JP2013103394A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can further reduce power consumption of a backlight.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 includes: an operating part 13 accepting an operation by a user; a receiving part 21 receiving data for a print job from an externally connected instrument, an image forming part 16 starting an image forming based on a print job if the operating part 13 an operation to start the print job or if the receiving part 21 receives data for the print job; a display part 11 displaying varieties of information for printing on a display area; a lighting part 12 illuminating the display part 11 from a back part thereof, and a control part 22 causing lighting of the lighting part 12 to be turned off if the lighting part 12 is turned on when the image forming part 16 starts an image forming.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that turns off a backlight of a display unit when no operation is continued for a certain period of time.

  The image forming apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel that displays information on copying and printing performed in the apparatus main body. In addition, the image forming apparatus includes a backlight on the back of the liquid crystal panel in order to improve the visibility of information displayed on the liquid crystal panel.

  Some conventional image forming apparatuses turn off the backlight when the user has not performed an operation for a certain period of time in order to reduce the power consumption of the backlight.

  However, the conventional image forming apparatus irradiates the entire display area of the liquid crystal panel until the backlight is turned off. That is, light is irradiated not only on the area displaying information but also on the area not displaying information. Therefore, there is still room for reduction in the power consumption of the backlight.

  Therefore, an invention of an image forming apparatus is disclosed in which a plurality of backlights are provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel, and a backlight that illuminates a position corresponding to a character information display position is selectively lit (see Patent Document 1). ).

  By applying the invention described in Patent Document 1 to a conventional image forming apparatus, the power consumption of the backlight can be further reduced.

JP 2003-279927 A

  However, the user of the image forming apparatus often does not check the information displayed on the liquid crystal panel at all or only a part of the information after operating the copy start button. For example, when the number of copies is small, the user confirms that the printed material is discharged from the paper discharge unit. When the printed material is completely discharged, the user takes the printed material without looking at the information displayed on the liquid crystal panel. In addition, when the image forming apparatus is continuously performing a plurality of print jobs, the user confirms only a part of information such as the progress status of the currently executing print job and the order of the print jobs instructed to execute. . Further, when the user instructs the image forming apparatus to execute a print job from the personal computer, the user cannot confirm the information displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus to which the invention described in Patent Document 1 is applied, there is room for reduction in the power consumption of the backlight.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can further reduce power consumption of a backlight.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation unit, a receiving unit, an image forming unit, a display unit, an illumination unit, and a control unit. The operation unit accepts an operation by the user. The receiving unit receives print job data from an externally connected device. The image forming unit starts image formation based on the print job when the operation unit receives a print job start operation or when the receiving unit receives print job data. The display unit displays various information for printing in the display area. The illumination unit illuminates the display unit from the back. The control unit turns off the illumination unit if the illumination unit is turned on when the image forming unit starts image formation.

  In the present invention, the illumination unit is turned off at the start of image formation. Since the user who does not confirm the display on the display unit at the start of image formation does not need to present print information, the power consumption of the illumination unit can be reduced by turning off the illumination unit.

  In the above invention, when the operation unit accepts an operation while the image forming unit is performing image formation and the illumination unit is turned off, the control unit turns on a part of the illumination unit, and lighting is performed by this lighting. Information is displayed in the partial display area.

  In the present invention, when the image forming apparatus starts image formation, the illumination unit is turned off, and a user who wants to check information operates the operation unit to turn on a part of the illumination unit and display information. Thereby, since the illumination part is turned off until the user operates the operation part, the power consumption of the backlight during that time can be reduced. In addition, since the lighting unit is partially turned on, power consumption can be reduced as compared with the case where the entire lighting unit is turned on. In addition, information necessary for the user can be displayed while reducing the power consumption of the illumination unit.

  In the above invention, the control unit has a function of controlling the display content of the display area of the display unit, and displays specific information in the partial display area.

  In this invention, since specific information is displayed in the partial display area which is a partial area of the display area, the information required by the user is collectively displayed in the partial display area, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the illumination unit. However, information necessary for the user can be displayed.

