JP2006035654A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of quickly selecting a specific function only by the depressing operation of an operation key. <P>SOLUTION: A first depressing operation is executed within two seconds from the selection menu start of the first hierarchy. A second depressing operation is executed within two seconds after that. A third depressing operation is executed within two seconds after that. A fourth depressing operation is not executed within two seconds after that. By this, it is judged that the count number of the number of times of the depression is three times. The third classification item is selected. Next, a first depressing operation is executed within two seconds from the time when the third classification item is decided. A second depressing operation is executed within two seconds after that. A third depressing operation is not executed within two seconds after that. By this, the function of "serial number clearing" in the third classification item is selected and executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

    The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an operation key and capable of selecting and executing a specific function from a plurality of functions based on a pressing operation of the operation key.

Patent Document 1 below discloses a key operation selection device for selecting a specific function in an information processing apparatus having a plurality of types of functions. This is configured such that the function key is depressed a predetermined number of times while the auxiliary key is depressed, and functions corresponding to the number of depressions are sequentially displayed on the output device. Then, the user looks at the function displayed on the output device and determines the desired function by releasing the auxiliary key.
JP 2000-267992 A

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the display pattern corresponding to the number of times of pressing is read from the function table and sequentially displayed on the output device, so the processing for each pressing operation becomes heavy and the function selection is executed. There was a problem that it took time.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of quickly selecting a specific function only by pressing an operation key.

As a means for achieving the above object, the image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes an operation key, and can execute a specific function selected from a plurality of functions based on the number of times the operation key is pressed. Whether or not the operation key is pressed within a predetermined effective time from the start of the selection operation of the specific function, and the next time within the effective time from the previous pressing operation. Detecting means for detecting whether or not a pressing operation has been performed; counting means for counting the number of times the operation key is pressed by the pressing operation within the effective time based on a detection result of the detecting means; A function corresponding to the number of presses counted by the counting unit based on the correspondence function information stored in the storage unit; , A selection means for selecting from a serial plurality of kinds of functions, characterized by comprising a.
The “image forming apparatus” is included not only in a printer (laser printer) but also in a facsimile machine or a multifunction machine having a printer function and a scanner function.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes an operation key and that can be executed by selecting a specific function from a plurality of functions based on the number of times the operation key is pressed. Counting means for counting the number of times the operation key is pressed in time, storage means for storing the plurality of types of functions, and correspondence information for each of the number of times of pressing, and the correspondence relation stored in the storage means And a selection unit that selects a function corresponding to the number of presses counted by the counting unit based on the information from the plurality of types of functions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a first notification unit that performs a notification operation in synchronization with a pressing operation performed within the effective time. It is characterized by.
The “notification means” in the present invention includes, for example, a light emitting means (for example, an LED) that performs a light emitting operation, a sounding means (for example, a buzzer or a speaker) that performs a sounding operation, and a display means (such as a buzzer or a speaker) that displays characters, figures, and symbols. For example, a liquid crystal LCD) or a means for performing a notification operation using a combination thereof is included.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects further includes a second notification unit that performs a notification operation of changing a notification pattern over time within the effective time. It is characterized by being.
The “notification pattern” includes, for example, the following.
(A) When the notification means is a light emitting means: a change in light emission luminance (the light emission luminance is increased or decreased over time), a change in lighting timing, or the like.
(B) When the notification means is an audio means: change in volume, change in sound generation timing, and the like.
(C) When the notification means is a display means: a change in display pattern or the like.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the plurality of types of functions are classified by a multi-level hierarchical structure, and the selection unit is the lowest level. On the condition that the number of times of pressing at the time of the selection operation at a layer other than the layer exceeds a predetermined specified number of times, the number of times of pressing is invalidated, and the selection at the layer other than the lowest layer can be performed again. It is characterized by that.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the plurality of types of functions are classified by a multi-level hierarchical structure, and a selection operation at the lowest layer is performed. The number of times of pressing is invalidated on the condition that the number of times of pressing exceeds a predetermined specified number of times.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes a third notification unit that performs a notification operation in synchronization with the invalidation of the number of times of pressing. Features.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third, fourth, or seventh aspect, the plurality of types of functions are functions in a special mode other than a function in a normal mode during an image forming operation. The notification means is a light emission means for causing a function indicator lamp used for the function of the normal mode to perform a light emission operation as the notification operation.
The “normal mode function” means, for example, a notification function for notifying an image forming operation, a paper jam error notification function during an image forming operation, a photoreceptor deterioration error notification function, or a toner out error notification function, etc. Say.
The “special mode function” refers to, for example, a factory inspection mode for inspecting whether or not the image forming apparatus operates normally in the manufacturing stage, and a function of each inspection mode such as a test print mode.

