JP2010164781A - Image forming apparatus, display control method of the same, and display control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for efficiently saving on electric power of a display panel without reducing the information display function and operability of a display panel. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus is provided with: a small first display panel 151 having relatively low power consumption; and a controlling means 11 for selecting and controlling ON/OFF of a large second display panel 152 having relatively high power consumption. In normal operation mode, the controlling means 11 performs control so as to turn off the second display panel 151 and turn on only the first display panel 152 to be displayable. In a detail display mode, the controlling means 11 makes control to turn off the first display panel 151 and turn on the second display panel 152 to a state allowing detailed recognition, changing operation or the like of setting contents. In a pause mode, the controlling means 11 makes control to turn off both first and second display panels 151 and 152. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a plurality of display panels, a display control method for the same, and a display control program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), which are multi-function digital multi-function peripherals having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a scan function, etc. The number of items that can be set using the display panel of the operation panel section has increased, and those composed of touch-panel type large color liquid crystal (LCD) with good operability are becoming mainstream, and accordingly the power consumption of the device Is getting bigger.

  For this reason, there has been devised one in which the display on the display panel of the operation panel unit is turned off during the power save mode in the image forming apparatus. For example, there is one that can print without displaying on the display panel during network printing.

  However, in copy, fax, and scan modes, it always returns from the power save mode and the settings are displayed on the display panel. This is also displayed for simple copy operations that do not change the settings. Therefore, maximum power saving has not been achieved.

  Further, in recent MFPs, an original reading device or the like is additionally mounted on a printer model to make an MFP model. In that case, a display panel with low power consumption dedicated for display is often used in the printer model, but an operation panel capable of various settings is required in the MFP model. For this reason, in addition to a display panel with low power consumption, a large touch panel display panel is often added, resulting in an increase in power consumption.

  By the way, conventionally, the display panel in the operation panel unit is divided into two parts, and each display panel is provided with a display unit for displaying operation information and a touch panel, and shifts to the power saving mode when it is not operated for a predetermined time. However, a technique has been proposed in which power is saved by switching to the normal power mode when the operating means is operated, and stopping power supply to other touch panels other than the operated touch panel in the power saving mode ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-107429 A

  However, in the above-described conventional known technology, the display panel is basically divided into two, and for example, one display panel is divided into functions for each function such as “copy” and the other display panel “fax”. Therefore, effective power saving cannot be expected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an image forming apparatus and a display control method for the same that can effectively save power without deteriorating the information display function and operability of the display panel. An object is to provide a display control program.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) A small first display panel with relatively low power consumption, a large second display panel with relatively high power consumption, and ON / OFF of both display panels according to the display mode of the display panel When the display mode is the normal operation mode, the first display panel is turned on, while the second display panel is turned off to display a lot of information. An image comprising: control means for turning off the first display panel, turning on the second display panel, and turning off both the first and second display panels in the sleep mode. Forming equipment.
(2) A second display panel control button is provided, and the control means turns on the second display panel when the second display panel control button is pressed in the normal operation mode or the sleep mode. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is shifted to a display mode.
(3) A mode switching operation button is provided, and when the mode switching operation button is operated in the normal operation mode, the control means switches between the copy mode, the fax mode, the scan mode, and the box storage mode. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2.
(4) A power save operation button is provided, and the control means shifts to the sleep mode when the power save operation button is operated in the normal operation mode or when the control unit is not used for a certain period of time. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above.
(5) An original table and reading means for reading an image of the original set on the original table are provided, and the control unit shifts to the normal operation mode when the original is set on the original table in the pause mode. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4 above.
(6) The image according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 5, wherein the first display panel is configured with a dot matrix monochrome liquid crystal panel, and the second display panel is configured with a large liquid crystal color touch panel. Forming equipment.
(7) A display control method executed by an image forming apparatus including a small first display panel with relatively low power consumption and a large second display panel with relatively high power consumption. According to the display mode of the display panel, ON / OFF of both display panels is selected and controlled. When the display mode is the normal operation mode, the first display panel is turned on while the second display panel is turned off. In the detailed display mode in which a lot of information needs to be displayed, the first display panel is turned off, while the second display panel is turned on, and in the sleep mode, both the first and second display panels are turned on. A display control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the display control method is turned off.
(8) A display control program for causing a CPU of an image forming apparatus to include a small first display panel with relatively low power consumption and a large second display panel with relatively high power consumption. In this case, ON / OFF of both display panels is selectively controlled according to the display mode of the display panel, and when the display mode is the normal operation mode, the first display panel is turned on while the second display panel Is turned off and the first display panel is turned off in the detailed display mode in which a lot of information needs to be displayed, while the second display panel is turned on and the first and second displays in the sleep mode. A display control program for causing a CPU of an image forming apparatus to execute a step of turning off both panels.

