JP2023109235A - image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve operation accuracy of a non-contact operation unit.SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises: a first operation unit having first generation means for detecting a position where an instruction unit operated by an operator touches a display and generating first input information indicating the detected position; a second operation unit having second generation means for detecting a position of the instruction unit approaching the first operation unit by a prescribed distance and generating second input information indicating the detected position; and a control unit for controlling the image forming device according to the first input information and the second input information. The control unit has a calibration mode that uses the first input information indicating an instruction position received from the first operation unit when the instruction unit touches the instruction position shown on the display, and the second input information received from the second operation unit when the instruction unit approaching the instruction position is detected immediately before receiving the first input information indicating the instruction position, so as to compensate the second input information indicating the position of the instruction unit approaching the instruction position against the first input information indicating the instruction position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a touch panel type operation unit.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, among image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals, there are apparatuses equipped with a touch panel type operation unit as a user interface. The touch panel type operation unit has a touch panel layered on the display surface of a display that displays information related to image formation, and can detect (input) an instruction to operate the image forming apparatus by touching the display surface. .

A touch panel type operation unit is operated by the user touching the touch panel superimposed on the display surface of the display, so in an environment such as an office environment where there are many users, the same operation unit is touched by the many users. . Therefore, in recent years, a proposal has been made to use a non-contact operation unit that can be operated by a user in a non-contact manner as an operation unit of an image forming apparatus (Patent Document 1). In addition, a technique has been proposed in which an image on a display is displayed in the air as a reproduced image, an infrared light-emitting surface is formed at the position of the reproduced image, and the operation position of the reproduced image is detected by reflected infrared light in a non-contact manner (Patent Reference 2).

JP 2016-62410 A Patent No. 5509391

However, when the non-contact operation unit is attached to the touch panel type operation unit, there is a possibility that the operation accuracy may be degraded due to mounting tolerance between the operation unit and the non-contact operation unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve the operational accuracy of a non-contact operation unit in an image forming apparatus capable of both contact operation and non-contact operation.

A representative configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, in which a first operating unit for inputting instructions to the image forming apparatus comprises a display for displaying information. and a first generating means provided superimposed on the display for detecting a position where an instruction unit operated by an operator touches the display and generating first input information indicating the detected position. and a second operation unit for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus without bringing the instruction unit into contact with the first operation unit, wherein a predetermined operation is performed from the first operation unit. a second generation means for detecting the position of the instruction unit that has approached the first operation unit by the predetermined distance at a position separated by a distance of , and generating second input information indicating the detected position and a control unit configured to control the image forming apparatus according to the first input information or the second input information, wherein the control unit is configured to operate at an instruction position displayed on the display. Immediately before receiving the first input information indicating the pointing position received from the first operation unit when the pointing unit touches, and the first input information indicating the pointing position, and second input information received from the second operation unit when the approaching instruction unit is detected. and a calibration mode for correcting the second input information indicating the position of the pointing section.

According to the present invention, by correcting the second input information with respect to the first input information, it is possible to improve the operation accuracy of the operation unit.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; Internal block diagram of the operation unit and the non-contact operation unit according to the first embodiment (a) Schematic diagram of the operation unit viewed from the front, (b) A diagram in which the xy coordinate axes are superimposed on the touch panel (a) Diagram showing a touch panel displaying adjustment markers, (b) Diagram showing adjustment markers (a) Schematic diagram with a non-contact operation unit attached to the operation section, (b) Schematic diagram with a non-contact operation unit attached to the operation section, (c) A diagram in which xy coordinate axes are superimposed on the operation detection surface of the non-contact operation unit. (a), (b), (c) Cross-sectional views of the touch panel and the non-contact operation unit A plan view showing an open area, a first area, and a second area of the frame of the non-contact operation unit. 4 is a flowchart showing determination control of coordinate data by the controller 100 according to the first embodiment; Flow chart showing calibration mode Flowchart showing operation of calibration on the touch panel side Flowchart showing hard key side calibration operation FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment; Internal block diagram of the operation unit and the non-contact operation unit according to the second embodiment

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. They are not intended to limit the scope of the invention only to them.

[Example 1]
<Schematic Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
An image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer unit 300 as an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, and an image forming apparatus that optically scans an image of a document placed on a glass surface (not shown). and a scanner unit 200 as an image reading unit that converts into data. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an operation section (first operation section) 400 and a non-contact operation unit (second operation section) 500 . The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a seesaw-type or tactile-type main power switch 602 (see FIG. 2) for switching on and off of the main power.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation unit (first operation unit) 400 for inputting instructions to the image forming apparatus 1 and displaying instruction contents and status of the image forming apparatus 1 . The operation unit 400 includes an LCD (abbreviation of Liquid Crystal Display) 406 as a display for displaying information regarding image formation. The LCD 406 displays, as information about image formation, a screen for image formation settings such as the number of images to be formed and the size of a recording medium, a screen for image reading settings such as a document size setting, and a screen during image formation processing. , stopped due to an error, or the state of the image forming apparatus 1 such as a standby state.

The operation unit 400 also includes a touch panel 405 for inputting instructions to the image forming apparatus 1 . The touch panel 405 is provided over the display surface of the LCD 406 in a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the LCD 406 . Specifically, the touch panel 405 is arranged closer to the user than the LCD 406 when the user, who is the operator, looks at the display surface of the LCD 406 . When the user touches the touch panel 405 with an instruction unit such as a finger or a touch pen, the touch panel 405 detects the position where the instruction unit touches the touch panel 405 and generates coordinate data indicating the detected position. That is, the touch panel 405 (and a touch panel control unit, which will be described later) detects the position where the instruction unit touches the touch panel 405, and generates first input information (coordinate data) indicating the detected position. is.

Therefore, by touching the screen displayed on the display surface of the LCD 406, the user can make settings related to image formation such as the number of images to be formed and the size of the recording medium, and settings related to image reading such as the size of the document. be able to.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 400 includes operation keys in addition to the LCD 406 on which the touch panel 405 is placed. The operation keys are hard keys 403 arranged in an area outside the area where the LCD 406 of the operation unit 400 is arranged. A hard key (operation key) 403 includes keys and numeric keys for instructing operations of the image forming apparatus, such as setting of the image forming apparatus 1 and job commands. Note that the operation keys are not limited to hard keys, and may be electrostatic keys.

