JP2008149676A - Image printer, and controlling method for image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the operation of an image printer regarding the technique for setting the printing conditions of an image. <P>SOLUTION: This image printer includes a touch panel, and a touch pen storage section which stores a touch pen being used by a user for giving an indication by the touch panel. The image printer also includes a storage state detecting section which detects the storage state of the touch pen in the touch pen storage section. The image printer detects a change from the pen storage state in which the touch pen is stored in the touch pen storage section to a pen taken-out state in which the touch pen is not stored in the touch pen storage section. Then, when the change to the pen taken-out state is detected, the operation mode of the image printer is switched from a pen storage mode to a pen taken-out mode under which the indication of the user by using the touch pen is accepted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for setting image printing conditions in an image printing apparatus.

  An image printing apparatus such as a printer, a scanner / printer / copy multifunction peripheral (also referred to as “multifunction machine” or “MFP”) has various operation buttons for obtaining user instructions and various states such as the state of the image printing apparatus. A liquid crystal panel for notifying the user of information. The user operates the operation button while viewing the information displayed on the liquid crystal panel, thereby selecting a function of the image printing apparatus and setting an execution condition for executing the selected function.

JP 2003-330585 A

  As described above, when the user operates the image printing apparatus, the user normally confirms the liquid crystal panel and the operation buttons alternately and gives an instruction to the image printing apparatus. Therefore, depending on the arrangement of the liquid crystal panel and the operation buttons, the operation of the image printing apparatus may be complicated.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it makes it easier to operate an image printing apparatus.

  In order to achieve at least a part of the above object, an image printing apparatus of the present invention displays an image and can acquire a user instruction using a touch pen, a touch pen storage unit that stores the touch pen, A storage state detection unit that detects a storage state of the touch pen in the touch pen storage unit, and the touch pen is not stored in the touch pen storage unit from a pen storage state in which the touch pen is stored in the touch pen storage unit When the storage state detection unit detects that the state has changed to the pen removal state, the operation mode of the image printing apparatus is switched from the pen storage mode to a pen removal mode that accepts a user instruction using the touch pen. Features.

  According to this configuration, since the user can operate using the touch pen while looking at the touch panel on which the image is displayed, the image printing apparatus becomes easier. In addition, when the user removes the touch pen from the touch pen storage unit, the operation mode of the image printing apparatus is switched to a pen removal mode that accepts a user instruction using the touch pen. Therefore, operations such as operation buttons for using the touch pen can be omitted, so that the operation of the image printing apparatus using the touch pen becomes easier.

  In the pen storage mode, a storage mode image is displayed on the touch panel, and the image printing apparatus displays an image displayed on the touch panel when the pen mode is switched to the storage mode image. To a take-out mode image that accepts a user instruction using the touch pen.

  According to this configuration, the image displayed on the touch panel is switched from the storage mode image to the extraction mode image when switching to the pen extraction mode. Therefore, the storage mode image and the extraction mode image can be made suitable for the respective operation modes.

  The image printing apparatus displays a storage mode menu having a plurality of items for designating processing executed in the image printing apparatus as the storage mode image on the touch panel, and stores the storage mode image as the extraction mode image. An extraction mode menu in which items for executing a process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen among the plurality of items included in the mode menu may be displayed on the touch panel.

  According to this configuration, in the take-out mode menu displayed by taking out the touch pen, an item for executing a process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen is preferentially arranged. Therefore, it becomes easier to select a process for receiving a user instruction using the touch pen.

  The image printing apparatus displays a storage mode menu having a plurality of items for designating processing executed in the image printing apparatus as the storage mode image on the touch panel, and stores the storage mode image as the extraction mode image. An extraction mode menu for accepting designation of only a specific item for executing processing for accepting a user instruction using the touch pen among the plurality of items of the mode menu may be displayed on the touch panel.

  According to this configuration, in the take-out mode menu displayed by taking out the touch pen, designation of only a specific item for executing a process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen is accepted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous selection of a process different from the process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen.

  The image printing apparatus displays a storage mode menu having a plurality of items for designating processing executed in the image printing apparatus as the storage mode image on the touch panel, and stores the storage mode image as the extraction mode image. An extraction mode menu having only specific items for executing a process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen among the plurality of items included in the mode menu may be displayed on the touch panel.

  According to this configuration, the take-out mode menu displayed by taking out the touch pen has only a specific item for executing a process of accepting a user instruction using the touch pen. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous selection of a process different from the process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen. In addition, since the number of items included in the menu can be reduced, it is easier to select specific items.

  The image printing apparatus may display on the touch panel a specific input screen that allows a user to input characters using the touch pen as the extraction mode image.

  According to this configuration, when the touch pen is removed, a specific input screen that allows character input using the touch pen is displayed. Therefore, the operation amount for displaying a specific input screen can be reduced.

  The image printing apparatus further includes, as a power-on state of the image printing apparatus, a first power state in which power supply to the image printing apparatus is restricted, and processing in accordance with a user instruction using the touch pen The image printing apparatus detects the change from the pen storage state of the touch pen storage state to the pen removal state, thereby detecting the power-on state. The first power supply state may be switched to the second power supply state.

