JP2006015540A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can readily switch to an operation function for an operator even when the operator is, for example, a vision-impaired person or a hand-impaired person. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus comprises an operation panel for displaying to an operator or receiving input by the operator through an operation button, a control section 21 for setting an operational function mode to be provided to the operator, and a wireless communication section for receiving an ID signal from a wireless ID key 50. The control section 21 changes the operational function mode to be set according to the ID signal received by the wireless communication section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by, for example, electrophotography.

  Conventionally, the photosensitive layer of a uniformly charged photoreceptor is exposed to light to form a latent image and developed by attaching toner to the photosensitive layer on which the latent image is formed. 2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine that forms an image by transferring it to a sheet is well known.

  By the way, when a user uses such an image forming apparatus, it is necessary to perform various operations for instructing the operation of the image forming apparatus. Even if there is no problem for a person, there are cases where the operation is considerably difficult for an unhealthy person.

  Corresponding to such a situation, for example, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes means for specifying whether the operator is a healthy person or a non-healthy person. For a free operator, an operation guide is provided by voice, and the operation function for the operator is switched.

JP 2003-335033 A

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus as described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

  That is, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, whether the operator is a healthy person or a non-healthy person is specified by switching a toggle switch, for example, and the eyes are inconvenient, An operator who is inconvenient and is not good at fine operations cannot easily switch the toggle switch, and it is difficult to specify whether the operator is a healthy person or a non-healthy person.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. For example, even an operator who is blind or an operator whose hand is handy can easily switch to an operation function for the operator. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data stored in a storage unit, a display for an operator, and an input from the operator using an operation button. An image forming apparatus that includes an operation panel to be received and a control unit that sets an operation function mode to be provided to an operator. The image forming apparatus further includes a wireless communication unit that receives an ID signal from a wireless ID key, and the control unit The operation function mode to be set is made different based on the ID signal received by the wireless communication unit.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the wireless communication unit transmits an ID transmission request signal for requesting transmission of an ID signal to the wireless ID key, and the control unit is operated by the wireless communication unit. The operation function mode to be set is made different based on the ID signal received by the wireless communication unit after transmitting the ID transmission request signal.

  According to the present invention, in the invention described in claim 1, when the wireless communication unit receives a plurality of ID signals, the wireless communication unit further includes an ID selection unit that allows an operator to select one of the plurality of ID signals. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the present invention according to claim 1, further comprising a voice output unit for performing voice output, wherein the operation function mode controlled by the control unit is voice guidance for operation to the operator by the voice output unit. It is a mode of whether or not to perform.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the operation function mode controlled by the control unit is a mode indicating whether or not to enlarge the display of the operation panel.

  In the invention according to claim 1, the operation function mode controlled by the control unit is a mode of whether or not to expand the operation button operated by the operator on the operation panel. And

  Further, the present invention according to claim 1, further comprising an operation panel drive unit that changes the orientation of the operation panel, wherein an operation function mode controlled by the control unit drives the operation panel drive unit and The mode is characterized by whether or not to change the direction of the operation panel.

  Further, the present invention according to claim 2, further comprising an ID request switch for switching whether or not the wireless communication unit transmits the ID transmission request signal.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of easily switching to an operation function for an operator even if the operator is blind or an operator with a fingertip. be able to.

  In other words, according to the present invention, the operator only needs to wear a predetermined wireless ID key, and the image forming apparatus switches the operation function based on information from the wireless ID key, which is inconvenient. Even a simple operator or a handicapped operator can easily switch to an operation function for the operator.

  Since the ID is not transmitted from the wireless ID key unless the ID transmission request signal is transmitted from the main body, even if the owner of the wireless ID key approaches the main body, the operation function is not changed without permission.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the 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.

  Here, the configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus main body 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a plurality of sets of document writing units 153Y, 153M, and 153C for color image forming means, and a document writing unit 154K for monochrome image forming means. The document writing unit 153Y can form a yellow color, the document writing unit 153M can form a magenta color, the document writing unit 153C can form a cyan image, and the document writing unit 154K can form a black image.

  Corresponding to the document writing units 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 154K, respectively, photoreceptors 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, charging units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, and developing units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are provided. . Further, an intermediate transfer unit 9 that is common to the color image forming unit and the monochrome image forming unit is provided. The intermediate transfer unit 9 is wound around a plurality of rollers and is rotatably supported so that the photoconductors 6Y and 6M are provided. , 6C, 6K, an endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer member 9a, and primary transfer means 9Y, 9M for transferring the image by bringing the intermediate transfer member 9a into contact with the photosensitive members 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K. , 9C, 9K.