  According to the invention described in item (1) above, in the normal operation mode, the large second display panel is turned off and only the small first display panel is turned on, so that power consumption in the information display state is reduced. It is suppressed. Further, when displaying details of information, the mode is shifted to the detailed display mode and the first display panel is turned off, while the second display panel is turned on. Therefore, the details are easily displayed on the large second display panel. Information can be grasped, and in the sleep mode, both the first and second display panels are turned off, so that power is not wasted.

  In other words, the ON / OFF state of the large and small display panels is controlled as needed depending on the usage situation, so that the maximum power saving can be achieved while maintaining the information display function and operability of the display panel satisfactorily. Can do.

  According to the invention described in (2) above, when the second display panel control button is pressed in the normal operation mode or the sleep mode, the second display panel is turned on and the detailed mode is entered. This information is displayed in detail on a large screen, which not only makes it easy to understand the information, but also allows easy input using the screen.

  According to the invention described in item (3) above, when the mode switching operation button is operated in the normal operation mode, the copy mode, the fax mode, the scan mode, and the box storage mode can be switched, and the selected mode can be switched. Execution can be promptly instructed.

  According to the invention described in item (4) above, when the power save operation button is operated in the normal operation mode, or when the power save operation button is not used for a certain period of time, the sleep mode is entered, and wasteful power is consumed in the display panel. Consumption is avoided.

  According to the invention described in (5) above, when a document is set on the document table in the pause mode, the normal operation mode is set, and settings such as document copy can be quickly made from the screen.

  According to the invention described in item (6) above, since the first display panel is composed of a dot matrix monochrome liquid crystal panel, basic information can be displayed with low power consumption, and the second display panel is large. Therefore, various settings and selection operations can be easily performed in a color display state suitable for detailed information.

  According to the invention described in item (7) above, since the ON / OFF state of the large and small display panels is switched at any time according to the use situation, while maintaining the information display function and operability of the display panel satisfactorily, Maximum power saving can be achieved.

  According to the invention described in item (8) above, ON / OFF of both display panels is selectively controlled according to the display mode of the display panel, and the first display panel is turned ON when the display mode is the normal operation mode. On the other hand, in the detailed display mode in which the second display panel is turned off and a large amount of information needs to be displayed, the first display panel is turned off, while the second display panel is turned on and in the sleep mode. The CPU of the image forming apparatus can execute processing for turning off both the first and second display panels.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image processing system including an MFP as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel unit of the MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the copy setting screen displayed on a display panel at the time of detailed display mode. It is a table | surface which shows the operation mode of the 1st display panel and 2nd display panel in an operation panel part. It is a state transition diagram of the operation mode of the 1st display panel and 2nd display panel in an operation panel part. It is a figure which shows the example of the mode displayed sequentially on a 1st display panel whenever the mode switching button in an operation panel part is pressed. (A) is a figure which shows the state at the time of the normal operation mode in a display panel, (B) is a figure which shows the state at the time of the detailed display mode in a display panel, (C) is a figure which shows the state at the time of a rest mode in a display panel. is there. It is a top view which shows the example which divided | segmented one display panel into two display areas. 9A is a diagram showing the state of the display panel in the normal operation mode in the case of FIG. 9, FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the state of the display panel in the detailed display mode in the case of FIG. 9, and FIG. In the case of FIG. 9, it is a figure which shows the state at the time of the sleep mode in a display panel. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an application example of a display panel in an MFP evolved from a printer model. It is explanatory drawing of the display panel in a printer model. It is a flowchart which shows the display control process of a 1st and 2nd display panel.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image processing system including an MFP as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, the image processing system includes, for example, an MFP 1 and a personal computer (PC) 2 which is an example of a user terminal. These both 1 and 2 are connected via a network 3 such as a LAN, and can exchange data with each other.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 1.

  2, the MFP 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage unit 14, an operation panel unit 15, a scanner unit 16, a printer unit 17, a network control unit 18, a FAX control unit 19, An image processing unit 20, a power supply control unit 21, and a display panel control unit 22 are provided.

  The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the MFP 1 in an integrated manner.

