JP2004170653A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing a the final result confirmation by a speech guide, and also correctly guiding even the user standing difficulty in viewing a control part screen and an eye-disabled user by the speech guide when they work. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus provided with an image reading part for reading an image from an original and obtaining image data, an image forming part for forming an image on a sheet based on the image data, a display/control part for displaying information to the user and also for inputting user's operational instructions, a control part for inputting the user's operational instructions, a mode setting means for setting a mode with reference to the operation of the image forming apparatus and a control means for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus, the apparatus is also provided with a setting completion confirming means for detecting the completion of the mode setting, and a voice outputting means for outputting the voice, and the voice is outputted by the voice outputting means under the control of the control means so as to inform the present setting mode in the case the completion of the mode setting is detected by the setting completion confirming means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A latent image is formed by irradiating the photosensitive layer of a uniformly charged photoreceptor with light to form a latent image, toner is adhered to the photosensitive layer, developed, and transferred to paper to form an image, such as a digital copying machine. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is well known.
[0003]
An operation such as when an image is formed by such an image forming apparatus is performed by a user operating and inputting using a display operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus.
[0004]
Patent Literature 1 discloses a voice guidance device for electronic devices, which includes operation explanations and function descriptions of the electronic devices, audio guidance such as setting contents during driving and occurrence of an error, and basic important matters. There is disclosed an apparatus that performs voice guidance according to a user's request by dividing the information into individual guidance and handling items.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-41278 A [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
However, the voice guidance device for electronic devices described in Patent Literature 1 has a problem in that the content of the voice guidance relates to the operation process, and the final result confirmation cannot be voice guided.
[0006]
Further, in the display operation unit of the conventional image forming apparatus, the setting status of various modes is displayed on the LCD of the operation unit screen, but information of various setting contents is dispersed on the display screen, and it is difficult to understand. There were also problems.
[0007]
Further, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since operation guidance and the like are only displayed on the operation unit screen, for example, when performing an operation such as a JAM process for removing paper jammed in the image forming apparatus, the operation is performed. In some cases, the user may work in a position where the screen of the operation unit is difficult to see, and there is a problem that it is impossible to determine whether the information is correctly processed only on the operation unit screen.
[0008]
Further, in the conventional image forming apparatus, since only operation guidance and the like are displayed on the operation unit screen, it is not possible for a visually-impaired person to determine whether the operation is correct or operable. There was also a problem.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to perform a final result check by voice guidance, and when the operation unit screen is in a position where it is difficult to see or when a blind person works. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing correct guidance by voice guidance.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image reading unit that reads an image from a document to obtain image data, an image forming unit that forms an image on paper based on the image data, displays information to a user, A display operation unit for inputting an operation instruction, an operation unit for inputting an operation instruction by a user, a mode setting unit for setting a mode relating to an operation of the image forming apparatus, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus further comprises: a setting end confirming means for detecting the end of the mode setting; and an audio output means for outputting a sound, wherein the control means detects the mode setting end by the setting end confirming means. In this case, guidance of the currently set mode is output as voice by the voice output unit.
[0011]
The present invention according to claim 1, wherein the display operation unit and the operation unit have a button capable of detecting a press, and the display operation unit and the operation unit differ according to a pressed button in the operation unit. It is characterized by further comprising a scale generating means for generating a scale sound.
[0012]
The present invention is characterized in that, in the invention described in claim 1, the setting completion confirmation means is a setting confirmation button provided on the operation unit.
[0013]
Also, in the invention according to claim 1, the setting completion confirmation means is a copy button provided on the operation unit for starting a copy operation, and the control means is a copy button. When the button is pressed once, the guidance of the currently set mode is output as voice by the voice output means, and control is performed so that the copy operation is started by pressing the copy button a second time.
[0014]
Further, the present invention provides an image reading unit that reads an image from a document to obtain image data, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a control unit that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus further includes an area monitoring unit that detects that the user has approached the image forming apparatus to a predetermined distance, and an audio output unit that outputs audio, and the control unit controls the user by the area monitoring unit. Detecting that the user has approached the image forming apparatus to a predetermined distance, a voice of the guidance of the current operation status is output by the voice output means.
