JP3642657B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation input device provided for an operator to set instructions regarding the operation of various devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, for example, a digital copying machine, a document image input from a scanner is subjected to processing selected from various image processing functions and a processed image is output from a printer unit. In addition, a system has been proposed in which various post-processing can be performed on the output recorded matter and provided as an edited material.
[0003]
Since the operation panel of such a digital copying machine has a variety of functions, the number of keys arranged on the operation panel is increased and complicated, and it is very easy to understand from the viewpoint of operability. There is no state.
[0004]
Also, in recent digital copying machines, among the many keys, keys that are used infrequently are covered or used as keys, but they are still insufficient, and there are some that are often used recently. The input device is a combination of a liquid crystal display unit and a transparent touch panel.
[0005]
For example, it is as in JP-A-6-35282. Based on the embodiment described here, the implementation technique in a conventional copying machine equipped with a touch panel will be briefly described. From the operator side regarding the copying machine status and copying operation on the LCD screen (liquid crystal display screen). And a lot of information such as a message from the copier to the operator.
[0006]
Based on these pieces of information, the operator gives a desired operation instruction to the copying machine. At this time, when the operator touches the LCD screen lightly to give an instruction regarding a desired operation from the selection instruction button display displayed on the LCD screen, a touch panel is arranged on the LCD screen. The content of the selection instruction button display displayed on the LCD screen is input to the copying machine side.
[0007]
The display content of the LCD screen changes one after another according to an instruction from the operator or according to the operating state of the copying machine. This is because the display buttons suitable for memory of the copier are sequentially switched so that the instruction button display not related to the current status of the copier is not displayed as much as possible, so that people who use the copier can perform a variety of processing. The aim is to make it easy to operate even a copier with the capability.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even a copier equipped with such an input device has a good operability and there is no such thing that the display contents displayed on the LDE screen are easy to understand.
[0009]
For example, even if the display screen described in JP-A-6-35282 is taken, many modes are displayed around the LCD screen in order to display a large amount of information within the limited display range of the LCD screen. Usually, a selection button (input by a touch panel) is arranged, and by operation of this mode selection button, the display on the LCD screen is switched to contents suitable for the mode.
[0010]
With such a configuration, even the first person can select the mode he wants to select from the mode selection buttons arranged around the LCD screen, and the copier side can switch the display interactively. The mode desired by the operator can be selected.
[0011]
However, for those who are familiar with copiers, it takes a considerable amount of time and operation to reach the LCD display screen for setting the target mode. The screen becomes inconvenient.
[0012]
As another problem, there is a big problem that the contents of the copy mode set on the previous LCD display screen cannot be understood by sequentially switching the LCD display screen. For this reason, the operator must return the LCD display screen to the original screen for confirmation, and it takes unnecessary time only for setting the copy mode.
[0013]
Furthermore, every time the contents of the LCD screen are switched by an instruction from the operation unit, the display contents completely different from the previous display screen contents are displayed on the LCD screen, and every time the screen is switched, the operator looks over the display contents and displays them. Understand the contents and perform the following operations. Therefore, even if the manufacturer intends to set the screen in an easy-to-understand manner, it will be a perfect operability input device if it stands on the operator side. R The current situation is not.
[0014]
Therefore, in the present invention, even if a person who is not using the device or a person who is familiar with the device in the operation unit composed of a display unit and a touch panel for inputting instructions to the device, It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device that can be easily understood and can be used to give instructions to a desired device with a simple operation.
[0015]
In addition, even if the display screen is switched sequentially according to the operator's instructions, the mode instructed by the operator can be confirmed at any time, and every time the screen is switched, the input is easy to understand without inadvertently changing the operator's viewpoint. The object is to provide a device.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A copying machine equipped with an input device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
First, a copying machine according to the present invention is a digital image forming apparatus having, for example, a copying mode, a printer mode, a fax mode, etc. FIG. 1 shows an input comprising a touch panel and a liquid crystal display unit provided on an operation panel of the digital image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a digital image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel including the input device according to the present invention.
[0018]
First, a digital image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. This image forming apparatus is a digital copying machine 30, and the main body of the digital copying machine 30 is roughly composed of a scanner unit 31 and a laser recording unit 32.
