JP2010032679A - Electronic apparatus with display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate a user to see soiling on the screen of the display of an electronic apparats. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus includes: an LCD 30; a touch panel 40; an input detecting section 110 which detects an operation of the touch panel 40 and operations of various hard switches; and a display control section 120 which controls display on the LCD 30. Upon receiving, via the input detecting section 110, instructions to initiate a cleaning mode for the screen, the display control section 120 sequentially switches a plurality of images of different colors and displays them on the LCD 30. The colors of the images are white and black, which facilitate a user to see soiling. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a display, such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction peripheral, and more particularly to cleaning of the display.

  In recent years, a touch panel is used in an electronic apparatus including a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The touch panel is provided, for example, on the display screen. The touch panel is configured by, for example, a pressure-sensitive type sensing element that detects a change in pressure, or an electrostatic type input detection element that senses an electric signal due to static electricity.

  On the other hand, an operation for starting cleaning is performed in order to prevent an electronic device from malfunctioning while cleaning dirt (for example, fingerprints, dust, etc.) adhering to the area where the touch panel is provided on the screen. In such a case, there is a technique for displaying a cleaning image on the screen so that the touch panel does not react to the operation (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-22375

  By the way, there are various colors such as white and black as stain colors on the screen. In addition, various color stains may be mixed on the screen.

  Therefore, even when a predetermined image for cleaning is displayed on the screen when cleaning the screen, it is difficult for the user to find a stain of a color that approximates the color of the image. Also, it is a burden for the user to find such dirt that is difficult for the user to see. As a result, such dirt may remain on the screen without being cleaned.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it easy for a user to find dirt on a screen.

  An invention relating to an apparatus for solving the above problems is an electronic device having a display and a touch panel, and performs display control means for controlling display on the display, normal mode, and cleaning of the screen of the display. And the display control means sequentially switches a plurality of different images and displays them on the display when the cleaning mode is set.

  Further, in the electronic device described above, the image may be a black or white image.

  Further, in the electronic device described above, the image may include a gradation image.

  In addition, the electronic device includes a detection unit that detects a user operation, and the display control unit switches the image when the detected operation is an operation for stopping the switching of the image. May be characterized by stopping.

  Further, in the electronic device described above, the display control unit may restart the switching of the image when the detected operation is an operation of restarting the switching of the image.

  In addition, an invention relating to an apparatus for solving the above-described problems is an electronic device having a display and a touch panel, and includes display control means for controlling display on the display, normal mode, and cleaning of the screen of the display. The display control means, when the cleaning mode is set, a black or white image as a color image in which dirt on the screen is easily visible, It is characterized by displaying on a display.

  According to the present invention, the user can more easily find dirt on the screen.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, a printer will be described as an example of an electronic device having a display. Of course, the electronic device is not limited to a printer, and may be a scanner, a copier, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine, or the like.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the printer 1 includes a control unit 10, a printing mechanism unit 20, an LCD 30, and a touch panel 40.

  The control unit 10 is a unit that performs processing for causing the printing mechanism unit 20 to print content according to the received print data, display processing on the LCD 30, processing for detecting user operations on the touch panel 40, and the like.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a communication interface unit 14, an interface unit 15, and the like.

  The ROM 13 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs, data, and the like. The RAM 12 is a memory into which programs, data and the like stored in the ROM 13 are loaded.

  The CPU 11 is an arithmetic circuit that controls other hardware according to a program loaded in the RAM 12 and executes various processes.

  The communication interface unit 14 is a unit composed of a circuit for communicating with a host computer (not shown). The communication interface unit 14 performs a process of transferring print data received from a host computer or the like to the RAM 12 under the control of the CPU 11, for example.

  The interface unit 15 is a unit including a circuit for transmitting and receiving various data between the CPU 11 and the printing mechanism unit 20, between the CPU 11 and the LCD 30, and between the CPU 11 and the touch panel 40.

  The interface unit 15 is, for example, a process of transmitting print image data stored in the RAM 12 to the printing mechanism unit 20, a process of transmitting display data stored in the RAM 12 to the LCD 30 under the control of the CPU 11, and a touch panel. A process of transferring the data received from 40 to the RAM 12 is performed.

  The printing mechanism unit 20 is a unit that performs printing on paper under the control of the control unit 10. The printing mechanism unit 20 is a print engine that performs printing on a sheet based on a signal supplied from the control unit 11, a sheet feeding device that supplies the sheet to the printing engine, and a sheet that has been printed. Consists of a discharge device. As the print engine, for example, a laser method, an ink jet method, or the like can be used.

  The LCD 30 is a unit provided in the casing of the printer 1 as an output interface between the user and the printer 1. The LCD 30 displays, for example, an operation menu and a cleaning image under the control of the control unit 10. An organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display may be used instead of the LCD 30.