  According to this configuration, the power-on state of the image printing apparatus is switched to the second power state in which processing according to a user instruction using the touch pen can be performed by removing the touch pen. Therefore, when using the touch pen, other operations for switching the power-on state can be omitted.

  The image printing apparatus is configured to switch the power-on state from the second power state to the first power state by detecting a change in the retracted state from the pen removal state to the pen retracted state. Also good.

  According to this configuration, the power-on state of the image printing apparatus is switched to the first power state in which power supply is limited and power consumption is smaller by storing the touch pen. Therefore, after the operation using the touch pen, other operations for switching the power-on state and reducing the power consumption can be omitted.

  The first power state is a state in which a specific process executed in the image printing apparatus cannot be executed, and the image printing apparatus is in a case where the image printing apparatus is executing the specific process. The switching from the second power state to the first power state may be performed after the execution of the specific process.

  According to this configuration, the user can instruct the image printing apparatus to switch to the first power state after the end of execution of the specific process by storing the touch pen while executing the specific process. it can. Therefore, the user can instruct switching to the first power supply state with less power consumption without waiting for the end of execution of the specific process for switching to the first power supply state. Improves.

  Note that the present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, an image printing apparatus and an image printing method, a control apparatus and control method for the image printing apparatus, a computer program for realizing the functions of the apparatus and method, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the computer program It can be realized in a form such as a data signal embodied in a carrier wave.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First Embodiment B. Second Embodiment C. Third Embodiment D. Example 4 Modified example

A. First embodiment:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction machine 100 as an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction device 100 has functions of a printer and a scanner, and can scan and print an image without being connected to an external computer. The multi-function device 100 includes an auto seed feeder 110 for supplying printing paper, a paper discharge tray 120 for receiving printing paper on which an image is printed, a memory card slot 130 for receiving a memory card, and an operation panel 200. I have.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel 200 of the multifunction peripheral 100. The operation panel 200 includes a power button 212 for switching the power-on state of the multifunction device 100 (FIG. 1), operation buttons for a user to give various instructions to the multifunction device 100, and the multifunction device 100 provides the user with the multifunction device. 100 has a display lamp for notifying the state of 100, a touch panel 250, and a pen holder 240 for storing a touch pen 40 for writing characters and the like on the touch panel 250. The pen holder 240 can be provided outside the operation panel. The operation panel 200 of FIG. 2 includes a direction button 214, a “cancel” button 216, an “OK” button 218, a “print” button 222, a “scan” button 224, and a “copy” button as operation buttons. 226. Further, as the display lamp, a power lamp 232 for notifying the power on / off state of the multifunction peripheral 100 is provided. However, the operation panel 200 may be provided with other operation buttons and display lamps as necessary, and the operation buttons and display lamps shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted.

  The touch panel 250 has a display screen 252. Various images are displayed on the display screen 252 as described later. Then, the user enters characters or figures on the display screen 252 using the touch pen 40 or touches the display screen 252 with the tip of the touch pen 40 to give an instruction to the multifunction device 100 or write characters to the multifunction device 100. Can be entered. The pen holder 240 can detect whether or not the touch pen 40 is stored in the pen holder 240. Whether or not the touch pen 40 is stored in the pen holder 240 can be detected by using, for example, a non-contact detector such as a photo interrupter or a reed switch, or a contact detector such as a micro switch. it can. In addition, since these detectors detect the storage state of the touch pen 40 in the pen holder 240, they can also be referred to as a “storage state detection unit”.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100. The multifunction device 100 includes a CPU 310, a ROM 320, a RAM 330, a print engine 340, a scan engine 350, a power supply control unit 360, a USB host control unit 370, a USB device control unit 380, a memory card interface 390, And an operation panel control unit 410.

  The CPU 310 implements various functions of the multi-function device 100 by executing programs stored in the ROM 320. The RAM 330 stores temporary data used by the CPU 310. The print engine 340 is a printing mechanism that executes printing according to given print data. The scan engine 350 is a mechanism that scans an image and generates image data.

  The power control unit 360 is connected to the power circuit 362. The power supply circuit 362 is connected to a power line (not shown) via the main switch 364, and supplies power supplied from the power line to each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100. The power supply to the multifunction peripheral 100 is controlled by the power supply control unit 360 controlling the power supply circuit 362. The power circuit 362 is also connected to the power button 212 of the operation panel 200. When the power button 212 is operated in a state where the power supply circuit 362 is not supplying power to each part of the multifunction peripheral 100, the power supply circuit 362 starts power supply to each part of the multifunction peripheral 100. In the first embodiment, the power supply circuit 362 is connected to the power line via the main switch 364. However, the main switch 364 can be omitted.

  The USB host control unit 370 can be connected to a USB device such as a digital still camera DSC via the USB connector 372. The USB device control unit 380 can be connected to a USB host such as a personal computer PC via the USB connector 382. The memory card interface 390 reads data stored in the memory card received in the memory card slot 130 and supplies it to the CPU 310. In addition, the data supplied from the CPU 310 is written into the memory card received in the memory card slot 130.

