JP4075512B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the increase in the number of functions of image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers, there are a wide variety of items that need to be set when outputting one image. Such setting items include various image forming conditions such as the number of copies, density, copy mode (single / double-sided), paper feed tray selection, and magnification. Recently, an operation panel (touch panel) in an image forming apparatus has been increased in size, and the setting as described above is often performed on a setting screen displayed on the operation panel.
[0003]
For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-94789, a screen (check screen) for checking various setting contents in the image forming apparatus is displayed on the operation panel, and setting items desired by the user are designated on the check screen. Then, there is disclosed a technique capable of calling up a corresponding setting screen and confirming or changing the setting contents.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional image forming apparatus, since there are many setting items, if all the setting items are put on one screen of the operation panel, the characters displayed on the operation panel become smaller, and the elderly person and eyes For the handicapped, there is a problem that it is difficult to confirm or change the setting contents. In order to avoid this problem, if the characters displayed on the operation panel are enlarged, it is necessary to switch several screens in order to confirm or change the setting contents, and the screen switching operation is troublesome for the user. There was a problem. In particular, repeated screen switching operations are difficult for people with physical disabilities. In addition, with regard to operability when the setting must be visually confirmed or changed, consideration has not been given to those who are blind.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to realize a user interface that facilitates confirmation and change of various setting contents in an image forming apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1
In an image forming apparatus comprising: a setting unit that sets a plurality of image forming conditions; and a display unit that displays information about a plurality of image forming conditions set by the setting unit.
And sound output means for outputting the voice of each of the plurality of image forming conditions set by said setting means in a predetermined order,
Change instruction means for instructing change of one image forming condition among the plurality of image forming conditions set by the setting means,
The audio output of an image formation condition in the plurality of image forming conditions by the middle or the audio output unit audio output is performed in one image forming condition in the plurality of image forming conditions by the sound output means The display means displays a screen for changing the one image forming condition when there is a change instruction by the change instruction means in any case within a predetermined time after the completion of the image processing. It is said.
[0007]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming condition can be easily confirmed even by the visually impaired by outputting the image forming condition by voice. In addition, when the audio output of the image forming conditions is being performed or within the predetermined time after the audio output of the image forming conditions is finished, the change instructing unit automatically performs the change instruction. Since the screen for changing the image forming condition is displayed on the screen, the user does not have to change the display screen in order to change the image forming condition, and the operability is improved.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1,
Comprising output instruction means for instructing sound output of the next image forming condition in the order of sound output;
When there is an instruction from the output instruction unit during the audio output of the image forming condition by the audio output unit, the audio output unit changes from the image forming condition during the audio output to the next image forming condition in the audio output order. It is characterized by switching audio output.
[0009]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, if there is an instruction from the output instruction means during the sound output of the image forming condition, the sound output of the next image forming condition is started in the sound output order. The time required for the change or the like can be shortened.
[0010]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1,
Comprising output instruction means for instructing sound output of the previous image forming condition in the sound output order;
When there is an instruction from the output instruction unit during the audio output of the image forming condition by the audio output unit, the audio output unit determines that the image forming condition of the previous audio output order from the image forming condition during the audio output is In addition, the voice output is switched.
[0011]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, if there is an instruction from the output instruction means during the sound output of the image forming condition, the sound output of the previous image forming condition is started in the sound output order. Even if the contents of the image forming conditions output by sound are missed or the change instruction by the change instructing unit is delayed, the contents of the image forming conditions output immediately before can be heard again or changed.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3,
After the sound output of the image forming conditions by the sound output means is completed, the sound output means includes a break sound output means for outputting a sound indicating a break between the image formation conditions and the other image forming conditions,
The sound output means starts outputting sound of the next image forming condition in the order of sound output after the break sound is output by the break sound output means.
[0013]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by outputting a separation sound indicating a separation between the image forming condition for which the sound output has been completed and the image forming condition for which the sound is output next, the user can determine the image forming condition. It becomes easier to check and change.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3,
A time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time after the sound output of the image forming condition by the sound output means is completed,
The sound output unit starts sound output of the next image forming condition in the order of sound output after the time measurement by the time measuring unit is completed.
[0015]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by providing the time measuring means for measuring the predetermined time after the sound output of the image forming condition by the sound output means is completed, the user can use the predetermined time to perform the image formation. Various judgments can be made, such as whether or not conditions need to be changed.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claim 5,
If there is a change instruction by the change instruction means before the time measurement by the time measurement means is completed, the display means displays a screen for changing the image forming conditions for which the audio output has been completed.
