JP4776952B2 - Operating device, image forming apparatus, image forming method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation apparatus, an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium. More specifically, the operation apparatus transmits a command related to a job input from a plurality of input units to the image forming apparatus main body, and the operation The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an apparatus and an image forming apparatus main body that executes the job, an image forming method using the image forming apparatus, a program used in the image forming apparatus, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  Recent image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers have a function that even when a job is being executed, the job can be temporarily stopped and another job can be preferentially executed. Things have become commonplace. This function is called an interrupt function, which makes it possible to perform another copy without waiting for the end of the copy even when a large amount of copy is being performed. (For example, refer to Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  However, in the apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when an interrupt request is generated while a job command is being input from the operation device, the command input must be interrupted until the job related to the interrupt is completed. Therefore, the operability was not always sufficient.

JP 58-14156 A JP-A-5-134511 JP-A-2003-134277

  The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and a first object thereof is to provide an operating device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming method capable of improving operability.

  A second object of the present invention is a program capable of improving the operability of an operating device and an image forming apparatus by being executed by a computer for controlling the operating device and the image forming apparatus, and It is to provide a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operating device including an operating device main body that transmits a job related command to the image forming apparatus main body, and has an interface for inputting the job related command from a user. , as well as a removable with respect to at least one of the operating device main body, a plurality of input means having at least one touch panel and the display, the first job from the first input means of said plurality of input means If there is a command interrupt input related to the second job from the second input means among the plurality of input means during the input of the command related to the image forming apparatus main body, the command related to the second job is given priority. And a first processing means for transmitting to the first job inputted from the first input means after interruption of the second job. A command history related to the first job including at least a command history is stored, and when the second job ends, the stored command history related to the first job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body. When the detachable input means is removed from the operating device main body, the input means having the touch panel and the display has at least a part of the interface of the other input means. An operating device that is displayed on a display and also serves as a function of the displayed interface.

According to this, it is possible to secure a superior operability.

In this case, freely input means detachable from the previous SL operating device body has a touch panel and the display, when the input unit is removed from the operating device main body, the other input means Interface least a The unit can be displayed on the display, and can also function as the displayed interface.

Also, when the pre-Symbol removable input means is removed from the operating device main body, an input means that is not detachable touch panel and the display facilities are to display at least a portion of the interface of the detachable input means on the display Thus, it can also function as the displayed interface.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on a command related to a job transmitted from the operating device , the operating device according to the present invention ; and a job transmitted from the operating device. an image forming apparatus comprising; a processing device that to form an image based on the image information; image information creating apparatus and generating an image information based on the instruction.

According to this, it becomes possible to ensure excellent operability.

According to a third aspect, the present invention includes an operation device main body that transmits a job-related command to the image forming apparatus main body, and includes an interface for inputting the job-related command from a user, at least one of which Based on an instruction relating to a job from a user input to the plurality of input means using an operation apparatus that is detachable from the operation apparatus main body and has at least one input means having a touch panel and a display. When the detachable input unit is removed from the operation device main body, the input unit having the touch panel and the display has at least a part of an interface of the other input unit. Displaying on the display; input with the touch panel and display Stage, the steps also serving as a function of the displayed interface; during a first command for the first job from the input means inputs of said plurality of input means, first of the plurality of input means 2 A second job instruction is input to the image forming apparatus main body when the second job instruction is interrupted from the input means; and the second job is interrupted after the second job interruption. A command history related to the first job including at least a command history related to the first job input from one input unit is stored, and when the second job is completed, the history related to the stored first job is stored. And a step of transmitting a command history to the image forming apparatus main body .

According to this, it is possible to secure a superior operability.

From a fourth aspect, the present invention includes an operation device main body that transmits a command related to a job to the image forming apparatus main body, and has an interface for inputting a command related to the job from a user, at least one of which A program for use in an operating device that is detachable from the operating device main body and includes at least one input means having a touch panel and a display, wherein the removable input means is removed from the operating device main body. The input means having the touch panel and the display displays at least a part of the interface of the other input means on the display; and the input means having the touch panel and the display displays the interface of the displayed interface. among the plurality of input means; procedures and also functions If there is an instruction interrupt input related to the second job from the second input means among the plurality of input means during the input of the command related to the first job from the first input means, the second job Preferentially transmitting a command relating to the first job to the image forming apparatus main body; and the second job including at least a history of commands relating to the first job input from the first input means after the interruption of the second job. A command history relating to one job is stored, and when the second job is completed, the stored command history relating to the first job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body. A program to be executed by a computer.

According to this, it is possible you to ensure excellent operability.

