JP2020126464A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve operability in an input device having a plurality of input modes.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: a device body having an image formation section capable of forming an image, an operation section capable of displaying information, and a control section for controlling the image formation section and the operation section; and an input device which has a key section having at least one hardware key and which can input information in the control section, separate from the operation section. The control section can execute and switch a numerical value input mode for assigning a function capable of inputting at least information on a numerical value to the key section and a voice guide input mode for assigning a function capable of inputting information on selection of a function displayed on the operation section to the key section, and executes an input mode at the start-up previously selected from the numerical value input mode and the voice guide input mode (step S13, S14) at a start-up of the device body (step S15 to S17).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which an input device having a hardware key can be externally connected.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been widely applied as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction machine having a plurality of functions of these. In such an image forming apparatus, in order for the user to input a numerical value such as the number of image formed or a facsimile number, or to input a process such as start or stop of the image forming process, for example, information is provided on the upper front side of the apparatus main body. An input device capable of displaying and inputting is provided. As such an input device, for example, a device including a touch panel on which an input key (software key) is displayed on a display screen and a hardware key such as a ten-key pad or a start key and a stop key is widely used. The hardware key is arranged, for example, adjacent to the touch panel.

In addition, an image forming apparatus having a function of audibly guiding function selection has been developed for users who have difficulty visually recognizing and touching software keys on a touch panel, such as visually impaired users. (See Patent Document 1). In this image forming apparatus, for example, by using a ten-key unit made up of hardware keys provided on the operation panel, the cursor on the touch panel is sequentially selected and moved, and the currently selected function is guided by voice. The user can select a desired function and execute it. The ten-key unit composed of hardware keys used in this image forming apparatus switches between two input modes, a numerical input mode for numerical input and a voice guide input mode for moving a cursor, by operating a switching key. Are available for use. That is, the input device has two input modes, a switchable numerical value input mode and a voice guide input mode.

JP, 2005-257973, A

However, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above may cause the following problems. For example, it is assumed that the numerical input mode is set as the input mode of the input device when the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus is activated with the power turned on. In this case, a user who uses the voice guide input mode must switch the input mode of the input device from the numerical input mode to the voice guide input mode. Conversely, if the voice guide input mode is set to start when the apparatus body of the image forming apparatus is activated with the power turned on, the user who uses the numeric input mode inputs from the voice guide input mode to the numeric input mode. You have to switch modes. That is, when either the numerical input mode or the voice guide input mode is fixed and set as the input mode of the input device when the main body of the image forming apparatus is started, the input mode on the side not set is used. The operability will be poor for users who do this.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving operability in an input device having a plurality of input modes.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes at least an apparatus main body having an image forming unit capable of forming an image, a display unit capable of displaying information, and a control unit controlling the image forming unit and the display unit. An input device capable of inputting information to the control unit in addition to the display unit, the control unit having a function capable of inputting at least information regarding numerical values. It is possible to execute by switching between a first input mode assigned to the key portion and a second input mode assigned to the key portion, which is capable of inputting information regarding selection of a function displayed on the display portion. A preselected start-up input mode of the first input mode and the second input mode is executed when the apparatus body is started.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve operability in an input device having a plurality of input modes.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a dedicated numeric keypad unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a dedicated numeric keypad unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a table showing the functions of each key in the dedicated numeric keypad unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment in the input mode. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a setting mode of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing a setting mode screen displayed on the panel surface when the setting mode of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is executed, where FIG. 7A is an initial state and FIG. (C) is when the voice guide input mode is selected. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for setting an input mode when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is started. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is started. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is activated.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the front side toward the image forming apparatus 1 is the front side F, the back side is the rear side B, the left side is L, the right side is R, and the upper side is U. The lower side is represented as D. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that the user is positioned from the front side F to the rear side B and performs various operations.

In this embodiment, a tandem type full color printer is described as an example of the image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to being installed in the tandem type image forming apparatus 1, and may be installed in an image forming apparatus of another system, and is not limited to being full color. It may be monochrome or monochrome. Alternatively, it can be implemented in various applications such as a printer, various printing machines, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction machines.

<Image forming device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, referred to as an apparatus main body) 10. The apparatus body 10 includes an image reading unit 20, a sheet feeding unit 21, an image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 2 ), a sheet discharging unit 23, a control unit 30 (see FIG. 2 ), an operation unit 50, Equipped with. A sheet as a recording material is one on which a toner image is formed, and specific examples thereof include plain paper, a resin sheet that is a substitute for plain paper, a thick paper, and a sheet for an overhead projector.

