Image forming apparatus configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of a main body and an attachment

To reduce a load required for data transfer and data processing to improve processing speed of those. A display data memory stores as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of a main body and an attachment. An image display device provided on either one of the main body and the attachment includes a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image. A CPU determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas, and controls the image display device to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined to be displayed in accordance with display data, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed to on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile transmitter/receiver, and a complex machine having functions of those. More particularly, it relates to an image forming apparatus having a display screen for displaying information for a user.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a conventional technology related to this kind of image forming apparatus, there has been a display control device composed of a plurality of components. In this conventional technology, a plurality of display data for respective kinds of components is stored in a plurality of storage areas of a storage device. Further, one kind of combination information of components is stored in advance in the storage device.

According to the above-described conventional technology, in a case where more than ten kinds of components such as a sheet-supplying device, a print control device, a sheet-discharging device, and the like constitute one printer, display data are stored for respective kinds of components, and the display data can be desirably combined and displayed in accordance with combination information of an actual device configuration of the printer. Therefore, in the conventional technology, it would not be necessary to store all of display data for the respective kinds of device configurations of the printer, so that the capacity of the storage device can be suppressed.

However, in a case like the conventional technology where display data for respective kinds of components such as a sheet-supplying device, a print control device, and a sheet-discharging device like are stored, it would be necessary to reconstruct the display data at each time when an overall configuration (combination) of the apparatus changes. Therefore, this causes a problem that load on data processing becomes greater.

Further, in the case of the conventional technology, it would be necessary to perform complicated processing of collecting display data fragmented and stored for respective kinds, constructing (mapping) one display data from these collected display data, and transferring the constructed display data every time and outputting the same on a screen until the display data is actually displayed on the screen. Therefore, the method according the conventional technology is not efficient on a processing speed.

Further, each of the display data used in the conventional technology needs to be constructed exclusively for a respective unit of component of a kind such as a sheet-supplying device, a print control device, and a sheet-discharging device. Furthermore, since the display data have different sizes one another according to their kinds, a storage area must be reserved in accordance with a size of display data and allocated individually when all of these display data are stored in the storage device. Therefore, in the conventional technology, there is a problem that operations of constructing, maintaining, and managing the display data become complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its object is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing a load required for data transfer and data processing and improving processing speed of those.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of making construction, maintenance, and management of data be easier.

An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a main body for printing an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium; an attachment coupled to the main body; a data storage portion for storing as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of the main body and the attachment; an image display device including a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image, the image display device being provided on either one of the main body and the attachment; and a controller for determining displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas, and controlling the display device to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed in accordance with the display data on a divisional area which is determined to display, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a main body for printing an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium; an attachment coupled to the main body; a data storage portion for defining a plurality of configuration patterns of the main body and the attachment, and storing as a plurality of display data configuration images simulating overall configurations of combinations of the main body and the attachment arranged in a plurality of configuration patterns; an image display device including a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image, the image display device being provided on either one of the main body and the attachment; a data accumulating portion for accumulating display data for allowing the image display device to display an image on the display screen; a display content determining portion for determining a display content displayed on each of the plurality of divisional areas; a data transferring portion for selecting display data including a display content to be displayed on each of the divisional areas from among a plurality of display data stored in the data storage portion in accordance with a determination result provided by the display content determining portion, and transferring the display data of each of the divisional areas to the data accumulating portion, and allowing the data accumulating portion to accumulate the display data; and a display controller for allowing the configuration image to be displayed on the display screen in accordance with the display data accumulated in the data accumulating portion.

An image forming apparatus according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises: a main body for printing an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium; an image display device including a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas, the image display device being provided on the main body; a data storage portion for storing a plurality of individual display data corresponding respectively to the plurality of the divisional areas; and a display controller for allowing an image to be displayed on each of the divisional areas in accordance with the plurality of individual display data stored in the data storage portion to allow a configuration image simulating a configuration of the main body to be displayed on the display screen in a state such that the plurality of divisional areas are synthesized.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described herebelow are embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and do not have characteristics of limiting the technical scope of the present invention.

First Embodiment

Firstly, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 1is a front vertical sectional view schematically showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus1ain accordance with the first embodiment. A front side ofFIG. 1corresponds to a front side of the image forming apparatus1afacing a user. Further, a right hand side ofFIG. 1corresponds to a right side of the image forming apparatus1a, and a left hand side corresponds to a left side of the image forming apparatus1a. Solid line arrows ofFIG. 1show conveying paths and conveying directions of sheets in the image forming apparatus1a.

The image forming apparatus1aincludes, for example, a copying machine, a complex machine, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) for network use. The image forming apparatus1ahas a box-shaped main body2of so-called an in-body sheet discharging type. Therefore, the main body2is provided with an in-body type sheet-discharging tray15formed therein. The sheet-discharging tray15is adapted to discharge a sheet printed in the image forming apparatus1afrom the left side to the right side of the main body2. A user can take out the sheet discharged to the sheet-discharging tray15from the front side or the right side of the main body2. It should be understood that the image forming apparatus1amay be provided with a sheet-discharging tray which is not of an in-body sheet-discharging type, or may be coupled with a post-processing apparatus (not illustrated) for performing a post-processing such as a punching processing and a stapling processing.

On the top of the main body2, a document feeding device8is provided. When the image forming apparatus1ais used as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a network scanner, the document feeding device8can read a document set thereon. In an upper portion of the main body2, there is provided an optical image reading device9. The image reading device9has an unillustrated contact glass and reads out an image side of a document placed on an upper surface of the contact glass or a document conveyed by the document feeding device8.

Further, the document feeding device8is coupled to the main body2through an unillustrated hinge structure. The hinge structure is positioned at a rear end portion of the main body2, and the document feeding device8is operated to move up pivotally about the hinge structure to open the upper surface of the image reading device9.

In the image forming apparatus1aaccording to the present embodiment, a sheet-supplying section (attachment)50can be coupled standardly or optionally to the lower side of the main body2for use. For example, provided that a configuration in which the document feeding device8and one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2is a standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1a, the example shown inFIG. 1is an optional configuration in which two sheet-supplying sections50are coupled successively in layers in addition to the standard configuration.

Each sheet-supplying section50has a sheet-supplying cassette52, a sheet-supplying unit54, a sheet passage56, and a conveying roller58. The sheet-supplying cassette52accommodates a stack of sheets P. The sheet-supplying unit54sends out an uppermost sheet P one after another in an upper left direction. The sheet P sent out by the sheet-supplying unit54is conveyed vertically upward through the sheet passage56. The sheet P conveyed upward is taken by the conveying roller46of the main body2and sent to a sheet conveying passage42.

Further, the respective sheet passages56of the vertically arranged sheet-supplying sections50are connected to each other at their respective upper end and lower end. Therefore, a sheet P sent out from a sheet-supplying section50which is positioned at a second stage from the uppermost or at a stage lower than the second stage among three stages of sheet-supplying sections50is taken by the conveying rollers58in the sheet passages56of upper stages and conveyed vertically upward.

On the right side of the main body2, there is provided a retractable manual feeding tray5. The manual feeding tray5is used in a case of supplying a sheet having a size not accommodatable in the sheet-supplying cassette52, an OHP sheet, and the like one after another. The manual feeding tray5is folded to be accommodated in the right side of the main body2when it is not used.

A sheet P sent out from the sheet-supplying section50passes through the sheet conveying passage42and is taken by a registration roller7. Further, a sheet P sent out from the manual feeding tray5is conveyed horizontally leftward in the main body2from the right side, and enters the sheet conveying passage42, and then is taken by the registration roller7.

In the image forming apparatus1a, an image forming is performed in such a manner as described herebelow. In the main body2, there are provided a print engine10and a transferring section11at positions downstream of the sheet conveying passage42in a sheet-conveying direction. The print engine10forms an electrostatic latent image in accordance with image data of a read image to which a predetermined image processing is applied or image data transmitted from an external equipment, and forms (develops) a toner image with the electrostatic latent image.

In the main body2, there is provided a laser scanning unit20being adjacent on the right side of the print engine10to form an electrostatic latent image on the print engine10. As indicated by one-dotted chain line arrow inFIG. 1, the laser scanning unit20irradiates a scanning beam to a surface of a photoconductive drum provided in the print engine10.

The registration roller7adjusts an oblique transfer of a sheet P and sends out the sheet P to the transferring section11in synchronization with a toner image formed in the print engine10. The transferring section11transfers a toner image to a sheet P which is conveyed by the registration roller7while being synchronized.

The fixing device12is provided on downstream of the transferring section11in the sheet conveying direction. The sheet P onto which an unfixed toner image is transferred in the transferring section11is sent to the fixing device12. The fixing device12has a heating roller12aand a pressing roller12b. The toner image is heated and pressed when the sheet P passes through a nip portion between the heating roller12aand the pressing roller12b, so that the toner image is fixed on the sheet P.

When a both side printing is not performed, in other words, when a one side printing is performed, the sheet P discharged from the fixing device12is discharged to the sheet-discharging tray by a sheet-discharging roller13. When the both side printing is performed, the sheet P is temporarily conveyed toward the sheet-discharging tray15until a certain point by the sheet-discharging roller13, and a conveying direction is switched so that the sheet P is taken into a sheet-reversing passage32. After being taken into the sheet-reversing passage32, the sheet P is conveyed downward in the sheet-reversing passage32along the left side of the main body2, and thereafter reversed upward at an upper position of the sheet-supplying section50and sent to the registration roller7.

On an exterior cover of the image forming apparatus1a, there is provided an operation display device60. The operation display device60includes various operation buttons and a liquid crystal display device. Among those, the operation buttons receive a user's input operation. Further, the liquid crystal display device displays on its display screen various textual information for a user (such as a status and operation menus) and a configuration image simulating configurations of the image forming apparatus1aand its attachments. Such configuration image is used for visually presenting to a user a position where a sheet jam occurs during an operation of the image forming apparatus1aand a state of running out of sheets in the sheet-supplying section50. Hereinafter, a display control of a configuration image in accordance with the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display controller110of a liquid crystal display device100provided in the operation display device60shown inFIG. 1. A control of the liquid crystal display device100is performed, for example, in the display controller110. The display controller110includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)111, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller112, a display data memory113, a mask pattern memory114, a RAM (Random Access Memory)115, and an interface116.

In the liquid crystal display device100, a display area necessary for displaying a configuration image on a display screen is divided into a plurality of divisional areas. It should be understood that the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not especially limited to this. The liquid crystal display device100may be provided on an attachment such as the sheet-supplying section50.

The display controller110may be configured as a single circuit board provided in the main body2of the image forming apparatus1a. On the circuit board, the above-described components are mounted. The components are connected to each other through an unillustrated wiring pattern and a bus117. The CPU111, the LCD controller112, and the RAM115may be of a widely used type. It should be understood that the CPU111may be an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in which an application is installed for exclusive use, or may be a package including the display data memory113, the mask pattern memory114, and the RAM115. Further, operation signals outputted from the above-described operation buttons is inputted to the display controller110through the interface116.

The display data memory113includes a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) and stores as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus i.e. a combination of the main body2and the sheet-supplying section50. In a memory area (memory block) of the display data memory113, display data as a material of an image to be displayed by the liquid crystal display device100is stored. Details of the display data will be described hereinafter.

The mask pattern memory114also includes a storage device such as a ROM and an EEPROM and stores a plurality of mask patterns presenting displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance a configuration pattern of the main body2and the sheet-supplying section50of the image forming apparatus. The mask pattern memory114stores mask patterns which are used when the CPU111transfers the display data to the LCD controller112. Details of the mask pattern will also be described hereinafter.

The main body controller120inputs a system configuration information to the display controller110. This system configuration information is adapted to identify an overall system configuration when the sheet-supplying section50is standardly or optionally coupled to the main body2of the image forming apparatus1a. In particular, the system configuration information is adapted to identify if the system of the image forming apparatus1aincludes a configuration having only the main body2, or a configuration in which one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, or a configuration having two sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2, or a configuration having three or more sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2.

The main body controller120is provided in the main body2as a unit having a function of controlling an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus1a. The above-described system configuration information is created in the main body controller120. Though it is not illustrated, the main body controller120also includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage device, and an interface, and each of the components is mounted on the circuit board. Each sheet-supplying section50has an option connector130of a drawer type. When the sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, the option connector130is connected simultaneously.

Further, when a plurality of sheet-supplying sections50are coupled in layers, the option connectors130are connected to the main body2in cascade. Each option connector130is grounded at the ground level which is in common with the main body controller120. The main body controller120can detect the number of stages of the sheet-supplying sections50in accordance with a connection signal (ON or OFF) of each option connector130. When there are a plurality of kinds of sheet-supplying section50, the above-described connection signal further includes information (about 4 bits) for identifying the kind.

The CPU111determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas. Specifically, the CPU111selects from among a plurality of mask patterns stored in the mask pattern memory114a mask pattern corresponding to a configuration pattern which is determined in accordance with a detection result of the sheet-supplying section50provided by the main body controller120, and determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance with the selected mask pattern.

The LCD controller112controls the liquid crystal display device100to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed in accordance with the display data on a divisional area which is determined by the CPU111to display among the plurality of divisional areas, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed.

In the present embodiment, the main body2corresponds to an example of a main body, and the sheet-supplying section50corresponds to an example of an attachment, and the display data memory113corresponds to an example of a data storage portion, and the liquid crystal display device100corresponds to an example of an image display device, and the CPU111corresponds to an example of a display determining portion, and the LCD controller112corresponds to an example of a display controller, and the main body controller120and the option connector130correspond to an example of the configuration detecting portion, and the mask pattern memory114corresponds to an example of a mask pattern storage portion.

FIG. 3shows a display screen100aof the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, a display area A indicated by one-dotted chain lines is defined on the display screen100a. On the display area A, a bitmap image (configuration image) B0showing an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus1ais displayed. The bitmap image B0ofFIG. 3simulates an overall system configuration in which a maximum number (here, it is three) of the sheet-supplying sections50are coupled together to the main body2.

Further, the display area A is divided into a plurality of divisional areas R1through R5in the display screen100a. The rectangular areas defined by one-dotted lines inFIG. 3correspond respectively to the divisional areas R1through R5. These divisional areas R1through R5are arranged vertically adjacent to each other on the display screen100a. In the example shown inFIG. 3, five divisional areas R1through R5are arranged in a vertical direction. It should be understood that the contour of the display area A and the one-dotted lines defining the divisional areas R1through R5are not actually displayed on the display screen100a.