From the fifth viewpoint, the present invention is a computer-readable information recording medium in which the program of the present invention is recorded.

According to this, since the program of the present invention is recorded, is executed by the control computer of the operating equipment, it is possible to improve the operability.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a digital copying machine 100 as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the digital copying machine 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 110 that executes a job, and an operation apparatus 105 that transmits operation information regarding the job to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  As shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the image forming apparatus main body 110 includes a CPU 111, a flash ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage device 114, a wired communication interface 115, a scanner device 117, an optical scanning device 118, a transfer device 119, and the like. ing.

  The scanner device 117 irradiates light on a copy object placed on a glass plate (not shown), and acquires image data from reflected light. The acquired image data is stored in the RAM 113.

  The optical scanning device 118 modulates light according to the image data stored in the RAM 113 and irradiates the photoconductor with the modulated light to form a latent image on the photoconductor.

  The transfer device 119 visualizes the latent image on the photoconductor using toner or the like, and transfers the latent image on the printing paper.

  The flash ROM 112 stores various programs described by codes readable by the CPU 111, various data used when executing the programs, and the like.

  The storage device 114 stores image data stored in the RAM 113 and data necessary for control (hereinafter referred to as “image information”) under the instruction of the CPU 111.

  The wired communication interface 115 is an interface for bidirectional communication with the operation device 105 by wire.

  The CPU 111 controls the entire image forming apparatus main body 110 according to the program stored in the flash ROM 112 and stores various data necessary for the control in the RAM 113.

  As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the operation device 105 includes three operation units (operation unit A130, operation unit B140, operation unit C150) as input means, a unit control device 120 as an operation device body, and the like. Of these, the operation unit B140 and the operation unit C150 are detachable as shown in FIG.

《Unit control device》
As shown in FIG. 5 as an example, the unit control device 120 includes a CPU 121, a flash ROM 122, a RAM 123, a storage device 124 as storage means, four wired communication interfaces (125a, 125b, 125c, 125e), and two wireless communications. An interface (125d, 125f) and two detection circuits (LS1, LS2) are provided.

  The flash ROM 122 stores various programs described by codes readable by the CPU 121, various data used when executing the programs, and the like.

  The wired communication interface 125a is a bidirectional communication interface with the image forming apparatus main body 110 by wire.

  The wired communication interface 125b is a bidirectional communication interface with the operation unit A130 by wire.

  The wired communication interface 125c is a bidirectional communication interface with the wired operation unit B140.

  The wired communication interface 125e is an interface for bidirectional communication with the operation unit C150 by wire.

  The wireless communication interface 125d is an interface for bidirectional communication with the operation unit B140 by wireless.

  The wireless communication interface 125f is an interface for bidirectional communication with the operation unit C150 by wireless.

  The storage device 124 sequentially stores commands related to jobs input to the operation units (130, 140, 150) and received via the communication interfaces (125b to 125f) under the instruction of the CPU 121.

  The detection circuit LS1 has a structure in which, for example, a contact is turned on (CLOSE) when the operation unit B140 is removed from the unit control device 120, and this contact signal is supplied to the CPU.

  The detection circuit LS2 has a structure in which, for example, the contact is turned on (CLOSE) when the operation unit C150 is removed from the unit control device 120, and this contact signal is supplied to the CPU.

  The CPU 121 controls the entire unit control device 120 in accordance with the program stored in the flash ROM 122 and stores data necessary for control in the RAM 123, and stores three operation units (operation unit A130, operation unit B140, operation unit). The history of the command input to C150) is stored in the storage device 124.

<Operation unit A>
As shown in FIG. 6 as an example, the operation unit A130 includes a CPU 131, a flash ROM 132, a RAM 133, a wired communication interface 135, an operation button 136a, an input detection circuit 136b, an indicator lamp 137a, an LED controller 137b, and the like. .

  The flash ROM 132 stores various programs described in codes readable by the CPU 131, various data used when executing the programs, and the like.

  The wired communication interface 135 is a bidirectional communication interface with the wired unit control device 120.

  The operation button 136a is used to input a command for setting a basic condition or the like common to jobs input from the operation unit B140 and the operation unit C150. As shown in FIG. A paper selection button for selecting the size of the paper on which the image is to be formed, a magnification change button for changing the magnification of the image to be formed, and a sorting method for determining a sorting method for copying a plurality of originals. A button, a switching button for selecting whether a surface on which an image is to be formed are single-sided or double-sided, a button for selecting whether or not stapling is performed, and the like are arranged.