The image reading unit 20 is, for example, a flat bed scanner device, and is provided on the top of the device body 10. The image reading unit 20 includes a platen glass (not shown) as a document placing table, a light source (not shown) that irradiates a document placed on the platen glass with light, and an image sensor (not shown) that converts reflected light into a digital signal. And so on. The sheet feeding unit 21 is disposed in the lower portion of the apparatus main body 10 and includes sheet cassettes 21a and 21b that stack and store sheets such as recording sheets, and feeds the sheets to the image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 2). To send.

The image forming unit 22 is provided inside the apparatus main body 10, and has an image forming unit, a toner bottle, an intermediate transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, and a fixing device, each having a developing device (not shown) and a photosensitive drum as an image carrier. And so on. The image forming unit 22 can form an image on the sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 21 based on the image information from the control unit 30. The sheet discharge unit 23 includes a discharge tray 24 arranged on the downstream side of a discharge port (not shown) formed in the apparatus main body 10. The discharge tray 24 is a face-down tray and stacks the sheets discharged from the discharge port. The space between the image reading unit 20 and the discharge tray 24 constitutes the in-body space 11.

<Control part>
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 30 is configured by a computer, and includes, for example, a CPU 31, a RAM 32 that temporarily stores data, a ROM 33 that stores a program that controls each unit, and an HDD 34. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 has a system bus 30a and an image bus 30b, and the CPU 31, RAM 32, ROM 33, and HDD 34 are all connected to the system bus 30a. The CPU 31 is a processor that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 as a whole, and is the main body of the system controller. The CPU 31 performs, for example, image processing of image data to be image-formed and network control, outputs an image forming instruction to the image forming unit 22, and transmits/receives information to/from the operation unit 50 to perform the image forming process. Control.

The RAM 32 is a system work memory for the CPU 31 to operate, is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data, and functions as a main memory or a work area of the CPU 31. The RAM 32 stores setting information in the image forming apparatus 1 and job logs and operation logs when each process is performed. The ROM 33 stores an image formation control sequence for forming an image on a sheet. In the present embodiment, the ROM 33 is, for example, a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. The HDD 34 is a hard disk drive and stores system software, applications, image data, and the like.

The control unit 30 includes an operation unit input/output circuit (I/F) 35, a network input/output circuit (I/F) 36, a modem 37, an SRAM 38, an RTC 39, and an external unit which are all connected to the system bus 30a. It has an input/output circuit (I/F) 40 and an audio output section 49. The operation unit input/output circuit 35 transmits image data to the operation unit 50, which will be described later, and performs various communications from the operation unit 50, and also inputs information input by the user from the operation unit 50 to the CPU 31.

The network input/output circuit 36 is connected to the network 90 and inputs/outputs information. The modem 37 is connected to the public line 91, functions as a facsimile communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving facsimiles, and inputs and outputs information. As a result, the control unit 30 can communicate with another connected PC or server under the instruction of the CPU 31 via the network 90 by the network input/output circuit 36 or via the public line 91 by the modem 37. .. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 inputs and outputs image information and device information by connecting to the network 90 and the public line 91.

The SRAM 38 is a non-volatile storage medium that can operate at high speed. The RTC 39 is a real-time clock, and performs a process of continuously counting the current time even when the control unit 30 is powered off. The external input/output circuit 40 is a general-purpose input/output circuit such as a USB, and connects a general-purpose PC, a memory device, and a dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 described later via the USB standard USB connector 40 a and the USB port 12. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. The USB port 12 is, for example, a connector installed on a side surface or a front surface of an installation surface 13 (see FIG. 1) described later on which the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is installed in the apparatus body 10, a side surface of the operation unit 50, or the like. A dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 can be connected to the USB port 12. The voice output unit 49 can output a voice and is used, for example, in a voice guide input mode.

The control unit 30 has an image bus input/output circuit (I/F) 41. The image bus input/output circuit 41 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 30a and the image bus 30b that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data structure. The image bus 30b is composed of, for example, a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

The control unit 30 includes a device input/output circuit (I/F) 42, a RIP unit 43, a scanner image processing unit 44, a printer image processing unit 45, and a cryptographic processing unit 46, all of which are connected to the image bus 30b. , And a decoding processing unit 47. The device input/output circuit 42 connects the image reading unit 20 and the image forming unit 22 to the control unit 30 and performs synchronous and asynchronous conversion of image data. The RIP unit 43 is a raster image processor and develops PDL data into a bitmap image. The scanner image processing unit 44 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 45 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. The encryption processing unit 46 performs an encryption process on input data including image data. The decryption processing unit 47 performs a decryption process on encrypted data.