[0019]
The scanner unit 31 is placed on a document placing table 35 made of transparent glass, a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) 36 for automatically feeding and conveying a document onto the document placing table 35, and the document placing table 35. A document image reading unit for scanning and reading a document image, that is, a scanner unit 40 is provided.
[0020]
The document image read by the scanner unit 31 is sent as image data to an image data input unit described later, and predetermined image processing is performed on the image data.
[0021]
The RADF 36 is a device that sets a copy of a document on a document tray (not shown) provided at a time, and automatically feeds the set document one by one onto the document placement table of the scanner unit. is there. The RADF 36 also feeds a single-sided original document path, a double-sided original document path, a conveying path switching unit, and originals passing through each part so that the scanner unit can read one or both sides of the original according to the operator's selection. It consists of a sensor group that grasps and manages the state of the sensor and a control unit.
[0022]
A scanner unit 40 constituting a scanner unit 31 for reading an image of a document on the document table 35 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41 that exposes the document surface, and a reflected light image from the document on a photoelectric conversion element (CCD). A reflected light image from the first scanning unit 40a on which the first reflecting mirror 42a for reflecting the reflected light from the document to be guided is mounted and the first reflecting mirror unit 40a is applied to a photoelectric conversion element (CCD). Second scanning unit 40b having second and third reflecting mirrors 42b and 42c for guiding, an element (CCD) for converting a reflected light image from the original into an electrical image signal through each of the reflecting mirrors described above. ) And the above-described CCD element 44 for converting the reflected light image from the original into an electrical image signal.
[0023]
The scanner unit 31 moves the scanner unit 40 along the lower surface of the document placing table 35 while sequentially placing the document to be read on the document placing table 35 by the operation related to the RADF 36 and the scanner unit 40. It is configured to read an image.
[0024]
In particular, the first scanning unit 40a travels from the left to the right along the document placement table at a constant speed V, and the second scanning unit 40b is parallel to the speed V at a speed of V / 2 in the same direction. The scanning is controlled. As a result, the image of the document placed on the document placement table 35 is sequentially formed on the CCD element 44 for each line, and the image is read.
[0025]
Image data obtained by reading a document image with the scanner unit 40 is sent to an image processing unit to be described later, subjected to various processes, temporarily stored in the memory of the image processing unit, and according to an output instruction. The image in the memory is read out and transferred to the laser printer unit 32 to form an image on the recording sheet.
[0026]
The laser printer unit 32 includes a sheet conveyance system that is a recording material for forming an image, a laser writing unit 46, and an electrophotographic process unit 48 for forming an image.
[0027]
The laser writing unit 46 is a semiconductor laser light source that emits laser light in accordance with image data read from the memory after being read by the scanner unit 40 described above or image data transferred from an external device. A polygon mirror that deflects the angular velocity, an f-θ lens that corrects the laser beam deflected at the uniform angular velocity so as to be deflected at a uniform angular velocity on the photosensitive drum constituting the electrophotographic process unit 48, and the like.
[0028]
The electrophotographic process section 48 includes a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaning device, and a static eliminator around a known photosensitive drum.
[0029]
On the other hand, the sheet conveyance system is a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet P to the transfer position in which the transfer unit is arranged in the electrophotographic process unit that performs the above-described image formation, and for feeding the sheet P to the conveyance unit 33. Cassette paper feeders 51 and 52, a manual paper feeder 54 for appropriately feeding sheets of a necessary size, a fixing device 49 for fixing an image formed on the sheet P after transfer, particularly a toner image, A refeeding path 53 for refeeding the sheet P to form an image again on the back surface of the sheet P after fixing is provided.
[0030]
A post-processing device that receives a sheet P on which an image is recorded and performs a predetermined process on the sheet P is disposed downstream of the fixing device 49.
[0031]
In the laser writing unit 46 and the electrophotographic processing unit 48, image data read from the image memory is formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 by scanning the laser beam with the laser writing unit 46. The toner image visualized by the toner is electrostatically transferred and fixed on the surface of the sheet conveyed from any one of the sheet feeding units of the multi-stage sheet feeding unit.
[0032]
The sheet on which the image is formed in this way is conveyed from the fixing device 49 into the post-processing device 34 via the paper discharge roller 57.