[0015]
Further, the present invention provides an image reading unit that reads an image from a document to obtain image data, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a control unit that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus further includes an error detection unit that detects an error that occurs in the image forming apparatus, and an audio output unit that outputs audio. When the control unit detects an error by the error detection unit, The guidance of the coping method is output by voice by the voice output means.
[0016]
Further, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, when the control means correctly responds to the error output by the voice output means, the control means provides guidance on the next response method to be performed. It is characterized in that sound is output by the sound output means.
[0017]
The present invention according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the error is JAM.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus.
[0020]
Here, the configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0021]
When the user operates a display operation unit, which will be described later, provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and inputs a copy instruction, the document is placed on the document feeder 11 of the automatic document feeder 1 with the image surface facing upward, and the document is The sheet is fed one by one by the operation of the feed roller 12, temporarily stopped by the registration roller 13, and its tip is trimmed. Then, the sheet is transferred to the transfer drum 14, and united along the surface of the transfer drum 14. The image surface is read by the image reading unit 2 in the process of rotating in the counterclockwise direction. Thereafter, the image is diverged from the drum surface at a position substantially halfway around and is discharged to the paper discharge table 15. In double-sided reading, the read original is turned upside down, and is again conveyed by the conveying drum 14 to perform backside reading.
[0022]
In the image reading unit 2, a first mirror unit 23 including a light source 23 a and a mirror 23 b sequentially illuminates and reads a passing document at a position directly below the transport drum 14 so as to be orthogonal to the moving direction of the document. The light is reflected by a second mirror unit 24 having a mirror 24a and a mirror 24b arranged at the same position, and forms an image on a linear imaging element 26 via an imaging lens 25 to obtain image information. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a function of placing a document on the stationary document table 27 and moving and reading the mirror units 23 and 24.
[0023]
Image information of the document image read by the image reading unit 2 is subjected to image processing by an image processing device, and is temporarily stored in a memory as image information.
[0024]
In the image forming section 3, the image information is read out from the memory and input to the exposure device 33, and a laser beam modulated according to the image information from a laser light source (not shown) has a photosensitive layer by rotating a polygon mirror. The main scanning exposure is performed on the photosensitive drum 31. The main scanning by the polygon mirror in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 31 to which the charging potential has been previously applied by the charging device 32 and the sub-scanning by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31 are performed, and the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 31. Form an image. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is reversely developed with a developer by a developing device 40 to be a toner image.
[0025]
In parallel with this, paper for forming an image is fed from the manual paper feed tray 19 or the main paper feed tray 7 that stores paper as the paper feed device 5. The main body paper feed tray 7 has, for example, three stages of 7a, 7b, and 7c, and one of the paper feed rollers 51A, 51B, and 51C operates to carry out the paper, and the conveyance roller 55, the registration roller 56, and the conveyance roller The paper is fed to the photosensitive drum 31 and is synchronized with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31.
[0026]
The photosensitive drum 31 on which the sheet is stuck receives the discharge from the transfer device 35 and the irradiation of light from the charge elimination lamp (TSL) 41, whereby the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31 is moved to the sheet side. The paper on which the toner image has been transferred and transferred is discharged by the separating device 36 and separated from the photosensitive drum 31, and is conveyed to the fixing device 38 via the conveying belt, and has the heater 38 c to be heated by the fixing device 38 c. When the toner passes between the fixing roller 38b and the fixing roller 38a, the toner is fixed by heat, and the toner is fixed. The sheet is discharged from the fixing discharge roller 61 of the discharge unit 6 and discharged to the discharge tray 64. Is done.
[0027]
On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured so that the photosensitive drum 31 from which the sheet has been separated and from which the residual potential has been removed is cleaned by removing the residual toner in the cleaning device 37 and then enters the next image forming process. All controls are performed by the CPU as control means.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 101 that performs overall control, an image reading unit 2 that reads an image from a document, and an image forming unit 3 that forms an image on an image forming sheet such as paper. A storage unit 102 for storing image data read by the image reading unit 2, other programs to be executed by the control unit 101, parameters necessary for the operation of the digital copying machine 100, and the like. An operation unit 103 for displaying information or inputting an operation, an instruction, or the like to the digital copying machine 100 by the user; an audio output unit 104 for outputting voice guidance or the like to the user; Area monitoring means 105 for detecting that the paper is approaching, and JA for detecting a paper jam state in the image forming apparatus 100. Configured with a detecting means 106.