<Invention of Claim 1>
According to this configuration, based on the number of times the button is pressed at a time interval within a predetermined effective time, the corresponding function (in the case where multiple types of functions are classified by a multi-level hierarchical structure, each layer Category item or function) is selected. Therefore, it is possible to quickly select a function only by pressing the operation key as many times as the number of times corresponding to the desired function.

<Invention of Claim 2>
According to this configuration, a function corresponding to the number of times of pressing within a predetermined effective time (in addition, when a plurality of types of functions are classified by a multi-level hierarchical structure, classification items or functions in each layer) Is selected. Therefore, it is possible to quickly select a function only by pressing the operation key as many times as the number of times corresponding to the desired function.

<Invention of Claim 3>
According to this configuration, since the notification operation is performed for each pressing operation performed within the effective time and enabled, the operator can recognize the number of effective pressing operations based on the number of notification operations.

<Invention of Claim 4>
According to this configuration, it is possible to sensuously know the lapse of the effective time based on the temporal change of the notification pattern of the notification means.

<Invention of Claim 5>
According to this configuration, when the number of times of pressing in the selection operation in a layer other than the lowest layer exceeds a predetermined specified number of times (for example, the number of classification items in the layer), the number of times of pressing is invalidated and the same layer is The selection operation was performed from the beginning.

<Invention of Claim 6>
According to this configuration, when the number of times of pressing in the selection operation in the lowest layer exceeds a predetermined number of times (for example, the number of functions in the lowest layer), the number of times of pressing is invalidated and an incorrect function is executed. It is the composition which prevents being done. In addition, after invalidating, it is good also as a structure which forcibly returns to the highest layer or the said normal mode.

<Invention of Claim 7>
According to this configuration, it is possible to know that the number of pressings has been invalidated by the notification operation of the third notification means, and classification item selection or function selection has not been performed.

<Invention of Claim 8>
According to this configuration, it is possible to know the number of effective presses and the passage of the effective time by the function indicator for the normal mode function, and it is not necessary to provide a separate indicator for the special mode.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The printer 10 according to the present embodiment (corresponding to the “image forming apparatus” of the present invention) has a plurality of types of functions including “normal mode function” and “special mode function”. The “normal mode function” includes, for example, a notification function for notifying that the image forming operation is being performed, a paper jam error notification function during the image forming operation, a photoreceptor deterioration error notification function, and a toner out error notification function. . On the other hand, the “special mode function” includes, for example, a factory inspection mode for inspecting whether or not the image forming apparatus operates normally in the manufacturing stage and a function of each inspection mode such as a test print mode.

