JPH01145670A - Compound device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To evade the complexity and large volume of a program due to an increase in the complexity of respective functions and to simplify the internal constitution of the title device by switching functions of a console panel with a card incorporating an IC and altering internal control corresponding to the function switching. CONSTITUTION:This device is equipped with the IC card 11 which incorporates a ROM, a RAM, etc., and a card reader and writer 12 which reads information out of the IC card 11 and registers a user's individual using method, etc., by the user. The IC card 11 is classified by three kinds corresponding to which mode of a copying machine, a facsimile equipment, or a printer the compound device is used, and program corresponding to the respective modes are stored in the ROM. Then the information of the IC card 11 is read out, the functions of the compound device are switched according to the information, and the alteration of the internal control corresponding to the function switching, the setting of an operation procedure, etc., are performed. Consequently, the complexity and large volume of the programs are evaded and the internal constitution of a controller is simplified.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The present invention mechanically separates an image reading section and an image output section, and also provides an image data communication function, thereby making it possible to improve the image quality of copiers, facsimiles, and printers. The present invention relates to a compounding device that can be used for any of the above.

(Conventional Techniques) Copying machines are roughly divided into three parts mechanically: a document scanning section, an image reading section, and an image output section (paper feeding, developing, and fixing sections). Now, if we convert the document reading information into an electrical signal,
It is possible to mechanically separate the document reading section (i.e. Image League (IR) consisting of the document scanning section and image reading section) and the image output section (printer), and by adding a communication function, the reading It is possible to obtain facsimile communication functions such as sending a written original to the other party and outputting an image sent from the other party to a printer.

In conventional multifunction devices that have functions such as Image League, printer, and facsimile, in copy mode, signals read by Image League are immediately output to the printer, and in facsimile transmission mode, signals from Image League are output to the printer. is sent to the communication line via the modem.

In facsimile reception mode, signals from the communication line are output to the printer via the modem. In the printer mode, the Q information signal from the image league or keyboard is processed in the control device by calculation, editing, graphics, etc., and output to the printer. image league, keyboard,
All devices such as printers and modems are controlled by a control device.

The individual internal operations of Image League, printers, modems, etc. are controlled by programs, data is exchanged between devices such as Image League, printers, modems, etc., and timing control is also performed by programs.

There is a copying machine that allows settings such as copying conditions to be made using a card. To explain in relation to the present invention, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 57-27846, the usage amount is preset by department or the remaining usage amount is checked using a card in which a function code for the equipment manager is recorded.
The device is made usable using the card on which the department code is recorded, and the number of sheets used is subtracted from the preset usage amount and stored in the memory of the device itself. However, the card does not select the functions of the device itself, and the card only records function codes and department codes.

JP-A-59-121353 and JP-A-59-200
No. 267 discloses the copying conditions of the copying machine (copy magnification, copy size, copy density).

Copying conditions are automatically set using a condition specification format (marking sheet in the embodiment) in which all conditions other than the number of copies (such as page alignment, single-sided copying, etc.) are recorded. but,
The card or sheet does not select and control completely different functions such as facsimile, copying machine, and printer, and the format sheet only records the code of copying conditions.

Furthermore, in JP-A-59-121067, when using an automatic document feeder (ADF), copy conditions (copy size, magnification: 9 copies, 0 duplex, etc.) are specified on the first page of several document groups. By providing a key sheet in which a machine use permission code or a copy manager code is recorded, copying conditions can be automatically set or usage amounts can be written out for each user.

However, in a copying machine equipped with an ADF, the key sheet is limited to being set together with the original, and the key sheet only has a code recorded thereon (by magnetic or optical means).

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) Looking only at the functions in the copy mode, various copy conditions such as copy magnification, copy size, copy density, 0 pages, 1 double-sided copy, etc. must be set, and operations must be performed. The panels are very large and complex, making them difficult for the average user to use. The operation panel of a device that combines the functions of a copier, facsimile, and printer also sets conditions for other functions, making it extremely complex and difficult to use. Furthermore, if the functions of the operation panel are changed by the user's switch operations, there is a risk that the switch may be changed by mistake during operation, and erroneous operations are likely to occur, causing trouble.

Also, if all the programs that control the functions of the multifunction device are built into the control device, the programs will become complicated.
Moreover, the program capacity becomes enormous, the internal configuration of the control device becomes complicated, and the cost becomes high.

An object of the present invention is to avoid the complexity and increase in capacity of programs that occur due to the combination of functions in a multifunction device such as a copying machine and a printer, and to simplify the internal configuration of the device. , and to reduce the possibility of user error.