  When any of the plurality of buttons constituting the operation button 136a is pressed, the input detection circuit 136b acquires information corresponding to the pressed button as operation information and notifies the CPU 131 of the information.

  The indicator lamp 137a is composed of an LED and a display board on which various information illuminated by the LED is described. As shown in FIG. 7 as an example, an image is formed so as to correspond to the operation button 136a described above. An indicator lamp that displays the size of the paper, an indicator lamp that indicates the copy magnification of the image, an indicator lamp that indicates the sorting method, an indicator lamp that displays the surface on which the image is to be formed, and whether or not stapling is to be performed. Indicator lights to be displayed are arranged. In addition, it is not necessarily a display lamp, It is good also as providing a liquid crystal screen instead of a display lamp and displaying the said content on these. Further, the indicator lamp 137a may be provided integrally with the corresponding operation button 136a.

  The LED controller 137b controls on / off of the LEDs constituting the indicator lamp 137a in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 131.

  The CPU 131 controls the entire operation unit A 130 according to the above program stored in the flash ROM 132, and sends information including a command from the user input via the operation button 136a to the unit via the wired communication interface 135. The data is supplied to the control device 120 and data necessary for control is stored in the RAM 133.

<Operation unit B>
As shown in FIG. 8 as an example, the operation unit B140 includes a CPU 141, a flash ROM 142, a RAM 143, a wired communication interface 145a, a wireless communication interface 145b, a touch panel 146, an input position detection circuit 146b, an LCD 147, an LCD controller 147b, and a buffer memory. 147c, a power supply control circuit 148, a battery 149, and the like.

  The flash ROM 142 stores various programs described by codes readable by the CPU 141, various data used when executing the programs, and the like.

  The wired communication interface 145a is a bidirectional communication interface with the wired unit control device 120.

  The wireless communication interface 145b is a bidirectional communication interface with the unit control device 120 by wireless.

  The touch panel 146 is integrated with the LCD 147, and outputs a signal corresponding to the position when the display screen of the LCD 147 is pressed by the user.

  When the touch panel 146 is pressed, the input position detection circuit 146b notifies the CPU 141 and acquires information corresponding to the pressed position as operation information based on the output signal of the touch panel 146.

  Display data to be displayed on the LCD 147 is stored in the buffer memory 147c.

  The LCD controller 147b displays the display data stored in the buffer memory 147c on the LCD 147.

  The LCD 147 displays, for example, three types of input interfaces shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C under the instruction of the LCD controller 147b. The input interface shown in FIG. 9A includes an interrupt button 147d for starting an interrupt process from the unit B while another user inputs a command from the operation unit C. For example, a button 147a for determining the application operation, for example, the size of the margin, the color tone at the time of color printing, the speed or resolution when scanning the document, and whether another user is interrupting or not. The input interface 140 shown in FIG. 9B is composed of an area 147e indicating the status of the image forming apparatus main body 110 including the input interface 140. The input interface 140 shown in FIG. 'And an input interface 150' (see FIG. 11) of the operation unit C150 described later. Input interface shown in C), said input interface (140 ', 150' and), and an input interface 130 of the operation unit A130 '(see FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the screen shown in FIG. 9A is called a basic screen, the screen shown in FIG. 9B is called a high function screen 1, and the screen shown in FIG. 9C is called a high function screen 2.

  Returning to FIG. 8, when the external power from the unit control device 120 is supplied to the operation unit B, the power supply control circuit 148 supplies the external power to each part constituting the operation unit B and supplies the battery 149. When charging is performed and the operation unit B is detached from the unit control device 120 and the supply of external power is cut off, the battery 149 is used as a power supply source to supply power to the components constituting the operation unit B.

  The CPU 141 controls the entire operation unit B140 in accordance with the program stored in the flash ROM 142. In addition, information including instructions from the user input via the touch panel 146 is supplied to the unit controller 120 via the wired communication interface 145a or the wireless communication interface 145b, and data necessary for control is stored in the RAM 143. Then, the information displayed on the LCD 147 is stored in the buffer memory 147c.

<Operation unit C>
As shown in FIG. 10 as an example, the operation unit C150 includes a CPU 151, a flash ROM 152, a RAM 153, a wired communication interface 155a, a wireless communication interface 155b, an operation button 156, an input detection circuit 156b, an indicator lamp 157, an LED controller 157b, A power supply control circuit 158, a battery 159, and the like are provided.

  The flash ROM 152 stores various programs described in codes readable by the CPU 151 and various data used when executing the programs.

  The wired communication interface 155a is an interface for bidirectional communication with the unit control device 120 by wire.

  The wireless communication interface 155b is an interface for bidirectional communication with the unit control device 120 by wireless.

