JP3895079B2 - Multifunction machine and display method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-function peripheral having at least a printing function in addition to a facsimile communication function, and by devising a display method at the time of printing and facsimile communication, the state at the time of printing and facsimile communication is determined by a single display unit. The present invention relates to a multifunction peripheral and a display method .
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, in a multi-function machine having a printer function, a copy function, etc. in addition to a facsimile communication function, it is easy to externally indicate whether this multi-function machine is in a print state or a facsimile communication state from a status display unit such as an LED. In addition to being visible, error messages when there is a jam or the like on the recording paper can be easily seen from the outside with an error display such as an LED. The display and the error display are displayed with two LEDs, thereby reducing the cost.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional multi-function peripheral, the facsimile communication state and the print state are displayed by a single LED, so that the facsimile communication state and the print state cannot be easily distinguished, which is inconvenient. Met.
[0004]
In addition, there is a problem in that it is impossible to grasp the fact that there has been a facsimile communication because the configuration is not such that the fact that there has been a facsimile communication when the printing operation has been performed for a long time.
[0005]
Also, in the case of a multifunction device that shifts to the energy-saving mode when key operation or facsimile communication operation is not performed for a long time, if an error is displayed before shifting to the energy-saving mode, an error is displayed even in the energy-saving mode. However, there is a problem that the user feels uncomfortable.
[0006]
The present onset Ming, and can be displayed by distinguishing facsimile communication state, and the print state by a single operating state display means, the use of being able to distinguish a facsimile communication state, and printing conditions easy The object is to provide a high-performance multifunction peripheral and a display method .
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
This onset Ming, in order to solve the above problems, the multifunction machine having a printing function for recording least images data other than facsimile communication function for communicating image data via a communication line to a recording paper, A single operation state display means for displaying the facsimile communication state and the print state, and the operation state display means is lit when any one of the facsimile communication state and the print state is operated and the other one of the facsimile communication state and the print state. Display control means for blinking the operation state display means during the operation of the printer, and the display control means prioritizes the determination of the facsimile communication state over the determination of the print state when determining the facsimile communication state and the print state. The lighting operation or point of the operation status display means when in the facsimile communication state When performing the determination of the facsimile communication state, and the print state is performed in preference to operation in the print condition, a determination of the facsimile communication state, is characterized by performing in preference to determine the print condition.
[0011]
In that case, since the facsimile communication state and the print state can be distinguished and displayed by a single operation state display means, the facsimile communication state and the print state can be easily distinguished, and the usability of the multifunction device is improved. Can be made.
[0013]
In addition, since the fact that facsimile communication has been performed can be displayed when the printer is in the print state, the user can be surely notified that the facsimile communication has occurred, and the usability of the multifunction device can be further improved. Can do.
[0014]
The present invention, in order to solve the above problems, has an error display means for displaying a message when an error occurs in the MFP, the display control means, said when an error occurs in the MFP A message is displayed on the error display means, and the message display is stopped at the same time that the multifunction device shifts to the energy saving mode.
[0015]
In that case, even if an error display is made before shifting to the energy-saving mode, the error display can be automatically stopped in the energy-saving mode, thereby preventing discomfort to the user. it can.
[0016]
The present invention, in order to solve the above problems, before Symbol display control means determines the importance of the error occurring in this MFP, according to the importance of errors when the MFP shifts to the energy-saving mode The error display is continued.
[0017]
In that case, since it is possible to continue displaying high-priority errors (for example, important errors such as the heater not operating) in the energy saving mode, the user can be surely notified that there is an emergency repair or the like. it can.
Further, the display method according to the present invention displays a single operation state display means that is turned on when one of the facsimile communication state and the print state is operated and blinks when either the facsimile communication state or the print state is operated. Prior to determining whether or not it is a print state, the display method prioritizes whether or not it is in a facsimile communication state, and lighting operation of the operation state display means when in the facsimile communication state or The blinking operation is performed in preference to the blinking operation or lighting operation in the print state.
In that case, since the facsimile communication state and the print state can be distinguished and displayed by a single operation state display means, the facsimile communication state and the print state can be easily distinguished, and the usability of the multifunction device is improved. Can be made.
In addition, since the fact that facsimile communication has been performed can be displayed when the printer is in the print state, the user can be surely notified that the facsimile communication has occurred, and the usability of the multifunction device can be further improved. Can do.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
1 to 3 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, a facsimile machine having a print function will be described as an example of the multifunction machine.
