Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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P~torney Docket L:l/91198
ENABLING FEATURES AN~ 5UPPQRTING SCREEN DlALOl:i
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a system for the selective enablement of
machine features including the alteration of supporting interface screen
dialog, and more particularly, to the use of feature cards for such
enablement.
As reproduction machines such as copiers and printers become
more complex and versatile, the user interface between the machine and
the operator or user must necessarily be expanded if full and efficient
utilization of the machine is to be realized. A suitable interface must
provide the controls, displays, and messages necessary to activate, program,
and operate the machine under a variety of conditions and in response to a
wide difference level oF skill of operators.
Un1ike simple copiers, in which the only visible operator controls
may be a copy count selector for the number of copies, and "ON", "OFF",
and "START" buttons, a modern sophisticated copier may present the
operator with a large and confusing display of switches, buttons, dials,
lights, and instructions, including various operator routines that may be
available. To fully utilize the capabilities of the copying machine it may be
necessary for ~he operator to appropriately actuate various combinations
of these controls before the copying can commence or be successfully
cornpletçd.
Another consideration in the use of a machine is that the same
features of the machine may not be appropriate to every location or
market region. For example, such features as Poster Enlargement, Irregular
Eniargement, Auts~ Center, Mirror Irnage, Freehand editing, Merge Image,
User Regi~tered Colors, Bi-directional image shift, Book Copying, and
Expert Color Adjustment may no~ be suitable for every machine location.
Yet, the machine aiready possesses these features and the rnachine
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interface screen is equipped to appropriately display and prompt the
operator for using these features. The additional assortment of screen
displays can be intimidating, confusing and disrup~ive to the operator. Also,
it may be disconcerting to ~he owner of the machine thinking that the price
of the machine included features that are inappropriate to that particular
location.
To overcome the above identified difficulties, it would be
desirable to provide a more flexible and adaptable machine, in particular, a
more flexible and adaptable machine that selectively provides features
commensurate with specific locations and markets.
The prior art is replete with various user interface systerrs. U.S.
Patent No. 5,033,084 to Beecher discloses an apparatus for protecting
software used by an electronic system. The apparatus includes means for
storing an indicator that is distinctive for the electronic sys~em, means for
reading from readable storage meclia, and means for reading an electronic
key. The electronic key includes electronic elements programmed
according to a modifiable fusemap. The electronic key produces
predetermined response levels at its outputs in response to predetermined
levels at its inputs in accordance with the fusemap. The electronic system
using the protected software receives the electronic key and applies test
levels to its inputs. Subsequently, the electronic system reads the software
and compares an indicator in the so~tware with the outputs of the
electronic key to deterrnine whether the electronic key and the so~tware
are associated. If the software and the key are associates, the syste~n then
mociifies the software to render it readable and identifies the software
with the system by storing an identifier of the system with the software.
Finally, the system modifies the electronic key to render it useless.
U.S. Patent No. 4,817,140 to Chandra et al. discloses a method
for controlling access to software. The protected so~tware is broken down
into a protected portion (encrypted) and an (optional) unprotected
portion. The protected software can only be executed on composite
computing systems in which a physically and logically secure coprocessor is
associated with a host computer. The coprocessor is capable of decrypting
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a software decryption key associated with the software so it can ~hereafter
decrypt the software for execution purposes; however, the coprocessor will
not perform these functions until it is provided with data stored in a
physically secure token cartridge (a single inltegrated circuit chip).
Thereafter, the software can only be decrypted and executed by that
par~icular secure coprocessor, thus making the software operable only in a
unique system incorporating the coprocessor. Further, the secure token
cartridge is provided with a destructive read property which ensures that
the act of transferring the token data to the coprocessor obliterates that
data so that the cartridge cannot be used to enable another coprocessor.
U.S. Patent No. 4,879,645 to Tamada et al. discloses an iC card
designed for use with a read/write terminal device. The IC card comprises a
CPU, PROM for storing programs, and a RAM for storing results of
arithmetic operations. The PROM stores a table in which names of specific
programs are registered. The RAM has execution counters which count
each time each program is run so that the number o~ times a specific
program is run is memorized. When the execution count value for a
program exceeds a predetermined value, the running of the program is
prohibited.
U.S. Patent No. 4,949,861 to Howlette discloses a security system
for computer software employing a plug-in circuit key for enabling
associated software. The software includes a cornmunication system for
decoding signals generated by the plug-in circuit key. Execution of the
software is dependent upon receipt of proper coded signals from the plug-
in circuit key. If the proper code is not sensed, the program shuts down.
U.S. Patent No. 4,941,174 to Ingham discioses a digital radio
transceiver with a security circuit for selectively enabling software
controlled options. The security circuit comprises a programrnable logic
array IC chip included in each of plural different front panel escutcheon
plate modules for different optional transceiver configurations. A
transceiver controller is capable of performing any of various basic and
option functions under control of program control instructions stored in a
non-volatile memory which is part of the main transceiver circuitry. Upon
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initial application of power to the transceiver, the controller transmits a
sequence of digital signals to the security circuit of the particular front
panel mo~ule attached to the transceiver. The security circuit permutes the
sequence of signals into a different sequence depending on the transceiver
option features to be enabled for the given front panel module. The
security circuit communicates the permuted signal sequence in serial form
back to the controller. The controller enables (executes~ portions of the
program rontrol instructions stored in its associated non-volatile memory
and disables (does not e~ecute) other portions of the stored program
control instructions in response to the sequence received by the security
circuit.