[0030]
Here, the JAM is an example of various errors that occur in the image forming apparatus 100, and the JAM detection unit 106 is an example of an error detection unit that detects the various errors.
[0031]
The operation unit 103 includes a touch panel display operation unit 103a and a fixed button operation unit 103b, which will be described later.
[0032]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the display operation unit 103a and the operation unit 103b in the operation unit 103 illustrated in FIG.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the display operation unit 103a is configured by a touch panel type LCD screen, and is displayed by the user pressing or touching the displayed button position according to the display content. You can select and enter the content.
[0034]
The operation unit 103b is provided with a plurality of fixed buttons, among which a setting confirmation button 103c and a copy button 103d described later are also provided.
[0035]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the display operation unit 103a in the operation unit 103 shown in FIG.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 4, the display operation unit 103a displays the name of the operation content for the user to operate the digital copier 100, and the user presses or touches the displayed button position to display the name. It has an input unit for selecting and inputting the displayed contents.
[0037]
For example, in FIG. 4, the button 103e is a button for selecting a mode for reading an image of a double-sided printed original and printing on one side of image forming paper, and the button 103f is for placing the image forming paper to be used on the first tray. A button 103g is used to select a mode for storing stored A3 size recycled paper. The button 103g is used to apply various functions other than the basic functions of the image forming apparatus, for example, to perform image processing on an image read from a document and perform image formation. This button is used to select a mode to perform.
[0038]
The control means 101 controls to perform a copy operation in a mode corresponding to the pressed button. In the present embodiment, this is the mode setting means.
[0039]
In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, for example, information relating to the content to be output as sound when each button in the display operation unit 103a of the operation unit 103 is pressed is stored in the storage unit 102, and the display operation is performed. When each button in the section 103a is pressed, the control means 101 obtains information on which button has been pressed, reads out information on the content to be output as a voice from the storage means 102 based on this information, and And controls the audio output means 104 to output audio.
[0040]
For example, when the button 103e is pressed, a voice is output as "document double-sided reading, single-sided output", and when the button 103f is pressed, a voice is output as "first stage, paper A3, recycled paper". When the button 103g is pressed, voice guidance is provided by outputting voice "select an application function". The button for voice guidance is not limited to the button in the display operation unit 103a, and may be a fixed button provided in the operation unit 103b.
[0041]
The user performs the mode setting according to the voice guidance, and presses the setting confirmation button 103c shown in FIG. 3 after the setting is completed. As a result, the control means 101 confirms the setting and provides voice guidance of the current setting state. Thereafter, when the user presses the copy button 103d, the copy is executed in the current setting state. In the present embodiment, the detection of the pressing of the setting confirmation button 103c is the setting completion confirmation means.
[0042]
Note that the setting confirmation button 103c may be pressed when all settings are completed, or may be pressed for each setting so that confirmation and confirmation can be performed each time.
[0043]
Alternatively, the configuration confirmation button 103c may not be provided, and another button may serve as the configuration confirmation button 103c. For example, the copy button 103d can be used instead of the setting confirmation button 103c. When the user presses the copy button 103d after the setting is completed, the setting is confirmed and the current setting state is announced by voice. Alternatively, the copy may be executed in the current setting state.
[0044]
In the above-described embodiment, when a user presses a button provided on the display operation unit 103a or the operation unit 103b, the function assigned to the button is provided by voice guidance. The present invention is not limited to this, and may have a scale generating means that emits a sound of a different scale depending on the location where the key is pressed, and may guide the user to the location where the key is pressed.
[0045]
Next, an operation when the user approaches the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment to a predetermined distance will be described.
[0046]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the user approaches the image forming apparatus 100 to a predetermined distance.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an area monitoring unit 105 that detects that a user has approached the image forming apparatus 100 to a predetermined distance.
[0048]
This area monitoring means 105 may detect that the user has approached by detecting infrared rays due to the user's body temperature, for example, or the user may carry a transmitter, and the user may manually transmit radio waves from the transmitter. Or an infrared signal, etc., which may be received by the area monitoring means 105 to detect the approach of the user, or a transmitter carried by the user may automatically transmit radio waves, infrared light, etc., This may be received by the area monitoring means 105 to detect the approach of the user.
