JP2011186879A - Image processor with keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor for increasing operation keys while preventing an operation unit from being enlarged, by providing two operation units in the image processor. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor includes a first operation unit having a display unit for displaying a state of the image processor and a processing content, and a touch panel for inputting characters to the display; and a second operation unit which can be exposed to the outside, the second operation unit having a keyboard for inputting characters to the display. The display unit of the first operation unit automatically is changed to enter a mode allowing input from the second operation unit when the second operation unit is exposed, thereby improving user input operability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus having a keyboard in an operation unit.

  In image processing apparatuses such as an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus, an operation unit including a plurality of operation keys for controlling the apparatus is often arranged on the upper surface of the apparatus main body in order to improve operability.

  In recent years, there has been a high demand for an increase in the number of operation keys accompanying the diversification of functions of the image processing apparatus and an increase in the size of the operation keys for improving operability, and there is a need to increase the size of the operation unit.

  However, when the operation unit is mounted on the upper surface of the image processing apparatus, a large number of operation keys that impede the input operation have to be installed on the operation unit.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-146330 (Patent Document 1) discloses an apparatus that supports an input operation by connecting an external keyboard capable of inputting characters away from an image processing apparatus.

JP 2006-146330 A

  However, Patent Document 1 merely switches the operation key display on the operation display unit to the operation key on the external keyboard when the external keyboard is connected to the image processing apparatus. In other words, the mode is not automatically switched to an input-capable mode where there are many scenes where the keyboard is used. Therefore, it is necessary to manually switch to an input-capable mode that the user wants to use, and there remains a problem that the operation becomes troublesome.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that improves the input operability of the user.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus including the first operation unit and the second operation unit. The image processing device includes an input from the second operation unit by pulling the second operation unit to the front side and exposing it. The display of the first operation unit is automatically switched to a possible mode.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the second operation unit is exposed to the outside by sliding the second operation unit in the direction of pulling out toward the front side.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that when the second operation unit is accommodated therein, if the input operation is in the middle of the process, the input is confirmed or discarded.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the second operation unit located below the display unit of the first operation unit is exposed by tilting up the display unit of the first operation unit. is there.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when the tilted-up first operation unit is stored, the input is confirmed or discarded when the input operation is in a middle stage.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the second operation unit is detected to be housed inside, the screen of the display unit in the input-capable mode transitions to a basic screen with the power turned on. It is what.

  Further, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that a sensor for detecting that the second operation unit is exposed to the outside or accommodated therein is provided.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when the second operation unit is provided in addition to the first operation unit and the second operation unit is exposed, the display of the first operation unit is automatically displayed in a mode in which input from the second operation unit is possible. Therefore, the user's input operability can be improved.

  Furthermore, since the second operation part is exposed to the outside by sliding the second operation part to the front side, even if the first operation part cannot be operated, the second operation part is exposed and input. can do.

  Further, when the second operation unit is housed inside, if the input operation is in the middle stage, the input can be confirmed or discarded, so that the user can set to use the display of the first operation unit.

  Further, by tilting up the display section of the first operation section, the second operation section located below the display section of the first operation section is exposed, so that there is sufficient space for operation on the front side of the image processing apparatus. There is no need to secure it.

  Further, when the tilted-up display part of the first operation part is stored, if the input operation is in the middle stage, the input can be confirmed or discarded, so that the user wants to use the display of the first operation part. can do.

  Further, when it is detected that the second operation unit is housed inside, the screen of the display unit in the mode that can be input is changed to the basic screen with the power turned on, so that the next user wants to use it. Eliminates the need to manually switch to an enterable mode screen.