[0033]
(Circuit explanation of image processing unit)
Next, the configuration and function of an image processing unit that performs image processing on the read document image information in the digital copying machine 1 will be described.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing unit included in the digital copying machine 1 of FIG. The image processing unit included in the digital copying machine 1 includes an image data input unit 60, an image processing unit 61, an image data output unit 62, a RAM (random access memory), a memory 63 including a hard disk, and a central processing unit. A device (CPU) 64 is provided.
[0035]
The image data input unit 60 includes a CCD unit 60a, a histogram processing unit 60b, and an error diffusion processing unit 60c.
[0036]
The image data input unit 60 binarizes and converts the image data of the original read from the CCD 2-4, processes the image data by the error diffusion method while taking a histogram as a binary digital quantity, and stores it in the memory 43. It is configured to store once.
[0037]
That is, in the CCD unit 60a, an analog electrical signal corresponding to each pixel density of the image data is A / D converted, and then MTF correction, black and white correction, or gamma correction is performed, and a 256 gradation (8 bits) digital signal is obtained. Is output to the histogram processing unit 60b.
[0038]
In the histogram processing unit 60b, the digital signal output from the CCD unit 60a is added for each pixel density of 256 gradations to obtain density information (histogram data), and the obtained histogram data is sent to the CPU 64 as necessary. Also, it is sent as pixel data to the error diffusion processing unit 60c.
[0039]
In the error diffusion processing unit 60c, 8 bits / pixel output from the CCD unit 60a by an error diffusion method, which is a kind of pseudo intermediate processing, that is, a method of reflecting binarization errors in binarization determination of adjacent pixels. The digital signal is converted to 1 bit (binarization), and redistribution calculation is performed to faithfully reproduce the local area density in the original.
[0040]
The image processing unit 61 includes multi-value processing units 61a and 61b, a composition processing unit 61c, a density conversion processing unit 61d, a scaling processing unit 61e, an image processing unit 61f, an error diffusion processing unit 61g, and a compression processing unit 61h. . The image processing unit 61 is a processing unit that finally converts the input image data into image data desired by the operator. The image processing unit 61 stores the output image data as final converted output image data in the memory 63. Configured to process. However, the above-described processing units included in the image processing unit 61 function as necessary and may not function.
[0041]
That is, in the multilevel processing units 61a and 61b, the data binarized by the error diffusion processing unit 60c is converted again into 256 gradations.
[0042]
In the synthesis processing unit 61c, a logical operation for each pixel, that is, an operation of logical sum, logical product, or exclusive logical sum is selectively performed. The data to be subjected to this calculation is pixel data stored in the memory 63 and bit data from the pattern generator (PG).
[0043]
In the density conversion processing unit 61d, the relationship of the output density with respect to the input density is arbitrarily set based on a predetermined gradation conversion table for the data signal of 256 gradations.
[0044]
In the scaling processing unit 61e, pixel data (density value) for the target pixel after scaling is obtained by performing interpolation processing using the input known data in accordance with the instructed scaling factor, and the sub-scan is changed. After being doubled, the main scan is subjected to scaling processing.
[0045]
In the pixel process unit 61f, various image processes are performed on the input pixel data, and information collection for a data string such as feature extraction can be performed.
[0046]
In the error diffusion processing unit 61g, processing similar to that of the error diffusion processing unit 60c of the image data input unit 60 is performed.
[0047]
In the compression processing unit 61h, binary data is compressed by encoding called run length. As for the compression of the image data, the compression functions in the final processing loop when the final output image data is completed.
[0048]
The image data output unit 62 includes a restoration unit 62a, a multi-value processing unit 62b, an error diffusion processing unit 62c, and a laser output unit 62d.
[0049]
The image data output unit 62 restores the image data stored in the memory 63 in the compressed state, converts it back to the original 256 gradations, and generates an error in the quaternary data that is a smooth halftone expression than the binary data. It is configured to perform diffusion and transfer data to the laser output unit 62d.
[0050]
That is, the restoration unit 62a restores the image data compressed by the compression processing unit 61h.
In the multi-value processing unit 62b, processing similar to that of the multi-value processing units 61a and 61b of the image processing unit 61 is performed.