U.S. Patent No. 4,821,107 to Naito et al. discloses a multi-
functional imaging apparatus having an image reading section, an image
forming section and a communication section for transmitting and
receiving image data. Plural card-iike memory elements are provided for
designating individual office automation modes. When a specific card-like
memory element is set into the imaging apparatus, the apparatus becomes
operable in an office automation mode corresponding to the inserted
memory element.
None of the prior art systems, however, heed the difficulty of
adapting machine features and the related screen interface dialog to a
variety of situations. It is also known to be able to enable various software
packages in a machine control by making appropriate entries in non
volatile memory. The difficulty with this approach, however, is the required
intervention of a service representative to install the feature as weli as any
associated hardware and to make the appropriate changes in the non
volatile memory. It would be desirable to eliminate a costly call by a service
representative .
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a
new and improved technique to simply and quickly adapt the features of a
machine to the requirements of a predetermined iocation or market. It is
still another object of the present invention to eliminate a costly call by a
service representative to adopt the machine to changing requirements by
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providing feature cards to be loaded into the machine by ~he operator. It is
still another object of the present invention to be able to selectively provide
to an operator icons and operator prompts on the screen for related
machine features. Other advantages of the present invention will become
apparent as the following description proceeds, and the features
characterizing the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the
claims annexed to and forming a part of this specifica~ion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, the present invention is concerned with a technique for
providing screen dialog related to predetermined features of a machine to
an operator, the features being selectively stored on a portable memory
device of an image processing apparatus including the steps of providing
the portable memory device with screen dialog related to predetermined
features, permitting an operator to load said portable memory device into
the machine for reading by the mahine control, and in response to the
machine control, displaying a special dialog frame on the interface screen
prompting the operator to confirm the installation of selected screen
dialog, and automatically setting the control NVM to establish the selected
screen dialog within the machine. A further feature is to automatically
change the data on the portable memory device to inhibit installation of
the screen dialog on another machine.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference
may be had to the accompanying drawings wherein the same reference
numerals have been applied to !ike parts and wherein:
DETAILED DESCRIPTI(:)N OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schernatic elevational view depicting various
operating cornponents and subsystems o~ a typical mathine incorporating
the present invention.
Figure 2 is a detailed block diagram of the operating control
system of the machine Figure 1;
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Figures 3, 4, and 5 are front views of the touch monitor screen
of the machine of Figure 1 the machine depicting touch selection icons;
Figures 6 - 10 are front views o~ the touch monitor screen
depicting the transfer of machine features to the desk~op in accordance
with the present invention.
While the present invention will hereinaf~er be des~ribed in
connection with a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood
that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For a general understanding of the features of the present
invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like
reference numerals have been used throughout to identify identical
elements.
FIG. 1 shows one example of the overall construction of a color
copying machine to which this Invention is applied. The color copying
machine to which this Invention is applied is formed with the base machine
30, i.e. the basic constituent unit, which is composed of a platen glass plate
31, which carries the original sheet thereon, an image input terminal (IIT)
32, an electrical control system container 33, the image output terminal
(IOT~ 34, and a paper tray 35, and a user interface ~U/I) 36 and aiso, as
optional items, of an editing pad 61, an automatic document feeder (ADF)
62, a sorter 63, and a film projector (F/P) 64.
Electrical hardware is necessary for performing the control o~
the IIT, IOT, U/l, etc. mentioned above, and a plural number of boards for
each of the processing units, such as the IIT, IPS, U/l, F/P, and so forth, which
perform the image-forming process for the output signals from the IIT, and
these are accommodated further in the electrical control system container
33, together with the SYS board for perfs~rming the control of these, and
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the MCB board (the Machine Control Board) for controlling the IOT, the
ADF, the sorter, and so forth.
The IIT 32 is composed of an imaging unit 37, the wire 38 for
driving the said unit, the driving pulley 39, and so forth, and IIT 32 reads a
color original sheet for each of the primary colors B (Blue), G ~Green), and R
(Red) by means of a CCD line sensor and a color filter provided inside the
imagin~ unit 37, converts the data so obtained into digital image signals
and then outputs the signals to the IPS.
In the IPS, the B, G, and R signals mentioned above are
transformed into the primary colors of the toner, i.e. Y(Yellow), C~Cyan),
M(Magenta), and K(Black), and then, with various data processing being
applied to the data so obtained for the purpose of enhancing the . -
reproduction fidelity and fineness, and so forth, the IPS converts the toner
signals of the process color in harmonious gradation in~o binary toner
signals and outputs them to the IOT 34.
The IOT 34, which is provided with a scanner 40 and a photo-
sensitive material belt 41, converts the image signals from the above-
rnentioned IPS into optical signals in the laster output part 40a and forms a
latent image corresponding to the image on the original sheet on ~he
photosensitive material belt 41 by way of the polygon mirror 40b, the f/-O
lens 40c, ancl the reflexive mirror 40d. The photosensitive material belt 41,
which is driven by the clriving pulley 41a, has a cleaner 41b, a charging unit
41c, the individual developing devices for Y, M, C, and K, and a ~ransfer
device 41e arranged around it. And, opposite to this transfer device 41e is
provided a transfer unit 42, which takes into it the sheet that comes
transported to it from the paper tray 35 via the paper transport channel 35a
and transfers the colors in the order of Y, M, C, ancl K, the transfer unit 42
being rotated four turns, for example, for full-color copying in four full
colors. The sheet of paper on which the image is so transferred is then
transported from the transfer unit 42 via the vacuum transport device 43 to
the fixing device 45, where it is fixed, and is thereafter discharged frorn it.