  The operation panel control unit 410 mediates data exchange between the CPU 310 and the touch panel 250, the operation buttons 210, the display lamp 230, and the pen holder 240. The CPU 310 receives data representing the operation state of the operation button 210 supplied from the operation panel 410, and executes a program stored in the ROM 320 in accordance with the operation state of the operation button 210. In addition, the CPU 310 displays a menu screen on the display screen 252 of the touch panel 250 and acquires data representing a contact position of the touch pen 40 on the display screen 252 and the like. Then, CPU 310 executes a program stored in ROM 320 according to the acquired data. As described above, the CPU 310 executes various processes in accordance with instructions given by the operation buttons 210 and the touch pen 40. The CPU 310 notifies the user of the state of the multifunction device 100 by instructing the display lamp 230 to blink.

  FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 (FIG. 1). The multi-function device 100 has two power states, a power-off state M1 and a power-on state. In the power-on state, the multi-function device 100 has four operation modes: an operation selection mode M2, a print mode M3, a scan mode M4, and a copy mode M5. Note that the thick line in FIG. 4 indicates a sequence in which the MFP 100 alone automatically transitions without receiving an instruction from the user, and the thin line indicates a sequence in which a transition is made according to the user instruction.

  The power-off state M1 is an initial operation state when the main switch 364 (FIG. 3) is switched from the off state to the on state. The power-off state M1 is a state where power is not supplied from the power supply circuit 362 to each part of the multifunction peripheral 100. As described above, when the power supply circuit 362 detects an operation of the power button 212 in a state in which power is not being supplied to each part of the multifunction peripheral 100 (that is, the power-off state M1), power supply to each part of the multifunction peripheral 100 is started. To do. Therefore, when the power button 212 is operated in the power-off state M1, the operation state of the multifunction device 100 shifts to a power-on state in which power is supplied from the power circuit 362 to each part of the multifunction device 100.

  The operation selection mode M2 is the first operation mode when the power state is switched from the power-off state M1 to the power-on state. In the operation selection mode M2, the CPU 310 (FIG. 3) acquires a user instruction supplied from the operation panel 200 via the operation panel control unit 410. Then, by executing the program stored in the ROM 320 in accordance with the acquired instruction, the instructed process given by the user is executed.

  When the user operates the power button 212 in the operation selection mode M2, the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts to the power-off state M1. Specifically, when the CPU 310 detects the operation of the power button 212, the power supply circuit 362 is instructed to stop power supply to each unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 via the power control unit 360. The power supply circuit 362 stops the supply of power to each part of the multifunction peripheral 100 in accordance with the instruction supplied by passing the power supply control unit 360.

  In the operation selection mode M2, when the CPU 310 acquires a print execution instruction given by the user, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts to the print mode M3. In the print mode M3, the CPU 310 executes processing for printing an image by the print engine 340 (FIG. 3). The process executed in the print mode M3 will be described later. When printing is finished or printing is stopped, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts from the print mode M3 to the operation selection mode M2.

  In the operation selection mode M2, when the CPU 310 obtains a scan execution instruction given by the user, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts to the scan mode M4. In the scan mode M4, the CPU 310 executes processing for scanning an image by the scan engine 350 (FIG. 3). When the scan is finished or the scan is stopped, the operation mode of the multi-function device 100 shifts from the scan mode M4 to the operation selection mode M2.

  In the operation selection mode M2, when the CPU 310 acquires a copy execution instruction given by the user, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100 shifts to the copy mode M5. In the copy mode M5, the CPU 310 executes a process (copy) for printing an image read by the scan engine 350 (FIG. 3) by the print engine (FIG. 3). When copying is completed or copying is stopped, the operation mode of the multi-function device 100 shifts from the copy mode M5 to the operation selection mode M2.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a print mode execution routine executed in the print mode M3 of FIG.

  In step S <b> 100, the CPU 310 determines whether the touch pen 40 is stored in the pen holder 240. Specifically, the CPU 310 acquires the detection result of the touch pen 40 of the pen holder 240 via the operation panel control unit 410. If the touch pen 40 is detected, it is determined that the touch pen 40 is in the retracted state, and control is transferred to step S210. On the other hand, when the touch pen 40 is not detected, it is determined that the touch pen 40 is not in the retracted state, and the control is moved to step S310.

  In step S <b> 210, the CPU 310 displays a button mode menu that prompts the user to select a printing method by operating a button on the display screen 252 of the touch panel 250. Specifically, CPU 310 generates image data representing a button mode menu, and supplies the generated image to the touch panel via operation panel control unit 410. The touch panel 250 displays a button mode menu on the display screen 252 based on the supplied image data. Since the button mode menu is a menu displayed when the touch pen 40 is stored in the pen holder 240, it can also be referred to as a “storage mode menu”.

