JP2015104815A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device in which sensitivity of a touch panel is appropriately adjusted according to various operation situations.SOLUTION: By referencing a calibration table Td, respective calibration values xx, yy are acquired according to operation state of an image formation device 1. The calibration values xx, yy are respectively added to reference threshold values xb, yb, to set respective threshold values xs, ys. The threshold values xs, ys are compared with respective electrostatic capacitance values cx, cy of a touch panel 52, to acquire touch operation positions xp, yp. Therefore, even during operation of the image formation device 1, erroneous detection of touch operation can be suppressed without degrading operativity of the touch panel 52.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a touch panel.

  Image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimiles, copiers, and multifunction machines are provided with a display device and a touch panel overlaid on the screen of the display device, and the operation state and operation keys of the image forming apparatus are displayed on the display device. When the user touches an operation key displayed on the screen of the display device, the touched operation key is detected by the touch panel, and the image forming apparatus responds to the touch operation of the operation key. Printing and copying are performed.

  Here, the touch panel may erroneously detect a touch operation such as an operation key displayed on the screen under the influence of ambient noise. For example, capacitive touch panels have the advantage of being capable of multi-point multi-touch and are often used. However, touch operations are detected based on minute changes in capacitance, so ambient noise Susceptible to.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, one end portion of the display device is rotatably supported around the axis so that the tilt angle (position) of the display device can be adjusted, and then the display device according to the tilt angle of the display device. The threshold value (touch panel sensitivity) to be compared with the capacitance value of the touch panel superimposed on the screen is changed to prevent erroneous detection of touch operations on the touch panel.

  Moreover, in patent document 2, a noise level is determined according to the display data currently displayed on the screen, the threshold value (touch panel sensitivity) compared with the electrostatic capacitance value of a touch panel is changed according to this noise level, This prevents false detection of touch operations on the touch panel.

JP 2009-239410 A JP 2012-256257 A

  By the way, in the image forming apparatus, various operation situations are set, the noise level varies depending on each operation situation, and the influence of the noise that the touch panel receives also changes. For example, as an image forming apparatus, there is a multifunction device having various functions such as a print function, a copying function, and a facsimile function. In this multifunction device, noise level and noise are generated depending on which function is operating. The position is different and the influence of noise on the touch panel changes.

  However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the noise level and the noise generation position are not taken into account, and thus it cannot be said that the sensitivity of the touch panel is appropriately adjusted.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus in which the sensitivity of a touch panel is appropriately adjusted according to various operation situations.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus including a touch panel, and includes a control unit that adjusts the sensitivity of the touch panel according to an operation state of the image forming apparatus. .

  In such an image forming apparatus, the noise level and the noise generation position vary depending on the operation status of the image forming apparatus, and the influence of noise on the touch panel changes. Therefore, in the present invention, the sensitivity of the touch panel is adjusted according to the operation status of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, in the operation situation of the image forming apparatus with a small influence of noise on the touch panel, the sensitivity of the touch panel is increased to improve the operability of the touch panel, and in the operation situation of the image formation apparatus with a large influence of noise on the touch panel, It is possible to reduce the sensitivity of the touch panel and suppress erroneous detection of touch operations.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus has a plurality of functions, and the operation status corresponds to a function in operation among the functions.

  The image forming apparatus has a print function, a scanner function, a copy function, and the like. Since the operation status of the image forming apparatus changes depending on which of these functions operates, the operation status corresponds to the function in operation among the functions.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the function operates based on at least one of a plurality of operation conditions, and the operation status corresponds to the operation condition of the function when the function is operating.

  For example, in any of the print function, the scanner function, and the copy function, the operation status changes depending on whether the monochrome image or the color image is operated. Accordingly, if the operation condition of a function is to operate on a monochrome image or a color image, the operation status changes depending on the operation condition of the function when the function is in operation.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of units, and the operation status corresponds to an operating unit among the units.

  The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of units such as a document reading device, a document conveying device, and a process unit. Since the operation state of the image forming apparatus changes depending on which of these units operates, the operation state corresponds to the unit in operation among the units.

  Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit adjusts the sensitivity of a part of the touch panel in accordance with the operation status of the image forming apparatus.

  Since the noise level and the occurrence position differ depending on the operation status of the image forming apparatus, for example, the touch panel is divided into a plurality of areas, and the sensitivity of the area close to the noise occurrence position in each area is reduced, You may suppress a false detection.

  In the present invention, the sensitivity of the touch panel is adjusted according to the operation status of the image forming apparatus. For this reason, in the operation situation of the image forming apparatus with a small influence of noise on the touch panel, the sensitivity of the touch panel is increased to improve the operability of the touch panel, and in the operation situation of the image formation apparatus with a large influence of noise on the touch panel, It is possible to reduce the sensitivity of the touch panel and suppress erroneous detection of touch operations.

