JP2024014173A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a data reading method using a two-dimensional code represented by a QR code is popular, an image forming apparatus is provided with a reader such as a camera, and a method reading a two-dimensional code is known; although such a reader can read data included in the two-dimensional code by a user holding a display surface of a display medium displaying a two-dimensional code over the reader within an imaging range of the reader, it is often hard for the user to hold the display surface of the display medium displaying the two-dimensional code over the reader within the imaging range.

SOLUTION: When a two-dimensional code is read using reading means by displaying on a display panel on an operation unit, a video imaged by a reading device, it is possible to reduce degradation of a user's operability.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser beam printer.

In recent years, various services such as data reading and authentication systems that utilize communication using two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) have become popular.

2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses are also equipped with reading means such as cameras to read two-dimensional codes. The two-dimensional code is generated by converting predetermined authentication information, image data, and document files, and the image forming apparatus performs predetermined processing according to the read information.

The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a camera reads a QR code that includes billing information for performing billing processing for a user.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-171960

Generally, the above-mentioned reading means has a predetermined reading range that is a range in which a two-dimensional code can be read. When the user holds up the display surface of the display medium on which the two-dimensional code is displayed over the reading device within the aforementioned reading range, the reading means can read the two-dimensional code.

However, it may be difficult for the user to hold the display surface of the display medium on which the two-dimensional code is displayed over the reading device within the above-mentioned reading range.

For example, in the case of Patent Document 1, since the user cannot grasp the above-mentioned reading range, it takes time for the reading device to read the two-dimensional code, and the user's operability may deteriorate.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the deterioration of the user's operability when reading a two-dimensional code using a reading means.

a display unit capable of displaying a screen for setting conditions for forming an image on a recording medium;
a reading device equipped with a camera capable of capturing an image of a target object in a predetermined imaging range, and capable of reading a two-dimensional code displayed on a display medium in the imaging range;
a generation unit that generates image data included in the two-dimensional code read by the reading device from the two-dimensional code;
an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data generated by the generating unit;
has
The display unit displays at least a part of the video imaged by the camera.
It is characterized by

According to the present invention, when reading a two-dimensional code using a reading means, it is possible to reduce deterioration in user operability.

Diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to this embodiment Schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment A diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment A diagram showing an example of an operation screen of an image forming apparatus External view showing the imaging screen on the display panel of the operation unit External view displayed in two parts on the display panel of the operation unit Imaging range of the reading unit in the horizontal plane of the display panel Imaging range of the reading section in the vertical direction in the horizontal plane of the display panel Flowchart for reading two-dimensional code and printing A perspective view of an image forming apparatus in Example 2 External view showing a two-part display on the display panel of the operation unit in Example 2

[First embodiment]
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, with reference to drawings, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the following examples are essential to the solution of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to this embodiment. This image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 101, a file server 102, a mail server 103, a PC (Personal Computer) 104, and an online storage 106. Image forming apparatus 101, file server 102, mail server 103, and PC 104 are connected to network 107 and can communicate with each other. The online storage 106 is also connected to the network 107 via the Internet 105, and can communicate with the image forming apparatus 101. The file server 102, mail server 103, and online storage 106 are examples of storage locations for image data.

The image forming apparatus 101 can send image data obtained by scanning a document to a file server 102, a mail server 103, and an online storage 106. The file server 102 is a file server compatible with FTP and SMB protocols. The mail server 103 is a mail server compatible with the SMTP protocol. The online storage 106 is an online storage compatible with WebDAV (a file sharing protocol using the HTTP protocol). The PC 104 can refer to or update the setting values of the image forming apparatus 101 using the HTTP protocol. The network 107 may be configured to be wirelessly connected to an access point (not shown) as long as it can transmit image data. The image data in this embodiment is electronic data. Specifically, the image data is not limited to electronic data obtained by converting an image into RAW data, but may be electronic data according to an image format such as TIFF or JPEG, or electronic data according to a PDF format.

(Image forming device)
In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a printing unit 122 that forms an image on a sheet such as recording paper to be recorded. Further, the image forming apparatus 101 includes a scanner unit 116 that is disposed above the image forming apparatus 101 in the vertical direction and scans an image of a sheet such as a document to be scanned. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 101 includes an operation unit 118 through which a user or an operator such as a service person inputs information. The information input by the operator and received by the operation unit corresponds to the conditions for forming an image on a recording medium, such as the number of prints and print size.