  FIG. 6A shows a state where the button mode menu displayed in step S <b> 210 is displayed on the touch panel 250. In the button mode menu MM1, a message MPS for prompting selection of a printing method, a list box LB1, and a scroll bar SB1 provided on the right side of the list box LB1 are displayed. In the list box LB1, selectable printing methods are displayed.

  In step S <b> 220 of FIG. 5, the CPU 310 determines whether or not the touch pen 40 has been removed from the pen holder 240. Specifically, the CPU 310 acquires the detection result of the touch pen 40 from the pen holder 240, and determines that the touch pen 40 has been removed when the touch pen 40 is not detected. If it is determined that the touch pen has been removed, control is transferred to step S310. On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch pen has not been removed, control is transferred to step S230.

  In step S230, CPU 310 determines whether operation button 210 has been operated or not. Specifically, CPU 310 detects an operation state of operation button 210 via operation panel control unit 410. When the detection result indicates that any of the operation buttons 210 has been operated, it is determined that the operation button 210 has been operated, and the control is moved to step S240. When the detection result indicates that any of the operation buttons 210 is not operated, it is determined that the operation button 210 is not operated, and the control is returned to step S220.

  In step S240, CPU 310 executes a process corresponding to operated operation button 210. For example, when the direction button 214 (FIG. 2) is operated, a printing method is selected from the list in the list box LB1 according to the operated button of the direction buttons 214. At this time, after completion of the processing in step S240, an end flag for designating whether or not to end the print mode execution routine is reset. When the “OK” button 218 is operated, an end flag is set, and printing is executed by the selected printing method. When the “cancel” button 216 is operated, an end flag is set.

  In step S250, CPU 310 determines whether or not to end the print mode execution routine. Specifically, in step S240, the set state of the set or reset end flag is determined. If the end flag has been reset, control returns to step S220. On the other hand, if the end flag is set, the print mode execution routine ends. When the print mode execution routine is completed, the operation mode shown in FIG. 4 is returned from the print mode M3 to the operation selection mode M2.

  In step S <b> 310, the CPU 310 displays a pen mode menu that prompts the user to select a printing method by operating the touch pen on the display screen 252 of the touch panel 250. Note that the pen mode menu is a menu that is displayed when the touch pen 40 is removed from the pen holder 240, and thus can also be referred to as an “extraction mode menu”.

  FIG. 6B shows a state where the pen mode menu displayed in step S <b> 310 is displayed on the touch panel 250. Similar to the button mode menu, the pen mode menu MM2 displays a message MPS that prompts the user to select a printing method, a list box LB2, and a scroll bar SB2 provided on the right side of the list box LB2. The pen mode menu MM2 displays an OK button BOK and a cancel button BCN.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, “print type composite print” and “handwritten composite print” are displayed at the top of the list box LB2 as print method selection items. All of these printing methods are printing methods for inputting characters using the touch pen 40. In addition, the selection item “print all” is displayed below the list box LB2 among the items of the printing method. As shown in FIG. 6B, the selection item “print all” is displayed in gray characters (grayed out) so that it cannot be selected by operating the touch pen 40. Note that the order of selection items is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the order of selection items in the list box LB2 may be the same as the order of selection items in the list box LB1.

  In the first embodiment, the printing method selection item “print all” is grayed out so that selection with the touch pen 40 is not possible, but the selection item “print all” may not be displayed. It is also possible to leave the selection item “print all” selectable by operating the touch pen 40 without graying out the setting item “print all” of the printing method. In this case, the selection item of the printing method for inputting characters using the touch pen 40 is arranged above (that is, preferentially) on the list box LB2 over the other selection items.

  In step S <b> 320 of FIG. 5, the CPU 310 determines whether or not the touch pen 40 is stored in the pen holder 240. Specifically, the CPU 310 acquires the detection result of the touch pen 40 from the pen holder 240, and determines that the touch pen 40 has been stored when the touch pen 40 is detected. If it is determined that the touch pen is stored, control is transferred to step S210. On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch pen has not been stored, control is transferred to step S330.

  FIG. 6C shows a button mode menu displayed on the display screen 252 when it is determined in step S320 that the touch pen 40 has been stored. The button mode menu shown in FIG. 6C is the same menu as the button mode menu shown in FIG.

  In step S330, the CPU 310 determines whether or not an operation with the touch pen 40 has been performed. Specifically, CPU 310 acquires contact information indicating whether or not touch pen 40 has touched display screen 252 from touch panel 250 via operation panel control unit 410. When the contact information indicates that the touch pen 40 is not touching the display screen 252, it is determined that the operation with the touch pen has not been performed, and the control is returned to step S320. On the other hand, when the contact information indicates that the touch pen 40 has touched the display screen 252, it is determined that an operation with the touch pen has been performed, and the control is moved to step S340.

  In step S340, the CPU 310 executes processing according to the touch position of the touch pen. When the touch position of the touch pen 40 is the display position of the selection item that is not grayed out in the list box LB2, the selection item at the display position is selected as the printing method. When the contact position of the touch pen 40 is the triangle display position of the scroll bar SB2, the list box LB2 is scrolled in any direction of the triangle. In these cases, the end flag is reset. If the touch position of the touch pen 40 is the display position of the OK button BOK, the end flag is set and printing is executed by the selected printing method. When the touch position of the touch pen 40 is the display position of the cancel button BCN, the end flag is set.