  The ROM 12 is a memory that stores an operation program for the CPU 11.

  The RAM 13 is a memory that provides an operation area when the CPU 11 executes an operation program.

  The storage unit 14 stores various data, software, and the like. In this embodiment, for example, a hard disk device (HDD) is used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel unit 15 is composed of a liquid crystal (LCD) in addition to an operation key unit 160 having various operation keys such as a start key, a stop key, and a numeric keypad. A display panel 150 is provided that can display a setting screen and input settings.

  The display panel 150 includes a small first display panel 151 and a large second display panel 152. The first display panel 151 includes a dot matrix monochrome liquid crystal panel with relatively low power consumption. The second display panel 152 includes a large liquid crystal color touch panel that can display and input a large amount of information and consumes relatively higher power than the first display panel.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel unit 15 is provided with a mode switching button 4, a power save button 5, a second display panel control button 6, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5, there are three operation modes of the first and second display panels 151 and 152, which are a normal operation mode, a detailed display mode, and a sleep mode. It has become so.

  Specifically, in the normal operation mode, the CPU 11 turns on only the first display panel 151 to display in the low power consumption state as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8A, while the second display panel. Control to turn off 152.

  In the detailed display mode, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8B, the first display panel is turned off and the second display panel is turned on to deal with troubles such as detailed confirmation of setting contents, changing operation, and jamming. Display help for the method.

  In this detailed display mode, for example, a copy setting screen G1 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. In the setting screen G1, for example, “color”, “paper”, “magnification”, “double-sided / single-sided”, etc. Selection / setting items are displayed.

  In the sleep mode, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8C, both the first display panel 151 and the second display panel 152 are turned OFF, the power saving mode is entered, and nothing is displayed. The power save mode refers to a state where power is supplied only to the minimum necessary portion in order to reduce power consumption.

  Each time the mode switching button 4 is pressed, the first display panel 151 displays “copy mode”, “fax mode”, “scan mode”, “box save mode”, “ “Message display” and the like are sequentially switched.

  The scanner unit 16 has a document table (not shown), reads an image of a document set on the document table, and sends out image data as an electrical signal.

  The printer unit 17 has a print engine function for printing image data of a document read by the scanner unit 16, print data transmitted from the PC 2, and the like according to predetermined job conditions.

  The network control unit 18 controls data exchange with an external device such as the PC 2 via the network 3, and includes a reception unit 181 and a transmission unit 182.

  The FAX control unit 19 controls execution of a FAX function, and includes a reception unit 191 and a transmission unit 192.

  The image processing unit 20 performs predetermined image processing on the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 16.

  The power control unit 21 controls power ON / OFF of the display panel 150 based on a command from the CPU 11.

  The display panel control unit 22 controls the display content of the display panel 150 based on a command from the CPU 11.

  Next, the transition conditions of each mode will be described with reference to the state transition diagram of the operation mode of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, first, when the MFP 1 is started up, each part is initialized, no operation is accepted, and there is no need to display detailed information. Therefore, the normal operation mode (the first display panel 151 is turned on) , The second display panel 152 is turned off, and a message “Initializing...” As shown in “Message display” in FIG. 7 is displayed on the first display panel 151.

  Next, the current operation mode shown in FIG. 7 (“copy mode”, “fax mode”, “scan mode”, “box save mode”) remains in the normal operation mode even when waiting for an operation instruction after initialization. Is displayed. In this state, an input with a numeric keypad is accepted. For example, in the “copy mode” state, the number of copies to be printed can be input.

  In the “fax mode”, it is possible to input a fax (telephone) number, and in the “scan mode”, it is possible to input an abbreviated destination number of a mail registered in advance. In the “box save mode”, a box number can be input.

  Therefore, when copying in the normal operation mode, since the second display panel 152 is not displayed (OFF) and the display operation is performed only on the first display panel 151 in simple copy such as “same size single-sided copy”, Power consumption can be effectively reduced.

  Next, when detailed settings are desired, the second display panel control button 6 is pressed to change to the detailed display mode (the first display panel 151 is OFF and the second display panel 152 is ON). Various settings can be made on the second display panel 152 to perform copying. Since the information is displayed in color on the large second display panel 152, setting operations and the like can be easily performed.

  When the second display panel control button 6 is pressed in the detailed display mode or when there is no operation by the user for a certain time, the state is changed to the normal operation mode and the display of the second display panel 152 is turned off. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed.