(Means for Solving the Problems) A multifunction device according to the present invention has at least a document reading section and an image output section, and is capable of operating with multiple functions of at least a print function and a copy function. , a plurality of IC cards each containing a control program corresponding to each function and having a non-volatile writable storage means;
It is equipped with a writing mechanism that registers operation information for each function on the KC card. , - characterized by comprising a reading mechanism that reads information on an IC card, and a control device that performs function switching and internal control changes accompanying function switching according to the information on the IC card, and controls the corresponding function. shall be.

(Function) The user can register personal usage information such as operating procedures on the IC card using the writing mechanism. For example, the copy function allows users to register frequently used applications and operating procedures. I
The information on the C card is read, and in accordance with the information (including the control program), functions of the multifunction device are switched, internal controls are changed in conjunction with the function switching, and operating procedures are set.

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a compounding device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This decoding device has a facsimile transmission/reception function consisting of a modem 2, a buffer memory 3, and an information compression/decompression section 4;
It has a copying function for printing an image read by an image league (IR) 5 using a printer 6, and a printing function for printing an image using the printer 6 based on an image signal from a host computer or the like. Modem 2 is connected to communication line l. A buffer memory 3 is provided so that image data transmitted can be received even when the printer 6 is used as a copying machine, and also compresses the amount of communication data or restores the compressed data. For,
It has an information compression/decompression section 4. Note that the information compression/decompression unit 4 is not necessarily required when local communication is performed without using a public line such as a telephone line. The control device 7 is
It basically consists of a CPU 7a, an external rtOM 7b, and an external RAM 7c, and is associated with an operation panel (see Fig. 7 and 8) provided on the top surface of the device main body. Each device 2 to 6 is controlled in response to the instruction. The difference between this embodiment and the conventional compounding device is that in this embodiment,
Card (IC card) with built-in ROM, RAM, etc. 1
1 and this IC card! 1 and a card reading/writing device 12 for a user to register personal usage information.

Furthermore, a word processor 21 and a display (CRT) 22 may be connected to the control device 7.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
(EPROM, etc.) 1 lb built-in. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the ROM 11c.

cputta, or one with a built-in non-volatile RAM 11e.

The IC card 11 is broadly divided into three types depending on whether the multifunction device is used in a copying machine, facsimile, or printer mode, and a program corresponding to each mode is stored in the ROM 11a. On the other hand, the ROM 7b of the control device 7 is used to check the connection state and safety state of the system when the power is turned on, and to check the control device i! when the IC card is set. The receiver on the 27 side only contains a minimum program for controlling the three basic functions of the receiver and the facsimile reception mode. Therefore, unless the IC card 11 is set, the compounding device will not operate in any mode other than facsimile reception mode.

FIG. 4 shows the circuit configuration of the control device 7 in this embodiment. A card reading/writing device 12, operation keys and various switches 8a of an operation panel 8, a display 8b, an external rtOM 7b, and an external RAM 7c are connected to the CPU 7a. Also modem, memory control I10 boat 2
a, Image League control I10 boat 5a, printer control I10 boat 6a.

Keyboard control! 10 baud) 9a is connected. The external RAM 7c is backed up with a clock 7e by a battery 7r so that the recorded contents will not be erased when the power is cut off.

In this embodiment, the CPU 7a is provided only in the control device 7 and is collectively controlled, but the image reader 5° printer 6,
Each device such as modem 2 has its own CPU, and the control bagg
It is also possible to use a method in which the CPU 7a in the CPU 17 centrally controls the individual CPUs.

FIG. 5 shows the CPU 7a and part of the peripheral circuits in this embodiment. In FIG. 5, the CPU 7a as well as the operation keys 8a and display 8b on the operation panel are shown. Boat PAo~PA? is an input board for manually inputting keys such as the print key and numeric keypad on the operation panel 8;
~PH, is an output boat corresponding to the key human power.

PBs to PB, , PC, to pc are output ports that turn on and off the display 8b for paper size, double-sided copying, destination, etc. PD, ~PD, are connected to the input/output ports PGo~PG of the card reader 12, and the tC card +
Programs and RAM built into 110M11a in 1
The information written in 1lb is read or CP
Information from U7a is written into the IC card ll internal RAM 11b. Programs corresponding to the copy, facsimile, and printer modes switch the functions of the operation panel 8 and change the internal controls accordingly.