Moreover, the paper transport channel 35a is so designed as to accep~ the
paper fed alternatively from the SSI (Single Sheet Inserter) 35b.
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The U/136 is designed for use by the user for making the
selections of the desired functions and for giving instructions regarding the
conditions for the execution of the selected functions, and this system is
provided with a color display unit 51 and a hardlware control panel S~
installed by the side of the said display unit, and it i!i further combined withan infrared ray touch boarcl 53, so that instructions can be given directly
with the "soft buttons" on the screen.
Next, a description is made of the optional items -for the base
machine 30. One of them is the editing pad 61, which is an input device
based on a system of coordinates and, when it is to be placed on the platen
glass plate 31, permits the editing of various types of images by means o~ an
input pen or a memory card. Moreover, the base machine 30 is so desi~ned
as to accept the installation of the existing ADF 62 and the existing sorter
63.
Furthermore, one of the features characteristic of this
embodiment is the capability of the system to produce a color copy directly
from color film, with a mirror unit (MIU) 65 mounted on the platen giass
plate 31 and the film image being projected onto the said unit from the F/P
64, and the projected image being read as image signals by means of the
imaging unit 37 of the IIT 32. The original sheet materials for this process
are negative film, positive film, and slides, and this unit is provided with an
autornatic changing device for the rectifying fi Iter.
This system has a major characteristic feature in its offer of a full
automatic systern coveriny the entire copying process from the inlet of
copying work to the exit thereof while providing fully variegatecl and
multilfarious -functions dealing adequately with the users needs and at the
same time producing a system which everybody can operate with ease
owing to such features as the selection of the functions, the selection of the
executing conditions, and the display of other items on the menu, which
are put on display on the CRT screen etc. in the user interface mentioned
above.
A principal function of the system is in making it possible to
make selectic!n of the various kinds of -functions by touching operations on
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the sc$t buttons on the primary screen, with operations performed on the
hardware control panel for making the switching of start, stop, all clear,
ten-kiey, interrupt, information, and language i.e. the factors which cannot
be delimited in the operational flow. Also, the systern permits full-color
and black-and-white copying work with such simple operations that a
copying machine embodying this invention can be used with the operating
impression of the conventional copying machine, owing to the features
permitting the selection of various types of editing functions, such as
marker editing, business editing, and creative editing, by a touch on the
pathway tab corresponding to the pathway representin~ the region for the
selection of functions.
This equipment offers the functions of full-color copying in four
colors as its major characteristic feature, and additic~nally it permits the
selection of three-color copying and black-and-white copying. For the
feeding of paper, this system permits automatic paper selection as well as
the selection of a specified paper size. For reduction or enlargement, this
equipment accepts the setting of magnification by one percent in the range
from 50% to 400%, and also the equipment is provided with the function
of differential magnification, which sets the vertical magnification and the
horizontal magnification inclependently of each other, and the function for
the automatic selection of magnification.
The copying density is determined by automatic density
adjustment with respect to black-and-white original shee~s. For color
original sheets, the system performs automatic color balance adjustment,
and for color balance, the system permits the operator to specify the color a
reduction of which is to be desired in its reproduction on the copy. For the
iob program, the system permits the reading and writing of a job with a
memory carcl, which can store eight jobs in the maximum. The rnemory
capacity is 32 kilo bytes, ancl it is possible to perform the pro~ramming of
the jobs other than those in the film projector mode.
Apart from these, the system is provided with such additional
functions as copy output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film
projec~or, page programming, and margin. With the copy Ou~put function,
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the selection of "Uncollatecl" while a sorter is attached as an optional item
to the equipment sets the maximum adjustment function into operation,
with the result that the set number c,f sheets is adjusted to fit within the
maximum value of the sheets of paper that can be contained in the bin.
For the sharpness control function, by which the edges of the
copied images are emphasized, provides such optional functions as manual
sharpness control in seven steps as well as photograph sharpness con~rol
fwnctions composed of photographs (Photo), characters (Character), mesh
dot print (Print), mixture of photograph and characters (Photo/Character).
These functions can be set voluntarily by default and by the tool pathway.
The contrast of copies can be voluntarily adjusted in seven steps
by the operator, and the default can be set voluntarily by the tool pathway.
The copy position function is the function for selecting the position where a
copied image is to be placed on the paper, and, as an optional function, the
system features the automatic centering function, which positions the
center of the copied image in the center of the paper, and the default is
automatic centering. The margin function rnakes it possible to set the
margin by 1 mm within the range from 0 mm to 30 mrn and this function is
specifiable only for one side of one original sheet. The marking editing
function is a function for performing editing and processing work in the
area surrounded with markers.
This function is applicable to documents~ and consequently the
original sheets are treatecl as black-and-white original sheets, the images
within the specified are being restored to the palette colors on the CRT and
the areas other than the specified one being re~ersed in black on the copy.
In the black and red mode, moreover, the image is changecl into red while
areas other than the specified area is rendered in black and red on the copy.
This function i5 accompanied with the trimming, m~skins, color mesh, black
to color functions. Furthermore, the specification of the area is done either
by drawing a closed loop on the original sheet or by specifying the area by
means of the editing pad. The same procedure applies also to the
specifications of the area for processing in each of the editing flJnctions
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mentioned hereinbelow. ~dditionally, the area so specified is displayed in
an analogous figure in the bit map area on the CRT.
