JP5826142B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including an operation unit that outputs an operation signal in response to operation of an operation key corresponding to various operation contents displayed on a display unit.

In general, in an image forming apparatus (an example of an information processing apparatus) such as a printer that executes image forming processing using toner, an error to that effect is displayed when the remaining amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge is low. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
Therefore, the user can recognize that the remaining amount of toner has been reduced by displaying the error, and can replace the toner cartridge. Further, in the image forming apparatus, in addition to the shortage of toner remaining, for example, when the remaining amount of paper in the paper feeding cassette is low, an error to that effect is displayed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-120208 JP 2010-26881 A

However, if various errors occur in the image forming apparatus, the user may overlook the error only by displaying that fact. In addition, the user may intentionally ignore the error. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot effectively recognize that the error should be dealt with only by displaying the error. For example, Patent Document 2 describes that the display density of the operation button is reduced depending on the frequency of use, but does not consider prompting the user to take an action for an error.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that can effectively prompt a user to take an error countermeasure.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an information processing apparatus including display means, operation means, and operability control means. The display means displays operation keys corresponding to various operation contents. The operation means outputs an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation key. The operability control means reduces the operability of the operation keys from when an error occurs until the error is resolved.
According to the present invention, since the operability of the operation keys is reduced until the error is resolved, it is possible to effectively prompt the user to deal with the error.

Here, it is conceivable that the operability control means lowers the operability of the operation keys by reducing the display density of the operation keys. This makes it difficult for the operation keys to be seen until the error is resolved, so that it is possible to effectively prompt the user to deal with the error.
Further, it is conceivable that the information processing apparatus includes display control means for displaying the content of the error on the display means when the error occurs. In this case, it is conceivable that the operability control means lowers the display density of the operation key to a density lower than at least the display density of the error content. Thereby, since the content of the error displayed on the display means is more conspicuous than the operation key, the user can be made to recognize the display of the content of the error effectively.
By the way, it is conceivable that the operability control means reduces the display density of the operation keys when a preset density change condition is satisfied. For example, a configuration in which the information processing apparatus further includes one or both of an image forming unit that executes an image forming process and an image reading unit that executes an image reading process is conceivable. In this case, as the density changing condition, for example, it is conceivable that the number of executions of one or both of the image forming process and the image reading process after the occurrence of the error reaches a preset number. As a result, the display density of the operation keys decreases as the number of times that the user has executed one or both of the image forming process and the image reading process during the occurrence of the error decreases, and the occurrence of the error is notified to the user. I can make a strong impression.
Furthermore, a configuration in which the information processing apparatus includes an authentication unit that executes a user login process when the information processing apparatus starts to be used is conceivable. In this case, it is conceivable that the operability control means determines whether or not the density change condition exists for each user, and causes the display means to display the operation key at a display density corresponding to each user. . Accordingly, the operation key is displayed at a lower display density as the user who ignores the error has a longer period, and the user can be strongly impressed by the occurrence of the error.

By the way, it is conceivable that the operability control means reduces the operability of the operation key by not accepting the operation signal until a predetermined number of operations are performed on the operation key. .
Further, when the operation key is operated, the operability control means displays a preset confirmation message on the display means, and the confirmation operation of the confirmation message is performed on the operation means. It is also conceivable that the operability of the operation key is lowered by not accepting the operation signal.
Even with these configurations, the operability of the operation keys is lowered, and therefore it is possible to effectively prompt the user to deal with the error.

Further, it is conceivable that the operability control means reduces the operability of a predetermined specific operation key related to the content of the error among the operation keys. As a result, the operability of the operation keys that are not related to the content of the error does not deteriorate, so that the operability of the user is not unnecessarily inhibited.
Specifically, it is conceivable that the information processing apparatus further includes an image forming unit that executes an image forming process for forming an image on a sheet. That is, it is conceivable that the information processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus including the image forming unit. In this case, when the operability control unit generates an error regarding the remaining amount of paper used in the image forming process, the specific operation key corresponding to the operation content related to the image forming process among the operation keys. It is considered that the operability is reduced. As a result, only the user who performs an operation related to the image forming process can be urged to deal with the error.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prompt the user to take measures against the error by reducing the operability of the operation keys when an error occurs.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of an operation display unit of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart for demonstrating an example of the procedure of operability control processing. The flowchart for demonstrating an example of the procedure of operability control processing. The figure which shows the display screen for demonstrating an example of the execution result of operativity control processing. The flowchart for demonstrating the other example of the procedure of operativity control processing. The flowchart for demonstrating the other example of the procedure of operativity control processing. The figure which shows an example of the execution result of the operativity control process shown in FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the other example of the procedure of operativity control processing.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not.