  In the present embodiment, each function of the special mode can be selected and executed by depressing an operation button 20 (corresponding to an “operation key” of the present invention) arranged on an operation panel 35 described later. It has become.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer 10 has a casing 31. A sheet stack in which the stacked sheets are stored and a handle 32a is provided in the lower portion of the casing 31. A cassette 32 is mounted. The paper feed cassette 32 is detachable and can be removed by pulling it out in the front direction of the printer 10 (the direction of the arrow P in FIG. 2). The paper feed cassette 32 is provided with a paper pressing plate (not shown) urged upward by a pressing spring (not shown), and the uppermost layer of paper stacked on the paper pressing plate is The printer 10 is configured to come into contact with a paper feed roller 33 provided in the main body of the printer 10 and rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow. The sheets are separated and fed one by one by the action of the separation pad 34.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 35 is provided on the upper surface of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 35 is provided with only one operation button 20 and four LEDs 21, and does not include a liquid crystal display unit or the like. These LEDs 21 correspond to the “function indicator lamp” of the present invention, and originally emit light when each function in the normal mode is executed. More specifically, the toner LED 21a emits light when the toner is out of error, and the drum LED 21b emits light when the photosensitive drum 35 is deteriorated. Also, the paper LED 21c emits light when there is no paper error or a paper jam error, and the ready LED 21d emits light when the printing operation (image forming operation) preparation is completed. In this embodiment, in FIG. 3, the top two LEDs 21a and 21b emit yellow light, the next one LED 21c emits red light, and the bottom LED 21d emits green light. Further, an insertion port 36 (see FIG. 2) for inserting manual feed paper is provided on the front surface of the printer 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a drum unit 37 is disposed above the paper feed cassette 32. The drum unit 37 is also detachable like the paper feed cassette 32, and is pulled out in the arrow Q direction during maintenance such as toner replacement. The drum unit 37 charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 38 to a positive potential by generating a photoconductive drum 38 for transferring the toner image, a transfer roller 39 for transferring the toner image carried by the photoconductive drum 38 to the paper, and corona discharge. Development including a photoconductor cartridge 37A having a scorotron charger 40, a developer chamber 41 for containing toner, a developing roller 42 for supplying toner to the photoconductive drum 38, and a supply roller 43 for supplying toner to the developing roller 42 It consists of a cartridge 37B. The developer chamber 41 is provided with an agitator 41a for stirring the toner.

  The photosensitive cartridge 37 </ b> A and the developing cartridge 37 </ b> B can be separated from each other, but when the drum unit 37 is removed from the main body of the printer 10, both are pulled out in an integrated state. A front cover 44 is provided on the front surface of the printer 10 with the lower end of the front surface of the printer 10 attached to the rotation shaft 44a so that the lower side of the paper feed cassette is attached to the front side. The front cover 44 is configured to cover the front side of the printer 10, and the drum unit 37 can be attached and detached by rotating the front cover 44 clockwise in FIG. 2 to open the front of the printer 10. it can. As shown in FIG. 2, a pinch roller 45 and a registration roller 46 are rotatably mounted between the drum unit 37 and the paper feed cassette 32, respectively.

  Behind the drum unit 37, a laser generator (laser shown) for emitting a laser beam, a polygon mirror 47 (hexahedral mirror) that is driven to rotate, a lens 48, a reflection mirror 49, a reflection mirror 50, a lens 51, and a reflection mirror A laser scanner unit 53 having 52 or the like is attached. As shown in FIG. 2, the laser beam L shaken by the polygon mirror 47 is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 38 through the lens 48, the reflecting mirrors 49 and 50, the lens 51 and the reflecting mirror 52, and An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface.

  Behind the drum unit 37, a fixing unit 54 for fixing the toner on the paper is provided. The fixing unit 54 is provided with a heating roller 55 for heating and melting the toner on the transferred paper, and a pressing roller 56 disposed so as to face the heating roller 55 and pressing the fed paper toward the heating roller 55. And a pair of transport rollers 57 and 58.