FIG. 4shows the bitmap image B0and a mask pattern in accordance with the first embodiment.FIG. 4Agenerally shows a whole bitmap image B0in accordance with the first embodiment.FIG. 4Bshows a visualized mask pattern in accordance with the first embodiment.

InFIG. 4A, the bitmap image B0is stored as one display data as a whole in the display data memory113. The display data is constructed by monochromatic binary data in a bitmap form and 4 bit data having 16 shades.

The bitmap image B0includes five individual images B1through B5corresponding respectively to the divisional areas R1through R5. Among those, the individual image B1corresponds to a configuration image simulating a configuration of the document feeding device8shown inFIG. 1. Further, the individual image B2corresponds to a configuration image simulating a configuration of the main body2. Similarly, the individual images B3, B4, B5correspond to configuration images of the sheet-supplying sections50of respective stages. A combination of these five individual images B1through B5constitutes the single bitmap image B0simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1a. It should be understood that the separation of the individual images B1through B5is made just for showing visible images of those, and the bitmap display data is not divided into five parts.

InFIG. 4B, the mask pattern is visibly shown, but it is stored just as data in the mask pattern memory114. The mask pattern is control data which is used for determining displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas R1through R5defined in the display area A. InFIG. 4B, a mask (non-display) area of the mask pattern at which the display is not allowed is shaded. The example shown inFIG. 4Bindicates that displaying is allowed on the upper four divisional areas R1through R4, and displaying is not allowed on the divisional area R5at the lowermost layer. It should be understood that a mere example is shown here, and a plurality of different mask patterns are stored in the mask pattern memory114.

Next, a display control sequence executed in the display controller110in accordance with the first embodiment will be described.FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating the display control sequence executed in the display controller110in accordance with the first embodiment.

When a power of the image forming apparatus1ais turned on, the main body controller120performs a predetermined initialization processing, and thereafter creates system configuration information with reference to a connection signal of the option connector130. Further, the display controller110performs a predetermined initialization processing and thereafter shifts to the display control sequence. Hereinafter, the display control sequence will be described by following the order of steps.

Firstly, in step S1, the CPU111of the display controller110determines whether or not the liquid crystal display device100should display the configuration image on the display screen100a. For example, when phenomenon such as a sheet jam (jamming), running out of a sheet, and a misdesignation of a sheet size occurs during an image forming, the image forming apparatus1adisplays an overall system configuration image on the display screen100ato visually presenting to a user a portion at which the phenomenon such as a sheet jam occurs. In this case, for example, the main body controller120transmits a display order of displaying a configuration image to the display controller110. The CPU111determines existence and nonexistence of the display order transmitted from the main body controller120to determine whether or not the configuration image should be displayed on the display screen100a.

The CPU111of the display controller110determines that it would be necessary to display the configuration image when it receives the display order transmitted from the main body controller120. Here, when it is determined that it would be necessary to display the configuration image (YES in step S1), the routine proceeds to the processing of step S2. When the CPU111does not receive the display order transmitted from the main body controller120, it determines that it would not be necessary to display the configuration image. When it is determined that it would not be necessary to display the configuration image (NO in step S1), the sequence is terminated for the meantime.

Next, when it is determined in step S1that it would be necessary to display the configuration image, the CPU111of the display controller110obtains current system configuration information in step S2. It should be understood that the system configuration information which is received from the main body controller120in the step before execution of the sequence may be cashed, or the system configuration information may be newly received from the main body controller120.

Next, in step S3, the CPU111accesses the mask pattern memory114and selects a mask pattern which corresponds to the current system configuration information.

Next, in step S4, the CPU111reads out display data from the display data memory113and filters the display data in accordance with the selected mask pattern. Specifically, among two-dimensional addresses of the display data, the CPU111performs a processing of rewriting address areas corresponding to any of the divisional areas R1through R5on which an image is not allowed to be displayed in accordance with the mask pattern to “NULL” (blank data). It should be understood that the filtered display data is written into, for example, the RAM115.

Next, in step S5, the CPU111transfers the filtered display data from the RAM115to the LCD controller112. Next, in step S6, the LCD controller112of the display controller110drives the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the transferred display data.

FIG. 6shows an example of a display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control sequence shown inFIG. 5. The example of the display operation shown inFIG. 6corresponds to a system configuration in which one sheet-supplying section50is optionally coupled to the image forming apparatus1ahaving the standard configuration (document feeding device8, main body2and one sheet-supplying section50). In this case, being different from the example of the configuration shown inFIG. 1, the image forming apparatus1aincludes two sheet-supplying sections50(one added to the standard configuration) in total.

In the above-described system configuration, the mask pattern shown inFIG. 4Bis selected in step S3. Therefore, the area corresponding to the divisional area R5of the display data is rewritten into “NULL” in step S4. As a result, the individual images B1through B4of the bitmap image B0are displayed in the corresponding divisional areas R1through R4on the display screen100a, but a display content of the divisional area R5is allowed to be blank. Accordingly, as a whole, the bitmap image B0is displayed in a manner such that it is partially masked. The bitmap image B0partially masked in such manner becomes a configuration image which truly simulates an actual overall system configuration (the document feeding device8, the main body2and two sheet-supplying sections50).

Next, another example of a display operation in accordance with the present embodiment will be described. Although it is not illustrated particularly, storing a plurality of different mask patterns in the mask pattern memory114allows a display operation to be performed in conformity with an actual system configuration of the image forming apparatus1aas described herebelow.

(1) For example, in a case where the system of the image forming apparatus1ahas a standard configuration including the document feeding device8, the main body2and only one sheet-supplying section50, a mask pattern of allowing the divisional areas R4, R5to be blank is selected. The individual images B4, B5are not displayed on the display screen100a, and a configuration image having a combination of the individual images B1, B2, B3is displayed.

(2) Alternatively, in a case where the document feeding device8is not optionally provided, and two sheet-supplying sections50are coupled to the main body2, a mask pattern of allowing the divisional areas R1, R5to be blank is selected. On the display screen100a, the individual images B1, B5are not displayed, and a configuration image having a combination of the individual images B2, B3, B4is displayed.

(3) In a case where the document feeding device8is not optionally provided, and only one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, a mask pattern of allowing the divisional areas R1, R4, R5to be blank is selected. On the display screen100a, the individual images B1, B4, B5are not displayed, and a configuration image having a combination of the individual images B2, B3is displayed.

It should be understood that mask patterns may be prepared for all of the system configuration patterns which can be anticipated in advance, or may be prepared and sorted into a plurality of groups so that patterns selected from the groups can be used in combination.

For example, in the case of the display operation of (2) above, the mask pattern memory114stores mask patterns of allowing the divisional area R1to be blank as a first group, and stores mask patterns of allowing the divisional area R5to be blank as a second group. The CPU111selects mask patterns in combination of the first group and the second group. This allows the individual images B1, B5not to be displayed on the display screen100a, and a configuration image including a combination of the individual images B2, B3, B4is displayed.

Alternatively, in the case of the example of display operation of (3) above, the mask pattern memory114stores a mask pattern of allowing the divisional area R1to be blank as a first group, and stores mask patterns of allowing the divisional areas R4, R5to be blank as a second group. The CPU111selects the first group and the second group in combination. This allows the individual images B1, B4, B5not to be displayed on the display screen100a, and a configuration image including a combination of the individual images B2, B3is displayed.

Other than the above, three mask patterns respectively allowing one of the divisional areas R1, R4, R5to be blank may be prepared, so that one of these can be used solely or they can be used in desirable combinations.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a mask pattern is selected in conformity with an actual system configuration, and the display data is filtered to be displayed on the display screen100a. Accordingly, it would be enough to store only one kind of display data showing an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus1ain the display data memory113.

Further, even if the system configuration changes, it would be enough to always use only one kind of display data. Accordingly, it would not be necessary to read out a plurality of display data in accordance with a system configuration or arrange these on the memory space to construct transfer data. Thus, a load required for data transfer and data processing in the display controller110is reduced, so that efficient data transfer and processing can be achieved.

Furthermore, even in a case where the configuration pattern of the image forming apparatus changes in a plurality of ways, it would not be necessary to store duplicate display data for each configuration pattern, so that the amount of data to be stored can be minimized.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and it may be modified in various ways for practice. As an example of the system configuration in accordance with the present embodiment, the main body2and the standard sheet-supplying section50are separated. However, the sheet-supplying section50may be uniformly provided in the main body2.

Further, the display area A, the divisional areas R1through R5, the bitmap image B0, and the like shown in the present embodiment are preferred examples, and these may be desirably modified for practice. Further, when the configuration pattern of the system changes, another bitmap image is used accordingly. Therefore, when the configuration pattern of the system changes, it surely becomes different from the contents of the display data and mask pattern in accordance with the present embodiment.

Further, the document feeding device8and the sheet-supplying section50are described as optional attachments in the present embodiment. However, a finisher (post-processing device) as another example of the attachment may be coupled to the main body2.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2in the present embodiment. However, the liquid crystal display device100may be provided on the attachment such as the document feeding device8and the finisher.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 7is a front vertical sectional view schematically showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus1bin accordance with the second embodiment. A front side ofFIG. 7corresponds to a front side of the image forming apparatus1bfacing a user. Further, a right hand side ofFIG. 1corresponds to a right side of the image forming apparatus1b, and a left hand side corresponds to a left side of the image forming apparatus1b. Solid line arrows depicted inFIG. 7show conveying paths and conveying directions of sheets in the image forming apparatus1b. It should be understood that components which are the same as those in the first embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals.

The image forming apparatus1bincludes, for example, a copying machine, a complex machine, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP) for network use. The image forming apparatus1bhas a box-shaped main body2of so-called an in-body sheet discharging type. Therefore, the main body2is provided therein with an in-body type sheet-discharging tray15. The sheet-discharging tray15is adapted to discharge a sheet printed in the image forming apparatus1bfrom the left side to the right side of the main body2. A user can take out the sheet discharged to the sheet-discharging tray15from the front side or the right side of the main body2. It should be understood that the image forming apparatus1bmay be provided with a sheet-discharging tray which is not of an in-body sheet-discharging type, or may be coupled with a post-processing apparatus (not illustrated) for performing a post-processing such as a punching processing and a stapling processing.

On the top of the main body2, a document feeding device8is provided. When the image forming apparatus1bis used as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a network scanner, the document feeding device8can read a document set thereon. In an upper portion of the main body2, there is provided an optical image reading device9. The image reading device9has an unillustrated contact glass and reads out an image side of a document placed on an upper surface of the contact glass or a document conveyed by the document feeding device8.

Further, the document feeding device8is coupled to the main body2through an unillustrated hinge structure. The hinge structure is positioned at a rear end portion of the main body2, and the document feeding device8is operated to move up pivotally about the hinge structure to open the upper surface of the image reading device9.

In the image forming apparatus1baccording to the present embodiment, a sheet-supplying section (attachment)50can be coupled standardly or optionally to the lower side of the main body2for use. Further, in the present embodiment, a large capacity sheet feeding section (attachment)80may be optionally coupled to a side (right side in the example ofFIG. 7) of the main body2. For example, provided that a configuration in which the document feeding device8and one sheet-supplying section50are coupled to the main body2is a standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1b, the example shown inFIG. 7is an optional configuration in which two sheet-supplying sections50are coupled successively in layers in addition to the standard configuration, and the large capacity sheet supplying section80is further coupled on the right side.

Each sheet-supplying section50has a sheet-supplying cassette52, a sheet-supplying unit54, a sheet passage56, and a conveying roller58. The sheet-supplying cassette52accommodates a stack of sheets P. The sheet-supplying unit54sends out an uppermost sheet P one after another in an upper left direction. The sheet P sent out by the sheet-supplying unit54is conveyed vertically upward through the sheet passage56. The sheet P conveyed upward is taken by the conveying roller46of the main body2and sent to a sheet conveying passage42.

Further, the respective sheet passages56of the vertically arranged sheet-supplying sections50are connected to each other at their respective upper end and lower end. Therefore, a sheet P sent out from a sheet-supplying section50which is positioned at a second stage from the uppermost or at a stage lower than the second stage among three stages of sheet-supplying sections50is taken by the conveying rollers58in the sheet passages56of upper stages and conveyed vertically upward. The sheet P sent out from the sheet-supplying section50passes through the sheet conveying passage42and is taken by the registration roller7.

The large capacity sheet supplying section80accommodates a larger number of sheets P than the sheet-supplying section50. The large capacity sheet supplying section80has a sheet-holding plate82, a lifting unit84, a sheet-supplying unit86, a supplying roller88, and a sheet passage90. The sheet-holding plate82holds a relatively large number of sheets P in a stack. These sheets P are lifted vertically upward by a driving force of the lifting unit84, and the uppermost part of the sheets P is maintained at a constant height. The sheet-supplying unit86sends out a sheet P placed at the upper most layer successively in a leftward direction. The sheet P sent out by the sheet-supplying unit86is sent into the main body2by the supplying roller88through the sheet passage90. The conveyed sheet P is taken by the conveying roller48of the main body2and sent into the sheet conveying passage49. After being conveyed leftward in the main body2, the sheet P enters the sheet conveying passage42and is taken by the registration roller7.

In the image forming apparatus1b, an image forming is performed in such a manner as described herebelow. In the main body2, there are provided a print engine10and a transferring section11at positions downstream of the sheet conveying passage42in a sheet-conveying direction. The print engine10forms an electrostatic latent image in accordance with image data of a read image to which a predetermined image processing is applied, or image data transmitted from an external equipment, and forms (develops) a toner image with the electrostatic latent image.

In the main body2, there is provided a laser scanning unit20being adjacent on the right side of the print engine10to form an electrostatic latent image on the print engine10. As indicated by one-dotted chain line arrows inFIG. 7, the laser scanning unit20irradiates a scanning beam to a surface of a photoconductive drum provided in the print engine10.

The registration roller7adjusts an oblique transfer of a sheet P and sends out the sheet P to the transferring section11in synchronization with a toner image formed in the print engine10. The transferring section11transfers a toner image to a sheet P which is conveyed by the registration roller7while being synchronized.