The operation unit 118 includes a display panel 300 (described later) and a hard key unit 350 (described later). Here, in this embodiment, the operation section 118 has the display panel 300 and the hard key section 350, but a so-called keyless configuration without the hard key section 350 may also be used. In such a configuration, the operation unit 118 includes only the display panel 300. The display panel 300 is a touch panel, and the operator inputs information through operations such as touching and flicking. The display panel 300 can display a screen for setting conditions for forming an image on a recording medium, and the display panel 300 corresponds to a display section. Further, the display panel 300 can display information regarding image formation input by the operator. For example, when an operator prints paper, information such as its size and number of sheets is displayed on the display panel 300. The display panel 300 also displays that the image forming apparatus 101 is currently forming an image. For example, a message such as "Printing in progress" corresponds to this message.

Further, a reading section 120 is provided on the operation section 118. The reading unit 120 is a camera, and can read information included in the two-dimensional code 400 by capturing an image of the two-dimensional code 400 presented by the user. Further, the reading section 120 attached to the operation section 118 has directivity in the vertical direction with the surface of the display panel 300 as a plane. In this embodiment, imaging with a camera is shown as a method of reading the two-dimensional code 400, but the two-dimensional code 400 may be read using a method such as CCD scanning or laser scanning.

As will be described in detail later, when the user holds the mobile terminal 200 displaying the two-dimensional code 400 over the reader 120 to read the information, image data is acquired and the image data is displayed on the display panel 300. . Thereafter, when the user inputs the number of copies to be printed and presses the start button, the images read by the mobile terminal 200 are printed for the selected number of copies. Here, the mobile terminal 200 displaying the two-dimensional code 400 corresponds to a display medium. As the display medium, other methods may be used as long as the two-dimensional code 400 can be displayed, and the display medium may be paper, a tablet, or the like.

Although details will be described later, the reading unit 120 has a predetermined imaging range in which it can image the object. When the user holds the mobile terminal 200 displaying the two-dimensional code 400 over the reading unit 120 within the imaging range of the reading unit 120, the reading unit 120 can read the two-dimensional code 400.

In an image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 101, an image is first stored in the apparatus by an image input means such as the scanner unit 116 or the PC 104 connected to the image forming apparatus 101. Next, the sheets to be recorded are fed out one by one from the paper feed cassette 150 provided below the image forming apparatus 101, and the stored images are transferred onto the sheets by the forming section 158, and the images are transferred to the in-body paper ejection space 153. is output to. The forming section 158 is a general term for parts that perform image formation, such as the photosensitive drum 156, a developing device, a charging device, and an intermediate transfer belt.

At this time, various output conditions such as the number of output sheets and image size are input from the operation unit 118, and the image forming apparatus 101 is controlled based on these information. From the viewpoint of ease of operation for the user, the operation unit 118 is often provided above the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 101, such as in front of the scanner unit 116. Note that when a user faces the image forming apparatus 101 to operate the image forming apparatus 101, the side on which the operator is located when viewed from the image forming apparatus 101 is defined as the near side.

The operation unit 118 is provided above the paper feed cassette 150 in the vertical direction. A front cover 151 that forms the exterior of the image forming apparatus 101 on the front side is provided between the paper feed cassette 150 and the internal paper discharge space 153. When a user wants to replace a drum cartridge 157 (drum unit) having a photosensitive drum 156 or a toner cartridge, the user opens this front cover 151 and performs the work.

The drum cartridge 157 and toner cartridge are replaced by being inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus 101 from the front side of the image forming apparatus 101. That is, the front cover 151 is rotatable between a closed position in which it closes the opening 155 through which these cartridges pass and an open position in which it opens the opening 155, and when these cartridges are in the open position, the front cover 151 is sometimes replaced. When the front cover 151 is in the open position, the drum cartridge 157 and the toner cartridge can be inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus 101 through the opening 155. When the front cover 151 is moved to the open position, a portion of the forming portion 158 is exposed. The operating section 118 is provided above the front cover 151 in the vertical direction. Here, the side where the operation unit 118 is provided is the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 101, and the opposite side is the back side (back side) of the image forming apparatus 101. Further, when viewed from the front side of the image forming apparatus 101, one side of the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction (front-back direction) of the image forming apparatus 101 is the right side, and the other side is the left side.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus 101)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. The image forming apparatus 101 includes a control section 110 that controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 101, a scanner section 116, an operation section 118, a reading section 120, and a printing section 122. The control section 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage 114, a scanner section I/F 115, an operation section I/F 117, a reading section I/F 119, a printing section I/F 120, and an external storage I/F. F123 and a communication unit I/F125. Each component will be explained in detail below.

The CPU 111 reads a control program stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 and performs various controls such as display control, scanner control, reading control, printing control, and communication control. The ROM 112 stores a control program executable by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores boot programs, font data, and the like. The RAM 113 functions as the main memory and work area of the CPU 111, and is used as a temporary storage area for expanding various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and the storage 114. The storage 114 stores image data, print data, address books, various programs, and various setting information. In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 114, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, an HDD, or an eMMC may also be used.