  In FIG. 2, a shooter 59 that is formed in a curved shape and that reverses the direction of the sheet as necessary is rotatably attached to the rear of the conveying rollers 57 and 58. When the shooter 59 is rotated backward, the sheet is not discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 60 but is discharged onto the shooter 59. Thus, the sheet can be conveyed and discharged linearly, and it is particularly effective when used in the case where the manual sheet is a thick sheet. A pair of paper discharge rollers for supporting the paper transported along the shooter 59 and discharging the paper to a paper discharge tray 60 formed on the upper surface of the housing 31 are provided on the extension line of the shooter 59. 61 and 62 are attached.

2. Configuration for Printer Function Selection (1) Hardware Configuration Next, the configuration for selecting the special mode of the printer 10 will be described.
First, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer 10. As shown in the figure, the printer 10 has an operation unit 11 that accepts a pressing operation with the operation button 20 of the operation panel 35 and a sheet as a recording medium (an OHP sheet may be used in addition to the sheet). A printing unit 12 that controls printing of the image data, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, a CPU 15, and a network interface 16. For example, the CPU 15 performs printer language processing (PDL processing) on the PDL data received from the communication terminal (not shown) connected to the LAN 2 via the network interface 16 and sends the PDL data to the printing unit 12. Then, the printing unit 12 executes a printing operation for printing information corresponding to the data to be printed on a sheet based on the sent data.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the LED drive part 17 which makes the four LED21 of the said operation panel 35 light-emit is provided. Here, the CPU 15 gives a control signal to the LED driving unit 17 to cause the LEDs 21a to 21c to emit light, for example, during the selection operation of various functions in the special mode to be described below. It is made to function as “first notification means”, “second notification means”, and “third notification means”.

(2) Software Configuration As shown in FIG. 5, the various functions of the special mode are classified into all groups of the first classification to the fourth classification. That is, the first hierarchy of the first to fourth classifications (corresponding to the “layer other than the lowest layer” of the present invention) and the second hierarchy of various functions classified for each of these classifications (“ It corresponds to the “lowermost layer”).

  To enter this special mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the user turns on the printer 10 with the front cover 44 open and the operation button 20 pressed, for example (S1, S2). The operation button 20 may be pressed for a predetermined time or longer with the front cover 44 closed. Then, the CPU 15 turns on, for example, the toner LED 21a, the drum LED 21b, and the paper LED 21c in S3. Then, when the operation button 20 is released, the LEDs 21a to 21c are turned off (S4). As a result, the user can recognize that the mode has changed from the normal mode to the special mode selection menu.

  Then, one classification item can be selected from the first to fourth classifications in the first hierarchy according to the number of times the user presses the operation button 20 (S5). As shown in FIG. 5, if the number of times the operation button 20 is pressed is 1, the first classification item is 2 times, the second classification item is 2 times, the 3rd classification item is 4 times if the operation button 20 is 3 times. If so, the fourth classification item can be selected.

  When a specific classification item is selected in the first hierarchy, a specific function can be selected from various functions belonging to the specific classification item in the second hierarchy (S6). For example, if it is within the first classification item, if the operation button 20 is pressed once, the production line inspection mode is selected. If it is twice, the grid pattern continuous printing is performed. If it is four times, the NV-RAM dump printing is selected four times, and the RAM capacity check is selected and executed five times. For the correspondence between the number of times of pressing in the second, third, and fourth classification items and each function, see FIG. A correspondence table of each classification item and the number of times of pressing in the first layer and a correspondence table of each function and the number of times of pressing in the second layer are stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 13 (corresponding to the “storage means” of the present invention). The CPU 15 reads out the classification items and functions corresponding to the number of times of pressing based on the correspondence table stored in the ROM 13 and causes the selected function to be executed.

(3) Control for Selection of Classification Item and Function (a) Selection Menu for First Level At the time of selection operation in the first and second levels, the CPU 15 executes the control shown in FIGS. First, after the LEDs 21a to 21c are turned off (S4 in FIG. 5), all or any one or two of the LEDs 21a to 21c (the LED 21a in the present embodiment) are turned on and the emission luminance thereof in S11 of FIG. Is gradually reduced. In this embodiment, the light emission luminance is reduced at such a speed that the light is almost turned off after a predetermined effective time (2 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. At this time, the LED 21a functions as the “second notification unit” of the present invention.