  First, a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine X (an example of an information processing apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the multifunction machine X, and FIG. 1B is a view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the operation display unit 6 of the multifunction machine X.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device X is an image forming apparatus including an image reading unit 1, an ADF 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feed cassette 4, a control unit 5, and an operation display unit 6. In the present embodiment, the multifunction machine X is described as an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a printer, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a personal computer, a television receiver, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA, and other home appliances also correspond to the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

The image reading unit 1 is an image reading unit that executes an image reading process for reading image data from a document, and as shown in FIG. 1A, a contact glass 11, a reading unit 12, mirrors 13 and 14, and an optical device. A lens 15 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 16 are provided.
The contact glass 11 is provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 1 and is a transparent document table on which a document P to be read by the multifunction machine X is placed.
The reading unit 12 includes an LED light source 121 and a mirror 122, and is configured to be movable in the left-right direction (sub-scanning direction) in FIG. 1A by a moving mechanism (not shown) using a driving motor such as a stepping motor. Has been. When the reading unit 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by the drive motor, the light irradiated on the contact glass 11 from the LED light source 121 is scanned in the sub-scanning direction.
The LED light source 121 includes a large number of white LEDs arranged along the depth direction (main scanning direction) in FIG. 1A, and a document P at a reading position 12A on the contact glass 11 or a later-described LED. A line of white light is emitted toward the document holder 23. Note that the reading position 12A moves in the sub-scanning direction as the reading unit 12 moves in the sub-scanning direction.
The mirror 122 reflects reflected light toward the mirror 13 when light is emitted from the LED light source 121 to the original P at the reading position 12A or the original press 23 described later. The light reflected by the mirror 122 is guided to the optical lens 15 by the mirrors 13 and 14. The optical lens 15 collects incident light and makes it incident on the CCD 16.
The CCD 16 is a photoelectric conversion element that converts received light into an electrical signal (voltage) corresponding to the amount of light and outputs it as image data. Specifically, the CCD 16 reads the image data of the document P based on the reflected light when the LED light source 121 irradiates light from below the contact glass 11. Image data read by the CCD 16 is input to the control unit 5.

The ADF 2 is an automatic document feeder including a document setting unit 21, a plurality of conveyance rollers 22, a document pressing unit 23, a paper discharge unit 24, and the like. The ADF 2 drives each of the transport rollers 22 by a motor (not shown), thereby allowing the document P set on the document setting unit 21 to pass through the reading position 12A on the contact glass 11 and the sheet discharge unit 24. Transport to.
The document presser 23 is provided at a position above the reading position 12A on the contact glass 11 at an interval through which the document P can pass. The document retainer 23 is long in the main scanning direction, and a white sheet is attached to the lower surface (the surface on the contact glass 11 side). In the multifunction machine X, the image data of the white sheet is read as white reference data. The white reference data is used for known shading correction executed by the control unit 5.

The image forming unit 3 performs an image forming process (printing process) based on image data read by the image reading unit 1 or image data input from an information processing apparatus such as an external personal computer. This is an image forming unit of the type.
Specifically, the image forming unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charging device 32, a developing device 33, a toner container 34, a transfer roller 35, a static eliminating device 36, a fixing roller 37, a pressure roller 38, and a plurality of transport rollers. 39 and the like. In the image forming unit 3, an image is formed on the sheet supplied from the sheet feeding cassette 4 and conveyed by the conveying roller 39 according to the following procedure.
First, the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 32. Next, light based on image data is irradiated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 by a laser scanner unit (LSU) (not shown). As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. Then, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 31 is developed (visualized) as a toner image by the developing device 33. The developing device 33 is supplied with toner (developer) from the toner container 34. Subsequently, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred onto a sheet by the transfer roller 35. Thereafter, the toner image transferred to the paper is heated and fused by the fixing roller 37 when the paper passes between the fixing roller 37 and the pressure roller 38 and is discharged. The potential of the photosensitive drum 31 is neutralized by the neutralization device 36.