Note that in the image forming apparatus 101, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 113) to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later, but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages may cooperate to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later. Further, a part of the processing may be executed using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

Scanner unit I/F 115 connects scanner unit 116 and CPU 111 (control unit 110). The scanner unit 116 reads an image on a document and converts the image into image data such as binary data. The image data generated by the scanner unit 116 is transmitted to an external device, stored in the external storage device 124, or printed on recording paper under the control of the CPU 111.

The operating unit I/F 117 connects the operating unit 118 and the CPU 111 (control unit 110). The operation unit 118 includes a touch panel that has both a display function and an input function, and displays information to the user and detects input from the user. The operation unit 118 corresponds to a display unit.

The reading unit I/F 119 connects the reading unit 120 and the CPU 111 (control unit 110). The reading unit 120 reads a two-dimensional code 400 such as a QR code presented by the user, and extracts and acquires information consisting of a character string from the image. The acquired information is converted to image data through the network 107 under the control of the CPU 111, and is printed on recording paper.

The printing unit I/F 121 connects the printing unit 122 and the CPU 111 (control unit 110). The CPU 111 transfers image data to be printed to the printing unit 122 via the printing unit I/F 121 and causes the image data to be printed. The printing unit 122 prints an image on recording paper fed from the paper cassette 150. In other words, the printing section 122 corresponds to an image forming section.

External storage I/F 123 connects external storage device 124 and control unit 110 (CPU 111). The CPU 111 stores the image data in the external storage device 124 via the external storage I/F 123. Although this embodiment assumes a USB interface as the external storage I/F 123 and a USB memory as the external storage device 124, an external storage device such as an SD card may also be used.

The control unit 110 (CPU 111) is connected to the network 107 via the communication unit I/F 125. The CPU 111 sends and receives image data to the file server 102, sends and receives e-mail to the mail server 103, sends and receives image data to the online storage 106, and sends and receives image data to the PC 104 via the communication unit I/F 125. It is possible to send and receive various internal setting information. Further, when the CPU 111 receives a reference request or a change request for various setting information inside the device from the PC 104 via the communication unit I/F 125, the CPU 111 reads out the various setting information from the storage 114 and changes it. Image data is transmitted using protocols such as FTP, SMB, WebDAV, and SMTP. Further, a web server application that processes HTTP transmits various setting information to the PC 104 and receives changes in various setting information from the PC 104.

(Operation screen of image forming apparatus 101)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display panel 300 of the operation unit 118 of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment. The display panel 300 is a screen that is displayed immediately after the image forming apparatus 101 is started up, and instructions are given to execute each function of the image forming apparatus 101.

Display panel 300 displays buttons for instructing execution of various functions of image forming apparatus 101, such as a copy button, scan button 301, fax button, menu button, address book button 302, and code reading button 303.

The scan button 301 is a button for instructing to execute e-mail transmission of image data obtained by the scanner unit 116, file transmission of image data, or storage of image data in a USB memory (external storage device 122).

Address book button 302 is a button for instructing display of an address book management screen (not shown). Users can save settings related to destination information for each destination via the address book management screen. The destination information includes information such as transmission type (FAX transmission, e-mail transmission, SMB transmission, FTP transmission, WebDAV transmission), name, destination information (telephone number, e-mail address, host name, server information, etc.).

The code reading button 303 is a button for printing image data obtained by causing the reading unit 120 to read the two-dimensional code 400.

(Code reading)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the reading unit 120 provided in the operation unit 118 of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment reading the two-dimensional code 400 displayed on the user's mobile terminal 200. The reading section 120 is arranged on the right side of the display panel 300 of the operation section 118. First, the code reading button 303 on the display panel 300 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed. Next, the display panel 300 displays a message asking you to read the code. The reading section 120 is activated upon displaying the message and enters a reading waiting state. The display panel 300 displays the image captured by the activated reading section 120. The user holds the display surface of the mobile terminal 200 on which the two-dimensional code 400 is displayed over the reading section 120 while viewing the image displayed on the display panel 300 and captured by the reading section 120. By performing the above-described operation, the user can easily hold the mobile terminal 200 displaying the two-dimensional code 400 over the reading unit compared to the case where the image captured by the reading unit 120 is not displayed on the display panel 300. can.

Further, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a different display content on the display panel 300 after the code reading button 300 is pressed. In the case of this embodiment, the operation guidance is displayed on the left side 330 of the display panel, and the imaging screen from the reading unit 120 is displayed on the right side 320 of the display panel on the same screen. The reason why the imaging screen is displayed on the right side is because the reading section 120 is installed on the right side of the display panel 300, and we believe that reducing the movement of the user's line of sight also improves operability.

