JP2021082924A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image formation device capable of suppressing malfunction due to contact with a software key unintended by a user when an opening/closing member that opens/closes a platen is in the open state.SOLUTION: In an image formation device, when a document transport unit is in the close state (NO in S4), and an assigned function is executed by one contact with a start key (S7). On the other hand, when the document transport unit is open (YES in S4), and when second contact is made within a predetermined time from the first contact with the start key, the assigned function is executed (YES in S6), and the assigned function is not executed when the second contact is not made within the predetermined time (NO in S6). As a result, in a case in which the document transport unit is in the open state, various functions can be executed when a user intentionally touches the start key, and thus malfunction due to contact with the start key that the user does not intend can be suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile or a multifunction device provided with a touch operation panel.

Recently, in order to improve the operability of the user, it is equipped with a touch operation panel that prints photos and documents or reads documents in response to the user's touch operation on the software keys displayed on the screen. An image forming apparatus is used. The touch operation panel includes a display for displaying various screens such as a copy screen, and a touch panel unit for detecting a position on the display touched by the user (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-19430

By the way, in the case of an image forming apparatus provided with a touch operation panel, the user may unintentionally touch the software key. For example, in order to copy a document, when the user sets the document with the open / close cover that opens and closes the platen open, the sleeve of the clothes worn by the user indicates the start of copying (so-called start). It may come into contact with the key). At that time, this was erroneously detected as a touch operation by the user, and even though the original was not set at an appropriate position, it was sometimes copied and wastedly printed on the recording material. Therefore, when the opening / closing cover for opening / closing the platen is in the open state, it is desired to prevent unnecessary operation (called a malfunction) due to contact with a software key that is not intended by the user. There is.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing a malfunction due to contact with a software key that the user does not intend when the opening / closing cover for opening / closing the platen is in the open state. ..

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material, and has a platen on which a document can be placed and an image on the document placed on the platen. A document reading means for reading, an opening / closing member that can move to a closed position that covers the document table and an open position that exposes the document table, an opening / closing detecting means that detects an opening / closing state of the opening / closing member, and an opening / closing detecting means according to a touch operation A display unit capable of displaying a screen having a software key for instructing the start of scanning an image by the document scanning means, a touch panel unit for detecting contact with the screen displayed on the display unit, and a display unit of the screen. When the opening / closing member is in the closed position, the image is started to be read by the document reading means by detecting one contact with the software key, and the opening / closing member is in the open position and is read by the document reading means. When the size of the document is set, the control means for starting the reading of the image by the document reading means by performing the second contact detection within a predetermined time from the first contact detection with the software key. It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, when the opening / closing member that opens / closes the platen is in the open state, it is possible to easily suppress malfunction due to contact with a software key that is not intended by the user.

The schematic diagram which shows the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. The perspective view which shows the vicinity of the operation part. The control block diagram for explaining the control part. Control block diagram of the operation unit. The figure explaining the touch panel part and the touch panel control circuit. The figure which shows the initial screen. The figure which shows the copy screen. The figure which shows the size setting screen. The figure which shows the print screen. The figure which shows the scan screen. The figure which shows the destination setting screen. A flowchart showing the main process.

<Image forming device>
The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, a tandem full-color printer will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 can be implemented in various applications such as a printer, various printing machines, a copying machine, a fax machine, and a multifunction device. The present embodiment is not limited to the tandem type image forming apparatus 1, and can be applied to other types of image forming apparatus. Further, it can be applied not only to a full-color image forming apparatus but also to a monochrome or monocolor image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 100 as a control means, a document reading unit 200, an image forming unit 300, and an operation unit 400. As will be described later, the control unit 100 controls the document reading unit 200, the image forming unit 300, the operation unit 400, and the like (see FIG. 3). The document scanning unit 200 as the document scanning means is, for example, a flatbed scanner apparatus, which is provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body 1A. The document scanning unit 200 can continuously convey a plurality of documents to the document table 600, the document table 600 on which the document can be placed, the image reading unit 201 for reading the image on the document placed on the document table 600, and the document table 600. It has a document transport unit 202 (Auto Document Feeder).