<Operation part>
Next, an example of a hardware configuration for controlling each software of the operation unit (display unit) 50 will be described. The operation unit 50 includes a microcomputer 51, a touch panel module 52, a data converter (Conv) 53, and a liquid crystal module 54. The liquid crystal module 54 and the touch panel module 52 stacked on the liquid crystal module 54 form a panel surface 57 (see FIG. 1). The operation unit 50 is connected to the control unit 30 by a serial bus 60 for communicating with the CPU 31 and a bus 61 for transferring data to be displayed on the liquid crystal module 54.

The microcomputer 51 is a microcomputer that controls the entire operation unit 50. In the microcomputer 51, a ROM storing a program for operating the microcomputer 51 is installed. The touch panel module 52 is arranged on the surface of the liquid crystal module 54, and when touched by the user, the touch panel module 52 notifies the microcomputer 51 of the position information of the touched portion via the touch panel communication bus 62. The operation unit 50 can display software keys on the liquid crystal module 54, and can input information by touching the touch panel module 52. That is, the software key displayed on the panel surface 57 is an input key for detecting the key input by touching each display portion. The touch panel module 52 includes a touch panel device and a touch panel device controller. As the touch panel device, any of a resistance film type, a capacitance type, and an optical type such as infrared ray may be applied.

The data converter 53 is a module that receives image data from the operation unit input/output circuit 35 of the control unit 30 via the bus 61 and converts the image data into a data format that the liquid crystal module 54 can receive. For example, data of a standard such as DisplayPort or HDMI (registered trademark) is received from the control unit 30, converted into a signal format of LVDS or CMOS level which can be received by the liquid crystal module 54, and the liquid crystal module 54 via the bus 63. To enter. Further, the data converter 53 is connected to the microcomputer 51 via the bus 64 and has a function of overwriting the image data sent from the control unit 30 with the image data generated by the microcomputer 51 at a predetermined position. ..

The liquid crystal module 54 is a module including an LCD and a backlight module, receives data from the data converter 53 via the bus 63, and transfers image data to the LCD at a predetermined timing. At this time, the backlight module emits light, so that the image data transferred to the LCD is displayed as a visible image. The brightness of the backlight is adjusted by operating the brightness adjusting switches 55 and 56 attached to the operation unit 50.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 50 is provided on the upper portion of the front panel 10 a of the apparatus body 10. The operation unit 50 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and is fixed to the apparatus body 10 with the panel surface 57 facing the upper side U. The shape of the operation unit 50 is not limited to the rectangular flat plate shape, and may be another shape. The direction of the panel surface 57 is not limited to the upper side U, and may be another direction, for example, the panel surface 57 may be provided so as to be tiltable in the vertical direction without being fixedly installed in the apparatus body 10. Good.

The right side R of the operation unit 50 is provided with an installation surface 13 facing the upper side U on the right side R of the front side F of the apparatus body 10 adjacent to the operation unit 50. A dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 and the like can be installed on the installation surface 13, and by installation, the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is arranged adjacent to the right side R of the operation unit 50 when viewed from the front side. A USB port 12 is provided on the right side R of the installation surface 13 on the exterior of the apparatus body 10. The user mounts an external device having a USB terminal such as a dedicated numeric keypad unit 70, an IC card reader, and a USB memory. USB connection is possible.