  In step S350, CPU 310 determines whether or not to end the print mode execution routine. Specifically, in step S340, the set state of the end flag that has been set or reset is determined. If the end flag is reset, control returns to step S320. On the other hand, if the end flag is set, the print mode execution routine ends, and the operation mode shown in FIG. 4 is returned from the print mode M3 to the operation selection mode M2.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a selected image printing process routine among the processes executed in step S240 of FIG. This selected image printing process routine is executed when the “OK” button 218 (FIG. 2) is operated after the selection item “Select and print” of the printing method shown in FIG. 6A is selected. .

  In step S410, the CPU 310 accepts a user instruction to select an image (print image) to be printed. In step S420, a user instruction for setting image printing conditions is received. In steps S410 and S420, a user instruction is given by operating the direction button 214, the “OK” button 218, and the “cancel” button 216 on the operation panel 200 (FIG. 2).

  FIG. 8A shows a confirmation screen SCF displayed on the display screen 252 of the touch panel 250 after setting the printing conditions in step S420. On this confirmation screen SCF, an image ISP to be printed and a message MCF for notifying that the displayed image ISP is printed are displayed.

  In step S <b> 430 of FIG. 7, the CPU 310 determines whether or not the touch pen 40 has been removed from the pen holder 240. Specifically, the CPU 310 acquires the detection result of the touch pen 40 from the pen holder 240, and determines that the touch pen 40 has been removed when the touch pen 40 is not detected. If it is determined that the touch pen has been removed, control is transferred to step S510. On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch pen has not been removed, control is transferred to step S440.

  In step S440, CPU 310 determines whether or not “OK” button 218 on operation panel 200 (FIG. 2) has been operated. If it is determined that the “OK” button 218 has been operated, control is transferred to step S450. On the other hand, if it is determined that the “OK” button 218 has not been operated, control is transferred to step S460.

  In step S450, CPU 310 prints the image selected in step S410. Specifically, print data is generated from the selected image, and the generated print data is supplied to the print engine 340 (FIG. 3). The print engine 340 supplied with the print data prints an image. After printing the selected image, the selected image printing process routine of FIG. 7 ends. Then, the operation mode shown in FIG. 4 is returned from the print mode M3 to the operation selection mode M2 by the end of the selected image print processing routine.

  In step S460, CPU 310 determines whether “cancel” button 216 on operation panel 200 (FIG. 2) has been operated or not. If it is determined that the “cancel” button 216 has not been operated, control is transferred to step S430. On the other hand, if it is determined that the “cancel” button 216 has been operated, the selected image print processing routine of FIG. 7 ends. Then, the operation mode shown in FIG. 4 is returned from the print mode M3 to the operation selection mode M2 by the end of the selected image print processing routine.

  In step S510, the CPU 310 inputs characters entered on the touch panel 250 by the user using the touch pen 40 (FIG. 3). Specifically, the character input screen is displayed on the display screen 252 by supplying image data representing a character input screen for inputting characters to the touch panel 250. And the contact information of the touch pen 40 supplied from the touch panel 250 is acquired, and the character which the user filled in based on the acquired contact information is acquired.

  FIG. 8B shows a character input screen SIN displayed in step S510, that is, when the touch pen being displayed on the confirmation screen SCF of FIG. On the character input screen SIN, a message MPI for prompting entry of characters, an entry frame WTI indicating a character entry area, and an “end entry” button BTI for instructing entry of characters are displayed.

  FIG. 8C shows a state in which characters are entered in the entry frame WTI with the touch pen 40 by the user. In the example of FIG. 8C, the handwritten character TMS entered in the entry frame WTI is displayed. After the handwritten character is entered, when the user touches the entry button with the touch pen 40, the character is recognized from the handwritten character TMS, and the character string “Thank you!” Representing the recognized character is acquired.

  In step S520 in FIG. 7, CPU 310 obtains a user instruction for designating the character layout input in step S510. Specifically, the arrangement designation screen is displayed on the display screen 252 by supplying image data representing the arrangement designation screen to the touch panel 250. Then, the contact information of the touch pen 40 supplied from the touch panel 250 is acquired, and the user's instruction specifying the character arrangement based on the acquired contact information is acquired.

  FIG. 9A shows an arrangement designation screen STP displayed on the display screen 252 in step S520. The image ISP to be printed displayed on the arrangement designation screen STP includes a character string TMR recognized from the handwritten character TMS entered in FIG. 8C and a character frame WMP surrounding the character string TMR. Is displayed. The arrangement designation screen STP also displays a message MWM that prompts the character frame WMP to move, and two buttons BOK and BCN.

