a constant speed
The laser beam deflected by the laser beam forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 17 via the imaging lens 153.

In this way, the video signal VD output from the CPU 1a
control, the electrostatic latent image can be placed at any position on the photoreceptor 17 with high precision, in this example, 4 pels (8 dots/mm).
Therefore, the image developed in the RAM 1c can be accurately reproduced on recording paper when necessary.

Next, the operation of reading a stamp image from the memory card 400 will be explained.

Stamp image data read by an image scanner (not shown) and edited as necessary is stored in the memory card 400, and the memory card 400 is inserted into the card insertion slot 81 of the memory card unit. Then, the stored image data is read out every l scanning line via the contact 88, and the RA of the sequence controller l is read out.
Expanded on M lc.

Furthermore, in place of the stamp image, a copy mode set on the main body operation section can be registered in the memory card 400.

Next, the flow when setting the image load mode will be explained using FIG. 7. Enter the setting mode by inputting the function key 214.

In step (1), it is selected whether to set the image to be added to the RAM, which is a storage means built into the main body, or to the IC card, which is an external storage means.

At this time, the display section 138 in FIG.
) will be output. When selecting a stamp image built into the main body, select the desired image from the image selection area 250 of the editor 200 using the point ben 215 (3), and proceed to the settings for orientation (8), position, and color (9). move on. When selecting an image on the IC card, which is an external storage means, by pressing the down key 134, display data corresponding to each image is sequentially read out (2). In this case, each time the down key 134 is pressed, images are read out in order starting from the first image (stamp). The data retrieved at this time is displayed in the form shown in FIG. 9(b).

Next, when the desired image is displayed, press the registration key 135.
When is pressed, the stamp image to be added is confirmed 4)
, transfer the horizontal output data (5).

Landscape output is the default setting 8, and is transferred at this point in consideration of the case where the user omits subsequent input. Next, the output direction of the additional image is set (6). If landscape orientation is selected, the transfer has already been completed and the process moves to step (9) for selecting the position and color. If portrait orientation is selected, new portrait output data is transferred in step (7), and then the process proceeds to step (9). still,
The position, color, and orientation can be selected using the digitizer section 253 and keys 202 to 206 in the same way as when reading out the stamp image built into the main body.
, is performed in the selection area 251.

In this embodiment, it is detected whether or not an IC card, which is an external storage means, is inserted while data transfer corresponding to processes (5) and (7) shown in FIG. 7 is being performed. There is. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing this operation, which is periodically executed during the data transfer of (5) and (7) in FIG. First, it is necessary to determine whether or not data is being transferred11).
It is determined whether the card remains inserted (12). If it is removed, all image load modes that were to be set based on the transfer data at that time are canceled (13).

Note that whether or not an IC card is inserted is determined as follows. That is, predetermined data is stored at a predetermined address in the memory within the IC card 400.

When reading data stored in the IC card, data at this predetermined address is first read, and when the predetermined data is read, it is determined that the IC card is inserted, and the stored data is read.

Similarly, in step (1'2) of FIG. 8, the data at this predetermined address is read out, and if the predetermined data is read out, it is determined that the IC card is inserted.

This eliminates mode settings based on insufficient data during transfer and enables only complete data transfer.

In the above embodiment, the case where image data is transferred from the IC card to the main body has been described, but the same applies to the case where copy mode data is transferred. Also, when transferring data such as copy mode from the main unit to an IC card, the I
It may be configured to periodically check whether or not a C card is inserted.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was determined whether or not the IC card is inserted by reading the data stored at a predetermined address of the IC card, but the output of the switch that detects the insertion of the IC card may be periodically It may be configured to check.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, the attachment state of the external storage means is determined while data is being transferred from the external storage means to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and if the external storage means becomes the uninstalled state, , based on the transferred data (by canceling the mode, only completely transferred data can be valid.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying machine which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operation section of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3(A) is an editor section. Figure 3 (B) is a diagram showing the digitizer part of the editor part, Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b) are diagrams showing the IC card unit part, and Figure 5 is the same as Figure 1. 6 is a diagram for explaining the recording operation by the semiconductor laser shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the setting operation of the image addition mode, and FIG. 8 is a data A flowchart showing the IC card detection operation during transfer, and FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams showing display contents during image addition mode setting. A... Copying machine body, B... pedestal section, C...
・Editor section, D...IC card unit section, 1a.
...CPU, Ib...ROM, Ic...RAM, 4
00...IC card 2S Figure 4 (ρ) (h)

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A mounting section to which a portable external storage device can be attached is provided, and the data related to image formation transferred from the external storage device attached to the mounting section is received, and the recording material is transferred in a mode based on the data. In an image forming apparatus that forms an image, a determining unit that determines the installed state of the external storage device during the data transfer; and a determining unit that determines the installed state of the external storage device during the data transfer; An image forming apparatus comprising: a control means for invalidating a mode setting based on data transferred so far according to a determination result of the means.