JP2003280789A - Operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem of having difficulty in promptly finding a key to be operated due to difficulty in recognizing the arrangement of keys at a glance in an operating device with a plurality of operating keys. <P>SOLUTION: LEDs forming a self-illuminating device are provided for every operating key and independently operated by a driving circuit 14. An MPU 11 is provided with a RAM 13 storing the operating keys operated for every operation mode, in relation to the operating keys to be self-illuminated. The operating key related to the previously operated operating key is specified on the basis of the memory, and the LED corresponding to the specified operating key is blinked. The blinking cycle is changed according to the degree of possibility of being used next. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operating device having a plurality of operation keys, and more particularly to control for guiding and guiding an operation key to be operated next.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an operation section is formed on the top of an image forming apparatus such as a copying / facsimile multifunction machine.
A large number of operation keys are arranged on the operation unit. For example, when sending a fax, first set the send original on the original tray and press the fax key to switch to the fax mode. Then, the type of the image of the transmission original such as a photograph or characters and the image density of the transmission image are selected by operating the image quality key and the density key. Then, the shortcut key, the one-touch key, or the ten-key pad is operated to specify the fax number of the other party. Here, when sending the transmission originals to a plurality of destinations all at once, the broadcast key is pressed, and the speed key, the one-touch key, or the ten-key is operated in the same manner as described above, and the fax number of the second destination is transmitted. Is specified. When this operation is repeated and designation of the fax number of the recipient to be broadcast is completed, the start key is pressed to send the fax. If you want to stop the sending operation during sending due to a mistake in the destination,
Press the communication stop key.

[0003]

By the way, since a large number of operation keys are provided on the operation section, it is difficult to tell which key is located and where it is located at a glance. It wasn't easy to find.

[0004]

The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will be described below. First, as described in claim 1,
In an operating device having a plurality of operation modes and having a plurality of operation keys commonly used in the plurality of operation modes, a self-illuminating device provided for each of the operation keys and the self-illuminating device can be individually operated. And a storage means for storing the operation key operated for each of the operation modes and the operation key to be illuminated, in association with each other. The operation key related to the specified operation key is specified, and the self-illuminating device of the specified operation key is operated.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means has a possibility that the self-illuminating device of the operation key specified in association with the previously operated operation key is used next time. The self-illumination form is changed according to.

Then, as described in claim 3, the control means changes the operation key related to the operation key operated previously based on the operation history of the operation key actually operated. Is equipped with.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to a copy / facsimile multifunction machine 1.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the copying / facsimile multifunction machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body of the multifunction machine 1 is placed and fixed on a paper feed cassette 5, and inside the main body,
The image reading unit 3 and the image recording unit 4 as an image forming apparatus are arranged vertically. The upper portion of the main body is extended in the front direction to form the operation portion 2, and various operation keys are arranged (see FIG. 2). An exterior cover 7 is provided above the main body so as to be openable and closable, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 6 is attached to one side of the exterior cover 7. A document tray 9 extends obliquely upward from the paper feed port 6a of the ADF 6, and a discharge tray 10 is formed on the upper surface of the exterior cover 7 below the document tray 9.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the multi-function machine 1. The control section of the multi-function machine 1 includes MPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, image reading section 3, which are control means.
The image recording unit 4, the operation unit 2, the display unit 20, the drive circuit 14,
An image memory (DRAM) 15, a CODEC (encoder / decoder) 16, a MODEM 17, an NCU (network control circuit) 18, and an audio output device 40 are provided, and the above-mentioned units are communicatively connected via a bus 19. ing.

The MPU 11 is a control means for controlling each section of the multifunction machine 1 based on an input operation to the operation section 2. R
The OM 12 stores a control program or the like for controlling the multifunction device 1. Further, the RAM 13 temporarily stores various information such as the control state of the multifunction machine 1, and in the present invention, an associated key storage unit 13a described later is additionally provided.

The image reading section 3 optically scans a document such as a photograph, a document, a drawing, etc., measures the intensities of reflected light and transmitted light, and AD-converts this. , Outputs a document image which is image data. The image recording unit 4 is composed of an electrophotographic printer, and the original image output by the image reading unit 3 and the MODEM 1 are used.
The received image received via 7 can be recorded (printed) on recording paper.