1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. (A) is a graph which shows typically the electrostatic capacitance value in the X-axis direction of a touch panel, (b) is a graph which shows typically the electrostatic capacitance value in the Y-axis direction of a touch panel. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a calibration table in which an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is associated with a calibration value used for calibration of a reference threshold value. It is a graph which illustrates the electrostatic capacitance value in the X-axis direction of a touch panel, a reference threshold value, a threshold value, and a calibration value. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure for calculating | requiring the threshold value in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a calibration table in which an operation state of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is associated with a calibration value used for calibration of a reference threshold value. It is a figure which illustrates the calibration table which matched each unit or each noise generation source of the image forming apparatus in 3rd Embodiment, and the individual calibration value used for calibration of a reference threshold value. It is a top view which shows the state which divided the touch panel into the several area | region. 12 is a graph schematically showing threshold values set for each region of the touch panel of FIG. 11.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 reads and prints a color image and a monochrome image. The image forming apparatus 1 prints an image on a recording sheet, a scanner function that reads an image of an original, and reads an image of the original to obtain an image of the original. Has a copying function for printing on a recording sheet.

  The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a document reading device 2, a document transport device 3, a process unit 4, a paper feed cassette 5, a paper transport device 6, an operation panel 7, and the like. The process unit 4, the paper feed cassette 5, and the paper transport device 6 are built in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and the original reading device 2 and the original transport device 3 are mounted on the upper side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 and operated. The panel 7 is provided at the front side end (side end facing the user's standing position side) of the document reading device 2.

  Here, in the process unit 4, a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), or a monochrome image using a single color (for example, black) is recorded on the recording sheet. In order to perform printing, four each of the developing device 12, the photosensitive drum 13, the drum cleaning device 14, and the charging device 15 are provided, and four images are formed in association with black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. Stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured. Further, an optical scanning device 11 is provided below each image forming station Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd.

  In each of the image forming stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, after the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 13 is removed and collected by the drum cleaning device 14, the surface of the photosensitive drum 13 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 15. Are uniformly charged, exposed to the surface of the photosensitive drum 13 from the optical scanning device 11, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 13, and the developing device 12 electrostatically charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 13. The latent image is developed to form a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 13. As a result, a toner image of each color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 13.

Subsequently, while the intermediate transfer belt 21 is moved in the direction of the arrow C, the residual toner on the intermediate transfer belt 21 is removed and collected by the belt cleaning device 22, and then each color toner image on the surface of each photoconductive drum 13 is intermediate transferred. The toner images are sequentially transferred onto the belt 21 and overlapped to form a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 21.

  A nip area is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 23a of the secondary transfer device 23, and the recording paper conveyed through the paper conveyance path S is sandwiched and conveyed in the nip area. The color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 21 is transferred onto a recording sheet. Then, the recording paper is sandwiched between the heating roller 18 and the fixing roller 19 of the fixing device 17 and heated and pressurized to fix the color toner image on the recording paper.

  Further, in the paper transport device 6, the recording paper is pulled out from the paper feed cassette 5 by the pickup roller 24, transported through the paper transport path S, and each paper discharge roller via the secondary transfer device 23 and the fixing device 17. 25 to the paper discharge tray 39. In this paper conveyance path S, after the recording paper is temporarily stopped and the leading edges of the recording paper are aligned, recording is performed in accordance with the transfer timing of the color toner image in the nip area between the intermediate transfer belt 21 and the transfer roller 23a. Each registration roller 27 for starting the conveyance of the paper, each conveyance roller 28 for urging the conveyance of the recording paper, each paper discharge roller 25, and the like are arranged.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the document reading device 2 and the document conveying device 3 mounted on the upper part of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The document conveying device 3 is pivotally supported on the back side of the document reading device 2, and the front portion thereof is raised and lowered to open and close the document conveying device 3. When the document conveying device 3 is opened, the document reading glass 31 and the document placing glass 32 of the document reading device 2 are opened, and the document can be placed on the document placing glass 32.

  In the document reading device 2, the first and second scanning units 33 and 34 are moved while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, and the document on the document placement glass 32 is illuminated by the light source 33 a of the first scanning unit 33. The reflected light from the document is guided to the imaging lens 36 by the mirrors 33 b and 34 b of the first and second scanning units 33 and 34, and the image of the document is placed on a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 37 by the imaging lens 36. Form an image. The CCD 37 repeatedly reads a document image in the main scanning direction, and outputs image data indicating the document image.

  The document reading device 2 can read not only a stationary document but also an image of the document conveyed by the document conveying device 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the first scanning unit 33 is moved to a reading position below the original reading glass 31, and the second scanning unit 34 is positioned in accordance with the position of the first scanning unit 33. Then, the document conveying device 3 starts conveying the document.

  In the document transport device 3, the document on the document tray 42 is pulled out by the pickup roller 41, the document is transported through the document transport path 43, and the document is passed between the document reading glass 31 and the opposing guide plate 46. The sheet is discharged from the sheet 47 to the sheet discharge tray 48.

  When the original is conveyed, the original is illuminated through the original reading glass 31 by the light source 33a of the first scanning section 33, and the reflected light from the original is reflected by the mirrors 33b and 34b of the first and second scanning sections 33 and 34. The light is reflected and guided to the imaging lens 36, the image of the original is imaged on the CCD 37 by the imaging lens 36, and the image of the original is read by the CCD 37.

  The original image read by the CCD 37 in this manner is output as an analog signal from the CCD 37, and the analog signal is A / D converted into a digital signal. The digital signal (image data) is subjected to various image processing and then input to the optical scanning device 11 of the process unit 4, and the process unit 4 prints an image indicated by the image data on a recording sheet.