  FIG. 9B shows the other part in which the user touches the area inside the character frame WMP with the touch pen 40. Then, when the user moves the touch pen 40 while touching the display screen 252 with the touch pen 40, the character frame WMP and the character string TMR move as shown in FIG. 9C. As described above, the character frame WMP and the character string TMR are moved as necessary, and then the OK button BOK is operated with the touch pen 40 to determine the positional relationship between the image ISP and the character string TMR.

  In step S530 of FIG. 7, the CPU 310 combines the image selected in step S410 and the character string acquired in step S510 according to the character layout specification acquired in step S520. Then, the synthesized image is printed by the print engine 340 (FIG. 3). After the printing in step S530, the selected image printing process routine of FIG. 7 ends, and the operation mode shown in FIG. 4 is returned from the printing mode M3 to the operation selection mode M2.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the touch pen 40 is removed from the pen holder 240, an image (storage mode image) displayed on the display screen 252 of the touch panel 250 is an image that allows a user operation using the touch pen 40. (Takeout mode image). Therefore, since the operation of the operation button 210 (FIG. 3) for performing the operation using the touch pen 40 can be omitted, the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100a becomes easier.

  In the first embodiment, in the state in which the pen mode menu is displayed (pen removal mode), only the operation with the touch pen 40 is accepted, but the operation of the operation button may be accepted. Further, when the storage of the touch pen is detected in the pen removal mode, the state shifts to the state where the button mode menu is displayed (pen storage mode). However, the transition to the pen storage mode can be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the removal of the touch pen 40 from the pen holder 240 (FIG. 3) is detected by two routines, ie, a print mode execution routine (FIG. 5) and a selected image printing routine (FIG. 7). The removal of the touch pen 40 may be detected by one of these two routines. In addition to these two routines, the removal of the touch pen 40 may be detected in another routine executed in each operation mode in the power-on state (FIG. 4). Generally, as long as the operation mode can be changed to a mode for accepting a user instruction using the touch pen by detecting the removal of the touch pen 40, the removal of the touch pen 40 may be detected by an arbitrary routine.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100a according to the second embodiment. The multifunction device 100a of the second embodiment is different from the multifunction device 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that the pen holder 240 is connected to the power supply circuit. The other points are the same as those of the multifunction machine 100 of the first embodiment.

  As in the first embodiment, the power supply circuit 362 of the multifunction peripheral 100a supplies power to each part of the multifunction machine 100 when the power button 212 is operated in a state where power is not being supplied to each part of the multifunction machine 100. Start. In addition, when the touch pen 40 is removed from the pen holder 240, the power supply circuit 362 starts supplying power to each part of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram illustrating the transition of the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100a in the second embodiment. The state transition diagram of FIG. 11 shows that the transition from the power-off state M1 to the operation selection mode M2 is also performed by removing the touch pen 40 (FIG. 10) from the pen holder 240, and from the operation selection mode M2 to the power-off state M1. This is different from the state transition diagram of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that the shift is also performed by storing the touch pen 40 in the pen holder 240. The other points are the same as the transition of the operation mode of the first embodiment. Note that the power-off state M1 can also be referred to as a state in which power supply to the multifunction peripheral 100a is restricted.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts from the power-off state M1 to the operation selection mode M2 by removing the touch pen 40 from the pen holder 240. Therefore, the user can operate the multi-function device 100a with the touch pen 40 without operating the power button 212 (FIG. 2), which makes the operation of the multi-function device 100a easier. Further, by storing the touch pen 40 in the pen holder, the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts from the operation selection mode M2 to the power-off state M1. Therefore, since the operation of the power button 212 can be omitted, the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100a becomes easier.

  The second embodiment is preferable to the first embodiment in that the power supply state of the multifunction peripheral 100a can be changed by taking out and storing the touch pen 40, and the operation becomes simpler. On the other hand, the first embodiment is preferable to the second embodiment in that the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 becomes simpler.

  In the second embodiment, when it is detected that the touch pen 40 (FIG. 10) is stored in the pen holder 240, the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts from the operation selection mode M2 to the power-off state M1, but from the operation selection mode M2. It is also possible to omit the transition to the power-off state M1. Also in this case, since the multifunction device 100a shifts from the power-off state M1 to the power-on state by taking out the touch pen 40, the operation of the multifunction device 100a becomes easier.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 12 is a state transition diagram illustrating the transition of the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100a in the third embodiment. In the state transition diagram of FIG. 12, there is a state transition between the point that the processing standby mode M6 is added and the processing standby mode M6, the power-off state M1, the printing mode M3, and the operation selection mode M2. Thus, it is different from the state transition diagram of the second embodiment shown in FIG. The other points are the same as the transition of the operation mode of the second embodiment.