[0051]
In the error diffusion processing unit 62c, processing similar to that of the error diffusion processing unit 60c of the image data input unit 60 is performed. In the laser output unit 62d, the digital pixel data is converted into a laser on / off signal based on a control signal from sequence control not shown in the figure, and the semiconductor laser in the laser writing unit 46 is turned on / off, and the photoconductor An electrostatic latent image is written on the drum.
[0052]
The data handled in the image data input unit 60 and the image data output unit 62 is basically stored in the memory 63 in the form of binary data in order to reduce the capacity of the memory 63. It is also possible to process in the form of quaternary data in consideration of deterioration.
[0053]
(Explanation of the control configuration of the entire digital copying machine)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the operation of each part of the entire apparatus of the digital copying machine 30 is managed by a central control unit (CPU) 64.
[0054]
The CCD 2-4, the image data input unit 60, the image processing unit 41, the image data output unit 62, the image memory 63, and the central control unit (CPU) 64 are the same as those in FIG.
[0055]
The central control unit 64 manages each drive mechanism unit constituting the digital copying machine 30 such as the RADF 36, the scanner unit 31, and the laser printer unit 32 by sequence control, and outputs a control signal to each unit.
[0056]
Further, an operation board unit 65 comprising an operation panel is connected to the central processing unit in a state where mutual communication is possible, and a control signal is transferred to the central processing unit 64 according to the copy mode set and input by the operator and digitally transmitted. The copying machine 30 is operated according to the mode.
[0057]
Further, a control signal indicating the operation state of the digital copying machine is transferred from the central processing unit 64 to the operation board unit 65, and the operation board unit 65 controls the current state of the apparatus by this control signal. As shown to the user, the operation state is displayed by a display unit or the like.
[0058]
A sorter control unit 46 is a control unit that manages the operation of a post-processing apparatus that sorts copies output by the digital copying machine 30.
[0059]
Reference numeral 67 denotes an image data communication unit provided to enable information communication with other digital image devices such as image information and image control signals.
[0060]
FIG. 5 shows an operation panel in the digital copying machine 30.
[0061]
The touch panel liquid crystal display device 6 also shown in FIG. 1 is arranged at the center of the operation panel, and various mode setting key groups are arranged around it.
[0062]
A basic start screen for selecting various modes at all times is displayed on the screen of the touch panel liquid crystal display device 6, and various modes can be selected by directly pressing an area relating to a desired mode instruction with a finger as required. The liquid crystal screen sequentially changes so that selection can be instructed.
[0063]
The editing function is set by touching an area where the function desired by the operator is displayed with a finger from among the various displayed modes.
[0064]
The various setting keys arranged on the operation panel will be briefly described. First, an overview diagram of the digital copying machine is displayed in the approximate center of the liquid crystal display device 6, and further, a copy density is displayed below the overview diagram. A copy density setting key 7 for setting the paper size, a paper size setting key 8 for setting the paper size, and a magnification setting key 9 for setting the copy magnification.
[0065]
10 is a special function mode button for shifting the liquid crystal display screen to an edit mode setting screen for editing a document image, and 11 is a double-sided button. Copy A double-sided copy mode key for shifting the liquid crystal display screen to a setting screen for setting the processing mode by shifting to the mode; 12 for a key for shifting the liquid crystal display screen to an output mode instruction screen such as a sorter / staple; Reference numeral 13 denotes a setting confirmation key for confirming the contents of the currently set mode.
[0066]
Further, 14 is an operation guide key for displaying an operation method on the screen, 15 is a numeric keypad for inputting numerical information such as the number of copies, and 16 is for interrupting a new copy mode to the copy mode currently being processed. An interrupt key for clearing processing, 17 a clear key for clearing conditions input by a numeric keypad, 18 for an all clear key for clearing all states of the digital copier and returning to a standard state, 19 for This is a start key for instructing the start of processing in the mode set by these keys.
[0067]
Note that three key groups arranged on the left side of the operation panel 75 are mode switching means for switching the digital copying machine to the fax mode, printer mode, and copy mode in order from the top.
[0068]
The operation panel and the various keys arranged on the operation panel presented this time are only one example, and it goes without saying that the keys provided on the operation panel differ depending on various functions installed in the digital copying machine. Nor.
[0069]
(One Embodiment of the input device provided with the touch panel)
FIG. 6 shows the display unit 6 of the operation panel 75 of the digital copying machine 34 described in FIG. 5 in detail.