A plurality of sheets are stored in the sheet feeding cassette 4. The paper feed cassette 4 is provided with a paper remaining amount sensor 41 for detecting the remaining amount of paper accommodated therein. Specifically, the paper remaining amount sensor 41 is in a state in which there is no paper in the paper feed cassette 4 (out of paper) and a state in which the paper remaining amount in the paper feed cassette 4 is less than a preset small number of sheets. (Small amount of paper) and the state where the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed cassette 4 is equal to or more than the small number of sheets are detected. Then, the remaining paper amount sensor 41 inputs the detected remaining amount of paper to the control unit 5.
As the method for detecting the remaining amount of paper by the remaining paper amount sensor 41, various conventionally known detection methods may be employed. For example, the remaining sheet sensor 41 is a first optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of sheets in the sheet cassette 4 and whether or not the remaining amount of sheets in the sheet cassette 4 is greater than or equal to the small number of sheets. And a second optical sensor for detecting the above. The paper feed cassette 4 is provided with a lift plate that lifts the paper in the paper feed cassette 4 upward until the paper at the upper end contacts the pickup roller. Therefore, the remaining paper amount sensor 41 may detect the remaining amount of paper according to the lift position of the lift plate. Further, when the paper feed cassette 4 is mounted on the multi-function device X, the control unit 5 depends on the time until the lift plate rises and the upper end paper comes into contact with the pickup roller and the number of prints thereafter. It may be possible to detect the remaining amount (number of sheets) of paper.

The control unit 5 includes control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM. The control unit 5 performs overall control of the multifunction machine X by executing a predetermined control program stored in the ROM by the CPU. For example, the control unit 5 controls the operability of the operation display unit 6 by executing an operability control process (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) described later according to an operability control program stored in the ROM. The RAM is a volatile storage means, and the EEPROM is a nonvolatile storage means, which are used as a temporary storage memory and an image memory for various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 5 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).
Further, the control unit 5 has a user authentication function for executing a user login process at the start of use of the multi-function device X and executing a user log-out process at the end of use of the multi-function device X. Here, the control unit 5 when realizing the user authentication function corresponds to an authentication unit. The user authentication function is not described here because various conventional methods such as input of a user ID, a password, or reading of a user ID card may be employed. The control unit 5 executes logout processing on condition that a logout operation by a user or a predetermined time elapses, for example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation display unit 6 includes a touch panel 61, operation buttons 62, a job selection key 63, and the like.
The operation buttons 62 include various operation buttons such as a numeric keypad and a start key for performing various operation inputs to the control unit 5 by the user. The operation button 62 inputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation button to the control unit 5 according to the operation of the operation button by the user.
The job selection key 63 is an operation button for selecting various jobs to be executed by the multifunction machine X, and inputs an operation signal corresponding to the selected operation button to the control unit 5. Specifically, the job selection key 63 includes a copy key 631 corresponding to a copy job, a printer key 632 corresponding to a printer job, a scanner key 633 corresponding to a scanner job, and a fax key 634 corresponding to a fax job. .

In accordance with control instructions from the control unit 5, the touch panel 61 displays a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel that displays operation keys 61A corresponding to various operation contents, and an operation signal according to an operation of the operation key 61A by a user. A position detection unit for outputting to the control unit 5. That is, the touch panel 61 serves as a display unit and an operation unit.
The touch panel 61 causes the error display unit 61 </ b> B to display an error that has occurred in the multi-function device X in accordance with a control instruction input from the control unit 5. The control unit 5 may, for example, “the remaining amount of paper has become a small number”, “the remaining amount of paper has been exhausted”, “saturation of the toner disposal box”, “time to replace the photosensitive drum”, “ When an error such as “stained contact glass” occurs, the error content is displayed on the error display portion 61B. Here, the control unit 5 when executing the process for displaying the content of the error by controlling the operation display unit 6 corresponds to a display control means. The content of the error displayed on the error display unit 61B may be not only the content of the error itself but also the content of measures necessary to eliminate the error. For example, “please replenish paper” is displayed when the remaining amount of paper is exhausted, and “clean the contact glass” is displayed when the contact glass 11 is dirty.
Here, the touch panel 61 displays the operation keys 61 </ b> A, the error display unit 61 </ b> B, and the like with an initial density set in advance according to a control instruction from the control unit 5. The initial density is an initial value of the display density of information displayed on the touch panel 61, and is stored in the ROM or the EEPROM of the control unit 5. Of course, in the initial setting of the multifunction device X, the control unit 5 can change the initial density in accordance with the operation of the operation display unit 6. The display density is a value serving as a visibility index of the operation key 61A and the error display unit 61B, and is represented by a numerical value such as luminance or contrast, for example. In the present embodiment, the lower the display density, the thinner the display of the operation key 61A and the error display unit 61B, and the lower the visibility.
In the multifunction device X, the display density of the operation keys 61A of the touch panel 61 is appropriately changed by executing the operability control process (see FIGS. 3 and 4) described later by the control unit 5. .