[0017]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even after the audio output of the image forming condition is finished, the setting of the image forming condition can be changed as long as it is before the time keeping by the time measuring means. The convenience in changing the conditions can be improved.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Here, the correspondence relationship between the copier C in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the image forming apparatus in the claims will be clearly shown. The touch panel 65 in FIG. 2 has a function as setting means, and the LCD 67 has a function as display means. The key input unit 68 has functions as a change instruction unit and an output instruction unit. Furthermore, the audio output unit 70 has a function as an audio output unit and a break sound output unit. The timer unit 71 has a function as a time measuring means.
[0019]
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a copying machine C to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the copier C includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a post-processing unit 30, and the like.
[0020]
The image forming unit 10 is a unit for forming an image on recording paper by an electrophotographic method. A toner image is formed on the photoconductor 11 by charging, exposure, and development, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor 11 is formed. An image forming unit 12 for transferring the recording paper to the recording paper, a paper feeding unit 13 for storing the recording paper, a recording paper reversing unit 14 for double-sided image formation, and a fixing device 15 for fixing the toner image on the recording paper.
[0021]
The image reading unit 20 is a unit for reading an image of a document and outputting image data, a document feeding table 21 for placing the document, a platen roller 22 for transporting the document and forming a reading position, a reading A document discharge table 23 on which a finished document is placed and an image sensor 24 that receives image light and converts it into an electrical signal are provided.
[0022]
The post-processing unit 30 performs post-processing such as sorting, stapling, and punching on the recording paper discharged from the image forming unit 10.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration inside the copying machine C according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the copying machine C includes a main body unit 5 and an operation / audio unit 6.
[0024]
The main unit 5 includes a CPU 50, a ROM 51, a RAM 52, a nonvolatile RAM 53, an input / output port 54, a serial communication control unit 55, an image reading unit 56, and an image forming unit 57.
[0025]
In the main body 5, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50 controls each part of the copier C according to a control program for the copier stored in the ROM 51. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 51 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 50.
[0026]
A RAM (Random Access Memory) 52 expands various control programs executed by the CPU 50 to a program storage area in the RAM 52, and displays input data and processing results generated when the various control programs are executed. Store temporarily in work area. The nonvolatile RAM 53 stores various setting parameters of the copying machine C.
[0027]
The input / output port 54 is a port for the CPU 50 to exchange various data with the peripheral devices and for the CPU 50 to read the status of the peripheral devices. The serial communication control unit 55 controls communication between the main body unit 5 and the operation / sound unit 6. An image reading unit 56 and an image forming unit 57 respectively indicate the electrical configurations of the image reading unit 20 and the image forming unit 10 in FIG.
[0028]
The operation / audio unit 6 includes a CPU 60, ROM 61, RAM 62, input / output port 63, serial communication control unit 64, touch panel 65, LCD controller 66, LCD 67, key input unit 68, audio data storage unit 69, audio output unit 70, timer. The unit 71 is configured.
[0029]
The CPU 60 controls each unit in the operation / sound unit 6 in accordance with a control program for various operations and display of the copier C stored in the ROM 61. The ROM 61 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 60, data used by these control programs, and the like.
[0030]
The RAM 62 expands the control program executed by the CPU 60 in the program storage area in the RAM 62, and temporarily stores input data, processing results generated when the various control programs are executed, and the like in the work area. .
[0031]
The input / output port 63 is a port for the CPU 60 to exchange various data with the peripheral devices and for the CPU 60 to read the status of the peripheral devices. The serial communication control unit 64 controls communication between the main body unit 5 and the operation / sound unit 6.
[0032]
The touch panel 65 is provided so as to cover the LCD 67, detects coordinates instructed by a touch reading principle such as an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetostriction type, and a pressure sensitive type, and outputs the detected coordinates to the CPU 60 as a position signal.
[0033]
An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 66 controls display on the LCD 67 in accordance with a display signal from the CPU 60.
[0034]
The LCD 67 performs a required display according to the control signal input from the LCD controller 66. A basic screen displayed on the LCD 67 is shown in FIG. Details of the basic screen G shown in FIG. 3 will be described later.