  If the operation button 20 is pressed during this effective time, that is, until the LED 21a is turned off (“Y” in S12), the count is increased by 1 in S13, and the process returns to S11. That is, the LED 21a is returned to the maximum light emission luminance, and the light emission pattern for gradually decreasing the light emission luminance within the effective period is executed again. On the other hand, when the operation button 20 is not pressed within the effective time (“N” in S12, “Y” in S14), the LED 21a is completely turned off in S15, and the count of the number of presses so far is 1 or more in S16. Determine whether or not. When the number of times of pressing is zero (“N” in S16), the special mode selection menu is exited to return to the normal mode (S17).

  On the other hand, if the count of the number of times of pressing is 1 or more (“Y” in S16), it is further determined in S18 whether the count of the number of times of pressing exceeds the specified number. Here, in the present embodiment, the specified number of times is the number of classification items in the first hierarchy (four times). That is, when the count of the number of times of pressing exceeds the number of classification items in the first layer (“Y” in S18), the count of the number of times of pressing so far is cleared (invalidated), and the process returns to S11, and again The selection operation of the classification item in one layer is performed again. At this time, in synchronism with clearing (invalidating) the count of the number of times of pressing, for example, all the LEDs 21a to 21c are caused to emit light in a pattern (for example, blinking) different from the light emission pattern at the time of S18 “N” below. . Thereby, the user can recognize that the selection operation in the first hierarchy is invalidated and the process returns to S11. At this time, the LEDs 21a to 21c function as "third notification means" of the present invention.

  When the count of the number of times of pressing is within the number of classification items in the first hierarchy (“N” in S18), the function selection menu in the second hierarchy shown in FIG. 7 is entered. Here, in this embodiment, for example, all the LEDs 21a to 21c are lit once (S7 in FIG. 5). Thereby, the user can recognize that it has shifted to the function selection menu in the second hierarchy.

(B) Second Level Selection Menu The control content of the CPU 15 in FIG. 7 is basically the same as the control content shown in FIG. 6, but differs in the following points. That is, when the count of the number of times of pressing in S27 exceeds the specified number (in this embodiment, the number of functions belonging to the classification item selected in the first hierarchy selection menu) (S27 “Y”). The count of the number of times of pressing until then is cleared (invalidated) to return to the normal mode. At this time, the CPU 15 causes, for example, all of the LEDs 21a to 21c to execute a pattern (for example, blinking) different from the light emission pattern at S28 “N” described below in synchronization with clearing (invalidating) the number of times of pressing. . As a result, the user can recognize that the selection operation in the second hierarchy has been invalidated and the normal mode has been restored. At this time, the LEDs 21a to 21c function as "third notification means" of the present invention.

  On the other hand, when “N” is determined in S28, the CPU 15 executes a function corresponding to the count of the number of pressings in S30. In addition, it is good also as a structure which lights LED21b and LED21c other than LED21a, for example, synchronizing with pressing-down operation button 20 at the time of the selection of the 1st, 2nd hierarchy. At this time, the LED 21b and the LED 21c function as the “first notification unit” of the present invention.

3. Operation of this embodiment With the above configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first pressing operation is performed within 2 seconds from the start of the selection menu of the first layer, and within 2 seconds from the time of the first pressing operation. The second pressing operation is performed, and the third pressing operation is performed within 2 seconds from the second pressing operation. The fourth pressing operation is not performed within 2 seconds from the third pressing operation. Thereby, it is determined that the number of times of pressing is three, and the third classification item is selected (see FIG. 5). This shifts to the selection menu of the second hierarchy.