[Operation control processing]
Hereinafter, operability control processing executed by the control unit 5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4. Here, the control unit 5 when executing the operability control processing corresponds to operability control means. In addition, the process performed by the said control part 5 is called step S11, S12, ... and step S21, S22, .... FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen for explaining an example of the execution result of the operability control process, and is referred to as necessary in the following description.
Specifically, the control unit 5 executes the count process shown in FIG. 3 and the density change process shown in FIG. 4 in parallel. Further, it is also conceivable as another embodiment that the count process and the density change process are executed by different processing entities. For example, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 executes the counting process, and the operation display unit 6 is provided with a control unit that executes the density changing process.

[Count processing]
First, the counting process executed by the control unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Step S11>
In step S <b> 11, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the user has performed an operation for executing the image forming process by the image forming unit 3 on the operation display unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 5 makes an execution request for the image forming process when an execution operation such as a copy job or a printer job accompanying the execution of the image forming process is performed on the operation display unit 6. Judge that it was broken.
Here, when the control unit 5 determines that an operation for requesting execution of the image forming process has been performed (Yes side of S11), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, until the operation for requesting execution of the image forming process is performed (No side in S11), the control unit 5 waits for the process in step S11.

<Step S12>
Next, in step S <b> 12, the control unit 5 determines whether or not an out-of-paper error (an example of a specific error) has occurred according to the detection result by the remaining sheet sensor 41. Judge whether or not.
Here, when the control unit 5 determines that the paper out error has occurred (Yes in S12), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when it is determined that the paper out error has not occurred (No side of S12), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S13.

<Step S13>
In step S <b> 13, the control unit 5 generates a small amount of paper error (an example of a specific error) in which the number of sheets in the paper feed cassette 4 is less than the small number of sheets according to the detection result by the remaining sheet sensor 41. Judge whether or not.
Here, when the control unit 5 determines that the small amount of paper error has occurred (Yes in S13), the control unit 5 shifts the processing to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the small amount of paper error has not occurred (No in S13), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S16. Therefore, when the error is resolved after the error has occurred (No side in S12 and S13), the process proceeds to step S16.

<Step S14>
In step S <b> 14, the control unit 5 performs a measure for whether or not the paper cassette 4 has been replenished during a predetermined period of time, i.e., for the paper out or the small amount of paper error. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the sheet feeding cassette 4 receives a sheet when the number of sheets in the sheet feeding cassette 4 exceeds the small number according to the detection result by the sheet remaining amount sensor 41. Is determined to have been replenished. Note that the predetermined period is, for example, until the currently logged-in user logs out, until a preset time elapses, or until the next job is executed.
Here, when the control unit 5 determines that the paper is not replenished to the paper feed cassette 4 (No side of S14), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, when it is determined that the paper is supplied to the paper cassette 4 (Yes in S14), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S16.

<Step S15>
In step S15, the control unit 5 adds 1 to the count value K stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 5 (K = K + 1), and returns the process to step S11. The count value K is an index value for determining the number of times the user has not dealt with the error after the out of paper or the small amount of paper error has occurred, and the initial value is zero.

<Step S16>
On the other hand, in step S16, the control unit 5 resets the count value K stored in the EEPROM of the control unit 5 (K = 0), and returns the process to step S11.
As described above, in the multi-function device X, the count value K is added every time the image forming process is executed until the error is resolved after the error has occurred, and the error is resolved. As a result, the count value K is reset.
And the said control part 5 changes the display density of the said operation key 61A in the said touch panel 61 based on the said count value K counted by the said count process by the density | concentration change process shown in FIG.

[Density change processing]
Next, the density changing process executed by the control unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
<Step S21>
First, in step S21, the control unit 5 determines whether or not an out-of-paper error has occurred according to the detection result by the remaining sheet sensor 41, as in step S12.
Here, when the control unit 5 determines that the paper out error has occurred (Yes in S21), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper out error has not occurred (No in S21), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S22.

<Step S22>
In step S <b> 22, the control unit 5 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the small amount of paper according to the detection result by the paper remaining amount sensor 41 as in step S <b> 13.
Here, when the control unit 5 determines that the small amount of paper error has occurred (Yes side of S22), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined that no small amount of paper error has occurred (No in S22), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S24.

