JP2008160619A - Image forming apparatus, and display panel control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can be adjusted in the angle or height of a display panel according to a user and can switch display/function modes correspondingly, and to provide a display panel control program. <P>SOLUTION: The display/function modes of the touch panel type display panel which is adjustable in angle or height to an image forming apparatus main body and is for function operation of the image forming apparatus main body are made to correspond to the angle or height for the image forming apparatus main body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a touch panel type display panel that is provided in an image forming apparatus main body so that an angle or a height thereof can be adjusted and performs a function operation of the image forming apparatus main body, and a display panel control program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus main body (image forming apparatus main body) of an image forming apparatus is known in which a touch panel type liquid crystal display panel for performing a function operation is arranged as a part of an operation unit.

  In addition, an operation unit including the display panel is known as a front operation panel whose angle or height can be adjusted with respect to the image forming apparatus main body (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

At this time, the front operation panel can be adjusted to an angle or a height when the user is a normal user and an angle or a height when the sensor detects that the user is a disabled person using a wheelchair. (See Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-198741 A JP 2004-348528 A

  On the other hand, in recent years, an image forming apparatus is installed not only in a general office but also in a convenience store and the like, and the number of users who could not have been considered when used only in the office has increased.

  However, in the above-described front operation panel, only the angle or height can be adjusted with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and in particular, the display form of the display panel varies with the diversification of functions in recent image forming apparatuses. The situation is that it is not possible to cope with users when it is complicated.

  For example, in the case of a wheelchair user described above, there is a problem that the line of sight is low and the display panel has to be operated from a position away from the display panel. Along with this, there has been a problem that the display characters on the display panel are small and difficult to see and operate.

  In addition, when the user is a child, technical terms that can be used in the image forming apparatus (for example, an enlargement / reduction function, a double-sided function, etc.) are known. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not known which key can be used to select a desired function.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that can be adjusted to an angle or a height of a display panel according to a user, and that can switch display / function forms in association with each other. An object is to provide a display panel control program.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a touch panel type display panel that can adjust an angle or a height of the image forming apparatus main body, and that is used for a function operation of the image forming apparatus main body, and the display panel includes the image forming apparatus It changes to the display / function form according to the angle or height with respect to the main body.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus body detects at least one of a selection switch for selecting an angle or a height of the display panel with respect to the image forming apparatus body, or a user's height or a relative distance with respect to the image forming apparatus body. And a control unit for controlling the angle or height of the display panel and its display / function form based on an output from the sensor.

  Further, it is preferable that the angle or height of the display panel and the display / function form thereof change to at least one of a disabled person or a child who uses a wheelchair in addition to a normal user.

  In addition, when the display panel is changed to a display / function form for a disabled person using a wheelchair, it is set to be an enlarged display than a display / function form for a normal user, and when the display panel is changed to a display / function form for a child. It is preferable to make the display easier to understand than the normal user display / function form.

  Further, the display panel control program of the present invention is provided with an identification step for identifying a user of the image forming apparatus main body into a plurality of predefined forms, the image forming apparatus main body being adjustable in angle or height, and the image An adjustment step for adjusting an angle or a height of a touch panel display panel for functional operation of the forming apparatus main body based on an identification result in the identification step; and an adjustment of the display panel based on the identification result in the identification step And a display control step for controlling the display / function form.

  The change in the display / function form of the display panel means that the touch panel type switch function changes correspondingly as the display form changes.

  At this time, to change the display form, as a touch panel type switch function, the number of switches displayed on one screen is reduced to enlarge the display characters, the kanji display is displayed in hiragana, and the display terms are made easy to understand. In addition to simplified display, it is conceivable to change the luminance of illumination such as a backlight in accordance with the angle of the display panel.

  The image forming apparatus and the display panel control program of the present invention can be adjusted to the angle or height of the display panel according to the user, and can be switched in association with the display / function form at that time.

  Next, an image forming apparatus and a display control program thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of an operation panel angle in the multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a front view of an operation panel in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a normal display example of a display panel of the multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an operation panel of a control unit in the multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a display example for a child of a display panel in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As a multifunction machine Is a diagram showing an example for handicapped definitive display panel.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a multifunction machine 1 as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of stages of paper tray units 3, 4, 5, 6 that can be pulled out from the front of the multifunction machine body 2. An automatic document feeder (ADF) 7 for reading a document as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a liquid crystal touch panel type display panel 8, and operations for operating various functions of the multifunction device 1 including the display panel 8 The front operation panel 10 having the unit 9 and the three sensors 11, 12, 13 provided also near the upper side of the multifunction machine main body 2 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the angle of the front operation panel 10 can be switched stepwise. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the front operation panel 10 is provided with a large-sized liquid crystal (monochrome or color) touch panel display panel 8 in the vicinity of the center thereof. A button switch type operation unit 9 is provided for performing a function such as a mode or a numerical value input by one touch in combination with a switch operation by a touch panel method. Note that the installation position of the front operation panel 10 with respect to the multifunction machine main body 2 is not limited to the position shown in FIGS. Further, the configuration for functional operation of the operation unit 9 including the display panel 8 is not limited to the illustrated example.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the display panel 8 according to this embodiment has a copy function (mode) in which the screen is switched by a plurality of tab methods and the function (function list) is in a normal display state. Displays a maximum of 16 function keys (4 columns x 4 rows). If there are functions that cannot be displayed in one screen, the display configuration can be switched using the front and rear keys (scroll function, etc.). ing. Thus, the function is selected by pressing each function key.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the three sensors 11, 12, and 13 include, for example, a first sensor 11 for detecting a relatively low position of the user (for example, 120 to 130 cm above the ground), The relative distance between the second sensor 12 for detecting a relatively high position (for example, 150 cm above the ground) and the MFP main body 2 and the user is short (for example, 30 to 40 cm) and far (for example, 40 cm). And a distance sensor 13 for detection by the above two. Further, detection signals from the sensors 11, 12, and 13 are input to the control unit 14.