On the other hand, the operation panel 7 is operated by a user to selectively operate the print function, the scanner function, the copy function, and the like of the image forming apparatus 1 and to select either a color image or a monochrome image. The

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the operation panel 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 7 includes a display unit 51 including a liquid crystal display device, a transparent touch panel 52 overlaid on the screen of the display unit 51, and the like. When any of the operation keys displayed on the screen of the display unit 51 is touched, the touch panel 52 detects the touched operation key. The touch panel 52 is, for example, a projection capacitive type, and can perform multi-point multi-touch.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus 1. In FIG. 4, the main control unit 61 drives and controls the document reading device 2, the document transport device 3, the process unit 4, the paper transport device 6, and the fixing device 17, and print functions in response to operations on the operation panel 7. A scanner function, a copy function, and the like are selectively operated.

  For example, when the operation of the scanner function is instructed by a touch operation on the touch panel 52 of the operation panel 7, the main control unit 61 causes the document reading device 2 to read an image of the document and obtains image data indicating the image of the document. Generated and stored in the image memory 62, read out image data indicating an image of the document from the image memory 62, and output the image data to an external storage device or an external terminal device (not shown) through the input / output unit 63. To do. When the operation of the print function is instructed by a touch operation on the touch panel 52 of the operation panel 7, the main control unit 61 reads out the image data from the image memory 62 and records the image indicated by the image data in the process unit 4. Print on paper. Further, when the operation of the copying function is instructed by a touch operation on the touch panel 52 of the operation panel 7, the main control unit 61 generates image data indicating an image of the document, stores the image data in the image memory 62, and indicates the image data. The image to be printed is printed on the recording paper by the process unit 4.

  By the way, the touch panel 52 overlaid on the screen of the display unit 51 of the operation panel 7 is of a projected capacitance type and detects a touch operation based on a slight change in the capacitance value. Misdetection of touch operation is likely to occur due to the influence of noise.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 has many noise sources that affect the touch panel 52. For example, as a noise generation source, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a motor 64 that drives the first and second scanning units 33 and 34 in the document reading device 2, a light source 33 a, a pickup roller 41 in the document conveying device 3, and Motor 65 for driving each discharge roller 47 and the like, motor 66 for driving each registration roller 27 and each conveyance roller 28 and the like in the paper conveyance device 6, a heater lamp 67 provided in the heating roller 18 of the fixing device 17, and a process Unit 4 (charging device 15 and motor) and the like exist.

  Since these noise sources have different noise levels and positions with respect to the touch panel 52, the degree of influence of noise on the touch panel 52 is different. Therefore, depending on which of the motors 64, 65, 66, the light source 33 a, the heater lamp 67, and the process unit 4 is operating, that is, depending on the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1, the degree of the influence of noise received by the touch panel 52 changes. To do.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the sensitivity of the touch panel 52 is adjusted according to the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1. In the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the influence of noise on the touch panel 52 is small, the sensitivity of the touch panel 52 is increased to improve the operability of the touch panel 52, and the influence of noise on the touch panel 52 is large.
In the operation state, the sensitivity of the touch panel 52 is lowered to suppress erroneous detection of the touch operation. Thereby, even when the image forming apparatus 1 is in operation, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the touch operation without impairing the operability of the touch panel 52. For example, even if the user operates the touch panel 52 to set the copy function of the image forming apparatus 1 while the print function or the scanner function is operating, erroneous detection of the touch operation does not occur. .

  Next, the sensitivity adjustment of the touch panel 52 according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5A is a graph schematically showing the capacitance value cx of the touch panel 52 in the X-axis direction, and FIG. 5B is a graph schematically showing the capacitance value cy of the touch panel 52 in the Y-axis direction. It is a graph shown in. As shown in the graph of FIG. 5A, when the touch operation position in the X-axis direction of the touch panel 52 is xp, the capacitance value cx increases at the touch operation position xp. Similarly, when the touch operation position in the Y-axis direction of the touch panel 52 is yp as shown in the graph of FIG. 5B, the capacitance value cy increases at the touch operation position yp. Therefore, for example, if a threshold value xs to be compared with the capacitance value cx in the X-axis direction is appropriately set, it is determined that a touch operation has been performed when the capacitance value cx is equal to or greater than the threshold value xs. Thus, the position where the capacitance value cx is maximized can be obtained as the touch operation position xp. Similarly, if a threshold value ys to be compared with the capacitance value cy in the Y-axis direction is appropriately set, it is determined that a touch operation has been performed when the capacitance value cy is equal to or greater than the threshold value ys, The position where the capacitance value cy is maximum can be obtained as the touch operation position yp.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 7 is provided with a panel control unit 53 in addition to the display unit 51 and the touch panel 52. The panel control unit 53 inputs the capacitance value cx in the X-axis direction of the touch panel 52 and compares it with the threshold value xs. When the capacitance value cx is equal to or greater than the threshold value xs, the position where the capacitance value cx is maximum. Is determined as the touch operation position xp, and similarly, the capacitance value cy in the Y-axis direction of the touch panel 52 is input and compared with the threshold value ys. When the capacitance value cy is equal to or greater than the threshold value ys, the capacitance value cy is The maximum position is obtained as the touch operation position yp.

  On the other hand, the main control unit 61 drives and controls the document reading device 2, the document transport device 3, the process unit 4, the paper transport device 6, and the fixing device 17, so that the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 can be determined. The panel control unit 53 is notified of the determined operation status of the image forming apparatus 1.