The imaging range in which the reading unit 120 can read the two-dimensional code 400 is shown using FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the imaging range of the reading section 120 on the flat surface of the display panel 300. In this embodiment, a frame surrounded by a dotted line X1 is shown as an example of the imaging range on the plane. The frame indicated by the dotted line X1 is an example in this embodiment, and the dotted line X1 may have other sizes and shapes depending on the camera that the reading unit 120 has.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the imaging range of the reading unit 120 in the vertical direction when the display panel 300 is a plane. Let L1 be the distance in the vertical direction between the mobile terminal 200 displaying the two-dimensional code 400 and the reading section 120. The range of distance L1 in this embodiment is 25 mm to 80 mm. In the imaging range defined by the above-mentioned dotted line X1 and distance L1, when the user holds the display surface of the mobile terminal 200 on which the two-dimensional code 400 is displayed over the reading unit 120, the reading unit 120 can read the two-dimensional code 400. It becomes possible. The range of the distance L1 shown in this embodiment is an example, and the distance L1 may have another value depending on the camera that the reading unit 120 has.

Next, a flow in which the reading unit 120 of the image forming apparatus 101 of this embodiment reads the two-dimensional code 400 presented by the user and executes printing will be described using FIG. 9 . A program related to the processing shown in this flowchart is stored in the ROM 112 of the image forming apparatus 101, read out to the RAM 113, and executed by the CPU 111. In the process shown in this flowchart, when the home screen 300 of FIG. 4 is displayed on the operation unit 118 of the image forming apparatus 101 and the code reading button 303 is pressed, the reading unit 120 is activated and imaging is started. .

In step S601, the CPU 111 reads the two-dimensional code 400 presented to the reading unit 120. The process then proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, the CPU 111 generates image data included in the read two-dimensional code 400. In other words, the CPU 602 corresponds to a generation unit. The process then proceeds to step S603.

In step S603, the CPU 111 displays the image data generated in step S602 on the display panel 300, and displays a selection screen for printing. The process then proceeds to step S604.

In step S604, the CPU 111 determines whether the print button displayed in step S603 has been pressed. If the CPU 111 determines that the print button has been pressed, it starts the operation of the printing unit 122, and the process advances to step S605. If the CPU 111 determines that the print button has not been pressed, the process returns to step S601 and requests code reading again.

In step S605, the CPU 111 instructs the printing unit 122 to form an image on the recording medium based on the image data generated in S602.

According to the setting process of this embodiment as described above, printing of image data becomes possible by reading the two-dimensional code 400 presented by the user using the image forming apparatus.

[Second embodiment]
The reading unit 120 according to the second embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 10 and 11. Note that the general configuration of the image forming apparatus and the basic configuration of the operation section are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment, the reading section 120 is provided on the back side of the display panel 300 at the lower left of the operation section 118. The directivity of the reading section 120 extends downward in a substantially vertical direction. When reading the screen of the mobile terminal 200 into the reading unit 120, it is desirable to improve operability without forcing the user to turn his or her wrist.

FIG. 11 is an external view of the operation unit 118 according to the second embodiment. When the reading section 120 is activated, the display panel 300 displays the image capture screen of the reading section 120 on the left side 330 of the display panel and the operation guidance on the right side 320 of the display panel. There is a reading section 120 on the back side of the operation section 118, but since the position is adjusted while looking at the imaging screen, the operability is not reduced.

Further, the image forming apparatus may be another image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, or a facsimile machine, or another image forming apparatus such as a multifunction device that combines these functions. Similar effects can be obtained by applying the present invention to input devices used in these image forming apparatuses.

101 Image forming device 111 CPU
116 Scanner section 118 Operation section 120 Reading section 122 Printing section 200 Mobile terminal 300 Display panel 400 Two-dimensional code

Claims (3)

a display unit capable of displaying a screen for setting conditions for forming an image on a recording medium;
a reading device equipped with a camera capable of capturing an image of a target object in a predetermined imaging range, and capable of reading a two-dimensional code displayed on a display medium in the imaging range;
a generation unit that generates image data included in the two-dimensional code read by the reading device from the two-dimensional code;
an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data generated by the generating unit;
has
The display unit displays at least a part of the video imaged by the camera.
An image forming apparatus characterized by: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is capable of displaying the image forming conditions and at least a part of the video imaged by the camera on the same screen. 2. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is capable of displaying guidance indicating the two-dimensional code reading operation and at least a part of the video imaged by the camera on the same screen. Image forming device.

Images