  The specific information may be information necessary for the user, such as information indicating the progress of image formation being executed by the image forming unit, or information on the processing order of print jobs executed by the image forming unit.

  In the above invention, the image forming apparatus includes a touch operation unit. A touch operation part is installed in the front part of a display part, and receives the touch operation by a user. The control unit has a function of controlling the display contents of the display area of the display unit, displays a display button in the partial display area, and when the touch operation unit receives a touch operation of the display button, specific information is displayed in the partial display area. Display.

  In the present invention, when the operation unit accepts an operation while the image forming unit is performing image formation and the illumination unit is turned off, a display button is displayed in the partial display area. Further, by touching a display button displayed on the display unit, specific information can be displayed in the partial display area. Accordingly, even if the touch operation unit is erroneously operated while the image forming apparatus is performing image formation, only the display button is displayed, and thus power consumption can be suppressed. Further, when the user wants to confirm necessary information, the user can touch the display button, so that the information can be easily confirmed.

  In the above invention, when the operation unit or the touch operation unit receives a specific operation while the image forming unit is performing image formation and the lighting unit is partially lit, the control unit turns on the entire lighting unit. Let

  According to the present invention, when the user wants to newly set a print job, all the illumination units can be turned on by performing a specific operation on the operation unit or the touch operation unit. For example, when the all-lit button provided on the operation unit is operated or the touch operation unit is touch-operated on the display area where the illumination unit is turned off, all the illumination units are turned on. Good. With such a simple operation, it is possible to easily turn on the illumination unit.

  In the above invention, when the image forming unit finishes image formation and the lighting unit is partially lit, the control unit turns off all the lighting units.

  In the present invention, when the image formation is completed, it is not necessary to display information on the print job in the partial display area, and therefore all the illumination units are turned off. Thereby, the power consumption of the backlight can be reduced.

  In the above invention, when the operation unit or the touch operation unit accepts an operation when the image forming unit is waiting for image formation and all the illumination units are turned off, the control unit turns on all the illumination units.

  When the user sets image formation while waiting for image formation, the user operates the operation unit or the touch operation unit. At this time, the entire display area can be turned on to accept a print job.

  In the above-described invention, the operation unit includes a turn-off button that turns off all the illumination units. In this invention, the user can turn off all the illumination units by operating the operation unit or the touch operation unit to turn on a part of the illumination unit and then operating the turn-off button. As a result, power consumption can be reduced when display is unnecessary after confirmation.

  According to the present invention, the power consumption of the backlight can be further reduced.

1 is an example of a configuration diagram of a printing system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus. (A) is an external view of a panel unit. (B) is an example of an image displayed on the display unit. (C) is a configuration example of a plurality of backlights. (D) is a display example of an image when a part of a plurality of backlights is turned on. (E) is an example when a part of a plurality of backlights is turned on. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of 1st Embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows a state when all the some backlights are light-extinguished. (B) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (A). (C) is a figure which shows a state when one part is lighted among several backlights. (D) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (C). (E) is a figure which shows a state when about half is lit among several backlights. (F) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (E). (G) is a figure which shows a state when all the some backlights are lighted. (H) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (G). It is a time chart which shows lighting on / off control of a backlight. (A) shows a case where the backlight is turned off before the printing operation. (B) and (C) show a case where a certain time has elapsed since the user operated the operation unit. (D) shows a case where the operation unit is operated during printing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of 2nd Embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows a state when all the several backlights are lighted. (B) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (A). (C) is a figure which shows a state when about half is lighted among several backlights. (D) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (C). (E) is a figure which shows a state when one part is lighted among several backlights. (F) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (E). (G) is a figure which shows a state when all the some backlights are light-extinguished. (H) is a figure which shows a display part when a some backlight is in the state shown to (H).

  Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital multifunction machine installed in an office will be described.