  The operation button 156 is used for the user to input a command for setting various conditions regarding the job. As an example, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation button 156 includes an interrupt button 156a for starting interrupt processing from the operation unit C150 while another user inputs a command from the operation unit B140, and a numeric keypad. It consists of multiple buttons.

  When any of a plurality of buttons constituting the operation button 156 is pressed, the input detection circuit 156b notifies the CPU 151 and acquires information corresponding to the pressed button as operation information.

  The indicator lamp 157 is composed of an LED and a display board on which various information illuminated by the LED is described, and is used to notify the user of various information including information on whether or not another user is interrupting. . As shown in FIG. 11 as an example, a plurality of the indicator lamps 157 are provided.

  The LED controller 157b controls on / off of the LEDs constituting the indicator lamp 157 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 151.

  When the external power from the unit control device 120 is supplied to the operation unit C, the power supply control circuit 158 supplies the external power to each part constituting the operation unit C and charges the battery 159, and the operation unit C When C is removed from the unit control device 120 and the supply of external power is cut off, the battery 159 is used as a power supply source to supply power to the components constituting the operation unit C.

  The CPU 151 controls the entire operation unit C150 in accordance with the program stored in the flash ROM 152, and transmits information including a command from the user input via the operation button 156 to the wired communication interface 155a or the wireless communication interface. The data is supplied to the unit control device 120 via 155b, and data necessary for control is stored in the ROM 153.

  Next, the operation of the digital copying machine 100 configured as described above will be described.

<Operation of unit control device>
First, the operation of the unit controller 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. The flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13 correspond to a series of processing algorithms executed by the CPU 121. When the power is turned on, the start address of the program (hereinafter referred to as “first processing program”) corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13 stored in the flash ROM 122 is set in the program counter of the CPU 121, and the processing is performed. Start. Here, “interrupt processing” refers to processing for starting input of a command from the other during input of a command to either one of the operation unit B140 or the operation unit C150. It is assumed that the instruction is a precondition for performing an interrupt process, for example, an instruction input from the operation unit (140, 150) when the interrupt buttons 147d, 156a are pressed.

  In the first step 401, it is determined whether or not the contact signal from the detection circuit LS2 is on. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 403.

  In step 403, wired communication is selected for communication with the unit C. As a result, the subsequent communication with the operation unit C is performed via the wired communication interface 125e.

  In the next step 405, the unit B is instructed to display the basic screen 1 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 401 is affirmed, the process proceeds to the next step 407 and wireless communication is selected for communication with the unit C. Thereby, subsequent communication with the operation unit C is performed via the wireless communication interface 125f.

  In the next step 409, the unit B is instructed to display the high function screen 1 shown in FIG.

  In the next step 411, it is determined whether or not the contact signal from the detection circuit LS1 is on. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 413.

  In step 413, wired communication is selected for communication with the unit B. As a result, the subsequent communication with the operation unit B is performed via the wired communication interface 125c.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 411 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 415 and wireless communication is selected for communication with the unit B. As a result, the subsequent communication with the operation unit B is performed via the wireless communication interface 125d.

  In the next step 417, the unit B is instructed to display the high function screen 2 shown in FIG.

In the next step 419, it is determined whether or not a command is input to any one of the operation units (130, 140, 150). If the determination here is negative, the process returns to step 401, and the processing of step 401 to step 419 is repeated until the determination at 419 is affirmed. On the other hand, if the determination here is affirmed, the routine proceeds to the next step 421.

  In step 421, it is determined whether any interrupt button (147d, 156a) of the operation unit B140 or the operation unit C150 is pressed. If the determination here is affirmative, the routine proceeds to subroutine 423.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart showing the processing of the subroutine 423. In the first step 501, it is determined whether or not the interrupt button 156a of the operation unit C150 has been pressed. If the determination here is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 503.

  In step 503, an interrupt request from the operation unit C150 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  In the next step 505, an instruction to display an interrupt from the operation unit C150 is given to the interface of the operation unit B140. As a result, the fact that the operation unit C150 is interrupting is displayed on the LCD 147 of the operation unit B140.

  In the next step 507, it is determined whether or not a command from the user is input to the operation unit C150. If the determination here is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 509.

  In step 509, the command input from the operation unit C 150 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 507 is negative, the process proceeds to step 511. In step 511, it is determined whether or not a command from the user is input to the operation unit B140. If the determination here is affirmed, the routine proceeds to step 513.