[0035]
In addition to the copy start key and numeric keypad, the key input unit 68 includes a CH key (check key) for instructing the start of voice guidance for various setting items for image formation, as shown at the bottom of FIG. NEXT key for instructing voice guidance, STOP key for instructing pause of voice guidance, BACK key for instructing the previous voice guidance, and changing the contents of each setting item for image formation Hard keys such as change keys for instructing are provided, and a press signal of these keys is output to the CPU 60.
[0036]
The voice data storage unit 69 stores voice data necessary for voice guidance for each setting item for image formation. In addition, the voice data storage unit 69 stores delimiter sound data for notifying the delimiter between the setting item for which the voice guidance has been completed and the setting item for which the voice guidance is to be performed next.
[0037]
The audio output unit 70 includes a speaker, a D / A converter, an amplifier (none of which is shown), and the like. The audio output unit 70 outputs audio data (audio digital signal) extracted from the audio data storage unit 69 in accordance with an audio output instruction signal from the CPU 60. ) Is converted into an analog signal by a D / A converter, amplified to a predetermined volume by an amplifier, and output from a speaker as sound.
[0038]
The timer unit 71 sets a timer value (for example, 2 seconds) in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 60, counts the elapsed time from the time when the timer value is set, and when the elapsed time reaches the timer value Then, the CPU 60 outputs an end signal notifying that the time measurement has ended.
[0039]
FIG. 3 shows the basic screen G displayed on the LCD 67 and various keys in the key input unit 68. A basic screen G shown in FIG. 3 is a screen for receiving display of various operation items and input of the items in standard use of the copying machine C.
[0040]
3, the basic screen G has a message area 100, an image quality / rotation display area 200, a print number / set number display area 300, a folder button 400 for displaying a list of reserved jobs, and a screen setting area 500.
[0041]
In the message area 100, instructions to the user such as “ready to copy” and “please set the manuscript” and an explanation of the state of the machine such as “display reservation list” are displayed.
[0042]
In the image quality / rotation area 200, display of image quality such as normal, fine, super fine, and image rotation are displayed as icons. In the print number / set number display area 300, the number of prints and the set number are displayed.
[0043]
The folder button 400 includes five reserved job statuses: output (output JOB), reserved job (reserved JOB), reservation setting job (setting JOB), reading job (read JOB), It is displayed as a free job (free job).
[0044]
The screen setting area 500 includes a single-side / double-side selection area 501 for selecting one side or front side, a copy density area 502 for setting image density, a magnification area 503 for setting a copy magnification, and a recording paper size. A size selection area 504 for selecting is displayed.
[0045]
In the basic screen G of FIG. 3, reference numeral 600 denotes an area for selecting an output type. This area 600 includes a staple selection button 601 for selecting a staple position, an application output button 602 (described later), a staple / sort button 603 for an output mode for sorting and stapling, and a sort button for selecting a sort. 604 is displayed. By touching the application output button 602, the application output screen is displayed, and functions such as punching, middle folding, Z folding, and grouping can be selected.
[0046]
In the basic screen G of FIG. 3, reference numeral 700 denotes an application setting area. In the application setting area 700, an application function button 701, a rotation button 702 for setting image rotation, a document setting button 703, and a document reading button 704 are displayed. Each button in the application setting area 700 is a button for performing hierarchical display, and a setting screen related to the corresponding item is called by a touch instruction of these buttons.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 3, hard keys such as a CH key (check key), a NEXT key, a STOP key, a BACK key, and a change key provided in the key input unit 68 are provided outside the LCD 67 (or the touch panel 65). Yes.
[0048]
When the CH key is pressed, a check screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the LCD 67, and voice guidance for setting contents relating to image forming conditions is started.
[0049]
On the check screen in FIG. 4, setting items for image formation (copying) and setting contents thereof are displayed. As shown in FIG. 4A, setting items for image formation include the number of copies, copy mode, copy density, magnification, paper size, paper type, finisher, shift, document image quality, and FIG. As shown in b), there are an inter sheet, chapter division, composition, booklet, OHP composition, insertion page, and the like. The setting contents of the corresponding setting item are displayed to the right of each setting item.
[0050]
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each setting item for image formation is not displayed in one check screen, but is displayed in a plurality of check screens. The characters inside can be sized appropriately.
[0051]
The voice guidance of each setting content is performed in order from the setting item displayed at the top on the check screen, for example. That is, when the check screen of FIG. 4A is displayed, voice guidance is performed in the order of “number of copies”, “copy mode”, “copy density”, “magnification”,. When the voice guidance for the setting item “original image quality” at the bottom of FIG. 4A ends, the voice guidance starts from the setting item displayed at the top of the next check screen (FIG. 4B). Is done. That is, voice guidance is performed in the order of “intersheet”, “chapter division”, “synthesis”, “booklet”,... In FIG. The voice guidance is ended by touching the “end” button at the lower right of the check screen.
