Electrophotography – Machine operation – Job mode
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-01
2001-06-19
Chen, Sophia S. (Department: 2852)
Electrophotography
Machine operation
Job mode
C399S043000, C399S081000, C399S369000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249658
ABSTRACT:
This application is based on application No. 11-24244 filed in Japan, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of independently processing multiple jobs in which images are output.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image forming apparatuses are conventionally known that can independently perform reading of original documents and printing of another documents. An image forming apparatus of this type can input into itself a second job while a first job, comprising copying of original documents, is being output. In addition, it has a function to automatically clear the specified copy mode when no part of the apparatus is in operation or when no setting is being made by the operator.
However, in this conventional image forming apparatus, as long as the job to output copies of the original document is being processed, the existing copy mode is not cleared, even when the job to read an original document is left unattended with the copy mode setting unfinished. Therefore, if another operator tries to operate the image forming apparatus, because the job to input the original document is left unattended with its half-completed copy mode settings, the operator cannot determine whether or not the image forming apparatus is available. This leads to the problem that where the image forming apparatus is left unattended with unfinished copy mode settings in this way, another operator cannot use the apparatus for a long time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention was created in order to eliminate this problem. The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can separately measure the period of time that a reading process or printing process is suspended.
In order to attain this object, the first aspect of the image forming apparatus comprises a memory, an input unit which inputs a first image group to the memory, an output unit which outputs a second image group stored in the memory independently of the first image group input process by the input unit, a first timer which measures a period of time that has elapsed since the first image group input process is suspended and a second timer which measures a period of time that has elapsed since the second image group output process is suspended.
The second aspect of the image forming apparatus comprises a plurality of original document trays, a copying device which copies original documents placed on the original document trays, an operating member which sets copying parameters for each of the original document trays, a timer which measures a period of time that has elapsed since the parameters are set by the operating member, a detector which detects that an original document is placed on the original document tray for which the parameters have been set and a clearing means for clearing the parameters set by the operating member, when the period of time measured by the timer has exceeded a prescribed period of time before the detector detects placement of the original document.
The third aspect of the image forming apparatus comprises a memory, an input unit which inputs an image group for a first job, a printer which prints an image group for a second job stored in the memory independently of the input operation regarding the first job performed by the input unit, a first timer which measures a period of time that has elapsed since the input of the image group for the first job is suspended and a second timer which measures a period of time that has elapsed since the printing of the image group for the second job is suspended.
Using these aspects of the present invention, an image forming apparatus may be provided that is capable of measuring the period of time that has elapsed since the suspension of processing of an image group for either the input means or the output means.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4816864 (1989-03-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 4845527 (1989-07-01), Maruta et al.
patent: 5546166 (1996-08-01), Hirota et al.
patent: 5960247 (1999-09-01), Morikawa
patent: 5995779 (1999-11-01), Natsume et al.
patent: 6014528 (2000-01-01), Natsume et al.
Inui Kazuo
Sumiyama Hiroshi
Takuwa Junko
Chen Sophia S.
Minolta Co. , Ltd.
Morrison & Foerster / LLP
LandOfFree
Image forming apparatus capable of independently processing... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Image forming apparatus capable of independently processing..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Image forming apparatus capable of independently processing... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2536596