  Furthermore, since the sensor for detecting that the second operation unit is exposed to the outside or housed in the inside is provided, an input operation from the second operation unit is possible on the display unit of the first operation unit. Automatically switch to the correct mode.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation part of the image processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is the figure which looked at the 1st operation part from the upper surface. (B) It is the figure which the 2nd operation part is exposed. It is a figure which shows the operation part of the image processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) It is the figure which looked at the 1st operation part from the upper surface. (B) It is a figure of the step which is tilting up the display part of a 1st operation part. (C) It is the figure which the 2nd operation part located in the lower part of the display part of a 1st operation part is exposed. It is a block diagram which shows the main structures of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image processing apparatus and operation part of this invention. (A) It is a perspective view of the image processing apparatus of this invention, and an operation part. (B) It is the figure which looked at the 1st operation part from the upper surface. It is a figure which shows the transition screen and 2nd operation part of the display part in the 1st operation part for inputting the email address of the image processing apparatus of this invention. (A) It is the transition screen of the display part in the 1st operation part for reading an original with an image processing apparatus and transmitting the read original. (B) It is a figure which shows the 2nd operation part when inputting an e-mail address. It is a figure which shows the transition screen and 2nd operation part of the display part of the 1st operation part for inputting the file name of the image processing apparatus of this invention. (A) It is a transition screen of the display unit in the first operation unit for reading a document with the image processing apparatus and transmitting the read scan data to a USB (registered trademark) memory. (B) It is a figure which shows the 2nd operation part when inputting a file name.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The image processing apparatus 100 forms multi-color and single-color images on a recording sheet according to image data transmitted from the outside, and includes an apparatus main body 110 and an automatic document processing apparatus 120. .

  The apparatus main body 110 includes an exposure unit 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, an intermediate transfer belt unit 6, a fixing unit 7, a paper feed cassette 81, a paper discharge tray 91, and the like. It is configured.

  The upper part of the apparatus main body 110 corresponds to an image reading apparatus, and is provided with a document placing table 92 made of transparent glass on which a document is placed. An automatic document processing device 120 is attached to the upper side of the document placing table 92. It has been.

  The automatic document processing device 120 automatically conveys the document on the document placing table 92. The document processing device 120 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and the document can be placed manually by opening the document table 92.

  The image data handled in the image processing apparatus 100 corresponds to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Accordingly, four developing devices 2, photosensitive drums 3, chargers 5, and cleaner units 4 are provided so as to form four types of electrostatic latent images corresponding to the respective colors. Black, cyan, magenta, These are set to yellow, and these constitute four image stations.

  The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3.

  The exposure unit 1 is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser emitting portion, a reflection mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 1 has a function of forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface thereof by exposing the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data. The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with toner of four colors (YMCK). The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. ing. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to each color for YMCK.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are driven to rotate while the intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 provides a transfer bias for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided in contact with each photosensitive drum 3. A function of forming a color toner image (multicolor toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. have. The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using, for example, a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  Transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is performed by an intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. A high-voltage transfer bias having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charge polarity (−) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is based on a metal shaft having a diameter of 8 mm to 10 mm, for example, a stainless steel shaft, and has a conductive surface, for example, an elastic material such as conductive EPDM (ethylene propylene diene copolymer rubber) or conductive foamed urethane. It is a covered roller. With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this embodiment, a roller shape is used as the transfer electrode, but a brush or the like can also be used.

  The electrostatic latent images visualized on the respective photosensitive drums 3 in accordance with the respective hues are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The laminated image information is transferred onto the recording sheet by the transfer roller 10 disposed at the contact position between the recording sheet and the intermediate transfer belt 61 as the intermediate transfer belt 61 rotates.

  At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are pressed against each other at a predetermined nip, and the transfer roller 10 has a high polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−) for transferring the toner to the recording paper. A voltage is applied. In order for the transfer roller 10 to constantly obtain the nip, either the transfer roller 10 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 is made of a hard metal material such as stainless steel, and the other is made of an elastic rubber roller or a foamed resin roller. It is a soft material for rollers.

  Further, the toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 61 due to contact with the photosensitive drum 3 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 10 will be mixed in the next step. In order to cause this, it is set to be removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 includes a cleaning blade as a cleaning member that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 that contacts the cleaning blade is supported by an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 from the back side. ing.

  The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for storing recording paper used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 1 of the apparatus main body 110.

  The apparatus main body 110 is provided with a substantially vertical sheet conveyance path S for feeding the recording sheets of the sheet feeding cassette 81 and the manual sheet feeding cassette 82 to the sheet discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 7. It has been. In the vicinity of the paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 or the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of transport rollers 12a to 12d, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, and a fixing unit. 7 is arranged.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the first operation unit 200 and the second operation unit 300 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a view of the first operation unit 200 as viewed from above, and FIG. 2B shows that the second operation unit 300 is exposed by sliding the second operation unit 300 toward the front side. It is a figure.