<Step S23>
In step S23, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the count value K counted in the counting process (see FIG. 3) is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value. Here, an example of the density change condition in the present invention is that the count value K is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. The threshold value is a numerical value for determining that the number of times the user has not dealt with the out of paper or the small amount of paper error, and may be arbitrarily determined in advance. Of course, in the initial setting of the multifunction device X, the control unit 5 can change the threshold value in accordance with the operation of the operation display unit 6.
Here, if the said control part 5 judges that the said count value K is more than the said threshold value (Yes side of S23), it will transfer a process to step S26. On the other hand, when it is determined that the count value K is less than the threshold value (No side of S23), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S24.

<Step S24>
On the other hand, in step S24, the control unit 5 determines whether or not the count value K is equal to or greater than the threshold value, as in step S23.
Here, if the said control part 5 judges that the said count value K is more than the said threshold value (Yes side of S24), it will transfer a process to step S27. On the other hand, if it is determined that the count value K is less than the threshold value (No side of S24), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S26.

<Step S25>
In step S25, the control unit 5 sets the display density of the operation key 61A displayed on the touch panel 61 to the initial density. Thereby, on the touch panel 61, the operation key 61A is displayed at the initial density. That is, after the error has occurred and the display density of the operation key 61A has been changed in step S26 or step S27, which will be described later, if the error has been resolved, the display density of the operation key 61A is changed to that in step S25. Reset to initial concentration.
FIG. 5A shows a display screen of the touch panel 61 in which the operation keys 61A are displayed at the initial density. On the display screen of the touch panel 61 shown in FIG. 5A, both the operation keys 61A and the error display portion 61B are displayed at the initial density. In the error display portion 61B, characters “please replenish paper” are displayed as the contents of the paper shortage and the small amount of paper error. Of course, the content of the small amount of paper error may be different from the out-of-paper error such as “the remaining amount of paper is low”.
As described above, when the display density of the operation key 61A is set to the initial density, the operation key 61A is easy to see, and the operability of the operation key 61A of the touch panel 61 by the user is not deteriorated. . The operability is an index for determining whether or not an operation input by the user using the operation key 61A is easy. When the display density of the operation key 61A is lowered, the visibility of the operation key 61A is lowered, so that the operability of the operation key 61A is lowered.

<Step S26>
In step S <b> 26, the control unit 5 sets the display density of the operation key 61 </ b> A displayed on the touch panel 61 to a preset first low density lower than the initial density. Thereby, on the touch panel 61, only the operation key 61A is displayed at the first low density lower than the initial density, and the display density of the error display portion 61B is maintained at the initial density. It is also conceivable as another embodiment that the control unit 5 changes the display density of the error display unit 61B to the first low density together with the display density of the operation key 61A.
FIG. 5B shows a display screen of the touch panel 61 in which the operation keys 61A are displayed at the first low density. On the display screen of the touch panel 61 shown in FIG. 5B, the display density of the operation keys 61A is lighter than that in the state shown in FIG. 5A, and the operation keys 61A are difficult to see. The operability of the key 61A is degraded. Since the deterioration of the operability of the operation key 61A continues until the error is resolved, the error should be dealt with compared to a configuration in which the error display unit 61B only displays the content of the error. Can be effectively urged by the user.
On the touch panel 61, as shown in FIG. 5B, the error display portion 61B is displayed with a darker display density than the operation keys 61A. Therefore, since the error content displayed on the error display portion 61B is conspicuous, the user can easily recognize the error content.

<Step S27>
In step S27, the control unit 5 sets the display density of the operation key 61A displayed on the touch panel 61 to a preset second low density which is lower than the first low density. As a result, on the touch panel 61, only the operation key 61A is displayed at the second low density lower than the first low density, and the display density of the error display portion 61B is maintained at the initial density. . It is also conceivable as another embodiment that the control unit 5 changes the display density of the error display unit 61B to the second low density together with the display density of the operation key 61A.
FIG. 5C shows a display screen of the touch panel 61 in which the operation keys 61A are displayed at the second low density. In the display screen of the touch panel 61 shown in FIG. 5C, the display density of the operation keys 61A is lighter than that in the state shown in FIG. 5B, and the operation keys 61A are difficult to see. The operability of the key 61A is further lowered. Since the deterioration of the operability of the operation key 61A continues until the error is resolved, the fact that the error should be dealt with compared to the case where the operation key 61A is displayed at the first low density. It is possible to prompt the user more effectively.
In the touch panel 61, as shown in FIG. 5C, the density difference between the display density of the operation key 61A and the display density of the error display portion 61B is larger than the state shown in FIG. . Accordingly, the content of the error displayed on the error display portion 61B is particularly conspicuous, so that the user can easily recognize the content of the error.