The fixing device12is provided on downstream of the transferring section11in the sheet conveying direction. The sheet P onto which an unfixed toner image is transferred in the transferring section11is sent to the fixing device12. The fixing device12has a heating roller12aand a pressing roller12b. The toner image is heated and pressed when the sheet P passes through a nip portion between the heating roller12aand the pressing roller12b, so that the toner image is fixed on the sheet P.

When a both side printing is not performed, in other words, when a one side printing is performed, the sheet P discharged from the fixing device12is discharged to the sheet-discharging tray15by a sheet-discharging roller13. When the both side printing is performed, the sheet P is temporarily conveyed toward the sheet-discharging tray15until a certain point by the sheet-discharging roller13, and a conveying direction is switched so that the sheet P is taken into a sheet-reversing passage32. After being taken into the sheet-reversing passage32, the sheet P is conveyed downward in the sheet-reversing passage32along the left side of the main body2, and thereafter reversed upward at an upper position of the sheet-supplying section50and sent to the registration roller7.

On an exterior cover of the image forming apparatus1b, there is provided an operation display device60. The operation display device60includes various operation buttons and a liquid crystal display device. The operation buttons receive a user's input operation. Further, the liquid crystal display device displays on its display screen various textual information for a user (such as a status and operation menus) and a configuration image simulating configurations of the image forming apparatus1band its attachments. Such configuration image is used for visually presenting to a user a position where a sheet jam occurs during an operation of the image forming apparatus1band a state of sheets running out in the sheet-supplying section50or the large capacity sheet supplying section80. Hereinafter, a display control of a configuration image in accordance with the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 8is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display controller210of a liquid crystal display device100provided in the operation display device60shown inFIG. 7. A control of the liquid crystal display device100is performed, for example, by the display controller210. The display controller210includes, for example, a CPU211, a buffer memory212, an LCD controller213, and an interface214.

The display controller210may be configured as a single circuit board provided in the main body2of the image forming apparatus1b. On the circuit board, there are provided the above-described components. The above-described components are connected to each other through an unillustrated wiring pattern and a bus. The CPU211and the LCD controller213may be of a widely used type. It should be understood that the CPU211may be an ASIC in which an application is installed for exclusive use, or may be a package including the buffer memory212. The buffer memory212includes, for example, a VRAM (Video RAM) having a storage capacity associated with a display ability (maximum resolution, maximum number of colors, and the like) of the liquid crystal display device100. Operation signals outputted from operation buttons60aare inputted through the interface214.

Further, the image forming apparatus1bhas a main body controller220in addition to the display controller210. The main body controller220is configured as a unit which is adapted to control an image forming operation performed in the main body2. The main body controller220has a CPU221, a display data memory222, a RAM223, and an interface224. These components are provided on the same circuit board and are connected to each other through an unillustrated wiring pattern and a bus.

The CPU221stores a control program in, for example, a ROM provided therein, and executes the control program to control an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus1b. The display data memory222includes a storage device such as a ROM, an EEPROM, and the like. In a memory area (memory block) of the display data memory222, display data (bitmap data) as a material of an image to be displayed by the liquid crystal display device100is stored. Details of the display data will be described hereinafter.

The display data memory222stores as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus i.e. a combination of the main body2and a maximum number of attachments. The liquid crystal display device100has a display area necessary for displaying the configuration image on the display screen, and the display area is divided into a plurality of divisional areas. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2. However, the present invention is not especially limited to this. The liquid crystal display device100may be provided on the sheet-supplying section50or on the large capacity sheet supplying section80.

The buffer memory212accumulates display data for allowing the liquid crystal display device100to display an image on the display screen. The CPU221transfers the display data stored in the display data memory222to the buffer memory212and allows the buffer memory212to store the display data. Further, the CPU221instructs the display controller210to display the configuration image on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device100, and determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas and outputs a control instruction signal of instructing displaying or non-displaying on each of the divisional areas.

The CPU211individually switches displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas. The LCD controller213controls an operation of the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with display data accumulated in the buffer memory212.

Each sheet-supplying section50has an option connector230of, for example, a drawer type. When the sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, the option connector230is connected simultaneously. Further, when a plurality of sheet-supplying section50are coupled in layers, the option connectors230are connected to the main body2in cascade. Furthermore, the large capacity sheet supplying section80has a side option connector240of a cable type. When the large capacity sheet supplying section80is coupled to the main body2, the side option connector240is connected through an insertion opening of the main body2.

The option connectors230and the option connector240are grounded at the ground level which is in common with the main body controller220. The main body controller220can detect the number of stages of the sheet-supplying sections50in accordance with connection signals (ON or OFF) of the option connector230and the option connector240, or it can detect existence and non-existence of the large capacity sheet supplying section80. When the sheet-supplying section50and large capacity sheet supplying section80have a plurality of kinds, the above-described connection signal further includes information (about 4 bits) for identifying the kind.

The main body controller220detects the number of connected sheet-supplying section50and existence and non-existence of the large capacity sheet supplying section80, and then creates system configuration information of the image forming apparatus1b. This system configuration information is adapted to identify an overall system configuration when the sheet-supplying section50is standardly or optionally coupled to the main body2of the image forming apparatus1b, or when the large capacity sheet supplying section80is optionally coupled to the main body2. Specifically, the system configuration information is adapted to identify if the system of the image forming apparatus1bincludes a configuration having only the main body2, or a configuration in which one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, or a configuration having two sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2, or a configuration having three or more sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2, or a configuration further having the large capacity sheet supplying section80.

The CPU221of the main body controller220reads out a connection signal of the option connector230and the option connector240and creates system configuration information when a power of the image forming apparatus1bis turned on. Then, the CPU221allows, for example, the RAM223to store the created system configuration information. In a case where the option connector230and the option connector240are compatible to so-called a hot plug such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard and an IEEE 1394 standard, the CPU221takes in connection signal of those by an external interruption and renews system configuration information of the RAM223each time.

In the present embodiment, the main body2corresponds to an example of a main body, and the sheet-supplying section50and the large capacity sheet supplying section80correspond to examples of an attachment, and the display data memory222corresponds to an example of a data storage portion, and the liquid crystal display device100corresponds to an example of an image display device, and the buffer memory212corresponds to an example of a data accumulating portion, and the CPU221corresponds to a data transferring portion, and the CPU211and the LCD controller213correspond to an example of a display controller, and the CPU221corresponds to an example of a control instructing portion, and the CPU221, the option connector230and the side option connector240correspond to an example of a configuration detecting portion.

FIG. 9shows a display screen100bof the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, a display area A indicated by one-dotted chain lines is defined on the display screen100b. On the display area A, a bitmap image (configuration image) B0is generally displayed. The bitmap image B0ofFIG. 9simulates an overall system configuration in which the main body2and a maximum number (here, it is three) of the sheet-supplying sections50are coupled together, and the large capacity sheet supplying section80is further coupled (maximum optional configuration).

Further, the display area A is divided into a plurality of divisional areas R1through R6in the display screen100b. The rectangular areas defined by one-dotted lines inFIG. 9correspond respectively to the divisional areas R1through R6. Among those, five divisional areas R1through R5are arranged vertically adjacent to each other on the left portion of the display screen100b. In the example shown inFIG. 9, the five divisional areas R1through R5are arranged in a vertical direction. The remaining one divisional area R6is vertically long and arranged on the right portion of the display screen100b. In this example, the divisional area R6is adjacent to all of the divisional areas R1through R5. It should be understood that the contour of the display area A and the one-dotted lines defining the divisional areas R1through R6are not actually displayed on the display screen100b.

FIG. 10shows the bitmap image B0and the divisional areas R1through R6in accordance with the second embodiment separately.FIG. 10Agenerally shows the bitmap image B0in accordance with the second embodiment, andFIG. 10Bgenerally shows the divisional areas R1through R6in accordance with the second embodiment.

InFIG. 10A, the bitmap image B0is stored as one display data as a whole in the display data memory222. The display data is constructed by monochromatic binary data or 4 bit data having 16 shades in a bitmap form.

The bitmap image B0includes six individual images B1through B6corresponding respectively to the divisional areas R1through R6. Among the individual images, the individual image B1corresponds to a configuration image simulating a configuration of the document feeding device8shown inFIG. 7. Further, the individual image B2corresponds to an image simulating a configuration of the main body2. Similarly, the individual images B3, B4, B5correspond to configuration images of the sheet-supplying sections50of respective stages. Further, the individual image B6corresponds to an image simulating a configuration of the large capacity sheet supplying section80. A combination of the six individual images B1through B6constitutes a single bitmap image B0simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1b. It should be understood that the separation of the individual images B1through B6is made just for showing visible images of those, and the bitmap display data is not divided into six data units.

InFIG. 10B, the configurations of the display area A and the divisional areas R1through R6are as described above. As described above, the display area A corresponds the whole bitmap image B0. Further, the plurality of divisional areas R1through R6are defined correspondingly to the individual images B1through B6included in the bitmap image B0. The CPU211of the display controller210is capable of performing a control of switching displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas R1through R6. On a divisional area switched to non-displaying among the divisional areas R1through R6, a corresponding individual image among the individual images B1through B6is not displayed on the display screen100b. The switching of displaying and non-displaying by the CPU211will be further described in detail hereinafter.

Next, a system configuration information renewing processing which is executed in the main body controller220in accordance with the second embodiment will be described.FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating the system configuration information renewing processing executed in the main body controller220in accordance with the second embodiment.

When a power of the image forming apparatus1bis turned on, the main body controller220and the display controller210performs their respective predetermined initialization processing. Then, when it falls into a state where the main body controller220and the display controller210are communicable with each other, the main body controller220executes the system configuration information renewing processing shown inFIG. 11. Hereinafter, the processing will be described by following the order of steps.

Firstly, in step S11, the CPU221of the main body controller220reads out display data from the display data memory222and transfers the same to the display controller210. The display data transferred at this time is the whole bitmap image B0shown inFIG. 10A. It should be understood that, though it is not shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 11, the CPU211of the display controller210executes a processing of accumulating the transferred display data into the buffer memory212.

Next, in step S12, the CPU221of the main body controller220refers to connection signals of the option connector230and the side option connector240. Next, in step S13, the CPU221creates system configuration information in accordance with the connection signals.

Next, in step S14, the CPU221of the main body controller220refers to connection signals of the option connector230and the side option connector240by an external interruption to determine whether or not there is a change in the connection signals. In a case where there is no especial change in the connection signals (NO in step S14), the CPU221continues monitoring changes in the connection signals.

On the other hand, for example, when a change in connection signals occurs due to a change in the system configuration such as addition or removal of options in mid-course (YES in step S14), the CPU221allows the routine to go back to the processing of step S13to newly create system configuration information. This renews the system configuration information stored in the RAM223to have the latest content.

Next, a control instruction signal transmitting processing of transmitting a control instruction signal from the main body controller220to the display controller210will be described.FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating the control instruction signal transmitting processing of transmitting a control instruction signal from the main body controller220to the display controller210in accordance with the second embodiment. The main body controller220executes the control instruction signal transmitting processing, for example, at a predetermined cycle during an operation of the image forming apparatus1b.

Firstly, in step S21, the CPU221of the main body controller220determines whether or not the configuration image should be displayed on the display screen100bof the liquid crystal display device100. For example, when phenomenon such as a sheet jam (jamming), running out of a sheet, and a misdesignation of a sheet size occurs during an image forming, the image forming apparatus1bdisplays an overall system configuration image on the display screen100bto visually presenting to a user a portion at which the phenomenon such as a sheet jam occurs.

When phenomenon such as a sheet jam (jamming), running out of a sheet, and a misdesignation of a sheet size occurs during an image forming, the CPU221of the main body controller220determines that the configuration image should be displayed. When it is determined that the configuration image should be displayed on the display screen100b(YES in step S21), the routine proceeds to step S22and so on. On the other hand, when the phenomenon such as a sheet jam (jamming), running out of a sheet, and a misdesignation of a sheet size does not occur during the image forming, the CPU221of the main body controller220determines that the configuration image should not be displayed. When it is determined that the configuration image should not be displayed on the display screen100b(NO in step S21), the CPU221of the main body controller220terminates the control instruction signal transmitting processing for the meantime.

Next, in step S22, the CPU221of the main body controller220transmits to the display controller210a display instruction signal of allowing the configuration image to be displayed. Next, in step S23, the CPU221reads out the system configuration information stored in the RAM223.

Next, in step S24, the CPU221transmits to the display controller210a display/non-display notification signal presenting displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas R1through R6in accordance with the system configuration information read out from the RAM223.

Next, the display control processing executed in the display controller210in accordance with the second embodiment will be described.FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating the display control processing executed in the display controller210in accordance with the second embodiment. During an operation of the image forming apparatus1b, the CPU211of the display controller210executes the display control processing, for example, at a predetermined cycle.

Firstly, in step S31, the CPU211of the display controller210determines whether or not the control instruction signal transmitted from the main body controller220is received. The control instruction signal received at this time includes a display instruction signal of instructing the liquid crystal display device100to display the configuration image and a display/non-display notification signal of notifying displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas R1through R6.

When it is determined that the control instruction signal, in other words, the display instruction signal and the display/non-display notification signal transmitted by the main body controller220is received (YES in step S31), the CPU211of the display controller210allows the routine to proceed to step S32and so on. On the other hand, when it is determined that the control instruction signal is not received (NO in step S31), the CPU211terminates the display control processing for the meantime. The CPU211of the display controller210allows the routine to proceed to step S32when it receives both display instruction signal and the display/non-display notification signal, and terminates the display control processing when it only receives either one of the display instruction signal and the display/non-display notification signal.

Next, in step S32, the CPU211of the display controller210reads out display data accumulated in the buffer memory212. The display data accumulated in the buffer memory212corresponds to the whole bitmap image B0.

Next, in step S33, the CPU211of the display controller210processes the read display data in accordance with displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas R1through R6notified by the display/non-display notification signal. Specifically, among two-dimensional addresses of the display data, the CPU211performs a processing of rewriting an address area which is notified not necessary to be displayed among the address areas of the divisional areas R1through R6to “NULL” (blank data). The rewritten display data is newly accumulated (read-modify-write operation) into the buffer memory212or written into the internally-provided RAM of the CPU211.