  The second operation unit 300 is fixed to slide rails (not shown) arranged at both left and right ends of the second operation unit 300, and the second operation unit can be displaced between the exposure position and the storage position by expansion and contraction of the slide rail. Become.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the user pulls out the second operation unit 300 positioned below the first operation unit 200 toward the front side. When the detection device (the sensor 400 shown in FIG. 4) detects that the second operation unit 300 has been pulled out, the display on the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 is not shown in the input-enabled mode that the user wants to use. Is automatically switched.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the first operation unit 210 and the second operation unit 310 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 3A is a view of the first operation unit 210 as viewed from above, and FIG. 3B is a view at a stage where the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 210 is tilted up. c) is a diagram in which the tilt-up of the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 210 is completed, and the second operation unit 310 located below the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 210 is exposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the user slides the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 210 along the slide rails 201 arranged at the left and right ends of the display unit in the direction of the arrow. The display unit 200A of one operation unit 210 is started up.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, when the display unit of the first operation unit 200 starts up, the detection device detects that the display unit of the first operation unit 200 has started up, and the user can use the input that the user wants to use. The display of the first operation unit 200 is automatically switched to the mode although not shown.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, although it demonstrates based on 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is the same also about 2nd Embodiment.

  The CPU is connected to the first operation unit 200, the second operation unit 300, the sensor 400, and the LCD controller, and comprehensively controls each unit. The sensor 400 may be any sensor that detects ON / OFF, and may be a mechanical switch or a photosensor.

  When the sensor 400 detects that the keyboard that is the second operation unit 300 has been slid and pulled out, for example, the CPU inputs to the display unit of the first operation unit 200 from the keyboard that is the second operation unit 300. Switch to a mode that allows operation. This is because the sensor 400 detects ON.

The user can input characters using the keyboard that is the second operation unit 300. Characters input with the keyboard which is the second operation unit 300 are also displayed on the display unit of the first operation unit 200 via the LCD controller. The LCD controller is a controller that controls display on the display unit 200 </ b> A of the first operation unit 200. When the keyboard which is the second operation unit 300 is housed, the screen is changed to the basic screen in which the power is turned on. This is because the sensor 400 detects OFF.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the image processing apparatus 100 of the present invention. First, on the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200, a basic screen in a state where the power is turned on is displayed as a screen in an inputable mode (F0). Usually, the basic screen is in the copy mode. Next, the exposure state of the second operation unit 300 is confirmed (F1). If it is not exposed, it waits until the 2nd operation part 300 is exposed. If it is exposed, the display mode is selected on the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200. If the second operation unit 300 is exposed and the display mode is the copy mode (F2), the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 is automatically set to the copy mode setting set in advance by the user, for example, the watermark input mode. (F3).

  If the second operation unit 300 is exposed and the display mode is not the copy mode but the scanner mode (F10), the setting for the scanner mode in which the user sets the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 in advance, for example, Then, the mode is automatically switched to the e-mail input mode (F11).

  Further, if the second operation unit 300 is exposed and the display mode is neither the copy mode nor the scanner mode and the FAX mode (F12), the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 is set for the FAX mode set in advance by the user. The setting is automatically switched to, for example, the address book registration mode (F13).

  Furthermore, if the second operation unit 300 is exposed and the display mode is not the copy mode, the scanner mode, or the FAX mode, and other modes (F14), the user sets the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 in advance. The setting for the other mode, for example, the corporate name / personal name can be registered (F15). If the second operation unit 300 is exposed and the display mode is not the copy mode, the scanner mode, the FAX mode, or any other mode (F14), the process returns to the display mode selection.

  After switching the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 to a setting set in advance by the user (F3, F11, F13, F15), an input from the second operation unit 300 is received (F4).