[0049]
The transmitter may be a remote control transmitter or a mobile phone.
[0050]
As described above, the area monitoring unit 105 detects that the user has approached the monitoring area by receiving a radio wave or the like, and notifies the control unit 101 of the fact. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 101 sets a predetermined message (for example, a voice message (“Copy is possible”, “Warming up.”, “Warming up.”, Is in progress. Please wait for a while. "
[0051]
Next, an operation when a JAM (paper jam) occurs in image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus 100 when a JAM occurs.
[0053]
During the copying operation of the image forming apparatus 100 or when the power is turned on (A-1), JAM detection described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is performed (A-2), and if no JAM has occurred, the operation is continued as it is. It is executed (A-3).
[0054]
When occurrence of JAM is detected in step (A-2), JAM processing is displayed on the display operation unit 103a, and voice guidance is performed by the voice output unit 104 (A-4). As this voice guide, for example, "Please open the door of (1).", Etc., to guide the first operation for removing the paper jam by voice.
[0055]
Next, it is determined in step (A-4) whether or not the process guided by voice is performed by the user (A-5). If it is determined in step (A-4) that the process guided by voice is performed, JAM is performed. Is detected (A-6), and when JAM is resolved, a message indicating that the process of eliminating JAM is completed is displayed and guidance is provided by a voice guide (A-7).
[0056]
If the JAM has not been resolved in step (A-6), display and voice guidance are performed on the process to be performed by the user after the process guided by voice in step (A-4) (A-8). Examples of this audio guide are "Turn knob # 2 right,""Pull out tray # 3," and so on. To guide.
[0057]
Next, it is determined in step (A-8) whether or not the process guided by voice is performed by the user (A-9). If it is determined in step (A-8) that the process guided by voice is performed, the JAM Is detected (A-10), and if JAM is resolved, a message indicating that the processing for eliminating JAM has been completed is displayed and guidance is provided by a voice guide (A-7).
[0058]
If the JAM has not been resolved in step (A-10), a coping method in that situation is displayed, a voice guide is output, and it is determined whether the coping method has been executed (A-11, A-12), and this is repeated as necessary.
[0059]
When the JAM processing is finally completed (A-13), the fact that the processing for canceling the JAM is completed is displayed, and guidance is provided by a voice guide (A-7).
[0060]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the operation of the JAM detection by the JAM detection means 106 shown in FIG. 2, and is a diagram showing the JAM detection in a stationary state (a state in which a copy operation is not being performed).
[0061]
First, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on (B-1), initial communication from the control unit 101 to each unit is performed to confirm the operation of each unit (B-2). Upon completion (B-3), it is detected whether the cover or unit of the image forming apparatus 100 is in a predetermined state necessary for operation (B-4). An open state process is performed (B-5). For example, the display operation unit 103a displays information such as where a predetermined state is not established, and the audio output unit 104 provides audio guidance on the point.
[0062]
In step (B-4), if the cover, the unit, and the like are in a predetermined state necessary for operation, a static JAM check is performed (B-6) to detect the presence or absence of JAM.
[0063]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the operation of the JAM detection by the JAM detection means 106 shown in FIG. 2, and is a diagram showing the JAM detection during the copy operation.
[0064]
During the copying operation of the image forming apparatus 100 (C-1), it is constantly monitored whether each step is completed at a predetermined timing operation (C-2).
[0065]
If the operation is completed at a predetermined timing in this monitoring, it is determined that the operation is normal (C-3), and the operation is continued as it is.
[0066]
On the other hand, if the operation is not completed at a predetermined timing in the monitoring of step (C-2), it is determined that JAM has occurred (C-4).
[0067]
Note that, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which voice guidance is given as to how to cope when JAM occurs. However, the present invention is not limited to JAM processing, and can cope with various errors that occur in an image forming apparatus. Voice guidance can be provided.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the final result check can be performed by voice guidance, and when the operation unit screen is in a position that is difficult to see or when a blind person works. In addition, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing correct guidance by voice guidance.