  When the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 is notified, the panel control unit 53 obtains the calibration values xx and yy corresponding to the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 and presets the calibration values xx and yy. Each threshold value xs, ys is set by adding to each reference threshold value xb, yb. That is, the threshold values xs and ys to be compared with the electrostatic capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 are set according to the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1. Thereby, the sensitivity of the touch panel 52 can be increased or decreased.

  Here, the panel control unit 53 refers to a calibration table Td stored in advance in a memory (not shown) built in the panel control unit 53, and sets each calibration value according to the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1. xx and yy are obtained.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a calibration table Td in which the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 is associated with the calibration values xx and yy. In this calibration table Td, the individual calibration value +15 for the light source 33 a of the document reading device 2, the individual calibration value +5 for the motor 64 of the document reading device 2, and the individual calibration for the motor 65 of the document conveying device 3. The value +8 is set to the heater lamp 6 of the fixing device 17.
An individual calibration value +10 is set for 7, an individual calibration value +4 is set for the motor 66 of the paper transport device 6, and an individual calibration value +12 is set for the process unit 4. The individual calibration values of these noise generation sources are set in advance according to the noise level of the noise generation source and the separation distance of the noise generation source from the touch panel 52, and the influence of noise on the touch panel 52 is large. Indeed, the individual calibration value is set larger. Further, the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 is classified into a first copying function, a second copying function, a printing function, a first scanner function, a second scanner function, and standby, and each function and standby is calibrated. Values xx and yy are set.

  In the first copying function, in order to read the image of the document placed on the document placement glass 32, the light source 33a and the motor 64 of the document reading device 2 are operated, and the motor 65 of the document conveying device 3 is stopped. In addition, the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17, the motor 66 of the paper transport device 6, and the process unit 4 are operated in order to print the image of the document on the recording paper. Accordingly, the sum of the individual calibration values +15, +5, +10, +4, and +12 of the light source 33a, the motor 64, the heater lamp 67, the motor 66, and the process unit 4 becomes +46, and the calibration values xx and yy are set to +46. Has been.

  In the second copying function, in order to read the image of the document being conveyed by the document conveying device 3, the motor 64 of the document reading device 2 is stopped and the light source 33 a of the document reading device 2 is operated. The motor 65 is operated, and the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17, the motor 66 of the paper transport device 6, and the process unit 4 are operated in order to print an image of a document on a recording paper. Accordingly, the sum of the individual calibration values +15, +8, +10, +4, and +12 of the light source 33a, the motor 65, the heater lamp 67, the motor 66, and the process unit 4 becomes +49, and the calibration values xx and yy are set to +49. Has been.

  In the print function, the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17, the motor 66 of the paper transport device 6, and the process unit 4 are operated in order to print an image on recording paper. Accordingly, the sum of the individual calibration values +10, +4, and +12 of the heater lamp 67, the motor 66, and the process unit 4 is +26, and the calibration values xx and yy are set to +26.

  In the first scanner function, the light source 33 a and the motor 64 of the document reading device 2 are operated in order to read an image of the document placed on the document placement glass 32. Therefore, the sum of the individual calibration values +15 and +5 of the light source 33a and the motor 64 is +20, and the calibration values xx and yy are set to +20.

  In the second scanner function, in order to read the image of the document being conveyed by the document conveying device 3, the motor 64 of the document reading device 2 is stopped, the light source 33 a of the document reading device 2 is operated, and the document conveying device 3. The motor 65 is operated. Therefore, the sum of the individual calibration values +15 and +8 of the light source 33a and the motor 65 is +23, and the calibration values xx and yy are set to +23.

  In standby, the light source 33a, the motors 64, 65, 66, and the process unit 4 are stopped, and the temperature of the heater lamp 67 is set low. For this reason, each calibration value xx, yy is set to 0.

  Thus, in the calibration table Td, the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined corresponding to the first copying function, the second copying function, the printing function, the first scanner function, the second scanner function, and standby, Respective calibration values xx and yy corresponding to the function and standby are set. Therefore, the calibration values xx and yy corresponding to the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 can be obtained with reference to the calibration table Td.

  The main control unit 61 controls the driving of the document reading device 2, the document transport device 3, the process unit 4, the paper transport device 6, and the fixing device 17, while the image forming apparatus 1 performs the first copying function, the second copying function, It is determined whether the print function, the first scanner function, the second scanner function, or the standby is present, and the determined function or standby is notified to the panel control unit 53.

  When notified of the function or standby, the panel control unit 53 refers to the calibration table Td to obtain each calibration value xx, yy corresponding to the function or standby, and sets each calibration value xx, yy in advance. The respective threshold values xs and ys are set by adding to the reference threshold values xb and yy, respectively, and when the capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 are equal to or higher than the threshold values xs and ys, the touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained. .

  FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the capacitance value cx, the reference threshold value xb, the threshold value xs, and the calibration value xx of the touch panel 52 in the X-axis direction. As shown in the graph of FIG. 7, at time points t <b> 0 to t <b> 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state, and the standby state is notified from the main control unit 61 to the panel control unit 53. The panel control unit 53 obtains the calibration value xx (= 0) corresponding to the standby from the calibration table Td, adds the calibration value xx to the reference threshold value xb, sets the threshold value xs (= xb), and When the capacitance value cx is equal to or greater than the threshold value xs, the touch operation position xp is obtained.