  Next, the storage state of the second operation unit 300 is confirmed (F5). If not, wait until it is stored. If it is stored, the state of the input operation is confirmed (F6). If the input operation is in the middle of the process, the setting for confirming or canceling the input operation is confirmed (F7). If the setting is to confirm the input operation, a process for confirming the input operation is performed (F8). If the setting is to discard the input operation, processing to discard the input operation is performed (F9).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the image processing apparatus 100, the first operation unit 200, and the second operation unit 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the image processing apparatus 100, the first operation unit 200, and the second operation unit 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the keyboard of the second operation unit 300 is disposed below the first operation unit 200. The keyboard of the second operation unit 300 can be displaced between an exposed position exposed to the outside and a storage position stored inside. Information corresponding to an input operation from the keyboard of the first operation unit 200 or the second operation unit 300 is displayed on the display unit of the first operation unit 200. The keyboards of the first operation unit 200 and the second operation unit 300 accept input operations for controlling the image processing apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the first operation unit 200 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a start key and a clear key in addition to the display unit 200A. The first operation unit 200 is fixedly disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 110. The display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 shows a basic screen in a state where the power is turned on.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a transition screen of the display unit 200A and the second operation unit 300 in the first operation unit 200 for inputting the e-mail address of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 7A is a transition screen of the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200 for reading a document with the image processing apparatus 100 and transmitting the read document. When the keyboard of the second operation unit 300 is pulled out, the screen transitions to this screen. Next, an e-mail address that is the transmission destination of the read document is input from the keyboard of the second operation unit 300 shown in FIG.

  The user can input an e-mail address using the operation key 300A. Unlike the display unit 200A of the first operation unit 200, the operation keys 300A are arranged on the entire keyboard of the second operation unit 300, so that each operation key is large. Since the e-mail address generally has a complicated character arrangement, it is more efficient to input characters using the second operation unit 300. The input e-mail address is displayed on the bar 300B.

  In FIG. 7B, when the input of the e-mail address is completed and the Enter key is pressed, the second operation unit 300 may be displaced from the exposure position to the storage position. It will not get in the way.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a transition screen of the display unit 200A and the second operation unit 300 in the first operation unit 200 for inputting a file name of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 8A is a transition screen of the display unit 200A in the first operation unit 200 for reading a document by the image processing apparatus 100 and transmitting the read scan data to a USB memory (not shown). When the keyboard of the second operation unit 300 is pulled out, the screen transitions to this screen. Next, a file name is input for the read scan data from the keyboard of the second operation unit 300 shown in FIG.

  The user can input a file name using the operation key 300A. Unlike the display unit of the first operation unit 200, the operation keys 300A are arranged on the entire keyboard of the second operation unit 300, so that each operation key is large. Since the file name generally has a complicated character arrangement, it is more efficient to input characters using the second operation unit 300. The input file name is displayed on the bar 300B.

  In FIG. 8B, when the input of the file name is completed and the Enter key is pressed, the second operation unit 300 may be displaced from the exposure position to the storage position, and the second operation unit 300 may interfere with the user. Never become.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be widely applied to all apparatuses such as a copy / scanner / printer / facsimile.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Exposure unit 2 Developing device 3 Photoconductor drum 4 Cleaner unit 5 Charger 6 Intermediate transfer belt unit 7 Fixing unit 10 Transfer roller 61 Intermediate transfer belt 62 Intermediate transfer belt drive roller 63 Intermediate transfer belt driven roller 64 Intermediate transfer roller 65 Intermediate transfer Belt cleaning unit 81 Paper feed cassette 82 Manual paper feed cassette 91 Paper discharge tray 92 Document placing table 100 Image processing apparatus 110 Main body 120 Automatic document processing apparatus 200 First operation section 200A Display section 210 First operation section 201 Slide rail 202 A fulcrum 300 Second operation unit 310 Second operation unit 300A Operation key 300B Bar 400 Sensor

Claims (7)

  A first operation unit and a second operation unit, the first operation unit includes a display unit for displaying a status of the image processing apparatus and processing content, and a touch panel capable of inputting characters on the display unit; The second operation unit is housed in a lower part of the first operation unit, and the second operation unit is exposed from the second operation unit by exposing the second operation unit in an image processing apparatus having a keyboard that can be exposed to the outside for operation. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the display on the display unit of the first operation unit is switched to a mode in which input is possible.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation unit is exposed to the outside by sliding the second operation unit in a direction in which the second operation unit is pulled out toward the front side.   3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input operation is confirmed or discarded when the second operation unit is accommodated in the middle of an input operation.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation unit is exposed by tilting up the first operation unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the input operation is confirmed or discarded when the first operation unit is accommodated in an intermediate stage of the input operation.   6. When detecting that the second operation unit is housed inside, the screen of the display unit in the inputable mode transitions to a basic screen in a state where the power is turned on. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor that detects that the second operation unit is exposed to the outside or stored inside.