<Dedicated numeric keypad unit>
Next, the hardware configuration and operation of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70, which is an input device connected to the image forming apparatus 1, will be described. The dedicated ten-key unit 70 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 having at least one operation key (key unit) 100 and an operation unit 50 capable of inputting information, and is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 separately from the operation unit 50. Information can be input to the control unit 30. As an example of selectively using information input between the operation unit 50 and the dedicated ten-key unit 70, settings such as density and size relating to image formation are input from the operation unit 50, and the number of image formation and facsimile of the image formation are performed from the dedicated ten-key unit 70. Enter the number such as the destination number. In the present specification, the ten-key pad refers to ten numeric keys from 0 to 9, when twelve numeric keys with “*” and “#” added to the numeric keys, and arithmetic operations on the numeric keys. It is a concept including any of the cases where about 20 keys including children and “NumLock” are shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 has a housing 71, a top cover 72 provided on the top surface of the housing 71, and operation keys 100 provided on the top cover 72.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 includes a hardware key unit (hardware key) 80, a microcomputer 73, an internal bus 74, a connection cable (connection portion) 75, a USB connector 76, an LED 77, 78 and. In this embodiment, for example, the internal bus 74 is a USB bus, the connection cable 75 is a USB cable provided outside the housing 71, and the USB connector 76 is a USB terminal provided at the tip of the connection cable 75. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1 and the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 are electrically connected via the connection cable 75. In this embodiment, the connection cable 75 is connected to the connector fixed to the board and cannot be removed from the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70. However, the attachment structure of the connection cable 75 to the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not limited to this. For example, the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is provided with a USB port connected to the internal bus 74, and a USB cable is connected to this USB port. You may make it connect so that attachment or detachment is possible. Alternatively, a USB cable may be provided from the image forming apparatus 1 side, and the terminal of the USB cable may be detachably connected to the USB port connected to the internal bus 74 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70.

The hardware key unit 80 has a plurality of hardware keys. In this embodiment, the tactile switch 81 is applied as an example of a hardware key. The microcomputer 73 detects, for example, an input from the hardware key unit 80, controls the lighting of the plurality of LEDs 77, 78, and USB communication with the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the external input/output circuit 40 (see FIG. 2). And can be executed. The USB connector 76 is connected to the external input/output circuit 40 via the USB port 12 provided on the side surface of the apparatus body 10 and the USB connector 40a (see FIG. 2). As a result, the microcomputer 73 and the control unit 30 are USB-connected via the connection cable 75, and can communicate with each other using the USB HID protocol.

When the tactile switch 81 is pushed down by the user, the microcomputer 73 specifies the pushed tactile switch 81 and generates a predetermined code. The microcomputer 73 transmits the generated key code to the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the internal bus 74 and the connection cable 75. The CPU 31 performs processing according to the input key.

Next, the arrangement of the operation keys 100 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation keys 100 roughly include, as hardware keys, a ten-key portion 110, an operation key portion 130, and a setting key portion 140.

The ten-key unit 110 is a numerical key unit having a plurality of hardware keys capable of inputting at least information regarding numerical values. In the present embodiment, the numeric keypad unit 110 has numerical keys 111 to 120 for inputting numerical values from 0 to 9, a key 121 for inputting “*”, and a key 122 for inputting “#”. .. By operating the numeric keys 111 to 120, the number of copies, the telephone number of a facsimile, and the like can be input. Numerical keys 112, 114, 115, 116, 118 of the numeric keypad 110 are designated to move to change the selection target by moving the cursor displayed on the panel surface 57 in the voice guide input mode, as described later. The role of the key is also assigned. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the numeric keys 112, 114, 116, 118 are additionally marked with arrows indicating the moving direction, and the numeric key 115 indicates the home position other than the numeric value. A return symbol "○" is also shown.

Here, the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 of the present embodiment is a dedicated numeric keypad unit of the image forming apparatus 1 designed as one of the options of the image forming apparatus 1. The purpose of the dedicated ten-key unit 70 is, for example, mainly for inputting a destination number (FAX number) when transmitting by facsimile. The dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is designed mainly for inputting a destination number for facsimile transmission, and therefore the numeric keypad unit 110 has the same arrangement as that of a telephone. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in the numeric keypad 110, the numerical keys 111 to 119 of 1 to 9 have the rearmost B 1 to 3, the front F 4 to 6, and the front F 7 to 9. Are arranged adjacent to each other. Further, a 0 numeric key 120 is arranged on the front side F of the 8 numeric key 118, and * keys 121 and # keys 122 are arranged on the left and right sides thereof.

In other words, with respect to the ten hardware keys 0 to 9, the rows of the hardware keys 1, 2, and 3 are arranged at the innermost position, and the rows of 5, 5, and 6 are located on the front side of the rows of 1, 2, and 3. The hardware key row of is placed. Further, the rows of hardware keys 7, 8, 9 are arranged on the front side of the rows of hardware keys 4, 5, 6. Then, the hardware key of 0 is arranged in front of the rows of the hardware keys of 7, 8, and 9. When these hardware keys 0 to 9 are viewed in columns, the hardware key columns 1, 4, 7 from the left, the hardware key columns 2, 5, 8, 0, 3, 6, 9 from the left. The hardware keys are arranged in the order of columns. The 0 hardware key is arranged in the 1, 4, 7 hardware key row or the 3, 6, 9 hardware key row, and the arrangement of the * and # keys is changed as appropriate. May be. Further, in this dedicated ten-key unit 70, the calculator input is not the main purpose, and therefore four arithmetic operator keys such as + and-are not provided. As described above, the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not designed for the purpose of connecting to a PC, and therefore has a different key layout from a general-purpose numeric keypad unit that can be connected to an unspecified PC or the like.