  Next, another configuration will be described. An original reading unit 1 functioning as a scanner unit is provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus main body 100, and an original is set on a platen on a glass surface. Scanned and read. In the original reading unit 1, a CCD 131 to which the reflected light obtained by the scanning is input is disposed. It is desirable that an ADF (automatic document feeder) 1a is connected to the document reading unit 1 so that both sides of the document can be read.

  In addition, at the lower part of the image forming apparatus main body 100, sheet feeding trays 2, 3, and 4 are arranged, and sheet feeding units 2a, 3a, and 4a are respectively provided. A manual feed tray 5 is provided on the lateral outer wall of the image forming apparatus main body 100, and a paper feeding unit 5 a for the manual feed tray 5 is provided. As described above, since a plurality of paper feed trays and manual feed trays are provided, a plurality of types of sheets having different sizes can be used.

  A registration roller 15 is disposed on the paper feeding side of the paper feeding means 2a to 5a, and a secondary transfer roller 16 capable of pressing the paper against the intermediate transfer body 9a is further disposed on the paper roller side. A fixing unit 17 is provided at the end of the secondary transfer roller 16, and a paper discharge roller 18 is provided at the end of the fixing unit 17.

  In the image forming apparatus main body 100, in the case of printing in color according to the image forming command, images formed as necessary by the document writing units 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 154K are the photoreceptors 6Y, 6M. , 6C, 6K, charging means 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K, developing means 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K, and primary transfer means 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K, are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 9a. On the other hand, during monochrome printing, the image formed by the original writing unit 154K is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 9a by the photosensitive member 6K, the charging unit 7K, the developing unit 8K, and the primary transfer unit 9K.

  On the other hand, the paper necessary for image formation is fed from either the paper feed tray 2, 3, 4 or the manual feed tray 5 by the paper feed means 2a, 3a, 4a or 5a according to the paper size or the like, and the registration roller 15 Then, the secondary transfer roller 16 is reached. The sheet is pressed against the intermediate transfer member 9a by the secondary transfer roller 16, and the image on the intermediate transfer member 9a is transferred to the sheet. The sheet onto which the image has been transferred is fixed by the fixing unit 17, and is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus main body 100 through the discharge roller 18.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to control of the image forming apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a main body control unit 21 that performs overall control of the main body, a document reading unit 1, an image input unit 22 that reads an image from a document, a document writing unit 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 154K. For example, the print control unit 25 forms an image on image forming paper such as paper, the image data read by the image input unit 22, and other software programs executed by the main body control unit 21, A storage unit 24 that stores parameters and the like necessary for the operation of the forming apparatus main body 100, information is displayed to the operator from the image forming apparatus main body 100, and the operator inputs operations, instructions, and the like to the image forming apparatus main body 100 A display operation unit 26, a voice output unit 27 that outputs voice guidance and the like for the operator, and a display operation unit 26. Wireless communication for performing wireless communication between the operation panel drive unit 28 that mechanically drives and adjusts the angle of the operation panel or the like to make the direction easy for the operator to use and the wireless ID key 50 described later. Part 29.

  The software program stored in the storage unit 24 and executed by the main body control unit 21 identifies the operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 in the present embodiment described later by ID, and has an operation function mode corresponding to the operator. A software program that performs control to provide is included. Further, the storage unit 24 stores an ID predetermined for each operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the type of operation function provided to the operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100, that is, an operation function mode that can be provided to the operator. (A specific example will be described later) is stored, and the association between each ID and the operation function mode provided to the operator of the ID is also stored.

  The display operation unit 26 includes, for example, a touch panel type operation panel and a fixed button type operation unit. Although this display operation unit 26 is not shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable to provide the display operation unit 26 at a position on the upper stage of the image forming apparatus main body 100 where the operator can easily operate.

  The touch panel type operation panel and the fixed button type operation unit of the display operation unit 26 change the angle of the operation surface by the operation panel drive unit 28 so that the operator can use it easily depending on who the operator is. To be able to. This is because it is desirable that the operating surface be directed to the eye level of the operator, for example, when the operator is using a wheelchair.

