Image analysis – Image sensing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-06
2001-09-25
Johns, Andrew W. (Department: 2621)
Image analysis
Image sensing
C382S317000, C382S318000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295389
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to image forming apparatuses, and particularly to an image forming apparatus that has a multi-job function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional image forming apparatuses that allow setting of an operation mode for a plurality of jobs are known. Such image forming apparatuses are disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Nos. 62-210481 and 4-119364, for example.
The copy machine disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 62-210481 has a multi-job function. This multi-job function allows the operation conditions of a job to be entered during the recording operation of another job. This copying machine includes a first display for displaying the operation condition o f a job that is currently being recorded, and a second display for providing display of the operation condition of another job that is currently being entered. The copy machine disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 4-119364 allows alternate display of an operation corresponding to a first job and an operation corresponding to a second job on one display.
In the above-described conventional image forming apparatuses, it is not easy to identify to which original group the displayed plurality of operation conditions corresponds. The operator is often confused at the presence of a plurality of displays.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows multi-jobs that can be handled easily.
Another object of the present invention is to allow an operator to reliably set a desired operation in an image forming apparatus with a multi-job function.
A further object of the present invention is to allow an operator to identify an operation condition of a desired operation in an image forming apparatus with a multi-job function.
The above objects of the present invention can be achieved by an image forming apparatus set forth in the following.
An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image reader, an image forming device that can form an image by a plurality of operation conditions, a first sense device for sensing a state of the image reader, a second sense device for sensing a state of the image forming device, a determination device for determining a state of the image forming apparatus according to sensed results of the first and second sense devices, and a display for providing a display of information related to a result of the determination device.
The states of the image reader and the image forming device are sensed, whereby the state of the image forming apparatus is determined and the result is displayed. Since the state of the image forming apparatus is provided on a display, the operation that can be set and the job to be set by the operator can be reliably displayed. As a result, an image forming apparatus that allows multi-jobs that can be handled easily is provided.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes an image reader, an image forming device that allows an image to be formed by a plurality of operation conditions, a first sense device for sensing a state of the image reader, a second sense device for sensing a state of the image forming device, a determination device for determining a state of the image forming apparatus according to the sensed results of the first and second sense devices, and a display unit for displaying information related to the result of the determination device. The display device includes a first display for displaying a determined state of the image forming apparatus, and a second display for displaying a state excluding the determined state of the image forming apparatus.
The states of the image reader and the image forming device are sensed, whereby the state of the image forming apparatus is determined. Information related to that result is displayed on the first display, and other information is displayed on the second display. For example, the state of the operation conditions and the like of the image forming apparatus set by the operator is provided on the first display, and other information is provided on the second display. Therefore, the operator can easily identify the desired operation condition of the image forming apparatus. Thus, an image forming apparatus that allows multi-jobs that can be handled easily is provided.
Preferably, the first display is greater in area than the second display.
Therefore, the first and second displays can be used appropriately corresponding to the level of importance. By providing the data set by the operator on the first display, and other data on the second display, an image forming apparatus that allows a desired setting upon identifying the operative state of the image forming apparatus can be provided.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5032867 (1991-07-01), Nagata et al.
patent: 5198909 (1993-03-01), Ogiwara et al.
patent: 5581344 (1996-12-01), Makita
patent: 5857137 (1999-01-01), Sakata et al.
patent: 62-210481 (1987-09-01), None
patent: 4-119364 (1992-04-01), None
Inui Kazuo
Natsume Junko
Yamada Hiroshi
Azarian Seyed
Johns Andrew W.
Minolta Co. , Ltd.
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood
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