  In step 513, the command input from the operation unit B140 is stored.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 511 is negative, the process proceeds to step 515. In step 515, it is determined whether or not the end of job 2 processing related to the interrupt has been received from the image forming apparatus main body 110. If the determination here is negative, the process returns to step 507, and thereafter, the processing of step 507 to step 515 is repeated until the determination in step 515 is affirmed. By repeating the processing from step 507 to step 515, the command input from the unit B 140 in step 513 is stored and a history is created.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 515 is affirmed, the process proceeds to next step 517. In step 517, the command history input from the operation unit B 140 stored and accumulated in step 513 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110. When the processing in step 517 is completed, the subroutine 423 is terminated, the process returns to the main routine, and the process proceeds to step 425.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 501 is negative, the process proceeds to step 519. In step 519, an interrupt request from the operation unit B 140 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  In the next step 521, an interrupt display from the operation unit B150 is instructed to the interface of the operation unit C140. Thereby, as an example, among the indicator lamps 157 of the operation unit C150, the indicator lamps for notifying the interrupt of the operation unit B are turned on.

  In the next step 523, it is determined whether or not a command from the user is input to the operation unit B140. If the determination here is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 525.

  In step 525, the command input from the operation unit B 140 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 523 is negative, the process proceeds to step 527. In step 527, it is determined whether or not a command from the user is input to the operation unit C150. If the determination here is affirmed, the routine proceeds to step 529.

  In step 529, the command input from the operation unit C150 is stored.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 527 is negative, the process proceeds to step 531. In step 531, it is determined whether or not the end of processing of job 2 relating to the interrupt is received from the image forming apparatus main body 110. If the determination here is negative, the processing returns to step 523, and the processing of step 523 to step 531 is repeated until the determination at step 531 is affirmed thereafter. By repeating the processing from step 523 to step 531, the command input from the unit C150 in step 529 is stored and a history is created.

On the other hand, if the determination in step 531 is affirmed, the process proceeds to next step 533.
In step 533, the command history input from the operation unit C 150 stored and accumulated in step 529 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110. When the processing in step 533 is completed, the subroutine 423 is terminated, the process returns to the main routine, and the process proceeds to the next step 425.

  Returning to FIG. 12, in step 425, a command input from any one of the operation units (130, 140, 150) is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110. When the process of step 425 is completed, the process returns to step 401.

<Operation of image forming apparatus>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus main body 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. The flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15 correspond to a series of processing algorithms executed by the CPU 111. When the power is turned on, the start address of the program (hereinafter referred to as “second processing program”) corresponding to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15 stored in the flash ROM 112 is set in the program counter of the CPU 111, and the processing is performed. Start. Here, the image forming process relating to the command received from the unit control device 120 from the state in which the image forming apparatus main body 110 has not received the command is “job 1”, and an interrupt request is issued while the job 1 command is being received. The image forming process related to the received command is “job 2”.

  In the first step 601, it is determined whether a command is input from the user to the operation units (130, 140, 150) constituting the controller device 105 and a command related to job 1 is received from the unit controller 120. The image forming apparatus 110 stands by until the determination here is affirmed. When a command is received, the process proceeds to step 603.

  In step 603, the parameter size and the like of the program stored in the flash ROM determined based on the job 1 command are set. Hereinafter, information regarding this setting and information including image data acquired via the scanner device 117 will be referred to as “image information”.

  In the next step 605, it is determined whether or not there is an interrupt request for job 2. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 609. On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative, the routine proceeds to subroutine 607.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart showing the processing of the subroutine 607. As shown in FIG. 15, in the first step 701, the image information of job 1 formed in step 603 is stored.

  In the next step 703, it is determined whether or not a job 2 command has been received. If the determination here is negative, the process waits until a job 2 command is received. If the determination is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 705.

  In step 705, image information is created based on the job 2 command.

  In step 707, an image is formed on the printing paper based on the image information of job 2 created in step 705.

  In the next step 709, it is determined whether or not job 2 is completed. If all the commands for job 2 have not been transmitted, the determination here is denied, and the processing returns to step 703 to continuously receive the commands for the remaining job 2. Thereafter, the processing in steps 703 to 709 is repeated until the determination in step 709 is affirmed. On the other hand, when all the commands for job 2 are transmitted from the unit control device 120, the determination here is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 711.

  In step 711, the end of job 2 is notified to the unit control device 120.

  In step 713, the image information based on the instruction stored before interruption of job 2 stored in step 701 is read.

  In the next step 715, it is determined whether or not the job control command history that is input after the job 2 interrupt request is received and stored in the unit controller 120 is received. If it has not been received, it waits until it is received, and if it has been received, it proceeds to step 717.