The document transporting unit 202, which is both an opening / closing member and a transporting means, is movably provided at a closed position of the image reading unit 201 covering the document table 600 and an open position for exposing the document table 600. When the image of the original is read by the image reading unit 201, the user lifts the document conveying unit 202 to move it to the open position, sets the original on the platen 600, and then lowers the document conveying unit 202 to return it to the closed position. At this time, the document placed on the platen 600 is pressed by the pressure plate portion (not shown) provided in the document transport unit 202, and the image is read by the image reading unit 201, for example, in response to the start of copying. .. The open / closed state of the document transport unit 202 is detected by the open / close sensor 206 as the open / close detecting means. Further, the document scanning unit 200 is provided with a document detection sensor 207 as a document detecting means for detecting that the document is placed on the document table 600 and the size of the document placed on the document table 600. ing. However, the document detection sensor 207 can automatically detect the document size when the document transport unit 202 is in the closed state.

On the other hand, the documents placed on the tray 203 are conveyed one by one to the image reading position of the image reading unit 201 by the document conveying unit 202 at the start of copying, for example, and the images are read. The document transport unit 202 is provided with a tray detection sensor 204 for detecting that a document is placed on the tray 203 and the size of the document placed on the tray 203. However, the tray detection sensor 204 can automatically detect the document size when the document transport unit 202 is in the closed state. The image of the original document read by the image reading unit 201 is sent to the control unit 100 as image data and stored.

In the case of the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has an image forming unit 300 as an image forming means for forming an image on the recording material S in the apparatus main body 1A. Examples of the recording material S include various types of sheet materials such as plain paper, thick paper, rough paper, uneven paper, coated paper, glossy paper, paper such as photographic paper, plastic film, and cloth.

The image forming unit 300 will be specifically described. The image forming unit 300 includes image forming units PY, PM, PC, and PK capable of forming yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images. The image forming portions PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged along the circumferential direction of the intermediate transfer belt 145. These image forming units PY, PM, PC, and PK are configured in substantially the same manner except that the colors of the toners used are different from yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Therefore, in the following, the yellow image forming unit PY will be described as a representative, and the other image forming units PM, PC, and PK will be omitted. Therefore, in FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, only the image forming unit PY is designated with a reference numeral.

The image forming unit PY is mainly composed of a photosensitive drum 141, a charging device 142, an exposure device 143, a developing device 144, and the like. The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 141 is uniformly charged in advance by the charging device 142, and then an electrostatic latent image is formed by the exposure device 143 driven based on the image data. Next, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 141 is developed into a toner image by the developing device 144 using a developing agent. Then, in response to the application of the primary transfer voltage to the primary transfer roller 146 arranged so as to sandwich the image forming unit PY and the intermediate transfer belt 145, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 141 is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 145. Primary transcription on top.

The intermediate transfer belt 145 is stretched by a secondary transfer inner roller 131, a secondary transfer outer roller 132, and a tension roller 133. The secondary transfer outer roller 132 is arranged at a position opposite to the secondary transfer inner roller 131 with the intermediate transfer belt 145 sandwiched between them, and the secondary transfer for secondary transfer of the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 145 to the recording material S is performed. The nip portion T2 is formed.

A paper cassette 111 on which the recording material S is placed is arranged below the image forming apparatus 1. The recording material S is supplied to the transport path 160 one by one from the paper feed cassette 111 by the feed roller 110. The recording material S supplied from the paper cassette 111 is sent to the pair of registration rollers 30 through the transport path 160. The registration roller 30 once receives the recording material S, corrects the skew of the recording material S, and then matches the timing of forming the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 145 in each image forming unit PY to PK, and then records the recording material. S is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip portion T2. Then, by applying the secondary transfer bias to the secondary transfer outer roller 132, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 145 is secondarily transferred to the recording material S by the secondary transfer nip portion T2. After that, the recording material S is conveyed toward the fixing device 155. In the fixing device 155, the toner image is heated and pressurized to be fixed to the recording material S as the recording material S is sandwiched and conveyed by the roller pair forming the fixing nip portion.