  The touch panel 40 is a transparent operation panel attached to the display surface of the LCD 30 screen. The touch panel 40 specifies a touch position corresponding to the XY coordinates of the image displayed on the LCD 30, converts the touch position into coordinates, and outputs the coordinates to the control unit 10. The touch panel 40 is configured by a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic input detection element.

  Of course, the configuration of the printer 1 and various hardware is not limited to the above. The printer 1 may include various hard switches such as button keys, for example. Further, the LCD 30 may be a photosensor built-in type.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration regarding detection processing and display processing of the printer 1.

  As shown in the figure, the printer 1 includes an input detection unit 110, a display control unit 120, and a display information storage unit 130. These functional units are constructed in the control unit 10 by the CPU 11 executing a program loaded from the ROM 13 to the RAM 12.

  The input detection unit 110 receives a user operation input via the touch panel 40 or various hard switches such as button keys, analyzes the operation content, and outputs the operation content to another function unit.

  The display control unit 120 performs processing for displaying an operation menu, a cleaning image, and the like on the screen of the LCD 30. The display control unit 120 acquires an operation menu, an image, and the like to be displayed from the display information storage unit 130 in accordance with the user operation content output from the input detection unit 110 and causes the LCD 30 to display the operation menu.

  For example, when the display control unit 120 receives a user operation for cleaning via the input detection unit 110, the display control unit 120 sequentially stores a plurality of cleaning images stored in advance in the display information storage unit 130 in a predetermined order. Process to switch and display. In addition, according to the user's operation, processing for stopping or restarting the switching of the image for cleaning is performed.

  The display information storage unit 130 stores various image data to be displayed such as an operation menu and a cleaning screen.

  The image data for cleaning is, for example, data for displaying the entire screen of the LCD 30 in a single color. Image data is prepared for each of various colors such as white, black, red, green, and blue. That is, a plurality of image data of various colors are prepared so that various color stains on the screen can be easily seen by the user. Note that when the LCD 30 performs monochrome display, image data such as white and black is used. In addition, when the LCD 30 performs color display, image data such as white, black, red, green, and blue is used.

  Of course, the image data is not limited to a single color, and may be, for example, image data that has been subjected to gradation in which the color gradually changes. A plurality of image data with various gradations may be prepared. Further, the image data may be image data such as a pattern that makes dirt conspicuous.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the printer 1 in the cleaning mode. This flow is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle after the printer 1 is activated.

  When this flow is started, the display control unit 120 determines whether or not the operation mode of the printer 1 is set to the cleaning mode (S100).

  Here, the cleaning mode is a mode for the user to clean dirt on the screen. The cleaning mode is set, for example, by operating an operation menu displayed on the screen of the LCD 30. There is a normal mode as a mode other than the cleaning mode.

  When the cleaning mode is set (“YES” in S100), the display control unit 120 advances the process to S110. On the other hand, when the cleaning mode is not set, that is, in the normal mode (“NO” in S100), this flow ends.

  When the cleaning mode is set (“YES” in S100), the processes in S110 to 130 are repeated at a predetermined cycle (for example, every second).

  Note that while the cleaning mode is set, the input detection unit 110 does not detect a user's touch operation on the screen.

  First, the display control unit 120 changes the display image (S110). Specifically, the display control unit 120 acquires, from the display information storage unit 130, cleaning image data to be displayed next to the currently displayed image data in a predetermined order. Then, it is displayed on the screen of the LCD 30.

  The predetermined order is, for example, the order of white, black, red, green, blue, and the like. Of course, a gradation image may be included. Further, the predetermined order may be a random order.

  Also, the user may be able to set the type, number, order, etc. of the image data for cleaning displayed. Further, the user may be able to set the cycle for changing the display image. In addition, a period for changing the display image for each color may be set (for example, 3 seconds for white, 3 seconds for black, 1 second for red, etc.).

  When the display image is changed (S110), the display control unit 120 determines whether a stop operation has been performed (S120). Here, the stop operation is an operation for stopping the change of the display image.

  Specifically, the display control unit 120 determines whether a hard switch operation such as a button to which a function for performing a stop operation is assigned has been performed via the input detection unit 110. Of course, the determination may be made by detecting the operation of the stop button displayed on the LCD 30.

  If it is determined that the stop operation has been performed (“YES” in S120), the display control unit 120 advances the process to S140. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stop operation has not been performed (“NO” in S120), the process proceeds to S130.

  When it is determined that the stop operation has not been performed (“NO” in S120), the display control unit 120 determines whether or not the cleaning mode has ended (S130).

  Specifically, the display control unit 120 determines whether or not an operation of a hard switch such as a button to which a function for ending the cleaning mode is assigned is performed via the input detection unit 110. To do. Alternatively, it is determined whether a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the start of the cleaning mode.