[0070]
The display unit 6 includes a dot matrix liquid crystal display unit 100 and a touch panel 101 arranged so as to cover the surface thereof.
[0071]
A touch panel 101 that covers the liquid crystal display unit 100 is larger than the area of the liquid crystal display unit 100, and covers a plurality of buttons printed around the liquid crystal display unit 100. In addition to the displayed keys, it is also possible to instruct operation of these printed buttons.
[0072]
An external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 provided with the operation panel 75 of the present invention is displayed at a substantially central portion of the liquid crystal display unit 100 having the above configuration.
[0073]
Briefly describing the external view, an external view of a paper feeding device that supplies paper to the digital copier 30 is displayed on the right side and the lower side of the external view 102 of the central digital copying machine main body. .
[0074]
Also digital Copy The external view 102 of the machine body Constitution On the left side, an external view of the post-processing device 34 that performs processing such as stapling on the paper output from the digital copying machine 30 is displayed.
[0075]
Hereinafter, transition of the screen when the touch panel 101 is operated while confirming the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be sequentially described with reference to the drawings.
[0076]
When a part 103 of the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 displayed in the approximate center of the liquid crystal display unit 100 in FIG. 6 is operated, the mode setting screen of the digital copying machine 30 corresponding to the position of the operated external view is displayed. Transition.
[0077]
(Duplex copy mode)
For example, when the central portion 103 of the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 is operated, FIG. B ) To display the duplex copy mode setting screen.
[0078]
Note that this double-sided copy mode setting screen is also shifted by operating a double-sided copy button printed on the left side around the liquid crystal display unit 100.
[0079]
Hereinafter, the screen transition state of the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be described in order with reference to FIG.
[0080]
The external view portion 103 of the operated digital copying machine 30 remains as it is in the approximate center of the liquid crystal display unit 100 which has shifted to the double-sided copy mode setting screen (FIG. 7B). Various setting keys related to are displayed.
[0081]
In the above description, the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 is maintained at the display position and display state in the approximate center of the liquid crystal display unit 100, and the mode is finely divided around other display areas, that is, the external view 103. The key to be set is set to be displayed, but the external view 103 of the digital copying machine 30 is moved to a slightly different position and displayed, and the key for finely setting the mode is displayed in the remaining display area. It is also possible to do.
[0082]
At this time, it is desirable to keep the same display form so that the display position of the external view 103 is not displaced more than necessary so that the operator is not confused as much as possible.
[0083]
Here, the keys displayed in other areas will be briefly described. The key arranged on the left side of the external view 103 is a key 105 for instructing a mode for creating a single-sided copy from a single-sided original, and double-sided copying. It is a normal state before the mode is instructed.
[0084]
Then, from the lower left of the appearance diagram 103, a mode key 106 for creating a double-sided copy from an even number of single-sided originals, a mode key 107 for creating a double-sided copy from an odd-numbered single-sided original, and a mode key for creating a double-sided copy from a double-sided original 108 and a mode key 109 for creating a double-sided copy from a double-sided document are arranged.
[0085]
The key 110 arranged on the right side of the external view 103 is set in the automatic document feeder when it is unclear whether the number of documents is odd or even when processing a single-sided document. An instruction is given to count the number of document bundles.
[0086]
Among the above keys (one side → one side mode key - 105 and the document count key 110 are selected), an icon 111 representing the selected duplex mode is displayed superimposed on the external view 103 of the digital copying machine (FIG. 7C). .
[0087]
This displayed icon 111 is also the icon 111 displayed on the key 106 for finely setting the contents of the selected mode. of It is possible to prevent the operator from being confused by allowing the operator to overlap each other.
[0088]
In the above description, when a desired mode content is indicated from the setting keys displayed around the external view 103 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100, an icon 111 representing the mode set in the external view 103 is displayed. Although described so as to be displayed in an overlapping manner, the display is not limited to the operation by the touch panel 101 superimposed on the liquid crystal display unit 100, but is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 by the operation of buttons arranged on the operation panel other than the touch panel 101. It is also possible to display icons 111 relating to the set modes in the external view 103 in a superimposed manner.