Here, the key arrangement of the general-purpose numeric keypad unit is mainly the same as that of the calculator. That is, in the general-purpose numeric keypad unit, the rows of the hardware keys of 7, 8 and 9 are arranged at the innermost position with respect to the 10 hardware keys of 0 to 9 and the rows of the hardware keys of 7, 8 and 9 are located in front of the rows of 7, 8 and 9. , 5 and 6 hardware key rows are arranged. Further, the rows of hardware keys 1, 2, 3 are arranged on the front side of the rows of hardware keys 4, 5, 6. The hardware keys 0 and 00 are arranged on the front side of the rows of the hardware keys 1, 2, and 3. Also, looking at these hardware keys 1 to 9 in rows, the hardware key rows 1, 4, 7 from the left, the hardware key rows 2, 5, 8 and the hardware keys 3, 6, 9 from the left. They are arranged in the order of wear key columns. The hardware keys of 0 and 00 are arranged across the rows of hardware keys of 1, 4, 7 and the rows of hardware keys of 2, 5, 8 or are arranged in the same row of 1, 4, 7. ing. Further, four arithmetic operator keys, function key portions, etc. are arranged on the right side and the rear side of the numerical keys. As described above, the numeric keypad unit 70 and the general-purpose numeric keypad unit are different from each other in the arrangement of the numerical keys and the function keys provided.

The operation key unit 130 has a start key 131, a stop key 132, a reset key 133, and a clear key 134, all of which are arranged on the front side F of the ten-key unit 110. The start key 131 is a hardware key having a function of inputting information for starting a predetermined process. The predetermined process here is, for example, a copy process of the image forming apparatus 1, a facsimile transmission process, or the like, and these processes can be started by pressing the start key 131. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 maintains a function of inputting information for starting a predetermined process of the start key 131 during execution of both the numerical value input mode and the voice guide input mode. In the present embodiment, the start key 131 is also a confirmation key for confirming the key input in the numerical value input mode and the voice guide input mode described later.

In the present embodiment, the setting key unit 140 has three keys, a first setting key 141, a second setting key 142, and an input mode switching key 143, all of which are information for setting a predetermined mode of the image forming apparatus 1. It consists of a hardware key that can be input. Each of the setting keys 141 to 143 is arranged on the rear side (back side) B of the ten-key portion 110 when the housing 71 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Each of the setting keys 141 to 143 is a key for setting a predetermined mode or function of the image forming apparatus 1, and can input information regarding a predetermined process.

In the present embodiment, the input mode switching key 143 is provided so as to be capable of switching between the numerical value input mode (first input mode) and the voice guide input mode (second input mode). The input mode switching key 143 is made of a transparent plastic member, and an LED 78 is provided inside the housing 71 facing the input mode switching key 143. The control unit 30 turns on the LED 78 in the voice guide input mode, and turns off the LED 78 in the numerical value input key mode, for example. Therefore, whether the LED 78 is on or off can be recognized by the user through the input mode switching key 143. As a result, the LED 78 functions as an input mode indicator, and the user can see whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in the voice guide input mode or the numerical value input mode without looking at the operation section 50 by looking at the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70. It can be confirmed and the operability can be improved.

<Processing procedure in setting mode>
Next, the processing procedure in the setting mode will be described using the setting mode screen shown in FIG. 7 along with the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 can execute by switching between the numerical value input mode and the voice guide input mode, and the preselected start-up input mode of the numerical value input mode and the voice guide input mode can be selected. Execute at startup. The numerical value input mode is a mode in which at least a function capable of inputting information regarding a numerical value is assigned to the operation keys 100. The voice-guided input mode is a mode in which a voice guides the user to select a function, and is a mode in which a function capable of inputting information regarding the function selection displayed on the panel surface 57 is assigned to the operation key 100. In the voice guide input mode, the control unit 30 assigns the function of moving the cursor for selecting the function displayed on the operation unit 50 to the ten-key unit 110, and outputs the voice related to the function selected by the cursor to the voice output unit 49. Output from. The control unit 30 sets the startup input mode in the setting mode.

