JPH07129299A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To decrease the kinds of keys and simplify the key arrangement of an operation part by utilizing operation keys set for a copy mode as function keys for character display interlocking with a changeover from a copy mode to a character input mode. CONSTITUTION:When the mode is switched from the copy mode to the character input mode, the two density keys for the copy mode are used as the keys for input character screen display. Namely, an optional character pattern in a character pattern is read out of a ROM 806 in order and displayed in the character input area on an LCD display unit 701 each time a CPU 801 detects the depression of one density key 611. If the depression of the other density key 612 is detected at this time, the character pattern displayed in the character input area is read out of the ROM 806 in order and displayed at a next input position. Thus, while character candidates which can be inputted are displayed in order, a desired character can be inputted at the different display position.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an operation section including key input means and message display means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus having a function of performing data communication with an external apparatus or a user ID can be registered so that only a specific user who inputs the user ID can use the apparatus. Image forming apparatuses having various functions are on the market. In such an image forming apparatus, when a user inputs a character string such as a user name into the image forming apparatus, the user inputs the character string by using a key input unit that is set so that characters and keys correspond to each other. Was there.

[0003]

However, when the types of characters and symbols that can be input to the image forming apparatus increase, in the normal mode, the characters and symbols must be assigned to keys used for purposes other than character input. Disappear. In such cases, the problem is solved by covering the correspondence sheet of characters and keys on the operation unit or attaching a correspondence table to the product.

However, according to the former method, many items are stored in the operation section, which may cause confusion of the user and lower operability.

Further, in order to realize a character input function that is not used as often as compared with the image forming function, it is preferable to display the key layout on the operation unit from the viewpoint of reducing the product cost. Not the way.

The latter method, which requires the user to perform an input operation while referring to the correspondence table, also has problems in terms of complexity and cost increase.

Further, when the image forming apparatus which is already on sale is modified so as to have a character input function, the more the number of keys having different key input meanings according to the mode is increased, the more the remodeled portion is required. However, there is a problem in that it has a negative effect on the goal of quality maintenance.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and detects pressing of one to three existing keys from a stored character pattern group to read out and display a desired character. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of inputting characters without error by a simple operation without increasing the number of new keys.

[0009]

A first image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code and a mode of the operation unit, which is a character input of a message display unit. A mode switching means for switching to the character input mode for the area, and each time the depression of any one of the at least two keys is detected,
First display control means for sequentially reading out character patterns from the arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displaying the character patterns in the character input area is provided.

In the second image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the storage means for storing a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code and the mode of the operation section are set to the character input mode for the character input area of the message display means. Every time the mode switching means for switching and the pressed state of any one of at least two keys are detected, character patterns are sequentially read out from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means. The first display control means for displaying the character in the character input area, and while the character pattern is being displayed by the first display control means, a character is displayed every time the pressed state of the one key is detected following the press of the other key. A second display system in which the character pattern displayed in the input area is sequentially read from the storage means and displayed at the next input position in the character input area. It is provided with a means.

The third image forming apparatus according to the present invention is the first image forming apparatus.
The display control means is configured to sequentially and cyclically read the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means.

In a fourth image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a storage unit for storing a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code and a mode of the operation unit are set to a character input mode for a character input area of the message display unit. The mode switching means for switching and a character pattern sequentially read from an arbitrary character pattern in the character pattern group stored in the storage means each time the pressed state of the first key of at least three keys is detected, and First display control means for displaying in the character input area and, every time the second key is pressed while the character pattern is being displayed by the first display control means, the character pattern is moved backward from the displayed character pattern. Second display control means for sequentially reading out the character pattern from the storage means and displaying it in the character input area, and the first display control means or the second table While the character pattern is being displayed by the control means, every time the pressing of the third key following the pressing of the first or second key is detected, the displayed character pattern is sequentially read from the storage means and is displayed in the character input area. And a third display control means for displaying at the next input position.

A fifth image forming apparatus according to the present invention is the first image forming apparatus.
The second display control means is configured to sequentially and cyclically read the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means.

In a sixth image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a storage unit for storing a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code and a mode of the operation unit are set to a character input mode for a character input area of the message display unit. Mode switching means for switching, and display control means for sequentially reading out character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displaying them in the character input area each time one key press is detected. Is provided.

In a seventh image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a storage unit for storing a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code and a mode of the operation unit are set to a character input mode for a character input area of the message display unit. Mode switching means for switching and a first display for sequentially reading out character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displaying them in the character input area each time a depression of one key is detected Control means, timer means for measuring a state in which the key is not pressed while the character pattern is being displayed by the first display control means, and every time the key is pressed based on the time value measured by the timer means. , The character patterns displayed in the character input area are sequentially read from the storage means, and the next input position in the character input area is read. It is provided with a second display control means for displaying on.

[0016]

In the first aspect of the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, the display control means stores the character stored in the storage means every time the pressing of any one of at least two keys is detected. Since the character patterns are sequentially read out from the arbitrary character patterns in the pattern group and displayed in the character input area, the desired characters can be surely displayed by pressing the existing two keys and sequentially displaying the inputtable character candidates. It becomes possible to input.