  As described above, in the multi-function machine X, after the operability control processing is executed by the control unit 5, after the out of paper or the small amount of paper error occurs, the error is resolved. The display density of the operation key 61A is lowered to improve operability. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prompt the user to deal with the out of paper or the small amount of paper error. For example, an early stage of paper supply by the user can be expected, and it is possible to prevent the user from being forced to supply paper during an emergency.

In the present embodiment, the number of times the image forming process is executed by the counting process is counted as the count value K, and the display density of the operation key 61A is changed according to the count value K. On the other hand, for example, the control unit 5 changes the display density of the operation key 61A when a predetermined period (several minutes, hours, days, etc.) elapses after the error occurs. This is also conceivable as another embodiment.
In the above-described embodiment, the out of paper and the small amount of paper error have been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be applied when other errors occur. However, for example, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 34 is low, if the toner container 34 is replaced at an early stage before it is used up, the toner remaining in the toner container 34 is wasted. Become. Therefore, an error that is a target for reducing the display density of the operation key 61A by the operability control process (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is an early stage such as a decrease in the remaining amount of paper in the paper feed cassette 4. It is desirable that the error be a specific error that does not cause waste even if it is dealt with.
For example, when the contact glass 11 provided in the image reading unit 1 becomes dirty, noise is generated in the image data read by the image reading unit 1. Therefore, when the contact glass 11 becomes dirty, the contact glass 11 needs to be cleaned. Therefore, the control unit 5 has a function of detecting the contamination of the contact glass 11 based on the image data read by the image reading unit 1, and targets an error that the contact glass 11 is dirty. It is conceivable to execute the operability control process. In this case, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 determines whether or not the image reading process by the image reading unit 1 has been executed in the step S11 of the counting process (FIG. 3). That is, the count value K is the number of executions of the image reading process. Of course, the count value K may be the total number of executions of the image forming process and the image reading process.

[Other embodiment 1]
It is conceivable as another embodiment that the control unit 5 changes the display density of the operation key 61A for each user who uses the multifunction machine X.
Specifically, as described above, the control unit 5 has a user authentication function for executing user login processing and logout processing when using the multifunction machine X. Therefore, the control unit 5 stores the count value K corresponding to each user who uses the multi-function device X in the counting process in the EEPROM of the control unit 5, and adds each count value K individually and Reset. The control unit 5 may set the display density of the operation key 61A using the count value K corresponding to each user as a determination index in the density conversion process.
According to such a configuration, for example, for a user who frequently performs a countermeasure for the out of paper and the small amount of paper error, the operation key is used as shown in FIG. 5 (A) or FIG. 5 (B). 61A is displayed at the initial density or the first low density. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, the operation key 61A is displayed at the second low density for the user who normally performs the processing for the paper out and the small amount of paper error.
Therefore, according to the configuration according to the first embodiment, when the out-of-paper and the small amount of paper errors have occurred, the error is dealt with to a user who does not take action for the error frequently. It can be promoted effectively. Therefore, it is possible to make a user who recognizes that the error should be dealt with emphasized to the user who performs the error treatment less frequently than the user who performs the error treatment more frequently. It is possible to eliminate the bias of the user who performs the procedure.
It is also conceivable that the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S12 when either or both of a login process and a logout process by the user authentication function is executed in step S11. That is, when one or both of the log-in process and the log-out process is executed, the number of times each user has not taken the error is grasped, and the operation key is displayed with a display density corresponding to the number of times. It is possible to display 61A.

[Other embodiment 2]
The condition for reducing the display density of the operation key 61A is not limited to the occurrence of the error and the count value K being equal to or greater than the threshold value.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operability control process executed by the control unit 5. It is conceivable that the control unit 5 executes only the operability control process shown in FIG. 6 instead of the counting process and the density changing process shown in FIGS. The same processing steps as those in the density changing process shown in FIG.
In the operability control process shown in FIG. 6, step S23 and step S24 are omitted. That is, when the paper out error has occurred (Yes in S21), the control unit 5 displays the operation key 61A at the second low density (S27). In addition, when the small amount of paper error has occurred (Yes in S22), the control unit 5 displays the operation key 61A at the first low density (S26). That is, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 reduces the operability of the operation key 61A from the occurrence of the out of paper or the small amount of paper until the error is resolved. As a result, when the error occurs, the display density of the operation key 61A is lower than when the error does not occur. Therefore, it is effective that some kind of error has occurred and that the error should be dealt with. Can be recognized by the user.