[0020]
First, the configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a facsimile apparatus. The facsimile apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 2, a plotter unit 3, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 4, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 5, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 6, and a DCR unit. (Data Compression and Reconstraction) 7, an operation unit 8, a network control unit 9, an operation display lamp (operation state display means) 10, and an error display lamp (error display means) 11. Connected by.
[0021]
As the scanner unit 2, an image scanner using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like is used. The scanner 2 scans a document in accordance with a command from the CPU 4 and reads image data of the document with a predetermined resolution. ing.
[0022]
As the plotter unit 3, a thermal recording device using a thermal element, an electrophotographic recording device using a photosensitive drum, toner, or the like is used. The plotter unit 3 directly receives received image data on a recording sheet. Alternatively, recording is performed indirectly on ordinary recording paper via an ink sheet.
[0023]
The CPU 4 controls the entire facsimile apparatus 1 and performs a sequence as the facsimile apparatus 1 having at least a printing function and executes display control according to the present invention.
[0024]
The ROM 5 stores a program for operating the system of the facsimile apparatus 1, and this program is executed by the CPU 4.
[0025]
The RAM 6 constitutes a work area of the CPU 4 and temporarily stores various data used in the facsimile apparatus 1.
[0026]
The DCR unit 7 shortens the transmission time of image information and increases the efficiency. The DCR unit 7 compresses (encodes) the image information at the time of transmission, and reproduces the encoded image information as original information at the time of reception ( Decryption).
[0027]
The operation unit 8 is provided with a start key, a numeric keypad, an arrow key, a cancel key, an OK key, and the like for operating the facsimile apparatus 1 to perform facsimile communication. Various commands are input.
[0028]
The network control unit 9 has a built-in modem and connects / disconnects calls to / from the public line (communication line) L, and executes a communication protocol with other facsimile machines. Image data exchange. The network control unit 9 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) and exchanges signals with a PC (personal computer). When the CPU 4 receives a command from the PC via the network control unit 9, the CPU 4 controls the plotter unit 3 to print the image data received from the PC.
[0029]
The operation display lamp 10 is composed of an LED or the like, and displays a facsimile communication state and a print state based on a command from the CPU 4. The CPU 4 lights up the operation display lamp 10 in the facsimile communication state and blinks the operation display lamp 10 in the print state, and constitutes a display control means. Further, the CPU 4 performs the lighting operation of the operation display lamp 10 in the facsimile communication state with priority over the print state.
[0030]
The error display lamp 11 is composed of an LED or the like, and displays a message to that effect when an error occurs in the facsimile apparatus 1, for example, when an error occurs when a device such as a heater does not operate. Yes.
[0031]
The CPU 4 immediately displays a message on the error display lamp 11 when an error occurs in the facsimile apparatus 1, and the facsimile apparatus 1 is in the energy saving mode (when key operation or facsimile communication operation is not performed for a long time). The display of the message of the error display lamp 11 is stopped at the same time.
[0032]
The RAM 6 stores important and unimportant errors that occur in the facsimile apparatus 1, and the error code is assigned with an error code indicating whether the error is important or not important. Stored in
[0033]
The CPU 4 determines the type and importance of the error stored in the RAM 6 based on detection states from various sensors (not shown), and controls the turning on / off of the error display lamp 11 in the energy saving mode according to the determination result. It is like that. In the present embodiment, the RAM 6 also constitutes display control means.
[0034]
The importance level of the error may be stored in advance on the program instead of being determined according to the importance level stored in the RAM 6.
[0035]
Next, the display method of the operation display lamp 10 and the error display lamp 11 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are programs stored in the ROM 5 executed by the CPU 4.
[0036]
In FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the facsimile communication is in progress (step S1). If the facsimile communication is in progress, the operation display lamp 10 is turned on (step S2). If the facsimile communication is not being performed in step S2, the operation display lamp 10 is not displayed (step S3).
[0037]
Next, it is determined whether or not a printer operation is being performed by receiving image data from the PC (step S4). If a print operation is being performed, the operation display lamp 10 is blinked (step S5). If the printing operation is not being performed, the operation display lamp 10 is not displayed (step S6).
[0038]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation display lamp 10 is turned on when in the facsimile communication state and the operation display lamp 10 is blinked when in the print state. The status and the print status can be distinguished and displayed. For this reason, it is possible to easily distinguish between the facsimile communication state and the print state, and the usability of the multifunction device can be improved.
[0039]
Also, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, since it is determined with priority whether or not the facsimile communication is being performed before determining whether or not the printing operation is being performed, the facsimile communication is performed when the printer is in the printing state. This can be reliably displayed by the operation display lamp 10. For this reason, the user can be surely notified that the facsimile communication has occurred, and the usability of the facsimile apparatus can be further improved.