<Configuration of image forming system>
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system 100 includes a digital multifunction peripheral (hereinafter simply referred to as a multifunction peripheral) 1, N computers 2-1 to 2-N, a computer 3, an Internet fax machine 4, and a fax machine. A device 5 is provided.

  The multifunction machine 1 and the computers 2-1 to 2-N are connected to a LAN 6 installed in the office. The computer 3, Internet fax machine 4, and LAN 6 are connected to the Internet network 7. Further, the multifunction machine 1, the fax machine 5, and the mobile phone 61 are connected to the public telephone line network 8. Hereinafter, the computers 2-1 to 2 -N, the computer 3, the Internet fax machine 4, and the fax machine 5 are also referred to as external connection devices of the multifunction machine 1.

<Configuration and basic operation of image forming apparatus>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the multi function device 1 is an in-body discharge type, and includes a panel unit 9 on the front side of the upper surface of the apparatus main body. The panel unit 9 includes a touch operation unit 10, a display unit 11, an illumination unit 12, and an operation unit 13. In addition, the multi-function device 1 includes a document transport unit 14, an image reading unit 15, an image forming unit 16, and a paper feeding unit 17 in order from the top to the bottom of the apparatus main body. In addition, the multifunction device 1 includes a paper discharge unit 18 below the image reading unit 15 and the panel unit 9. Further, the multifunction device 1 includes a storage unit 19, an image processing unit 20, a communication unit 21, and a control unit 22 in the apparatus main body. The control unit 22 controls each unit of the multifunction machine 1.

  A touch operation unit 10, a display unit 11, and an illumination unit 12 are provided on the left side of the panel unit 9 shown in FIG. The display unit 11 includes a display panel 111 having a liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal driving circuit (not shown).

  Various information for printing such as an image of a copy setting screen as shown in FIG. 4B is displayed in the display area on the display panel 111 of the display unit 11. The control unit 22 controls display contents to be displayed in the display area of the display panel 111. An illumination unit 12 is disposed on the back of the display unit 11.

  The illumination unit 12 is a backlight for the display panel 111. As shown in FIG. 4C, the illumination unit 12 includes a backlight unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a backlight) 121 having a plurality of LEDs, and an LED drive circuit (not shown). The figure shows an example in which 20 LEDs 122 are arranged in 5 rows × 4 columns. The controller 22 individually controls lighting / extinguishing of each LED 122 by the LED driving circuit. For example, as shown in FIG. 4E, the control unit 22 can control to turn on only the upper right LED 122 and display only the number of printed sheets on the copy setting screen.

  The touch operation unit 10 is disposed at the front part of the display unit 11. The touch operation unit 10 includes a touch panel 101 and a touch position detection circuit (not shown).

  An operation unit 13 is provided on the right side of the panel unit 9. The operation unit 13 includes a plurality of operation buttons such as a copy / fax start button 131, a numeric keypad 132, a function selection button 133, an all-off button 134, and an all-on button 135.

  The multifunction device 1 is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and includes a print function, a copy function, and a fax function.

  The print function is a function of generating a printed matter by performing printing based on the print job received from the computers 2-1 to 2-N by the multifunction device 1.

  Each of the computers 2-1 to 2 -N has a built-in printer driver, and generates a print job for causing the multifunction device 1 to print document data and image data in accordance with a user operation. Then, the computers 2-1 to 2 -N transmit a print job to the multifunction device 1 via the LAN 6. In addition to the print data, the print job includes information such as user information that instructs the print job and various print settings.

  When the communication unit 21, which is a receiving unit of the present invention, receives a print job via the LAN 6, the control unit 22 of the multifunction device 1 causes the image processing unit 20 to output image data included in the print job. Further, the control unit 22 changes the settings of the image processing unit 20 and the image forming unit 16 based on the print settings included in the print job.

  When color image data is input, the image processing unit 20 separates the color image into yellow, magenta, cyan, and black single color images and outputs the single color images to the image forming unit 16.

