JP2000246989A - Image-forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce limits on design and effectuate more intuitive and simple operation by eliminating operation switches from an apparatus housing. SOLUTION: The apparatus includes a device state-judging means 15 for judging that the apparatus is brought in one of a plurality of preliminarily set device states, a process memory means 16 which stores beforehand processes to be carried out by the apparatus corresponding to the plurality of set device states respectively, a shock-detecting means 8 for detecting a percussion or shock applied to an apparatus housing, and a process-executing means 17 which executes the process corresponding to the device state stored in the process memory means when a detection signal is output from the shock-detecting means in a period while the apparatus is in one of the plurality of device states judged by the device state-judging means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement for realizing an image forming apparatus such as a printer having a better design by reducing or eliminating various operation switches from an apparatus housing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording device having functions such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, or a recording device used as an output device of a complex electronic device or a workstation including a computer or a word processor, etc., is based on printing information. It is configured to print on a recording medium such as a thin plastic plate. Such recording apparatuses can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a laser beam type, and the like according to a recording method.

In a serial type printing apparatus employing a serial scan system in which main scanning is performed in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of a recording medium, an image is formed by a recording means mounted on a carriage which moves along the recording medium. Is printed (main scanning), a predetermined amount of paper is fed (pitch transport) after printing of one line is completed, and then the image of the next line is printed (main scanning) on the stopped recording medium. ) Is repeated to perform recording on the entire recording medium. On the other hand, in a line type recording apparatus that performs recording only by sub-scanning in the transport direction of the recording medium, the recording medium is set at a predetermined recording position, and one line of recording is performed at a time, and then a predetermined amount of paper (Pitch feed)
Further, by repeating the operation of collectively recording the next line, recording is performed on the entire recording medium.

[0004] Among the above recording apparatuses, an ink jet recording apparatus (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording by discharging ink from a recording means (recording head) onto a recording medium, so that it is easy to make the recording means compact. It can record high-definition images at high speed, can record on plain paper without special processing, and has low running cost and non-impact method. It has advantages such as that it is easy to record a color image using color inks.

[0005] In particular, in an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for discharging ink using thermal energy, an electrothermal conversion film formed on a substrate through a semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition and sputtering. By forming the body, the electrodes, the liquid path walls, the top plate, and the like, it is possible to easily manufacture a device having a high-density liquid path arrangement (discharge port arrangement) and achieve further downsizing.

In such an ink jet recording apparatus, operation switches, such as a power switch, a paper discharge switch, a head recovery switch, and an ink replacement switch, are often provided in the apparatus housing.

The power switch is a switch for turning on / off the power of the ink jet recording apparatus.

The paper ejection switch forcibly ejects paper when a paper jam occurs in the ink jet recording apparatus, or when the printing operation is interrupted halfway, such as when the printing process is forcibly terminated on the host computer side during printing. It is provided to discharge the paper and return the ink jet recording apparatus to a print waiting state where printing is possible.

The head recovery switch is provided for forcibly performing a recovery (cleaning) operation of the recording head by turning on the switch. That is, the user turns on the head recovery switch when it is determined that a cleaning operation of the recording head is necessary by seeing a part of the print result such as blurring.

[0010] The ink replacement switch is turned on when the ink is exhausted and the ink tank or the recording head is replaced. When the ink exchange switch is turned on, the apparatus is shifted to the ink exchange mode, in which the carriage is moved to move the recording head or the ink tank to a position where the user can easily exchange the ink and the ink is exchanged. For example, a process of turning on a lamp for notifying is performed. In addition, as a configuration for ink replacement, there is a method in which an ink tank is stored in a print head unit (the ink tank and the print head unit are integrally configured), and a method in which the ink tank is provided for the print head unit. Some systems are removable.

[0011] Such various switches are designed so that a command signal is issued by pressing a button using ON / OFF of an electric contact. As another method, there is a method using a touch-type (contact-type) switch having no movable part using a touch panel or the like.

[0012]

In the case of a switch having the above-mentioned electrical contacts, the movable structure is required because the structure of the button portion is movable corresponding to ON / OFF, and the contact is worn. There is a possibility of causing problems such as destruction of contacts and poor contact. Further, in the case of such a switch using electrical contacts, since various switches are arranged at predetermined positions in the apparatus housing in a distributed manner, the user needs buttons corresponding to desired processing. It is required to press correctly. When a contact-type switch is employed, there is no problem regarding the movable structure, but the user is required to press a switch at a position corresponding to a desired process.