[0040]
On the other hand, in FIG. 3, it is determined whether any error has occurred in the facsimile machine 1 (step S11). If there is no error, the error display lamp 11 is not displayed (step S12).
[0041]
If an error occurs in step S11, the importance of the error is determined based on the data stored in the RAM 6 (step S13). If the error is an important error such as the heater not operating, an error indicator lamp The fact is displayed at 11 (step S14).
[0042]
Next, when an unimportant error occurs in step S13, it is determined whether or not it is in the energy saving mode (step S15). Is displayed (step S16).
[0043]
On the other hand, in the case of an unimportant error, if it is determined in step S15 that the energy saving mode is set, the error display lamp 11 is not displayed (step S17).
[0044]
As described above, in this embodiment, when an error occurs in the facsimile apparatus 1, a message is displayed on the error display lamp 11, and the message display is stopped at the same time when the facsimile apparatus 1 shifts to the energy saving mode. Therefore, even if the error display lamp 11 displays an error before shifting to the energy saving mode, the error display can be automatically stopped in the energy saving mode, giving the user an uncomfortable feeling. Can be prevented.
[0045]
Further, since the importance level of the error generated in the facsimile apparatus 1 is determined and the error display is continued according to the importance level of the error when the facsimile apparatus 1 shifts to the energy saving mode, the priority is high in the energy saving mode. Since the error display can be continued (steps S3 to S4 in FIG. 3), the user can be surely notified that there is an urgent repair or the like.
[0046]
In this embodiment, the operation display lamp 10 is turned on in the facsimile communication state and the operation display lamp 10 is blinked in the print state. However, the operation display lamp 10 is in the facsimile communication state. May be blinked and the operation indicator lamp 10 may be turned on in the print state.
[0047]
Further, the multifunction peripheral of the present embodiment has been described as having a facsimile communication function and a printer communication function, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided with a copy function or the like. The lighting and blinking control may be separated during facsimile communication and copying.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the facsimile communication state and the print state can be distinguished and displayed by the single operation state display means, the facsimile communication state and the print state can be easily distinguished, and the use of the multifunction machine can be performed. Can be improved.
In addition, since the fact that facsimile communication has been performed can be displayed when the printer is in the print state, the user can be surely notified that the facsimile communication has occurred, and the usability of the multifunction device can be further improved. Can do.
[0050]
According to the present invention, even if an error display is performed before shifting to the energy saving mode, the error display can be automatically stopped in the energy saving mode, thereby preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable. can do.
[0051]
According to the present invention, since it is possible to continue displaying an error with a high priority (for example, an important error such as the heater not operating) in the energy saving mode, it is ensured to the user that there is an urgent repair or the like. I can inform you.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile machine as a multifunction machine according to the present invention, and is a block diagram of the facsimile machine.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a display method of an operation display lamp according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a display method of an error display lamp according to an embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Facsimile device (composite device)
4 CPU (display control means)
6 RAM (display control means)
10 Operation indicator lamp (Operation status display means)
11 Error display lamp (error display means)

Claims (4)

In the MFP having a printing function for recording least images data other than facsimile communication function for communicating image data via a communication line to a recording paper,
A single operation state display means for displaying the facsimile communication state and the print state, and the operation state display means is turned on at the time of any one operation of the facsimile communication state and the print state, and the other one of the facsimile communication state and the print state Display control means for blinking the operation state display means during the operation ,
The display control means prioritizes the determination of the facsimile communication state over the determination of the print state when determining the facsimile communication state and the print state, and the lighting operation of the operation state display means when in the facsimile communication state Alternatively , a multifunction device that performs blinking operation in preference to the print state . It has error display means to display a message when an error occurs in this MFP,
The display control means displays a message on the error display means when an error occurs in the multifunction peripheral, and stops displaying the message at the same time as the multifunction peripheral shifts to an energy saving mode. multifunction machine according to claim 1 Symbol mounting to. The display control means determines the importance of an error that occurs in the multifunction peripheral, and continues to display an error according to the importance of the error when the multifunction peripheral shifts to an energy saving mode. 2. A multifunction machine according to 2 . A display method for displaying a single operation state display means that is turned on when either one of the facsimile communication state and the print state is operated, and blinks when either the facsimile communication state or the print state is operated.
Prior to determining whether or not the printer is in the print state, it is determined whether or not it is in the facsimile communication state, and the lighting operation or blinking operation of the operation state display means in the facsimile communication state is determined in the print state. A display method characterized by being performed in preference to a blinking operation or a lighting operation.

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