Further, the operation unit 400 includes an LED 402 for notifying a user at a distance from the image forming apparatus 1 of an error of the image forming apparatus 1 or a state such as image forming processing being performed by lighting, extinguishing, or blinking (the LED is Light Emitting). Diode).

The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a non-contact operation unit (second operation unit) 500 for inputting instructions to the image forming apparatus 1 without bringing the instruction unit into contact with the touch panel 405 . The non-contact operation unit 500 detects the position of the instruction unit that has approached the LCD 406 or the hard key 403 by the predetermined distance at a predetermined distance from the LCD 406 on which the touch panel 405 is superimposed, and detects the detected position. Generate coordinate data to show. In other words, the non-contact operation unit 500 is a second generating means for detecting the position of the pointing portion that has approached the LCD 406 by a predetermined distance and generating second input information (coordinate data) indicating the detected position. .

Therefore, without touching the LCD 406 (touch panel 405), the user can make settings related to image formation such as the number of images to be formed and the size of the recording medium, and settings related to image reading such as the size of the document.

In addition, the non-contact operation unit 500 includes a housing (frame body) that is placed on top of the operation section 400 and that can be arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the operation section 400 . The non-contact operation unit 500 can be attached to the operation section 400 as shown in FIG. Here, the non-contact operation unit 500 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 as an optional device afterward. Any configuration is fine.

In this embodiment, the non-contact operation unit 500 has a frame (housing) 501 . As shown in FIGS. 6A and 8, the frame body 501 is a first area 411 indicating the position of the LCD 406 of the operation unit 400 and outside the first area 411, the operation unit 400 A frame surrounds the four sides of the outer circumference of a second area 412 indicating the position of the hard key 403, and has a shape in which the first area 411 and the second area 412, which are the central portions, are opened. The open area 413 of the frame 501 covers the entire areas of the first area 411 and the second area 412 . An open area 413 of the frame 501 is a detection range (an operation detection surface 515 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) for detecting the position of the pointer by a non-contact sensor, which will be described later.

The shape (structure) of the frame 501 of the non-contact operation unit 500 is not limited to the shape described above. For example, the frame body 501 of the non-contact operation unit 500 has a detection range (operation detection surface 515 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) by the non-contact sensor 503 described later. As long as it covers the outer circumference of the operation unit 400, it may be placed on only one or two sides of the outer periphery. The frame body 501 of the non-contact operation unit 500 has a shape (housing) that surrounds the four sides of the outer periphery of the first area 411 and the second area 412 of the operation unit 400 to visually indicate the non-contact operation area. Preferred because it is the easiest to grasp.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the non-contact operation unit 500 has a non-contact sensor 503 . The non-contact sensor 503 is a detection unit that detects the position of the instruction unit that has approached the LCD 406 or the hard key 403 by a predetermined distance. The non-contact sensor 503 can detect the pointer that has entered the frame of the non-contact operation unit 500 and the position of the pointer within the frame 501 .

The non-contact operation unit 500 also includes a connection cable 504 as a connection section for electrically connecting to the image forming apparatus 1 . A connection cable 504 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 1 . The non-contact operation unit 500 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1 by connecting the connection cable 504 to the operation section 400 . Then, the non-contact operation unit 500 transmits input information indicating the detected position of the pointing section to the operation section 400 via the connection cable 504 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a configuration is adopted in which the non-contact operation unit 500 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1 by connecting a connection cable 504 to the operation unit 400 of the image forming apparatus 1. Although illustrated, it is not limited to this.

<System Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
A system configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller 100 as a control section, a scanner section 200 as an image reading section, a printer section 300 as an image forming section, an operation section 400, a non-contact operation unit 500, and a power supply. a unit 600;

The controller 100 is electrically connected to each of the scanner section 200, the printer section 300, and the operation section 400 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The scanner unit 200 reads an image of a document with an imaging element such as a CCD (not shown), converts it into digital image data (RGB, etc.), and transfers it to the controller 100 .

The printer unit 300 includes an electrophotographic image forming unit (not shown) that forms an image on a recording medium. The printer unit 300 exposes the photosensitive member according to the digital image data transferred from the controller 100 to form a latent image, develops using toner, transfers the developed toner image to a recording medium, and fixes the image. output.

Here, an electrophotographic image forming unit is exemplified as an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other image forming units such as an inkjet method may be used. can be

As described above, the operation unit 400 receives various inputs to the image forming apparatus 1, such as settings related to image formation and settings related to image reading. Further, the operation unit 400 displays information regarding image formation, such as a screen for making the aforementioned settings and the state of the image forming apparatus 1 . Details will be described later.

The non-contact operation unit 500 inputs an instruction from the operation section 400 by non-contact operation. Here, the non-contact operation unit 500 is installed (connected) to the image forming apparatus 1 as an optional device afterward.

The power supply unit 600 receives power supply from a commercial power source through an outlet plug 601, converts the power into power used by each device, and supplies the power to each device. Specifically, first, the power supply unit 600 supplies power to the controller 100 when the main power switch 602 is switched from off to on. After that, the power supply unit 600 supplies electric power to the scanner section 200, the printer section 300, the operation section 400, the non-contact operation unit 500, etc. based on the instruction from the controller 100. FIG.

Furthermore, the controller 100 will be described in detail.

The controller 100 includes a CPU 101 , a RAM 102 , a ROM 103 , a power control section 104 , an operation section I/F 105 and an external I/F 106 , which are interconnected via a system bus 107 . The controller 100 also includes an HDD 108 , an image processing section 109 , a scanner I/F 110 and a printer I/F 111 , which are interconnected by an image data bus 112 . The system bus 107 and the image data bus 112 are connected by a bus bridge 113, and the functional blocks connected to each are configured to communicate with each other.

The CPU 101 of the controller 100 mainly executes initialization for each functional block, communication with each functional block, and various controls based on various programs stored in the ROM 103 and HDD 108 .

The RAM 102 of the controller 100 is utilized as a work area for developing programs for the operation of the CPU 101, information processing, and image processing.

The ROM 103 of the controller 100 stores a boot program for booting the CPU 101 and backup data of control parameters such as image control. When the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, the CPU 101 reads the boot program from the ROM 103, develops it in the RAM 102, and initializes each functional block according to the program.

The power control unit 104 performs ON/OFF control of power supplied from the power supply unit 600 to each device for each device.

An operation unit I/F 105 is a first interface unit that exchanges commands and statuses related to input information and display information between the system bus 107 and the operation unit 400 . The controller 100 can also transmit the display image data stored in the HDD 108 to the operation unit 400 and display it on the LCD 406 .