When the main power source of the image forming apparatus 1 is on, the control unit 30 determines whether or not there is a request to start the setting mode (step S1). The case where there is a request to start the setting mode here is, for example, when the setting mode is called by the operation of the operation unit 50. Alternatively, for example, when the apparatus main body 10 is started or the image forming job is finished in a state where the input mode set to the operation key 100 when the apparatus main body 10 is started is not set.

When the control unit 30 determines that there is no request to start the setting mode (NO in step S1), the process ends without starting the setting mode. When determining that there is a request to start the setting mode (YES in step S1), the control unit 30 displays the setting mode screen 150 on the panel surface 57 (step S2) and starts the setting mode. As shown in FIG. 7A, the setting mode screen 150 displays selectable mode names, here, for example, a “numerical value input mode” display 151 and a “voice guide input mode” display 152. The setting mode screen 150 also displays an “OK” key 153 for confirming the selected input mode and a “cancel” key 154 for canceling the setting mode. The state shown in FIG. 7A is an initial state in which neither input mode has been selected yet. Further, the control unit 30 displays the numerical value input mode and the voice guide input mode in the setting mode screen 150, and also displays a message prompting selection and setting of the startup input mode in the setting mode.

The user selects one of the input mode displays 151 and 152 from the next start-up of the apparatus main body 10 to the start-up input mode of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 set at the start-up. For example, the user touches and selects the “numerical value input mode” display 151 by operating the panel surface 57 to display a frame 155 indicating the currently selected input mode as shown in FIG. 7B. To confirm, touch the “OK” key 153 to confirm. Alternatively, the user touches and selects the “voice guide input mode” display 152 by operating the panel surface 57, and as shown in FIG. 7C, displays a frame 155 indicating the currently selected input mode. To confirm, touch the “OK” key 153 to confirm.

The control unit 30 determines whether the setting mode has been canceled (step S3). The control unit 30 determines whether or not the setting mode has been canceled based on whether or not the “cancel” key 154 has been touched. When the control unit 30 determines that the setting mode has been canceled (YES in step S3), the processing of the setting mode ends. When determining that the setting mode has not been canceled (NO in step S3), the control unit 30 determines whether or not the selection of the startup input mode has been confirmed (step S4). The control unit 30 determines whether or not the selection of the input mode at startup is confirmed by whether or not the “OK” key 153 is touched.

When the control unit 30 determines that the selection of the startup input mode is not confirmed (NO in step S4), the control unit 30 determines again whether or not the setting mode has been canceled (step S3). When the control unit 30 determines that the selection of the startup input mode is confirmed (YES in step S4), the confirmed startup input mode is stored in the memory such as the RAM 32 or the HDD 34 (step S5), and the setting mode is set. The process ends.

<Processing procedure of input mode setting at startup>
Next, a processing procedure for setting the input mode when the image forming apparatus 1 is activated will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that, here, the input mode setting is executed when the apparatus body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 is started. On the other hand, for example, when returning from the sleep state, the input mode setting is not executed, and the input mode takes over the input mode immediately before entering the sleep state. This can prevent the input mode from being reset each time the sleep mode is entered.

When the main power source of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from the off state to the on state and the apparatus body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 is activated (step S10), the control unit 30 connects the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 to the USB port 12. It is determined whether or not (step S11). The control unit 30 determines whether the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected to the USB port 12 based on device attributes acquired from the connected USB device, such as device class information, vendor ID information, and product ID information. to decide. When the control unit 30 determines that the dedicated ten-key unit 70 is not connected to the USB port 12 (NO in step S11), the process ends. After that, the control unit 30 periodically confirms the connection of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 by the internal timer of the CPU 31. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 in which the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected and fixedly installed is described. Therefore, it is determined that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected to the USB port 12 except when an unexpected situation such as a failure or disconnection of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 occurs.

When determining that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected to the USB port 12 (YES in step S11), the control unit 30 reads out the startup input mode stored in the memory such as the RAM 32 or the HDD 34 (step S12). The control unit 30 determines whether or not the startup input mode has been set (step S13). When the control unit 30 determines that the startup input mode has not been set (NO in step S13), it determines that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected for the first time, and executes the setting mode shown in FIG. 7 (step S13). S14). That is, the control unit 30 sets the setting mode for setting either the numerical value input mode or the voice guide input mode as the startup input mode when the apparatus body 10 is started in the state where the startup input mode is not set. It is feasible. Note that the control unit 30 sets a setting mode for setting either the numerical input mode or the voice guide input mode as the startup input mode when the image forming job is completed in the state where the startup input mode is not set. It may be executable.