When the toner image is formed on only one side of the recording material S, the recording material S that has passed through the fixing device 155 is discharged onto the paper ejection tray 170 by the paper ejection roller pair 161. On the other hand, when toner images are formed on both sides of the recording material S, the recording material S that has passed through the fixing device 155 is switchback-conveyed toward the double-sided transport path 180 by the paper ejection roller pair 161. The recording material S sent to the double-sided transport path 180 is returned to the transport path 160 by the transport roller pair 181 and undergoes the same process as when forming the toner image on one side, and the toner image is also formed on the other side. .. Then, the recording material S in which the toner image is fixed on both sides is discharged onto the paper ejection tray 170 by the paper ejection roller pair 161.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation unit 400 provided with a display unit 450 capable of inputting an operation instruction by the user. In the case of the present embodiment, the display unit 450 has various screens (FIGS. 6 to 6) described later, such as a copy screen, having software keys (not shown) that imitate the shape of an actual operator such as a switch, a button, or a numeric keypad. 11) can be displayed. When the software key is displayed on the display unit 450, various functions assigned in advance to the software key are executed in response to a touch operation on the software key by the user. That is, the display unit 450 is a touch panel type display that can be touch-operated by the user, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. By touch-operating the software keys displayed on the display unit 450, the user can input various data settings and give instructions to start various operations regarding reading a document and forming an image. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation unit 400 is provided on the front side of the device main body 1A, which is located at the time of operation by the user. The operation unit 400 may be provided on the device main body 1A so that the angle can be adjusted vertically and horizontally by using, for example, a tilt mechanism or a vari-angle mechanism.

<Control unit>
The control unit 100 provided on the device main body 1A side will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 100 as the main body side control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 for temporarily storing data. Further, the control unit 100 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 for storing a program for controlling each unit and a hard disk device (HDD 108). Further, the control unit 100 has a system bus 107 and an image data bus 112 connected to each other by a bus bridge 113, the CPU 101, the RAM 102, and the ROM 103 are connected to the system bus 107, and the HDD 108 is connected to the image data bus 112. There is. The bus bridge 113 connects the system bus 107 and the image data bus 112 capable of transferring image data and screen data at high speed, and converts the data structure so that data can be transmitted and received to each other.

The CPU 101 is a processor that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 1, and is the main body of the system controller. For example, the CPU 101 instructs the document reading unit 200 to start the document reading operation, instructs the image forming unit 300 to start the image forming operation, or controls the operation unit 400.

The RAM 102 is a system work memory for operating the CPU 101, an image memory for temporarily storing image data, and functions as a main memory, a work area, or the like of the CPU 101. The RAM 102 stores the setting information in the image forming apparatus 1 and the job log when various programs are executed. The ROM 103 has, for example, a main processing program (see FIG. 12 described later) that performs copy processing for realizing a copy function, print processing for realizing a print function, data transmission processing for realizing a data transmission function, and the like. It is stored. The CPU 101 can operate the document reading unit 200, the image forming unit 300, the operation unit 400, and the like by executing various programs stored in the ROM 103. The HDD 108 can store various programs such as a system program and an application program, various data such as image data used for image formation and screen data to be displayed on the display unit 450.

Further, the control unit 100 includes an operation unit input / output circuit (operation unit I / F) 105, an external input / output circuit (external I / F) 106, and a power supply control unit 104, all of which are connected to the system bus 107. Have. The operation unit input / output circuit 105 transmits screen data to the operation unit 400, which will be described later, and receives various data transmitted from the operation unit 400. The external input / output circuit 106 as a transmission means performs data communication with an external device 900 (external device) such as a personal computer or a smartphone connected through a wired or wireless communication network. That is, under the control of the control unit 100, the external input / output circuit 106 can be connected to, for example, a LAN or a public line to perform input / output control of image data, screen data, device information, etc. with the external device 900. it can. In the case of the present embodiment, the external input / output circuit 106 can transmit image data related to the image of the original document read by the image reading unit 201 to the external device 900. The power supply control unit 104 controls the electric power supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the on / off of the main power source (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1.

Further, the control unit 100 includes a scanner input / output circuit (scanner I / F) 210 connected to the image data bus 112, a printer input / output circuit (printer I / F) 311 and an image processing unit 109. doing. The scanner input / output circuit 210 connects the document scanning unit 200, transmits an instruction to start the document scanning operation from the CPU 101, and receives image data of the document scanned by the document scanning unit 200. Further, the control unit 100 can receive the detection results of the document detection sensor 207, the open / close sensor 206, and the tray detection sensor 204 (see FIG. 1) of the document reading unit 200. The printer input / output circuit 311 connects the image forming unit 300, transmits an image forming operation start instruction from the CPU 101, transmits image data, or transmits data related to an operation state transmitted from the image forming unit 300. Receive. For example, the image processing unit 109 corrects, processes, and edits the image data received from the document reading unit 200, and performs resolution conversion or the like on the image data when transmitting the image data to the image forming unit 300. Further, the image processing unit 109 can encrypt the image data, decrypt the encrypted image data, and the like.