In this embodiment, the non-contact operation unit 500 is connected to the operation section 400 via the connection cable 504 and electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1 . Therefore, the controller 100 exchanges not only input information from the touch panel 405 but also input information from the non-contact operation unit 500 between the system bus 107 and the operation unit 400 via the operation unit I/F 105 .

The external I/F 106 is a second interface unit that transfers data and the like between the system bus 107 and equipment (devices) connected by a connection unit such as USB. The controller 100 exchanges data and the like between the system bus 107 and the device connected by the connection unit through the external I/F 106 . Also, the CPU 101 of the controller 100 determines whether or not the connected device is connected through the external I/F 106 .

The HDD 108 is a storage unit (storage) that stores an OS, control programs, application programs, and image data that are operated by the CPU 101 . The HDD 108 is also used as a temporary work area when performing image processing.

The image processing unit 109 uses the RAM 102 and the HDD 108 as a work area and performs various image processing such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, resolution conversion, compression such as JPEG, decompression, color conversion, and color adjustment.

A scanner I/F 110 is an interface unit that transfers scanned digital image data between the scanner unit 200 and an image data bus 112 and communicates with the scanner unit 200 .

A printer I/F 111 is an interface unit that transfers image data for printing between the printer unit 300 and the image data bus 112 and communicates with the printer unit 300 .

The system bus 107 and image data bus 112 are transmission paths for exchanging information necessary for communication such as commands and status with the operation unit 400 in addition to image data. The system bus 107 and the image data bus 112 are connected to each other by a bus bridge 113 and configured to be able to exchange data.

Controller 100 also includes timer 114 . The timer 114 is for keeping time when the controller 100 performs various processes. For example, the controller 100 determines, according to the count value of the timer 114, to shift the image forming apparatus 1 from the standby mode to the sleep mode, which consumes less power than the standby mode.

<System configuration of operation unit and non-contact operation unit>
A system configuration of the operation section 400 and the non-contact operation unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration related to communication with the controller 100 of the operation section 400 and the non-contact operation unit 500. As shown in FIG.

The controller 100 communicates with the operation unit 400 and the non-contact operation unit 500, sets conditions for reading and image formation described above, accepts input for execution of image formation, controls display according to the state of the apparatus, and generates sound. control, do In order to specifically describe these operations, the operation section 400 and the non-contact operation unit 500 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation unit 400 includes an operation unit CPU 401 , LEDs 402 , hard keys 403 , touch panel control unit 404 , touch panel 405 , LCD 406 and backlight 407 , sound synthesis unit 408 and speaker 409 .

An operation unit CPU 401 operates according to a program stored in an internal ROM and communicates with the controller 100 .

Specifically, the operation unit CPU 401 detects whether or not a key of the hard key 403 has been pressed, and notifies the controller 100 of the detection result.

Furthermore, the touch panel control unit 404 detects whether the touch panel 405 is touched by the instruction unit, calculates coordinate data indicating the touched position, and transmits the result to the operation unit CPU 401 . Coordinate data indicating the position where the touch panel 405 detects the pointing portion is used as first input information. That is, the touch panel control unit 404 and the touch panel 405 as first generation means detect the position where the instruction unit operated by the operator touches the display surface of the LCD 406, and generate first input information ( coordinate data) and transmits it to the CPU 101 .

The controller 100 receives these various inputs from the operation unit 400, and executes lighting, blinking, and extinguishing control of the LED 402, brightness adjustment control of the backlight 407 of the LCD 406, and sounding control of sounding by the speaker 409 as necessary. Generate each command for The controller 100 then transmits to the operation unit CPU 401 via the operation unit I/F 105 . The operation unit CPU 401 receives and decodes the command, and according to the result, controls lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of the LED 402, controls brightness adjustment of the backlight 407, and controls the sound generation of the speaker 409 by causing the sound synthesis unit 408 to generate commands. , Furthermore, the controller 100 receives the various inputs from the operation unit 400 , reads display screen data from the HDD 108 as necessary, and causes the LCD 406 to display the data.

The non-contact operation unit 500 has a non-contact sensor 503 and a non-contact sensor control section 502 . As described with reference to FIG. 1 , the non-contact operation unit 500 is configured by a housing (frame body 501 ) surrounding the touch panel 405 , LCD 406 and hard keys 403 and arranged in the operation section 400 . The non-contact sensor 503 detects the presence or absence of the pointing portion in the space surrounded by the housing (the area of the screen displayed on the LCD 406). Here, the space surrounded by the housing is the open area 413 of the frame 501 shown in FIG. Based on the detection result of the non-contact sensor 503, the non-contact sensor control unit 502 controls the operation of the instruction unit on a plane parallel to the touch panel 405 (an operation detection surface 515 to be described later) in the space surrounded by the housing. Calculate the coordinate data indicating the position. At this time, coordinate data indicating the position where the non-contact operation unit 500 detects the pointing section is used as second input information. Then, the coordinate data is transmitted to the operation unit CPU 401 via the connection cable 504 . In other words, the non-contact operation unit 500 as the second generating means detects the position of the indicator that has approached the LCD 406 by the predetermined distance at a position away from the LCD 406 by the predetermined distance, and indicates the detected position. Second input information (coordinate data) is generated and transmitted to the CPU 101 .

The controller 100 controls the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first input information or the second input information. Controller 100 displays information about image formation on LCD 406 . For example, the controller 100 may display on the LCD 406 a setting screen (not shown) for enabling either the touch panel 405 or the non-contact operation unit 500 as information regarding image formation. In this case, the controller 100 performs control according to input information from the touch panel 405 or the non-contact operation unit 500, which is one of the generation means enabled on the setting screen.

The operation unit CPU 401 receives coordinate data (first input information) generated by the touch panel control unit 404 and coordinate data (second input information) generated by the non-contact sensor control unit 502 . Coordinate data generated by the touch panel 405 and coordinate data generated by the non-contact operation unit 500 are input to the controller 100 via the operation unit I/F 105, which is the same input path, via the operation unit 400.

The operation unit CPU 401 assigns an identifier indicating whether the received coordinate data was generated by the touch panel control unit 404 or the non-contact sensor control unit 502 to each piece of coordinate data. Then, the operation unit CPU 101 transmits each piece of coordinate data to which the identifier is assigned to the controller 100 through the operation unit I/F 105 . Accordingly, the controller 100 can identify which of the touch panel control unit 404 and the non-contact sensor control unit 502 detected the received coordinate data based on the identifier. That is, the operation unit CPU 401 provides a first identifier that indicates that the coordinate data (first input information) obtained by the touch panel 405 is the first input information. is. Further, the operation unit CPU 401 adds a second identifier indicating that the coordinate data (second input information) obtained by the non-contact operation unit 500 is the second input information. It is a granting means.