[0052]
Depending on the size of the LCD 67 and the like, FIGS. 4A and 4B may be displayed side by side on the LCD 67. When the voice guidance for the setting items in FIG. It is also possible to switch to and display the check screen of b).
[0053]
Note that the setting contents for which voice guidance is performed are not limited to the copy output form (number of copies, single / double-sided selection, copy density, paper size, etc.) shown in the check screen of FIG. It may also include parameters set by the administrator, such as default settings for the power-on function and time settings for auto reset.
[0054]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the voice guidance process executed in the copying machine C will be described.
[0055]
When the CH key in the key input unit 68 is pressed (step S1), the display on the LCD 67 is switched from the basic screen G in FIG. 3 to a check screen as shown in FIG. Voice guidance for each setting item for the displayed image formation is started (step S2).
[0056]
When the voice guidance for the corresponding setting item is completed (step S3; YES), the timer unit 71 sets a timer value (for example, 2 seconds) (step S4), and time measurement is started.
[0057]
When the time measurement by the timer unit 71 is completed (step S5; YES), for example, the sound output unit 70 outputs a separating sound of “pea” (step S6), and voice guidance for the next setting item is started (step S6). S7).
[0058]
If the change key is pressed (step S8; YES) before the voice guidance in step S3 is completed (step S3; NO), a setting screen for setting items in the current voice guidance is displayed on the LCD 67 (step S9). ), The setting is changed by a touch instruction on the touch panel 65 or a numeric keypad operation. When the setting change is completed (step S10; YES), the process proceeds to step S7, and voice guidance for the next setting item is started.
[0059]
In step S5, before the timer 71 finishes timing (step S5; NO), if the change key is pressed (step S8; YES), the setting of the setting item for which voice guidance was performed immediately before is set on the LCD 67. A screen is displayed (step S9), and the setting is changed by a touch instruction on the touch panel 65 or a numeric keypad operation.
[0060]
If the BACK key is pressed (step S11; YES) before the voice guidance in step S3 ends (step S3; NO), the current voice guidance is stopped and the voice guidance of the previous setting item is started. (Step S13).
[0061]
If the NEXT key is pressed (step S12; YES) before the voice guidance in step S3 ends (step S3; NO), the current voice guidance is stopped and the next setting item voice guidance is started. (Step S7).
[0062]
If the “end” button in the check screen is touched before the voice guidance in step S3 is finished (step S3; NO), this voice guidance process is finished. Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the STOP key is pressed during the voice guidance, the voice guidance is temporarily stopped, and when the STOP key is pressed again, the voice guidance is resumed.
[0063]
As described above, according to the copying machine C of the present embodiment, the guidance of the image forming conditions can be easily confirmed by the visually impaired by the guidance of the image forming conditions. In addition, the user can check the setting contents without switching the screen on the LCD 67.
[0064]
If the contents of the setting items in the voice guidance do not meet the user's wishes, the setting screen corresponding to the setting items in the voice guidance is automatically displayed on the LCD 67 by simply pressing the change key. Since the setting can be changed, it is not necessary for the user to switch the screen on the LCD 67 to select the setting item in order to display the setting screen, and the operability is improved.
[0065]
Furthermore, when there is no change in the contents of the setting item in the voice guidance and there is no need to listen to the subsequent contents, the setting item in the current voice guidance is skipped by pressing the NEXT key, and the voice of the next setting item is read. Since the guidance is started, the time required for the setting change can be shortened.
[0066]
In addition, even if you miss the contents of a voice guidance setting item or delay the pressing of the change key, simply pressing the BACK key returns you to the previous setting item, and the previous setting item contents Can be heard again or the contents of the previous setting item can be changed.
[0067]
Further, every time when voice guidance for one item is completed, a timer value is set by the timer unit 71 for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), so that the user can use this time for the content of the setting item. It can be determined whether or not a change is necessary.
[0068]
In addition, before the transition to the voice guidance for the next setting item, a separator sound that indicates the separation between the setting item that was voice guidance immediately before and the setting item that will be voice guidance next is output. It becomes easier to check and change items.
