Magnification changing system for a copier

Abstract: A magnification changing system for a copier. When any one of a document longitudinal key, a document lateral key, a copy longitudinal key and a copy lateral key is pressed, all the data associated with that key are displayed so that an operator is clearly informed of whether or not the entry of particular data is requested. When pressing one of the independent longitudinal and the lateral magnification keys, the current settings are displayed and new input prompted for by flickering.

Description: The present invention relates to a magnification changing device for a copier as defined in one of claims 1 or 12. A problem with a prior art copier is that in the event of a change of magnification it is difficult for a person to recognize the kind of data which the copier requests. Hence, the manual operation is complicated and awkward. An image reproducing device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A-4,505,579. This device includes an input means for inputting a size of an original and a further input means for inputting a size of a copy paper. Based on the values inputted by these input means, a copy magnification calculation means calculates a particular copy magnification factor. This factor is calculated using the dimensions of the original and the copy paper in one direction. According to US-A-4,657,380, an image reproducing device was proposed, which, within a predetermined range is able to set a longitudinal magnification ratio of a copied image against an original and also a lateral magnification ratio of a copied image against the original independently. However, the above prior art is very complex and needs an operator with practice to be properly operated in each situation. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a magnification changing device for a copier which is easy to operate. It is another object of the present invention to provide a generally improved magnification changing device for a copier. These objects are solved by the devices according to the present invention as defined by the independent claims 1 and 12. Usual embodiments are defined by the subclaims. In accordance with the present invention, a magnification changing device for an image reproducing device comprises independent longitudinal and lateral magnification change modes and being arranged to display in an area the longitudinal magnification and the lateral magnification being set, characterized in that the device is arranged to display newly entered longitudinal and lateral magnifications in another area. The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing a x1 magnify mode; Figs. 2 is a flowchart showing an enlarge mode; Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a relationship between magnification Nos. and magnifications; Fig. 4 is a flowchart representative of a reduce mode; Figs. 5 and 6 are flowcharts demonstrating a zoom down mode; Figs. 7 and 8 are flowcharts demonstrating a zoom up mode; Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an independent dimension magnification change mode; Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an independent longitudinal mode; Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an independent lateral mode; Figs. 12 to 15 are flowcharts each showing a dimension magnification change mode is a flowchart showing a dimension document lateral mode; and Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine "check magnification" for calculating magnifications. Fig. 1 shows a flowchart representative of a x1 magnification mode. When a x1 switch is turned on, a MAX and a MIN display each showing data on the basis of independent dimension magnification change are turned off. Simultaneously, if automatic magnification selection (AMS) has been set up, it is cleared; if automatic paper selection (APS) has been set up, it is also cleared. If the x1 magnification mode has already been set up, a buzzer is not energized. Further, an independent and a dimension magnification change mode are cleared, dimension magnification change data (longitudinal and lateral dimensions of a document and those of a paper) are cleared, and "100 %" appears on the first line of the LCD. Fig. 2 shows a procedure representative of an enlarge mode. When a reduce mode is turned on simultaneously with the manipulation of an enlarge switch, no operation occurs. As in the case of the x1 mode, AMS and APS processings are executed before energizing the buzzer. When the magnification is x1, reduction, independent longitudinal and lateral magnification or zoom 400 %, "115 %" is set; otherwise, a magnification higher by one step than the fixed magnification being displayed is set. The independent mode and the dimension magnification change mode are cleared, and the dimension magnification change data are erased. At this time, a magnification such as "115 %" appears on the first line of the LCD. Fig. 3 shows a relationship between magnification Nos. which are shown in the flowcharts and the magnifications. Fig. 4 is a flowchart demonstrating a reduce mode. When the magnification is x1, independent longitudinal and lateral magnification, zoom 25 %, "93 %" is set; otherwise, a magnification lower by one step than the fixed magnification being displayed is set. The rest of the procedure is the same as in the enlarge mode. Figs. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a zoom down (-) mode. When any of the enlarge, reduce and x1 keys are pressed, the operation of the zoom key is not accepted. When the zoom key is pressed for the first time, AMS and APS processings are effected to clear the dimension magnification change mode as well as dimension magnification change data. A 500 msec flag is set and, if the longitudinal magnification is 25 %, the buzzer is not energized. In the case of a mode other than the independent magnification change mode, the magnification is reduced by 1 %. If fixed magnification change which corresponds to the resulting magnification exists, a fixed magnification change display associated therewith is turned on. The magnification such as "91 %" is indicated on the first line of the liquid crystal display. Here, the display may be provided in any of three different manners as shown below: (1) 1st Line 100 % → 99 % (2) Long. 125 % Lat. 90 % → 124 % (3) → 89 % Item (1) shown above is used to zoom down when the independent magnification change mode is not set up. When the zoom key is pressed while the