The trimming function works for copying only the images within
the marked area in black-and-white rendition and to erase the images
positioned outside the marked area. The ~olor mesh function places a
specifieJ color mesh dot pattern in the marked area and reproduces the
image in black and white on the copy, with the color of the said mesh being
selected out of the eight standard colors ~the specified colors as determined
in advance) or out of the eight registered colors (the colors reyistered by
the user; a maximum of eight colors can be registered at the same tirne out
of 1,670 available colors), and a mesh pattern can be selected out of four
patterns.
The business editing function aims at quickly producing high-
quality original documents mainly for business documents, and the original
sheet is treated as a full-color original sheet, for which it is necessary to
specify the area or the point with respect to all the functiom and for which
a plural number of functions can be set for each original sheet. And, in the
black and mono color mode, the areas other than the specifiecl one are
reproduced in the form a mono-color copy while the image in black in the
specified area is converted into the palette color on the CRT. In the black
and-red mode, moreover, the areas other than the specified one are
rendered in black-and-red copy while ~he image in the specified area is
converted into a red color. And, in addition to the trimming, rnasking,
color mesh, and black-to-color functions available for marker editing, the
functions of logotype, line, paint 1, collection, and function ciear are`
provided.
The logotype function is the function which makes it possible to
insert a logogram or logograms, such as a symbol mark, at a point or points
specified therefor, and this function makes it possible to place two types of
logograms in a vertical position and a lateral position respectively.
However, only one such logogram can be set up for each original sheet, and
the logogram patterns are prepared for the individual customers and
supplied in a ROM.
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The line function offers the function of drawing a vertical line or
a horizontal line in relationship to the axis X by marking two points for such
a line, and the color of such a line can be selected for each such line out of
the eight standard colors and the eight registered colors, the number of
specifiable lines being unlimited and the number of usable colors in seven
colors in the maximum at any given time.
The paint 1 function performs the function of painting the
overall area within a closed loop in any color selected for each such loop
out of the eight standard colors or the eight registered colors, one point
within a closed loop being specified therefor. The mesh function permits
the selection of any mesh out of the four patterns for each area, the
number of the specifiable loops being unlimited and the number of the
usable color mesh patterns being seven patterns in the maximurn.
The correcting function possesses the area/point change mode,
by which the function set for each area can be ascertained and modified,
the are/point correction mode, by which the area size and the position of
the point can be changed by 1 mm, and the area/point canceling mode, by
which the specified area can be ascertained, modified, changed, or erased.
The creative editing function contains the functions of image
compositions, copy-on-copy, color composition, partial irnage shi-fting,
multiple-page enlargement, paint 1, color mesh, color conversion,
negative/positive reversal, repeat, paint 2, density control, ~olor balance,
copy contrast, copy sharpness, color mode, trimming, masking mirror
image, margin, line, shift, logotype, split scanning, correction, function
clear, and add function. In this function, the original sheets are treated as
color original sheets, and the system permits the setting of a plural number
of functions for each original sheet, the setting o~ functions in combination
for each area, and the areas to be speci-fied are a rectangular area with two
points specified therefor and a point with one point specified therefor.
The image composition function consists in the function for
copying the base original in color in four cycles, and then, holdiny the
paper on the transfer device, continuing to copy again the trimmed original
sheet in four cycles, and thereafter outpu*ing the copy. The copy-on-copy
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function consists in the function for copying the first original in four cycles,and then, hoiding the paper on the transfer device, continuing again to
copy the second original sheet in four cycles, and thereafter outputting the
copy.
The color composition function consists in the function for
copying the first original sheet in magenta, and, holding the paper on the
transfer device, continuing to copy again the second original sheet in cyan,
and then, holding the paper on the transfer device, continuing fu~her to
copy the third original sheet in yellow, and thereafter outputting the copy.
In the case of the four-color composition, the copying process is performed
again further to add black onto the copy, and then the copy is output from
the system. The partial irnage shift function consists in performing the
copying process in color in four cycles and then, holding the paper on the
transfer device, continuing to copying again in four cycles, and thereafter
outputting the copy.
In the full-color mode as a part of the color mode, the copying
process is per~ormed in four cycles. In the three-color mode, the copying
process is performed in three cycles unless the editing mode is turned on. In
the black mode, the copying process is performed in one cycle except for
the case where the editing mode is turned on. In the plus-one-color rnode,
the copying process is performed in one to three cycles.
In the tool pathway function, the system provides the auditron,
rnachine set-up, default selection color registration, filrn-type registration,
color collection, presetting, film projector scanning area correction, audio-
tone, timer setting, billing meter, diagnostic mode, the maximum
adjustment, and memory card formatting functions. For the setting and
changing operations by this pathway function, it is required to input the
appropriate cipher code. Otherwise, ~he system does not accept any
attempt at putting this function into action. Therefore, it is the key
operator and the customer engineer that can perform any setting
operation or changing operation by the tool pathway. However, it is only
the customer engineer that can enter into the di3gnos~ic mode.
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The color registration function is to be used for ;he registration
of colors on the register color buttons on the c.olor palette, and such
registration is read by the CCD line sensor into the system from the color
original sheet.