FIG. 6 shows the external appearance of the compounding device. An operation panel 8 is provided on the front side of the upper part.

FIG. 7 shows various keys 8a on the operation panel 8 and various displays 8.
The arrangement of b is shown. The layout is part 4 related to the copy function.
1, a section 42 related to the facsimile function, a section 43 related to the printer function, and a common section 44 such as a numeric keypad 45 and a display 46. Note that a liquid crystal touch panel may be used to display keys corresponding to the selected function.

When an IC card in copy mode is set, the operation panel 42 is used only in fax or printer mode.
．． Switch No. 43 will not function at all in terms of software. The numeric keypad 45 is used to set the number of copies, and the display 46 is used to display an arbitrary magnification and the number of copies. When a facsimile mode IC card is set, the switches 41 and 43 are similarly disabled, the numeric keypad 45 is made to function as a dial key, and the display 46 displays the telephone number of the other party. Similarly, when setting an IC card in printer mode, the switches in sections 41 and 42 will not function at all, the numeric keypad 45 will function for setting the page number to print, and the display 46 will display the page number to print, etc. Display.

Displays common to each mode, such as jam, toner empty, and paper empty displays, can always be displayed on the display 46 even if the IC card 11 is not present.

When π IC cards If of the copy function, facsimile function, printer function, etc. are set and are ready for operation in a certain usage mode, pressing the registration key 47 of the common part 44 will activate the set IC card. 11, the above usage mode is registered.

For example, if an IC card 11 in copy mode is set, the IC card 11 has copy paper size A4.
If the usage modes of portrait, copy magnification 0.707x, automatic exposure mode, one-sided original, and one-sided copy are set, these usage conditions are registered. Note that during this registration, the number of copies is not registered. When the IC card 11 in facsimile mode is set, the telephone number of the other party, etc. is registered.

A plurality of usage modes can be registered in one IC card 11, and in this case, the usage mode number can be set by pressing the registration mode setting key 50 of the common part 44 and the numeric keypad 45 in sequence. That is, when registering, the user presses the registration mode setting key 50 and numeric keypad 45 to determine the registration number, and then presses the registration key 47. To cancel registration, press the registration mode setting key 50 and numeric keypad 45.
is pressed to specify the number of the use mode to be canceled, and then the cancel key 48 in the common section 44 is pressed. When using the registered mode, the copy function, facsimile function,
One IC card with printer functions, etc. IC 1
If the card is set in the card reading device 12 and the call key 49 and numeric keypad 45 are pressed, the registered usage mode will be activated. still,
The registration number and registered usage mode are displayed on Display 4.
6.

Further, as the function of the operation panel is changed by the IC card 11, the internal control is also changed by the program in the IC card 11. The following description will be made using the block diagrams of FIGS. 8(a) to (d) and the flowcharts of FIGS. 9(a) and (b) and FIGS. 1O to 12. .

The program starts when a power switch (not shown) is pressed. First, initial settings are performed (step P
i) The connection state and safety state are checked (step P2). If an abnormality is found (step P
3) For example, if there is an abnormality in the high voltage unit of the printer section, the printer function is stopped and an alarm is displayed (step P4).

If there is no abnormality (step P3), communication line 1 to modem 2. Buffer memory 3 and up to buffer memory 3 are made ready for reception so that received data can be stored in buffer memory 3 at any time (step pH).

Next, the presence or absence of the IC card 11 is determined (step P1
2). If there is no IC card 11, the facsimile reception mode is entered (step P13). In this mode, as shown in FIG. 8(a), everything from the communication line to the printer functions so that received data can be printed out at any time. On the other hand, image reader 5. The data path from the keyboard 9 to the control device 7 is cut off. If facsimile reception is in progress (YES at step P14), the facsimile reception mode continues. If the facsimile is not being received (No in step I''14), the process returns to step P12.

IC card in step P12! ! If it is determined that the IC card 11 is a copy mode IC card, it is then determined whether or not the IC card 11 is in copy mode (SDE HUPU I) 21).

If the IC card is in copy mode, it becomes copy mode (step P22), and as shown in FIG. 8(b), the data path between image reader 5 and printer 6 is directly connected to enable copying. state. From the buffer memory 3 to the control device 7 and the keyboard 9
The data path from to the control@device 7 is cut off.