The operation section 2 is provided with various operation keys as an input means for operating the multifunction machine 1. Figure 2
Is a plan view of the operation unit 2, and is designated by reference numeral 21 in FIGS. 2 and 3.
22 and 23 are a fax key, a copy key, and a scanner key for setting the fax mode, the copy mode, and the scanner mode, respectively, and the fax key 21, the copy key 22, and the scanner key 23.
Each has a built-in LED (light emitting diode),
Illuminated. Further, reference numeral 24 is a start key for starting a fax operation, a copy operation or a scanner operation, and a reference numeral 25 is a reading operation related to fax communication, a reading operation and a recording operation in copying, and a reading operation in a scanner. The reference numeral 26 is a stop key for stopping the operation, and a reference numeral 26 is a communication stop key for stopping the operation during the fax communication.

Here, the "reading operation relating to fax communication" means an original reading operation performed when the multifunction machine 1 is set in the fax mode, and the reading operation performed in the copy mode or the scanner mode is Not included. Further, "during communication" means a period from when the own device makes a call until the communication data exchange with the communication terminal device of the other party is completed. In addition, in general, the reception from the communication terminal device of the other party is not stopped,
In the following description, this "in communication" is in the narrow sense of "transmitting"
And

Further, reference numeral 27 is a shortening key for registering or sending a shortened number, reference numeral 28 is a one-touch key for designating a previously registered fax number with one touch, and reference numeral 29 is a fax number. Alternatively, a numeric keypad (including the * key and # key) for inputting the number of copies and the like, and a reference numeral 30 is a reset key for resetting the input information (command).

Further, reference numerals 31, 32, and 33 are display corresponding keys for selecting and setting the setting items called on the display unit 20, respectively, and the first display corresponding key 31 sets the type of the original and the transmission image quality. Function, and a function to select whether or not to send a batch of originals with the same content to multiple recipients.For example, the original function is "photograph", photo and text. It is composed of 3 levels: "Photo / Characters" suitable for a mixed original and "Auto" which automatically sets the characteristics suitable for the original with priority given to the characters. The transmission image quality is "Photo", " It is composed of four levels of "high image quality", "high image quality", and "standard". Further, the second display corresponding key 32 has a function of setting the reading size of the transmission original as “manual” or “automatic”, and the third display corresponding key 33 indicates the density when reading the original as “manual”. , Or “automatic” setting function. Further, reference numeral 34
Is a cursor key for scrolling the items displayed on the display unit 20. In addition to this, a large number of keys are arranged on the operation unit 2, and these keys 21, 21, 23, ...
Each of the LEDs has a built-in LED (light emitting diode) as a self-illuminating device, and each LED is individually configured to be switched to a lighting state, a blinking state, or a non-lighting state by a drive circuit 14.

The display unit 20 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and is arranged on the operation unit 2.
It is possible to display various information (text message) such as the operating state of the multifunction machine 1. Image data such as the original image and the received image is temporarily stored in the image memory 15.
A CODEC (encoder / decoder) 16 functions as an encoder, and encodes an original image read by the image reading unit 3 by the MH, MR, MMR method or the like in order to transmit it via the bus 19. (Encode) Also, CODEC
16 also functions as a decoder, and decodes the encoded image data. MODEM17 is
The transmission data is modulated and the reception data is demodulated based on the facsimile transmission control procedure according to the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) recommendation. NCU (Network control circuit)
Reference numeral 18 has a function of controlling the connection with the telephone line L and detecting the sending and receiving of a dial signal corresponding to the telephone number (including the fax number) of the other party. The voice output device 40, which will be described in detail later, is a circuit that mechanically or electrically converts a text message displayed on the display unit 20 into a voice message and outputs the voice message, and notifies the operator via the speaker 41. The voice output device 40 may have a configuration in which a text message to be displayed on the display unit 20 is preliminarily recorded in a real voice, and the corresponding voice message is selectively output together with the display of the text message. There is no particular limitation.

The above is the configuration of the control unit of the multifunction machine 1, and in the present invention, the related key storage unit 1 of the RAM 13 as the control means.
3a stores an information list of the operation keys that were operated first and the related operation keys that are likely to be operated after that for each operation mode of the fax mode, the copy mode, and the scanner mode. ing. Based on this information list, if the previously operated operation key is operated,
It is configured to activate the drive circuit 14 to blink the LEDs of some associated operating keys. Further, the blinking cycles of some of the related operation keys are also set differently depending on the degree of possibility of next operation.

Next, an example of control for guiding the operation of the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. First, when a transmission document is set on the document tray 9 (step S1), it is determined whether the device is currently in the fax mode, the copy mode, or the scanner mode (step S2). That is, when the front end of the transmission original document placed on the paper feed cassette 9 is inserted into the paper feed port 6a of the ADF 6, a feeler sensor provided near the paper feed port 6a is pushed to the front end of the original document. Then, it is sensed that a document is set on the document tray 9, and the mode is determined based on the sensing signal.

