Control system for copying apparatus

Claim 2

In a reproduction machine for producing paper copies of original documents having the capacity of providing discrete operating features such as providing one or more copies, varying the magnification of a copy, changing the size of the copy paper and changing the image density, the improvement including a control system comprising: an information display member; means for sequentially displaying an identification of discrete operating features of the reproduction machine on the same display member; memory means for storing a predetermined set of first command signals for each discrete operating feature; operator controlled input means for selectively generating second input command signals relative to specific operating features; means for coordinating a particular operating feature that is identified on the display member with a specific second input command signal; means for storing the specific second input command signals, and means for altering the predetermined set of first command signals by replacing any individual predetermined first command signal with a corresponding operator generated second input command signal to subsequently cause the reproduction machine to be activated in response to the predetermined set of first command signals as altered by the operator generated second input command signals.

Claim 3

The invention of claim 1 wherein the operator controlled input means includes a set of manual control members operatively positioned relative to the display member for generating the second input command signals, the individual control members providing a repetitive common operator input for a plurality of discrete operating features.

Claim 4

The invention of claim 2 further including timing means for automatically advancing the identification of a subsequent operating feature on the display member after a predetermined time period in which an operator has not generated any second input command signals relative to a discrete operating feature.

Claim 5

The invention of claim 1 further including timing means for automatically advancing the identification of a subsequent operating feature on the display member after a predetermined time period in which an operator has not generated any second input command signals relative to a discrete operating feature.

Claim 6

The invention of claim 2 further including timing means for automatically advancing the identification of a subsequent operating feature on the display member after a predetermined time period.

Claim 7

The invention of claim 4 further including means for removing the specific second input command signals from the means for storing and reactivating the predetermined set of first command signals for each discrete operating feature.

Claim 8

The invention of claim 6 wherein the means for sequentially displaying an identification of discrete operating features includes an electrically variable display apparatus.

Claim 9

The invention of claim 6 wherein the means for sequentially displaying an identification of discrete operating features includes a multi-facet rotatable member positioned adjacent the display member and visible therethrough, the respective facets of the rotatable member providing an identification of a particular operating feature.

Claim 10

In a reproduction machine for producing paper copies of original documents having the capacity of providing discrete operating features such as producing one or more copies, varying the magnification of a copy, and changing the kind of the copy paper, the improvement including a control system comprising: an information display member; means for sequentially displaying an identification of discrete operating features of the reproduction machine on the same display member; memory means for storing a predetermined set of first command signals for each discrete operating feature; operator controlled input key members arranged adjacent to the display member, for selectively generating second input command signals relative to specific operating features, at least one of the identification of a discrete operating features including a plurality of sub-identifications which disclose operator selective features specifically positioned adjacent to only certain predetermined input key members less than all the input key members, and means for storing the specific second input command signals generated by each key member in accordance with the selection of the sub-identification features.

Claim 11

In a reproduction machine for producing paper copies of original documents having the capacity of providing discrete operating features such as producing one or more copies, varying the magnification of a copy, and changing the kind of the copy paper, the improvement including a control system comprising: an information display member; means for sequentially displaying an identification of discrete operating features of the reproduction machine on the same display member; memory means for storing a predetermined set of first command signals for each discrete operating feature; operator controlled input key members arranged adjacent to the display member, for selectively generating second input command signals relative to specific operating features, at least one of the identification of a discrete operating features including a plurality of sub-identifications which disclose operator selective features specifically positioned adjacent to only certain predetermined input key members less than all the input key members, and means for storing the specific second input command signals generated by each key member in accordance with the selection of the sub-identification features.

Claim 12

The invention of claim 9 wherein the plurality of sub-identification features include specific paper sizes adjacent certain of the input keys.

Claim 13

The invention of claim 4 wherein the operator controlled input key members are a ten-key arrangement capable of setting the number of copies.

Claim 14

An improved operator control system for a reproduction machine comprising: an information display means; means for displaying an identification of discrete operating features of the reproduction machine on the same display member; means for memorizing data to establish a standard mode of operation for each of the discrete operating features; means for advancing the identification of a subsequent operating feature on the display member; a set of control key members operatively positioned relative to the display member for generating input command signals, the individual control key members providing a common operator input for a plurality of discrete operating features; means for coordinating a particular operating feature that is identified on the display member with a specific input command signal from the common control key members; means for storing the data of a standard mode for each of the discrete operating features and changing the standard data in response to the specific input command signals generated by an operator activation of a key member in accordance with the identification of a discrete operating feature, and means for controlling an operation of the reproduction machine in accordance with the stored contents of the storing means, whereby a specific standard mode of operation can be automatically set without operating any of the common control key members by the activation of the means for advancing.

Claim 15

An improved operator control system for a reproduction machine comprising: an information display means; means for displaying an identification of discrete operating features of the reproduction machine on the same display member; means for memorizing data to establish a standard mode of operation for each of the discrete operating features; means for advancing the identification of a subsequent operating feature on the display member; a set of control key members operatively positioned relative to the display member for generating input command signals, the individual control key members providing a common operator input for a plurality of discrete operating features; means for coordinating a particular operating feature that is identified on the display member with a specific input command signal from the common control key members; means for storing the data of a standard mode for each of the discrete operating features and changing the standard data in response to the specific input command signals generated by an operator activation of a key member in accordance with the identification of a discrete operating feature, and means for controlling an operation of the reproduction machine in accordance with the stored contents of the storing means, whereby a specific standard mode of operation can be automatically set without operating any of the common control key members by the activation of the means for advancing.

Claim 16

The invention of claim 12 further including timing means for automatically advancing the identification of a subsequent operating feature on the display member after a predetermined time period in which an operator has not generated any input command signals relative to a discrete operating feature.

Claim 17

The invention of claim 12 wherein the means for advancing includes an advancing key member for generating an advancing signal and for starting operation of the advancing means.

Claim 18

The invention of claim 12, wherein at least one of the modes of an identification of discrete operating feature includes a plurality of sub-identications which display operator selective options relative to that operating feature and which are arranged adjacent to only a predetermined number of control key members.

Claim 19

The invention of claim 13 wherein at least one of the modes of an identification of discrete operating feature includes a plurality of sub-identifications which display operator selective options relative to an operating feature arranged adjacent to only a predetermined number of control key members.