In the second aspect of the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, among the at least two keys,
Each time the pressing state of any one of the keys is detected, the first display control means sequentially reads the character patterns from the arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displays them in the character input area. The second display control means sequentially reads the character pattern displayed in the character input area from the storage means each time the pressing state of the one key following the pressing of the other key is detected during the operation. Since it is displayed at the next input position in the character input area, it is possible to press the existing two keys and sequentially input the character candidates that can be input, and surely input the desired character at different display positions. Becomes

In the third aspect of the present invention, the first display control means sequentially and cyclically reads the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means, so that the character patterns stored in the storage means are easy to operate. It becomes possible to input well.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, among at least three keys,
Each time the pressed state of the first key or the second key is detected, the first display control means or the second display control means displays a character pattern before and after the displayed character pattern in the character input area, Each time the pressing of the third key following the pressing of the first or second key is detected, the character pattern displayed by the third display control means is read from the storage means and set to the next input position in the character input area. Since it is displayed, even if a character subsequent to the desired character is displayed due to a key press error, pressing the 1st or 2nd key reduces the number of characters before and after the character that is already displayed. It becomes possible to input with.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first and second
The display control means reads the character patterns sequentially and cyclically from the character pattern group stored in the storage means, so that the character patterns stored in the storage means can be input with good operability.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, the display control means is sequentially operated from an arbitrary character pattern in the character pattern group stored in the storage means each time the depression of one key is detected. Since the character pattern is read out and displayed in the character input area, it is possible to input a desired character from the stored character pattern group with good operability by pressing one key.

In the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, the first display control means selects any one of the character pattern groups stored in the storage means each time the depression of one key is detected. While the character patterns are sequentially read out from the character patterns and displayed in the character input area, the timer means counts the state in which no key is pressed, and each time the key is detected to be pressed based on the measured value. The second display control means sequentially reads the character pattern displayed in the character input area from the storage means and displays it at the next input position in the character input area. It is possible to reliably input desired characters to different display positions while sequentially displaying the candidates.

[0023]

1 and 2 are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In these figures, 100 is the main body of the image forming apparatus (main body), 800 is control means for controlling the image forming operation, 900 is communication control means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external communication line, and 908. Is a public line that is an external communication line, and 999 is a host computer that is set as a management base for managing the image forming apparatus main body 100. The CPU 901 controls the communication control unit 900, and temporarily holds communication data. Memory (RAM) 90
3, a modem (modulator / demodulator) 905 for placing digital communication data on the public line 908, a network controller unit (NCU) 906, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows the image forming apparatus main body 1 shown in FIG.
It is sectional drawing explaining the hardware constitutions of 00.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 is a recycle automatic current feeding device (RDF) for automatically feeding originals, and 300 is a sorter for sorting sheets having undergone image forming processing. The RDF 200 and the sorter 300 are configured to be freely combined with the image forming apparatus 100 to form a system.

In the image forming apparatus main body 100, 101
Is an original table glass as an original table. Reference numeral 102 denotes an optical system as an image reading means, which includes a document illumination lamp (exposure lamp) 103, a scanning mirror, a lens, and a motor 1.
04, etc., while moving the scanning mirror and the document illumination lamp by the motor 104, the document lamp 10
The original is illuminated by 3 and the reflected light from the original is applied to the photosensitive drum 105 by the scanning mirror and the lens. An optical sensor or a mechanical sensor, which serves as a document illumination lamp and a scanning mirror detecting means, is arranged at a predetermined position.

Around the photosensitive drum 105, a high voltage unit 106, a blank exposure unit 107, and a potential sensor 1
08, developing device 109, transfer charger 110, separation charger 1
11, a cleaning device 112 and the like are provided, and these constitute image recording means.

The photosensitive drum 105 is rotated by the main motor 113 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
6 is corona-charged, and when the optical system 102 irradiates the reflected light of the document, an electrostatic latent image is formed. This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 109 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper sent from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 through the pickup rollers 116 and 117 into the main body 100 by the paper feed rollers 118 and 119 is transferred to the front end of the toner image and the transfer paper by the registration roller 120. After being timed so as to coincide with the front end of the toner image, the toner image is supplied to the photosensitive drum 105 and the toner image is transferred by the transfer charger 110. After this transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 105 by the separation charging device 111, guided to the fixing device 122 by the conveying belt 121, and fixed by pressing and heating.
3 is discharged to the outside of the main body 100. The surface of the photosensitive drum 105 is cleaned by the cleaning device 112. Further, the main body 100 is equipped with a deck 124 capable of accommodating, for example, 4000 transfer sheets.
The lifter 125 of the deck 124 ascends according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 126. Further, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 127 is a paper discharge flapper, which switches between the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side and the discharge side (sorter 300). The transfer sheet sent from the discharge roller 123 is switched to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side by the discharge flapper 127. Further, reference numeral 128 denotes a lower conveyance path, which guides the transfer sheet sent from the discharge roller 123 to the re-feed tray 130 by reversing the transfer sheet via the reversing path 129.