Next, in step S34, the CPU211transfers (copies) the processed display data from the buffer memory212or the internally provided RAM of the CPU211to the LCD controller213. Next, in step S35, the LCD controller213of the display controller210drives the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the transferred display data.

Here, a first example of a display operation in accordance with the second embodiment will be described.FIG. 14shows the first example of the display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control processing shown inFIG. 13. The first example of the display operation is associated with a system configuration in which two sheet-supplying sections50are optionally coupled in addition to a standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1b(the document feeding device8, the main body2and one sheet-supplying section50). In this case, being different from the example of configuration shown inFIG. 7, the image forming apparatus1bis not provided with the large capacity sheet supplying section80.

According to the above-described system configuration, in step S24of the control instruction signal transmitting processing shown inFIG. 12, the CPU221of the main body controller220notifies to the display controller210in a form of the display/non-display notification signal that it would be necessary to display on the divisional areas R1through R5but not necessary on the remaining divisional area R6.

Therefore, in step33of the display control processing shown inFIG. 13, the CPU211of the display controller210rewrites the address area corresponding to the divisional area R6in the display data into “NULL” (blank data). As a result, the individual images B1through B5of the bitmap image B0are displayed respectively on the divisional areas R1through R5of the display screen100b, but the display content on the divisional area R6is made blank. Therefore, the bitmap image B0is displayed while being partially masked as a whole. The bitmap image B0partially masked in such a manner becomes a configuration image truly simulating an actual overall system configuration (document feeding device8, main body2and three sheet-supplying sections50).

A second example of a display operation in accordance with the second embodiment will be described.FIG. 15shows the second example of a display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with the execution of the display control processing shown inFIG. 13. The second example of the display operation is associated with a system configuration in which only one sheet-supplying section50is optionally coupled in addition to the standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1b(document feeding device8, main body2and one sheet-supplying section50). In this case, being different from the example of the configuration shown inFIG. 7, the image forming apparatus1bis provided with neither the third sheet-supplying section50nor the large capacity sheet supplying section80.

According to the system configuration of this case, in step S24of the control instruction signal transmitting processing shown inFIG. 12, the CPU221of the main body controller220notifies to the display controller210in a form of the display/non-display notification signal that it would be necessary to display on the divisional areas R1through R4but on the remaining divisional areas R5and R6.

Therefore, in step33of the display control processing shown inFIG. 13, the CPU211of the display controller210rewrites each of the address area corresponding to the divisional areas R5, R6in the display data into “NULL” (blank data). As a result, the individual images B1through B4of the bitmap image B0are displayed respectively on the divisional areas R1through R4of the display screen100b, but the display content on each of the divisional areas R5, R6is made blank. Therefore, the bitmap image B0is displayed while being partially masked as a whole. The bitmap image B0partially masked in such a manner becomes a configuration image truly simulating an actual overall system configuration (document feeding device8, main body2and two sheet-supplying section50).

Next, another example of a display operation in accordance with the second embodiment will be described. Though it is not especially illustrated, the main body controller220executes the system configuration information renewing processing shown inFIG. 11and renews the latest system configuration information constantly to realize a display operation in conformity with an actual system configuration of the image forming apparatus1bas described herebelow.

(1) For example, when the system configuration of the image forming apparatus1bis changed to the standard configuration having the document feeding device8, the main body2and only one sheet-supplying section50, the address areas in the display data corresponding respectively to the divisional areas R4, R5, R6are rewritten into “NULL” (blank data) in step33of the display control processing shown inFIG. 13. As a result, the individual images B4, B5, B6are not displayed on the display screen100b, but a configuration image in a combination of the individual images B1, B2, B3is displayed.

(2) Alternatively, when the system configuration is changed to the one in which the document feeding device8is not optionally provided and two sheet-supplying sections50are coupled to the main body2, the areas corresponding to the divisional areas R1, R5, R6in display data are respectively rewritten into “NULL” (blank data) in step S33of the display control processing shown inFIG. 13. As a result, the individual images B1, B5, B6are not displayed on the display screen100b, and a configuration image in a combination of the individual images B2, B3, B4is displayed.

(3) When the system configuration is changed to the one in which the document feeding device8is not optionally provided, and only one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, the areas corresponding to the divisional areas R1, R4, R5, R6in the display data are respectively rewritten into “NULL” (blank data) in step S33of the display control processing shown inFIG. 13. As a result, the individual image B1, B4, B5, R6are not displayed on the display screen100b, and a configuration image in a combination of only the individual images B2, B3is displayed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main body controller220transfers display data of the whole bitmap image B0to the display controller210and thereafter notifies displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas R1through R6in conformity with an actual system configuration. Therefore, if the transfer of display data is performed once at first, it would not be necessary to transfer display data every time even when the system configuration is changed later on. Accordingly, the load required for data transfer and data processing is reduced, so that a time required for the data transfer and the data processing can be shortened.

Further, even if the system configuration is changed, it would be enough to use only one kind of display data. Accordingly, it would not be necessary to transfer a plurality of display data in conformity with the system configuration, and also it would not be necessary to arrange these on the memory space to reconstruct the data for transfer. Thus, a load required for data processing can be reduced in both the main body controller220and the display controller210, so that data can be transferred efficiently.

Further, even when the configuration pattern of the image forming apparatus changes in a plurality of ways, it would not be necessary to store duplicate display data for each configuration pattern, so that the amount of data to be stored can be minimized.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and it may be modified in various ways for practice. As an example of the system configuration in accordance with the present embodiment, the main body2and the standard sheet-supplying section50are separated. However, the sheet-supplying section50may be uniformly provided in the main body2.

Furthermore, the display area A, the divisional areas R1through R6, the bitmap image B0, and the like shown in the present embodiment are preferred examples, and these may be desirably modified for practice.

Further, the document feeding device8and the sheet-supplying section50are described as optional attachments in the present embodiment. However, a finisher (post-processing device) as another example of the attachment may be coupled to the main body2.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2in the present embodiment. However, the liquid crystal display device100may be provided on the attachment such as the document feeding device8and the finisher.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 16is a front vertical sectional view schematically showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus1cin accordance with the third embodiment. A front side ofFIG. 16corresponds to a front side of an image forming apparatus1cfacing a user. Further, a right hand side ofFIG. 16corresponds to a right side of the image forming apparatus1c, and a left hand side corresponds to a left side of the image forming apparatus1c. Solid line arrows ofFIG. 16show conveying paths and conveying directions of sheets in the image forming apparatus1c. It should be understood that components which are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals.

The image forming apparatus1cincludes, for example, a copying machine, a complex machine, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP) for network use. The image forming apparatus1chas a box-shaped main body2of so-called an in-body sheet discharging type. Therefore, the main body2is provided therein with an in-body sheet-discharging tray15. The sheet-discharging tray15is adapted to discharge a sheet printed in the image forming apparatus1cfrom the left side to the right side of the main body2. A user can take out from the front side or the right side of the main body2the sheet discharged to the sheet-discharging tray15. It should be understood that the image forming apparatus1cmay be provided with a sheet-discharging tray which is not of an in-body sheet-discharging type.

On the top of the main body2, a document feeding device8is provided. When the image forming apparatus1cis used as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a network scanner, the document feeding device8can read a document set thereon. In an upper portion of the main body2, there is provided an optical image reading device9. The image reading device9has an unillustrated contact glass and reads out an image side of a document placed on an upper surface of the contact glass or a document conveyed by the document feeding device8.

Further, the document feeding device8is coupled to the main body2through an unillustrated hinge structure. The hinge structure is positioned at a rear end portion of the main body2, and the document feeding device8is operated to move up pivotally about the hinge structure to open the upper surface of the image reading device9.

In the image forming apparatus1caccording to the present embodiment, a sheet-supplying section (attachment)50can be coupled standardly or optionally to the lower side of the main body2for use. Further, in the present embodiment, a finisher (attachment)70can be optionally coupled to a side (left side in the example ofFIG. 16) of the main body2for use. For example, provided that a configuration in which the document feeding device8and one sheet-supplying section50are coupled to the main body2is a standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1c, the example shown inFIG. 16is an optional configuration in which two sheet-supplying sections50are coupled successively in layers in addition to the standard configuration, and the finisher70is further coupled on the left side.

Each standard or optional sheet-supplying section50has a sheet-supplying cassette52, a sheet-supplying unit54, a sheet passage56, and a conveying roller58. The sheet-supplying cassette52stores a stack of sheets P. The sheet-supplying unit54sends out an uppermost sheet P one after another in an upper left direction. The sheet P sent out by the sheet-supplying unit54is conveyed vertically upward through the sheet passage56. The sheet P conveyed upward is taken by the conveying roller46of the main body2and sent to a sheet conveying passage42.

Further, the respective sheet passages56of the vertically arranged sheet-supplying section50are connected to each other at their respective upper end and lower end. Therefore, a sheet P sent out from a sheet-supplying section50which is positioned at a second stage from the uppermost or at a stage lower than the second stage among three stages of sheet-supplying sections50is taken by the conveying rollers58in the sheet passages56of upper stages and conveyed vertically upward. The sheet P sent out from the sheet-supplying section50passes through the sheet conveying passage42and is taken by the registration roller7.

In the image forming apparatus1c, an image forming is performed in such a manner as described herebelow. In the main body2, there are provided a print engine10and a transferring section11at positions downstream of the sheet conveying passage42in a sheet-conveying direction. The print engine10forms an electrostatic latent image in accordance with image data of a read image to which a predetermined image processing is applied, or image data transmitted from an external equipment, and forms (develops) a toner image with the electrostatic latent image.

In the main body2, there is provided a laser scanning unit20being adjacent on the right side of the print engine10to form an electrostatic latent image on the print engine10. As indicated by one-dotted chain line arrow inFIG. 16, the laser scanning unit20irradiates a scanning beam to a surface of a photoconductive drum provided in the print engine10.

The registration roller7adjusts an oblique transfer of a sheet P and sends out the sheet P to the transferring section11in synchronization with a toner image formed in the print engine10. The transferring section11transfers a toner image to a sheet P which is conveyed by the registration roller7while being synchronized.

The fixing device12is provided on downstream of the transferring section11in the sheet conveying direction. The sheet P onto which an unfixed toner image is transferred in the transferring section11is sent to the fixing device12. The fixing device12has a heating roller12aand a pressing roller12b. The toner image is heated and pressed when the sheet P passes through a nip portion between the heating roller12aand the pressing roller12b, so that the toner image is fixed on the sheet P.

When a both side printing is not performed, in other words, when a one side printing is performed, the sheet P discharged from the fixing device12is discharged to the sheet-discharging tray15by a sheet-discharging roller13. When the both side printing is performed, the sheet P is temporarily conveyed toward the sheet-discharging tray15until a certain point by the sheet-discharging roller13, and a conveying direction is switched so that the sheet P is taken into a sheet-reversing passage32. After being taken into the sheet-reversing passage32, the sheet P is conveyed downward in the sheet-reversing passage32along the left side of the main body2, and thereafter reversed upward at an upper position of the sheet-supplying section50and sent to the registration roller7.

The optional finisher70has, for example, a function of performing a stapling (staple-binding) of sheets P. A sheet P printed on one side or both sides thereof in the image forming apparatus1cis not discharged to the sheet-discharging tray15but conveyed to the finisher70when the sheet P is punched out or the sheet P is stapled to be binded.

There is formed a carrying-in passage72in the finisher70, and a sheet P carried in through the carrying-in passage72is taken by a carrying-in roller74. The carrying-in passage72branches off on downstream of the carrying-in roller74, and includes a carrying-out passage76on one side and a reversing passage78on the other side. The carrying-out passage76curves upward as if it draws a horizontally inversed character “J” on one side. The reversing passage78obliquely extends in a lower left direction. At a position where the carrying-in passage72branches off, there is provided a switching mechanism71. The switching mechanism71switches a conveying direction of the sheet P in the finisher70. On the downstream of the reversing passage78, there is provided a reversing tray77. The sheet P carried into the reversing passage78is pulled up toward the carrying-out passage76after its leading end portion is sent onto the reversing tray77.

The finisher70shown inFIG. 16has a function of stacking and binding the discharged sheets P. Specifically, when an intermediate tray73is provided on downstream of the carrying-out passage76, and a user requests a staple setting, the sheets P are stacked on the intermediate tray73and binded. Then, a stack of binded sheets P is discharged from the intermediate tray73to an external tray75.

The finisher70has a face-up sheet discharging mode and a face-down sheet discharging mode as modes for discharging the sheet P. In the face-up sheet discharging mode, the sheet P which is carried in is discharged to the intermediate tray73or the external tray75while holding its normal state. In the face-down sheet discharging mode, the sheet P is reversed front and back and discharged to the intermediate tray73or the external tray75. In the face-up sheet discharging mode, the sheet P is conveyed directly from the carrying-in passage72to the carrying-out passage76. On the other hand, in the face-down sheet discharging mode, the sheet P is conveyed from the carrying-in passage72to the reversing passage78, and then to the carrying-out passage76via the reversing tray77.

On an exterior cover of the image forming apparatus1c, there is provided an operation display device60. The operation display device60includes various operation buttons and a liquid crystal display device. The operation buttons receive a user's input operation. Further, the liquid crystal display device displays on its display screen various textual information for a user (such as a status and operation menus) and a configuration image simulating configurations of the image forming apparatus1cand its attachments (such as the sheet-supplying section50and the finisher70). Such configuration image is used for visually presenting to a user a position where a sheet jam occurs during an operation of the image forming apparatus1cand a state of sheets running out in the sheet-supplying section50. Hereinafter, a display control of a configuration image in accordance with the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 17is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display controller310of a liquid crystal display device100provided in the operation display device60shown inFIG. 16. A control of the liquid crystal display device100is performed, for example, in the display controller310. The display controller310includes, for example, a CPU311, a buffer memory312, an LCD controller313, and an interface314.

The display controller310may be configured as a single circuit board provided in the main body2of the image forming apparatus1c. On the circuit board, there are provided the above-described components. The above-described components are connected to each other through an unillustrated wiring pattern and a bus. The CPU311and the LCD controller313may be of a widely used type. It should be understood that the CPU311may be an ASIC in which an application is installed for exclusive use, or may be a package including the buffer memory312. The buffer memory312includes, for example, a VRAM having a storage capacity associated with a display ability (maximum resolution, maximum number of colors, and the like) of the liquid crystal display device100. Operations signals outputted from operation buttons60aare inputted through the interface314.