In this copy mode (step P22), the first
As shown in figure O, when the registration call key 49 is pressed (
Step ptot: YES), and the registration number is specified using the numeric keypad 45 (step pt02). Then, when the start switch 41a of the copy section 41 is turned on (step P103), the copy mode of the mode No. specified with the numeric keypad 45 is read out of the plurality of copy modes already registered in the IC card 11. (Step PI04), and is copied according to the copy mode read from the IC card 11 (Step P105)
.

If the registration call key 49 is not pressed (step PI
OI: No), the registration mode setting key 50 is turned on (Step Pill: YES), the registration No. is input using the numeric keypad 45 of the operation unit (step P112), and when the copy mode to be registered is input, the registration key 47 is turned on. is turned ON (YES in step Pi13), the mode number input to the operation section.

and the copy mode are written (that is, registered) in the IC card 11 as a set (step I'11).
4). Registration call key 49 is not pressed (step PIOI
If the registration mode setting key 50 is not pressed (No in step pHl), the copy mode is input to the operation section. Then, when the start switch 41a is pressed (YES in step PI21), copying is performed according to the copy mode input to the operation section (step P
I22).

Next, returning to FIG. 9(b), after completing the copy or copy mode registration (step P23), the IC in the copy mode is
With the card 11 set (step P24),
If the key 8a is not operated for a certain period of time (
Step P25), the card is automatically ejected (
Step P26), and enters facsimile reception mode (Step P13).

If no in step P21, next it is determined whether or not there is an IC card 2 in facsimile mode (step P21).
30). If the IC card 11 is present, the facsimile mode is entered (step P32). In this mode, the 8th
As shown in Figure (C), the data path from the communication line 1 to the control device 7 is kept connected, and the data path from the keyboard 9 to the control device 7 is cut off.

In the facsimile mode (step P32), as shown in FIG. 11, the registration call key 49 is pressed (YES in step P2O1), and then the mode number is specified using the numeric keypad 45, and then ( Step P2O2), when the send button 42a is pressed (YES in step P2O3), the IC card 11
Among the plurality of facsimile modes registered in , the facsimile mode with the mode number specified by the numeric keypad 45 is read (step P2O4), and becomes the facsimile transmission mode (steps P2O5, P2O6). If the registration call key 49 is not pressed (N at step P2O1)
o) When the registration mode setting key 50 is pressed (YES at step P211), the numeric keypad 45 is pressed (step P212), and when the registration key 47 is pressed (YES at step P213), input is made to the operation section. Registration No.
, and facsimile mode are written in the IC card 11 as a set (step P214).

Registration call key 49 is not pressed (No in step P2O1)
), if the registration mode setting key 50 is also not pressed (
When the send button 42a is pressed (No in step P211) and the send button 42a is pressed (YES in step P221), the facsimile transmission mode is set (steps P222 and P223), and the facsimile is sent according to the facsimile mode input to the operation unit.

Facsimile transmission mode (steps P2O5, P222
), the data path from the image reader 5 to the control device 7 is connected. When the send button 42a is pressed (step P221) and the fax is being sent, it is not possible to receive a fax from another person, and the data path between the control device 7 and the printer 6 remains cut off. . Send button 4
When 2a is not pressed (steps P2O3, P221
When a fax is received from another person, the data path between the control device 7 and the printer 6 is connected, and the mode is set to facsimile reception mode (step P231). The data path between the reader 5 and the control device 7 remains cut off.

Returning to FIG. 9(b), after sending/receiving or facsimile mode registration is completed, with the IC card 11 still present (step P33), if a certain period of time passes without any key operation (step P34), the IC card +1 is ejected. (Step P35), facsimile reception mode (Step P1
3) Become. 1 degree, when the IC card 11 in the printer mode is set (step P41), the printer mode (step P42) is set, and as shown in FIG. 8(d), the image reader 5. The data path from the keyboard 9 to the printer 6 is kept connected.
The data path from the buffer memory 3 to the control device 7 is cut off.

Also in the printer mode (step P42), the 12th
As shown in the figure, after the registration call key 49 is pressed (YES in step P301) and the niten key 45 is pressed, if a print command is sent from the host computer (YES in step P302), the IC card 1
Among the plurality of printer modes registered in the IC card 11, the printer mode with the mode number specified by the numeric keypad 45 is read (step P304), and printing is performed according to the printer mode read from the IC card 11 (step P305). If the registration call key 49 is not pressed (No in step P301), the mode setting key 5 is pressed.
When 0 is pressed (YES at step P311), the numeric keypad 45 is pressed (step P312), and when the registration key 47 is pressed (YES at step P313), the registration number and printer mode input on the operation panel are pressed. are set and written to the IC card 11 (step P31
4).