[Other embodiment 3]
By the way, when an error relating to the remaining amount of paper in the paper cassette 4 used in the image forming process occurs, such as the out of paper and the small amount of paper, the operation key 61A not related to the image forming process can be used. It is not always preferable to reduce the operability. Therefore, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 reduces the operability of only the specific operation keys related to the content of the error occurring in the multifunction machine X among the operation keys 61A in the operability control process. .
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operability control process executed by the control unit 5. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the execution result of the operability control process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 5 executes Step S211 and Step S221 in addition to the operability control process shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the process sequence similar to the said operativity control process shown in FIG. 6, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

Specifically, the control unit 5 executes the step S211 when the out-of-paper error occurs (Yes side of S21), and when the small amount of paper error occurs (Yes side of S22), Step S221 is executed.
In step S211 and step S221, the control unit 5 determines whether or not a copy job or printer job involving the image forming process related to the out of paper and the small amount of paper error is selected.
If it is determined in step S221 that the copy job or the printer job is selected (Yes in S221), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S26. Thereby, in step S26, as shown in FIG. 8A, the operation key 61A corresponding to the operation content related to the image forming process is displayed at the first low density, and the operability is lowered.
In Step S211, when it is determined that the copy job or the printer job is selected (Yes in S211), the control unit 5 shifts the processing to Step S27. Accordingly, in step S27, as shown in FIG. 8B, the operation key 61A corresponding to the operation content related to the image forming process is displayed at the second low density, and the operability is lowered.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S211 or step S221 that the copy job or the printer job is not selected (No in S211 or S221), the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S25. . Thus, for example, when the scanner job or the fax job is selected, the operation key corresponding to the operation content not related to the image forming process as shown in FIG. 61A is displayed at the initial density.

Accordingly, when an error relating to the paper feed cassette 4 used in the image forming process occurs, such as the paper out and the small amount of paper error, the user who executes the image forming process in which the paper feed cassette 4 is used. Can only prompt action on that error. Note that a configuration in which the operation keys 61A displayed on the same display screen of the touch panel 61 include operation keys used when executing the image forming process and operation keys not used is also conceivable. In this case, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 reduces the display density of only a part of the operation keys 61A corresponding to the operation content related to the error among the operation keys 61A on the same display screen.
In addition, the control unit 5 displays a specific operation key corresponding to the operation content related to the image reading process among the operation keys 61A when, for example, an error related to the contamination of the contact glass 11 occurs. It is conceivable that the operability is lowered by reducing the concentration. Accordingly, when an error related to the contact glass 11 used in the image reading process occurs, such as a stain error of the contact glass 11, only a user who executes the image reading process using the contact glass 11 is used. Can be urged to deal with the error.

[Other embodiment 4]
In another embodiment, the control unit 5 may reduce the display density of the operation key 61A by a predetermined amount according to the count value K in the operability control process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the density changing process executed by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 executes a density changing process shown in FIG. 9 instead of the density changing process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 5 executes the process of step S222 instead of the steps S26 to S27 of the density changing process shown in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the process sequence similar to the said density change process (refer FIG. 4), and the description is abbreviate | omitted.
Specifically, in the density changing process shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 5 shifts the process to step S222 when the out of paper or the small amount of paper error has occurred. In step S222, the control unit 5 changes the display density of the operation key 61A according to the count value K counted in the counting process.
Specifically, the control unit 5 changes the display density so that the display density of the operation key 61A gradually decreases as the count value K increases. For example, the control unit 5 determines which of a plurality of preset ranges the value of the count value K corresponds to, and the display density of the operation key 61A is preset corresponding to each range. It is conceivable to change the display density. Of course, the control unit 5 performs the first display density when the count value K is less than a preset threshold value, and the second display when the count value K is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value. It is also possible to change the concentration.
The display density changed in step S222 is reset to the initial density by the control unit 5 in the subsequent step S25 when the error is resolved (No side in S21 and S22).
According to such a configuration, the display density of the operation key 61A can be gradually lowered as the period during which the out of paper and the small amount of paper error are left is extended, and the operability can be lowered. Can be effectively urged to the user.