  When the touch pen 40 (FIG. 10) is stored in the pen holder 240 during execution of printing in the print mode M3, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts to the processing standby mode M6. When the printing started in the printing mode M3 is completed in the processing standby mode M6, the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts to the power-off state M1. Further, in the processing standby mode M6, when the removal of the touch pen 40 or the operation of the operation button 210 is detected, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts from the processing standby mode M6 to the operation selection mode M2.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when the user stores the touch pen 40 in the pen holder 240 during printing, the multifunction peripheral 100a is turned off after the printing is completed. Therefore, an instruction to turn off the power can be given to the multifunction peripheral 100a without waiting for the end of printing for the operation of the power button 212, so that the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100a becomes easier. Further, when the touch pen 40 is removed from the pen holder 240 or the operation button 210 is operated, the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts from the processing standby mode M6 to the operation selection mode M2. Therefore, by operating the multifunction peripheral 100a during printing, the user can maintain the multifunction peripheral 100a in a power-on state.

  In the third embodiment, the user can give an instruction to turn off the power to the multifunction peripheral 100a without waiting for the end of printing by storing the touch pen during printing. Therefore, it is preferable to the second embodiment in that the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100a becomes easier. On the other hand, the second embodiment is preferable to the third embodiment in that the control of the multifunction peripheral 100a is easier.

  In the third embodiment, the process shifts to the process standby mode M6 by storing the touch pen while the MFP 100a performs printing. However, the process shifts to the process standby mode M6 by storing the touch pen in another state. It is good to do. For example, it is possible to shift to the processing standby mode M6 by storing the touch pen in a state where communication between the device connected via the USB connectors 372 and 382 (FIG. 10) and the multifunction peripheral 100a is performed. In this case, the transition from the processing standby mode M6 to the power-off state M1 is performed after the end of the communication processing. Generally, when the touch pen is stored in a state where the multifunction peripheral 100a is performing a specific process that cannot be executed in the power-off state M1, the process shifts from the state to the process standby mode M6 that waits for the end of the specific process. It can be.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram illustrating the transition of the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100a according to the fourth embodiment. The state transition diagram of FIG. 13 is that the power saving mode M7 is added, and that there is a state transition between the power saving mode M7, the power-off state M1, and the operation selection mode M2. This is different from the state transition diagram of the second embodiment shown in FIG. The other points are the same as the transition of the operation mode of the second embodiment.

  In the operation selection mode M2, if the touch pen 40 (FIG. 10) is stored in the pen holder 240 or if the touch pen 40 or the operation button 210 is not operated for a predetermined time or more, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100a is saved. Transition to power mode M7. When the CPU 310 detects an operation of the power button 212 in the power saving mode M7, the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts to the power off state M1.

  In the power saving mode M7, the power supply circuit 362 (FIG. 10) supplies the components of the multifunction peripheral 100a, such as the print engine 340, the scan engine 350, the touch panel 250, etc., which are not required for taking out the touch pen 40 and detecting the operation of the buttons 210 and 212. Stop power supply. Specifically, the CPU 310 instructs the power supply circuit 362 to stop power supply to these units 340, 350, and 250 via the power supply control unit 360. Thus, by stopping the power supply to a part of the multifunction peripheral 100a, the power consumption of the multifunction peripheral 100a can be reduced. Note that the power saving mode M7 can also be said to be a state in which the supply of power to the multifunction peripheral 100a is restricted.

  When the removal of the touch pen or the operation of the operation button is detected in the power saving mode M7, the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral 100a shifts to the operation selection mode M2. In the power saving mode M7, power is supplied to the CPU 310, the ROM 320, and the RAM 330 that are used for taking out the touch pen 40 and detecting the operation of the buttons 210 and 212. For this reason, the time required for shifting from the power saving mode M7 to the operation selection mode M2 can be omitted because the execution of the boot (boot) program by the CPU 310 can be omitted, so that the time required for shifting from the power-off state M1 to the operation selection mode M2 is shorter. .

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the power saving mode M7 is provided in the operation state of the multifunction peripheral 100a, thereby reducing the power consumption of the multifunction peripheral 100a and the time required for shifting to the operation selection mode M2. (Raising time) is shortened.

  The fourth embodiment is preferable to the second embodiment in that the power consumption of the multifunction peripheral 100a can be reduced while shortening the start-up time, and the convenience of the multifunction peripheral 100a becomes higher. On the other hand, the second embodiment is preferable to the fourth embodiment in that the control of the multifunction peripheral 100a is easier.

E. Variation:
In addition, this invention is not restricted to the said Example and embodiment, It can implement in a various aspect in the range which does not deviate from the summary, For example, the following deformation | transformation is also possible.

E1. Modification 1:
Although the third and fourth embodiments are applied to separate MFPs 100a, these embodiments can also be applied to a single MFP 100a. In this case, after the printing process is completed in the processing standby mode M6 (FIG. 12), the operation mode of the multifunction peripheral can be shifted from the processing standby mode M6 to the power saving mode M7 (FIG. 13). In this way, since the operation mode to be shifted upon completion of printing is the power saving mode M7, convenience when the operation of the multifunction peripheral 100a is performed again after completion of printing is improved.

E2. Modification 2:
In each of the embodiments described above, the present invention is applied to a multi-function peripheral. However, the present invention can provide an instruction by a user touching a touch panel with a touch pen, and detects whether the touch pen is stored. Any image printing apparatus having a possible pen holder (touch pen storage unit) can be applied to any apparatus. The present invention can also be applied to, for example, a scanner or a printer that does not have a copy function.