  In step 717, the remaining portion of the image information read in step 713 is formed based on the job 1 command history received in step 715, and complete image information of job 1 is created. When the processing in step 717 is completed, the subroutine 607 is terminated, the process returns to the main routine, and the process proceeds to the next step 609.

  Returning to FIG. 14, in step 609, an image is formed on the printing paper based on the image information created in step 717 of the subroutine 607.

  In step 611, it is determined whether or not job 1 is completed. When all the commands for job 1 are not transmitted from the unit control device 120, the determination here is denied, and the processing returns to step 601 to continue to receive the commands for job 1. Thereafter, the processing in steps 601 to 611 is repeatedly performed until the determination in step 611 is affirmed. On the other hand, if all the instructions for job 1 have been transmitted, the determination here is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 613.

  In step 613, the end of job 1 is notified to the unit control device 120 constituting the controller device 105.

  As is clear from the above description, in the digital copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 121 of the unit control device 120 constituting the operation device 105, the program executed by the CPU 121, and the wired communication interface 125a are used. 1 processing means is realized, and the CPU 121, the program executed by the CPU 121, and the storage device 124 realize the second processing means.

  Further, the image forming apparatus is realized by the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus main body 110 and a program executed by the CPU 111, and the first processing apparatus is realized by the scanner device 117, the optical scanning device 118, and the transfer device 119, The CPU 111, a program executed by the CPU 111, and the storage device 114 implement a second processing device.

  As described above, according to the digital copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the operation unit B140 or the operation unit C150 is input to the operation unit B140 or the operation unit C150 while the command regarding the job 1 is being input to either the operation unit B140 or the operation unit C150. When an interrupt command for job 2 is input, commands related to job 1 input thereafter are sequentially stored in the storage device 124 of the unit control device 120 that constitutes the operation device 105, and commands related to job 2 are sequentially transmitted. It is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  Upon receiving the job 2 interrupt command, the image forming apparatus main body 110 temporarily stores the image information created based on the command related to job 1 transmitted before that in the storage device 114 and prioritizes processing of job 2. To do. When the processing of job 2 is completed, the remaining of the image information stored in the storage device 114 is based on the job 1 command history transmitted from the operation device 105 by notifying the operation device 105 of the completion of job 2. And an image is formed on the printing paper based on the created image information.

  In this case, for example, even when another user inputs a job 2 command interrupt to the operation unit C 140 while the user inputs a command related to the job 1 to the operation unit B 140, the user relates to the job 2. In parallel with the command input, the command related to the job 1 can be continuously input, so that the operability can be improved.

  Further, since the operation unit B140 and the operation unit C150 are detachable with respect to the unit control device 120 constituting the operation device 105, it is possible to input each job at different places, and the operability can be improved. It becomes.

  Further, when the input unit B140 is removed from the unit control device 120, the interfaces of the operation unit A130 and the operation unit C150 are displayed on the LCD 147 constituting the interface of the input unit B140, and the functions of the operation unit A130 and the operation unit 150 are controlled. Since it can be used also, it becomes possible to improve operability.

  If there is an interrupt request for job 2, the image information created before that is temporarily stored in the image forming apparatus main body 110, and after the processing of job 2 is completed, the stored image information and the interrupt request are stored. Since the image of job 1 is formed on the printing paper based on the image information created based on the job 1 command history input later, it is possible to omit duplicate processing.

  As shown in FIG. 9B or FIG. 9C, the operation unit B140 of the present embodiment has the interface of the operation unit A130, or the interface of the operation unit C150 and the interface of the operation unit C150. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each interface may be switched and displayed. In short, it is sufficient that the operation unit B140 can also function as the other operation units (130, 150).

  In the present embodiment, both the operation unit B140 and the operation unit C150 are detachable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the operation unit B140 may be detachable. Also in this case, since the operation unit B can also function as the other operation units (130, 150), for example, the job 1 command is input from the operation unit B 140, and the job 2 command related to the interrupt is operated. Input can be made from the unit A 130 and the operation unit C 150.

  In addition, the communication between the operation unit B140 and the operation unit C150 of the present embodiment and the unit control device 120 is performed by selecting either wireless communication or wired communication. You can do it. In short, it is only necessary that the operation unit (140, 150) is detached from the image forming apparatus main body 110 and a command related to a job can be input from an arbitrary place.

  Moreover, although the case where the interface of the operation unit B140 of this embodiment is the LCD 147 and the touch panel 146 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the combination of a display and hardware devices such as operation buttons corresponding to information displayed on the display But you can. In short, it is only necessary that the operation unit B140 can also function as an interface of the other operation units (130, 150).

