JP2005081773A - Operating panel of image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device in which an operator can vocally know the name or function of a key by depressing the key of an operating section and the vibration of the operating panel enables an operator to operate without trouble and settings conserved can be easily changed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device has a touch panel type display in an operating section. When a key is depressed once, vocal data is outputted as a voice by a voice output means 9. When the same key is depressed twice, the original function of the key is performed. A part of the operating panel is vibrated by an operating panel vibrating means 12, and a maximum waiting time set by a waiting time setting means 7 is protected by a password. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation panel of an image forming apparatus capable of notifying an operator of the name or function of a key by voice and further notifying that a key has been pressed by vibration.

  An image forming apparatus typified by a copying machine or a printer includes an operation unit for operating a device. The operation unit is provided with various keys for operating the device. A display for displaying the operation state and the like and display means for various lamps are provided.

  In the conventional image forming apparatus, the function of each key of the operation unit can be known by the name of each key or a key stamped near the key or a function display. For keys with complex functions and keys with multiple functions, it is difficult to fully understand the function of the key with the key name or simple function display, and the user's manual for the image forming apparatus must be read. I could not understand.

  In recent years, with the increasing number of functions of image forming apparatuses, it has become increasingly complex to perform various settings using keys so that the functions of the keys can be understood appropriately and easily. It is requested to be.

In view of this, it has been conventionally proposed to use voice to guide operation procedures for various setting operations for image formation (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-302017 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307512 JP 2000-214731 A

  However, in the prior art described in the above publication, since the operation procedure is voice-guided, when a setting operation intended by a beginner is performed, an appropriate operation can be performed, but the operation is accustomed to some extent. For the operator, there is a problem that operability is improved and usability is improved if it is possible to easily grasp the function of each of the many existing keys, rather than performing key operations in accordance with voice guidance each time. there were.

  Therefore, there is a demand for an image forming apparatus including an operation panel that can easily and easily grasp the functions of various keys.

  Therefore, the present invention allows the operator to know the name or function of the key by pressing the key of the operation unit displayed on the display screen with the touch panel once, and a part of the operation panel vibrates. By notifying key operations, you can easily and easily understand the functions of various keys, and have an operation panel with good operability, and set maximum standby time, vibration time and vibration frequency. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that is not easily changed.

  The present invention includes a key selection detecting unit that detects whether or not a key displayed on a display device has been selected, a voice data storage unit that stores voice data of the name or function of the key, and the voice data. Audio output means for converting audio data stored in the storage means into an audio signal and outputting it, standby time setting means for setting a standby time, operation panel vibration means for vibrating a part of the operation panel, Vibration time setting means for setting a time for vibrating a part; vibration frequency setting means for setting a frequency for vibrating a part of the operation panel; and the voice data storage means when the key is pressed for the first time. The corresponding voice data is read out and output as voice from the voice output means, and the function assigned to the key is pressed when the same key is pressed for the second time. If a different key is pressed, the corresponding voice data is read from the voice data storage means and output as voice from the voice output means, and a part of the operation panel vibrates, and the key is pressed for the first time. The operator can arbitrarily set the maximum waiting time until it is pressed for the second time after being pressed by the waiting time setting means, and the maximum waiting time set by the waiting time setting means is protected by a password, Provided is an operation panel of an image forming apparatus having an operation unit with a touch panel display device that is determined by touching an operator, wherein the stored setting contents can be changed only when a password match is confirmed. .

  In addition, the operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes key selection detection means for detecting whether or not a key displayed on the display device is selected, and voice data of the key name or function. A voice data storage means stored; a voice output means for converting voice data stored in the voice data storage means into a voice signal; a standby time setting means for setting a standby time; An operation panel vibration means for vibrating a part, a vibration time setting means for setting a time for vibrating a part of the operation panel, and a vibration frequency setting means for setting a frequency for vibrating a part of the operation panel, Is pressed, the corresponding voice data is read from the voice data storage means, output as voice from the voice output means, and a part of the operation panel vibrates. The operator can set the time to vibrate a part of the operation panel by the vibration time setting means. The vibration time set by the vibration time setting means is protected by a password, and only when the password is confirmed to match. It is preferable that the stored settings can be changed.