  The control unit 14 controls functions related to the MFP main body 2 by operations (operations of function keys and button switches) from the operation unit 9 including the display panel 8. At this time, driver information and the like for executing these functions are stored in the ROM 15. The ROM 15 stores a driver corresponding to a plurality of display / function forms in the display panel 8, a driver related to the angle of the front operation panel 10, and the like. Further, the control unit 14 controls the panel drive source 16 for changing the angle of the front operation panel 10 based on detection signals from the sensors 11, 12, and 13.

  The panel drive source 16 is, for example, an electric motor (pulse motor or the like) for driving a drive gear (not shown) that meshes with the sector gear when a sector gear (not shown) is provided on the front operation panel 10. ), A solenoid whose tip is fixed to the back surface of the front operation panel 10 and switches the angle of the front operation panel 10 by extension thereof is conceivable, but is not limited thereto.

  Next, an angle (or height) adjustment of the front operation panel 10 in the control unit 14 and a control example of the display / functional form of the display panel 8 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S1)
In step S1, whether the first sensor 11 is ON or OFF is monitored, and when the first sensor 11 is ON, a user stands on the front of the MFP main body 2 (Let's use the MFP 1). If the first sensor 11 is OFF, the user is not standing in front of the multifunction device main body 2 (there is no user who intends to use the multifunction device 1). This step S1 is continuously monitored.

(Step S2)
In step S2, it is monitored whether the second sensor 12 is ON or OFF. If the second sensor 12 is ON, it is determined that a tall user is standing in front of the multi-function device body 2, and the process proceeds to step S4. If the second sensor 12 is OFF, it is determined that a short user is standing in front of the multi-function device body 2, and the process proceeds to step S3.

(Step S3)
In step S3, it is determined from the detection signal from the distance sensor 13 whether the distance between the multifunction machine main body 2 and the user is near or far. If the distance is close, it is assumed that a short child is standing in front of the multifunction machine main body 2. The process proceeds to S5, and if it is far away, it is determined that there is a user using a wheelchair in front of the multifunction machine main body 2, and the process proceeds to Step S6.

(Step S4)
In step S4, a tall user stands in front of the MFP main body 2 when the first sensor 11 for detecting a low ground height position and the second sensor 12 for detecting a high ground height position are turned on. Assuming that the angle of the front operation panel 10 is the upward angle of the normal angle (see the solid line in FIG. 2), the process proceeds to step S7.

(Step S5)
In step S5, the first sensor 11 for detecting a position with a low ground height is turned ON, and the second sensor 12 for detecting a position with a high ground height is OFF and the distance sensor 13 is detected. Assuming that a short child is standing in front of the main body 2, the angle of the front operation panel 10 is slightly inclined (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) from the upward normal angle, and the process proceeds to step S7.

(Step S6)
In step S6, the first sensor 11 that detects a position with a low ground height is turned ON, the second sensor 12 that detects a position with a high ground height is OFF, and the distance sensor 13 is detected to be far away. Assuming that there is a disabled person using a wheelchair in front of the main body 2, the angle of the front operation panel 10 is substantially raised (see the dashed line in FIG. 2), and the process proceeds to step S <b> 7.

  At this time, since the disabled person using the wheelchair is in a position separated from the multifunction machine main body 2, when the front operation panel 10 is raised, as shown in FIG. Is preferred. Further, when the front operation panel 10 stands up or instead of standing, the entire front operation panel 10 may approach (slide displacement) the user side. Further, the approach (slide displacement) of the entire front operation panel 10 toward the user may be either automatic or manual.

(Step S7)
In step S7, as the angle of the front operation panel 10 is switched in steps S4, S5, and S6, a display / function form driver corresponding to each angle is called from the ROM 15 and the process proceeds to step S8.

  By the way, in each of the above steps S4, S5, and S6, in the case of the present embodiment, the front operation panel 10 is disposed near the center in the height direction of the multi-function device body 2, so that the angle is the upward / inclination described above. Although switching is performed in three forms of standing up, it is needless to say that the height and angle are determined by the arrangement of the front operation panel 10 with respect to the multifunction machine main body 2.