  The image forming unit 16 forms a single color toner image based on the input single color image, and generates a color toner image by superimposing the single color toner images. Then, the image forming unit 16 transfers the color toner image onto the sheet conveyed to the transfer position by the sheet feeding unit 17, and then fixes the color toner image on the sheet by the fixing unit. The paper supply unit 17 discharges the printed matter, which is a sheet on which the color toner image is fixed, to the paper discharge unit 18.

  The copy function is a function for reading a document image by the image reading unit 15 based on a print job received by the operation unit 13 and generating a printed material in which the document is copied.

  When the function selection button 133 is operated and the copy function is selected, the control unit 22 receives the setting of the copy condition when the touch panel 101 or the numeric keypad 132 is operated, and the received copy condition is displayed as an image. It is set in the processing unit 20 and the image forming unit 16. At this time, the control unit 22 turns on all the LEDs of the backlight 121 so that the entire display area of the display panel 111 is irradiated with light, and causes the display panel 111 to display information according to the accepted operation. When accepting the operation of the start button 131, the control unit 22 transports the document to the document table and moves the document to the image reading unit 15 when the document is placed on the document transport unit 14. The image reading unit 15 reads an image of a document conveyed by the document conveying unit 14 or a document placed on a document table. The image reading unit 15 outputs the read image data to the image processing unit 20. The multifunction device 1 performs the same processing as when the print function is selected, and discharges the printed matter to the paper discharge unit 18.

  The fax function is a function for transmitting and receiving image data with the Internet fax machine 4 or the fax machine 5. Since this function is not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description is omitted.

  When the multifunction device 1 receives a print job execution instruction and executes printing or copying, the multifunction device 1 stores information about the executed print job in the storage unit 19. The information stored in the storage unit 19 includes, for example, the type of print job, the print job reception number, user information that instructs execution of the print job, the date and time when the print job was executed, the number of copies, the output paper size, and the print job. The IP address of the device that received

  The computers 2-1 to 2-N have the same configuration as a well-known personal computer that is generally used. Therefore, details of these configurations are omitted.

[First Embodiment]
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, when the start button 131 is operated or a print job is received from an external device, the multifunction device 1 turns off all the backlights 121 when all the backlights 121 are turned on. . Hereinafter, the operation of the multifunction machine 1 will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the power is turned on, the control unit 22 of the multifunction machine 1 performs initial setting. That is, the control unit 22 reads the control program from the storage unit 19 and executes it. In addition, the control unit 22 reads the data of the menu screen that is the initial screen from the storage unit 19. Then, the control unit 22 displays the copy setting screen shown in FIG. 4B or 6 H on the entire display area of the display panel 111. Moreover, the control part 22 lights all the LEDs of the backlight 121 as shown in FIG.4 (C) or FIG.6 (G) (S1).

  When the control unit 22 becomes ready to execute a print job, the control unit 22 starts counting a certain time (for example, 3 minutes), accepts an operation in the operation unit 13, and receives a print job from the personal computer 210 in the communication unit 180. (Waiting until image formation is executed) (S2: N, S6: N).

  If the operation unit 13 does not accept the print job start operation or the communication unit 21 has not received the print job from the externally connected device even after a predetermined time has elapsed (S2: Y). ) All the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned off (S3) (see FIG. 6A). At this time, the control unit 22 also stops displaying information on the display panel 111 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the power consumption of the display panel 111 can also be reduced.

  The control unit 22 does not receive a print job from an external device such as the computer 2-1 (S4: N), and the touch operation unit 10 or the operation unit 13 does not accept an operation (S4: N). S5: N) Subsequently, all the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned off (S3).

  When the image forming unit 16 is on standby for image formation and all the LEDs are turned off (S2: Y, S3, S4: N), the control unit 22 receives an operation from the touch operation unit 10 or the operation unit 13. (S5: Y), the process of step S1 is performed.