independent magnification change mode is set up, item (2) shows zoom down by using the longitudinal dimension as a reference, resetting the independent magnification change, and setting up the usual magnification change mode. Item (3) shows zoom down by using the lateral dimension as a reference. Although not shown in the flowcharts, an item (4) which zooms down in both of the longitudinal and lateral directions is available in the independent magnification mode, as shown below: Long. 125 % Lat. 90 % → Long. 124 % Lat. 89 % Item (4) is extremely effective when a person sets up a magnification in the independent magnification change mode or the dimension magnification change mode, then obtains copies, and then desires to slightly change the magnification. Thus the zooming items (2), (3) and (4) available in the independent magnification mode are memorized by a dip switch, a memory back-up. etc. In the independent magnification change mode, the independent magnification data are sequentially reduced. Specifically, with reference to Fig. 6, when a magnification of less than 25 % is set (in this particular mode, magnification data can be set by using the numeral keys and zoom key), a magnification of 25 % is set; when a magnification of more than 400 % is set, a magnification of 400 % is set. As the zoom key is continuously pressed, the buzzer is energized at the first time and the first zoom-down is effected at 500 msec, and the buzzer is deenergized at the second time and onward and the zoom-down is effected at 200 msec. Figs. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a zoom up (+) mode. This mode is basically the same as the zoom down mode of Figs 5 and 6 and, therefore, details thereof will not be described to avoid redundancy. Fig. 9 shows an independent or a dimension magnification change mode. As shown, even when any of the independent and dimension magnification change switches is pressed, the input is not accepted if any of the x1, enlarge, reduce and zoom switches has been depressed. Fig 10 shows an independent lateral mode. Specifically, when the independent lateral switch is pressed, the dimension magnification change mode as well as data associated therewith is cleared. If the independent lateral mode has already been set up, the magnification is checked. If the independent magnification change data (see Fig. 16) is greater than 400 %, 400 % is set while, at the same time, the MAX indicator is turned on. If it is smaller than 25 %, 25 % is set, the MIN indicator is turned on. The independent magnification is set as the lateral magnification, and the longitudinal and lateral magnifications are displayed on the first line of the LCD. If the current mode is not the independent lateral magnification change mode, the mode is set. If the independent longitudinal magnification change mode has been set up (see fig 9), the independent magnification is set as the longitudinal magnification and then the independent lateral magnification mode is set up (see fig. 11) Item (1) shown above exemplifies a case wherein the current magnification change mode is replaced with the independent lateral magnification change mode. Item (2) exemplifies a case wherein the independent magnification change mode is replaced with the independent lateral magnification change mode. Further, item (3) exemplifies a case wherein the independent longitudinal magnification change mode is replaced with the independent lateral magnification change mode. As stated above, in the independent magnification change mode, a work area is provided for setting a magnification other than the current longitudinal and lateral magnifications, and the indicator associated with the desired magnification is caused to flash. This allows a person to compare the desired magnification and the current magnification and, in addition, facilitates the recognition by the flashing of the magnification data. Further, since the magnification data may be entered by using the zoom key in place of the numeral keys, fine adjustment and easy operation are achieved. The independent magnification data in the work area will be set as the longitudinal magnification or the magnification at any of the following exemplary timings: (1) when the same key is pressed, i.e. when data is set in the independent lateral magnification change mode, and then the independent lateral magnification change key is pressed again; (2) when any other independent magnification change key is pressed, i.e. when data is set in the independent longitudinal magnification change mode, and then the independent lateral magnification change key is pressed to set the longitudinal data; (3) when the enter key (# key) is pressed; and (4) when the print switch is pressed. Fig. 11 shows an independent longitudinal mode which is essentially the same as the independent lateral mode of Fig. 10 and, hence, details thereof will not be described. Figs. 12 to 15 are flowcharts each showing a dimension magnification change mode. Specifically, Fig. 12 shows a dimension document lateral mode. In this mode, when the dimension document lateral switch is pressed, the independent magnification change mode is cleared. If the document lateral input mode has been set up, it is checked whether the lateral dimension of a copy and that of a document have been entered. If they have been entered, the respective magnifications are calculated and set by the subprogramm according to Fig. 16. Thereafter, the longitudinal and lateral magnifications are displayed on the first line of the LCD. If any of the longitudinal and lateral dimensions have not been entered, the former magnification before calling the dimension magnification change is displayed because no new magnification can be calculated. (1) Exemplary case wherein the longitudinal and lateral dimensions are entered then, long. mag. 51 % lat. mag. 120 % (2) Exemplary case wherein only the lateral dimensions of a copy and a document are entered (assuming that the previous magnification is 100 %) then, long. mag. 100 % lat. mag. 120 % When the dimension document lateral input mode is not set up, the mode is set; when any size data is preserved, the size data is displayed; and when no such data is preserved, dots "... ..." are displayed and caused to flash. (1) Exemplary case wherein no size data is entered Here, the dots "... ..." indicative of a document lateral size flash. (2) Exemplary case wherein previously entered size data are preserved Here, "100" indicative of the document