[0069]
Note that the description in the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming conditions can be easily confirmed even by the visually impaired by outputting the image forming conditions by voice. In addition, when the audio output of the image forming conditions is being performed or within the predetermined time after the audio output of the image forming conditions is finished, the change instructing unit automatically performs the change instruction. Since the screen for changing the image forming condition is displayed on the screen, the user does not have to change the display screen in order to change the image forming condition, and the operability is improved.
[0071]
According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, if there is an instruction from the output instruction means during the sound output of the image forming condition, the next image forming condition in the sound output order is Since the audio output is started, the time required for changing the image forming conditions can be shortened.
[0072]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, if there is an instruction by the output instruction means during the sound output of the image forming condition, the image formation one before in the sound output order is formed. Since the audio output of the condition is started, the content of the image formation condition output immediately before is output even if the content of the image formation condition output immediately before is missed or the change instruction by the change instruction means is delayed. You can ask again or make changes.
[0073]
According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2 or 3, the delimiter indicating the delimitation between the image forming condition for which the audio output is completed and the image forming condition for the next sound output By outputting the sound, it becomes easier for the user to check or change the image forming conditions.
[0074]
According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2 or 3, it is provided with a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time after the sound output of the image forming condition by the sound output means is completed. The user can make various determinations such as whether or not the image forming conditions need to be changed using the predetermined time.
[0075]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fifth aspect of the present invention, even after the sound output of the image forming condition is finished, if the time is not finished by the time measuring means, the image forming is performed. The setting of conditions can be changed, and the convenience in changing the image forming conditions can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a copying machine C to which an image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of copying machine C according to the present embodiment.
3 is a diagram showing a basic screen G displayed on the LCD 67 of the copier C and various keys provided in the key input unit 68. FIG.
4 is a diagram showing a check screen displayed on LCD 67. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing voice guidance processing executed in the copier C.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming part 11 Photoconductor 12 Image forming unit 13 Paper feed part 14 Recording paper reversing part 15 Fixing device 20 Image reading part 21 Document feed stand 22 Platen roller 23 Document discharge stand 24 Image sensor 30 Post-processing part 5 Main part 50 CPU
51 ROM
52 RAM
53 Nonvolatile RAM
54 I / O Port 55 Serial Communication Control Unit 56 Image Reading Unit 57 Image Forming Unit 6 Operation / Audio Unit 60 CPU
61 ROM
62 RAM
63 I / O port 64 Serial communication unit 65 Touch panel 66 LCD controller 67 LCD
68 Key input unit 69 Audio data storage unit 70 Audio output unit 71 Timer unit C Copier G Basic screen

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus comprising: a setting unit that sets a plurality of image forming conditions; and a display unit that displays information about a plurality of image forming conditions set by the setting unit.
And sound output means for outputting the voice of each of the plurality of image forming conditions set by said setting means in a predetermined order,
Change instruction means for instructing change of one image forming condition among the plurality of image forming conditions set by the setting means,
The audio output of an image formation condition in the plurality of image forming conditions by the middle or the audio output unit audio output is performed in one image forming condition in the plurality of image forming conditions by the sound output means The display means displays a screen for changing the one image forming condition when there is a change instruction by the change instruction means in any case within a predetermined time after the completion of the image processing. An image forming apparatus. Comprising output instruction means for instructing sound output of the next image forming condition in the order of sound output;
When there is an instruction from the output instruction unit during the audio output of the image forming condition by the audio output unit, the audio output unit changes from the image forming condition during the audio output to the next image forming condition in the audio output order. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein audio output is switched. Comprising output instruction means for instructing sound output of the previous image forming condition in the sound output order;
When there is an instruction from the output instruction unit during the audio output of the image forming condition by the audio output unit, the audio output unit determines that the image forming condition of the previous audio output order from the image forming condition during the audio output is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the audio output is switched. After the sound output of the image forming conditions by the sound output means is completed, the sound output means includes a break sound output means for outputting a sound indicating a break between the image formation conditions and the other image forming conditions,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sound output unit starts sound output of the next image forming condition in the order of sound output after the break sound is output by the break sound output unit. A time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time after the sound output of the image forming condition by the sound output means is completed,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sound output unit starts sound output of the next image forming condition in the order of sound output after the time measurement by the time measuring unit is completed.   The display means displays a screen for changing an image forming condition for which the audio output has been completed if there is a change instruction by the change instruction means before the time measurement by the time measuring means is completed. Item 6. The image forming apparatus according to Item 5.

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