<Generation of coordinate data>
Here, generation of coordinate data indicating the position detected by the touch panel 405 and coordinate data indicating the position detected by the non-contact operation unit 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. FIG.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of the operation unit 400 viewed from the front. The touch panel 405 is made of transparent glass, film, or the like, and is arranged to overlap the display surface of the LCD 406 so that the display surface of the LCD 406 can be seen through the touch panel 405 . Further, in the operation unit 400, hard keys 403 are arranged outside the first area where the touch panel 40 (LCD 406) is arranged. Also, the LED 402 is arranged at a position that is easy to see from the front. The operation unit 400 notifies the operator of the image forming apparatus 1 of various input operation screens, apparatus status, and the like by turning on/off/blinking the display surface of the LCD 406 and the LED 402 . Also, the touch panel 405 and hard keys 403 accept various inputs and setting operations from the operator.

FIG. 4B is a diagram in which xy coordinate axes are superimposed on the touch panel 405 . The touch panel control unit 404 divides the touch panel 405 into n equal parts on the horizontal axis (x axis) and m equal parts on the vertical axis (y axis). It is virtually allocated as coordinates. The touched position is configured to be detectable as a coordinate point on the xy plane.

In FIG. 4B, the coordinate data indicating the touched position M is (x3, y2). For example, when the coordinate data (x3, y2) of the touch position (coordinate point) M is included in the area of the touch panel 405 overlapping the screen of any key displayed on the LCD 406, the touch of the coordinate point M is detected. , it is determined that the key has been pressed. The touch panel control unit 404 notifies the operation unit CPU 401 of coordinate data (x3, y2) indicating a touch position (coordinate point) M at which the instruction unit touches the touch panel 405 .

In order to match the coordinate data transmitted from the touch panel control unit 404 to the controller 100 when the coordinate point (x3, y2) indicating the touch position M is touched, and the display position of the coordinate point M on the LCD 406, Calibration must be performed.

In an electronic device or the like using touch input by a touch panel or the like, positional deviation is caused by user parallax, installation tolerance between the LCD 406 and the touch panel 405, variations in the detection range of the touch panel control unit 404, variations in the characteristics of the touch panel 405, and the like. Due to this factor, a deviation (coordinate deviation) occurs between the target coordinates on the display screen and the detected coordinates when touch input is accurately performed on the target coordinates. That is, there is a coordinate deviation between the display position of the coordinate point M on the LCD 406, which is the target coordinates on the display screen, and the coordinate data transmitted by the touch panel control unit 404, which is the detected coordinates when the target coordinates are accurately touch-inputted. occurs. In the calibration of the touch panel 405, a plurality of adjustment markers displayed on the LCD 406 and coordinate data when the positions of the adjustment markers are touched are used to correct such coordinate deviation.

Calibration of the touch panel 405 is executed by the user operating a button displayed on the LCD 406 of the operation unit 400 or operating the hard key 403 to enter a calibration mode.

In the calibration mode of touch panel 405 , a plurality of adjustment markers are displayed on LCD 406 and the user is made to touch the positions of the adjustment markers on touch panel 405 .

The adjustment marker displays a cross mark shown in FIG. 5B on the LCD 406 so that the target coordinates (x, y) are at the center (intersection point) of the cross, for example. More specifically, in the adjustment marker shown in FIG. 5(b), a line with a width of 1 dot exemplifies a cross mark that intersects perpendicularly at a position 5 dots from the line end. The adjustment markers (cross marks) are displayed one by one at a plurality of positions (1) to (9) on the LCD 406, starting from position (1), as shown in FIG. 5(a), for example. be.

In this manner, the LCD 406 displays adjustment markers (cross marks) at a plurality of positions (1) to (9) one by one in order from position (1). Then, coordinate deviations between the touch panel 405 and the LCD 406 are corrected using the coordinate data obtained when all the adjustment marker positions are touched.

FIG. 6A is a schematic view of the non-contact operation unit 500 attached to the operation unit 400 and viewed from a direction perpendicular to the display surface of the LCD 406. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the open area 413, the first area 411, and the second area 412 of the frame 501 of the non-contact operation unit 500. FIG. The frame body 501 of the non-contact operation unit 500 has a first area 411 indicating the position of the LCD 406 of the operation unit 400 and a second area 412 where the hard keys 403 of the operation unit 400 are arranged. It is configured in a shape (housing) in which the surrounding central portion (the first region 411 and the second region 412) is opened. In this embodiment, non-contact sensors 503 are attached to both ends of the upper side of the non-contact operation unit 500 . The non-contact sensor 503 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, and emits and receives infrared rays at predetermined timings. When the pointer enters the frame of the non-contact operation unit 500, the characteristics of infrared reception change. The non-contact sensor control section 502 detects the presence or absence of the pointing section based on the change. That is, non-contact sensor control unit 502 detects that the instruction unit has approached the display surface of LCD 406 or hard key 403 to a predetermined distance and the position of the instruction unit. Further, non-contact sensors 503 attached at two locations calculate coordinate data indicating that the indicator has approached the display surface of LCD 406 or hard key 403 to a predetermined distance and the position of the indicator. Specifically, the non-contact sensor 503 is installed on a plane parallel to the touch panel 405 and the LCD 406 in the space (region 413 ) surrounded by the frame 501 of the non-contact operation unit 500 . Then, when it is detected that the pointer has entered the plane (an operation detection surface 515, which will be described later), the distance between the pointer and the non-contact sensor on the plane is detected, and the distance on the plane is measured by triangulation. Calculate the position of the indicator. Coordinate data indicating the calculated position of the pointing section is transmitted to the operating section 400 via the connection cable 504 .

In this embodiment, the non-contact operation unit 500 has a structure surrounding the operation unit 400 (the touch panel 405 and hard keys 403), and the non-contact sensor 503 is an infrared sensor. However, as long as the non-contact operation unit 500 can detect the position of the instruction unit on a plane parallel to the touch panel 405 without touching the touch panel 405 or the hard keys 403, the configuration is not limited thereto.