Further, at this time, a screen (initial screen) related to the next operation is displayed on the display unit 20 based on the currently set mode, and a predetermined operation key related to the next operation is illuminated. Flashes). For example, if the currently set mode is the fax mode, the image quality of the transmitted document, the read size, and the read density are displayed in the lower half of the display unit 20 as shown in FIG. 7A. ,
If the display corresponding keys 31 and 33 are blinking and the currently set mode is the copy mode, the type of copy original and the presence or absence of sorting are displayed in the lower half of the display unit 20 as shown in FIG. Then, the reading density of the copy original is displayed, and the display corresponding keys 31 and 33 start blinking.

The case where the multifunction machine 1 is set to the fax mode will be specifically described below. Here, the operator confirms whether the fax key 21 on the operation unit 2 is lit, If it is not lit, the fax key 21 is pressed to set the multifunction device 1 to the fax mode (step S2).

When the multifunction machine 1 is set to the fax mode (step S2), the image quality of the transmitted document, the read size, and the read density are displayed on the lower half of the display unit 20 according to the instruction from the MPU 11. Further, the driving circuit 14 operates to activate the first display corresponding key 31 corresponding to the image quality key.
And the third display corresponding key 33 corresponding to the density key blinks, and along with this, a guidance for the next operation is displayed on the upper half of the display unit 20, for example, "please set the image quality and density". Displayed as a text message. At this time, the voice output device 40 is activated at the same time, the displayed contents are read aloud, and the voice message is also output (step S3).

The operator is guided by this guidance, and the first
When the display corresponding key 31 and the third display corresponding key 33 are operated and the displayed items are scrolled by the cursor key 34 to set the image quality of the transmitted original such as a photograph or a character and the reading density of the original (step S4). ), The drive circuit 14 operates again, and the shortening key 27, the one-touch key 28, and the ten key 29 are pressed.
And blink at different intervals, and a guidance for the next operation is displayed on the display unit 20, for example, in a text message "Please specify the destination", and the voice output device 40 is activated. The displayed contents are read aloud and output by a voice message (step S5).

Here, it is expected that the blinking cycle of the abbreviated key 27, the one-touch key 28 and the ten-key 29 is likely to be used next, for example, because the partner can be designated by the operation of one button. Shortened key 27,
The numeric keypad 2 which is expected to be less likely to be used next time by shortening the blinking cycle with the one-touch key 28
The flashing period of 9 is set to be long, and the self-illumination form is changed based on the degree of possibility of being used next. This blinking cycle can be set by the operator and can be changed as necessary. By adding an accent to the blinking operation key among the operation keys that are blinking in this way, it becomes easier to find the operation key to be operated next and the operability is improved.

Then, in accordance with the guidance, the operator operates the shortening key 27, the one-touch key 28, or the ten-key 29, and when the destination of the transmission is designated (step S6), the drive circuit 14 is activated to send the broadcast key. The first display corresponding key 31 corresponding to is blinked, and the guidance of the next operation is displayed on the display unit 20, for example, in the case of a text message, "When sending a broadcast, please specify the next destination". The voice output device 40 is displayed, the voice output device 40 is operated, the display content is read aloud, and the voice message is also output (step S7).

According to this guide, if the operator presses the first display corresponding key 31 corresponding to the broadcast key (step S8), the process returns to step S5 and again the shortening key 2 is pressed.
7. The one-touch key 28 or the ten key 29 blinks, and the designation of the recipients to be collectively transmitted is awaited. on the other hand,
If the start key 24 is pressed here (step S9) without pressing the first display corresponding key 31 corresponding to the broadcast key (step S9), the transmission originals on the original tray 9 are separated one by one. The image is taken into the ADF 6, the image is read by the image reading unit 3, and is discharged to the discharge tray 10 (step S10). In this way, the reading operation related to the fax communication is completed.

Then, the multifunction device 1 makes a call, is connected to the communication terminal device of the transmission destination through the telephone line, and during transmission of the fax, the transmission destination is erroneous.
When the stop key 25 is pressed (step S11), the communication stop key 26 blinks and the guidance of the next operation is displayed on the display section 20, for example, "To stop the fax, press the communication stop key." The message is displayed, the voice output device 40 operates, the displayed content is read aloud, and the voice message is also output (step S12). Here, if the communication stop key 26 is pressed (step S13), the transmission process being executed is interrupted (step S14), and if the communication stop key 26 is not pressed (step S13), the transmission operation is continued as it is, The transmission is completed (step S15). If the stop key 25 is not pressed in step S11, the transmission operation is continued and the transmission is completed (step S15). Thus, a series of fax transmission operations are completed.