  The display operation unit 26 includes a display panel unit such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, and an EL, and an input device unit such as a touch panel and a mouse for detecting a coordinate position corresponding to a button position on the display panel. Also good.

  In the present embodiment, an operation screen for guiding the operation to the operator is displayed on the operation panel of the display operation unit 26 under the control of the software program operating on the main body control unit 21. The display panel unit of the operation panel is composed of an LCD, and the display is set by the LCD controller in the display operation unit 26.

  As shown in FIG. 5, this display operation unit 26 sets whether or not the automatic switching process of the operation function mode is performed when the user of the wireless ID key 50 operates the image forming apparatus main body 100. An ID request SW (switch) 42 is also included.

  Next, a configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 100 according to the present embodiment will be described regarding a process for performing control for identifying an operator and providing an operation function according to the operator.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to processing for identifying the operator and providing control functions corresponding to the operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG.

  The main body control unit 21 operates as each configuration shown in FIG. 3 by executing a software program stored in advance in the storage unit 24.

  In FIG. 3, the ID request setting unit 30 sets switching of whether or not the image forming apparatus main body 100 sends an ID request signal according to the state of the ID request SW 42. The ID request SW 42 can be switched by the user who is an administrator, for example, as to whether or not the image forming apparatus main body 100 sends an ID request signal.

  The switching state of the ID request SW 42 is detected by the ID request setting unit 30 of the main body control unit 21. Based on the detection result, the ID request setting unit 30 instructs the ID request signal transmitting unit 31 to transmit the ID request signal when the ID request SW 42 is set to “transmit ID request signal”. To do.

  Receiving this, the ID request signal transmission unit 31 operates the wireless communication unit 29, thereby transmitting an ID request signal to the wireless ID key 50.

  Upon receiving this ID request signal, the wireless ID key 50 transmits an ID stored in advance to the image forming apparatus main body 100 in response to the request.

  The wireless ID key 50 is carried by an operator who uses the image forming apparatus main body 100, stores an ID given in advance for each operator, and is constituted by a non-contact IC card, for example. The wireless ID key 50 may be carried by all operators, and the image forming apparatus main body 100 may provide an operation function mode associated with each operator. The wireless ID key 50 is carried and a healthy person does not carry the wireless ID key 50. When the image forming apparatus main body 100 receives an ID from the wireless ID key 50, an operation function associated with the ID is received. When the mode is set and the ID from the wireless ID key 50 is not received, the operation function mode for the healthy person may be set as a default.

  The wireless ID key 50 is stored in advance in at least a means for receiving an ID request signal from the image forming apparatus main body 100, a means for storing its own ID, and a storage means when an ID request signal is received. And means for transmitting its own ID.

  Communication between the wireless ID key 50 and the image forming apparatus main body 100 may be any communication method as long as it is wireless communication. For example, communication using radio waves or infrared rays or other communication methods may be used. It is not limited.

  Further, in the communication between the wireless ID key 50 and the image forming apparatus main body 100, it is desirable that the communicable distance is approximately the distance between the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the operator who intends to operate the image forming apparatus main body 100.

  If the communicable distance is too short, the operator's ID cannot be received correctly, and an operation function mode for the operator cannot be provided. If the communicable distance is too long, the wireless ID key 50 is carried. However, the image forming apparatus main body 100 receives even the ID of a person who is not trying to operate the image forming apparatus main body 100. If there are too many received IDs, it becomes difficult to select the correct ID. .

  When the image forming apparatus main body 100 has received a plurality of IDs from the plurality of wireless ID keys 50, it determines which of the plurality of received IDs is the current operator's ID. In order to do so, it is preferable that the current operator select his / her ID from a plurality of IDs. This is ID selection means.

  For example, a plurality of received IDs may be displayed on the display / operation unit 26, and the operator may view the ID and select his / her ID from among them, and input the selection result on the display / operation unit 26.

  Further, a plurality of received IDs may be output as voice by the voice output unit 27, the operator may listen to it, select his / her ID from among them, and input the selection result at the display operation unit 26. If the voice recognition unit is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100, when the operator hears the voice output from the voice output unit 27 and pronounces the selection result, the selection result is recognized by the voice recognition unit. The forming apparatus main body 100 can also know.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus main body 100 receives a plurality of IDs, the operation function mode associated with each of the received plurality of IDs is presented to the operator by display or voice, and the operation desired by the user is desired. The operator may be able to input to the image forming apparatus main body 100 so as to enter the function mode.