  In addition, when the power save button 5 is pressed in the normal operation mode or when there is no operation by the user for a certain period of time, a transition is made to the sleep mode (the first and second display panels 151 and 152 are OFF). Then, by stopping the display of the first display panel 151, power consumption from the display panel 150 can be eliminated.

  When the user sets a document on the document table in the pause mode, the mode is changed to the normal operation mode to wait for an operation. Alternatively, the state may be changed to the normal operation mode by pressing the power save button 5.

  Further, if a paper jam or the like occurs during printing in the normal operation mode, an error occurs and the state is shifted to the detailed display mode, and a paper jam position or the like is displayed on the second display panel 152 so that the user can easily understand. Is illustrated. When the paper removal operation is completed by the user, the state is again shifted to the normal operation mode, and printing is performed again.

In addition, when the second display panel control button 6 is pressed in the sleep mode, the mode is changed to the detailed display mode, and when the power save button 5 is pressed in the state of the detailed display mode, the mode is changed to the sleep mode. As described above, in the normal operation mode, the large second display panel 152 is turned off and only the small first display panel 151 is turned on, so that power consumption in the information display state is suppressed. .

  Then, when it is desired to display the details of the information, the mode shifts to the detailed display mode and the first display panel 151 is turned off, while the second display panel 152 is turned on. Detailed information can be easily grasped.

  In the sleep mode, both the first and second display panels 151 and 152 are turned off, so that power is not consumed wastefully. That is, since the ON / OFF state of the large and small display panels is switched and controlled as needed according to the usage situation, it is possible to greatly contribute to power saving while maintaining the information display function of the display panel 15 satisfactorily. .

  By the way, in the said embodiment, although the example which provided the 1st display panel 151 and the 2nd display panel 152 was demonstrated as a mounting method of the display panel 150, it is not restricted to this, For example, it shows in FIG. Thus, in one display panel 150, the display area is divided into two, for example, a lower first display panel 151 area and an upper second display panel 152 area, and each is individually controlled for display. You may make it have the function to perform.

  The display panel 150 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a backlight only in the upper second display panel 152, and a reflective liquid crystal panel is used in the region of the lower first display panel 151. ing.

  In this case, the power consumption in the display panel 150 can be suppressed by limiting the operation of the display area according to the operation mode and limiting the display contents. That is, in the normal operation mode, as shown in FIG. 10A, display is performed with the area of the lower first display panel 151 turned on, and the area of the upper second display panel 152 is turned off. In the display mode, as shown in FIG. 10B, the area of the lower first display panel 151 is turned off and the area of the upper second display panel 152 is turned on to perform detailed display. In the sleep mode, as shown in FIG. 10C, both the lower first display panel 151 area and the upper second display panel 152 area are turned OFF.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the two display panels 151 and 152 are mounted as the display panel 150 in the operation panel unit 15 of the MFP 1 has been described. However, the mounting method of the display panel 150 is limited to this. It is not a thing.

  For example, by mounting the operation unit 101 including the scanner unit and the document table on the model of the printer 100 shown in FIG. 12, the model of the printer 100 is evolved to produce the model of the MFP 11 as shown in FIG. There is a case. In that case, the display panel 151 in the model of the printer 100 is used as it is as the first display panel, and the display panel 150 in the operation panel unit 15 of the operation body unit 101 for the MFP 11 newly manufactured is used as the second display panel. Can also be used.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing display control processing of the first and second display panels 151 and 152.

  In FIG. 13, when the MFP 1 is powered on, initialization processing is performed in step S1, and normal operation mode display processing is performed in step S2.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed in the normal operation mode. If the operation has not been performed (NO in step S3), the process proceeds to step S12. When the operation is performed (YES in step S3), in step S4, it is determined whether or not the second display panel control button 6 is operated.

  If the operation is on the second display panel control button 6 (YES in step S4), the detailed display mode is set in step S5. If it is not operation of the 2nd display panel control button 6 (it is NO at Step S4), it will progress to Step S9.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed in the detailed display mode. If no operation has been performed (NO in step S6), the process proceeds to step S11. When an operation is performed (YES in step S6), in step S7, it is determined whether or not the operation is an operation of the power save button 5. If the operation is an operation of the power save button 5 (YES in step S7), step S13 is performed. Transition to the sleep mode.

  If the power save button 5 is not operated (NO in step S7), it is determined in step S8 whether or not the second control button 6 is operated in the detailed display mode. If it is an operation of the second control button 6 (YES in step S8), the process returns to step S2 to shift to the normal operation mode, and if it is not an operation of the second display panel control button 6 (NO in step S8), the step is continued. Returning to S5, the detailed display mode is maintained.