  Further, at the time t1 to t2, the second copying function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used, and the capacitance value cx of the touch panel 52 may increase to a reference threshold value xb or more due to the influence of noise. At this time, the second copying function is notified from the main control unit 61 to the panel control unit 53. The panel control unit 53 obtains the calibration value xx (= 49) corresponding to the second copying function from the calibration table Td, adds the calibration value xx to the reference threshold value xb, and sets the threshold value xs (= xb + 49). When the capacitance value cx of the touch panel 52 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value xs, the touch operation position xp is obtained.

  Further, at the time t2 to t3, the first scanner function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used, and the capacitance value cx of the touch panel 52 may increase to a reference threshold value xb or more due to the influence of noise. At this time, the first scanner function is notified from the main control unit 61 to the panel control unit 53. The panel control unit 53 obtains the calibration value xx (= 20) corresponding to the first scanner function from the calibration table Td, adds the calibration value xx to the reference threshold value xb, and sets the threshold value xs (= xb + 20). When the capacitance value cx of the touch panel 52 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value xs, the touch operation position xp is obtained.

  Further, after time t3, since the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state, the standby is notified from the main control unit 61 to the panel control unit 53. Therefore, the panel control unit 53 sets the threshold value xs (= xb) by adding the calibration value xx (= 0) corresponding to standby to the reference threshold value xb, and the capacitance value cx of the touch panel 52 is equal to or greater than the threshold value xs. Then, the touch operation position xp is obtained.

  Similarly, regarding the electrostatic capacitance value cy, the reference threshold value yb, the threshold value ys, and the calibration value yy in the Y-axis direction of the touch panel 52, the panel control is performed because the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state at the time points t0 to t1. The unit 53 receives the standby notification from the main control unit 61, obtains the calibration value yy (= 0) corresponding to the standby from the calibration table Td, adds the calibration value yy to the reference threshold value yb, and sets the threshold value ys (= When yb) is set and the capacitance value cy of the touch panel 52 is equal to or greater than the threshold value ys, the touch operation position yp is obtained.

In addition, since the second copying function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used from the time point t1 to t2, the panel control unit 53 receives a notification of the second copying function from the main control unit 61 and corresponds to the second copying function. The calibration value yy (= 49) to be obtained is obtained from the calibration table Td, the calibration value yy is added to the reference threshold value yb, the threshold value ys (= yb + 49) is set, and the capacitance value cy of the touch panel 52 is greater than or equal to the threshold value ys. Then, the touch operation position yp is obtained.

  Further, since the first scanner function of the image forming apparatus 1 is used at the time point t2 to t3, the panel control unit 53 receives the notification of the first scanner function and receives the calibration value yy (corresponding to the first scanner function). 20) is obtained from the calibration table Td, the calibration value yy is added to the reference threshold value yb, the threshold value ys (= yb + 20) is set, and when the capacitance value cy of the touch panel 52 is equal to or greater than the threshold value ys, the touch operation position Obtain yp.

  Furthermore, since the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state after time t3, the panel control unit 53 receives a standby notification, sets the threshold value ys to the reference threshold value yb (ys = yb), When the capacitance value cy exceeds the threshold value ys, the touch operation position yp is obtained.

  Next, the procedure for obtaining the threshold values xs and ys based on the calibration table Td will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the panel control unit 53 initializes the threshold values xs and ys to the reference threshold values xb and yb (step S101), and waits for a function notification from the main control unit 61 (step S102).

  At this time, if the function being operated is not notified from the main control unit 61 (“No” in step S102), the panel control unit 53 initially sets the thresholds xs and ys set to the reference thresholds xb and yb and the touch panel. The capacitance values cx and cy of 52 are compared, and when the capacitance values cx and cy are equal to or greater than the threshold values xs and ys, the touch operation positions xp and xy are obtained.

  When the function being operated is notified from the main control unit 61 (“Yes” in step S102), the panel control unit 53 obtains the calibration values xx and yy corresponding to the function being operated from the calibration table Td. Then, the calibration values xx and yy are added to the respective reference threshold values xb and yb (step S103), and the threshold values xs and ys are set (step S104). The panel control unit 53 holds the threshold values xs and ys set in step S104 and the capacitance values cx and cx of the touch panel 52, unless the operation of the function ends (“No” in step S105). When cy becomes equal to or greater than the threshold values xs and ys, the touch operation positions xp and xy are obtained.

  Further, when the panel control unit 53 is notified of the standby of the image forming apparatus 1 from the main control unit 61 when the operation of the function ends (“Yes” in step S105), the panel control unit 53 sets each threshold value xs and ys to each reference. It returns to threshold value xb, yb (step S101), and waits for the notification of the function from the main-control part 61 again (step S102). Alternatively, as the operation of the function ends, the panel control unit 53 transitions from the operation of the function to the operation of another function, and notifies the main control unit 61 of the other function that is in operation. Then, the process immediately proceeds from step S101, S102 to step S103, the calibration values xx, yy corresponding to the other functions in operation are obtained from the calibration table Td, and the calibration values xx, yy are set to the respective reference threshold values. It adds to xb and yb (step S103), and sets each threshold value xs and ys (step S104). Then, the panel control unit 53 compares the threshold values xs and ys with the capacitance values cx and cy to obtain the touch operation positions xp and xy.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the calibration values xx and yy corresponding to the operation status of the image forming apparatus 1 are obtained by referring to the calibration table Td, and the calibration values xx and yy are used as the reference values. The respective threshold values xs and ys are set by adding to the threshold values xb and yb, respectively, and the respective threshold values xs and ys are compared with the respective capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 to obtain the respective touch operation positions xp and yp. Therefore, even when the image forming apparatus 1 is in operation, erroneous detection of touch operation can be suppressed without impairing the operability of the touch panel 52.

Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 and includes an operation panel 7 as shown in FIG. However, not only the first copying function, the second copying function, the printing function, the first scanner function, the second scanner function, and the standby, but also by changing the calibration values xx and yy according to the operating conditions of each function, The threshold values xs and ys are obtained.

  For example, when the recording paper is plain paper or thin paper and when it is thick paper, the load applied to the motor 66 that drives each registration roller 27 and each conveyance roller 28 in the paper conveyance device 6 is different, and the recording paper is normal. The load applied to the motor 66 is larger when the paper is thick than the paper or thin paper, and the noise level of the motor 66 is increased. For this reason, when the recording paper is thick paper, it is preferable to increase the calibration values xx and yy.

  Alternatively, when the image printed on the recording paper is a monochrome image and when the image is a color image, the noise level of the process unit 4 is different, so that the color image is larger than when the image printed on the recording paper is a monochrome image. The noise level of the process unit 4 becomes higher when. For this reason, when the image is a color image, it is preferable to increase the calibration values xx and yy.

  In the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function, since the recording sheet is conveyed by the sheet conveying device 6, the calibration values xx and yy are increased when the recording sheet is a thick sheet. However, in the first scanner function and the second scanner function, since the recording sheet is not conveyed by the sheet conveying device 6, it is not necessary to increase the calibration values xx and yy.

  Similarly, in the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function, since a monochrome image or a color image is printed on a recording sheet, the calibration values xx and yy are increased when the color image is printed. However, since the first scanner function and the second scanner function do not print an image on the recording paper, it is not necessary to increase the calibration values xx and yy.

  That is, for the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function, if the recording condition is whether the recording sheet is a thick sheet and whether the monochrome image or the color image is printed on the recording sheet, these are the operating conditions. The operating conditions of the image forming apparatus 1 change depending on the operating conditions, and the degree of the influence of noise on the touch panel 52 changes depending on these operating conditions. For this reason, it is necessary to obtain the threshold values xs and ys by changing the calibration values xx and yy according to the operating conditions of the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function.

  Here, in order to change the calibration values xx and yy according to the operating conditions of the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function, a calibration table TdA as shown in FIG. It is stored in advance in a memory (not shown).

  In this calibration table TdA, the motor 66 of the paper transport device 6 has an individual calibration value +4 for the operating condition a that the recording paper is not thick and an individual calibration for the operating condition b that the recording paper is thick. Value +6 is set respectively.

  Also, an individual calibration value +10 is set for the operating condition c for printing a monochrome image on a recording sheet, and an individual calibration value +14 is set for the operating condition d for printing a color image on a recording sheet. .

  Further, the individual calibration value +15 for the light source 33 a of the document reading device 2, the individual calibration value +5 for the motor 64 of the document reading device 2, the individual calibration value +8 for the motor 65 of the document conveying device 3, and the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17. The individual calibration value +10 is set similarly to the calibration table Td shown in FIG.

  For the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function, there are four combinations of operating conditions a and c, operating conditions a and d, operating conditions b and c, and operating conditions b and d. Therefore, the calibration values xx and yy corresponding to each combination are set. For example, in the first copying function, each calibration value xx, yy corresponding to each operation condition a and c is set to the sum (= + 44) of each individual calibration value +15, +5, +10, +4, +10, and each operation. The calibration values xx and yy corresponding to the conditions a and d are set to the sum (+48) of the individual calibration values +15, +5, +10, +4, and +14, and the calibration values xx corresponding to the operation conditions b and c are set. , Yy are set to the sum (= + 46) of the individual calibration values +15, +5, +10, +6, +10, and the calibration values xx, yy corresponding to the operating conditions b and d are set to the individual calibration values +15, +5. , +10, +6, +14 (= + 50). The second copy function and the print function are set in the same manner as the first copy function.

  In such a configuration, the main control unit 61 controls the drive of the document reading device 2, the document transport device 3, the process unit 4, the paper transport device 6, and the fixing device 17, while the image forming apparatus 1 performs the first copying function. The second copying function, the printing function, the first scanner function, the second scanner function, and the standby operation state are determined, and the determined function or standby state is notified to the panel control unit 53.

  When the main control unit 61 determines that the operation state is one of the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function, the operating conditions a and c, the operating conditions a and d, One of the four combinations of operation conditions b and c and each of the operation conditions b and d is selected, and the combination of the selected operation conditions is notified to the panel control unit 53. Here, the operating condition a and the monochrome image that the recording paper is not a thick paper are set by default to the operating condition c that the recording paper is printed, and the operating condition b and the color image that the recording paper is a thick paper. Is set when an instruction is given by operating the operation panel 7. Therefore, based on the operating conditions of the default setting and the operating conditions instructed by the operation of the operation panel 7, the operating conditions a and c, the operating conditions a and d, the operating conditions b and c, and the operating conditions b and d are referred to. One of the four combinations is selected and notified to the panel control unit 53.