Registration call key 49 is not pressed (NO in step P301)
), if the registration mode setting key 50 is also not pressed (
If the print command is sent from the host computer (step P311: YES), the printout is performed according to the printer mode input to the operation unit (step P322).

Next, returning to FIG. 9(b), after completing the registration of the print or printer mode (step P43), the IC card 11
In this state (step P44), when a certain period of time without any key operation has elapsed (step P45), the IC card 11 is automatically ejected (step P46).
The machine enters facsimile reception mode (step P!3).

If an IC card that is not in copy mode, facsimile mode, or printer mode is inserted (step P44), the printer function is stopped and a warning is displayed (step P4).

In addition, even when you set the IC card II in copy mode or printer mode, if there is no urgent need, use the common part 4.
If the fax reception priority button 4 is pressed, when a fax is received, copying or printing may be temporarily stopped even if the printer 6 is in operation, and the fax may be outputted in an interrupt manner.

In this embodiment, the IC card 11 is a ROM 11a.

Only RAMl1b was built in, but as shown in Figure 3, R
In addition to the OM11c and the RAM11e, a CPU ld may also be included. In this case, based on the information sent from the control device 7, the image reader 5. printer 6,
Since necessary commands can be issued to the modem 2 and the like, the configuration of the control device can be further simplified.

Further, in this embodiment, the IC card reading/writing device is integrated, but reading and writing may be performed using separate devices.

In this embodiment, a copying machine and a facsimile are used.

Since functions are switched by setting an IC card corresponding to each function mode of the printer, etc., there is no need to worry about accidentally switching functions during operation due to malfunction of the operation panel, etc. In addition, since the user can easily operate switches and keys, the number of erroneous operations can be reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of trouble can be reduced.

For one mode among copy mode, facsimile mode, and printer mode, for example, in copy mode, copy magnification, copy size, copy density, page alignment 1
It is necessary to set various copy conditions (change internal controls) such as double-sided copying, and key operations on the operation panel 8 (FIG. 7) are quite complicated and time-consuming. In this embodiment, IC cards are roughly divided into three types corresponding to copy mode, facsimile mode, and printer mode. For example, in copy mode, the use mode of copying to ROM or RAM in the IC card is as described above. If the number is stored in advance, the user can start copying by simply setting the card, setting the number of copies, and pressing the start button. Facsimile mode.

If necessary conditions for the IC card such as printer mode are similarly preset, panel operations can be simplified.

Rather than having all the programs that control copy, facsimile, and printer functions built into the main unit, the internal controls can be changed by installing an IC card with built-in programs that correspond to each mode, so the programs can be simplified and The program capacity can also be reduced, the internal configuration of the control device can be simplified, and costs can also be reduced.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, even when upgrading functionality by adding a word processor (WP) 21, CRT display 22, etc., all you need to do is add an IC card with a built-in compatible program and increase the types of IC cards. Can be easily handled.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, it is possible to change the functions of the operation panel and change the internal control accompanying the function change using a card with built-in IC such as r(OM, RAM, etc.), so the control device can be simplified. In addition, it is easy to adapt to changes in functions.Furthermore, since it is possible to register frequently used usage on an individual basis to the card corresponding to each function, it is possible to specify and select complex functions and uses in a simple manner. Can be done.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a compounding device. FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams of IC cards, respectively. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control device. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a part of the control device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the compounding device. FIG. 7 is a diagram of the operation panel. FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d) are diagrams showing the flow of data and control in each mode, respectively. FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are flowcharts of the control section. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the copy mode. FIG. 1I is a flowchart of the facsimile mode. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of printer mode. l...Communication line, 2, 3.4...Facsimile transmission/reception unit, 5...Image league, 6...Printer, 7
...Control device, 8...Operation panel, 9-.
・Keyboard, ! l...IC card, 11a-R
OM, 1 lb-nonvolatile rLAM. 12...IC card reading/writing device. Patent Applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent Patent Attorney: Seihaku Ao et al. ) IC card μrJ (. (b) yxc card in copy mode

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In a multifunction device that has at least a document reading section and an image output section and can operate with multiple functions, at least a printing function and a copying function, a non-volatile A plurality of IC cards having storage means that can be programmed, a writing mechanism for registering operation information for each function on the IC cards, a reading mechanism for reading information on the set IC cards, and a system according to the information on the IC cards. and a control device that performs function switching and changes in internal control accompanying the function switching, and controls the corresponding function.