  In the normal operation mode, in step S9, it is determined whether or not the operation performed in step S3 is an operation of the power save button 5, and if it is an operation of the power save button 5 (YES in step S9), a pause in step S13 is performed. If the mode is changed and the power save button 5 is not operated (NO in step S9), the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, it is determined whether or not an error display such as a paper jam is necessary. If the error display is necessary (YES in step S10), the process shifts to the detailed display mode in step S5, and if it is not an error display ( NO in step S10), the process returns to step S2, and the normal operation mode is maintained.

  In the detailed display mode, in step S11, it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed. If the certain time has elapsed (YES in step S11), the process returns to step S2 to transition to the normal operation mode, and the certain time has elapsed. If not (NO in step S11), the process returns to step S5 and the detailed display mode is maintained.

  In the normal operation mode, in step S12, it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed. If the certain time has elapsed (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to the sleep mode in step S13, and then proceeds to step S14. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S12), the process returns to step S2 to maintain the normal operation mode.

  In the sleep mode, in step S14, it is determined whether or not an operation has been performed. If no operation has been performed (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S13. When the operation is performed (YES in step S14), in step S15, it is determined whether or not the second display panel control button 6 is operated.

  If the operation is the second control button 6 (YES in step S15), the process proceeds to the detailed display mode in step S5. If the operation is not the second display panel control button 6 (NO in step S15), the process proceeds to step S16. .

  In step S16, it is determined whether or not the power save button 5 is operated. If the power save button 5 is operated (YES in step S16), the process returns to step S2 to shift to the normal operation mode, and the power save button 5 If the operation is not 5 (NO in step S16), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, it is determined whether or not a document has been set. If the document is set (YES in step S17), the process returns to step S2 to shift to the normal operation mode, and if the document is not set (step S17). NO), the process returns to step S13 to maintain the pause mode.

4 ... Mode switching operation button 5 ... Power save operation button 6 ... Second display panel control button 11 ... Control means 151 ... First display panel 152 ... Second display panel

Claims (8)

A small first display panel with relatively low power consumption;
A large second display panel with relatively high power consumption;
According to the display mode of the display panel, ON / OFF of both display panels is selected and controlled. When the display mode is the normal operation mode, the first display panel is turned on while the second display panel is turned off. In the detailed display mode in which a lot of information needs to be displayed, the first display panel is turned off, while the second display panel is turned on, and in the sleep mode, both the first and second display panels are turned on. Control means for turning off;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A second display panel control button;
2. The image according to claim 1, wherein, when the second display panel control button is pressed in the normal operation mode or the sleep mode, the control unit turns on the second display panel and shifts to the detailed display mode. 3. Forming equipment. It has a mode switching operation button,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches each mode among a copy mode, a fax mode, a scan mode, and a box storage mode when the mode switching operation button is operated in a normal operation mode. . Power save operation button
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts to a pause mode when the power save operation button is operated in a normal operation mode or when the power save operation button is not used for a certain period of time. . A document table and a reading unit for reading an image of the document set on the document table;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts to a normal operation mode when a document is set on the document table in a pause mode.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display panel is configured by a dot matrix monochrome liquid crystal panel, and the second display panel is configured by a large liquid crystal color touch panel. . A display control method executed by an image forming apparatus including a small first display panel with relatively low power consumption and a large second display panel with relatively high power consumption,
According to the display mode of the display panel, ON / OFF of both display panels is selected and controlled. When the display mode is the normal operation mode, the first display panel is turned on while the second display panel is turned off. In the detailed display mode in which a lot of information needs to be displayed, the first display panel is turned off, while the second display panel is turned on, and in the sleep mode, both the first and second display panels are turned on. A display control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein the display control method is turned off. A display control program for causing a CPU of an image forming apparatus to include a small first display panel with relatively low power consumption and a large second display panel with relatively high power consumption. ,
According to the display mode of the display panel, ON / OFF of both display panels is selected and controlled. When the display mode is the normal operation mode, the first display panel is turned on while the second display panel is turned off. In the detailed display mode in which a lot of information needs to be displayed, the first display panel is turned off, while the second display panel is turned on, and in the sleep mode, both the first and second display panels are turned on. A display control program for causing the CPU of the image forming apparatus to execute the step of turning off.

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