  When the communication unit 21 receives a print job from the externally connected device (S4: Y), the control unit 22 starts image formation (S7), and subsequently turns off all LEDs of the backlight 121 (S8). FIG. 7 (A)). This is because when the print job received from the external device is executed, the user cannot confirm the display screen of the display unit 11 and the display is useless. Thereby, the power consumption of the backlight can be reduced.

  Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed (S2: Y), the control unit 22 similarly turns off all the LEDs of the backlight 121 (S3, see FIG. 7B).

  If all the LEDs of the backlight 121 are lit, the control unit 22 has received a copy start operation by the operation unit 13 or a print job from an external device is received by the communication unit 21 until a predetermined time has elapsed. (S2: N, S6: Y), the image forming unit 16 starts image formation (S7). In addition, all the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned off (S8, refer to FIG. 7C).

  The control unit 22 is operated by the touch operation unit 10 or the operation unit 13 (excluding the all-off button 134 and the all-on button 135) while all the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned off during image formation. When a lighting operation is received (S9: Y), some of the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned on. Further, the control unit 22 displays information for printing in the partial display area of the display panel 111 illuminated by the lighting (S10).

  As information to be displayed in the partial display area, as shown in FIG. 4D, it is possible to display only a part of the copy setting screen (the number of printed sheets) without changing the contents of the screen. Further, it is possible to display a screen different from the copy setting screen. For example, a display button 141 for displaying the job status screen shown in FIG. 6D or information indicating the progress status of the print job being executed shown in FIG. 9F (the number of printed pages and the total number of print jobs). 151, etc.) may be displayed.

  In step S10, the control unit 22 starts measuring a certain time.

  After executing step S10, the control unit 22 ends the image formation (S11: N), operates the all-lit button, or touches the area where the LED 122 is turned off (touch panel 101) (S12: N), all-off button. If neither the operation 134 (S13: N) nor the lapse of a certain time (S14: N) has occurred and there is no partial lighting operation in the operation unit 13 (S9: N), steps S9 to S9 are performed. The process of S14 is repeated.

  If a part of the lighting operation is further performed during image formation (S9: Y), the control unit 22 enlarges the display area (S10). For example, as shown in FIG. 6E, an area where a part of the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned on, that is, a partial display area is enlarged. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6F, as the partial display area is enlarged, the content to be displayed on the display panel 111 is increased to display specific information. In FIG. 6F, job status information 142 is displayed as an example of specific information. The job status information 142 includes information on the processing order of print jobs executed by the image forming unit and information indicating the progress of image formation being executed by the image forming unit. That is, the order of executing the print job being executed and the print job waiting to be executed is displayed as information on the processing order of the print jobs executed by the image forming unit. In addition, the name of the user who instructed the print job and information indicating the progress of the print job (the number of printed pages and the total number of pages to be printed) are displayed.

  When the controller 22 accepts an operation to turn on the backlight 121 when an image is being formed and the LEDs of the backlight 121 are not lit or partially lit (S12: Y), All LEDs of the light 121 are turned on, and a copy default screen (see FIG. 4B) is displayed in the entire display area of the display panel 111 to accept a user operation. Moreover, the time measurement for a fixed time is started (S15).

  Note that the control unit 22 turns on the backlight 121 in a region where the backlight 121 is not turned on when the operation of the all-lit button 135 is accepted or when the backlight 121 is partially turned on. This is when the touch operation is accepted.

  The control unit 22 does not generate any operation of the touch operation unit 10 or the operation unit 13 (S16: N), completion of image formation (S17: N), or passage of a certain time (S18: N). , Steps S15 to S18 are repeated. Moreover, the control part 22 receives the operation content, when operation of the touch operation part 10 or the operation part 13 is received (S15, S16: Y).

  When the predetermined time has elapsed (S18: Y), the control unit 22 turns off all the LEDs 122 of the backlight 121 (S8). And the process after step S9 is performed.

  When the image forming process of the image forming unit 16 is completed (S17: Y), the control unit 22 turns off all the LEDs 122 of the backlight 121 (S3). And the process after step S4 is performed.