Further, when considering the appearance of a printer device such as an ink jet recording device, such switches must impair the design of the whole product and sufficiently appeal to the user. Conflicting demands are required.

As described above, the existence of this type of switches has been a restriction in improving the design of the printer device. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult for a user who is inexperienced in operating the printer apparatus to intuitively understand the operation using such a button, and it takes time to learn the switch operation.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and eliminates operation switches from the apparatus housing, thereby reducing design constraints and enabling more intuitive and simple operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a forming apparatus.

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device status determining means for determining that an apparatus has become one of a plurality of preset device statuses, and a plurality of the set device statuses. A processing storage unit that stores in advance a process to be executed by the device corresponding to each of the above, an impact detection unit that detects a blow or an impact given to the device housing, and a plurality of devices that are determined by the device state determination unit. When a detection signal is output from the impact detection unit during a period in which the device is in one of the states, a process execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the device state stored in the process storage unit. It is characterized by being provided.

According to the present invention, when a blow or an impact is applied to the device housing during a period in which the device is in one of a plurality of device states that can be determined by the device state determining means, the impact is detected by the impact detecting means. Is detected by Then, in response to this detection, processing corresponding to the device state stored in the processing storage means is executed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device state determining means for determining that the apparatus has become one of a plurality of preset device states, and the apparatus state determining means corresponding to each of the plurality of set device states. A process storage unit that stores in advance a process to be executed by the device; a sound detection unit that detects a predetermined sound input; and the device in one of a plurality of device states determined by the device state determination unit. A process execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the device state stored in the process storage unit when a detection signal is output from the sound detection unit during a period. .

According to the present invention, when a sound such as a sound is emitted while the apparatus is in one of a plurality of device states that can be determined by the device state determination unit, this is detected by the sound detection unit. Is done. Then, in response to this detection, a process corresponding to the device state stored in the process storage unit is executed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice input means for inputting a voice, a voice recognition means for recognizing a voice input through the voice input means and determining an instruction content based on the recognition, A process storage unit in which a process to be executed by the apparatus in accordance with the instruction content determined by the recognition unit is stored in advance, and a process corresponding to the instruction content determined by the voice recognition unit, And a process executing means for executing the read process.

According to the present invention, when a voice is input, the input voice is recognized and an instruction corresponding to the recognition result is determined. Then, a process corresponding to the determined instruction content is read from the process storage means and the read process is executed.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, an impact detecting means for detecting a blow or an impact applied to the apparatus housing, an instruction content determining means for determining an instruction content based on a detection output of the impact detecting means, and an instruction content determining means The processing storage means in which processing to be executed by the apparatus in accordance with the instruction content determined by the means is stored in advance, and the processing corresponding to the instruction content determined by the instruction content determination means is performed from the processing storage means. Reading means for executing the read processing.

According to the present invention, when the apparatus is hit or impacted, the impact or impact is detected by the impact detecting means. Then, the user's instruction is determined based on the detected content. For example, the instruction content is distinguished by the number of hits or impacts. Further, a process corresponding to the determined instruction content is read from the process storage means and the read process is executed.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a simplified view of the appearance of the apparatus when the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus. The ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 has, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy which causes film boiling of ink as energy used for ink ejection at an ejection port. The figure shows a system equipped with a recording head of a corresponding system.

In FIG. 1, a cover 2 is provided on the front surface of a housing 1 of the ink jet recording apparatus so as to be openable and closable with respect to the housing 1. By opening the cover 2, the ink tank or the recording head unit containing the ink tank can be replaced. A cover opening / closing detection sensor for detecting opening / closing of the front cover 2 is provided at an appropriate position in the apparatus.

In this case, only the power switch 3 is provided on the housing 1 as an operation switch, and the operation switches such as a paper ejection switch, a head recovery switch, and an ink replacement switch which are conventionally provided are omitted. I have.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The communication interface unit 5, the image recording unit 6, the memory 7, the impact detection sensor 8, the control unit 9 and the like are included. Have.