  When it is determined that the cleaning mode has ended (“YES” in S130), the display control unit 120 ends this flow. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cleaning mode has not ended (“NO” in S130), the display control unit 120 waits for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) to elapse, and then returns the process to S110.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the stop operation has been performed (“YES” in S120), the display control unit 120 stops changing the display image (S140). Specifically, the display control unit 120 continuously displays the image data for cleaning displayed on the screen of the LCD 30 in S110.

  When the change of the display image is stopped (S140), the processes of S150 and 160 are repeated at a predetermined cycle (for example, every second).

  First, the display control unit 120 determines whether a start operation has been performed (S150). Here, the start operation is an operation for resuming the change of the display image.

  Specifically, the display control unit 120 determines whether or not an operation of a hard switch such as a button to which a function for performing a start operation is assigned is performed via the input detection unit 110. Of course, the determination may be made by detecting the operation of the start button displayed on the LCD 30.

  If it is determined that the start operation has been performed (“YES” in S150), the display control unit 120 advances the process to S110. If it is determined that the start operation has not been performed (“NO” in S150), the process proceeds to S160.

  When it is determined that the start operation has not been performed (“NO” in S150), the display control unit 120 determines whether the cleaning mode has ended (S160). The content of the process of S160 is the same as that of S130.

  When it is determined that the cleaning mode has ended (“YES” in S160), the display control unit 120 ends this flow. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cleaning mode has not ended (“NO” in S160), the display control unit 120 waits for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) to elapse, and then returns the process to S150.

  As described above, in the cleaning mode, a plurality of images for cleaning are switched and displayed on the screen. In addition, the switching of the cleaning image is stopped or restarted by a predetermined operation.

  The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to the present embodiment, the user can more easily find dirt on the screen.

  That is, in the cleaning mode, cleaning images of various colors are repeatedly switched and displayed on the screen. In addition, a cleaning image is selected by a predetermined operation of the user.

  With such a configuration, the user can display an image for cleaning that feels that dirt on the screen is easily visible. Then, cleaning can be performed in a state where dirt on the screen is easily visible. Further, by appropriately changing the cleaning image, it is possible to perform cleaning in a state where various color stains are easily visible.

  Also, if an image with gradation is displayed, uneven color due to dirt on the screen can be seen, so that it is easy to see dirt that is difficult to find in a single color image.

  The present invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments. Obviously, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate and not limit the gist and scope of the present invention.

  For example, an area with many operations on the touch panel 40 may be specified, and various color images may be switched and displayed in the area corresponding to the area.

  Specifically, the input detection unit 110 uses the coordinate information output from the touch panel 40 to record the number of touch operations at each coordinate position on the screen. Then, a position where the number of touch operations exceeds a predetermined number or an area including the position is specified. That is, an area that is considered to be heavily contaminated is specified.

  In the cleaning mode, the display control unit 120 sequentially switches and displays various color images for the position or area specified by the input detection unit 110 (S110 to S160).

  With the configuration described above, the user can know an area on the screen that is considered to be heavily contaminated, and can display an image for cleaning that feels that the dirt is easily visible in the area.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the printer 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration related to detection processing and display processing of the printer 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the printer 1 in a cleaning mode.

Explanation of symbols

1: Printer, 10: Control unit, 11: CPU, 12: RAM, 13: ROM, 14: Communication interface unit, 15: Interface unit, 20: Printing mechanism unit, 30: LCD, 40: Touch panel 110: Input detection unit 120: Display control unit 130: Display information storage unit

Claims (7)

An electronic device having a display and a touch panel,
Display control means for controlling display on the display;
A normal mode, and a cleaning mode for causing the display screen to be cleaned,
The display control means includes
When the cleaning mode is set, sequentially switching a plurality of different images to be displayed on the display;
Electronic equipment characterized by The electronic device according to claim 1,
The image is a black or white image;
Electronic equipment characterized by The electronic device according to claim 1,
The image includes a gradation image;
Electronic equipment characterized by The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Having detection means for detecting a user operation;
The display control means includes
If the detected operation is an operation for stopping the switching of the image, stopping the switching of the image;
Electronic equipment characterized by The electronic device according to claim 4,
The display control means includes
If the detected operation is an operation to restart the switching of the image, restarting the switching of the image;
Electronic equipment characterized by An electronic device having a display and a touch panel,
Display control means for controlling display on the display;
A normal mode and a cleaning mode for cleaning the display screen;
The display control means includes
When the cleaning mode is set, displaying a black or white image on the display as a color image in which dirt on the screen is easily visible,
Electronic equipment characterized by The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Be a printer, scanner, copier, facsimile, or multifunction device,
Electronic equipment characterized by

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