<Operation unit>
Next, the operation unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation unit 400 includes an operation unit CPU 401, an operation unit RAM 410, and an operation unit ROM 411. The operation unit CPU 401 is, for example, a microcomputer that collectively controls the operation unit 400. The operation unit CPU 401 is equipped with an operation unit ROM 411 in which a program for operating the operation unit CPU 401 is stored. Further, the operation unit RAM 410 is connected to the operation unit CPU 401. The operation unit RAM 410 can store various data such as image data transmitted from the control unit 100 and a sensitivity setting flag described later, or can function as a work area for the operation unit CPU 401 to operate.

Further, the operation unit 400 has a touch panel module 440 and a display unit 450 (called a liquid crystal module or the like). The touch panel module 440 is arranged on the surface of the display unit 450, and when the user or the like contacts the touch panel module 440, the position information of the contact position of the display unit 450 is notified to the operation unit CPU 401. The operation unit 400 can display various screens (see FIGS. 6 to 11) including software keys described later on the display unit 450, and can execute various functions assigned to the software keys in advance by contacting the touch panel module 440. Is. The touch panel module 440 is composed of a touch panel control circuit 404 and a touch panel unit 405. The touch panel unit 405 may be of either a resistive film type or a capacitance type. In the case of the present embodiment, the touch panel control circuit 404 can set a threshold value for notifying or not notifying the position information of the touched portion of the touch panel unit 405, that is, the touch detection sensitivity of the touch panel unit 405. Details of the touch panel unit 405 and the touch panel control circuit 404 will be described later (see FIG. 5).

The operation unit CPU 401 converts the screen data including the software key transmitted from the control unit 100 into a data format receivable by the display unit 450, and then transmits the screen data to the display unit 450. For example, the control unit 100 receives standard data such as DisplayPort or HDMI (registered trademark), converts the data into a LVDS or CMOS level signal format that can be received by the display unit 450, and inputs the data to the display unit 450. Specifically, the display unit 450 is composed of an LCD 406 and a backlight 407, and the operation unit CPU 401 converts the screen data and transfers the screen data to the LCD 406 according to a predetermined timing. At this time, the operation unit CPU 401 turns on the backlight 407, so that the screen based on the transferred screen data is visibly displayed on the LCD 406.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the operation unit 400 has an LED unit 402, a speaker 403, and a sound synthesis unit 408. The LED unit 402 has a plurality of LEDs, and the user is notified of the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1 by combining the lighting and extinguishing of the plurality of LEDs. The sound synthesis unit 408 has various sound sources, for example, a touch sound when the touch panel unit 405 is touched, a warning sound when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 1, or an operation such as copying is completed. The end sound of the case is emitted to the speaker 403.

<Touch panel module>
Next, the touch panel unit 405 and the touch panel control circuit 404 constituting the touch panel module 440 will be described with reference to FIG. However, here, the case where the resistance film type touch panel unit 405 is used will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel unit 405 has two resistance films 51 and 52 on which a transparent conductive film such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is formed. These resistance films 51 and 52 have an ITO surface formed on one side of a film made of glass, PET resin, or the like, and are arranged so that the ITO surfaces face each other. The resistance film 51 and the resistance film 52 are held by spacers (not shown) arranged at predetermined intervals, so that the resistance film 51 and the resistance film 52 come into contact with each other when pressed due to contact with the display unit 450. It is provided.

The electrodes of the resistance film 51 and the electrodes of the resistance film 52 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. Electrodes are arranged on both ends of the resistance film 51 in the X-axis direction, an XH electrode 61 is formed on one end side, and an XL electrode 62 is formed on the other end side. On the other hand, the resistance film 52 has electrodes arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction, a YH electrode 63 is formed on one end side, and a YL electrode 64 is formed on the other end side. The XH electrode 61 is connected to the power supply voltage (Vcc1) via a switching element 31 such as a transistor, and the XL electrode 62 is connected to the ground potential (GND) via a switching element 33 such as a transistor. The YH electrode 63 is connected to another power supply voltage (Vcc2) via a switching element 41 such as a transistor, and the YL electrode 64 is connected to a ground potential (GND) via a switching element 43 such as a transistor.