Further, the image forming apparatus1chas a main body controller320in addition to the display controller310. The main body controller320is configured as a unit which is adapted to control an image forming operation performed in the main body2. The main body controller320has a CPU321, a display data memory322, a RAM323, and an interface324. These components are provided on the same circuit board and are connected to each other through an unillustrated wiring pattern and a bus.

The CPU321stores a control program in, for example, a ROM provided therein, and executes the control program to control an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus1c. The display data memory322includes a storage device such as a ROM, an EEPROM, and the like. In a memory area (memory block) of the display data memory322, a plurality of display data (bitmap data) as material of images to be displayed by the liquid crystal display device100are stored. Details of the display data will be described hereinafter.

The display data memory322defines in advance a plurality of configuration patterns of the main body2, the sheet-supplying section50, and the finisher70, and stores as a plurality of a display data configuration images simulating overall configurations of combinations of the main body2, the sheet supplying section50, and the finisher70arranged in a plurality of configuration patterns.

The liquid crystal display device100includes a display screen having a display area on which the configuration image is displayed, and the display area is divided into a plurality of divisional areas. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2. However, the present invention is not especially limited to this. The liquid crystal display device100may be provided on the sheet-supplying section50or the finisher70.

The buffer memory312accumulates display data for allowing the liquid crystal display device100to display an image on the display screen. The CPU321determines a display content displayed on each of the plurality of divisional areas. Further, the CPU321selects display data including a display content to be displayed on each of divisional areas from among a plurality of display data stored in the display data memory322in accordance with a determination result, and transfers the display data of each of the divisional areas to the buffer memory312, and allows the buffer memory312to store the display data.

The CPU311allows the configuration image to be displayed on the display screen in accordance with the display data accumulated in the buffer memory312. Specifically, the CPU311selects display data for each of the divisional areas from among a plurality of display data stored in the buffer memory312, and extracts an individual image of the display data corresponding to each of the divisional areas, and synthesizes the individual images to allow the configuration image of the image forming apparatus to be displayed on the display screen.

Each sheet-supplying section50has an option connector330of, for example, a drawer type. When the sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, the option connector330is connected simultaneously. Further, when a plurality of sheet-supplying section50are coupled in layers, the option connectors330are connected to the main body2in cascade. Furthermore, the finisher70has a side option connector340of a cable type. When the finisher70is coupled to the main body2, the side option connector340is connected through an insertion opening of the main body2. It should be understood that the side option connector340provided in the finisher70may be of a drawer type.

The option connectors330and the option connector340are grounded at the ground level which is in common with the main body controller320. The main body controller320can detect the number of stages of the sheet-supplying sections50in accordance with connection signals (ON or OFF) of the option connector330and the option connector340, or it can detect existence and non-existence of the finisher70. When the sheet-supplying section50and the finisher70have a plurality of kinds, the above-described connection signal further includes information (about 4 bits) for identifying the kind.

The main body controller320detects the number of connected sheet-supplying section50and existence and non-existence of the finisher70, and then creates system configuration information of the image forming apparatus1c. This system configuration information is adapted to identify an overall system configuration when the sheet-supplying section50is standardly or optionally coupled to the main body2of the image forming apparatus1c, or when the finisher70is optionally coupled to the main body2. Specifically, the system configuration information is adapted to identify if the system of the image forming apparatus1cincludes a configuration having only the main body2, or a configuration in which one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, or a configuration having two sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2, or a configuration having three or more sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2, or a configuration further having the finisher70.

The CPU321of the main body controller320reads out connection signals of the option connector330and the option connector340and creates system configuration information when a power of the image forming apparatus1cis turned on. Then, the CPU321allows, for example, the RAM323to store the created system configuration information. In a case where the option connector330and the option connector340are compatible to so-called a hot plug such as a USB standard and an IEEE 1394 standard, the CPU321takes in connection signal of those by an external interruption and renews system configuration information of the RAM323each time.

In the present embodiment, the main body2corresponds to an example of a main body, and the sheet-supplying section50and the finisher70corresponds to examples of an attachment, and the display data memory322corresponds to an example of a data storage portion, the liquid crystal display device100corresponds to an example of an image display device, and the buffer memory312corresponds to an example of a data accumulating portion, and the CPU321corresponds to an example of a display content determining portion and a data transferring portion, and the CPU311and the LCD controller313correspond to an example of a display controller, and the CPU321, the option connector330, and the side option connector340correspond to an example of a configuration detecting portion.

FIG. 18schematically shows an example of a display screen100cof the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, a display area A indicated by one-dotted chain lines is defined on display screen100c. On the display area A, a bitmap image (configuration image) B11simulating an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus1cincluding the main body2and its attachment (such as the sheet-supplying section50and the finisher70) is displayed. The bitmap image B11shown inFIG. 18simulates an overall system configuration in which the document feeding device8and a maximum number (here, it is three) of the sheet-supplying sections50are coupled to the main body2, and the finisher70is further coupled.

Further, the display area A is divided into a plurality of divisional areas R1through R3in the display screen100c. The rectangular areas defined by one-dotted lines inFIG. 18correspond respectively to the divisional areas R1through R3. Among those, two divisional areas R1, R2are arranged vertically adjacent to each other on the right portion of the display screen100c. The remaining one divisional area R3is vertically long and arranged on the left portion of the display screen100c. In the example ofFIG. 18, the divisional area R3is adjacent to both of the divisional areas R1, R2. It should be understood that the contour of the display area A and the one-dotted lines defining the divisional areas R1, R2, R3are not actually displayed on the display screen100c.

FIGS. 19,20, and21show three kinds of examples of bitmap images B11, B12, B13.FIG. 19generally shows the first bitmap image B11shown inFIG. 18.FIG. 20generally shows the second bitmap image B12of another kind.FIG. 21generally shows the third bitmap image B13of yet another kind. These plurality of kinds of bitmap images B11through B13are respectively stored as individual data in the display data memory322. Each display data is constructed by monochromatic binary data and 4 bit data having 16 shades in a bitmap form.

InFIG. 19, the first bitmap image B11corresponds to a configuration image having a configuration pattern as described above in which the document feeding device8and one sheet-supplying section50are standardly coupled to the main body2, and further two sheet-supplying sections50and the finisher70are optionally coupled.

The first bitmap image B11mainly includes six individual images b1through b6. Among those, the individual image b1corresponds to an image simulating the configuration of the document feeding device8shown inFIG. 16. Further, the individual image b2corresponds to an image simulating the configuration of the main body2. Similarly, the individual images b3, b4, b5correspond to images simulating configurations of the sheet-supplying section50of respective stages. Further, the individual image b6corresponds to an image simulating the configuration of the finisher70. A combination of the six individual images b1through b6constitutes a single bitmap image simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1c.

It should be understood that the separation of the individual images b1through b6is made just for showing visible images of those, and the bitmap display data is not divided into six data units. However, in a memory space of the display data memory322, address areas defining the individual images b1through b6are finely designated in a single display data.

InFIG. 20, the second bitmap image B12corresponds to a configuration image having a configuration pattern in which the document feeding device8and one sheet-supplying section50are standardly coupled to the main body2, and further a sheet-supplying deck is provided on the lower side as another option. The sheet-supplying deck described herein corresponds to a sheet-supplying section including, for example, two sheet-supplying cassettes arranged serially in a horizontal direction, and has a height which is substantially the same as a height of two vertically layered sheet-supplying sections50shown inFIG. 16. Each sheet-supplying cassette can accommodate A4-sized sheets P in a vertically long direction, and has a stacking ability which is greater than that of the sheet-supplying section50.

The second bitmap image B12mainly includes four individual images b1through b3, and b7. Among those, the individual images b1through b3are the same as the individual images shown inFIG. 19. The remaining individual image b7corresponds to the sheet-supplying deck described above. The second bitmap image B12does not include an individual image corresponding to the finisher70, and display data is made blank. A combination of the four individual images b1through b3, and b7constitutes a single bitmap image simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1c(a configuration pattern having a combination of the main body2, the standard document feeding device8, the standard sheet-supplying section50, and the optional sheet-supplying decks).

InFIG. 21, the third bitmap image B13corresponds to a configuration image having a configuration pattern in which the document feeding device8and one sheet-supplying section50are standardly coupled to the main body2, and a holder is coupled to the lower side as another option, and another type of finisher is further coupled on the left side. The finisher shown here is of a type being different from the finisher shown inFIG. 16, and has functions other than the above-described stapling function, such as a function of perforating sheets P for filing (punching function), and a function of holding the sheets P at the center and further binding the same at the center (booklet function). It should be understood that the holder does not especially function as a sheet-supplying section.

The third bitmap image B13mainly includes five individual images b1through b3, b8, and b9. Among those, the individual images b1through b3are the same as the individual images shown inFIGS. 19 and 20. Other individual image b8corresponds to an image simulating the above-described holder, and the remaining individual image b9corresponds to an image simulating the configuration of the another type of finisher. A combination of such five individual images b1through b3, b8, and b9constitutes a single bitmap image simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1c(a configuration pattern having a combination of the main body2, the standard document feeding device8, the standard sheet-supplying section50, the optional finisher, and the holder).

Next, a system configuration information renewing processing executed in the main body controller320in accordance with the third embodiment will be described.FIG. 22shows a flowchart illustrating the system configuration information renewing processing executed in the main body controller320in accordance with the third embodiment.

When a power of the image forming apparatus1cis turned on, the main body controller320and the display controller310perform their respective predetermined initialization processing. Then, when it falls to a state where the main body controller320and the display controller310are communicable with each other, the main body controller320executes the system configuration information renewing processing shown inFIG. 22. Hereinafter, the processing will be described by following the order of steps.

Firstly, in step S41, the CPU321of the main body controller320refers to connection signals of the option connector330and the side option connector340. Next, in step S42, the CPU321creates system configuration information in accordance with the connection signals.

Next, in step S43, the CPU321of the main body controller320selects display data (bitmap data) for each of the divisional areas R1through R3on the display screen100cin accordance with the created system configuration information.

Here, the divisional areas R1through R3are defined along borders of the individual images constituting a configuration image (bitmap image) displayed on the display screen100c. In the example shown inFIG. 18, the vertically arranged divisional areas R1, R2are divided along the border between a group of the individual images b1through b3on the right side the display area A and a group of the individual images b4, b5on the lower side the individual images b1through b3. Further, on the left side of the display area A, the divisional area R3and other divisional areas R1, R2are divided along the border between the individual image b6and a set of other individual images b1through b5.

Thus, the divisional area R1positioned at the upper right portion of the display area A corresponds to respective positions of the main body2, the standard sheet-supplying section50, and the document feeding device8on the display screen100c. Further, the divisional area R2positioned at the lower right portion corresponds to the position of the two sheet-supplying sections50, the sheet-supplying deck, or the holder on the display screen100c. The divisional area R3on the left side corresponds to the position of the finisher70or other type of finisher.

At this time, when the system of the image forming apparatus1chas a configuration pattern shown inFIG. 16, the CPU321of the main body controller320selects display data (bitmap data) corresponding to the first bitmap image B11for each of the divisional areas R1, R2, R3in step S43.

Next, in step S44the CPU321of the main body controller320transfers the display data (bitmap data) selected for each of the divisional areas R1, R2, R3to the display controller310.

Next, in step S45, the CPU321of the main body controller320refers to connection signals of the option connector330and the option connector340by external interruption to determine whether or not there is a change in the connection signals. When there is no especial change in the connection signals (NO in step S45), the CPU321continues monitoring changes in the connection signals.

On the other hand, when a change in connection signals occurs due to a change in the system configuration such as addition or removal of options in mid-course (YES in step S45), the CPU321allows the routine to go back to the processing of step S42and newly creates system configuration information. This renews the system configuration information stored in the RAM323to have the latest content.

Further, when system configuration information is renewed, the CPU321executes the processing of step S43and step S44to select display data for each of the divisional areas R1, R2, R3, and transfers the selected display data to the display controller310.

Next, a display control processing executed in the display controller310in accordance with the third embodiment will be described.FIG. 23is a flowchart illustrating the display control processing executed in the display controller310in accordance with the third embodiment. During an operation of the image forming apparatus1c, the CPU311of the display controller310executes the display control processing, for example, at a predetermined cycle.

Firstly, in step S51, the CPU311of the display controller310determines whether or not the display data (bitmap data) transmitted from the main body controller320is received.

When it is determined in step S51that the display data is received (YES in step S51), the CPU311accumulates the transferred display data into the buffer memory312in step S52. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S51that the display data is not received (NO in step S51), the CPU311skips the processing of step S52and allows the routine to proceed to the processing of step S53.

Next, in step S53, the CPU311of the display controller310determines whether or not a display instruction signal is received, which is transmitted by the main body controller320to instruct displaying of a configuration image simulating a configuration of the image forming apparatus1c. For example, when the main body controller320detects a jam and the like of the sheet P, a display instruction signal is transmitted to the display controller310.

When it is determined that the display instruction signal transmitted by the main body controller320is received (YES in step S53), the CPU311of the display controller310allows the routine to proceed to the processing of step S54and so on. On the other hand, when it is determined that the display instruction signal is not received (NO in step S53), the CPU311terminates the display control processing for the meantime.

Next, in step S54, the CPU311of the display controller310transfers (copies) the display data accumulated in the buffer memory312to the LCD controller313. The display data transmitted at this time includes a bitmap image (one from B11through B13) selected for each of the divisional areas R1, R2, R3. Next, in step S55, the LCD controller313of the display controller310drives the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the transferred display data.

Here, a first example of the display operation in accordance with the third embodiment will be described. With execution of the display control processing shown inFIG. 23, the display screen100c, for example, shown inFIG. 18is displayed as a first example of the display operation. The first example of the display operation corresponds to a configuration pattern of the case where two sheet-supplying sections50are optionally coupled and further the finisher70is coupled in addition to the standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1c(the document feeding device8, the main body2and one sheet-supplying section50).

Next, a second example of the display operation in accordance with the third embodiment.FIG. 24shows a second example of the display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control processing shown inFIG. 23. The second example of the display operation corresponds to a configuration pattern of the case where the above-described sheet-supplying deck is optionally coupled, and the finisher70is further coupled in addition to the standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1c(the document feeding device8, the main body2and one sheet-supplying section50). In this case, being different from the example of configuration shown inFIG. 16, the image forming apparatus1cis not provided with sheet-supplying sections50in the second and third stages, but is provided with the sheet-supplying deck instead.