(Step S8)
In step S8, the display / function of the display panel 8 is switched based on the driver called in step S7, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  At this time, when the front operation panel 10 is set to the normal angle in step S4, the driver and the like stored in the ROM 15 are referred to so that the display / function form of the display panel 8 is also normal (see FIG. 4). Control.

  Further, when the front operation panel 10 is tilted in step S5, refer to the driver and the like stored in the ROM 15 so that the display / function form of the display panel 8 is for children (see FIG. 7). Control.

  For example, the display on the display panel 8 is “decrease” for reduction, “increase” for enlargement, “Uraomote” for both sides, “summarize” for aggregation, “koku” for copy density, “lightly” As shown in the figure, each key is displayed without using kanji as much as possible and without using special functional terms, and a driver or the like is stored in the ROM 15 so as to have a function corresponding to the display. In the case of a display for children, after a function key is selected, a help display such as a function explanation may be displayed, and then the selection execution may be operated by key operation.

  Further, when the front operation panel 10 is erected in step S6, the display / function form of the display panel 8 is also distant from the user's line of sight. Control is performed with reference to a driver or the like stored in the ROM 15.

  In the above-mentioned display / function form for children and persons with disabilities, the number of display keys is reduced compared to the display / function form for normal use, so that frequently used keys are preferentially displayed. Can be set.

  By the way, when these displays / functions are switched, the brightness (brightness) of the backlight of the display panel 8 is also set to be dark because the illumination from the indoor fluorescent lamp etc. is easy to reach when the display panel 8 is upward. In this case, the brightness may be controlled at the same time as the angle switching or at the same time as the display / function switching.

(Step S9)
In step S9, it is determined whether or not the use state has been released by using, as a trigger, turning off the first sensor 11, starting the sleep mode equipped in the multi-function device body 2, resetting operation (including when the main power is turned off), or the like. When it is determined that the use state is released (end of image formation investigation), the process proceeds to step S10.

(Step S10)
In step S10, the angle of the front operation panel 10 is returned to this position with the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2 as the normal position, and the display state of the display panel 8 is also changed to the normal display shown in FIG. 10 ends the control of the control unit 14.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus and the display panel control program of the present invention, the physical display angle of the display panel 8 can be changed (adjustable) by the user using the display panel 8. However, it is possible to improve the operability by predicting the user to be used according to the angle and corresponding to the display / function of the display panel 8 adapted to each user.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus and the display panel control program according to the present invention are applied to the multi-function device 1. However, the image forming apparatus and the display panel control program of the present invention are generally applied to image forming apparatuses such as a copy-only machine and a facsimile-only machine. Of course, it can be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the angle of the front operation panel 10 in which the display panel 8 and the operation unit 9 are integrated is variable. However, only the display panel 8 may be variable in angle.

  Furthermore, the sensors 11, 12, 13 may be used together or eliminated, and a selection switch may be provided in the operation unit 9 so that the user himself / herself selects the angle / display.

  At this time, when the sensors 11, 12, and 13 are abolished, the height or angle when the user manually changes the height or angle of the front operation panel 10 is detected, and the display content of the front operation panel 10 is displayed. It may be changed. For example, in a state where the front operation panel 10 is erected, an optimum display is selected from the angle, and the display is changed to a display for a disabled person or a child using a wheelchair.

1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel angle in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of an operation panel in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a normal display example of a display panel of a multifunction machine as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation panel control routine of a control unit in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a display for children of the display panel in the multifunctional machine as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display example for a disabled person on a display panel in a multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Multifunction machine (image forming device)
2 ... MFP body (image forming device body)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Display panel 9 ... Operation part 10 ... Front operation panel 11 ... 1st sensor 12 ... 2nd sensor 13 ... Distance sensor 14 ... Control part 15 ... ROM

Claims (6)

The image forming apparatus main body includes a touch panel type display panel that can be adjusted in angle or height and is used for functional operation of the image forming apparatus main body.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display panel is changed to a display / functional form corresponding to an angle or a height with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus main body includes a selection switch for selecting an angle or a height of the display panel with respect to the image forming apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus body includes a sensor for detecting at least one of a height of a user or a relative distance to the image forming apparatus body, an angle or a height of the display panel based on an output from the sensor, and a display thereof. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that controls a functional form.   The angle or height of the display panel and the display / function form thereof are changed not only for a normal user but also for a disabled person using a wheelchair or for a child. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.   When the display panel is changed to a display / function form for a disabled person using a wheelchair, the display panel is set to be larger than the display / function form for a normal user, and when the display panel is changed to a display / function form for a child, a normal user is displayed. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display is more easily understood than the display / function form for use.   An identification step for identifying a user of the image forming apparatus main body into a plurality of predefined forms, and a touch panel system provided in the image forming apparatus main body so that the angle or height can be adjusted and for the functional operation of the image forming apparatus main body An adjustment step for adjusting the angle or height of the display panel based on the identification result in the identification step, and a display control step for controlling the display / functional form of the display panel based on the identification result in the identification step; And a display panel control program.

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