[Other embodiment 5]
Further, in each of the embodiments, the case where the operability of the operation key 61A is reduced by reducing the display density of the operation key 61A has been described as an example. On the other hand, the method of reducing the operability of the operation key 61A is not limited to this.
For example, in the operability control process, the control unit 5 replaces the decrease in display density of the operation key 61A until the operation key 61A is operated for a preset lower limit number of times until the touch panel 61 is operated. It is conceivable that the operation signal from is not accepted. Specifically, the control unit 5 may control the touch panel 61 so that an operation signal is not output from the touch panel 61 until the lower limit number of operations are performed on the operation key 61A. Further, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 does not execute a process according to the operation signal output from the touch panel 61 until the lower limit number of operations are performed on the operation key 61A. Thus, if the control unit 5 does not accept the operation of the operation key 61A until the operation key 61A is operated the lower limit number of times, the operability of the operation key 61A is deteriorated. On the other hand, it is possible to effectively promote the action for the error.
Further, in the operability control process, the control unit 5 displays a preset confirmation message when the operation key 61A is operated instead of lowering the display density of the operation key 61A. 61 may be displayed. The control unit 5 may not accept the operation signal until the confirmation operation for the confirmation message is performed on the touch panel 61. Specifically, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 controls the touch panel 61 so that an operation signal is not output from the touch panel 61 until the confirmation message is confirmed on the operation key 61A. In addition, it is conceivable that the control unit 5 does not execute processing according to the operation signal output from the touch panel 61 until the confirmation operation of the confirmation message is performed on the operation key 61A. Thus, if the control unit 5 does not accept the operation of the operation key 61A until the operation key 61A performs the confirmation operation of the confirmation message, the operability of the operation key 61A is reduced. Thus, it is possible to effectively prompt the user to deal with the error.

1: Image reading unit 11: Contact glass 2: ADF
3: Image forming unit 4: Paper feed cassette 5: Control unit 6: Operation display unit 61: Touch panel (an example of display means and operation means)
61A: Operation key 61B: Error display section 62: Operation button 63: Job selection key 631: Copy key 632: Printer key 633: Scanner key 634: Fax key S11, S12,...: Processing procedure (step) number S21 S22,...: Processing procedure (step) number X: Multifunction machine (an example of information processing apparatus)

Claims (6)

Display means for displaying operation keys corresponding to various operation contents;
An operation means for outputting an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation key;
Operability control means for reducing the operability of the operation keys from when an error occurs until the error is resolved,
Either one or both of an image forming unit that executes an image forming process and an image reading unit that executes an image reading process;
Equipped with a,
The operability control means reduces the operability of the operation keys by reducing the display density of the operation keys when a preset density change condition is satisfied,
The information processing apparatus , wherein the density changing condition is that the number of executions of one or both of the image forming process and the image reading process during the occurrence of the error reaches a preset number . When the error occurs, further comprising display control means for displaying the content of the error on the display means,
Said operation control means is, the information processing apparatus according to the indicated concentrations of the operation keys in claim 1 is intended to be reduced to a lower concentration than the display density of the contents of at least said error. Further comprising an authentication means for executing a user login process at the start of use of the information processing apparatus;
Said operation control means is to determine the presence or absence of the concentration change condition for each of the users, wherein said operation key in display density corresponding to each of the users to claim 1 or 2 is intended to be displayed on said display means Information processing device. Display means for displaying operation keys corresponding to various operation contents;
An operation means for outputting an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation key;
Operability control means for reducing the operability of the operation keys from when an error occurs until the error is resolved,
With
Said operation control means is, the operation key preset number of operations the operation keys of the operation of Der Ru information processing apparatus which reduce the by not accepting the operating signal to be made to the. Display means for displaying operation keys corresponding to various operation contents;
An operation means for outputting an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation key;
Operability control means for reducing the operability of the operation keys from when an error occurs until the error is resolved,
With
The operability control means displays a preset confirmation message on the display means when the operation key is operated, and the operation means until the confirmation operation of the confirmation message is performed on the operation means. Ru der those reducing the operability of the operation key by not receiving an operation signal information processing apparatus. Display means for displaying operation keys corresponding to various operation contents;
An operation means for outputting an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation key;
Operability control means for reducing the operability of the operation keys from when an error occurs until the error is resolved,
An image forming unit that executes an image forming process for forming an image on paper ;
With
The operability control means lowers the operability of a predetermined specific operation key related to the content of the error among the operation keys, and the remaining amount of paper used in the image forming process about when an error occurs, the specific operation key of the operation of der Ru information processing apparatus which reduce the corresponding to the operation contents related to the image forming processing of the operation key.