According to this configuration pattern, the display data of the first bitmap image B11(FIG. 19) is dynamically selected for the divisional areas R1, R3of the display area A, and the second bitmap image B12(FIG. 20) is dynamically selected for the divisional area R2of the display area A, in step S43of the system configuration information renewing processing shown inFIG. 22.

Then, the display controller310drives the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the display data selected for each of the divisional area R1, R2, R3. As a result, as shown inFIG. 24, the individual image b1, b2, b3, b6being parts of the first bitmap image B11and the individual image b7being a part of the second bitmap image B12are synthesized and displayed as an image on the display screen100c. The image in this case is a configuration image which truly simulates an overall configuration of an actual configuration pattern (the document feeding device8, the main body2, the sheet-supplying section50, the sheet-supplying deck, and the finisher70).

Next, a third example of the display operation in accordance with the third embodiment will be described.FIG. 25shows the third example of the display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control processing shown inFIG. 23. The third example of the display operation corresponds to a configuration pattern in which two sheet-supplying sections50are coupled, and another type of finisher is further coupled in addition to the standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1c(the document feeding device8, the main body2, and one sheet-supplying section50). In this case, being different from the example of configuration shown inFIG. 16, the image forming apparatus1cis provided with another type of finisher.

According to this configuration pattern, the display data of the first bitmap image B11(FIG. 19) is dynamically selected for the divisional area R1, R2of the display area A, and the display data of the third bitmap image B13(FIG. 21) is dynamically selected for the divisional area R3in step S43of the system configuration information renewing processing shown, inFIG. 22.

Then, the display controller310drives the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the display data selected for each of the divisional areas R1, R2, R3. As a result, as shown inFIG. 25, the individual images b1through b5being parts of the first bitmap image B11and the individual image b9being a part of the third bitmap image B13are synthesized and displayed as an image on the display screen100c. The image in this case is a configuration image which truly simulates an overall configuration of an actual configuration pattern (the document feeding device8, the main body2, the standard sheet-supplying section50, two sheet-supplying sections50, and another type of finisher).

Next, another example of the display operation in accordance with the third embodiment will be described. Though it is not especially illustrated, the main body controller320executes the system configuration information renewing processing shown inFIG. 22, and renews the latest system configuration information, so that a display operation in conformity with an actual configuration pattern of the image forming apparatus1ccan be realized in such a manner as described herebelow.

For example, when the system of the image forming apparatus1cis changed to the configuration pattern having the standard document feeding device8, one standard sheet-supplying section50and the holder in addition to the main body2, the display data of the first bitmap image B11is selected for the divisional area R1, and the display data of the third bitmap image B13is selected for the divisional area R2, and the display data of the second bitmap image B12(blank data) is selected for the divisional area R3, in step S43of the system configuration information renewing processing shown inFIG. 22. As a result, the individual images b1through b3being parts of the first bitmap image B11and the individual image b8being a part of the third bitmap image B13are synthesized and displayed as a configuration image on the display screen100c.

Alternatively, when the system of the image forming apparatus1cis changed to a configuration pattern having the standard document feeding device8, one standard sheet-supplying section50, the sheet-supplying deck, and another type of finisher in addition to the main body2, the display data of the first bitmap image B11is selected for the divisional area R1, and the display data of the second bitmap image B12is selected for the divisional area R2, and the display data of the third bitmap image B13is selected for the divisional area R3, in step S43of the system configuration information renewing processing shown inFIG. 22. As a result, the individual images b1through b3being parts of the first bitmap image B11, the individual image b7being a part of the second bitmap image B12, and the individual image b9as being a part of the third bitmap image B13are synthesized and displayed as a configuration image on the display screen100c.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main body controller320performs a control of displaying operation (instruction of displaying) by dynamically selecting display data (bitmap data) for each of the divisional area R1, R2, R3in conformity with an actual configuration pattern of the image forming apparatus1cand transferring the selected display data to the display controller310. Therefore, it would be enough to perform transfer of display data only once as a whole at first. Thus, a load required for data transfer and data processing can be reduced, so that a time required for the data transfer and the data processing can be shortened.

Further, even if the configuration pattern of the system is dynamically changed later, selecting display data for each of the divisional areas R1, R2, R3dynamically in conformity with the changed configuration pattern and transferring the selected data once as a whole would be enough. Therefore, it would not be necessary to transfer a plurality (for each component) of display data many times in conformity with the configuration pattern and arrange these on the memory space to construct data for transfer. Thus, a load required for data processing can be reduced in both the main body controller320and the display controller310, so that data can be transferred efficiently.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and it may be modified in various ways for practice. As an example of the system configuration in accordance with the present embodiment, the main body2and the standard sheet-supplying section50are separated. However, sheet-supplying section50may be uniformly provided in the main body2.

Further, the display area A, the divisional areas R1through R3, the first through third bitmap images B11, B12, B13, and the like shown in the present embodiment are preferred examples, and these may be desirably modified for practice.

The sheet-supplying sections50, the sheet-supplying deck, the finisher70, the holder, another type of finisher, and the like are described as optional attachments in the present embodiment. However, the large capacity sheet feeding section (side deck) as another example of the attachment may be coupled to the main body2.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2in the present embodiment. However, the liquid crystal display device100may be provided on the attachment such as the document feeding device8, the finisher70, and the like.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 26schematically shows an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus in accordance with the fourth embodiment. Further,FIG. 26schematically shows a structure of a printer which is an example of an image forming apparatus1d.

As shown inFIG. 26, the image forming apparatus1dincludes a sheet storage section4in a lower portion of its main body2. The sheet storage section4has a main body cassette6and a sheet-supplying portion61. The main body cassette6stores therein a stack of sheets P. The sheet-supplying portion61picks up an uppermost sheet P one after another, and sends out in an upper right direction of the main body cassette6inFIG. 26. The sheets P sent out therefrom are reversed leftward in the main body2and conveyed in a horizontal direction.

Further, the main body cassette6is so configured that it can be pulled out in a front side direction of the main body2. In the state of being pulled out, sheets P can be replenished into the main body cassette6, and the sheets P can be replaced with another kind of sheets.

In the main body2, there are arranged a feeding roller41, a sheet conveying passage42for supplying sheets P, a registration roller7, a print engine10, and a transferring section11in order on downstream of the sheet storage section4in a sheet-conveying direction.

The print engine10has a photoconductive drum18at its central portion. Further, the print engine10has a laser scanning unit20in its upper portion. As indicated by a one-dotted chain line inFIG. 26, the laser scanning unit20irradiates a laser light to the photoconductive drum18. Further, the transferring section11has a transferring roller14. The transferring roller14comes in contact with the photoconductive drum18from lower side to form a transfer nip for allowing a toner image to transfer to a sheet P.

Further, a toner container21is mounted in the main body2. The toner container21is positioned on right of the laser scanning unit20above the sheet conveying passage42, and is so configured that it is detachable from the main body2. Toner particles contained in the toner container21are supplied to the photoconductive drum18via a developing equipment (developing device)22.

Further, on downstream of the print engine10and the transferring section11in the sheet-conveying direction, a fixing device12and a sheet conveying passage36for discharging of sheets P are formed. The sheet conveying passage36extends upward along the left side surface of the main body2from downstream of the fixing device12. Further, the sheet conveying passage36is bent rightward in an upper portion of the main body2. On the top of the main body2, there is formed a sheet-discharging tray15which receives sheets P discharged from the end of the sheet conveying passage36and stacks the sheets in a height direction. The printed sheets P which are discharged on the sheet-discharging tray15can be easily taken out by a user.

On the other hand, in a space beneath the lower side of the transferring section11and the fixing device12but above the sheet storage section4, there is formed a sheet conveying passage40for a both side printing. The sheet conveying passage40branches out at a position along the left side surface of the main body2on the course of the sheet conveying passage36and extends downward. Further, the sheet conveying passage40is bent rightward in the main body2, extends in a horizontal direction, and merges with the sheet conveying passage42at a direct downstream position of the sheet-supplying portion61.

A schematic configuration of the main body2is as described above. In the image forming apparatus1daccording to the present embodiment, a sheet-supplying section (attachment)50can be coupled standardly or optionally to the lower side of the main body2for use. For example, provided that a configuration in which one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2is a standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1d, the example shown inFIG. 26is an optional configuration in which four sheet-supplying sections50are coupled successively in layers in addition to the standard configuration.

Each sheet-supplying section50has a sheet-supplying cassette52, a sheet-supplying unit54, a sheet passage56, and a conveying roller58. The sheet-supplying cassette52stores a stack of sheets P. The sheet-supplying unit54sends out an uppermost sheet P one after another in an upper right direction. The sheet P sent out by the sheet-supplying unit54is conveyed vertically upward through the sheet passage56. The sheet P conveyed upward is taken by the conveying roller44of the main body2and sent to a sheet conveying passage42.

Further, the respective sheet passages56of the vertically arranged sheet-supplying sections50are connected to each other at their respective upper end and lower end. Therefore, a sheet P sent out from a sheet-supplying section50which is positioned at a second stage from the uppermost or at a stage lower than the second stage among the plurality of sheet-supplying sections50is taken by the conveying rollers58in the sheet passages56of upper stages and conveyed vertically upward.

On an exterior cover of the image forming apparatus1d, there is provided an operation display device60. The operation display device60includes various operation buttons and a liquid crystal display device. The operation buttons receive a user's input operation. Further, the liquid crystal display device displays on its display screen various textual information for a user (such as a status and operation menus) and a configuration image simulating configurations of the image forming apparatus1dand its attachments. Such configuration image is used for visually presenting to a user a position where a sheet jam occurs during an operation of the image forming apparatus1dand a state of running out of sheets in the sheet-supplying section50. Hereinafter, a display control of a configuration image in accordance with the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 27is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display controller410of a liquid crystal display device100provided in the operation display device60shown inFIG. 26. A control of the liquid crystal display device100is performed, for example, in the display controller410. The display controller410includes a CPU411, an LCD controller412, a display data memory413, a table data memory414, a RAM415, and an interface416. It should be understood that the components which are the same as those of the first embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals. The liquid crystal display device100, for example, is provided at a position on an exterior cover surface of the image forming apparatus1dwhere a user can see it without any difficulty.

The display controller410may be configured as a single circuit board provided in the main body2of the image forming apparatus1d. On the circuit board, the above-described components are mounted. The components are connected to each other through an unillustrated wiring pattern and a bus417. The CPU411, the LCD controller412, and the RAM415may be of a widely used type. It should be understood that the CPU411may be an ASIC in which an application is installed for exclusive use. Further, operation signals outputted from the above-described operation buttons are inputted to the display controller410through the interface416.

The display data memory413includes a storage device such as a ROM and an EEPROM. In a memory area (memory block) of the display data memory413, individual display data as material of images to be displayed by the liquid crystal display device100is stored. Details of the individual display data will be described hereinafter.

The table data memory414may include a memory device such as a ROM and an EEPROM. The table data memory414stores table data which are used when the CPU411accesses (reads out) the display data memory413. It should be understood that details of table data will also be described hereinafter.

The main body controller420inputs system configuration information to the display controller410. The system configuration information is adapted to identify an overall system configuration when the sheet-supplying section50is standardly or optionally coupled to the main body2of the image forming apparatus1d. Specifically, the system configuration information is adapted to identify if the system of the image forming apparatus1dincludes a configuration having only the main body2(configuration pattern0), or a configuration (standard in the present embodiment) in which one sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2(configuration pattern1), or a configuration having two sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2(configuration pattern2), or a configuration having three, four, or five (or six or more) sheet-supplying sections50coupled to the main body2(configuration pattern3,4,5. . . ).

In the liquid crystal display device100, a display area necessary for displaying a configuration image on a display screen is divided into a plurality of divisional areas. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2, but the present invention is not especially limited to this. The liquid crystal display device100may be provided on the sheet-supplying section50.

The display data memory413stores a plurality of individual display data corresponding respectively to the plurality of divisional areas. The CPU411allows an image to be displayed on each of the divisional areas in accordance with the plurality of individual display data stored in the display data memory413so as to allow a configuration image simulating an overall configuration in combination of the main body2and the sheet-supplying section50to be displayed on the display screen in a state such that the plurality of divisional areas are synthesized.

The table data memory414stores table data for defining a plurality of configuration patterns of combinations of the main body2and the sheet-supplying section50and associating each of the divisional areas and respective individual display data for each of the plurality of configuration patterns.

The main body controller420is provided in the main body2as a unit having a function of controlling an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus1d. The above-described system configuration information is created in the main body controller420. Though it is not illustrated, the main body controller420also includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage device, and an interface, and each of the components is mounted on the circuit board. Each sheet-supplying section50has an option connector430of a drawer type. When the sheet-supplying section50is coupled to the main body2, the option connector430is connected simultaneously.

Further, when a plurality of sheet-supplying sections50are coupled in layers, the option connectors430are connected to the main body2in cascade. Each option connector430is grounded at the ground level which is in common with the main body controller420. The main body controller420can detect the number of stages of the sheet-supplying sections50in accordance with a connection signal (ON or OFF) of each option connector430. When there are a plurality of kinds of sheet-supplying section50, the above-described connection signal further includes information (about 4 bits) for identifying the kind.

In the present embodiment, the main body2corresponds to an example of a main body, and the sheet-supplying section50corresponds to an example of an attachment, and the liquid crystal display device100corresponds to an example of an image display device, and the display data memory413corresponds to an example of a data storage portion, and the CPU411and the LCD controller412correspond to an example of a display controller, and table data memory414corresponds to an example of an association information storing portion, and the main body controller420and the option connector430correspond to an example of a configuration detecting portion.

FIG. 28schematically shows a display screen100dof the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the fourth embodiment. The dotted lines of a lattice-like pattern shown inFIG. 28are grid lines which are virtually defined on the display screen100d. The grid lines vertically and horizontally partitions pixels arranged on the display screen100dinto lattices each having at a predetermined number of pixels.