The color collection function is employed for making fine
adjustments of the colors registered on the register color buttons. The film-
type registration function is used for the registration of the registered ~ilm
type which is to be used in the film projector mode, and in, in case such a
film type has not yet been registered, the system will be in the state in
which it is not possible to select any register button on the screen in the filmprojector mode. ~he presetting function performs the presetting of the
reduction/enlargemen~ values, the copy density in seven steps, thle copy
sharpness in seven steps, and the copying contrast in seven steps. The film
projector scanning area correction function is used to making adjustrnents
of the scanning area at the time the operation is performed in the film
projector mode. The audio-tone fwnction is put into action for making
adjustments of the volume of the sounds used in the selecting operation.
The timer-setting function is used for performing the setting of the time
which can be released to the key operator.
In addition to these functions, the system also provides such
functions for dealing with abnormal conditions in the system as the crash
recovery func~ion, whici initiates a restart in case the sub-system falts into
the state of a crash, the function for initiating the fault mode in case the
sub-system cannot be restored to its normal state even though the crash
recovery operation is performed two times, and the function o~ making an
emergency stop in the event of the occurrence of a jam. Furthermore, it is
possible also to use in combination the basic copying functions/the
additional functions and the marker editing functions, the business editing
functions, the creative editing functions.
This copying machine features enhanced operating facility with
operations integrated in one piace as much as possible, with the hardware
buttons on the hardware control panel and the soft buttons on the soft
panel on the CRT screen available for use side by side, so that the selection
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of the functions can be made directly in a manner easy for the beginners to
understand and yet not troublesome to the highly skilled operators, and, at
the same time, this machine has been designed to be capable o~
communicating the necessary information to the operator accurately
through its effective utilization of colors. This copying machine has been so
designed that its high-fidelity copying process is put into action only by
operations at the hardware control panel and the primary screen (i.e. the
opening menu screen) while the processes which cannot be regulated by
the operational flow, such as start, stop, all cllear, and insertion, are
performed by the operations at the soft panel on the primary screen, but
such operations as the selection of paper, size reduction and enlargement,
copy densi~y, picture quality adjustment, color mode, and color balance
adjustment are put into action by operations on the soft panel on the
primary screen, making it possible for the users of the conventional
monochromatic copying rnachines to use this machine well enough in a
manner natural to them. Furthermore, this machine is designed to allow
the users to open the proper pathway and to select the various types of its
functions, such as the editing functions, merely by touching operations at
the pathwày tabs in the pathway region on the soft panel. Furthermore,
this machine permits the automatic execution of the predetermined
operations. With the copying modes, the conditions for their execution,
and so forth being stored in advance in the mernory card.
With touching operations on the pathway tab for the pathway
region on the soft panel, it is possible to open the pathway and to select the
various types of editing functions. In the marker editing function, for
example, it is possible to perform the editing and processing of documents
in black and white using the tool called the marker, and, in the business
editing ~unction, high-quality original documents can be produced quickly
mainly for use as business documents. Moreover, in the creative editing
function, various types of editing functions with many choices are made
available in such a manner that this copying machine will be able tn satisfy
the needs of various specialists, such as designers, copying service agents,
and key operators. In addition, the area specified by the editing functions
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is put on display in the form of a bit map area, so that the specified area can
be ascertained thereby. Thus, such abundant editing functions and color
creation capabili~ies of this system make it possible to achieve very
considerable enhancements of the power of expression in wri~ings.
In a case a color CRT is used as a user int~erface (Ul~ as is the case
with the present system, the amount of data will be increased because of
the color displaying features as compared with the case where a
monochroma~ic display is used, and also there will be an increase in the
amount of data if it is attempted to construct a friendlier Ul by
incorporating therein contrivances regarding the composition of the
display screen and the transition of the screens.
In dealing with such an increase in the amount of data, it will be
possible to employ a CPU mounted with a memory device with a larger
capacity, and yet such a step would resuit in using a larger board, which will
present such problems ~s the difficulty in accommodating it in the main
unit of the copying machine, the difficulty in taking flexible measures -for
dealing with the changes in the speci~ications, and a resulting increase in
the costs. Therefore, it has been designed, with respect to this copying
machine, to deal aclequately with such an increase in the amount of the
data by setting up separate CPU's as remote units, embodying therein those
techniques which can be used in common with other models or machines,
such as the CRT controller.
The electrical system hardware is divided into the three types of
systems, the Ul system, the SYS system, and the MCB system, as illustrated in
FIG. 2. The Ul system includes the Ul remote unit 70 while the SYS system
contains in separate units the F/P remote unit 72, which performs the
control of the F/P, the IIT remote unit 73, which performs the reading of the
origina~ sheets, and the IPS remote unit 74, which performs the various
forms of the processing of the images. The IIT remote unit 73 is provided
with the IIT controller 73a, which performs control over the imaging unit,
and the VIDEO circuit 73b, which converts the image signals read into
digital signals and transmits them to the IPS remote unit 74, and this IIT
remote unit 73, as well as the IPS remote unit 74, i5 controlled by means of
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the VCPU 74a. The SYS (System) remote unit 71 is provided to function as a
system which performs the overall and coordinating control of the above~
mentioned remote units and those individual remote units to be
mentioned laten
The SYS remote unit 71 is in need of memory capacity for the
execution of such programs as the one for controlling the transition of the
screens for Ul, 8086, which is mounted with a 16-bit microcomputer. A
microprocessor other than 8086, such as 68000, for example, can be
employed. Moreover, the MCB system is provided with the VCB (Video
Control Board) remote unit 76, which is a Raster Ou~put Scan (ROS)
interface for receiving the video signals from the IPS remote unit 74 for use
of the said signals in the formation of latent images by laser on the
photosensitive material belt (Photo Receptor Belt) and for sending forth
the said signals to the IOT, with the RCB remote unit 77 for the servo
operation of the image transfer device ~turtle), and further with the IOB
remote unit 78 for operation as the l/O port for the IOT, ADF, the sorter,
and the accessories, and with the accessory remote unit 79, all of these
forming separate units and being coordinated and controlled by the MCB
(Master Control Board) remote unit 75, which is provided for the purpose of
coordinating all these remote units for their overall control.