Reference numeral 131 denotes a multiple flapper for switching between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting this flapper to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower conveyance path 128 without passing through the reversing path 129. A paper feed roller 132 feeds the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 105 side through a path 133. 134 is disposed in the vicinity of the paper discharge flapper 127,
This is a discharge roller that discharges the transfer sheet switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 127 to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying) or multiplex recording (multiplex copying), the ejected flapper 127 is raised and the recorded (copied) transfer paper is turned over via the paths 129 and 128. It is stored in the paper feed tray 130. This time,
When recording on both sides, tilt the multiple flapper 131 to the right,
In addition, the multiple flapper 131 is tilted leftward during multiple recording. When performing back side recording or multiplex recording next time,
The transfer sheets stored in the re-feed tray 130 are guided one by one from the bottom to the registration rollers 120 of the main body 100 via the path 133 by the sheet feed roller 132.

When the transfer sheet is reversed and discharged from the main body 100, the discharge flapper 127 is raised and the multiple flapper 131 is tilted to the right to reverse the recorded transfer sheet to the reverse path 1.
29, and the trailing edge of the transfer paper is the first feed roller 14
After passing 0, the reversing roller 142 conveys the transfer sheet to the second roller 141 side, and the discharge roller 134 turns the transfer sheet over and discharges it outside the machine. Note that reference numeral 150 is a multi-bypass tray, and 210 is a reservation tray.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the detailed arrangement of the control means 800 and the communication control means 900 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 801 is a CPU for controlling the main body 100, 802 is a read-only memory (ROM) storing a control procedure (control program) for the main body 100, and the CPU 801 is a bus according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802. Control of each component connected via the, communication control with the outside, display management control of display data, etc. are executed. ROM806 is a bitmap format (1 bit is 1
This is a read-only memory for storing character patterns (corresponding to dots).

The ROM 806 stores character patterns in the ASCII code order from the head address. In the case of this image forming apparatus, since the characters displayed on the LCD display 701 of the operation unit are expressed in the pattern of 8 × 8 dots, the ROM
The storage capacity required for one character on the 806 is 8 bytes.

Therefore, the CPU 801 controls the LCD display 7
When displaying characters of ASCII code n on 01, the bit patterns stored in the 8nth to 8n + 7th bytes on the ROM 806 are sequentially stored in the RAM 8
It is expanded in each address of every 24 bytes on 03 (horizontal size of LCD).

804 is an input / output port (I / O port)
Then, the CPU 801 for the load of the main motor 113 and the like
Control signal output and sensor signal input and C
Send to PU801. Reference numeral 805 is an interface.

Reference numeral 900 denotes a communication control means of the public line 908, and the CPU 901 controls the communication control means 900.

The main body 100 is connected by an interface 907 such as RS-232C, and when data transfer is performed from the image forming apparatus via the interface 907 when a data transfer request is made, the transfer data is transferred. The data is temporarily stored in the RAM 909 provided in the communication control unit 900, and after the data transfer from the image forming apparatus is completed,
Control the NCU 906 to establish a communication line connection with the outside,
After the line is connected, the data is transferred to the outside through the modem 905 and the NCU 906. When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is temporarily held in the RAM 903, and the data is transferred to the image forming apparatus via the interface 907 in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. The data referred to herein is data stored inside the main body 100, and the data transfer request is such that the image forming apparatus control abnormality or frequent paper jam occurs on the main body 100 side, or the regular report time comes. Occasionally it occurs, and sometimes it occurs due to a data request from an external management side. 902 is a ROM and 904 is an interface.

The control means 800 and the communication control means 900 are connected via the interfaces 805 and 907,
Control data is exchanged between the control means 800 of the main body 100 and the communication control means 900 of the public line 908.

The main body control operation by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. 4 will be described below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a main body control procedure by the CPU 801 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

When the power of the main body is turned on, the CPU 801
Executes the main body control program stored in the ROM 802.

First, the write / read functions of the RAM 803 are checked, the I / O port is initialized, and the interface 805 is initialized (1).
After that, the main task and the communication task are activated (2) and (3).

The main task continues the operation until the power of the CPU 801 is cut off (6), and controls all matters relating to the copying operation.

On the other hand, the communication task controls data communication between the CPU 901 in the communication control means 900 and the CPU 801 in the main body, and its execution is performed in parallel with the main task (4), (5).

In the present embodiment, the parallel execution of tasks is
It is realized by a real-time OS (operating system) operating on the CPU 801. The communication task constantly transmits / receives data related to the image forming operation to / from the CPU 901. The data relating to the image forming operation are, for example, temperature control data of the fixing device 122, a voltage applied to the charger 106, a loop amount of transfer paper formed before the registration roller, and a paper feed amount by the paper feed roller 126. Etc. are applicable.

FIG. 6 is a plan view for explaining the structure of the operation section 600 arranged on the upper surface of the main body 100 shown in FIG. 3, and is mainly used in the image forming mode selection processing.