FIG. 6B is a schematic view of the non-contact operation unit 500 attached to the operation section 400 and viewed from the right side. The non-contact operation unit 500 is attached for the purpose of intuitively operating the display screen of the LCD 406 or the hard keys 403 without touching the touch panel 405 and the hard keys 403 . Therefore, the non-contact operation unit 500 can detect the coordinate position on a plane parallel to the touch panel 405 (an operation detection surface 515 to be described later) without touching the touch panel 405 and the hard keys 403 without touching the touch panel 405 and the hard keys 403 . It is necessary to configure the thickness t of the frame body 501 . Moreover, if the non-contact operation unit 500 is too thick, it interferes with the operation by the instruction section, resulting in poor operability. Also, if the plane for detecting the coordinate position is too far from the display surface of the LCD 406, the intuitiveness is lost and the operability is also poor. Therefore, a proper distance from the touch panel 405 is required, and in reality, it is assumed that the thickness t of the frame 501 is approximately 50 mm and the plane for coordinate detection is approximately 30 mm. That is, the pointing portion is detected at a position separated by a predetermined distance (for example, 30 mm) in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the LCD 406 . In other words, the pointing portion is detected at a position (for example, 30 mm) that is close to a predetermined distance in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the LCD 406 .

Further, it is more preferable that the cable insertion port of the operation unit 400 for connecting the connection cable 504 of the non-contact operation unit 500 is located nearer when it is attached, because the length of the cable can be shortened and the extra length is less troublesome for the operator. .

7A, 7B, and 7C are sectional views of the touch panel 405 and the non-contact operation unit 500. FIG. 7A, 7B, and 7C show only the touch panel 405 of the operation unit 400, with the hard keys 403 omitted. However, the distance between the operation detection surface 515 and the hard key 403 is substantially equal to the distance between the operation detection surface 515 and the touch panel 405 . Therefore, the non-contact operation of the hard key 403 can be performed in the same manner as the non-contact operation of the touch panel 405 described below.

As described with reference to FIG. 6A, the non-contact operation unit 500 uses a plane parallel to the touch panel 405 as an operation detection surface 515 in a space within the frame of the non-contact operation unit 500, and a fingertip is placed on the operation detection surface 515. If the intrusion is made, it is determined that the operation unit 400 has been operated. In other words, the non-contact operation unit 500 determines that no operation has been performed since the fingertip has not entered the operation detection surface 515 in the state of FIG. 7(a).

On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 7B, the non-contact operation unit 500 determines that an operation is being performed because the fingertip is intruding on the operation detection surface 515 .

FIG. 7C shows a state in which the fingertip reaches over the operation detection surface 515 and touches the touch panel 405 . This can occur, for example, when the touch panel 405 is accidentally touched while attempting a non-contact operation, or conversely, when the non-contact operation unit 500 is attached but the touch operation is attempted on the touch panel 405 . At this time, both the coordinate data of the non-contact operation and the coordinate data of the touch position on the touch panel 405 are generated. However, even in such a case, the controller 100 can determine which coordinate data is by generating coordinate data to which unique identifiers are assigned as described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6C is a diagram in which the xy coordinate axes are superimposed on the operation detection surface 515 of the non-contact operation unit 500. FIG.

The non-contact sensor control unit 502 divides the operation detection surface 515 into n equal parts on the horizontal axis (x-axis) and m equal parts on the vertical axis (y-axis). are virtually assigned as y0 to ym coordinates. In this embodiment, the operation detection surface 515 is divided into 2048 parts in the x direction and 1024 parts in the y direction. The position of the fingertip that has entered the operation detection surface 515 can be detected as a coordinate point on the xy plane.

A coordinate point is represented by (x, y) based on the origin (0, 0) according to the distance from the origin. In FIG. 6C, the coordinate data representing the position N of the fingertip that has entered the operation detection surface 515 is (x3, y2). For example, when the coordinate data (x3, y2) of the position (coordinate point) N is included in the region of the operation detection surface 515 overlapping the screen of any key displayed on the display surface of the LCD 406, the non-contact state of the coordinate point N is determined. By detecting the operation, it is determined that the key has been pressed. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the non-contact sensor control unit 502 thus notifies the operation unit CPU 401 of the coordinate data (x3, y2) indicating the non-contact operation position (coordinate point) N of the operator.

Note that the coordinate data detected by the operation detection surface 515 of the non-contact operation unit 500 is defined within a range that includes both the coordinate data detected by the touch panel 405 and the coordinate data corresponding to each hard key 403 . A first region 411 shown in FIG. 8 is a range in which the touch panel 405 detects the pointing portion. A second area 412 shown in FIG. 8 is an area outside the first area 411 and corresponding to each hard key 403 . A region 413 shown in FIG. 8 is a range that includes both the range detected by the touch panel 405 (first region 411) and the region corresponding to each hard key 403 (second region 412). A region 413 shown in FIG. 8 is an open region of the frame 501 of the non-contact operation unit 500, and is a range in which the non-contact sensor of the non-contact operation unit 500 detects the pointing section.

<Coordinate determination control by controller 100>
Next, control for determining coordinate data detected by the non-contact operation unit 500 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing coordinate data determination control by the controller 100 according to the first embodiment. The operation shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the CPU 101 of the controller 100. FIG.

When coordinate data is sent from the non-contact operation unit 500, the CPU 101 of the controller 100 first determines whether the received coordinate data is within the range of coordinates detected by the touch panel 405 (S801). That is, CPU 101 determines whether the detected position indicated by the received coordinate data is within the range of first area 411 indicating the position of touch panel 405 .

If the received coordinate data is within the coordinate range detected by the touch panel 405 (Yes in S801), the CPU 101 determines that the touch panel 405 has been operated by the user (S802). Then, the CPU 101 performs a predetermined correction on the received coordinate data and converts it into coordinate data when the touch panel 405 is operated. After that, the CPU 101 transmits a command for performing processing based on the converted coordinate data to the image forming apparatus 1 or the operation unit 400 (S803).

On the other hand, if the received coordinate data is outside the range of coordinates detected by touch panel 405 (No in S801), CPU 101 checks whether the coordinate data is predetermined coordinate data corresponding to hard key 403 (S804). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether the detected position indicated by the received coordinate data is outside the first area 411 and within the range of the second area 412 indicating the position of the hard key 403 .

If the received coordinate data is predetermined coordinate data corresponding to the hard key 403 (Yes in S804), the CPU 101 determines that the user has operated the hard key 403 corresponding to the coordinate data (S805). Then, the CPU 101 transmits a command for performing processing based on the hard key 403 corresponding to the coordinate data to the image forming apparatus 1 or the operation unit 400 (S806).