  Furthermore, a priority order is determined in advance for each ID, and when a plurality of IDs are received by the image forming apparatus main body 100, an operation function mode associated with an ID with a higher priority order is provided to the operator. It may operate as follows.

  The ID transmitted by the wireless ID key 50 is received by the wireless communication unit 29 under the control of the ID receiving unit 32.

  In the ID identification unit 33, the signal received by the wireless communication unit 29 under the control of the ID reception unit 32 is a signal from the wireless ID key 50, and the ID of the wireless ID key 50 (in the same meaning as the ID of the user) To identify whether it is included. If the ID cannot be identified in the ID identification unit 33, it is assumed that no ID is received.

  If the ID in the received signal can be identified by the ID identifying unit 33, whether or not the received ID is registered in the storage unit 24 in advance, and the storage unit associated with the ID Whether the operation function mode is registered in 24 is confirmed by the ID setting confirmation unit 34. As a result of this confirmation, if it is not registered, it is handled in the same way as when no ID is received.

  The ID setting control unit 35 reads the operation function mode associated with the received ID from the storage unit 24, and based on the operation function mode, the voice control unit 38, the operation screen control unit 39, the operation SW control unit 40, and the operation The panel angle control unit 41 is controlled. The processing when the above-described plurality of IDs are received is performed by this ID setting control unit 35.

  As described above, the storage unit 24 stores in advance an ID predetermined for each operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100, an association with an operation function mode provided to the operator of the ID, and the like. This storage instruction is performed by the ID setting content storage unit 36 and the ID-specific control content setting unit 37 of FIG. This is because, for example, a user who is an administrator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 operates the display operation unit 26 to input the operator's ID and an operation function mode to be provided. The ID setting content storage unit 36 stores it in the storage unit 24.

  The operation function modes provided by the image forming apparatus main body 100 according to the present embodiment include (1) whether or not the voice output unit 27 provides voice guidance for the operation to the operator under the control of the voice control unit 38. (And how to make the sound volume), (2) Whether or not to enlarge and display the operation guidance or the like on the display operation unit 26 under the control of the operation screen control unit 39 for easy viewing (see FIG. 5). (To what extent) (3) Whether to expand the operation SW (operation button) operated by the operator on the operation panel of the display operation unit 26 under the control of the operation SW control unit 40 ( (4) Whether or not to change the angle (orientation) of the operation panel of the display operation unit 26 by driving the operation panel drive unit 28 under the control of the operation panel angle control unit 41 ( How many times is the angle) But are below, all items related to other operability, may be allowed to set change in the setting of operation function mode.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of operation function mode switching processing in the image forming apparatus main body 100 of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

  For example, a user who is an administrator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 operates the display operation unit 26 in advance to set an ID predetermined for each operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and an operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The operation function mode that can be provided to the operator, that is, the operation function mode that can be provided to the operator, is input and stored in the storage unit 24. The information to be stored is not limited to information input by operating the display operation unit 26. For example, when the image forming apparatus main body 100 is connected to a network, the information is input from an external device through the network. You may do it.

  Thereafter, the operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 operates the ID request SW 42 and determines whether or not to perform the operation function mode automatic switching process when the user of the wireless ID key 50 operates the image forming apparatus main body 100. Set.

  The ID request setting unit 30 detects the setting state of the ID request SW 42 (A-1). If the ID request setting unit 30 is not on, that is, “performs an automatic switching process of the operation function mode”, the ID request setting unit 30 continues to detect the setting. If it is set to “Perform automatic switching of function mode”, the ID request signal transmission unit 31 controls the wireless communication unit 29 to wirelessly transmit the ID signal request signal (A-2).

  When the wireless ID key 50 carried by the operator is within a range where the ID signal request signal from the image forming apparatus main body 100 can reach, the wireless ID key 50 receives the ID request signal and responds to the ID request signal. The ID stored in advance in the storage unit is wirelessly transmitted as an ID signal.

  When the wireless ID key 50 does not exist within the range where the ID signal request signal from the image forming apparatus main body 100 reaches, or when the ID signal from the wireless ID key 50 does not reach the image forming apparatus main body 100, the wireless communication unit 29. The ID receiving unit 32 that controls the ID cannot receive the ID signal (A-3) (for example, it can be assumed that the ID signal cannot be received within a predetermined time). In this case, the ID setting control unit In 35, the voice output unit 27 is controlled by the voice control unit 38, and the display operation unit 26 is controlled by the operation screen control unit 39 so that the operation function mode as in the past, for example, the default function setting function mode for healthy persons. The operation SW control unit 40 controls the display operation unit 26, and the operation panel angle control unit 41 controls the operation panel drive unit 28 (A-4).