  Further, in the present embodiment, although stored in the flash ROM 122 of the operation device 105 or the flash ROM 112 of the image forming apparatus main body 110, other recording media (CD (compact-disc), magneto-optical disk, DVD (digital) versatile disc), memory card, etc.). In this case, the program according to the present invention is loaded into the flash memory via the playback device (or dedicated interface) for each recording medium. Further, the program according to the present invention may be transferred to the flash memory 39 via a network (LAN, intranet, Internet, etc.).

  In the above-described embodiment, when an instruction for job 1 is input to either one of the operation unit B 140 or the operation unit C 150 and a job 2 interrupts from the other, the job 1 input thereafter is related to job 1. The commands are sequentially stored, a command history related to job 1 is created, and after the processing of job 2 is completed, image information is created in image forming apparatus main body 110 based on the command history related to job 1, and this image information and Job 1 is processed based on the image information created before the interruption. However, regardless of whether or not there is an interruption, an instruction relating to job 1 is stored in advance in the operation device 105, and there is an interruption of job 2. If this happens, the processing related to job 1 performed in the image forming apparatus main body 110 is once reset, and the processing of job 2 is preferentially performed. After the process is completed, it may be subjected to a process of job 1 on the basis of the history of the command again job 1. A flowchart of FIG. 16 showing a modification of the first program and a second program regarding the processing and operation of the CPU 121 of the operation unit control device 120 and the CPU 111 of the image forming apparatus main body 110 constituting the operation device 105 in this case This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17 and the flowchart of FIG.

<< Modification of the first program >>
In the first steps 801 to 819 shown in FIG. 16, the same processing as the processing in steps 401 to 419 is performed.

  In the next step 820, the command input to either the operation unit B140 or the operation unit C150 is stored. In the unit control device 120, every time a command is input from the operation unit B140, the command is stored in this step 820 and a history is created.

  After the next step 821, the same processing as the processing of the steps 421 to 425 and the subroutine 423 is performed.

<< Modification of the second program >>
In the first steps 901 to 905 shown in FIG. 17, the same processing as the processing in steps 601 to 605 is performed and the process proceeds to a subroutine 907.

  In subroutine 907, the image information of job 1 created based on the instruction before interruption of job 2 is reset in the first step 921 shown in FIG.

  In the next step 923 to step 931, the same processing as the processing in step 703 to step 711 is performed, the subroutine 907 is terminated, the processing returns to the main routine, and the processing proceeds to the next step 909.

  Returning to FIG. 17, in steps 909 to 913, processing similar to the processing of 609 to 613 is performed.

  As described above, in the case of this modification, when a command related to job 1 is input to either the operation unit B140 or the operation unit C150, this command is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110 by the operation device 105. And sequentially stored in the storage device of the unit controller 120. When an interrupt command for job 2 is input while the command for job 1 is being input, the command for job 2 is preferentially transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110, and at the same time, a command for job 1 is issued. Stored sequentially. When the processing of job 2 is completed, the history of job 1 commands stored sequentially by the storage device 124 of the unit control device 120 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  Therefore, even in the case of this modification, even if another user inputs an interrupt for job 2 to the operation unit C140 while the user is inputting a command related to job 1 to the operation unit B140, for example, In parallel with the input of the command related to job 2, the input of the command related to job 1 can be continuously performed, so that the operability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, when there is an interrupt request, a command from each operation unit (130, 140, 150) is stored in the storage device 124 of the unit control device 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Each operation unit (130, 140, 150) is provided with a storage unit for storing a command, and after completion of the interrupt process, the command stored in the storage unit is transmitted from each operation unit (130, 140, 150). It is also good. Even in this case, the user can continuously input a command even after an interrupt request is made, and excellent operability can be ensured.

  In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is used in a digital copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an apparatus that forms an image based on an input command, such as a facsimile or a printer, or a function thereof. It is also suitable for a multifunction machine in which

  As described above, the operation device according to the present invention is suitable for transmitting a command input from the input unit to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus, the image forming method, and the program according to the present invention are transmitted from the input unit. It is suitable for forming an image based on an input command.