  Further, the operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention stores key selection detecting means for detecting whether or not a key displayed on the display device is selected, and voice data of the key name or function. Voice data storage means, voice output means for converting voice data stored in the voice data storage means into a voice signal, output, standby time setting means for setting a standby time, and a part of the operation panel are vibrated An operation panel vibration means for causing the operation panel to vibrate, a vibration time setting means for setting a time for vibrating a part of the operation panel, and a vibration frequency setting means for setting a frequency for vibrating a part of the operation panel. The corresponding voice data is read from the voice data storage means, output as voice from the voice output means, and a part of the operation panel vibrates, When the operator can arbitrarily set the frequency to vibrate a part of the panel using the vibration frequency setting means, and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means is protected by a password, and the password matches It is preferable that only the saved settings can be changed.

  Further, it is preferable that passwords set by the standby time setting means, the vibration time setting means, and the vibration frequency setting means can be arbitrarily selected from individual settings or the same settings.

  The password is preferably composed of a combination of alphabets or numbers within 10 characters.

  The invention of claim 1 can easily and easily grasp the names or functions of a large number of keys by notifying the operator of the name or function of the key by pressing the key once. An image forming apparatus with improved usability can be provided.

  In addition, it is possible to recognize the key operation by vibrating a part of the touch panel or the operation panel, and it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with further improved usability.

  Also, by setting the maximum standby time to an arbitrary time, it is possible to set a maximum standby time that is not unnecessarily long, and it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that further improves usability.

  Further, by setting a password, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which security is ensured so that the stored setting contents of the maximum waiting time are not easily changed.

  The name or function of the key of the operation unit can be easily and easily grasped, and the voice data is output as sound when the key is pressed for the first time on the image forming apparatus whose stored setting contents are not easily changed. Part of the system vibrates, and the set maximum waiting time is protected by a password.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an example.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, a case where the present invention is applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a configuration as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1 will be described.

  In FIG. 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 controls the present apparatus by a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 3 temporarily stores data processed by the CPU 1. The CPU 1 stores and reads data in the RAM 3 as necessary.

  The key selection detection means 4 detects whether or not the touch panel 5 on the operation unit has been pressed, and sends information on the selected key to the CPU 1. The CPU 1 reads out voice data such as a name or a function corresponding to the key from the voice data storage unit 8 based on the sent key information, and sends it to the voice output unit 9 as a voice.

  The standby time setting means 7 sets the maximum standby time from when the touch panel 5 is pressed for the first time until it is pressed for the second time. It is assumed that the maximum waiting time that can be set is that the operator can set any time.

  An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 6 is disposed below the touch panel 5 and displays keys by graphics. The CPU 1 determines which key of the keys displayed on the LCD 6 is selected from the horizontal and vertical coordinate data of the touch panel 5.

  Further, when detecting that the touch panel 5 is pressed, the CPU 1 controls the operation panel vibration means 12 by the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means 11. The vibration time which can be set shall be able to set arbitrary time by the operator. In addition, the vibration frequency that can be set can be arbitrarily set by the operator.

  The maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means 7, the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means 11 are stored in the built-in storage device 13 incorporated in the image forming apparatus or It is assumed that the data can be stored in the external storage device 14, and the setting of each individual or group can be changed by replacing the external storage device 14.

  Further, the maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means 7, the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means 11 are protected by a password, and it is confirmed that the password matches. The saved settings can be changed only when the password is entered, and the password is a combination of up to 10 letters or numbers, and can be arbitrarily selected as individual settings or all the same settings. To do.

  2 and 3 are flow charts showing from key selection detection to function execution according to the present invention.

  In step S1, it is detected whether or not a key selection operation has been performed by pressing the touch panel 5. When the touch panel 5 is pressed, the CPU 1 is set to have or not set the audio output. If it is set to none, the function corresponding to the selected key is executed and the process is terminated (S111). The setting as to whether or not to perform the audio output is set to, for example, with audio output in the initial setting, but the user can arbitrarily change the setting by a key operation on the touch panel 5. Based on the set information on presence / absence of audio output, the determination process in step S2 is performed. On the other hand, if the touch panel 5 is not pressed down, it will be in a standby state and will return to S1.

  When the voice output setting is set to “Yes” in step S2, the CPU 1 reads the voice data of the key guidance information stored in the voice data storage unit 8 corresponding to the selected and operated key, A voice guidance process is performed in which the voice output unit 9 outputs the voice data to the voice output unit 9 (step S3).

  In step S1, when a key selection operation is performed by pressing the touch panel 5, the CPU 1 performs a vibration process shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when a key selection operation is performed on the touch panel 5, the CPU 1 reads the vibration frequency set in the vibration frequency setting means 11 and causes the operation panel vibration means 12 to read the vibration frequency. The vibration of the touch panel 5 is started (step S11). When the CPU 1 starts to vibrate the touch panel 5, it starts counting the vibration time (timekeeping) (step S 12), and sets the vibration time being set in the vibration time setting means 10 (set value). ) Is checked (step S13).