In the figure, 601 is an asterisk (*).
A key, which is pressed by an operator (user) in a setting mode such as setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame. The asterisk key 601 is also used to change the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. For example, if you press the service button (not shown) located inside the main unit and then key in the order of *, 9, and *, the communication condition setting mode is entered, and the line number of the host computer and the password are set. The ID number of the image forming apparatus can be set.

The CPU 901 in the communication control means 900 is
Before establishing a communication session with an external device, these input data are checked, and if necessary data is not set correctly, control is performed so that communication with the external device is not performed.

Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is pressed when returning to the standard mode. The all reset key 606 is also pressed when returning from the auto shutoff state to the standard mode. A clear / stop key 604 functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during image recording. The clear / stop key 604 is also used when releasing the set number of copies.

The clear / stop key 604 is also pressed when interrupting continuous copying, and the copying operation is stopped after the copying at the time of pressing is completed. Reference numeral 605 is a copy key. A numeric keypad 603 is pressed when setting the number of copies. It is also pressed when setting the asterisk (*) mode.

A memory key 619 can be used to register the mode that the user frequently uses. Here, M1
It is configured so that four modes of M4 to M4 can be registered. Image forming density keys 611 and 612 are pressed when manually adjusting the image forming density. An AE key 613 is pressed when the image forming density is automatically adjusted according to the original density, or when the AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and the density adjustment is switched to manual (manual). 607
Is a copy paper selection key, which is pressed when selecting the upper cassette 114, the lower cassette 115, the deck 124, and the multi-manual feed tray 150.

When the copy sheet selection key 607 is pressed while an original is placed on the RDF 200, automatic paper cassette selection (APS) is selected, and a cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed when forming an image of the same size (actual size).

Reference numeral 616 denotes an automatic scaling key, which automatically reduces the size of the original image in accordance with the designated transfer paper size.
It is pressed when specifying enlargement. Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed when performing double-sided recording from a single-sided original, double-sided recording from a double-sided original, or single-sided recording from a double-sided original.

A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet. Reference numeral 624 is a photographic key, which is pressed when an image is formed on a photographic document. Reference numeral 623 denotes a multiple key, which is pressed when an image is created (combined) from the two originals on the same surface of the transfer paper. 62
Reference numeral 0 is a document frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases the frame of a standard size document, and the size at that time is set by an asterisk (*) 601. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is pressed when erasing the document frame in accordance with the copy paper size. Zoom keys 617 and 618 are provided.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is pressed when the front and back covers are created and the slip sheet is inserted. 6
A page continuous copy key 30 is pressed to continuously copy right and left of a two-page spread book or a half-size original. 614
Is a paper discharge method selection key for selecting the staple sort, sort, and group discharge methods. When the stapled sorter is connected to the paper after recording, the staple sort, sort, and group modes are selected or selected. You can cancel the selection mode. Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key, which is pressed when starting the setting of the copy mode for the reserved document placed on the reservation tray 210 and when canceling the reservation setting.

A reservation setting key 632 is used as a confirmation key when the reservation mode is set. Reference numeral 633 is a guide key, which is used when displaying explanations of functions corresponding to various keys on the message display.

Reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display (LC) for displaying information relating to image formation.
D display device), which displays characters and figures with 96 × 192 dots. For example, the number of images to be formed set with the ten key 603, the fixed size scaling keys 608 and 609, the same size key 610, the copy magnification set with the zoom keys 617 and 618, the paper size selected with the copy paper selection key 607, and the state of the main body 100 are shown. Displays messages, guide messages that show operating procedures, and other settings for various modes. 704
Is an AE display, which lights up when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by the AE key 613.

Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheat indicator, which lights up in the preheat state. A message display key 640 is pressed when instructing the display of the externally input display data. A folding key 615 is pressed when setting the folding mode. Reference numeral 634 is an interrupt key, and 635 is an ID key.

When the RDF 200 is used in the standard mode, the number of images to be formed is 1, the density AE mode, automatic paper selection, normal size, single-sided image formation to single-sided image formation. In the standard mode when the RDF 200 is not used, the number of images to be formed is one, the density is manual, the same size, and one-sided image formation is performed from one-sided original. The difference between when the RDF 200 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 200.

A cursor key 627 is used to select a setting item in the setting mode. An OK key 628 is used to confirm the setting contents in the setting mode.

The message display 701 also includes a control device for controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal and displaying a desired pattern on the display. The display of characters is based on the following control method. 96 × 19 on the RAM 803
An area A of 2 dots (96 x 24 bytes) is secured, and each dot on the LCD and each bit in the area are 1: 1.
It corresponds to.

The CPU 801 keeps the RAM at a fixed time interval.
The entire contents of the area are transferred to the LCD control unit and the display contents are refreshed. If you need to display characters, CP
The U 801 transfers an 8-byte character pattern from the ROM 806 to an appropriate portion of the area A of the RAM 803.