In FIG. 2, the communication interface unit 5
Performs interface matching of signals input via a network communication network. The image recording unit 6 records the print data instructed to print on the conveyed sheet in accordance with a command from the control unit 9. The memory 7 has RA
M, a flash memory, or an arbitrary storage device such as a hard disk.
For example, print data and the like received from the host computer are stored.

The impact detection sensor 8 is provided at an appropriate place of the apparatus, and detects whether a user hits or hits an arbitrary part of the apparatus housing 1. The amplitude of the impact vibration caused by the impact is predetermined. A detection signal is output when the value is equal to or greater than the set value.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 9 includes an I / O port 10 for executing input / output control of signals, a ROM 11 storing a required control program, a RAM 12 operating as a work area, a CPU 13, and the like. It performs various controls relating to the entire printer device, controls performed in connection with impact detection by the impact detection sensor 8, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 9 performed in connection with the impact detection by the impact sensor 8.

The device state judging section 15 includes the shock detecting sensor 8
Is detected by the user, the subsequent detection of the fact that the apparatus is in one of a plurality of states in which predetermined processing should be performed is output from various sensors arranged at various points in the printer apparatus. Judgment based on The plurality of states include, for example, a state in which a paper jam (paper jam) has occurred, a state in which the cover 2 is open, and a state before a predetermined elapsed time T has elapsed after the printing of the print test pattern. ,
And so on.

The processing storage unit 16 has a device state determination unit 15
The process performed after the impact detection by the impact detection sensor 8 is stored in advance for each of the plurality of states determined by. For example, a forced paper ejection process is associated with a state in which a paper jam has occurred, an ink exchange mode transition process is associated with a state in which the cover 2 is open, and a predetermined time elapses after a print test pattern is printed. The state before the time T elapses is associated with a printhead recovery process.

When the detection signal is output from the impact detection sensor 8 when the printer device is in one of the plurality of states determined by the device state determination unit 15, the processing execution unit 17 , The processing content corresponding to the current apparatus state is read, and the read processing is executed.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The device state determination section 15 of the control section 9 constantly and regularly determines whether or not the apparatus is in one of the above-mentioned states set in the processing storage section 16. When the apparatus state determination unit 15 determines that the apparatus is in one of the set states, for example, in a paper jam occurrence state (step 100), it notifies the processing execution unit 17 of that. . Thereafter, the processing execution unit 17 determines whether the impact detection sensor 8 is in operation while the apparatus is in a paper jam occurrence state.
It is determined whether or not a detection signal is output from (step 1)
10) When the detection signal is output during the above period, the processing (forced paper discharge processing) corresponding to the current apparatus state (paper jam occurrence) is read from the processing storage unit 16, and the read processing, that is, the forced paper discharge processing, is performed. Execute paper processing (step 12
0). As a result, the paper jammed in the apparatus is forcibly discharged out of the apparatus.

Similarly, when the apparatus is in a state in which the cover 2 is open (step 130), it is determined whether or not a detection signal is output from the shock detection sensor 8 during a period in which the apparatus is in the cover open state. Is determined (step 140).
When the detection signal is output, a process (ink exchange mode transition process) corresponding to the current apparatus state (cover open state) is read from the process storage unit 16 and the read process, that is, the ink exchange mode transition process is executed. (Step 150).

In the ink exchange mode transition processing, the following processing is performed: moving the carriage to move the recording head or the ink tank to a position where the user can easily replace the recording head or the ink tank; and even if a print command is input from the host computer. Processing for ignoring this print command and performing control for not performing any processing related to printing operations such as carriage movement, paper feeding, and ink ejection is performed.

If the test pattern is printed and thereafter the detection signal is output from the impact detection sensor 8 within a predetermined time T (step 160,
170), processing corresponding to the current apparatus state (test pattern printing) from the processing storage unit 16 (recording head recovery processing)
Is read, and the read process, that is, the print head recovery process is executed (step 180). That is,
Since the printhead recovery operation is often performed after the user checks the state of the printer device by printing a test pattern, the printhead cleaning process is associated with the state in which the tension pattern is printed. .

If a plurality of device statuses occur simultaneously, such as when the cover is opened during a paper jam, the device statuses are prioritized, and only the process corresponding to the device status with a higher priority is executed. Alternatively, the processing corresponding to the device state may be performed in order corresponding to the priority.