1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction machine 100 as an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel 200 of the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the multifunction machine 100. FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram illustrating transition of operation modes of the multifunction peripheral 100. Explanatory drawing which shows a printing mode execution routine. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of the touch panel 250 in execution of printing mode execution routine. 6 is a flowchart showing a selected image printing processing routine. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of the touch panel 250 in execution of the printing image processing routine. Explanatory drawing which shows a mode that arrangement | positioning of a character is performed in step S520. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a multifunction machine 100a according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating transition of operation modes of the multifunction peripheral 100a according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating transition of operation modes of the multifunction peripheral 100a according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram illustrating transition of operation modes of the multifunction peripheral 100a according to the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Multifunction machine 100a ... Multifunction machine 110 ... Auto seed feeder 120 ... Paper discharge tray 130 ... Memory card slot 200 ... Operation panel 210 ... Operation button 212 ... Power button 214 ... Direction button 216 ... "Cancel" button 218 ... "OK" Button 222 ... "Print" button 224 ... "Scan" button 226 ... "Copy" button 230 ... Display lamp 232 ... Power lamp 240 ... Pen holder 250 ... Touch panel 252 ... Display screen 310 ... CPU
320 ... ROM
330 ... RAM
340 ... Print engine 350 ... Scan engine 350 ... Print engine 360 ... Power supply control unit 362 ... Power supply circuit 364 ... Main switch 370 ... USB host control unit 372 ... USB connector 380 ... USB device control unit 382 ... USB connector 390 ... Memory card interface DSC ... Digital still camera PC ... Personal computer

Claims (10)

An image printing apparatus,
A touch panel capable of displaying an image and acquiring a user instruction using a touch pen;
A touch pen storage unit for storing the touch pen;
A storage state detection unit for detecting a storage state of the touch pen in the touch pen storage unit;
With
The image printing apparatus includes:
When the storage state detection unit detects that the touch pen has changed from a pen storage state stored in the touch pen storage unit to a pen removal state that is not stored in the touch pen storage unit, the image printing apparatus The operation mode is switched from the pen storage mode to a pen take-out mode that accepts a user instruction using the touch pen.
Image printing device. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1,
In the pen storage mode, a storage mode image is displayed on the touch panel,
The image printing apparatus switches an image displayed on the touch panel from the storage mode image to a take-out mode image that accepts a user instruction using the touch pen when switching to the pen take-out mode. apparatus. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image printing apparatus includes:
As the storage mode image, a storage mode menu having a plurality of items for designating processing executed in the image printing apparatus is displayed on the touch panel,
As the extraction mode image, an extraction mode menu in which items for executing a process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen among the plurality of items included in the storage mode menu is preferentially displayed on the touch panel. To
Image printing device. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image printing apparatus includes:
As the storage mode image, a storage mode menu having a plurality of items for designating processing executed in the image printing apparatus is displayed on the touch panel,
As the extraction mode image, an extraction mode menu for accepting designation of only a specific item for executing a process of accepting a user instruction using the touch pen among the plurality of items of the storage mode menu is displayed on the touch panel. indicate,
Image printing device. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2,
The image printing apparatus includes:
As the storage mode image, a storage mode menu having a plurality of items for designating processing executed in the image printing apparatus is displayed on the touch panel,
As the extraction mode image, an extraction mode menu having only a specific item for executing a process of receiving a user instruction using the touch pen among the plurality of items of the storage mode menu is displayed on the touch panel. ,
Image printing device. The image printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The image printing apparatus displays, on the touch panel, a specific input screen that allows a user to input characters using the touch pen as the extraction mode image. The image printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:
As a power-on state of the image printing apparatus, a first power state in which power supply to the image printing apparatus is restricted and a second power state in which processing according to a user instruction using the touch pen is possible And
The image printing apparatus switches the power-on state from the first power state to the second power state by detecting a change of the pen pen stored state from the pen stored state to the pen removal state. , Image printing device. The image printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
The image printing apparatus switches the power-on state from the second power state to the first power state by detecting a change in the storage state from the pen removal state to the pen storage state. Printing device. The image printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The first power supply state is a state in which a specific process executed in the image printing apparatus cannot be executed,
The image printing apparatus performs switching from the second power supply state to the first power supply state after the execution of the specific process when the image printing apparatus is executing the specific process. , Image printing device. A method for controlling an image printing apparatus,
The image printing apparatus includes:
A touch panel capable of displaying an image and acquiring a user instruction using a touch pen;
A touch pen storage unit for storing the touch pen;
A first operating mode;
A second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode and accepts a user instruction using the touch pen;
The control method is:
(A) detecting a storage state of the touch pen in the touch pen storage unit;
(B) detecting the change of the touch pen from a pen storage state stored in the touch pen storage unit to a pen removal state not stored in the touch pen storage unit by the step (a);
(C) When a change to the pen removal state is detected, the operation mode of the image printing apparatus is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.
Control method.

Images