If the received coordinate data is outside the coordinate range detected by the touch panel 405 (No in S801) and is not predetermined coordinate data corresponding to the hard key 403 (No in S804), the CPU 101 determines that the coordinate data is invalid. It judges (S807). The CPU 101 then transmits to the operation unit 400 a command for notifying the user that the received coordinate data is invalid (S808).

Thus, the non-contact operation unit 500 can be operated not only in the first area 411 indicating the position of the touch panel 405 but also in the second area 412 indicating the position of the hard key 403 outside the first area 411 . Detect the position of the indicator. Therefore, the user can operate the operation unit 400 without touching the touch panel 405 or hard keys 403 of the operation unit 400 . That is, the hard keys 403 outside the LCD 406 can also be operated without contact, thereby improving the user's convenience.

In this embodiment, the non-contact operation unit 500 is arranged integrally with the operation unit 400 and controlled by the controller 100 of the image forming apparatus 1, but the control source and arrangement are limited to this. not a thing A configuration in which the non-contact operation unit 500 is controlled by the operation section 400 or a configuration in which the non-contact operation unit 500 is arranged in a portion operated by the user may be employed.

<Calibration of non-contact operation unit>
Next, calibration of the non-contact operation unit 500 will be described.

If the non-contact operation unit 500 is attached to the operation unit 400 in order to input an instruction to the image forming apparatus 1 without bringing the instruction unit into contact with the operation unit 400, there is a possibility that the operation accuracy of the non-contact operation will decrease. There is This is caused by positional deviation due to installation tolerance between the operation unit 400 and the non-contact operation unit 500, variations in the detection range of the non-contact sensor control unit 502, and the like. Therefore, positional deviation (coordinate deviation) is corrected using a plurality of adjustment markers displayed on the LCD 406 and coordinate data when the positions of the adjustment markers are touched. That is, calibration of the non-contact operation unit 500 is performed.

The controller 100 has a calibration mode for the non-contact operation unit 500 that corrects the aforementioned positional deviation (coordinate deviation).

This calibration mode is executed when the controller 100 detects that the non-contact operation unit 500 has been operated. Alternatively, the calibration mode is executed when controller 100 detects that non-contact operation unit 500 is connected to image forming apparatus 1 .

The calibration mode of the non-contact operation unit 500 is performed on either the touch panel 405 side or the hard key 403 side of the coordinate range detected by the non-contact operation unit 500 .

That is, the calibration mode of the non-contact operation unit 500 includes a first calibration mode for performing calibration of the first area 411 of the LCD 406 and a second calibration mode of the hard keys 403 outside the first area 411 . and a second calibration mode that performs calibration of the region 412 of .

When performing the calibration for the coordinate range (first area 411) on the touch panel 405 side (S1001), the first calibration mode for performing the calibration of the first area 411 of the LCD 406 is performed.

On the other hand, when performing calibration for the coordinate range (second area 412) on the hard key 403 side (S1002), the second area 412 of the hard key 403 outside the first area 411 is calibrated. A second calibration mode is performed.

10 to 12 are flow charts executed in the calibration mode of the non-contact operation unit 2000. FIG. The calibration of the non-contact operation unit 500 described below is controlled and executed by the CPU 101 of the controller 100 .

The processing procedure shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 starts when the controller 100 accepts the transition to the calibration mode. Each step is executed by CPU 101 shown in FIG. 2 loading a program stored in HDD 108 or ROM 103 into RAM 102 and executing the program.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the controller 100 accepts a shift to the calibration mode by a user's operation or connection of the non-contact operation unit 500, first, calibration on the touch panel side is started (S100).

A first calibration mode in which calibration is performed for the coordinate range (first region 411) on the touch panel 405 side will be described with reference to FIG.

The controller 100 displays an adjustment marker, which is an indication position, on the LCD 406 and instructs to touch the adjustment marker (S101), similarly to the calibration of the touch panel 405 as shown in FIG. For example, an adjustment marker (1) shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the LCD 406 to notify the user to press the adjustment marker (1).

Until the user's fingertip enters the operation detection surface 515 of the non-contact operation unit 500 (No in S102), the controller 100 counts the timer 114 (S103) and waits for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) to pass. Monitor (S104).

The non-contact sensor control unit 502 detects the position of the fingertip when the fingertip enters the operation detection surface 515 and approaches the adjustment marker by a predetermined distance. When the fingertip is detected, the coordinate data, which is the second input information indicating the detected position, is transmitted from the non-contact sensor control section 502 . When the coordinate data is transmitted from the non-contact sensor control unit 502 (Yes in S102), the controller 100 receives the second input information indicating the detected position of the fingertip as the position of the fingertip in the non-contact operation unit 500. The coordinate data is acquired (stored) (S105).

Subsequently, the controller 100 counts the timer 114 (S107) until the user touches the adjustment marker on the LCD 406 (No in S106), and monitors the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (S108). ).

A finger touches an adjustment marker, which is an indicated position displayed on the LCD 406, and the touch panel 405 detects this. When the touch panel 405 detects the fingertip touching the adjustment marker, the touch panel control unit 404 transmits data as first input information indicating the position of the adjustment marker. When the data indicating the position of the adjustment marker is transmitted (Yes in S106), the controller 100 acquires (stores) the data, which is the first input information indicating the position of the adjustment marker (S109).

The controller 100 confirms whether or not all the adjustment markers (adjustment markers (1) to (9) in FIG. 5) for executing calibration have been pressed (S110). If all the adjustment markers have not been pressed (No in S110), the controller 100 displays the next adjustment marker on the LCD 406 and instructs pressing of the adjustment marker on the LCD 406 (S101). S102 to S109 are repeated until all adjustment markers for executing calibration are pressed.

When all the adjustment markers have been pressed (Yes in S110), the controller 100 controls the non-contact sensor immediately before receiving the acquired data of all the adjustment markers (first input information) and the data of each adjustment marker. The coordinate data (second input information) received from the control unit 502 is used to perform calibration on the touch panel side. That is, the coordinate data of the non-contact operation unit 500 (the second input information indicating the position of the pointing section approaching the adjustment marker) is corrected with respect to the data of the adjustment marker (the first input information) (S211). ). After executing this correction, the calibration on the touch panel side ends.