With the above-described structure, in the present invention, the selection target is specified by selecting the operation key to be operated next from the blinking operation keys.
The operation key to be operated next becomes easy to find. Further, when operated, the operation key for which the operation is valid is illuminated, and the operation is not accepted. If the invalid operation key is not illuminated, the invalid operation key is not pressed, and Erroneous operations such as pressing unrelated operation keys are eliminated. By thus specifying the operation key to be illuminated, the power consumption is suppressed to a low level, and power saving is achieved.

Further, the MPU 11 is provided with a learning function for recording the operation history of the operation key actually operated and the operation key related to the previously operated operation key and changing the operation key based on the operation history. You may keep it. This learning function has a configuration in which the mode can be switched to ON / OFF, and when the mode is ON, the operation keys related to the operation key operated first based on the operation history while collecting and storing the operation history. If the setting is changed and the mode is OFF,
The setting is not changed. With this configuration, since the actual operation history of the operator is reflected, there is a possibility that the next operation may be performed in relation to the operation key operated first, depending on the actual usage situation. The operation key can be selected.

[0029]

Since the present invention is constructed as described above,
The following effects are achieved. First, as in claim 1, in an operating device having a plurality of operation modes and having a plurality of operation keys commonly used in the plurality of operation modes, a self-illuminating device provided for each of the operation keys and the self-illuminating device. And a control means capable of individually operating the device,
Further, the control means includes storage means for storing the operation key operated for each operation mode and the operation key to be illuminated, in association with each other, and related to the operation key operated previously based on the storage means. By specifying the operation key and activating the self-illuminating device of the specified operation key, the operation key to be operated next exists among the operation keys that are self-illuminating. Compared with selecting the next operation key from all the above operation keys,
As a result of the selection target being specified, the operation key to be operated next can be easily found and the operability is improved. In addition, in this configuration, when an operation key is operated, the operation key that is valid is illuminated, and if an invalid operation key is not illuminated, the invalid operation key is pressed. It also eliminates erroneous operations such as pressing operation keys that are completely unrelated. By thus specifying the operation key to be illuminated, the power consumption is suppressed to a low level, and power saving is achieved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control means controls the self-illuminating device of the operation key specified in association with the operation key operated previously according to the possibility of being used next. By changing and activating the self-illumination mode, the operation key that is to be operated next is more easily found and the operability is improved, even among the operation keys that are self-illuminating. .

Further, as in claim 3, the control means comprises a learning means for changing the operation key related to the operation key operated previously based on the operation history of the operation key actually operated. As a result, the actual operation history of the operator will be reflected, and there is a possibility that it will be operated afterwards in relation to the operation key that was operated first, depending on the actual usage situation. You can select various operation keys.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction machine 1.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operation unit 2.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the multifunction machine 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the first half of the document transmission operation by the multifunction machine 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the middle half of the document transmission operation by the multi-function peripheral 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the document transmission operation by the multifunction machine 1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a display unit. (A) is an initial screen displayed when the fax mode is set. (B) is an initial screen displayed when the copy mode is set.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 multifunction machine 2 operation part 3 Image reading section 6 ADF 11 MPU 13 RAM 13a Related key storage section 14 Drive circuit 20 Display 24 Start key 25 stop key 26 Communication stop key 27 speed key 28 One-touch key 29 Numeric keypad 31 1st display corresponding key 32 Second display-compatible key 33 Third display key

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) // H04N 1/00 B41J 29/00 TF term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 CQ22 CQ24 CQ28 CQ32 CQ37 CQ43 2H027 FA30 FA40 FC02 FD08 GA12 GA14 GA16 GA23 GA32 GA34 GA59 GA60 GB19 ZA07 5B020 BB02 CC12 GG15 5C062 AA05 AB20 AB23 AB25 AB41 AB42 AE15 AF10

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An operating device having a plurality of operation modes and having a plurality of operation keys commonly used in the plurality of operation modes, wherein an illumination device is provided for each of the operation keys, and the illumination device is individually provided. And a storage means for storing the operation key operated for each of the operation modes and the operation key to be illuminated in association with each other. On the basis of the operation key, an operation key related to the operation key operated first is specified, and the self-illuminating device of the specified operation key is operated. 2. The control means operates the self-illuminating device of the operation key specified in association with the previously operated operation key by changing the self-illuminating form according to the degree of possibility of being used next. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating device is operated. 3. The control means comprises learning means for changing an operation key related to an operation key operated previously, based on an operation history of the operation key actually operated. Item 3. The operating device according to item 2.