In the image forming apparatus thus constructed, when key input is performed in the order of *, 9, and * and the mode is switched to the character input mode in the communication condition setting mode,
Each time the pressing of any one of the at least two keys (density key 611) is detected, the CPU 801
Is read out sequentially from an arbitrary character pattern in the character pattern group stored in the ROM 806 according to the procedure shown in FIG. 10 described later and is displayed in the character input area (D0 to D3 shown in FIG. 7 described later) of the LCD display 701. Since the characters are displayed, it is possible to press the existing two keys and surely input the desired character while sequentially displaying the inputtable character candidates.

The keys are input in the order of *, 9, and *,
When switched to the character input mode, one of the at least two keys (density key 611)
Each time the pressed state of is detected, the CPU 801 causes the ROM 80 to
6, the character patterns are sequentially read out from the arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the LCD display unit 701.
Each time the pressing state of the one key (density key 611) following the pressing of the other key (density key 612) is detected while the character is being displayed in the character input area, the CPU 801
The ROM 8 stores the character pattern displayed in the character input area according to the procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG.
Since the data is sequentially read from 06 and displayed at the next input position in the character input area, the existing two keys are pressed to sequentially input the character candidates that can be input, and surely input the desired character at different display positions. It becomes possible to do.

Furthermore, since the CPU 801 sequentially and cyclically reads out the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means, it becomes possible to input the character patterns stored in the ROM 806 with good operability.

When the character input mode is selected, the CPU 801 detects that the first key (density key 611) or the second key (density key 612) of the at least three keys is pressed. Whenever the character pattern before and after the displayed character pattern is displayed in the character input area and the pressing of the third key following the pressing of the first or second key is detected, the CPU 801 shown in FIG.
Since the character pattern displayed according to the procedure of the flowchart shown in is read from the ROM 806 and displayed at the next input position in the character input area, even if a character subsequent to the desired character is displayed due to a key press error, By pressing the first or second key, it becomes possible to input the characters before and after the already displayed character with a small number of key operations. Further, since the CPU 801 sequentially and cyclically reads out the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the ROM 806, it becomes possible to input the character patterns (including symbols) stored in the ROM 806 with good operability.

When the mode is switched to the character input mode, the CPU 801 reads the R key each time one key is pressed.
Since character patterns are sequentially read out from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the OM806 and displayed in the character input area, a desired character can be input with good operability from the character pattern group stored by pressing one key. It becomes possible to do. Further, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, the CPU 8 is detected every time the pressing of one key is detected.
02 sequentially reads out character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the ROM 806 and displays them in the character input area, the internal timer measures the state in which no key is pressed, Each time the pressing of the key is detected based on the time count value, the second display control means stores the character pattern displayed in the character input area according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Since it is sequentially read from the means and displayed at the next input position in the character input area, it is possible to reliably input the desired character to different display positions while sequentially displaying the inputtable character candidates by pressing one key. Become.

Hereinafter, the communication condition setting mode processing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

After pressing the service button (not shown) arranged inside the main body, when the keys are input in the order of *, 9, and *, the communication condition setting mode is set, and the line number of the host computer and the password are set. And the ID number of the image forming apparatus can be set.

By operating the + and-keys, "ID" (device ID registration), "Telephonenumber" (phone number of host computer), "Passwd" (password change for access to the host computer) are sequentially displayed. Can be made.

If the * key is pressed while "ID" is being displayed, the image forming apparatus immediately enters the ID input mode, and thereafter, until the reset key is input,
Hold this state.

In the ID input mode, the user can input the letters A to Z of the ASCII code table using only one key.

FIG. 7 shows the LCD display 701 shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the ID input mode state displayed on.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the first ID input mode processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (18) indicate each step. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the timer processing routine shown in FIG. 8, and (1) shows steps. The character pattern display processing is based on the above-mentioned method.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the ID input mode, L
The message displayed on the CD display 701 is shown. The part surrounded by the dotted frame is a space of 4 characters (8 dots vertically,
There are 32 dots across).

An area S for storing the character codes for these four characters is secured on the RAM 803. The stored contents of this area are transferred to the communication control device as the image forming device ID.

When shifting to the ID input mode, the CPU 80
1, the character development start position N is initialized to D0 part, the displayed character code C is initialized to'A '(1), and the character'A' is expanded to D0 part (Dn <-'A' Represent)
(2). It is determined whether the density key 611 shown in FIG. 6 has been pressed. If NO, it is determined whether the reset key has been pressed (11). If NO, the process returns to step (3), and if YES, the flag TFLAG is set. It is determined whether it is "0" (4), and if YES, the flag TFLAG is set to "1".
As a timer T1 according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The timer process (Tc ← Tc + 1) is started (5).

Next, the character code C is set to the following code and displayed (7), and it is judged whether the character code C is "Z" (8). If NO, the process proceeds to step (10), YES. If so, the character code C is set to the character "A" (9), expanded to the D0 portion (10), and the process returns to step (3).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (4) is NO, the flag TFLAG is set to "0" (12) and the timer processing of the timer T1 described later is stopped (13).