Note that the coordinate data received from the non-contact sensor control unit 502 immediately before receiving the data of each adjustment marker means that the data of each adjustment marker is received from the operation unit 400 within a predetermined time. This is coordinate data received from the sensor control unit 502 .

After completing the calibration of the touch panel, the controller 100 starts the calibration of the hard keys shown in FIG. 10 (S200).

However, on the hard key 403 side, it is not possible to display an adjustment marker like the calibration of the touch panel 405 . Therefore, in the calibration for the coordinate range on the hard key 403 side, the key position on the hard key 403 is detected by utilizing the key information of the hard key 403, and the non-contact operation unit 500 is calibrated.

A second calibration mode for performing calibration for the coordinate range (second area 412) on the hard key 403 side will be described with reference to FIG.

The controller 100 notifies the user that the hard key side calibration is to be started by displaying on the LCD 406 or the like, and instructs the user to press the hard key 403 (S201). For example, the display on the LCD 406 notifies the user to press 1 on the numeric keypad.

Until the user's fingertip enters the operation detection surface 515 of the non-contact operation unit 500 (No in S202), the controller 100 counts the timer 114 (S203) and waits for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) to pass. Monitor (S204).

The fingertip enters the operation detection surface 515 and the position of the fingertip approaching the hard key by a predetermined distance is detected. When the fingertip is detected, the coordinate data, which is the second input information indicating the detected position, is transmitted from the non-contact sensor control section 502 . When the coordinate data is transmitted from the non-contact sensor control unit 502 (Yes in S202), the controller 100 receives the second input information indicating the detected position of the fingertip as the position of the fingertip in the non-contact operation unit 500. The coordinate data is stored (S205).

Subsequently, the controller 100 counts the timer 114 (S207) until the user presses the hard key 403 (No in S206), and monitors the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (S208).

When the hard key 403 is pressed according to the instruction displayed on the LCD 406, the operation unit 400 transmits data, which is the first input information indicating the position of the pressed hard key. When the data of the pressed hard key 403 is transmitted (Yes in S206), the controller 100 acquires (stores) the data, which is the first input information indicating the position of the pressed hard key 403 (S209). ).

The controller 100 confirms whether or not all hard keys 403 for executing calibration have been pressed (S210). If all the hard keys 403 have not been pressed (No in S210), the controller 100 displays the next hard key 403 on the LCD 406 and instructs to press the hard key (S201). S202 to S209 are repeated until all hard keys 403 for executing calibration are pressed.

When all the hard keys 403 have been pressed (Yes in S210), the controller 100 performs non-operation immediately before receiving the acquired data (first input information) for all the hard keys 403 and the data for each hard key. The coordinate data (second input information) received from the contact sensor control unit 502 is used to calibrate the hard keys. That is, the coordinate data of the non-contact operation unit 500 (the second input information indicating the position of the pointing section approaching the hard key) is corrected with respect to the data of the hard key 403 (the first input information) ( S211). After executing this correction, the hard key side calibration is completed.

Note that the coordinate data received from the non-contact sensor control unit 502 immediately before each hard key data is received means that the non-contact data within a predetermined time until the hard key data is received from the operation unit 400 is received. This is coordinate data received from the sensor control unit 502 .

Also, the correction performed by the controller 100 is performed as follows. Note that the correction described below is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The coordinate data correction described in S211 of FIG. It is to change to a proper numerical value as the position of the key.

For example, among the coordinate data (x, y) of the hard keys "3", "6", "9", "#", and "C" shown in FIG. However, the coordinate data of each hard key acquired by the non-contact operation unit 500 is out of alignment. This misalignment may occur due to misalignment of the fingertip when the user presses the hard key in S<b>202 , or due to a detection error detected by the non-contact operation unit 500 . In the coordinate data correction of the hard keys "3", "6", "9", "#", and "C", based on the x-axis values of these hard keys, for example, the sum of five values It is possible to change to an appropriate x-axis numerical value by calculating the average of . Also, the y-axis numerical values can be changed to appropriate y-axis numerical values by, for example, calculating the average of the y-axis numerical values of the hard keys "1", "2", and "3". In this way, it is possible to change the coordinate data of a plurality of hard keys acquired by the non-contact operation unit to values appropriate for the positions of the hard keys.

When the hard key side calibration ends, the controller 100 ends the calibration mode as shown in FIG.

Further, when the predetermined time has passed in S204 and S208 (Yes in S202 and S206), the controller 100 ends the calibration. Alternatively, the controller 100 may notify the LCD 406 of whether or not to end the calibration to the user so that the user can select.

If the user presses a hard key different from the hard key instructed in S201, the user is notified by displaying on the LCD 406 that the hard key is different from the instructed key and that the correct key is to be pressed.

As described above, by calibrating the coordinate ranges on the touch panel 405 side and the hard key 403 side, it is possible to accurately correct the coordinate data of the non-contact operation unit 2000 . That is, according to the present embodiment, the accuracy of operation of the non-contact operation unit 500 can be improved by correcting the second input information with respect to the first input information.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the non-contact operation unit 500 is attached to the operation unit 400 of the image forming apparatus 1, only the operation of the non-contact operation unit 500 is enabled, and the operation of the touch panel type operation unit 400 is enabled. You can disable it. In that case, even if the user touches the touch panel 405 or the hard keys 403 while operating the non-contact operation unit 500 , the controller 100 controls not to accept data from the touch panel 405 or the hard keys 403 .

Whether the operation of the touch panel type operation unit 400 is enabled or disabled may be determined in advance as a setting of the image forming apparatus 1, and when the non-contact operation unit 500 is attached, the user can select by setting the operation unit. can be In either case, when performing calibration of the non-contact operation unit 500, data from the contact-type operation unit 400 is received and the calibration mode described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 is executed.

Alternatively, the non-contact operation unit 500 may be sold as an optional unit, and after the user purchases the image forming apparatus 1 having only the contact-type operation unit 400, it may be added as desired by the user.

10 to 12, the calibration program for the non-contact operation unit 500 is pre-stored in the HDD 108 or ROM 103. FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the image forming apparatus 1 having only the contact-type operation unit 400, the HDD 108 and ROM 103 do not include a calibration program, and when the non-contact operation unit 500 is attached, it may be added by version upgrade. . The version upgrade may be performed using the media enclosed with the option unit, or may be downloaded via a network (not shown).

Further, in the hard key side calibration of FIG. 12, the keys to be pressed are sequentially displayed on the LCD 406 to instruct the user. The CPU 101 can determine the position of the hard key by acquiring information from the hard key 403 , and at the same time acquire data associated with the position of the pressed hard key from the non-contact operation unit 500 . The order of the keys to be pressed is not limited, nor is the instruction of the keys to be pressed.