The touch panel control circuit 404 controls to open and close the switching elements 31, 33, 41, and 43 connected to the above electrodes (61 to 64), and is connected to each of the electrodes (61 to 64). Detects the voltage of the analog detection terminal. The detected analog voltage is digitally converted by the analog-to-digital conversion circuit 412 in the touch panel control circuit 404. For example, in order to detect the X coordinate of the contact position of the display unit 450, a voltage is applied to the XH electrode 61 and the XL electrode 62 of the resistance film 51. That is, the switching elements 31 and 33 are turned on (closed), and the analog potential of the YH electrode 63 is detected. At this time, the resistance film 51 and the resistance film 52 come into contact with each other as they come into contact with the display unit 450, and the voltage applied between the XH electrode 61 and the XL electrode 62 is divided by the pressed position to divide the voltage. The applied voltage is input to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit 412.

Similarly, in order to detect the Y coordinate of the contact position of the display unit 450, a voltage is applied to the YH electrode 63 and the YL electrode 64 of the resistance film 52. That is, the switching elements 41 and 43 are turned on (closed), and the analog potential of the XH electrode 61 is detected. At this time, since the voltage applied between the YH electrode 63 and the YL electrode 64 is divided by the pressed position, the divided voltage is input to the analog-digital conversion circuit 412. By alternately repeating the voltage measurements of the YH electrode 63 and the XH electrode 61, the contact position of the display unit 450 can be detected. Since the resistance film 51 and the resistance film 52 do not come into contact with each other at the non-contact position of the display unit 450, no voltage is generated in the YH electrode 63 and the XH electrode 61.

Then, the touch panel control circuit 404 outputs each digitally converted voltage value to the operation unit CPU 401 (see FIG. 4). The operation unit CPU 401 identifies the contact position of the display unit 450 based on the size of the touch panel unit 405 stored in advance and each digitally converted voltage value. When no voltage is generated in the YH electrode 63 and the XH electrode 61, the touch panel control circuit 404 detects that nothing is in contact with the display unit 450.

When the contact position of the display unit 450 is one point, the voltage generated in the YH electrode 63 and the YL electrode 64 and the voltage value generated in the XH electrode 61 and the XL electrode 62 are the same. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the YH electrode 63 and the XH electrode 61 are taken as an example, but the presence or absence of contact with the display unit 450 may be detected based on the voltages of the YL electrode 64 and the XL electrode 62. ..

<Initial screen>
Next, examples of various screens displayed on the display unit 450 are shown in FIGS. 6 to 11. FIG. 6 is an initial screen displayed on the display unit 450 when the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on (that is, when the image forming apparatus 1 is started). In the case of the present embodiment, the initial screen is a screen for reading out screens corresponding to various functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. On the initial screen, as software keys, a copy key 430 for selecting a copy function, a print key 431 for selecting a print function, a scan key 432 for selecting a data transmission function, and a setting key 433 for changing the settings of the image forming apparatus 1 are displayed. Has been done. When the user detects contact with any of the above keys, the main processing program that realizes each function is executed, and the screen transitions to the function-specific screen that includes various software keys for realizing each function. To do. As shown in the figure, the operation unit 400 is provided with an LED unit 402 (see FIG. 4) for notifying the user of the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1.

<Copy screen>
FIG. 7 is a copy screen displayed on the display unit 450 when the copy mode is selected. The copy screen is a screen displayed when the copy key 430 (see FIG. 6) is selected on the initial screen by the user. On the copy screen, as software keys, there are a scanning selection key 452 for selecting color scanning or black and white scanning of the original, a magnification key 453 for specifying the magnification, a size selection key 454 for selecting the paper size, and a copy number key 455 for specifying the number of copies. It is displayed. In addition to these, on the copy screen, a finishing key 456 for setting post-processing such as sorting and stapling, a double-sided selection key 457 for selecting double-sided copy or single-sided copy, a density key 458 for setting density, and an original type are set. The type key 459 is displayed. Further, on the copy screen, a start key 460 for instructing the start of the copy operation and a numeric keypad 461 for inputting a numerical value are displayed.

The display of the size selection key 454 is optimal according to the size of the document detected by the image reading unit 201 or the tray detection sensor 204 when the document transport unit 202 is closed with the document set on the platen 600. Automatically switches to a different paper size. In this way, when the size of the document is detected, the copy operation is started by one contact with the start key 460. It is also possible to set a specified paper size in advance without using such an automatic paper size switching function. In that case, copying is executed using the recording material S having a paper size specified in advance, regardless of the size of the document detected by the image reading unit 201 or the tray detection sensor 204.