[0089]
When the setting of the mode relating to double-sided copying is completed, the appearance diagram 103 of the apparatus displayed on the liquid crystal display unit and the icon 111 relating to the set mode remain unchanged, and the appearance diagram 102 of the entire digital copying machine 30 is displayed. The display memory is restored (FIG. 7D).
[0090]
Although it is stated that the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 is restored together with the icon 111, depending on the set mode, the display may be restored to the external view 102 of the entire digital copying machine 30 without displaying the icon. Is possible.
[0091]
As another embodiment, when the setting of the mode relating to double-sided copying is completed and the external view 102 of the entire digital copying machine 30 is displayed, basically the same place, that is, the external appearance already displayed. Fig. 103 remains as it is, and the remaining hidden external view is displayed again. Copy Although it is most desirable to display it again as the external view 102 of the entire machine 30, it is possible even if the displayed position is slightly displaced so as not to feel uncomfortable (output mode).
[0092]
Next, when the portion 104 of the post-processing device 104 shown on the left side of the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 is operated, FIG. C ) And the output mode setting screen is displayed.
[0093]
Note that this output mode setting screen also shifts even if the sorter / step <-pull button printed on the left side of the periphery of the liquid crystal display unit 100 is operated.
[0094]
Hereinafter, the screen transition states of the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be described in order with reference to FIG.
[0095]
The overview diagram portion 112 of the operated post-processing device 34 remains as it is on the left side of the liquid crystal display unit 100 that has shifted to the output mode setting screen (FIG. 8B), and the other areas are related to the output mode. Various setting keys are changed and displayed.
[0096]
In the above description, the external view 112 of the post-processing device 34 is maintained on the substantially left side of the liquid crystal display unit 100 while maintaining the display position and display state, and the mode is finely set on the other display area, that is, on the right side of the external view 112. However, the external view 112 of the post-processing device 34 is moved to a slightly different position and displayed, and the keys for finely setting the mode are displayed in the remaining display area. It is also possible.
[0097]
At this time, it is desirable to keep the same display form so that the display position of the external view 112 is not displaced more than necessary so that the operator is not confused as much as possible.
[0098]
Here, the keys displayed in other areas will be briefly described. The keys arranged on the right side of the external view 112 are the sort mode keys 113 for sequentially sorting the sheets output from the digital copying machine 30 in order from the left side. A staple mode key 114 for bundling a plurality of discharged sheets, and an offset mode key 115 for sorting sheets output from the digital copying machine 30 in a shifted form for each document group.
[0099]
When an output mode is selected from the above keys, an icon indicating the selected output mode is displayed. Co 116, 117, and 118 are displayed superimposed on the external view 112 of the digital copying machine (FIG. 8B or FIG. 8C).
[0100]
The displayed icons 116, 117, 118 are also the icons 116, 117, 118 displayed on the keys 113, 114, 115 for finely setting the contents of the selected mode. of It is possible to prevent the operator from being confused by allowing the operator to overlap each other.
[0101]
In the above description, when a desired mode content is indicated from the setting keys displayed on the right side of the external view 112 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100, the icon 116 indicating the mode set in the external view 112, 117 and 118 have been described so as to be displayed in an overlapping manner, but the liquid crystal display unit 100 is not limited to the operation by the touch panel 101 superimposed on the liquid crystal display unit, but by the operation of buttons arranged on the operation panel other than the touch panel 101. It is also possible to display icons 116, 117, and 118 relating to the set mode in the external view 112 displayed in FIG.
[0102]
Further, when the icons 116, 117, and 118 relating to the mode set in the overview map 112 are displayed in an overlapping manner, the place where the mode designated by the device is executed in the overview map 112 or the result after the mode is executed. By displaying the icons 116, 117, and 118 at the place where the product can be obtained, the mode executed to the operator and the location where the result can be obtained can be accurately communicated.
Furthermore, the module in the post-processing device 34 - When a plurality of modes are set, for example, when the sort mode and the staple mode shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C are simultaneously set, a plurality of set modes as shown in FIG. Can be represented by one icon 119 and displayed at an appropriate position on the overview map 112.
[0104]
When the setting of the mode related to the output is completed, the external view 112 of the device 34 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 100 and the icons 116, 117, and 118 related to the set mode remain as they are, and the digital copying machine 30. The display state returns to the overall appearance diagram 102 (FIG. 9).