1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital copying machine in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of an image forming apparatus main body in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the unit control apparatus in FIG. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the operation unit which comprises the unit control apparatus in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the operation unit A in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the interface of the operation unit A in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the operation unit B in FIG. FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining the interface of the operation unit B in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the operation unit C in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the interface of the operation unit C in FIG. 3 is a flowchart (No. 1) for explaining a processing operation when a command is input to the controller device 105 in FIG. 6 is a flowchart (No. 2) for explaining a processing operation when a command is input to the controller device 105 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart (No. 1) for explaining a processing operation when the image forming apparatus main body 110 in FIG. 2 receives a command from an operating device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart (No. 2) for explaining a processing operation when the image forming apparatus main body 110 in FIG. 2 receives a command from the operating device. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a modification example of the processing operation when a command is input to the controller device 105 in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart (No. 1) for explaining a modification of the processing operation when the image forming apparatus main body 110 in FIG. 2 receives a command from the operating device. 6 is a flowchart (No. 2) for explaining a modification of the processing operation when the image forming apparatus main body 110 in FIG. 2 receives a command from the operation device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Digital copying machine (image forming apparatus), 105 ... Operation apparatus, 120 ... Unit control apparatus (operation apparatus main body), 130 ... Operation unit A (input means), 140 ... Operation unit B (input means), 150 ... Operation Unit C (input means), 110 ... image forming apparatus main body, 114 ... storage device (part of image forming apparatus main body), 124 ... storage device (part of operation device main body), 121 ... CPU (one of the unit control devices) Part), 111... CPU (part of the image forming apparatus main body)

Claims (8)

An operation device including an operation device main body that transmits a job-related command to the image forming device main body,
Has an interface for inputting a command related to the job from the user, together with at least one of which is detachable from the operating device main body, a plurality of input means having at least one touch panel and the display,
During the input of the command related to the first job from the first input means of the plurality of input means, the interrupt input of the command related to the second job is input from the second input means of the plurality of input means. A first processing unit that preferentially transmits a command related to the second job to the image forming apparatus main body;
A command history related to the first job including at least a command history related to the first job input from the first input means after the interruption of the second job is stored, and the second job And a second processing unit that transmits a history of instructions relating to the stored first job to the image forming apparatus main body when finished .
When the detachable input means is removed from the operation device main body, the input means having the touch panel and the display displays at least a part of the interface of the other input means on the display and displays the display. An operating device that also functions as an interface.   The input means detachably attached to the operation device main body includes a touch panel and a display. When the input means is detached from the operation device main body, at least a part of an interface of another input means is provided on the display. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation device also serves as a function of the displayed interface. When the detachable input means is removed from the operating device body,
2. The non-detachable input means provided with a touch panel and a display displays at least a part of an interface of the removable input means on the display and serves also as a function of the displayed interface. Operating device. When the detachable input means is removed from the operating device body,
The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation information of the input unit is transmitted to the operation device main body by wireless communication. An image forming apparatus that forms an image based on a command related to a job transmitted from an operation apparatus,
The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ;
An image information creation device that creates image information based on a command related to a job transmitted from the operation device;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a processing device that forms an image based on the image information. An operation device main body that transmits a job-related command to the image forming apparatus main body has an interface for inputting the job-related command from a user, and at least one of the operation device main body is detachable from the operation device main body An image forming method for forming an image on the basis of an instruction regarding a job from a user input to the plurality of input means using an operation device having a plurality of input means, at least one of which includes a touch panel and a display,
A step of displaying at least a part of an interface of another input means on the display by the input means having the touch panel and a display when the detachable input means is detached from the operation device main body;
A step in which an input means having the touch panel and a display also functions as the displayed interface;
During the input of the command related to the first job from the first input means of the plurality of input means, the interrupt input of the command related to the second job is input from the second input means of the plurality of input means. And preferentially transmitting a command relating to the second job to the image forming apparatus main body;
A command history related to the first job including at least a command history related to the first job input from the first input means after the interruption of the second job is stored, and the second job And a step of transmitting, to the image forming apparatus main body, a history of instructions relating to the stored first job upon completion . An operation device main body that transmits a job-related command to the image forming apparatus main body includes an interface for inputting the job-related command from a user, and at least one of the operation device main body is detachable from the operation device main body. , A program used for an operating device including a plurality of input means having at least one touch panel and a display,
A procedure in which when the detachable input means is removed from the operating device main body, the input means having the touch panel and a display displays at least a part of an interface of the other input means on the display;
A procedure in which the input means having the touch panel and the display also functions as the displayed interface;
During the input of the command related to the first job from the first input means of the plurality of input means, the interrupt input of the command related to the second job is input from the second input means of the plurality of input means. If there is, a procedure for preferentially transmitting a command related to the second job to the image forming apparatus main body;
A command history related to the first job including at least a command history related to the first job input from the first input means after the interruption of the second job is stored, and the second job A program for causing the control computer of the operation device to execute a procedure of transmitting a command history relating to the stored first job to the main body of the image forming apparatus upon completion . A computer-readable information recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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