  On the other hand, when an ID signal is received by the ID receiving unit 32 that controls the wireless communication unit 29 in step (A-3), it is identified that the signal received by the ID identifying unit 33 includes an ID, Further, the ID setting confirmation unit 34 confirms that the received ID is registered in the storage unit 24 in advance, and the operation function mode is registered in the storage unit 24 in association with the ID. (A-5, A-6). Thereafter, the ID setting control unit 35 reads the operation function mode associated with the received ID from the storage unit 24, controls the voice output unit 27 by the voice control unit 38 based on the operation function mode, and operates the operation screen. The control unit 39 controls the display operation unit 26, the operation SW control unit 40 controls the display operation unit 26, and the operation panel angle control unit 41 controls the operation panel drive unit 28 (A-7). .

  In step (A-6), if the received ID is not registered in the storage unit 24, the ID setting control unit 35 operates the normal operation function mode, for example, a default setting for a healthy person. The voice control unit 38 controls the voice output unit 27, the operation screen control unit 39 controls the display operation unit 26, and the operation SW control unit 40 controls the display operation unit 26 so that the function mode is set. And the operation panel drive part 28 is controlled by the operation panel angle control part 41 (A-4).

1 is a schematic cross-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 relating to control of the image forming apparatus main body 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to a process of performing control for identifying an operator and providing an operation function according to the operator of the image forming apparatus main body 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of operation function mode switching processing in the image forming apparatus main body 100 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an enlarged display for easy viewing when displaying operation guidance or the like on the display operation unit 26 under the control of the operation screen control unit 39. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Document reading unit 1a ADF
2, 3, 4 Paper feed tray 2a, 3a, 4a Paper feed means 5 Manual feed tray 5a Paper feed means 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K Photoconductor 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K Charging means 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K Developing means 9 Intermediate transfer unit 9a Intermediate transfer body 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K Primary transfer means 15 Registration roller 16 Secondary transfer roller 17 Fixing means 18 Paper discharge roller 131 CCD
153Y, 153M, 153C Original writing unit 154K Original writing unit 100 Image forming apparatus main body 21 Main body control unit 22 Image input unit 23 Image processing unit 24 Storage unit 25 Print control unit 26 Display operation unit 27 Audio output unit 28 Operation panel drive unit 29 Wireless communication unit 30 ID request setting unit 31 ID request signal transmission unit 32 ID receiving unit 33 ID identification unit 34 ID setting confirmation unit 35 ID setting control unit 36 ID setting content storage unit 37 ID-specific control content setting unit 38 Voice control unit 39 Operation screen control unit 40 Operation SW control unit 41 Operation panel angle control unit 41
42 ID request SW
50 Wireless ID key

Claims (8)

An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data stored in the storage unit, an operation panel that displays to the operator and receives an input from the operator with an operation button, and provides the operator In an image forming apparatus having a control unit for setting an operation function mode,
A wireless communication unit for receiving an ID signal from the wireless ID key;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit changes an operation function mode to be set based on an ID signal received by the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit transmits an ID transmission request signal for requesting transmission of an ID signal to the wireless ID key;
The control unit varies the operation function mode to be set based on the ID signal received by the wireless communication unit after transmitting the ID transmission request signal by the wireless communication unit. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ID selection unit that allows an operator to select one of the plurality of ID signals when the wireless communication unit receives a plurality of ID signals. apparatus. It further has an audio output unit for performing audio output,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation function mode controlled by the control unit is a mode for determining whether or not voice guidance of operation is performed to an operator by the voice output unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation function mode controlled by the control unit is a mode for determining whether or not to enlarge the display on the operation panel.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation function mode controlled by the control unit is a mode for determining whether or not to enlarge the operation button operated by an operator on the operation panel. An operation panel driving unit for changing the direction of the operation panel;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation function mode controlled by the control unit is a mode for determining whether or not to change a direction of the operation panel by driving the operation panel drive unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an ID request switch that switches whether the wireless communication unit transmits the ID transmission request signal.

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