Here, the timer count value T of the timer T1
It is determined whether C is less than or equal to a predetermined timer count value T0 (14). If NO, the process returns to step (7). If YES, the character code C is stored in the area S (1
5) Increment the value n indicating the area position (maximum n = 4 since there are four display characters in this embodiment) by "1" (16), and determine whether n is "4" (17). ),
If NO, the process proceeds to step (10), and if YES, the value n
Is cleared to "0" (18) and the process returns to step (10).

Thereafter, by repeatedly pressing the density key 611, different characters can be displayed on the D0 section in step (7).

On the other hand, when the density key 611 is pressed while "Z" is displayed, the first character "A" is displayed.
Is displayed (8).

On the other hand, when the density key 611 is pressed, the timer T1 starts counting at fixed time intervals. The flag TFLAG alternates between 0 and 1 each time the density key is pressed. When the density key 611 is pressed again, the timer T1 is stopped, and if the count value TC at that time is less than or equal to the predetermined value T0, the CPU 80
In No. 1, the input position is updated to the D1 part, and the character corresponding to the display code is expanded in the D1 part.

At this time, the character displayed in the D0 section continues to be displayed in the D0 section as it is, and the character code is stored in the head address of the area S.

In this way, the characters are scroll-displayed by the density key 611, and the key is continuously pressed at short time intervals to fix the displayed character at that position. When the input position reaches the right end, the input is started from the left end (D0 portion and storage area S0). When the reset key is pressed, the ID input mode is ended.

In the above embodiment, the case where one key, that is, the density key 611, is sequentially and cyclically displayed in the characters A to Z at the time of inputting the ID character has been described. It is also possible to use two keys so that the character input load can be reduced.

Next, when inputting an ID, two keys (in the present embodiment, the density key 611 and the AE key 613 are used, but other key combinations such as the density key 611 and the density key 61 are used.
The case of inputting a character using 2) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the following, the CPU in the ID input mode
The operation content of 801 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the second ID input mode processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (13) indicate each step.

When shifting to the ID input mode, the CPU 80
1 initializes the character expansion start position and the character code storage position n to D0 part, the displayed character code C to'A '(1), and expands the character'A' to D0 part (Dn
<-Represented as'A '. However, n = 0) (2). Concentration key 6
When 11 is pressed (3), the next code is set and displayed in the character code C (4), it is determined whether the character code C is "Z" (5), and if NO, step (7). If YES, the character code C is set to the character "A" (6), the character of the next code is expanded to the D0 part (7),
Return to step (3).

Thereafter, by repeatedly pressing the density key 611, different characters can be displayed on the D0 section.

If it is determined in step (5) that the density key 611 is pressed while "Z" is displayed, the next character "A" is selected in step (6). Is displayed.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (3) is NO, it is determined whether the AE key 613 has been pressed (8). If NO, the reset key 606 is further entered.
It is determined whether or not is pressed (13). If NO, the process returns to step (3), and if YES, the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (8) that the AE key 613 is pressed, the CPU 801 stores the character code in the area S0 (9) and updates the input position to the D1 section, that is, the area. The value n indicating the position (maximum n = 4 because there are four display characters in this embodiment) is incremented by "1" (10), and it is determined whether n is "4" (11). If so, go back to step (7) and answer YES.
If so, the value n is cleared to "0" (12) and the process returns to step (7).

As a result, in step (7), the character corresponding to the display code is expanded in the D1 part, and the character displayed in the D0 part at this time continues to be displayed in the D0 part.
The character code is stored in the area S0. In this way, scroll the characters with the density key 611,
By pressing the AE key 613, the displayed character is fixed at that position. Repeat this work for 4 characters (D0
The IDs of D3 to D3) can be registered in the image forming apparatus. When the input position reaches the right end, reset it to the left end.
When the reset key is pressed, the ID input mode is ended.

In the above embodiment, the case where one key, that is, the density key 611 is sequentially displayed cyclically with the characters A to Z at the time of inputting the ID character has been described. The configuration may be such that three keys can be used to reduce the character input load.

Next, the case of inputting characters by using three keys at the time of ID input will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a third ID input mode processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (17) indicate each step.

When shifting to the ID input mode, the CPU 80
1 initializes the character expansion start position and the character code storage position n to D0 part, the displayed character code C to'A '(1), and expands the character'A' to D0 part (Dn
<-Represented as'A '. However, n = 0) (2).

Next, when the density key 611 is pressed (3), the next code is set to the character code C and displayed (4), and it is determined whether the character code C is "Z" (5), If NO, the process proceeds to step (7). If YES, the character code C is set to the character "A" (6), the character of the next code is expanded to the D0 portion (7), and the process returns to step (3). After that, by repeatedly pressing the density key 611, different characters can be displayed on the D0 section (see FIG. 7) of the LCD display 701.