When the control unit 30 determines that the startup input mode has been set (YES in step S13) or after executing the setting mode illustrated in FIG. 7 (step S14), the read startup input mode is numerically input. It is determined whether or not the mode is set (step S15). When the control unit 30 determines that the read start-up input mode is the numerical input mode (YES in step S15), it corresponds to the output code of the operation key 100 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 and the numerical value (see FIG. 5). ) Is assigned to the input function (step S16). On the other hand, when the control unit 30 determines that the read startup input mode is not the numerical input mode (NO in step S15), it determines that the startup input mode is the voice guidance input mode. Then, the control unit 30 allocates a function for inputting a function such as cursor movement (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the output code of the operation key 100 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 (step S17).

When the operation allocation of each input mode is completed (steps S16 and S17), the control unit 30 displays the set input mode using the LED 78 (step S18), and ends the process of setting the input mode at startup. .. Here, for example, the control unit 30 turns off the LED 78 in the numerical value input mode, and turns on the LED 78 in the voice guide input mode.

<Processing procedure of input mode switching after startup>
Next, a processing procedure for switching the input mode after the image forming apparatus 1 is activated will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The control unit 30 determines whether or not the input mode switching key 143 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 has been turned on, that is, whether or not the input numeric keypad unit 143 has been pressed down while the image forming apparatus 1 is being activated (step S20). ). The control unit 30 regularly executes the process of switching the input mode by the timer process of the CPU 31, so that the result of pressing down the input mode switching key 143 is reflected at any time. When the control unit 30 determines that the input mode switching key 143 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not turned on (NO in step S20), the process ends.

When the control unit 30 determines that the input mode switching key 143 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 has been turned on (YES in step S20), the control unit 30 determines whether the current input mode is the numerical value input mode. Is determined (step S21). When it is determined that the current input mode is the numerical input mode (YES in step S21), the control unit 30 switches the input mode to the voice guide input mode. Therefore, the control unit 30 assigns a function for inputting a function such as cursor movement (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the output code of the operation key 100 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 (step S22). On the other hand, when determining that the current input mode is not the numerical input mode (NO in step S21), the control unit 30 switches the input mode to the numerical input mode. Therefore, the control unit 30 assigns a function for inputting a numerical value (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the output code of the operation key 100 of the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 (step S23). When the operation allocation of each input mode is completed (steps S22 and S23), the control unit 30 displays the changed input mode using the LED 78 (step S24), and finishes the process of setting the input mode at the time of startup. To do. Here, for example, the control unit 30 turns off the LED 78 in the numerical value input mode, and turns on the LED 78 in the voice guide input mode.