Furthermore, each of the individual remote units shown is
composed of a single board. Moreover, the bold solid line represents the
LNET high-speed communication network at 187.5 kbps, and the bold
broken line indicates the master/slave system serial communication
network at 9,600 bps, while the slender solid line indicates the hot line,
which is the transmission channel for the control signals. Also, the line
marked 76.8 kbps is the exclusive-purpose transmission line for use in the
issuing of notices of the inforrnation on the images drawn on the editing
pad, the information on the copying modes as input from the memory card,
and the graphic information in the editing area from the Ul remote unit 70
to the IPS remote unit 74. Furthermore, what is marked CCC
(Communication Control Chip) in Figure 2 is the integrated circuit ~IC) which
supportsthe protocol forthe high speed communication iine LNET.
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FIG. 3 is illustrates the basic user interface screen while FIG. 4
shows an example of the pop-up screens put on display on the basic
copying screen, and FIG 5 shows by way of example the screen for Paint 1
for the creative ecliting process.
In the user interface for the Inven~ion, ~the basic copying mode
screen shown in FIGS. 3-5 which is used for setting the copying modes, is put
on display as the initial menu screen. The screen for setting the copying
rnodes forms a "soft" control panel, which is a screen divided into two
parts, i.e. between the message area A and the pathway B, as shown in FIG.
3.
The message area A occupies the area equivalent to three lines
in the uppermost area on the screen, the first line being used for the state
message and the second line and the third line forming an area for use for
guiding messages in case there is any contradiction in the se!ection of the
functions, for use for messages concerning any abnormal state of the
equipment, and for use for messages representing warning information,
and the prescribed messayes are put on display in this area. Moreover, the
right-hand margin of the message area A is assignecl to thle area for
indicating the number of sheets, and here the set number of sheets to be
copied as input with the ten keys and the number of copies being procluced
are indicated.
The pathway B constitutes the area where selection is to be
made of various kinds of functions, and it has the pa~hways of basic
copying, editing features, marker editing, business editing, free-hand
editing, creative editing, and tools, and, in correspondence to each of these
individual pathways, the pathway tabs C are put on display. Additionally,
each of the pathways is provided with pop-up menus for improving the
operating ease and efficiency. in the pathway B, the system puts on display
the "soft" button D, which forms a list o~ branched choices, with which
selection is to be made of the functions by touching on the ~ppropriate
button, the icon E (picture), which changes, depending on the selected
function, and represents the specific function, the indicator F, which
indicates the reduction/enlargement ratio, and so forth. Those functions
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which are shown on the pop-up menus by operations on the "soft" buttons
are indicated by the pop-up mark G ~triangle mark]. And, by touching on
the pathway tab C, the pathway can be opened, and the functions of the
particular pathway can be selected by touching on the sof~ button. The
selection of functions by touches on the so-ft buttons is so designed in
consideration of its operating efficiency that the operation are to be
performed from the upper left part of the screen l:owards the lower right-
hancl side thereof in regular steps.
As mentioned, the display system features the division between
the basic copying screen and the rest of the screens in order ~o provide the
maximum compatability with the other models of equipment and the
maximum compatability with the harclware console panel, and the editing
screen, moreover, is designed to have a hierarchical structure composed of
a plural number of levels so as to offer screens and functions in a manner
suitable for the operator's skill level. Furthermore, this system offers a set
of screens enabling the operator to use the functions with ease in a highly
variegated way with the advantage of the pop-up representation of high-
levei functions and complicated functions among those presented on a
given single screen through the cornbination of the screen composition as
described 50 far and the pop-up functions.
The pop-ups contain detailed information for the setting of
particular functions, and the composition for the screen for each pathway is
made easy to observe and simple by providing the pop-up opening function
and by having the detailed function-setting information as required frorn
time to time. The pop-up menu is opened when a soft button with a pop-
up mark thereon is touched. And, the pop-up menu is closed, for instance,
when 3 close button or 2 cancel button is selected, or when the "all-clear"
but~on is selected, or when the "all-clear" button is pushed, or when the
"all-clear" operation is put into action by the au to-clear function. I t is FIG. 4
that shows the appearance of the screen where a pop-up is opened by a
touch on the soft button for variable magnification in the
reduction/enlargementfunction.
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When the pathway tab for creative editing is touched upon in
the basic copying screen, the screen for the pathway for creative editing
appears by a shift of the screen on display, and it is FIG. 5 that illustrates the
screen for Paint 1 in that particular pathway. On this screen, there are the
bit map area H and the inductive message area I. The bit map area H
occupies the upper left-hand part of the screen and this area is designed to
produce i~s indication of the bit map in black and white when the editing
area is specified, for example, on the editing pad. In addition, the inductive
message area I uses the lower left-hand part of the screen and ~he message
performs the function of inducing or guiding the user in correspondence to
the editing job and it changes in accordance with the particular job being
performed. On the screen, the area excluding these areas i.e. the bit map
area H, the inductive message area I, and the message area A in the upper
region of the screen, is used as the work area.