On the other hand, when the document transport unit 202 is not closed with the document set on the platen 600 and the paper size is not set in advance, the image reading unit 201 can detect the size of the document. Absent. Therefore, the display of the size selection key 454 remains "automatic paper". In this case, the display of the display unit 450 is changed from the copy screen shown in FIG. 7 to the size setting screen shown in FIG. 8 by making one contact with the start key 460.

As shown in FIG. 8, on the size setting screen, a start key 460 and a large number of size specification keys 454a for designating a predetermined paper size as software keys other than the start key 460 (other than the software key) are displayed. It is displayed. In the case of the present embodiment, the paper size is specified by the contact detection with the size designation key 454a by one contact with the size designation key 454a. In this way, when the contact with the start key 460 is detected after the paper size is specified, one contact with the start key 460 is detected even when the document transport unit 202 is in the open state. By doing so, the copy operation is performed.

On the other hand, when the original is set on the platen 600 and the original transfer unit 202 is not closed and the specified paper size is set in advance, the copy operation is performed by one contact with the start key 460. Will be. However, when the original is set on the platen 600 and the original transfer unit 202 is not closed and the paper size is not specified, the second touch within a predetermined time from the first contact with the start key 460. If the operation (press twice) is not performed, the copy operation is not performed. This point will be described later (see FIG. 12).

<Print screen>
FIG. 9 is a print screen displayed on the display unit 450 when the print function is selected. The print screen is a screen displayed when the print key 431 (see FIG. 6) is selected on the initial screen. As software keys, a file selection key 474 for selecting an image data file capable of forming an image and a full selection key 475 for selecting all image data files at once are displayed on the print screen. In addition to these, the print setting key 476 for changing the output setting at the time of image formation, the image display key 477 for displaying the output image, and the like are displayed on the print screen. Further, on the print screen, a start key 460 for instructing the start of the image forming operation and a numeric keypad 461 for inputting a numerical value are displayed. In the present embodiment, the image data file displayed on the file selection key 474 is the image data of the original document read by the image reading unit 201.

When executing the print function, the user selects, for example, one of the image data files displayed on the file selection key 474. Alternatively, touch the full selection key 475 to select all the image data files displayed on the file selection key 474. After that, the user changes the print setting with the print setting key 476 as needed, and touches the start key 460 to start the image forming operation.

<Scan screen>
FIG. 10 is a scan screen displayed on the display unit 450 when the data transmission function is selected. The scan screen is a screen displayed when the scan key 432 (see FIG. 6) is selected in the initial screen. On the scan screen, as software keys, an address book key 473 that selects the destination of the image data of the scanned document from the registered destinations, a one-touch key 463 that calls a predetermined destination, and a destination setting for inputting the destination information. The key 464 is displayed.

Further, on the scan screen, a "frequently used setting" key 465 for calling the registered scanning setting information, a scanning selection key 467 for setting color scanning or black and white scanning of the original, and a resolution key 468 for setting the resolution of the image to be scanned. Is displayed. Further, on the scan screen, a file format key 469 for selecting a file format for outputting the image data of the scanned document is displayed. Further, on the scan screen, a double-sided key 470 for setting double-sided reading or single-sided reading, a size setting key 471 for setting the reading size, and a detailed setting key 466 for setting other than the above are displayed. Further, on the scan screen, a start key 460 for instructing the start of reading the original and data transmission and a numeric keypad 461 for inputting a numerical value are displayed. The size setting key 471 is displayed according to the size of the document detected by the image reading unit 201 or the tray detection sensor 204 when the document transport unit 202 is closed with the document set on the platen 600. It may be automatically switched to the optimum paper size.

When executing the data transmission function, the user touches the address book key 473 or the one-touch key 463 to select a destination from the list. The destination is information to which the image data of the scanned document is transmitted, such as HDD 108 or an external device 900 (see FIG. 3). After that, the user changes the detailed settings with the detailed setting key 466 as necessary, and when the start key 460 is touched, the reading of the original and the transmission of the data are started.

When the user wants to specify an unregistered destination, he / she may touch the destination setting key 464. When the destination setting key 464 is touched, the display of the display unit 450 is changed from the scan screen shown in FIG. 10 to the destination setting screen shown in FIG. If the start key 460 is touched without the destination being selected, the contact of the start key 460 may be invalidated so as not to start scanning the document. Alternatively, although the contact with the start key 460 is enabled, the display unit 450 may display the "destination setting screen" without starting the reading of the original by the image reading unit 201.