In the present embodiment, a plurality (sixteen areas in this example) of divisional areas R1through R16are defined on the display area A of the display screen100d, and each rectangular part constituting the smallest unit indicated by the two-dotted chain lines inFIG. 28corresponds to one divisional area. Each of the divisional areas R1through R16includes lattices partitioned into three lines and six columns by the grid lines. Further, the divisional areas R1through R16are arranged adjacent to each other on the display screen100d. In this example, sixteen divisional areas R1through R16in total are arranged, where there are eight lines and two columns. It should be understood that the grid lines and two-dotted chain lines indicating the divisional areas R1through R16are not displayed on the actual display screen100d.

Next,FIGS. 29 and 30show specific examples of the individual display data.FIGS. 29A through 29Fshow individual display data corresponding respectively to the upper six (three lines by two columns) divisional areas R1through R6of the display screen100d. Further,FIGS. 30A through 30Jshow individual display data corresponding respectively to the ten (five lines by two columns) divisional areas R7through R16continuing downward. These individual display data are stored in the display data memory413in a form of raster data (for example, bitmap of 16 bit color, monochromatic gradations, monochromatic binary, or the like).

The individual display data mainly include blank portions D1and image portions D2. InFIGS. 29A,29C,29E,30A,30C,30E,30G, and301, respective blank portions D1are positioned on the left side, and respective image portions D2are positioned on the right side. On the other hand, inFIGS. 29B,29D,29F,30B,30D,30F,30H,30J, respective blank portions D1are positioned on the right side, and respective image portions D2are positioned on the left side.

Among those, the blank portions D1are areas for displaying blank (white image) on corresponding pixels on the display screen100d, and the blank portions D1include white data WB. Further, the image portions D2are areas for displaying a configuration image of the image forming apparatus1d(or sheet-supplying section50) on the display screen100d, and the image portions D2include color data CB and line data L. It should be understood that the data named “line data L” herein is not vector data but raster data.

The six individual display data shown inFIGS. 29A through 29Fare arranged and synthesized to be a single image to form a configuration image of the main body2as a whole. Further, each pair of individual display data positioned horizontally adjacent to each other inFIGS. 30A through 30Jare arranged and synthesized to be a single image to form a configuration image of the sheet-supplying section50as a whole.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 30B,30D,30F,30H, and30J, each of the individual display data corresponding to the lower divisional areas R8, R10, R12, R14, and R16on the right hand column includes icon-like graphic data NB in its image portion D2in addition to the color data CB and the line data L. These graphic data NB are adapted to visually display the cassette numbers such as “1” through “5” on the display screen100d. It should be understood that the numbers “1” through “5” drawn in the graphic data NB are raster images, and they are not constituted by fonts.

FIG. 31shows an example of table data in accordance with the fourth embodiment. The table data associates one of a plurality of ranks (here, four ranks of “A” through “D”) with each of the sixteen divisional areas R1through R16. Among those, the rank “A” is associated with individual display data of “NONE.” Further, the rank “B” is associated with individual display data of “BITMAP a” shown as examples inFIGS. 29 and 30. The rank “C” is associated with individual display data of another “BITMAP b.” It should be understood that a content of individual display data associated with the rank “D” is not given, but the rank “D” may be associated with individual data of “BITMAP c” as an option.

The table data designates association of “A” through “D” with each of the divisional areas in accordance with a configuration pattern of the system. InFIG. 31, the ranks designated for the divisional areas are shown with shades. As described above, when a configuration of a combination of the main body2and another additional sheet-supplying section50is standard, the system configuration pattern shown inFIG. 26includes four sheet-supplying sections50additionally coupled to the standard configuration (combination of the main body2and one sheet-supplying section50).

The table data shown inFIG. 31corresponds to the above-described configuration pattern. In this case, it can be seen that the rank “B” is designated for all of the divisional areas R1through R16. In this case, individual display data of “BITMAP a” shown as example inFIGS. 29 and 30is associated with all of the divisional areas R1through R16.

Next, a display control sequence executed in the display controller410in accordance with the fourth embodiment will be described.FIG. 32is a flowchart illustrating the display control sequence executed in the display controller410in accordance with the fourth embodiment.

When a power of the image forming apparatus1dis turned on, the main body controller420performs a predetermined initialization processing, and thereafter creates system configuration information with reference to connection signals of the option connector430. Further, the display controller410executes a predetermined initialization processing and thereafter shifts to the display control sequence. Hereinafter, it will be described by following the order of steps.

Firstly, in step S61, the CPU411of the display controller410obtains system configuration information transmitted from the main body controller420. Next, in step S62, the CPU411of the display controller410recognizes a configuration pattern (0through N) of the image forming apparatus1dfrom the system configuration information, and cashes the same.

Next, in step S63, the CPU411of the display controller410accesses the table data memory414and selects table data which corresponds to the identified configuration pattern (0through N). The selected table data is stored into, for example, the RAM415.

Next, in step S64, the CPU411of the display controller410refers to table data on the RAM415, accesses the display data memory413, and then transfers the read individual display data to the LCD controller412. At this time, the CPU411designates read-out individual display data in accordance with the ranks “A” through “D” designated in the table data for the divisional areas R1through R16.

Next, in step S65, the LCD controller412of the display controller410drives the liquid crystal display device100in accordance with the transferred individual display data.

FIG. 33illustrates a first example of the display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control sequence shown inFIG. 32. The first example of the display operation is associated with the system configuration (configuration pattern5) in which four sheet-supplying sections50are added to the standard configuration of the image forming apparatus1d.

According to this system configuration, the table data shown inFIG. 31is selected in step S63, and all of the divisional areas R1through R16of the display area A of the display screen100dare associated with the individual display data of “BITMAP a”. As a result, the bitmap images shown inFIGS. 29A through 29Fare displayed respectively on the divisional areas R1through R6. Therefore, synthesizing these bitmap images allows a configuration image F0simulating a configuration of the main body2to be displayed. Further, the bitmap images shown inFIGS. 30A through 30Jare displayed respectively on the divisional areas R7through R16. At this time, each of horizontally adjacent pairs of divisional areas R7, R8, divisional areas R9, R10, divisional areas R11, R12, divisional areas R13, R14, and divisional areas R15, R16is synthesized, so that configuration images F1through F5each simulating a configuration of the sheet-supplying section50are displayed. Then, the configuration images F0through F5are synthesized on the display screen100d, so that a configuration image simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1dis displayed.

Next, a second example of display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control sequence will be described. In the example of second display operation, individual display data of another “BITMAP b” is used in addition to the “BITMAP a”.

FIG. 34shows individual display data of a second example the display operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment. The individual display data of “BITMAP b” shown inFIG. 34is associated with the divisional areas R13through R16on the display screen100d. If the four individual display data shown inFIGS. 34A through 34Darranged and synthesized into one image, the image constitutes a configuration image of a large-capacity sheet-supplying section as a whole. The large-capacity sheet-supplying section is an optional attachment having a capacity of twice larger than that of the sheet-supplying section50, and its size corresponds to that of two sheet-supplying sections50arranged vertically.

FIG. 35shows table data of the second example of the display operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment. The table data shown inFIG. 35corresponds to a system configuration (configuration pattern6) in which two sheet-supplying sections50are coupled in addition to the standard system configuration, and the above-described large-capacity sheet-supplying section is optionally coupled. It should be understood that the large-capacity sheet-supplying section is coupled at a position of the lowermost layer.

According to the table data shown inFIG. 35, the rank “B” is designated for the divisional areas R1through R12, but the rank “C” is designated for other divisional areas R13through R16. In this case, the divisional areas R1through R12are associated with the individual data of “BITMAP a”, and other divisional areas R13through R16are associated with the individual display data of “BITMAP b”.

FIG. 36shows a display screen of the liquid crystal display device100in the second example of the display operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment. In this case, bitmap images are displayed on the divisional areas R1through R6of the display area A of the display screen100din accordance with the individual display data of “BITMAP a”. Therefore, when these images are synthesized, a configuration image F0simulating a configuration of the main body2is displayed. Further, also on the lower six divisional areas R7through R12, bitmap images are displayed in accordance with the individual display data of “BITMAP a”. Therefore, synthesizing each of the horizontally adjacent pairs of divisional areas R7, R8, divisional areas R9, R10, and divisional area R11, R12allows configuration images F1through F3each simulating a configuration of the sheet-supplying section50to be displayed. On other four divisional areas R13through R16, bitmap images are displayed in accordance with individual display data of “BITMAP b”. Therefore, synthesizing those allows a configuration image F6simulating a configuration of the large-capacity sheet-supplying section to be displayed. As a result, synthesizing the configuration images F0through F3and F6allows a configuration image simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1dto be displayed as a whole on the display screen100d.

Next, a third example of the display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control sequence will be described.FIG. 37shows table data used in the third example of the display operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment. The table data shown inFIG. 37corresponds to a system configuration (referred to as configuration pattern2) in which one sheet-supplying section50is optionally coupled in addition to the standard system configuration.

In the table data shown inFIG. 37, the rank “B” is designated for the divisional areas R1through R10, but the rank “A” is designated for other divisional areas R11through R16. In this case, the individual display data of “BITMAP a” is associated with the divisional areas R1through R10, but individual display data of “NONE” is associated with other divisional areas R11through R16. It should be understood that the individual display data of “NONE” indicates that all of pixels have white data WB on the display data memory413, or it is blank data (=0).

FIG. 38shows a display screen of the liquid crystal display device100in the third example of the display operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment. In this case, bitmap images are displayed on the divisional areas R1through R6of the display area A of the display screen100din accordance with individual display data of “BITMAP a”. Therefore, synthesizing these images allows the configuration image F0simulating the configuration of the main body2to be displayed. Further, bitmap images are displayed on the lower four divisional areas R7through R10in accordance with the individual display data of “BITMAP a”. Therefore, synthesizing each horizontally adjacent pair of divisional areas R7, R8, and divisional areas R9, R10allows configuration images F1, F2each simulating the sheet-supplying section50to be displayed. Then, on other six divisional areas R11through R16, display contents are determined in accordance with the individual display data of “NONE”. Therefore, nothing is displayed on the display screen100d, or blank image is displayed. As a result, synthesizing the configuration images F0through F2allows a configuration image simulating an overall system configuration of the image forming apparatus1das whole to be displayed on the display screen100d.

Next, a fourth example of the display operation of the liquid crystal display device100, which is performed with execution of the display control sequence will be described.FIG. 39shows table data used in the fourth example of the display operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment. The table data shown inFIG. 39corresponds to the standard system configuration (configuration pattern0) without any option.

In the table data shown inFIG. 39, the rank “B” is designated for the divisional areas R1through R8, but the rank “A” is designated from other areas divisional areas R9through R16. In this case, the individual display data of “BITMAP a” is associated with the divisional areas R1through R8, but the individual display data of “NONE” is associated with other divisional areas R9through R16.

FIG. 40shows a display screen of the liquid crystal display device100in the fourth example of the display operation in accordance with the fourth embodiment. In this case, bitmap images are displayed on the divisional areas R1through R6of the display area A of the display screen100din accordance with the individual display data of “BITMAP a”. Therefore, synthesizing these images allows a configuration image F0simulating the configuration of the main body2to be displayed. Further, bitmap images are displayed on the lower two divisional areas R7, R8in accordance with the individual display data of “BITMAP a”. Therefore, synthesizing these images allows the configuration image F1simulating the configuration of the sheet-supplying section50to be displayed. Then, display contents are determined in accordance with the individual display data of “NONE” on other eight divisional areas R9through R16. Therefore, nothing is displayed on the display screen100d, or blank is displayed. As a result, synthesizing the configuration images F0, F1allows a configuration image simulating the standard system configuration of the image forming apparatus1das a whole is displayed on the display screen100d.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of divisional areas R1through R16are defined on the display area A of the display screen100d, and individual display data associated with each of the divisional areas R1through R16is stored in the display data memory413. Then, when the system configuration of the image forming apparatus1dchanges in a plurality of ways, table data stored in the table data memory414for each of the configuration patterns is referred, and display contents on the divisional areas R1through R16are determined in accordance with the individual display data associated in accordance with the table data.

In the present embodiment, the individual display data (for example, “BITMAP a” and “BITMAP b”) associated with the divisional areas R1through R16have the same amount (data capacity). Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain or manage when memory areas are reserved, or when address is designated in the display data memory413.

Further, like the large-capacity sheet-supplying section, even when an attachment having a configuration (size) different from other sheet-supplying section50is used, it would be enough to add the individual display data having the same data capacity for each corresponding display area on the display screen100d. Accordingly, construction of new individual display data becomes easy, and maintenance and management also become easy.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it can be modified in various ways for practice. In the system configuration according to the present embodiment, the sheet storage section4is provided in the main body2. However, it is not necessary to provide the sheet storage section4in the main body2.

Further, the present embodiment shows a configuration pattern in which the sheet-supplying section50is standardly provided in the main body2. However, the image forming apparatus1dmay have a standard system configuration including only the main body2.

The table data of the first through fourth examples of the display operation are just preferred examples. They can be desirably modified for practice. Further, when the system configuration pattern changes, other table data is surely prepared in accordance with the change.

In the present embodiment, the sheet-supplying section50and the large-capacity sheet-supplying section are described as examples of the attachment, but it may have a configuration in which an image reading device and a finisher (post-processing device) are coupled to the main body2as other attachment.

Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device100is provided on the main body2. However, the liquid crystal display device100and the like may be provided on attachment such as the image reading device, the finisher, or the like.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a printer is described as an example of the image forming apparatus1d. However, the image forming apparatus may be a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a complex machine, or the like.

The above-described embodiments include the invention having the following configurations.

An image forming apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention comprises: a main body for printing an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium; an attachment coupled to the main body; a data storage portion for storing as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of the main body and the attachment; an image display device including a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image, the image display device being provided on either one of the main body and the attachment; and a controller for determining displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas, and controlling the display device to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed in accordance with the display data on a divisional area which is determined to display, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed.

According to this configuration, the main body has a function to print an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium. Further, the attachment is coupled to the main body to, for example, supplement a function of the main body or add another function. In this case, the image forming apparatus is constituted by a system having the main body and the attachment which associate with each other for operation. The data storage portion stores as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of the main body and the attachment. On either one of the main body and the attachment, there is provided the image display device including a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image. Displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas is determined, and the image display device is controlled to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined to display, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed.