The pathway for the basic copying function is provided with so~t
buttons (i.e. branched choices) for the selection of the individual functions
for the color mode, paper selection~ reduction ancl enlargement, copy
quality, color balance, and job program, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and is also
provided with the individual pathway tabs for marker editing, business
editing, free-hand editing, and creative editing, as well as aided features
and tools. These pathways are the initial-phase pathways, which are put on
display, for example, after the power-on operation or after turning on the
all-clear button, or when the auto-clear button is turned on.
The color mode is providecJ with the branched choices of full-
color copying (four path color) for copying in the four kinds of clor, Y, M, C,
and K, three path color for copying with toners in the three kinds of color
excluding K, single-color copying, which offers the choice of one color out
of 12 colors, black and black/red, and the default choice, which is selected
automatically, is designed to permit its voluntary setting. Here, as the
choices for black/red has detailed items to be set, those items are developed
on the pop-up menu.
The selection of paper offers the four choices of au~oma~ic paper
selection (APS), trays 1 and 2, and casse~tes 3 and 4, and the APS works
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when a specific magnification is set for reduction or enlargement, but does
not work when the autornatic magnification system (AMS) remains set. The
default setting is for the APS.
The reduction and enlargement function permits the choices of
100-percent reproduction, the AMS, which is to be used for setting the
magnification for copying on the basis of the paper size and original sheet
size when the paper size is selected, and the voluntarily chosen
magnification, and puts the set magnification, the computer magnification,
or the automatic setting on display on the indicator in the tvp area of the
equipment. For the variable magnifications, this system permits the setting
of magnification by one percent in the range from 50% to 400~0 and also
permits the setting of the vertical magnification and the hori20ntal
magnification independently of each other (differential magnification).
Therefore, the detailed setting items for these are ~eveloped on the pop-
up menu. Moreover, the default magnification setting is 100 percent.
As mentioned, this reduction and enlargement process is
performed by changing the scanning speed for the subsidiar~/ scanning
direction (i.e. in the X-axis direction) and through reduction or
enlargement in the main scanning direction (i.e. in the Y-axis direction) by a
change in the manner of reading the signals out of the line memory for the
IPS. The copy quality function offers the choices of the automatic processes
by which the system forms density control for original sheets in black and
white and performs automatic color balancing for color original sheets and
the manual processes by which the system permits the operator to perform
density control in seven steps with the pop-up menu, and the IPS performs
control over these processes. The color balancing function enables the
operator to specify the color to be reduced on the copy out of Y, M, C, B, G,
and R by operations with the pop-up menu, and the IPS performs control
over the process.
The job programming function offers branched choices that
work effectively only while a memory card remains inserted in the slot of
~he reading device thereof, and, in this mode, it is possible tv select the
reading of the job data frc;m the memory card, as well as the writing of
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such data to the .memory card, by operations on the pop-up menu. As for
the memory card, this system uses, for example, a memory card with the
memory capacity of 32 k-bytes, with which the system is capable of
performiny the programming of all the jobs except for those in the film
projector mode.
The pathway for the aided features is provided with sof~ buttons
(i.e. branched choices) for the selection of the individual functions for copy
output, copy sharpness, copy contrast, copy position, film projector, page
programming, job programming, and binding margins and it is also
provided with the pathway tabs for marker editing, business editing, free-
hand editing, creative editing, and, in addition, basic copying and tools.
The copy output pathway offers the branched choices between the output
of the copied paper to the top tray and the output of such paper in the
sorting mode. The copy contrast pathway offers the choices of control over
copy contrast in seven steps. The copying position function provides the
default choice of the automatic centering function, which position the
center of the copied image in the center of the paper.
The film projector pathway offers the mode for taking copies
from various types of film as described under a separate item and permits
access to the branched choices of 35 rnrn negatives or 35 mm positives by
the projector and the 35 mm negatives, 6 cm X 6 cm slides, or 4" X S" slides
on the piaten, with operations on the pop-up menu.
The page programming pathway gives access to the branched
choices of the covering function, which puts cover on the copies, the
inserting function, which inser~s white paper or color paper between
copies, the color mode, which sets the color mode for each page of the
original sheets, the tray selecting function, by which the tray can be
selected for each page of the original sheet. In this reyard, this item witl
not be put on display unless the ADF is installed.
The binding margin pathway makes i~ possible to specify the
binding margin by 1 mm in the range from O to 30 mm, and ~he said margin
can be set only in one pQsition for one original sheet. The amount of the
binding margin i5 the amount of space from the top edge of the paper to
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the top edge of the irnage area, and the main scanning direction is set by
shifting operations by means of the line buffer in the IPS and by a lag in the
scanning ~iming of the IIT in the subsidiary scanning direction.
The editing screens are offered through the four pathways,
which are marker editing, business editing, free-hand editing, and creative
editing. The marker editing pathway and the free-hand editing pathway
provide the branched choices of the various individual functions relating to
the extraction, deletion, color application (mesh/line/solid), and color
change, and further have the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided
feature, and tools. The business editing pathway provides the branched
choices of the individual functions reiating to extraction, deletion, color
applicatior, ~mesh/line/solid~, color change, color painting, logogram
insertion, and binding margin, and has the pathway tabs for basic copying,
aided featwres, and tools in the same way as the marker editing pathway,
etc.