  If it is determined in step S13 that the measured vibration time has not reached the set vibration time, the process returns to step S12 to continue measuring the vibration time, and whether or not the measured vibration time has reached the set vibration time. The process of checking whether or not is repeated (step S12, step S13).

  If the measured vibration time reaches the set vibration time in step S13, the CPU 1 stops the vibration operation of the operation panel vibration means 12 and ends the vibration processing (step S14).

  In FIG. 2 again, when the audio output is started, the CPU 1 detects whether or not a touch operation on the touch panel 5 has been performed and a key selection operation has been performed (step S4), and the key selection operation is performed. Then, the vibration processing of the touch panel 5 shown in FIG. 3 is performed, and it is checked whether or not the key selected by the key operation is the same key as the previously selected key (step S5).

  If it is determined in step S5 that the key operated is different from the previously selected key, the CPU 1 returns to step S3 and reads out the audio data corresponding to the key selected by the current key operation from the audio data storage unit 8. Then, the voice guidance process is performed to pass the voice data to the voice output unit 9 and cause the voice output unit 9 to output the voice data as voice (step S3).

  If the same key is selected and operated in step S5, the CPU 1 executes the function corresponding to the selected key and ends the process (step S111).

  On the other hand, if the key selection operation is not performed in step S4, the CPU 1 starts counting the standby time (step S6), and the maximum standby time set in the standby time setting means 7 is set. It is checked whether or not the standby time (set value) has been reached (step S7). If the measured standby time has not reached the maximum standby time, the process returns to step S4 to check whether or not a key selection operation has been performed. To the same processing as described above.

  When the measured waiting time reaches the maximum waiting time in step S7, the CPU 1 cancels the key selection and checks whether or not it is set to notify the cancellation of the key selection (step S8). . For example, in the initial setting, the setting as to whether or not to perform the key selection cancellation notification is set to perform the key selection cancellation notification, but the user can arbitrarily change the setting by the key operation of the touch panel 5. The CPU 1 stores in the RAM 4 information on whether or not to perform the key selection cancellation notification that has been set, and in step S8 based on the setting information on whether or not to perform the key selection cancellation notification of the RAM 4 Judgment processing is performed. Therefore, the LCD 6 and the touch panel 5 function as alarm selection means as a whole.

  If it is set in step S8 that the key selection cancellation notification is set to be performed / not performed, the CPU 1 outputs a warning sound or a voice message indicating that the key selection is canceled from the voice output means 9 or the like, Alternatively, an alarm message to that effect is displayed and output on the LCD 6 (step S9), the standby state is entered, the process returns to step S1, and a key selection operation is checked.

  If it is set in step S8 that the key selection cancellation notification is not set or not set, the CPU 1 outputs a warning sound or a voice message to the effect that the key selection is canceled from the voice output means 9 or the like. Or, without displaying an alarm message to that effect on the LCD 6, it enters a standby state, returns to step S 1, and checks the key selection operation.

  In the above embodiment, the function of the key selection detecting unit 4 and the function of the standby time setting unit 7 are described as different functional blocks. However, these functions are included in the CPU 1 as one functional block, for example. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the ROM 2 and the audio data storage unit 8 are described as separate functional blocks. However, these functions may be a single functional block.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the standby time setting means 7 and the vibration time setting means 10 are described as separate functional blocks, but these functions may be a single functional block. Further, the operation panel vibration means 12 may be installed so as to vibrate the touch panel, and a dedicated vibration pad or the like may be provided on the operation panel surface.

  Further, the maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means 7, the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means 11 are stored in an external device, so that each operator You can set different maximum standby time, vibration time, and vibration frequency to further improve the usability, and by setting a password, the stored maximum standby time, vibration time, and vibration frequency can be set. It is not easily changed and security can be ensured.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing password setting processing according to the present invention.

  In step S15, individual passwords are set for the maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means 7, the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means 11, respectively. Select whether or not to set the same password.

  In step S15, the same password is set for all of the maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means 7, the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means 11. If so, a common password is input (step S16), and the password setting process is terminated.

  In step S15, individual passwords are set for the maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means 7, the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 and the vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means 11, respectively. If so, the password of the maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means 7 is input (step S17), the password of the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means 10 is input (step S18), and the vibration frequency The password of the vibration frequency set by the setting means 11 is input (step S19), and the password setting process is terminated.