  The first pressing operation is performed within 2 seconds from the determination of the third classification item, and the second pressing operation is performed within 2 seconds from the time of the first pressing operation. Then, the third pressing operation is not performed within 2 seconds from the second pressing operation. Thereby, the function of “clear serial number” in the third classification item is selected and executed.

4). Effects of the present embodiment (1) According to the present embodiment, a classification item or function corresponding to the number of presses that have been pressed at a time interval within a predetermined effective time (2 seconds) is selected. Therefore, it is possible to quickly select a function only by pressing the operation key as many times as the number of times corresponding to the desired function.
(2) Further, since the LED 21b and the LED 21c are lit every time a valid pressing operation is performed within the effective time, the operator can recognize the effective pressing frequency based on the number of lighting operations.

(3) Furthermore, since the light emission luminance of the LED 21a is gradually decreased within the effective period, the elapse of the effective time can be sensed by the degree of the light emission.
(4) When the number of pressings in the selection operation of the first layer exceeds a predetermined specified number of times (for example, the number of classification items in the layer), the number of pressings is invalidated and the selection operation for the first layer is performed from the beginning. To do.

(5) Further, when the number of times of pressing in the selection operation of the second layer, which is the lowest layer, exceeds a predetermined number of times (for example, the number of functions in the lowest layer), the number of times of pressing is invalidated and erroneous. It is configured to prevent the function from being executed. In the present embodiment, after invalidation, the mode is forcibly returned to the normal mode.
(6) When the number of times of pressing is invalidated, all of the LEDs 21a to 21c are turned on, so that the user can know that classification item selection or function selection has not been performed.

  (7) In addition, the number of effective presses and the passage of the effective time can be known by the function indicator lamps (LEDs 21a to 21c) originally provided for the function of the normal mode, and it is necessary to provide a separate indicator lamp for the special mode. Disappears.

<Embodiment 2>
9 to 10 show a second embodiment (corresponding to the invention of claim 2). The difference from the above embodiment lies in the control operation of the classification item and function selection, and the other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given and the redundant description is omitted, and only different points will be described next.

1. Control for selection of classification item and function (a) Selection menu of the first layer The control operation of the CPU 15 when selecting the first layer is basically the same as the control contents shown in FIG. The following points. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, while the light emission luminance of the LED 21a is gradually decreased within the effective time (for example, 2 seconds), the number of times the operation button 20 is pressed is counted (S33). Then, when the effective time has passed (“Y” in S14), the LED 21a is turned off, and the classification item corresponding to the count of the number of times of pressing until then is selected (S15 to S18). When the number of times of pressing is 1 in S34, the process returns to S11 and the LED 21a is turned on again at the maximum light emission luminance, and gradually decreases within the effective time from that point.

(B) Second Level Selection Menu The control operation of the CPU 15 at the time of selecting the second level is basically the same as the control content shown in FIG. 7 described above, and differs in the following points. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, while the light emission luminance of the LED 21a is gradually reduced within an effective time (for example, 2 seconds), the number of times the operation button 20 is pressed is counted (S43). Then, when the effective time has elapsed (“Y” in S24), the LED 21a is turned off, and a function corresponding to the count of the number of times of pressing until then is selected (S25 to S30). When the number of times of pressing is 1 in S44, the process returns to S21, and the LED 21a is turned on again at the maximum light emission luminance, and gradually decreases within the effective time from that point.

2. Operation of the present embodiment With the above configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, in the selection menu of the first hierarchy, a total of three pressing operations are performed within 2 seconds from the first pressing operation. Thereby, it is determined that the number of times of pressing is three, and the third classification item is selected (see FIG. 5). This shifts to the selection menu of the second hierarchy. The configuration may be such that the valid time is counted from the point in time when the LED 21a to 21c is turned off (S4 in FIG. 5) after moving to the selection menu of the first hierarchy.