It should be noted that the user can return the switched input mode to the startup input mode by pressing the input mode switching key 143 again. Alternatively, the clock timer in the CPU 31 may automatically return to the startup input mode after a certain period of time. Further, here, the input mode is switched by operating the input mode switching key 143, but the input mode at startup is not switched only by this operation. Therefore, even if the input mode switching key 143 is operated to switch the input mode different from the startup input mode, the startup input mode is automatically set as the input mode when the power is turned off and the next startup is performed. Is set to.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 30 can set the startup input mode in the setting mode. Thereby, the control unit 30 can execute a preselected start-up input mode of the numerical value input mode and the voice guide input mode when the apparatus body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 is started. Therefore, for example, a user who uses the voice-guided input mode from the time of starting the apparatus body 10 sets the voice-guided input mode as the start-up input mode, so that the user can use the voice-guided input mode from the numerical input mode for each start-up. There is no need to switch the input mode to. Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the apparatus main body 10 is activated, it is possible to suppress deterioration in operability due to the fixed input mode of the external dedicated numeric keypad unit 70.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 30 sets the setting when the apparatus main body 10 is started or when the image forming job is finished in a state where the start input mode is not set. Mode can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to execute the setting mode.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the input mode is switched by the operation of the input mode switching key 143. However, only this operation maintains the input mode at the time of starting and does not switch. Therefore, when the apparatus body 10 is activated, it is possible to prevent the operability from being lowered due to the input mode being changed more than necessary.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the startup input mode is set without connecting the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70. However, other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is activated, the control unit 30 reads out the activation input mode stored in the memory such as the RAM 32 or the HDD 34 (step S30). The control unit 30 determines whether the startup input mode has been set (step S31). When the control unit 30 determines that the startup input mode has not been set (NO in step S31), the control unit 30 determines whether the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected to the USB port 12 (step S32). When determining that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected (YES in step S32), the control unit 30 determines that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected for the first time and executes the setting mode shown in FIG. In step S33), the process ends. When the control unit 30 determines that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not connected (NO in step S32), the control unit 30 ends the process without executing the setting mode shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the control unit 30 determines that the startup input mode has been set (YES in step S31), the control unit 30 determines whether the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected to the USB port 12 (step S34). .. When the control unit 30 determines that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is connected (YES in step S34), the control unit 30 executes the input mode setting process at startup shown in FIG. 8 (step S35), and ends the process. .. In addition, when the control unit 30 determines that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not connected (NO in step S34), the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not connected although the startup input mode is set. To judge. In this case, a warning that the ten keys are not connected is displayed on the panel surface 57 (step S36). At this time, if a voice guide kit capable of voice output is installed, a warning may be issued by voice. That is, the control unit 30 indicates that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not connected to the apparatus body 10 when the startup input mode is set and the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not connected to the apparatus body 10. A warning is displayed on the panel surface 57. Further, the control unit 30 ends the process after the warning.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 30 issues a warning when the dedicated ten-key unit 70 is not connected although the startup input mode is set. Notify the user. Therefore, the user can recognize that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not connected, and know that the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is not connected due to a failure or disconnection even if the user intends to connect it. be able to.

<Other Embodiments>
In each of the above-described embodiments, the input mode has been described as switching between the numerical input mode and the voice guide input mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another special function selection key function or the like may be assigned as the input mode.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the switch using the tactile switch that is turned on only while being pressed is applied as the input mode switching key 143, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switch that maintains the on state by one operation and turns off by another operation may be applied.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is externally attached to the image forming apparatus 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and is also applied to a numeric keypad integrally formed in the image forming apparatus 1. can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Image forming device, 10... Device body, 22... Image forming part, 30... Control part, 49... Audio output part, 50... Operation part (display part), 70... Dedicated ten-key unit (input device), 71... Casing Body, 75... Connection cable (connection part), 80... Hardware key unit (hardware key), 100... Operation key (key part), 110... Numeric key part (numeric key part), 131... Start key, 143... Input Mode switching key.

Claims (11)

An apparatus main body having an image forming unit capable of forming an image, a display unit capable of displaying information, and a control unit controlling the image forming unit and the display unit,
An input device capable of inputting information to the control unit in addition to the display unit, the key unit having at least one hardware key;
The control unit allocates to the key unit a first input mode in which at least a function capable of inputting information regarding a numerical value is assigned to the key unit, and a function capable of inputting information regarding selection of a function displayed on the display unit. A second input mode can be switched and executed, and a preselected start-up input mode of the first input mode and the second input mode is executed when the apparatus main body is started.
An image forming apparatus characterized by the above. An input mode switching key capable of switching between the first input mode and the second input mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The input mode switching key is provided in the input device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The control unit maintains the startup input mode even when the input mode is switched by the input mode switching key,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The key unit is a numerical key unit consisting of at least a hardware key capable of inputting information regarding numerical values,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The control unit selects either the first input mode or the second input mode when the apparatus main body is started up or the image forming job is ended in a state where the startup input mode is not set. It is possible to execute a setting mode in which or is set as the startup input mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. In the setting mode, the control unit displays the first input mode and the second input mode on the display unit, and also displays a message prompting selection and setting of the startup input mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein. If the input unit at startup is set and the input device is not connected to the device body, the control unit displays the display unit indicating that the input device is not connected to the device body. To display,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The input device has a start key consisting of a hardware key having a function of inputting information for starting a predetermined process,
The control unit maintains the function of the start key during execution of both the first input mode and the second input mode,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The apparatus body has a voice output unit capable of outputting voice,
In the second input mode, the control unit assigns a function of moving a cursor for selecting a function displayed on the display unit to the key unit, and outputs a voice related to the function selected by the cursor. Output from the voice output unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The input device includes a housing attached to the apparatus main body, and a connection unit provided in the housing and electrically connectable to the apparatus main body.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.

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