As described above, in this embodiment, the impact detection sensor 8 detects whether or not the user has hit the apparatus housing 1 and combines this detection with the determination of the state of the apparatus, thereby discharging the sheet to the apparatus. , A head recovery process, and an ink replacement process.
, The paper ejection switch, the head recovery switch, and the ink replacement switch can be eliminated.

Note that, instead of the shock detection sensor 8 shown in FIG. 1, an acoustic detector 20 may be provided as shown in FIG. The sound detector 20 outputs a detection signal when detecting sound such as voice having a predetermined volume or more.
Therefore, the command from the user in this case is issued by voice or a sound generated by hitting the housing, clapping, or the like.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this case, the sensor for detecting an instruction from the user is the shock detection sensor 8. In this embodiment, a flash memory 30 capable of retaining information even when the power is turned off is provided, and the flash memory 30 has an instruction content from a user and a detection signal of the shock detection sensor 8 corresponding to the instruction content. Is stored. For example,
Assuming that the instruction to eject the paper is to strike the housing 1 once, the instruction to recover the head is to strike the housing 1 twice, and the instruction to replace the ink is to strike the housing three times, the flash memory 30 The instruction content and the detection signal waveform of the impact detection sensor 8 corresponding to each housing strike are stored in association with each other.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the impact detection sensor 8 detects a user's command, that is, the impact on the housing, the detection signal waveform of the impact detection sensor 8 and the signal waveform registered and stored in the flash memory 30 are converted. On the other hand, feature amounts such as the number of peak-shaped waveforms are compared, and the content of the user's command is determined based on the comparison result.

FIG. 8 shows a processing procedure when the above-mentioned correspondence is stored in the flash memory 30.

Ink-jet recording device (printer device)
Is connected to the user via a display screen or the like so as to select and designate one of the controls to be associated with the paper ejection, the head recovery, and the ink replacement mode (step 200). Next, an impact detection sensor 8 of the printer device is displayed on the display screen.
To guide the user to make an input. Next, on the host computer side, the type of control selected and designated is transmitted to the printer, and the impact detection sensor 8
Is instructed to store the detected output (in this case, a waveform signal) in the flash memory 30 (step 201). The type of control specified first is paper discharge processing.

When the printer receives these instructions from the host computer (step 203), it waits for the user to input a signal to the shock detection sensor 8. For example, it is assumed that the housing is hit once by the user. This is detected by the impact detection sensor 8, and the detection signal waveform is stored in the flash memory 30. When the storage of the detection signal is completed, the printer reports the fact to the host computer.

The host computer receives the storage end signal from the printer (step 20).
5) For confirmation, the user is instructed to input again, and the printer device is instructed to store the signal of the sensor 8 again (step 206).

In the printer device, the detection signal waveform of the impact detection sensor 8 corresponding to the user's striking of the housing is received again and compared with the first detection signal waveform stored in the flash memory 30 (step 207).
Then, these first and second detection signal waveforms are:
If there is only a permissible difference in the waveform shape, frequency, amplitude, etc., and they are almost identical (step 20
8) The specified control type (in this case, the paper discharging process) is stored and registered in the flash memory 30 in association with the detected waveform (step 210). In addition, the printer device
The fact that the first and second detection signal waveforms match is reported to the host computer (step 211). The host computer receiving the report informs the user via the display screen that the setting of the association between the designated control (in this case, the paper discharging process) and the detection signal of the impact detection sensor 8 has been completed.

If the result of comparison in step 208 is inconsistent, that fact is reported to the host computer. The host computer notifies the user of the difference between the first sensor input and the second sensor input via a display screen or the like (step 209).

By executing the same processing procedure as above for the head recovery control and ink exchange mode control selected and designated, the flash memory 30 stores the contents of each selection instruction and the impact detection sensor 8 corresponding to each housing hit. The detected signal waveform is stored in association with the detected signal waveform.
Of course, when the head recovery control and the ink exchange mode control are designated, the detection signal waveform of the impact detection sensor 8 can be clearly distinguished between the controls by changing the number of times the housing is hit.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is possible to distinguish what kind of control the apparatus is going to perform based on the instruction from the user detected by the impact detection sensor 8. Therefore, at any time, various instructions such as a paper ejection instruction, a head recovery instruction, and an ink exchange mode shift instruction can be given to the printer device, and control corresponding to the given instruction can be made at any time. It can be executed on the printer side.

FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a voice signal input by a user is recognized, a process to be executed by the printer is selected based on the recognition result, and the selected process is executed. For this reason, in this embodiment, voice input means having a microphone function for inputting voice, and voice recognition for recognizing voice input via the voice input means and discriminating the instruction content based on the recognition are provided. Means, and processing storage means in which processing to be executed by the printer corresponding to the instruction content determined by the voice recognition means is stored in advance,
A process execution unit that reads a process corresponding to the instruction content determined by the voice recognition unit from the process storage unit and executes the read process.

Controls specified by voice input include:
Specify print mode by voice input such as "fast", "clean", "normal", specify print media by voice input such as "plain paper", "coated paper", "glossy paper", "photo", " Specifying the printing purpose by voice input such as "Sentence", "Draft", "Economy", specifying the head recovery mode by voice input such as "Cleaning", and specifying the test pattern printing by voice input such as "Test pattern" is there.

In this embodiment, when a voice input is detected (step 300), the input voice is recognized, and the content of the instruction is determined (step 310).
Then, it is determined whether or not the instruction content corresponds to one of a plurality of processes registered in advance, and if there is a corresponding process content (step 320), the corresponding process is executed (step 320). Step 330).

In FIG. 2, the front cover 2 is provided on the front of the apparatus with a cover that is opened to perform ink replacement. However, the cover may be provided on any part of the housing such as the rear and side surfaces.

(Others) The present invention includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter, a laser beam, or the like) for generating thermal energy as energy used for performing ink ejection, particularly in an ink jet recording system. An excellent effect is obtained in a recording head and a recording apparatus of a type in which the state of ink is changed by the thermal energy. This is because according to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method is a so-called on-demand type,
Although it can be applied to any type of continuous type, in particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it can be applied to a sheet holding liquid (ink) or an electrothermal converter arranged corresponding to the liquid path. By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and giving a rapid temperature rise exceeding the nucleate boiling, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and film boiling occurs on the heat acting surface of the recording head. Liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis.
This is effective because air bubbles inside can be formed. The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As this pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination configuration (a linear liquid flow path or a right-angled liquid flow path) of a discharge port, a liquid path, and an electrothermal converter as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications. U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 44,558 which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 59600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 59-123670 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an aperture for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy is provided. The effect of the present invention is effective even if the configuration is based on JP-A-59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium on which a recording apparatus can record. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head.

In addition, even in the case of the serial type as described above, a recording head fixed to the apparatus main body, or an electric connection with the apparatus main body or ink from the apparatus main body by being attached to the apparatus main body. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip-type recording head that can be supplied is used.

Further, it is preferable to add a recording head discharge recovery means, a preliminary auxiliary means, and the like as the constitution of the recording apparatus of the present invention since the effect of the present invention can be further stabilized. If these are specifically mentioned, the recording head is heated using capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer, another heating element or a combination thereof. Pre-heating means for performing the pre-heating and pre-discharging means for performing the discharging other than the recording can be used.

The type and number of recording heads to be mounted are not limited to those provided only for one color ink, for example, and for a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities. A plurality may be provided. That is, for example, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, but may be any of integrally forming a printing head or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The present invention is also very effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of the recording modes of full color by color mixture.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or lower and which softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. In general, the ink jet method generally controls the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. Sometimes, the ink may be in a liquid state. In addition, in order to positively prevent the temperature rise due to thermal energy by using the energy of the state change from the solid state of the ink to the liquid state, or to prevent the ink from evaporating, the ink is solidified in a standing state and heated. May be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy according to the recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or to start to solidify when reaching the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, the ink
JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-7
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 1260, it is also possible to adopt a form in which the sheet is opposed to the electrothermal converter in a state where it is held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition to the above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention may be used not only as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, but also as a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmitting / receiving function. And the like.