  When the panel control unit 53 is notified of the combination of any one of the first copying function, the second copying function, and the printing function and the operating condition, the panel control unit 53 refers to the calibration table TdA and notifies the notified function and operation. Each calibration value xx, yy corresponding to the combination of conditions is obtained, and each calibration value xx, yy is added to each preset reference threshold value xb, yb to set each threshold value xs, ys. When the capacitance values cx and cy are equal to or higher than the threshold values xs and ys, the touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained.

  When the panel control unit 53 is notified of any of the first scanner function, the second scanner function, and the standby, the calibration value corresponding to the notified function or standby is referred to the calibration table TdA. xx and yy are obtained, the calibration values xx and yy are added to the reference threshold values xb and yb, respectively, and the threshold values xs and ys are set. The capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 are set to the threshold values xs and ys, respectively. When ys or more is reached, the respective touch operation positions xp, yp are obtained.

  For example, when the standby is notified, the panel control unit 53 obtains each calibration value xx, yy (= + 0) corresponding to the standby from the calibration table TdA, and sets each calibration value xx, yy to each reference threshold value xb, yb. The respective threshold values xs, ys (= xb, yb) are set by adding the respective values, and when the capacitance values cx, cy of the touch panel 52 are equal to or higher than the threshold values xs, ys, the touch operation positions xp, yp are obtained. .

  Further, when notified of the first scanner function, the panel control unit 53 obtains each calibration value xx, yy (= + 20) corresponding to the first scanner function from the calibration table TdA, and obtains each calibration value xx, yy for each. When each threshold value xs, ys (= xb + 20, yb + 20) is set by adding to the reference threshold values xb, yb, respectively, and each capacitance value cx, cy of the touch panel 52 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold values xs, ys, each touch operation The positions xp and yp are obtained.

  Alternatively, when the panel control unit 53 is notified of the first copying function and the operation conditions b and c, the panel control unit 53 sets the calibration values xx and yy (= + 46) corresponding to the first copying function and the operation conditions b and c. Obtained from the calibration table TdA, adds each calibration value xx, yy to each reference threshold value xb, yb, sets each threshold value xs, ys (= xb + 46, yb + 46), and sets each capacitance value cx, When cy becomes greater than or equal to the threshold values xs and ys, the touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained.

  Further, when the panel control unit 53 is notified of the second copying function and the operation conditions a and d, the panel control unit 53 sets the calibration values xx and yy (= + 48) corresponding to the first copying function and the operation conditions b and c. Obtained from the calibration table TdA, adds each calibration value xx, yy to each reference threshold value xb, yb, sets each threshold value xs, ys (= xb + 48, yb + 48), and sets each capacitance value cx, When cy becomes greater than or equal to the threshold values xs and ys, the touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment refers to the calibration table TdA to obtain not only the function of the image forming apparatus 1 but also the calibration values xx and yy according to the operation conditions of the function. Since the threshold values xs and ys to be compared with the capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 are set more appropriately using the values xx and yy, even when the image forming apparatus 1 is in operation. In addition, erroneous detection of the touch operation can be suppressed without impairing the operability of the touch panel 52.

  Next, a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 of the third embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 and includes an operation panel 7 as shown in FIG. However, instead of changing the calibration values xx and yy according to the function and standby, the unit that generates noise during the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is determined at any time, and the determined unit is set. The threshold values xs and ys are set based on the individual calibration values.

  Therefore, a calibration table TdB as shown in FIG. 10 is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) built in the panel control unit 53. In this calibration table TdB, the individual calibration value +15 set for the document reading device 2, the individual calibration value +8 set for the motor 65 of the document conveying device 3, and the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17 are set. Individual calibration value +10, individual calibration value +4 set for the motor 66 of the paper transport device 6, individual calibration value +12 set for the process unit 4, and individual calibration value +0 set for standby Are set respectively. That is, the original reading device 2, the motor 65 of the original conveying device 3, the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17, the motor 66 of the paper conveying device 6, and the process unit 4, each noise generation source, or the image forming apparatus 1. Each individual calibration value is set for the standby state.

In such a configuration, the main control unit 61 drives and controls each unit of the document reading device 2, the document transport device 3, the process unit 4, the paper transport device 6, and the fixing device 17. It is possible to determine which of the generation sources is operating, and when determining at least one unit or noise generation source that is operating, notify the panel control unit 53 of the unit or noise generation source that is operating. . In addition, the main control unit 61
If it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state, the panel control unit 53 is notified of the standby.

  When notified of the operating unit, noise generation source, or standby, the panel control unit 53 is set for the operating unit, noise generation source, or standby with reference to the calibration table TdB. The individual calibration values are obtained, the respective calibration values xx and yy are obtained from the individual calibration values, and the respective calibration values xx and yy are added to the preset reference threshold values xb and yb, respectively. And the touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained when the capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 are equal to or greater than the threshold values xs and ys, respectively.