As shown in FIG. 11, the destination setting screen has a destination information input area 472 in which the user can input a destination, and the destination setting screen displays a detailed setting key 466, a start key 460, and a numeric keypad 461 as software keys. ing. After inputting the destination in the destination information input area 472, the user changes the detailed settings with the detailed setting key 466 as necessary, and touches the start key 460 to start reading the original and transmitting data. The destination setting screen may have a "back" key so that the size of the document to be read can be set after the destination is set. However, there are restrictions on the reading of the document and the start of data transmission by touching the start key 460, depending on the open / closed state of the document transport unit 202 as described above.

In the present embodiment, when the size of the document set on the platen 600 or the tray 203 is set during the display of various screens having the start key 460, one contact with the start key 460 is detected. The scanning operation is started accordingly. Here, when the document transport unit 202 is in the closed state, the size of the document set on the platen 600 or the tray 203 can be automatically detected, so that one contact with the start key 460 is detected. The scanning operation is started according to the operation. On the other hand, when the document transport unit 202 is in the open state, the document size cannot be automatically detected. Therefore, when the document transport unit 202 is in the open state and the size is not set by the size setting key 471 as described above, the size setting screen of FIG. 8 is displayed in response to the detection of contact with the start key 460. To do. Further, when the document transport unit 202 is in the open state and the size of the document is set in advance, the second contact must be made within a predetermined time from the first contact detection with the start key 460. For example, the reading of the original and the transmission of the data are not started.

<Main processing>
Next, the main process started by turning on the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 and ending by turning off the main power will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, 6 to 11 with reference to FIGS. This main process is executed by the control unit 100 (specifically, the CPU 101).

As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 101 starts the activation process in response to the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 being turned on (S1). In the activation process, the above-mentioned initial screen (see FIG. 6) is displayed on the operation unit 400 (detailed display unit 450). After that, the CPU 101 shifts to a standby state in which an operation by the user can be accepted (S2). Then, the CPU 101 displays a screen (copy screen, print screen, scan screen) corresponding to the display unit 450 in response to contact with various keys (copy key 430, print key 431, scan key 432) on the initial screen. To do. Further, the CPU 101 may display a size setting screen (see FIG. 8), a destination setting screen (see FIG. 11), and the like on the display unit 450, depending on the case.

When the screen displayed on the display unit 450 has the start key 460, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the first contact with the start key 460 on the screen is detected (S3). If the contact with the start key 460 is not detected (NO in S3), the CPU 101 returns to the process of step S2. In the standby state, for example, in response to detecting contact with a software key other than the start key 460, the CPU 101 realizes various functions as described above that are assigned in advance to the software key that has detected the contact. In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 can measure the time elapsed after some object (including a user's finger or a touch pen) touches the software key based on the signal from the operation unit CPU 401. Therefore, the CPU 101 can determine whether or not the second contact has been made within a predetermined time from the first contact.

On the other hand, when the first contact with the start key 460 is detected (YES in S3), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the document transport unit 202 is in the open state based on the detection result of the open / close sensor 206 (YES in S3). S4). When the document transport unit 202 is in the open state (YES in S4), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the document size has not been set (S5). However, in the case of the present embodiment, in the process of step S5, when the contact with the copy key 430 (see FIG. 6) on the initial screen is detected, the copy screen (see FIG. 7) is displayed on the display unit 450. If executed. Further, the process of step S5 in the scan mode is a case where a contact with the scan key 432 (see FIG. 6) on the initial screen is detected, and the scan screen (see FIG. 10) is displayed on the display unit 450. If executed.

If the original size is not set (NO in S5), has the CPU 101 made a second contact within a predetermined time (for example, within 1.0 to 3.0 seconds) from the first contact with the start key 460? It is determined whether or not (S6). The user may set an arbitrary time from the operation unit 400 for this "predetermined time". When the second contact with the start key 460 is made within a predetermined time (YES in S6), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S7 and executes a job (JOB) (S7). In the case of the present embodiment, the document transfer unit 202 is opened if the document size has been set by the second contact with the start key 460 on the copy screen (see FIG. 7) or the size setting screen (see FIG. 8). However, the copy function is executed as a job. Further, by the second contact with the start key 460 on the print screen (see FIG. 9), if the document size has been set, the print function is executed as a job even when the document transport unit 202 is in the open state. Further, if the document size has already been set by the second contact with the start key 460 on the scan screen (see FIG. 10) or the destination setting screen (see FIG. 11), even if the document transfer unit 202 is open, the job can be executed. The data transmission function is executed.