Further, in the calibration on the touch panel side of FIG. 11, it has been explained that the CPU 101 displays a plurality of adjustment markers on the LCD 406 and performs correction using the data acquired from the non-contact operation unit 500 . The touch panel 405 itself is calibrated in advance. In calibration on the touch panel side, the user not only inserts a fingertip into the non-contact operation unit 500 but also touches an adjustment marker displayed on the LCD 406 to acquire data from the touch panel 405 and perform correction. May be used.

[Example 2]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to Example 2 will be described. Since the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, members having the same functions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. The configuration in which the non-contact operation unit 500 can be attached to the operation section 400 is the same as that of the first embodiment. A difference from the first embodiment is that the connection cable 504 of the non-contact operation unit 500 is connected to the rear surface of the image forming apparatus 1 instead of the operation unit 400 . A broken line portion of the connection cable 504 of the non-contact operation unit 500 indicates that it is wired inside the image forming apparatus 1 .

The connection cable 504 of the non-contact operation unit 500 is configured so as to enter and be routed into the housing in the immediate vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 so as not to impair operability as much as possible and to prevent excessive length from occurring.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an internal block diagram of the operation section and the non-contact operation unit according to the second embodiment. The differences with respect to Example 1 are described below.

A connection cable 504 of the non-contact operation unit 500 is connected to the controller 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 instead of the operation unit 400 .

Specifically, the external I/F 106 is a second interface unit that exchanges coordinate data and the like between the system bus 107 and the non-contact operation unit 500 connected by a connection cable 504 such as USB. The controller 100 transfers data between the system bus 107 and the non-contact operation unit 500 connected by the connection cable 504 through the external I/F 106 without passing through the operation unit 400 . Also, the CPU 101 of the controller 100 determines whether or not the non-contact operation unit 500 is connected.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the coordinate data detected by the non-contact operation unit 500 is sent through the external I/F 106, which is the second input path different from the operation unit I/F 105, which is the first input path in the first embodiment. It is sent to the controller 100 . In the controller 100, coordinate data detected by the touch panel 405 and the non-contact operation unit 500 are input through different paths (input paths). In other words, coordinate data (first input information) detected by the touch panel 405 is transmitted to the controller 100 via the operation I/F via the operation unit 400 . On the other hand, the non-contact operation unit 500 is transmitted to the controller 100 via the external I/F 106 without passing through the operation unit CPU 401 . Therefore, even if identifiers are not assigned to the status of coordinate data as in the first embodiment, the controller 100 can determine which coordinate data. In other words, the controller 100 can identify which generation means the input information is obtained based on the input path.

For example, if the controller 100 consists of a CPU with a plurality of input ports, signal lines input from the operation unit I/F 105 and the external I/F 106 are assigned to different input ports, and are assigned to different input buffers inside the CPU. is entered. Therefore, when coordinate data is input, the CPU can identify the input information (coordinate data) by reading from which input buffer, so the identifier is unnecessary as described above.

Even with the configuration described above, it is possible to improve the operation accuracy of the non-contact operation unit 500, as in the first embodiment described above.

M, N ... coordinate data 1 ... image forming apparatus 100 ... controller 101 ... CPU
102 RAM
103 ... ROM
105 ... Operation unit I/F
106 ... External I/F
110 ... Scanner I/F
111 ... Printer I/F
114 ... timer 200 ... scanner section 300 ... printer section 400 ... operation section 401 ... operation section CPU
402 ... LEDs
403 ... hard key 404 ... touch panel control unit 405 ... touch panel 406 ... LCD (display)
500 ... non-contact operation unit 501 ... frame body 502 ... non-contact sensor control section 503 ... non-contact sensor (detection section)
504 ... connection cable

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium,
a first operation unit for inputting an instruction to an image forming apparatus, the display displaying information; a first operating unit having first generating means for generating first input information indicating the detected position;
A second operation unit for inputting an instruction to the image forming apparatus without bringing the instruction unit into contact with the first operation unit, the second operation unit being positioned a predetermined distance from the first operation unit. a second operating unit having second generating means for detecting the position of the instruction unit that has approached the first operating unit by the predetermined distance and generating second input information indicating the detected position;
a control unit that controls an image forming apparatus according to the first input information or the second input information;
with
The control unit receives first input information indicating the indicated position received from the first operation unit when the indicating unit touches the indicated position displayed on the display, and the first input information indicating the indicated position received from the first operation unit. and the second input information received from the second operating unit when the pointing unit that has approached the pointing position is detected immediately before receiving the input information from the second input information indicating the pointing position. 1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a calibration mode for correcting said second input information indicating a position of said pointing section that has approached said pointing position, with respect to one piece of input information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calibration mode is executed when the control section detects that the second operation section is operated. the second operation unit is configured to be connected to the image forming apparatus as a post-installation,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calibration mode is executed when the control section detects that the second operation section is connected to the image forming apparatus. The first operation unit has an operation key arranged outside the area where the display is arranged,
The control unit receives first input information indicating the position of the operation key received from the first operation unit when the operation key is pressed according to the instruction displayed on the display, and the position of the operation key. and second input information received from the second operation unit when the instruction unit approaching the operation key is detected immediately before receiving the first input information indicating the operation. further comprising a second calibration mode for correcting the second input information indicating the position of the instruction section closer to the operation key with respect to the first input information indicating the position of a key; 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by: If the detected position indicated by the second input information received from the second generating means is within the range of the first area indicating the position of the display, the control unit performs the first generating means is operated, performs the same control as when the first generation means is operated, and is outside the first area and within the range of the second area indicating the position of the operation key 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when , it is determined that the operation key has been operated, and the same control as when the operation key has been operated is performed. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said second operation unit comprises a housing that can be arranged so as to surround outer peripheries of said first area and said second area. . The housing is a frame having a shape that surrounds four sides of the outer periphery of the first region and the second region and that the first region and the second region, which are central portions, are opened,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the open area of said frame is a detection range for detecting the position of said indicator. 8. The second generation means according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that said second generation means has a detection part for detecting a position of said instruction part that has approached said display or said operation key by said predetermined distance. 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The second input information received from the second operation unit immediately before receiving the first input information from the first operation unit means that the first input information is received from the first operation unit. 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second input information is received from the second operation unit within a predetermined time until reception. .

Images