  In the invention according to claim 2, by setting the vibration time to an arbitrary time, it is possible to set a vibration time that is not unnecessarily long, and it is possible to further improve the usability.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, by appropriately setting the vibration frequency, it is possible to set an appropriate vibration time for recognizing the key operation and to further improve the usability.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the passwords set in the standby time setting means, the vibration time setting means, and the vibration frequency setting means can be arbitrarily selected from individual settings or all the same settings. By making individual settings, the person who can change the setting contents can be made different, and the security for each setting contents can be increased. In addition, by setting all the same, it is possible to easily set a password by a single operation, and to simplify the setting process.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the password is a combination of alphabets or numbers of up to 10 characters, it is easy for the person who enters the password to input because the language is used everyday, while the number of combined characters is 10 characters. In addition, since 26 types of alphabets or 10 types of numbers are combined, there are many union patterns and security can be ensured.

  The present invention can also be applied to office equipment such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a scanner, or a copier and their multifunction peripherals.

1 is a circuit block diagram mainly relating to an operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating key operation control processing by the image forming apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation panel vibration process in a key operation control process performed by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating password setting processing in key operation control processing by the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

4 Key selection detection means 7 Standby time setting means 8 Audio data storage means 9 Audio output means 10 Vibration time setting means 11 Vibration frequency setting means 12 Operation panel vibration means 13 Built-in storage device 14 External storage device

Claims (5)

  Key selection detection means for detecting whether or not a key displayed on the display device has been selected, voice data storage means for storing voice data of the key name or function, and storage in the voice data storage means Sound output means for converting the sound data being converted into an audio signal and outputting it, standby time setting means for setting a standby time, operation panel vibration means for vibrating a part of the operation panel, and vibrating a part of the operation panel And a vibration frequency setting means for setting a frequency for vibrating a part of the operation panel. When the key is pressed for the first time, a corresponding sound is stored from the sound data storage means. The data is read out and output as voice from the voice output means. When the same key is pressed for the second time, the function assigned to the key is executed. The corresponding voice data is read out from the voice data storage means and output as voice from the voice output means, a part of the operation panel vibrates, and the key is pressed for the first time. The standby time setting means can arbitrarily set the maximum standby time until it is pressed for the second time by the operator, and the maximum standby time set by the standby time setting means is protected by a password and matches the password. An operation panel of an image forming apparatus having a touch panel type display device in an operation unit, which is determined by touching an operator, wherein the stored setting content can be changed only when it is confirmed.   Key selection detection means for detecting whether or not a key displayed on the display device has been selected, voice data storage means for storing voice data of the key name or function, and storage in the voice data storage means Sound output means for converting the sound data being converted into an audio signal and outputting it, standby time setting means for setting a standby time, operation panel vibration means for vibrating a part of the operation panel, and vibrating a part of the operation panel Vibration time setting means for setting a time to be operated and vibration frequency setting means for setting a frequency for vibrating a part of the operation panel. When the key is pressed, the corresponding sound data is stored from the sound data storage means. Read and output as voice from the voice output means, and further, a part of the operation panel vibrates and a part of the part of the operation panel is vibrated. The image formation is characterized in that the operator himself can set, and the vibration time set by the vibration time setting means is protected by a password, and the saved setting contents can be changed only when the password match is confirmed. The operation panel of the device.   Key selection detection means for detecting whether or not a key displayed on the display device has been selected, voice data storage means for storing voice data of the key name or function, and storage in the voice data storage means Sound output means for converting the sound data being converted into an audio signal and outputting it, standby time setting means for setting a standby time, operation panel vibration means for vibrating a part of the operation panel, and vibrating a part of the operation panel Vibration time setting means for setting a time to be operated and vibration frequency setting means for setting a frequency for vibrating a part of the operation panel. When the key is pressed, the corresponding sound data is stored from the sound data storage means. Read out and output as sound from the sound output means, and a part of the operation panel vibrates, and a frequency for vibrating a part of the operation panel is set as a vibration frequency setting. The vibration frequency set by the vibration frequency setting means is protected by a password and can be changed only when the password match is confirmed. An operation panel of the image forming apparatus.   The password set in the standby time setting means, the vibration time setting means, and the vibration frequency setting means can be arbitrarily selected from individual settings or all the same settings. The operation panel of the image forming apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3.   5. The operation panel of an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the password is made up of a combination of up to 10 letters or numbers.

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