If the density key 611 is pressed while "Z" is displayed in step (5), "A" is displayed in step (6).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step (3) is NO, it is judged whether another density key 612 is pressed (8). If YES, the character immediately before the character currently displayed is judged. In order to display the code, the character code is decremented by 1 (9), and it is determined whether the character corresponding to the character code is the first character "A" (10). If NO, the previous character is displayed on the LCD. It is displayed on the D0 part of the display 701 and the process returns to step (7). If YES, the final character "Z" is displayed on the D0 part of the LCD display 701 (11) and the process returns to step (7).

On the other hand, if the determination in step (8) is NO, it is determined whether the AE key 613 has been pressed (12). If NO, it is determined whether the reset key 606 has been pressed further. Is judged (17), NO
If so, the process returns to step (3), and if YES, the process ends.

On the other hand, in step (12), the AE key 613
When it is determined that is pressed, the CPU 801 stores the character code in the area S0 (13) and sets the input position to D.
The value is updated to one copy, that is, the value n indicating the area position (maximum n = 4 because there are four display characters in this embodiment) is incremented by "1" (14), and whether n is "4" is determined. If it is judged (15), if NO, the process returns to step (7), and if YES, the value n is cleared to "0" (16),
Return to step (7).

In this way, the characters are scroll-displayed by the density key 611 and the AE key 613 is pressed to fix the displayed character at that position. Concentration key 612
Is used for scrolling characters in the direction opposite to the density key 611. Repeat this work for 4 characters (D0
The IDs from D3 to D3) can be registered in the image forming apparatus. When the input position reaches the right end, reset it to the left end.
When the reset key is pressed, the ID input mode is ended.

In the above embodiment, the characters "A to Z" stored from a predetermined address of the ROM 802 as character data.
Although the case of inputting is described, it goes without saying that other symbols corresponding to the ASCII code can also be input.

In the third ID character input mode process, when the timer is running, the characters that have already been input are highlighted so that they have not been confirmed. If the key is pressed again in this state, The next character may be displayed, and if not pressed, the input character may be confirmed as the character at that position, and control may be performed to switch to the character input at the next position.

Further, when the input area Dn is moved by Dn + 1, the character displayed in Dn is displayed in Dn + 1 in this embodiment, but the character displayed in Dn + 1 after the character in the Dn area is determined. The arbitrary setting can be easily realized by operating the character code after the Dn is determined.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
By using two or three keys, all characters and symbols that can be displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus can be input to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user can input characters and symbols into the image forming apparatus without being aware of complicated key assignment.

Also, using two or three keys,
Since the same key is used for function settings that are different from the original functions, it is not necessary to increase the number of basic keys even if the number of function settings is increased, so the operation unit becomes simpler, and the development cost and operation Good results are obtained in terms of both properties.

Further, when the image forming apparatus which has already been sold is modified so as to have a character input function, the number of modifications is small, and the verification work for maintaining the quality of the product is reduced. To be done.

Further, by adding a character input function and a data communication function, the conventional image forming apparatus is connected to the network to enhance the service to the user. Regardless, it is possible to expect an effect that a character input function can be provided for all types of image forming apparatuses (in this embodiment, an image forming apparatus capable of communicating via a network is taken as an example).

Furthermore, since the character input function can be easily added to the image forming apparatus to which the data communication function is added, various service processes that require various character input processes accompanying the communication function are already available. The image forming apparatus can be externally added to the image forming apparatus, and cooperation with the composite media is facilitated, and a more advanced system can be constructed.

In the above embodiment, the characters and symbols are RO.
The case of being stored in the M806 has been described. However, in the case of an image forming apparatus having an interface such as a memory card, the character pattern may be read from a ROM card, a nonvolatile RAM is provided, and an external device ( A character pattern may be supplied from a communication line) to read the character pattern from the nonvolatile RAM.

[0118]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, the display control means selects from among the character pattern groups stored in the storage means each time the pressing of one of the at least two keys is detected. Since the character patterns are sequentially read out from arbitrary character patterns and displayed in the character input area, it is possible to press the existing two keys and surely input the desired character while sequentially displaying the inputtable character candidates. it can.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the character input mode is switched to, the first display control means stores a memory every time the pressed state of any one of at least two keys is detected. While the character patterns are sequentially read out from the arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the means and are being displayed in the character input area, the pressing state of one of the keys following the pressing of the other key is detected. Each time, the second display control means sequentially reads the character pattern displayed in the character input area from the storage means and displays it at the next input position in the character input area. Therefore, the existing two keys are pressed. As a result, desired characters can be reliably input to different display positions while sequentially displaying the inputtable character candidates.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first display control means sequentially and cyclically reads out the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means. Therefore, the character patterns stored in the storage means are operated. You can input with good sexuality.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, the first display control is performed every time the pressed state of the first key or the second key of the at least three keys is detected. Each time the means or the second display control means displays a character pattern before and after the displayed character pattern in the character input area and detects pressing of the third key following pressing of the first or second key. Since the third display control means reads the displayed character pattern from the storage means and displays it at the next input position in the character input area, the character subsequent to the desired character is displayed due to a key press error. Even in this case, by pressing the first or second key, it is possible to input the characters before and after the already displayed character with a small number of key operations.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first and second display control means sequentially and cyclically read the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means.
It is possible to input the character pattern stored in the storage means with good operability.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the mode is switched to the character input mode, the display control means selects an arbitrary character pattern in the character pattern group stored in the storage means each time the depression of one key is detected. Since the character patterns are sequentially read and displayed in the character input area, a desired character can be input with good operability from the stored character pattern group by pressing one key.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the character input mode is switched to, each time the depression of one key is detected,
While the first display control means is sequentially reading out character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displaying them in the character input area, the timer means does not press any key. Every time the state is clocked and the depression of the key is detected based on the clocked value, the second display control means sequentially reads the character pattern displayed in the character input area from the storage means to sequentially read the character pattern. Since it is displayed at the next input position in the middle, pressing one key
It is possible to reliably input a desired character at different display positions while sequentially displaying the inputtable character candidates.