lateral dimension flashes. Figs. 13 to 15 show other dimension magnification change modes which are essentially the same as that shown in Fig 12, such as a dimension document longitudinal mode, a dimension copy lateral mode and a dimension copy longitudinal mode. As described above, when any one of the document longitudinal and lateral and the copy longitudinal and lateral keys is pressed, all the data are displayed and recognizable with ease. Further, if data has already been entered, dots "... ..." flash to show a person particular data being entered. These dimension size data will be erased only when a magnification change key other than the dimension magnification change keys is pressed and in the event of automatic resetting. For example, after a person has entered the dimensions and then operated the copier to produce a copy, he or she can readily change the dimensions by looking at the size data being preserved. The longitudinal and lateral magnifications will be calculated at any of the following timings: (1) when the same key is pressed again; (2) when the enter key (# key) is pressed; and (3) when the print switch is pressed. In summary, it will be seen that the present invention provides a system which allows a person to readily enter required data in a magnification change mode operation of a copier. Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims: An image reproducing device comprising independent longitudinal and lateral magnification change modes and being arranged to display in an area the longitudinal and lateral magnification being set, characterized in that the device is arranged to display newly entered longitudinal or lateral magnifications in another area. The device claimed in claim 1, arranged to flash newly entered data or dots in said another area. The device claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein numeral keys or a zoom key are provided to enter a magnification. The device claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, arranged to display a maximum value or a minimum value as new magnification and to produce in use a warning at the same time when the new magnification entered is greater than a pre-determined maximum value or smaller than a predetermined minimum value. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when an enlarge key is pressed, all of the fixed magnification changes and magnifications available in an enlarge mode are displayed and, when a reduce key is pressed, all of the fixed magnification changes and magnifications available in a reduce mode are displayed. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein in the event of independent longitudinal and lateral magnification changes only magnifications are displayed and, in the event of an independent magnification change, a longitudinal and a lateral magnification are displayed. The device as claimed in one of claims 5 or 6, wherein when the same magnification as any of the fixed magnification changes is reached during zoom up or zoom down, all the fixed magnification changes (reduction or enlargement) and magnifications are displayed. The device as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein when the magnification differs from the fixed magnifications all the displays are turned off. The device as claimed in one of claims 7 or 8, wherein when zoom-up or zoom-down is effected at the time of independent magnification change mode being set the independent magnification change mode is cleared with the longitudinal magnification as a reference. The device as claimed in one of claims 7 to 9, wherein when zoom-up or zoom-down is effected at the time of independent magnification change mode being set the independent magnification change mode is cleared with the lateral dimension as a reference. The device as claimed in one of claims 7 to 10, wherein when zoom-up or zoom-down is effected at the time of independent magnification change mode being set both the longitudinal and lateral dimensions are increased or decreased. An image reproducing device comprising dimension magnification change modes, each of said modes allowing the change of one respective dimension of the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the original or document to be copied and of the copy, keys to input said modes; a display arranged to display longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the original or document to be copied and of the copy; the device being arranged so that if a mode is selected and its respective dimension is newly entered, the newly entered dimension is displayed together with the unchanged dimensions. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein when entered data is present, said data and/or an underline is caused to flash while, when no data is present, only the underline is caused to flash. The device as claimed in one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the magnification change modes are independent and when the dimensional magnification change is entered in the independent magnification change mode, the independent magnification change is reset. The device as claimed in one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, when one particular of the keys is pressed, simultaneously with any of a zoom key, an enlarge key and a reduce key, priority is given to said particular key. The device as claimed in one of claims 12 to 15, wherein dimension data are erased when another magnification change key is pressed or when automatic resetting is executed. The device as claimed in one of claims 12 to 16, wherein a magnification is calculated when the same key is pressed again, when an enter key is pressed, or when a start key is pressed. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein a magnification is not changed when both the longitudinal dimension of a copy and the longitudinal dimension of a document are not entered. The device as claimed in one of claims 17 or 18, wherein a magnification is not changed when both the lateral dimension of a copy and the lateral dimension of a document are not entered. The device as claimed in one of claims 17 to 19, wherein when data set is greater than a maximum value of magnification change or smaller than a minimum value, said maximum value or said minimum value are selected as data while, at the same time, a warning is produced.

Inventors: SAKATA SEIJI, SAKATA, SEIJI
Applicants: RICOH KK, RICOH COMPANY, LTD
Application year: 1988
Main classification: G03G15
IPC codes: G03G15, H04N1