[0069]
That is, according to the present invention, each time a selection is made on the operation screen LCD, or after selecting all items, the selected item is provided by voice guidance. Therefore, when an incorrect selection is made, it is possible to visually and audibly confirm. It becomes possible.
[0070]
In the past, when performing internal operations such as JAM processing, etc., when performing operations in invisible places because of relying on the operation screen or the guide plate attached to the machine, do you work correctly? Although it was difficult to confirm, according to the present invention, when it is not possible to work accurately according to the guidance on the screen display, or even when working in a place where the work guide board is not visible, it is possible to work by relying on sound. it can.
[0071]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to confirm whether or not the operation has been correctly determined for each mode selection when a visually impaired person works.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to control of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a display operation unit and an operation unit in the operation unit illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a display operation unit in the operation unit illustrated in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation when a user approaches a predetermined distance from the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus when a JAM occurs.
7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an operation of JAM detection by the JAM detection means shown in FIG. 2, and is a diagram showing JAM detection in a stationary state (a state in which a copy operation is not being performed).
8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an operation of JAM detection by the JAM detection means shown in FIG. 2, and is a diagram showing JAM detection during a copy operation.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 automatic document feeder 11 document feeder 12 feeder roller 13 registration roller 14 transport drum 15 discharger 2 image reader 23a light source 23b mirror 23 first mirror unit 24a mirror 24b mirror 24 second mirror unit 25 imaging lens 26 Image sensor 27 Stationary platen 3 Image forming unit 31 Photoreceptor drum 32 Charging device 33 Exposure device 40 Developing device 5 Paper feeder 19 Manual feed tray 7 Main feed trays 7a, 7b, 7c Main feed trays 51A, 51B , 51C paper feed roller 55 transport roller 56 registration roller 56
39 transport roller 35 transfer device 41 static elimination lamp (TSL)
36 Separating device 38 Fixing devices 38a, 38b Fixing roller 38c Heater 6 Discharge unit 61 Fixing discharge roller 64 Discharge tray 37 Cleaning device 100 Image forming device 101 Control unit 102 Storage unit 103 Operating unit 103a Display operation unit 103b Operation unit 103c Setting confirmation button 103d copy button 103e, 103f, 103g button 104 audio output means 105 area monitoring means 106 JAM detection means 107 user

Claims (8)

An image reading unit that reads an image from a document to obtain image data, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, a display operation unit that displays information to a user and inputs an operation instruction by a user, An operation unit for inputting an operation instruction, a mode setting unit for setting a mode related to the operation of the image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus having a control unit for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus,
Further comprising a setting end confirmation means for detecting the end of the setting of the mode, and a sound output means for outputting sound
An image forming apparatus, wherein when the control means detects the end of the mode setting by the setting end confirmation means, the guidance of the currently set mode is output as audio by the audio output means. The display operation unit and the operation unit have a button capable of detecting press,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scale generating unit that emits a sound of a different scale according to the display operation unit or a pressed button in the operation unit. 3. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting completion confirmation unit is a setting confirmation button provided on the operation unit. The setting end confirmation unit is a copy button provided on the operation unit, for starting a copy operation,
When the copy button is pressed once, the control means outputs a voice of a currently set mode by the voice output means, and controls to start a copy operation by the second press of the copy button. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: An image reading unit that obtains image data by reading an image from a document, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and an image forming apparatus that includes a control unit that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus.
Area monitoring means for detecting that the user has approached the image forming apparatus to a predetermined distance, and audio output means for outputting audio, further comprising:
When the control unit detects that the user has approached the image forming apparatus to a predetermined distance by the area monitoring unit, the audio output unit outputs a voice of the guidance of the current operation status by voice. Image forming apparatus. An image reading unit that obtains image data by reading an image from a document, an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and an image forming apparatus that includes a control unit that controls an operation of the image forming apparatus.
Further comprising an error detection unit for detecting an error occurring in the image forming apparatus, and an audio output unit for outputting audio.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit detects an error by the error detection unit, a guidance of a method for coping with the error is output as voice by the audio output unit. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when a method of coping with the error output by the voice output unit is correctly performed, the control unit outputs a voice of a guide of a next coping method by the voice output unit. Item 7. An image forming apparatus according to Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the error is JAM.

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