[0105]
The external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 is restored together with the icons 116, 117, and 118, but depending on the set mode, it is displayed on the external view 102 of the entire digital copying machine 30 without displaying an icon. Can also be restored. As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, when the icons 116, 117, 118 of a plurality of modes set in the overview map 112 are displayed in an overlapping manner, all the icons 116, 117 in the overview map 112 are displayed. , 118 can be displayed, and related icons among a plurality of set icons 116, 117, 118 can be displayed together as one icon.
[0106]
For example, when the sort mode, the staple mode, and the offset mode are selected, an icon 116 indicating the previously selected sort mode and an icon 117 indicating the staple mode are displayed so as to overlap each other in the overview diagram 112 (FIG. 10). (C)).
[0107]
When the offset mode is further set, an offset icon 118 is displayed so as to be overlapped at an appropriate position in the overview diagram 112. At this time, an icon 116 indicating the sort mode and an icon 117 indicating the stable mode are displayed. One icon 119 is replaced. That is, the related icons 116 and 117 among the plurality of icons can be replaced with one icon 119 and displayed at the same time as the remaining icons 118 in an appropriate position on the overview map 112.
[0108]
(Paper selection mode)
Next, when the portion 105 of the paper feeding device shown on the left side and the lower side of the external view 102 of the digital copying machine 30 is operated, FIG. D ), And a setting screen for selecting a paper feeding device, that is, selecting a desired size of paper from a plurality of paper feeding units of the paper feeding device is displayed.
[0109]
In the setting screen for selecting a desired size from the sheet feeding device, a sheet selection key displayed at the left center of the liquid crystal display unit 100 is displayed. - It moves even if you operate.
[0110]
Hereinafter, screen transition states of the liquid crystal display unit 100 will be described in order with reference to FIG.
[0111]
When the liquid crystal display screen (FIG. 11A) on the operation panel 75 in the standby state is operated as described above, the screen shifts to the paper selection mode setting screen (FIG. 11B) to display the liquid crystal display. From substantially the center of the unit 100 to the right side, a sheet feeding unit selection key is displayed in the same manner as the arrangement state of the sheet feeding unit mounted on the sheet feeding device of the digital copying machine 30.
[0112]
When the paper feed unit that accommodates a sheet of a desired size (for example, A3) is instructed from the displayed selection keys, the screen is switched to FIG. 11C, and the selected A3 is selected. The display of the paper feed unit containing the size paper is reversed to inform that the paper can be fed.
[0113]
Also in this paper selection mode, as is apparent from FIG. 11, the overall view 102 of the entire digital copying machine displayed at the substantially central portion of the liquid crystal display unit 100 is once fed as shown in FIG. Even if it is partially hidden by the paper section confirmation key group or the screen on which the overview map 102 of the entire digital copying machine is displayed again, the display position on the liquid crystal display unit 100 of the overview map 102 is basically the same. It is a place and is displayed in the same form.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the input device of the present invention, the operator visually grasps the operation and mode setting state in comparison with the actual device configuration. Can You can also visually confirm that the settings have been accepted because the display will respond to your settings.
[0115]
And even if the screen transitions, you can continue to check your settings without moving the viewpoint, and you can visually confirm that your settings on the previous screen are indeed maintained. Thus, the operator can easily set the operation of the device without feeling uneasy in the operation of the touch panel system with a lot of screen movement.
[0116]
The present invention According to the display on the display As an external view of the equipment, for example Since the screen switches to the mode setting screen for the devices that make up the operated copier by operating a part of the external view of the copier, the operator wants to instruct the copy mode in light of the actual device configuration You can visually instruct the location and give instructions.
[0117]
Also, If you operate a part of the external view of the copier displayed on the display unit, the part of the external device that was operated remains, and the mode setting screen for the selected device is displayed in the other display area. You can visually confirm that you are in the mode setting screen you have selected.
[0118]
Also, If you operate a part of the external view of the copier displayed on the display, the part of the external device that has been operated remains in the current display position, and the mode of the selected device is displayed in the other display area. - Since the mode setting screen is displayed, the operator can confirm a part of the external view selected by himself / herself without moving the viewpoint, and the screen transition is less likely to cause confusion.