  On the other hand, the control unit 22 follows the step S10 when the all-off button 134 is operated (S11: N, S12: N, S13: Y), or when the second predetermined time (5 seconds) has elapsed. In (S14: Y), all the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned off (S8). And the process after step S9 is performed.

  When the image forming process is completed (S11: Y), the control unit 22 turns off all the LEDs 122 of the backlight 121 (S3), and performs the processes after step S4.

  As described above, in the multifunction device 1, when printing is started, all the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned off, so that the power consumption of the backlight can be reduced. In addition, when the backlight is completely turned off, the partial display area of the backlight is enlarged according to the number of operations of the touch operation unit 10 or the operation unit 13, thereby preventing a rapid increase in the power consumption of the backlight. it can.

  When the start button 131 is operated or a print job is received from an external device, when the backlight 121 is all on, the process of turning off the backlight 121 is performed for the entire display area of the display panel. The present invention can also be applied to a backlight configured to turn on / off.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the multifunction device 1 gradually turns off the backlight 121 when the start button 131 is operated or when the backlight 121 is all turned on when a print job is received from an external device. To do. Hereinafter, the operation of the multifunction machine 1 will be described in detail based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the power is turned on, the control unit 22 of the multifunction device 1 performs initial settings in the same manner as in the first embodiment, displays a copy setting screen on the entire display area of the display panel 111, and turns on all LEDs of the backlight 121. Turn on (S1). The control part 22 performs the process similar to the process demonstrated based on FIG. 5 from step S1 to S7. In addition, if the touch operation part 10 or the operation part 13 receives operation (S5: Y), the control part 22 will light all the LEDs of the backlight 121 (S1).

  When the image forming unit 16 starts image formation (S7), the control unit 22 gradually (stepwise) turns off the backlight 121 from the state where all the LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned on, and finally All the backlights 121 are turned off (S28).

  First, if all the LEDs 122 of the backlight are turned on when the image forming unit starts image formation, the control unit 22 turns off a part of the backlight. Further, the control unit 22 displays information for printing in the partial display area of the display panel 111 illuminated by the LEDs 122 that are lit even after some LEDs 122 are turned off.

  In the partial display area, as shown in FIG. 4D, it is possible to display only a part of the copy setting screen (the number of printed sheets) without changing the contents of the screen. Further, it is possible to display a screen different from the copy setting screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 9D, job status information 152 is displayed. The job status information 152 includes information on the processing order of print jobs executed by the image forming unit and information indicating the progress of image formation being executed by the image forming unit. That is, the order of executing the print job being executed and the print job waiting to be executed is displayed as information on the processing order of the print jobs executed by the image forming unit. In addition, the name of the user who instructed the print job and information indicating the progress of the print job (the number of printed pages and the total number of pages to be printed) are displayed.

  In step S28, the control unit 22 starts measuring time for a second predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) when displaying information for printing in the partial display area.

  The control unit 22 operates the all lighting button 135 (S29: N), the end of the image forming process (S30: N), the first time (S31: N), or the operation of the all lighting button 134 (S32: N). ), The processes of steps S29 to S32 are repeated.

  When the all-off button 134 is operated (S32: Y), the control unit 22 turns off all the LEDs of the backlight. And the process after step S29 is performed.

  When the all lighting button 135 is operated (S29: Y), the control unit 22 lights all the LEDs of the backlight, and performs the processing of steps S15 to S18 'described with reference to FIG. If the second predetermined time has elapsed (S18 ': Y), the plurality of LEDs of the backlight 121 are turned off by one step (S28).

  When the second predetermined time has elapsed (S31: Y), the control unit 22 further turns off the plurality of LEDs of the backlight 121 by one step (S28). For example, the control unit 22 turns off some of the plurality of LEDs 122 and changes the state shown in FIG. 9C to the state shown in FIG. In addition, the display panel 111 displays information indicating the progress status of the print job currently being executed shown in FIG. 9F from the screen showing the status of the print job shown in FIG. Information on the number of printed sheets and the total number of printed sheets).