The creative editing pathway offers the branched choices of the
individual ~unctions relating to extraction, deletion, color application
(n~esh/line/solid), color change, color painting, logogram insertion, binding
margin, negative-positive reversal, image setting and synthesis, openwork
synthesis, painting, mirror image formation, repeating, enlargement ancl
continuous copying, partial shifting, corner/center shifting,
manual/automatic variable magnification, coior mode, color balance
control, continuous page copying, and chromatic synthesi~ and
furthermore has the pathway tabs for basic copying, aided features, and
tools as is the case with the marker editing pathway, etc.
With reference to Figure 6, to illustrate the present invention,
there is shown screen 51 displaying a simplified version of ~ontrol buttons
such as full color, black, and single color under the color mode column, auto
paper size, tray 1, ancl tray 2 uncler the paper selection column, and
automatic R /E, 100%, and variable R/E under the reduction/enlargement
column. It should be noted that this is oniy a samplin~ of various control
buttons normally displayed on the screen as shown in Figure 3. However,
on the screen 51 in Figure 6, there is illus~rated a space area 101 shown by
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dotted lines representing the marker edit, the business edit, freehand edit,
and creative edit functions as illustrated in Figure 3 at the right hand of the
screen. It is assumed that these marker, business, freehand, and creative
edit functions are already available in the machine control as operator
functions.
In accordance with the present invention, these edit functions
may be selectively made available to the operator by the appropriate icons
and text required or is suitable for a particular rnachine location. Thus,
even though these edit functions are available in the machine, it may be
advisable not to have the functions available to the operator for a variety
of reasons such as lack of training for use of the functions by the operator
or the lack of need for these functions for the type o~ jobs being completed
at the particular machine location. Thus, even though the functions are
available in the machine, it would only clutter up the screen S1 and
potentially confuse the operator to have a visual representation and
prompts for features that will not be usecl. There may be several features
available to the operator as illustrated in Figure 3, or none of the features
available to the operator as illustrated by the space 101 in Figure 6, or a
select number of the functions may be rnade available. It should be noted
that, in the particular embodiment being described, there are four
functions that may or may not be made avaiiable . I lowever, it should be
understood that the invention extends to any number of functions as weli
as types of functions that could be selectively be made availabie to the
operator on the user interface screen.
In operation, there is a memory configuration table o~ flag
indicators in the control to identify which particular feature~ are available
and to initiate the display of these particular features on the screen 51.
Assuming that none of the editing features are available as illustrated by
the space 101, and that it is desired to install a selected set of these editingfeatures, a memory card as shown at 102 is inserted into the memory card
slot illustrated at 104. The rnemory card includes encoded data that is read
by the user interface and machine control to initiate the installation of
specified editing feature dialog c~n the screen ùesk top 51A. By installation
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is meant that the feature identification will be a~de~ to the configuration
table, presumably in non-volitile memory, to be scanned upon machine
start up to be made available on the desk top.
Upon insertion of the memory card 102, the machine control
detects the card and provides the pop up window or frame 105 as shown in
Figure 7. The pop up frame 105, for illustrative purposes in Figure 7
includes only the rnarker edit function 106, the freehand edit 108, and the
creative edit function 110 and includes the appropriate text message to
press button to install the features. These are the features available on the
card 102 to be conveyed to the desk top 51A of the screen 51. It should be
noted that the card 102 could provide for the installation of one or several
features and that it is merely a matter of choice to be able to provide a
given number of features on any one card.
With the card 102 in the slot, 104, in the particular embodiment
shown, there is available to the operator the three edit functions marker,
freehand, and creative to be selected for installation on the desktop. As a
particular edit function button is engaged, that particular feature is moved
to the desktop 51A of the display 51.
For example, with reference to Figure 8, there is illustrated the
sequence of the operator pressing the marker edit button 106 to move the
marker edit function 10Ga to the screen desktop. In effect, the control is
noting in the configuration table in non-volatile memory that the machine
now includes the marker edit feature. Thus, upon machine start up the
marker edit function will be available to the operator on desktop 51A. At
the same time, there is a notation made on the memory card that the
feature has been removed from the memory card. This is a preFerred
methocl to prevent the same card from being used to install feature dialog
on the desktop of other machines. This security and control method makes
it possible to monitor use of features at individual sites. It should be noted
that there are many other options contemplated within the scope of this
invention regarding the identification and use of the rnemory cards and
the auditing of feature dialogs that are on specific machine~.
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With reference to Figure 9, in ~his particulal example, the
operator has moved each of the function dialog marker edit 106, freehand
edit 108, and creative edit 110 to the desktop 51a of the screen 51 as shown
by marker edit 106a, freehand edit 108a, and creative edit 110a. It should
be noted that at the particular machine installation, not all of the edit
function dialog had to be moved from the card 102, but only those as
required at the particular installation. Upon removal of the mernory card
102 from the slot 104, the pop up frame or window disappears and the
moved features are permanently available on the ciesktop 5a as isllustrated
in Figure 10. The card 102 can then be returned to an audit center or
reproduction center for recording and nnaintaing records of available
machine features at available machine installation cites.
While the invention has been described with reference to the
structure disclosed, it is not confined to the details set forth, but is intended
to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the scope of the
following claims.
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