On the other hand, if the second contact with the start key 460 is not performed within the predetermined time (NO in S6), the CPU 101 returns to the process of step S2. In this case, although the start key 460 is touched once, various functions (copy function, print function, data transmission function) assigned in advance to the start key 460 are not executed.

In the process of step S5, when the original size is not set (YES in S5), the CPU 101 displays a "size setting screen" (see FIG. 8) (S10). When the size is set on the "size setting screen" and the contact with the start key is detected (YES in S11), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S7 and executes the accepted job (JOB) (S7). At this time, the CPU 101 waits for the progress of the process until the start key is operated on the "size setting screen" (NO in S11).

In the process of step S4, when the document transport unit 202 is not in the open state but in the closed state (NO in S4), the CPU 101 executes a job (JOB) (S7). In this case, various functions (copy function, print function, data transmission function) assigned in advance to the start key 460 are executed by one contact with the start key 460 on each screen displayed on the display unit 450. Will be done.

Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off (S8). When the main power supply is not turned off (NO in S8), the CPU 101 returns to the process of step S2 and repeats the processes of steps S2 to S8. When the main power is turned off (YES in S8), the CPU 101 executes the termination process (S9) to terminate the main processing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the document transporting unit 202 is in the closed state, the assigned functions can be obtained by detecting the contact with the start key 460 on the screen displayed on the display unit 450 once. Will be executed. On the other hand, when the document transport unit 202 is in the open state and the document size to be read is set, 2 within a predetermined time from the first contact with the start key 460 displayed on the display unit 450. If the second contact is not made, the assigned function will not be executed. That is, in the present embodiment, when an object touches the start key 460, whether the contact is an operation intended by the user or an operation not intended by the user is continuously determined to the start key 460. Judgment is made by two contacts (so-called double press). By doing so, it is possible to execute various functions only when the user intentionally intends to execute various functions (copy function, print function, data transmission function). On the other hand, when the document transport unit 202 remains in the open state, even if an unintended contact with the start key 460 by the user is detected, the pre-assigned function is not executed, so that a useless operation is performed. Can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from executing unintended copy operations, transmission of read data, and the like.

The touch panel unit 405 is not limited to the resistive film type or the capacitance type, and other types such as an optical type and an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type may be adopted. In the case of the present embodiment, for example, when the optical touch panel unit 405 is adopted, it is considered that the user or an object is in contact with the touch panel even if the user or the object is not in contact with the touch panel unit 405.

1 ... Image forming apparatus, 100 ... Control means (control unit), 106 ... Transmission means (external input / output circuit), 200 ... Document reading means (document reading unit), 202 ... Opening / closing member (transport means, document transport unit), 206 ... Open / close detection means (open / close sensor), 207 ... Original detection means (manuscript detection sensor), 300 ... Image forming means (image forming unit), 405 ... Touch panel unit, 450 ... Display unit, 454a ... Other software keys (size) Designated key), 460 ... Software key (start key), 600 ... Document stand

Claims (5)

An image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image on a recording material.
A manuscript stand on which the manuscript can be placed and
A document reading means for reading an image on a document placed on the platen, and
An opening / closing member that can be moved to a closed position that covers the platen and an open position that exposes the platen.
An open / close detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the open / close member,
A display unit capable of displaying a screen having a software key for instructing the start of scanning an image by the document scanning means in response to a touch operation, and a display unit capable of displaying a screen.
A touch panel unit that detects contact with the screen displayed on the display unit, and
When the opening / closing member is in the closed position during the display of the screen, the reading of the image by the document reading means is started by detecting the contact with the software key once, and the opening / closing member is in the open position and said. When the size of the document to be read by the document scanning means is set, the image is read by the document scanning means by performing the second contact detection within a predetermined time from the first contact detection with the software key. With a control means to start,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. When the opening / closing member is in the open position and the size of the document to be read by the document reading means is not set during the display of the screen, the control means responds to the detection of contact with the software key. A screen for setting the size of the document to be read by the document scanning means is displayed on the display unit.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. After the image is read by the document reading means, the control means starts image formation on a recording material based on the image data of the read image by the image forming means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Equipped with a transmission means that can transmit image data to an external device
After the image is read by the document reading means, the control means starts transmitting the image data of the read image by the transmitting means.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The opening / closing member is capable of mounting a plurality of originals, and is a transporting means for transporting the placed documents one by one to the image reading position of the document reading means, and a previously described setting when the open / close position is in the closed position. It has a document detecting means for detecting the size of a printed document.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images