  Moreover, the control part 22 repeats the process of step S29-S32, and when a fixed time passes further (S31: Y), the several LED of the backlight 121 will be light-extinguished further one step (S28). For example, the control unit 22 further turns off some of the plurality of LEDs 122 and changes the state shown in FIG. 9E to the state shown in FIG. 9G (all LEDs are turned off). In addition, when all the LEDs are turned off, the control unit 22 keeps all the LEDs of the backlight 121 turned off even if a certain time elapses. When the multifunction device 1 is performing image formation, information that the user wants to confirm is usually information on the progress status of a print job that is currently being executed. Therefore, as described above, as shown in FIG. 9D and FIG. 9F, information on the progress status of the currently executing print job is displayed until all the LEDs 122 of the backlight 121 are turned off. By doing so, the user can acquire necessary information without operating the operation unit.

  When the operation of the all-off button 134 is accepted (S32: Y), the control unit 22 turns off all the LEDs 122 of the backlight 121 (S33), and performs the processing after step S29.

  When the image forming process is completed (S30: Y), the control unit 22 turns off all the LEDs 122 of the backlight 121 (S3), and performs the processes after step S4.

  As described above, in the multifunction device 1, when printing is started, the plurality of LEDs 122 constituting the backlight 121 are gradually turned off, so that the power consumption of the backlight can be reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multifunction machine (image forming apparatus) 2-1 to 2-N, 3 ... Computer 4 ... Internet fax machine 5 ... Fax machine 6 ... LAN 7 ... Internet network 8 ... Public telephone line network 9 ... Panel unit 10 ... Touch operation Unit 11 ... Display unit 12 ... Illumination unit 13 ... Operation unit 14 ... Document transport unit 16 ... Image forming unit 17 ... Paper feed unit 18 ... Paper discharge unit 19 ... Storage unit 20 ... Image processing unit 21 ... Communication unit (reception unit) DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Control part 100 ... Image forming system 101 ... Touch panel 110 ... Panel unit 111 ... Display panel 121 ... Back light 121 ... Back light unit 131 ... Start button 132 ... Numeric keypad 133 ... Function selection button 134 ... All-off button 135 ... All lighting button

Claims (10)

An operation unit that accepts user operations;
A receiving unit for receiving print job data from an external device;
An image forming unit that starts image formation based on a print job when the operation unit receives a print job start operation or the receiving unit receives print job data;
A display unit for displaying various information for printing in the display area;
An illumination unit that illuminates the display unit from the back;
When the image forming unit starts image formation, if the illumination unit is turned on, a control unit that turns off the illumination unit;
An image forming apparatus. The controller is
When the operation unit accepts an operation when the image forming unit is performing image formation and the illumination unit is turned off, a part of the illumination unit is turned on,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is displayed in a partial display area illuminated by the lighting. The controller is
A function of controlling the display content of the display area of the display unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein specific information is displayed in the partial display area. A touch operation unit that is installed in front of the display unit and receives a touch operation by a user;
The controller is
A function of controlling the display content of the display area of the display unit;
Display a display button in the partial display area,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the touch operation unit receives a touch operation of the display button, specific information is displayed in the partial display area.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific information is information indicating a progress status of image formation being performed by the image forming unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific information is information on a processing order of a print job executed by the image forming unit. The controller is
When the image forming unit is performing image formation and the illumination unit is partially lit, if the operation unit or the touch operation unit receives a specific operation, all the illumination units are lit. Item 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 4 to 6. The controller is
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the image forming unit finishes image formation, if the illumination unit is partially lit, the entire illumination unit is turned off. The controller is
9. The lighting unit according to claim 8, wherein when the operation unit or the touch operation unit receives an operation while the image forming unit is waiting for image formation and the illumination units are all turned off, the illumination units are all turned on. The image forming apparatus described.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a turn-off button that turns off all the illumination units.