  For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in a standby state, the panel control unit 53 is notified of the standby, obtains an individual calibration value (= + 0) corresponding to the standby from the calibration table TdB, and determines the individual calibration value for each reference. Each threshold value xs, ys (= each reference threshold value xb, yb) is set by adding to the threshold values xb, yb, respectively, and when each capacitance value cx, cy of the touch panel 52 becomes equal to or greater than each threshold value xs, ys, The touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained.

  When the motor 66 of the paper transport device 6, the process unit 4, and the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17 are driven and controlled, the panel control unit 53 notifies the motor 66, the process unit 4, and the heater lamp 67. Then, the individual calibration values corresponding to the motor 66, the process unit 4, and the heater lamp 67 are obtained from the calibration table TdB, and the sum (= 26) of the individual calibration values is added to the reference threshold values xb and yb, respectively. , Threshold values xs, ys (= reference threshold values xb + 26, yb + 26) are set, and when the capacitance values cx, cy of the touch panel 52 are equal to or higher than the threshold values xs, ys, the touch operation positions xp, yp are obtained.

  Subsequently, if the process unit 4 is stopped and the drive control of the motor 66 of the sheet conveying device 6 and the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17 is continued, the panel control unit 53 switches the motor 66 and the heater lamp 67 on. The individual calibration values corresponding to the motor 66 and the heater lamp 67 are obtained from the calibration table TdB, and the sum (= 14) of the individual calibration values is added to the reference threshold values xb and yb, respectively. , Ys (= reference threshold values xb + 14, yb + 14), and when the capacitance values cx, cy of the touch panel 52 are equal to or greater than the threshold values xs, ys, the touch operation positions xp, yp are obtained.

  Further, if the motor 66 of the sheet conveying device 6 is stopped and the drive control of the heater lamp 67 of the fixing device 17 is continued, the panel control unit 53 is notified of the heater lamp 67 and the heater lamp 67 is notified. A corresponding individual calibration value is obtained from the calibration table TdB, and the individual calibration value (= 10) is added to each of the reference threshold values xb and yb to set each threshold value xs and ys (= each reference threshold value xb + 10 and yb + 10). When the capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 become equal to or higher than the threshold values xs and ys, the touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained.

  When only the document reading device 2 is driven and controlled, the panel control unit 53 is notified of the document reading device 2 and obtains an individual calibration value (= 15) corresponding to the document reading device 2 from the calibration table TdB. The individual calibration values are added to the respective reference threshold values xb and yb to set the respective threshold values xs and ys (= the respective reference threshold values xb + 15 and yb + 15), and the electrostatic capacitance values cx and cy of the touch panel 52 are When the threshold values xs and ys are reached, the touch operation positions xp and yp are obtained.

  As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, a unit that generates noise during operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is determined as needed, and each threshold value is determined based on the individual calibration value set for the determined unit. Since xs and ys are set more accurately, erroneous detection of the touch operation can be suppressed without impairing the operability of the touch panel 52 even when the image forming apparatus 1 is in operation.

  In each of the above embodiments, the threshold values xs and ys are set for the entire touch panel 52. However, the touch panel 52 is divided into a plurality of areas, and the threshold values xs and ys are set for each area. It doesn't matter. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the touch panel 52 is divided into an area 52a close to the image forming apparatus 1 and an area 52b farther than the area 52a, and the threshold value ys is set for each of the areas 52a and 52b. Since the area 52a is close to the image forming apparatus 1 and easily affected by noise, the threshold value ys is set by the same method as in any of the first to third embodiments. Further, since the region 52b is away from the image forming apparatus 1 and is not easily affected by noise, the threshold value ys is always set to be the same as the reference threshold value yb. 12A is a graph schematically showing the capacitance value cx and the threshold value xs of the touch panel 52 in the X-axis direction. FIG. 12B is a graph showing the capacitance value cy of the touch panel 52 in the Y-axis direction. 4 is a graph schematically showing a threshold value ys set for each of the regions 52a and 52b. As shown in FIG. 12A, the threshold value xs in the X-axis direction is always set to be the same as the reference threshold value xb in each of the regions 52a and 52b. Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, in the region 52a close to the image forming apparatus 1, the threshold value ys in the Y-axis direction is set to the reference threshold value yb + the calibration value yy, and in the region 52b far from the image forming apparatus 1. The threshold value ys in the Y-axis direction is always set to be the same as the reference threshold value yb. Thereby, erroneous detection of the touch operation is suppressed in the region 52a, and good operability is always maintained in the region 52b.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment and modification of this invention were described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Original reading apparatus 3 Original conveying apparatus 4 Process unit 5 Paper feed cassette 6 Paper conveying apparatus 7 Operation panel 11 Optical scanning apparatus 12 Developing apparatus 13 Photosensitive drum 14 Drum cleaning apparatus 15 Charging apparatus 51 Display section 52 Touch panel 53 Panel control unit 61 Main control unit 62 Image memory 63 Input / output units Td, TdA, TdB Calibration table

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus provided with a touch panel,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that adjusts sensitivity of the touch panel according to an operation state of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus has a plurality of functions,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the operation status corresponds to a function in operation among the functions. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
The function operates based on at least one of a plurality of operating conditions;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the operation status corresponds to an operation condition of the function when the function is in operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of units,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation status corresponds to an operating unit among the units. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the control unit adjusts the sensitivity of a partial area of the touch panel according to an operation state of the image forming apparatus.

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