Therefore, all the characters and symbols that can be displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus can be input by using two or three keys, and the operation can be performed without paying attention to complicated key assignment. It is possible to provide a device with excellent operability that can further simplify the key arrangement of the parts.

Further, there is no external modification to the image forming apparatus which has already been sold, and the character input function can be easily added by changing the internal control, and the quality verification accompanying the addition of the character input function can be performed. This has the effect of reducing the burden.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus main body illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a control unit and a communication control unit shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing an example of a main body control procedure by the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an operation unit arranged on the upper surface of the main body shown in FIG.

7 is a diagram showing an ID input mode state displayed on the LCD display shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a first ID in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flow chart which shows an example of an input mode processing procedure.

9 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a timer processing routine shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a second I in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flow chart which shows an example of a D input mode processing procedure.

FIG. 11 shows a third I in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a flow chart which shows an example of a D input mode processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 611 Density key 612 Density key 613 AE key 701 LCD display 801 CPU 802 ROM

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Office reference number FI technical display location H04L 1/00 D 9371-5K

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having an operation unit including a key input unit having a plurality of keys for setting image forming conditions and a message display unit, and a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code. And a mode switching means for switching the mode of the operation unit to the character input mode for the character input area of the message display means, and detection of pressing of any one of at least two keys. The image forming apparatus further comprises: first display control means for sequentially reading character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displaying the character patterns in the character input area. .. 2. An image forming apparatus having an operation unit including a key input unit having a plurality of keys for setting image forming conditions and a message display unit, and a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code. Storing means, a mode switching means for switching the mode of the operation section to a character input mode for the character input area of the message display means, and a pressing state of any one of at least two keys is detected. For each time, first display control means for sequentially reading character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displaying the character patterns in the character input area, and characters by the first display control means While the pattern is being displayed, the character pattern displayed in the character input area is detected every time the pressed state of one of the keys following the pressing of the other key is detected. An image forming apparatus comprising: second display control means for sequentially reading turns from the storage means and displaying the turns at a next input position in the character input area. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display control means sequentially and cyclically reads the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means. 4. An image forming apparatus having an operation unit including a key input unit having a plurality of keys for setting image forming conditions and a message display unit, and a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code. And a mode switching means for switching the mode of the operation section to the character input mode for the character input area of the message display means, and detecting the pressed state of the first key of at least three keys. First display control means for sequentially reading out character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the character pattern group stored in the storage means and displaying them in the character input area, and character pattern display by the first display control means. Each time the pressing of the second key is detected, the character patterns that are recessed from the displayed character pattern are sequentially read from the storage means. A second display control means for displaying the character pattern in the character input area and a character pattern displayed by the first display control means or the second display control means,
Each time the pressing of the third key following the pressing of the first or second key is detected, the displayed character pattern is sequentially read from the storage means and displayed at the next input position in the character input area. An image forming apparatus, comprising: 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first and second display control means sequentially and cyclically read out the character patterns from the character pattern group stored in the storage means. 6. An image forming apparatus having an operation unit including a key input unit having a plurality of keys for setting image forming conditions and a message display unit, and a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code. And a mode switching means for switching the mode of the operation unit to a character input mode for the character input area of the message display means, and a character pattern stored in the storage means each time one key press is detected. An image forming apparatus comprising: a display control unit that sequentially reads out character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in a group and displays the character patterns in the character input area. 7. An image forming apparatus having an operation section including a key input means having a plurality of keys for setting image forming conditions and a message display means, and a character pattern group corresponding to a predetermined character code. And a mode switching means for switching the mode of the operation unit to a character input mode for the character input area of the message display means, and a character pattern stored in the storage means each time one key press is detected. First display control means for sequentially reading out character patterns from arbitrary character patterns in the group and displaying them in the character input area, and the key is not pressed during the character pattern display by the first display control means. A timer means for measuring a state, and each time the key is pressed down based on the time value measured by the timer means, the character input area is displayed. An image forming apparatus, further comprising: second display control means for sequentially reading the character patterns displayed in correspondence from the storage means and displaying the character patterns at the next input position in the character input area.