Thus, determining displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas allows a plurality of kinds of configuration images to be displayed with use of one kind of display data. Therefore, even when an overall configuration of a combination of the main body and the attachment constituting the image forming apparatus changes, controlling displaying and non-displaying on divisional areas in accordance with the change allows a configuration image to be displayed in conformity with various configurations of the image forming apparatus. Further, even when a configuration of the image forming apparatus, it would be enough to always use one kind of display data. Therefore, it would not be necessary to read a plurality of display data and arrange these on a memory space to construct transfer data in conformity with a configuration of the image forming apparatus, so that a load required for data transfer and data processing is reduced. Consequently, the data transfer and data processing can be performed efficiently.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the controller includes: a display determining portion for determining displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas; and a display controller for controlling the image display device to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed in accordance with the display data on a divisional area which is determined to display by the display determining portion, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed by the display determining portion.

According to this configuration, the display determining portion determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas. Further, the display controller controls the image display device to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed in accordance with the display data on a divisional area which is determined to display by the display determining portion, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed by the display determining portion.

Thus, displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas is determined, and displaying and non-displaying is controlled in accordance with the determination result, so that an overall configuration of a combination of the main body and the attachment included in the image forming apparatus can be easily presented to a user.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the data storage portion stores as display data a configuration image simulating a combination of the main body and a maximum number of attachments.

According to this configuration, a configuration image simulating an overall system configuration is displayed on the display screen, and the configuration image is displayed in accordance with one kind of display data corresponding a combination of the main body and a maximum number of attachments. Then, displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas is determined. Therefore, a plurality of patterns of configuration images can be displayed with use of one kind of display data.

Further, the display data is adapted to display an overall configuration image of the image forming apparatus having the main body and a maximum number of attachments which can be coupled to the main body, but a part of the display data is not displayed on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed on the display screen. Accordingly, a configuration image corresponding to the attachment can be partially not displayed on the actual screen. Therefore, switching displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance with existence and non-existence of the attachment allows a configuration image of the image forming apparatus including the main body without any attachment coupled thereto to be displayed on the screen, or allows configuration images corresponding to a plurality of patterns of configurations having one through a maximum number of attachments coupled to the main body to be displayed on the screen.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus further comprises a configuration detecting portion for detecting an attachment which is actually coupled to the main body, and the display determining portion determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance with a detection result provided by the configuration detecting portion.

According to this configuration, an attachment which is actually coupled to the main body is detected, and displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas is determined in accordance with a detection result. Therefore, a configuration image truly simulating an overall configuration of the actual image forming apparatus can be displayed assuredly.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus further comprises a mask pattern storage portion for storing a plurality of mask patterns each presenting displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance with a configuration pattern of the main body and the attachment of the image forming apparatus, and the display determining portion selects a mask pattern corresponding to a configuration pattern which is determined in accordance with the detection result provided by the configuration detecting portion from the plurality of mask patterns stored in the mask pattern storage portion, and determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance with the selected mask pattern.

According to this configuration, the mask pattern storage portion stores a plurality of mask patterns each presenting displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance with a configuration pattern of the main body and the attachment of the image forming apparatus. Then, the display determining portion selects a mask pattern corresponds to a configuration pattern which is determined in accordance with the detection result from the plurality of mask patterns stored in the mask pattern storage portion, and displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas is determined in accordance with the selected mask pattern.

Thus, since a plurality of mask patterns each presenting displaying and non-displaying on each divisional area are stored, and a mask pattern corresponding to a configuration pattern of the main body and attachment of the actual image forming apparatus is selected from the plurality of mask patterns, displaying and non-displaying on each divisional area can be easily determined.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the data storage portion stores as display data the configuration image in a combination of a plurality of individual images simulating respective configurations of the main body and the attachment, and the display area is divided into a plurality of divisional areas corresponding to the individual images to be displayed on the display area.

According to this configuration, each divisional area corresponds to an individual image simulating a configuration of the main body or an individual image simulating an attachment on the display screen. Therefore, displaying and non-displaying on each divisional area can be switched in accordance with existence and non-existence of the attachment in an actual configuration of the image forming apparatus.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the controller includes: a data accumulating portion for accumulating display data for allowing the image display device to display an image on the display screen; a data transferring portion for transferring the display data stored in the data storage portion to the data accumulating portion and allowing the data storage portion to accumulate the display data; a control instructing portion for instructing the image display device to display the configuration image on the display screen, and determining displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas, and outputting a control instruction signal of instructing displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas; and a display controller for controlling an operation of the image display device in accordance with display data stored in the data accumulating portion and switching displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas in accordance with the control instruction signal when the control instruction signal outputted from the control instructing portion is inputted.

According to this configuration, the data accumulating portion accumulates display data for allowing the image display device to display an image on the display screen, and the display data stored in the data storage portion is transferred to the data accumulating portion and stored. The control instructing portion instructs the image display device to display the configuration image on the display screen, and determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas, and outputs a control instruction signal of instructing displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas. When the control instruction signal outputted from the control instructing portion is inputted, the display controller controls an operation of the display device in accordance with display data accumulated in the data accumulating portion and switches displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas in accordance with the control instruction signal.

Thus, when an instruction of displaying a configuration image is given, a configuration image is directly displayed on a divisional area which is instructed to display a configuration image, but a configuration image is not displayed on a divisional area which is instructed not to display a configuration image. In other words, since one kind of display data is accumulated in the data accumulating portion, but display data is not displayed on a divisional area which is not necessary to display on the screen, a plurality of patterns of configuration images can be displayed by switching of displaying and non-displaying.

Therefore, if the display data is transferred from the data storage portion and accumulated in the data accumulating portion once, displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas can be switched in accordance with actual existence and non-existence of the attachment by instructing displaying and non-displaying on each divisional area when the system configuration of the image forming apparatus is changed. As a result, a configuration image of the image forming apparatus including only the main body without any attachment coupled thereto or a configuration image corresponding to a plurality of configurations of the image forming apparatus to which one through a maximum number of attachments are coupled to the main body can be displayed on the screen.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus further comprises a configuration detecting portion for detecting an attachment actually coupled to the main body, and the control instructing portion creates a control instruction signal of instructing displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas in accordance with a detection result provided by the configuration detecting portion.

According to this configuration, an attachment actually coupled to the main body is detected, and displaying and non-displaying on each of the divisional areas is instructed in accordance with a detection result. Accordingly, a configuration image truly simulating an actual overall configuration of the image forming apparatus can be displayed assuredly.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the data storage portion stores as display data configuration image of a combination of a plurality of individual images simulating respective configurations of the main body and the attachment, and the display area is divided into a plurality of divisional areas corresponding to the individual images to be displayed on the display area.

According to this configuration, since each of the divisional areas corresponds to an individual image simulating the main body or an individual image simulating an attachment on the display screen, displaying and non-displaying on each divisional area can be switched in accordance with existence and non-existence of an actual configuration of the image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a main body for printing an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium; an attachment coupled to the main body; a data storage portion for defining a plurality of configuration patterns of the main body and the attachment, and storing as a plurality of display data configuration images simulating overall configurations of combinations of the main body and the attachment arranged in a plurality of configuration patterns; an image display device including a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the overall configuration image, the image display device being provided on either one of the main body and the attachment; a data accumulating portion for accumulating display data for allowing the image display device to display an image on the display screen; a display content determining portion for determining a display content displayed on each of the plurality of divisional areas; a data transferring portion for selecting display data including a display content to be displayed on each of the divisional areas from among a plurality of display data stored in the data storage portion in accordance with a determination result provided by the display content determining portion, and transferring the display data of each of the divisional areas to the data accumulating portion, and allowing the data accumulating portion to accumulate the display data; and a display controller for allowing the configuration image to be displayed on the display screen in accordance with the display data accumulated in the data accumulating portion.

According to this configuration, the main body has a function to print an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium. Further, the attachment is coupled to the main body to, for example, supplement a function of the main body or add another function. In this case, the image forming apparatus is constituted by a system including the main body and the attachment which are associated with each other for operation. The data storage portion defines a plurality of configuration patterns of the main body and the attachment, and stores as a plurality of display data configuration images simulating overall configurations of combinations of the main body and the attachment arranged in a plurality of configuration patterns. On either one of the main body and the attachment, the image display device is provided. The image display device includes a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image. The data accumulating portion accumulates display data for allowing the image display device to display an image on the display screen. A display content displayed on each of the plurality of divisional areas is determined, and display data including a display content to be displayed on each of the divisional areas is selected from a plurality of display data stored in the data storage portion in accordance with a determination result, and the display data of each of the divisional area is transferred to the data accumulating portion and stored. Then, a configuration image is displayed on the display screen in accordance with the display data accumulated in the data accumulating portion.

Thus, since the display data of the configuration are stored for each of the plurality of configuration patterns, and display data of the configuration image are dynamically selected in accordance with an actual configuration pattern of the image forming apparatus, configuration images truly simulating overall configurations of the image forming apparatus in accordance with various configuration patterns can be displayed. Further, even in a case of displaying configuration images in conformity with various configuration patterns of the image forming apparatus, it would be enough to transfer display data to the data accumulating portion once. Therefore, it would not be necessary to perform data transfer many times when displaying a configuration image. Accordingly, a load required from data processing can be reduced, so that data transfer speed necessary for displaying a configuration image can be improved to make the data transfer be more efficient.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus further comprises a configuration detecting portion for detecting an attachment actually coupled to the main body, and the display content determining portion determines a display content displayed on each of the divisional areas in accordance with the detection result provided by the configuration detecting portion.

According to this configuration, an attachment actually coupled to the main body is detected, and a display content to be displayed on each of the divisional areas is determined in accordance with a detection result. Accordingly, a configuration image truly simulating an actual overall configuration of the image forming apparatus can be displayed.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the data storage portion stores as display data a configuration image in a combination of a plurality of individual images simulating respective configurations of the main body and the attachment, and the display area is divided into a plurality of divisional areas along borders of the individual images to be displayed on the display area.

According to this configuration, since each divisional area corresponds to an individual image simulating a configuration of the main body or an individual image simulating a configuration of the attachment on the display screen, display data including a display content to be displayed can be selected for each divisional area in accordance with existence and non-existence of the attachment in an actual configuration of the image forming apparatus.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the display controller selects display data for each of the divisional areas, and extracts an individual image of a part of the display data corresponding the divisional area and synthesizes the individual images to allow the configuration image to be displayed on the display screen.

According to this configuration, display data is selected from each of the divisional areas, and individual images of parts of the display data corresponding to the selected divisional areas are extracted and synthesized. Accordingly, an overall configuration image of the image forming apparatus can be displayed on the display screen.

An image forming apparatus according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises: a main body for printing an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium; an image display device including a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas, the image display device being provided on the main body; a data storage portion for storing a plurality of individual display data corresponding respectively to the plurality of the divisional areas; and a display controller for allowing an image to be displayed on each of the divisional areas in accordance with the plurality of individual display data stored in the data storage portion to allow a configuration image simulating a configuration of the main body to be displayed on the display screen in a state such that the plurality of divisional areas are synthesized.

According to this configuration, the main body has a function to print an image formed in accordance with image data onto a medium. On the main body, the image display device is provided, and the image display device includes a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas. The data storage portion stores a plurality of individual display data corresponding respectively to the plurality of the divisional areas. An image is displayed on each divisional area in accordance with the plurality of individual display data stored in the data storage portion to allow a configuration image simulating a configuration of the main body to be displayed on the display screen in a state such that the plurality of divisional areas are synthesized.

Thus, since each individual display data corresponds respectively to divisional areas defined on the display screen, and an image is displayed on each of the plurality of divisional areas, they are synthesized as a result, and a configuration image of the main body is displayed. Therefore, it would not be necessary to construct individual display data for each component, such as the main body, of the image forming apparatus, and it would be enough to construct individual display data on each divisional area of the display screen. Consequently, construction, maintenance, and management of data can be made in an easier manner.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus further comprises an attachment coupled to the main body, and the image display device is provided on either one of the main body and the attachment, and the display controller allows an image to be displayed on each of the divisional areas in accordance with the plurality of individual display data stored in the data storage portion to allow a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of the main body and the attachment to be displayed on the display screen in a state such that the plurality of divisional areas are synthesized.

According to this configuration, the attachment is coupled to the main body to, for example, supplement the function of the main body or add another function. In this case, the image forming apparatus is constituted by a system including the main body and the attachment associated with each other for operation. On any one of the main body and the attachment, the image display device is provided. The image display device includes a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas. Displaying images on divisional areas in accordance with the plurality of individual display data stored in the data storage portion allows a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of the main body and the attachment to be displayed on the display screen in a state such that the plurality of divisional areas are synthesized.

Thus, since each individual display data corresponds respectively to divisional areas defined on the display screen, and an image is displayed on each of the plurality of divisional areas, they are synthesized as a result, and an overall configuration image of a combination of the main body and the attachment is displayed. Therefore, it would not be necessary to construct individual display data for each component, such as the main body and attachment, of the image forming apparatus, and it would be enough to construct individual display data on each divisional area of the display screen. Consequently, construction, maintenance, and management of data can be made in an easier manner.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the image forming apparatus further comprises: an association information storing portion for defining a plurality of configuration patterns of the main body and the attachment and storing association information associating each of the divisional areas and respective individual display data each of the plurality of configuration patterns; and a configuration detecting portion for detecting a configuration pattern of the attachment actually coupled to the main body, and the display controller reads out the association information stored in the association information storing portion in accordance with a configuration pattern detected by the configuration detecting portion and allows an image to be displayed on each of the divisional areas in accordance with individual display data associated with each of the divisional areas by the association information which is read out.

According to this configuration, even when an overall configuration of the image forming apparatus changes in accordance with a difference in a configuration pattern, associating the divisional areas and the individual display data in accordance with a respective allows an overall configuration image of the image forming apparatus to be displayed in accordance with the configuration pattern.

Further, in the above-described image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the data storage portion stores the plurality of individual display data in a manner such that all of the display data have the same storage capacity.

According to this configuration, since the plurality of individual display data are stored in a manner such that all of the individual display data have the same storage capacity, reserving and designation of the memory area can be easily performed when the individual display data is stored in a device such as a physical memory and the like.

This application is based on Japanese Patent application serial Nos. 2007-108216, 2007-108217, 2007-108218, and 2007-108219 filed in Japan Patent Office on Apr. 17, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.