[0119]
Also, If you operate a part of the external view of the copier displayed on the display unit, the part of the operated device remains, the mode setting screen for the selected device is displayed in the other display area, and Since an icon related to the mode is displayed in the appearance of the device, the operator can visually confirm that the mode selected by the operator is set in the mode screen.
[0120]
In addition, the present invention According to the input device, the display unit For example, equipment The external view of the copier is displayed, and when the copy mode is set from the operation panel, the external view of the copier Within Since an icon relating to the set mode is displayed, the operator can visually confirm that the setting has been made for the mode operated on the operation panel.
[0124]
Also, Set Copy The icons related to the mode are displayed in the appearance of the device for which the mode is set, and when the icons displayed in the external view are full Multiple Since related items are displayed together in one icon, the limited display area is used to the maximum, and even if the icons are combined, the operator can be confused as much as possible. It can be made into a non-existent form.
[0125]
further, When the mode settings for the selected device are confirmed, the appearance of the selected device remains in place and the screen returns to the screen showing the overall appearance of the copier. No visual discomfort when returning to the external view.
[0126]
further, When the mode settings for the selected device are confirmed, the appearance of the selected device and the icon for the selected mode remain in place and the screen returns to the screen showing the overall appearance of the copier. The operator can check the overall appearance without changing the viewpoint of the icon for which the setting was confirmed on the mode setting screen, and confirm that the mode set by the user is still maintained even if the screen transitions. I can do things.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a touch panel portion of an input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a digital copying machine provided with the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in an image processing unit of a digital copying machine.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the overall control unit for image processing and recording material post-processing including an input device in a digital copying machine.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of an operation panel portion in the digital copying machine.
FIG. 6 is a screen transition diagram when an external view of the display unit is operated.
FIG. 7 is a screen transition diagram when the duplex mode is set.
FIG. 8 is a screen transition diagram when the output mode is set.
FIG. 9 is a screen transition diagram when the output mode is set.
FIG. 10 is a screen transition diagram of another embodiment when the output mode is set.
FIG. 11 is a screen transition diagram when paper is set.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Liquid crystal display
101 Touch panel
102 External view
105 keys
106, 107, 108, 109 Mode key
110 keys
111 icon

Claims (6)

Display means for displaying an image;
Touch panel means arranged on the display surface side of the display means for outputting position information operated by operating according to an image displayed on the display means;
In the input device of the image forming apparatus comprising the instruction content confirmation means for confirming the content of the operated instruction based on the relationship between the position information output from the touch panel means and the image displayed on the display means,
The image displayed on the display means is an external view of a device including the input device, and is operated when a part of the external view of the device displayed on the display means is operated via the touch panel means. An external view of a part constituting a part of the device is continuously displayed , and switching means for switching the display of the other display area to a display for setting a part of the operation of the device,
When the setting for some operations of the device being displayed on the display means is performed, the display settings that appear in a portion of the external view of the device displayed on the display means an icon indicating the set mode And an input device.   When a part of the external view of the device displayed on the display means is operated via the touch panel means, the external view of the part constituting a part of the operated device is continuously displayed on the display means. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is displayed while maintaining a display position. Display means for displaying an image;
An operation instruction input means for inputting an instruction relating to the operation;
In an input device of an image forming apparatus comprising display control means for displaying on the display means so that an instruction inputted from the operation instruction input means can be confirmed,
The image displayed on the display means is an external view of a device provided with the input device, and an external view of the device displayed on the display means in accordance with an instruction related to an operation input by the operation instruction input means. The icon indicating the mode related to the specified operation is displayed,
When settings related to the operation of a part of the device displayed on the display unit are performed, an icon representing the set mode is displayed in the external view of a part of the device displayed on the display unit and the setting is performed. When the icon representing the selected mode is displayed beyond the predetermined display range in the external view, if it is related to each other among the plurality of icons, it is displayed by replacing with another icon. An input device.   When settings related to the operation of a part of the device displayed on the display unit are confirmed, the external view of the entire device displayed on the display unit is displayed with the display position maintained. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the input device is switched to a screen.   When the settings relating to the operation of a part of the device displayed on the display means are confirmed, the external view of a part of the device displayed on the display means and the icon indicating the set mode indicate the display position. 3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the input device is switched to an external view display screen of the entire device while being maintained.   2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a copying machine, and the external view is an external view showing a copying machine main body.

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