  Next, after the third classification item is determined, a total of two pressing operations are performed within 2 seconds after the first pressing operation. Thereby, the function of “clear serial number” in the third classification item is selected and executed. The configuration may be such that the effective time is counted from the point when the LEDs 21a to 21c are all turned on once (S7 in FIG. 5) after moving to the selection menu of the second hierarchy.

3. Effects of the present embodiment According to the present embodiment, the corresponding classification item or function is selected based on the number of presses within a predetermined effective time. Therefore, it is possible to quickly select a function only by pressing the operation key as many times as the number of times corresponding to the desired function.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.
(1) In each of the above embodiments, the LEDs 21a to 21c are used as notification means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and sound generation means such as a speaker may be used.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the light emission luminance of the LED 21 is decreased with time within the effective time. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which a plurality of LEDs 21 are sequentially turned on or the emission color of the same LEDs 21 is changed over time.

  (3) In each of the above embodiments, a two-level hierarchical structure is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a three-level or higher hierarchical structure may be used. Moreover, the structure which does not have a hierarchical structure but directly selects a function may be used.

  (4) Although the printer 10 of each of the above embodiments does not include a liquid crystal display unit, the printer 10 may include a liquid crystal display unit. However, there is a limit to the information that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, and it is desirable to apply the present invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a printer according to a first embodiment of the invention. Side sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printer Enlarged view showing the operation panel of the printer Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer Explanatory diagram showing correspondence between classification items and functions Flow chart showing control contents when selecting first layer Flow chart showing control contents when second layer is selected Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the LED emission state and the pressing operation The flowchart which shows the control content at the time of the 1st hierarchy selection in Embodiment 2. Flow chart showing control contents when second layer is selected Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the LED emission state and the pressing operation

Explanation of symbols

13 ... ROM (storage means)
15 ... CPU (detection means, aging means, selection means)
20 ... operation buttons (operation keys)
21 ... LED (notification means, function indicator)

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus comprising an operation key and capable of selecting and executing a specific function from a plurality of functions based on the number of times the operation key is pressed,
Detects whether the operation key is pressed within a predetermined effective time from the start of the selection operation of the specific function, and whether the next pressing operation is performed within the effective time from the previous pressing operation Detecting means for
Counting means for counting the number of times the operation key is pressed by being pressed within the effective time based on the detection result of the detection means;
Storage means for storing the plurality of types of functions and correspondence information of the number of times of pressing;
An image comprising: selection means for selecting a function corresponding to the number of presses counted by the counting means based on the correspondence information stored in the storage means from the plurality of types of functions. Forming equipment. An image forming apparatus comprising an operation key and capable of selecting and executing a specific function from a plurality of functions based on the number of times the operation key is pressed,
Counting means for counting the number of times the operation key is pressed within a predetermined effective time;
Storage means for storing the plurality of types of functions and correspondence information of the number of times of pressing;
An image comprising: selection means for selecting a function corresponding to the number of presses counted by the counting means based on the correspondence information stored in the storage means from the plurality of types of functions. Forming equipment. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first notification unit that performs a notification operation in synchronization with a pressing operation performed within the effective time. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second notification unit that performs a notification operation of changing a notification pattern over time within the effective time. The plurality of functions are classified by a multi-level hierarchical structure,
The selection means invalidates the number of times of pressing in a selection operation in a layer other than the lowest layer on condition that the predetermined number of times has been exceeded, and in a layer other than the lowermost layer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selection can be made again. The plurality of functions are classified by a multi-level hierarchical structure,
6. The number of times of pressing is invalidated on condition that the number of times of pressing at the time of a selection operation in the lowest layer exceeds a predetermined specified number of times. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a third notification unit that performs a notification operation in synchronization with the invalidation of the number of times of pressing. The plural types of functions are special mode functions other than the normal mode functions during the image forming operation.
The said notification means is the light emission means which makes the function indicator lamp used for the function of the said normal mode light-emit as said notification operation | movement, The light emission means characterized by the above-mentioned. Image forming apparatus.

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