[0069]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a blow or impact is applied to the device housing during a period in which the device is in one of a plurality of preset device states, this is detected,
Since the processing corresponding to the device state is executed in response to this detection, it is possible to eliminate the operation switch such as the electric contact or the touch switch which is conventionally provided in the housing, and in view of the design. Is also reduced. In addition, it is determined whether the operation switch provided at the predetermined fixed position is pressed or touched correctly.
Operation becomes unnecessary, and more intuitive and human-friendly operation can be realized.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a predetermined sound is emitted during a period in which the apparatus is in one of a plurality of preset device states, the sound is detected, and in response to the detection, the device is detected. Since the processing corresponding to the state is executed, it is possible to eliminate the operation switch such as the electric contact or the touch switch which is conventionally provided in the housing, and the design restriction is reduced. In addition, correctly press the position of the operation switch disposed at a predetermined fixed position,
This eliminates the need for judgment and operation, such as touching, and realizes more intuitive and user-friendly operation.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when a voice is input, the input voice is recognized, an instruction corresponding to the recognition result is determined, and a process corresponding to the determined instruction is executed. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the operation switch such as the electric contact or the touch switch which is conventionally provided in the housing, and the design restriction is reduced. Further, it is not necessary to judge and operate such that the operation switch disposed at the predetermined fixed position is pressed or touched correctly, so that a more intuitive and human-friendly operation can be realized.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when a blow or impact is applied to the apparatus, the apparatus detects the impact, determines the instruction content of the user based on the detection, and executes a process corresponding to the determined instruction content. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the operation switch such as the electric contact or the touch switch which is conventionally provided in the housing, and the design restriction is reduced. Further, it is not necessary to judge and operate such that the operation switch disposed at the predetermined fixed position is pressed or touched correctly, so that a more intuitive and human-friendly operation can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the printer device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a control unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a control unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a storage registration procedure in the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 Cover 3 Power switch 5 Communication interface unit 6 Image recording unit 7 Memory 8 Shock detection sensor 9 Control unit 15 Device state judgment unit 16 Processing storage unit 17 Processing execution unit 20 Acoustic detector 30 Flash memory

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Ishikawa 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Taka 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Tetsuya Edamura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. 2C061 AP02 AP03 AP04 AQ05 AR01 BB10 CQ02 HV09 HV14 HV35 HV44 5C062 AA05 AB42 AC58 AC69 AE11 BA01

Claims (10)

[Claims] An apparatus status determining unit configured to determine that the apparatus is in one of a plurality of preset apparatus states; and a process executed by the apparatus corresponding to each of the plurality of set apparatus states. Storage means for storing in advance, impact detection means for detecting a blow or impact given to the device housing, and a period during which the device is in one of a plurality of device states determined by the device state determination means. A processing execution unit that, when a detection signal is output from the shock detection unit, executes a process corresponding to the device state stored in the processing storage unit. Forming equipment. 2. A device status determining means for determining that the device has become one of a plurality of preset device statuses, and a process executed by the device corresponding to each of the plurality of preset device statuses. Processing storage means for storing in advance, sound detection means for detecting the input of a predetermined sound, and the apparatus in one of a plurality of device states determined by the device state determination means, during a certain period, An image forming apparatus comprising: a process execution unit that executes a process corresponding to the device state stored in the process storage unit when a detection signal is output from the sound detection unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of device states determined by the device state determination unit is a state in which a paper jam has occurred. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of device states determined by the device state determination unit is a state in which ink replacement is required. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of device states determined by the device state determination unit is a state that requires an ink head cleaning operation. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of device states determined by the device state determination unit is a state in which a cover is opened. 7. Speech input means for inputting speech, speech recognition means for recognizing speech input via the speech input means and discriminating instruction contents based on the recognition, and discrimination by the speech recognition means. Processing to be executed by the apparatus in accordance with the instruction content to be executed, and a process corresponding to the instruction content determined by the voice recognition unit are read out from the processing storage unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a process execution unit that executes a process. 8. An impact detecting means for detecting an impact or impact given to the apparatus housing; an instruction content determining means for determining an instruction content based on a detection output of the impact detecting means; and an instruction content determining means. A process storage unit in which a process to be executed by the apparatus in accordance with the instruction content is stored in advance; and a process corresponding to the instruction content determined by the instruction content determination unit is read from the process storage unit. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a processing execution unit that executes the processing. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the instruction content determining means determines the instruction content based on the number of impacts applied to the apparatus housing. 10. A recording head having an electrothermal transducer for generating thermal energy for causing film boiling of ink as an element for generating energy used for discharging ink. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: