JP6100335B2 - Operation display device and image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation display device that is detachable from a main body of an image processing device, and an image processing device including the operation display device.

  Some image processing apparatuses such as an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus are configured such that an operation display device is detachable from the main body in order to enable an operation from a place away from the main body.

  Some of such conventional operation display devices change the display content of the operation display device according to the position of the operation display device with respect to the main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-231675 A

  In the operation display device as described above, operations for causing the main body to perform operations such as copy start and scan start involve the work of the operator such as setting a document, so that when the operator is in the vicinity of the main body, that is, the operation display device Is generally performed when the operator is located in the vicinity of the main body, and is not normally performed when the operator is far away from the main body. For this reason, when the operation display device is located far from the main body, it is not usually considered that an operation key for operating the main body is operated. Therefore, when the operation display device is located far from the main body, if all the operation keys can be operated as in the case where the operation display device is located near the main body, there is a possibility that the main body may perform an operation unintended by the operator due to an erroneous operation.

  However, in the conventional operation display device, whether the operation key is valid or invalid is not switched according to the distance between the operation display device and the main body. Therefore, the operator needs to pay attention not to operate the operation key for operating the main body when away from the main body, and the operability is poor.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operation display device and an image processing device capable of improving the operability when operating by removing from a main body.

  The operation display device of the present invention is configured to be removable from the main body of the image processing apparatus. The operation display device includes an operation display unit, a communication unit, a distance information acquisition unit, and a control unit. The operation display unit can display a plurality of operation keys. The communication unit performs wireless information communication with the main body. The distance information acquisition unit is for detecting the distance to the main body. The control unit acquires the distance to the main body using the distance information acquisition unit, and even if the distance to the main body is within an area where wireless information communication is possible with the main body, The first specific operation key of the plurality of operation keys is switched between valid and invalid according to the distance. The control unit enables the second specific operation key among the plurality of operation keys regardless of the distance to the main body as long as it is within an area where wireless information communication is possible with the main body.

  In the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the control unit invalidates the first specific operation key when the distance to the main body exceeds a predetermined first threshold value. In this configuration, the operation display device acquires the distance between the main body and the operation display device. When the distance between the operation display device and the main body is within the first threshold, all the operation keys that should be enabled are enabled. On the other hand, when the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the first threshold value, the first specific operation key becomes invalid. For example, when the first specific operation key is set as an operation key that is not operated at a location far away from the main body, more specifically, an operation key related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body These operation keys are disabled. For this reason, since an operator's erroneous operation is suppressed, it is not necessary for the operator to pay extra attention during the input operation, and the operability is improved.

  In addition, the control unit is configured to enable the operation among the plurality of operation keys as the distance to the main body becomes shorter in a region where wireless information communication with the main body is possible. It is preferable to increase the key. As the distance between the operation display device and the main body becomes shorter, the number of operation keys that become effective increases step by step, so that only the operation keys that are required at each position of the operation display device with respect to the main body become effective. Therefore, the necessity of the operator's input operation and the validity / invalidity of the operation key can be more precisely associated, so that an erroneous operation can be further suppressed and the operability is further improved.

  Further, the control unit is within a region where wireless information communication with the main body is possible, and the control unit exceeds the first threshold and is less than or equal to a predetermined second threshold greater than the first threshold. In such a case, it is preferable to enable an operation key that accepts an input operation of a setting condition.

  Further, the control unit starts or stops the image processing operation of the main body when the distance to the main body is within an area where wireless information communication with the main body is possible and is equal to or less than the first threshold value. It is preferable to enable an operation key for accepting such an input operation. An operation key related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body is often operated at a place where the distance between the operation display device and the main body is equal to or less than the first threshold value. On the other hand, it may be more convenient to be able to perform the setting condition input operation even in a place where the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the first threshold and is within the second threshold. . In addition, in a place where the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the second threshold value, it is considered that the setting condition is not input anymore and it is sufficient to display the operation status and the like. Therefore, when the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the second threshold value, both the operation key for accepting the setting condition input operation and the operation key for starting or stopping the image processing operation of the main body are invalid. Yes, the operation key that accepts the input operation of the setting condition is first effective when the value is equal to or less than the second threshold value, and in addition to the operation key that accepts the input operation of the setting condition when the value is less than the first threshold value, By enabling the operation keys related to the start or stop of the image processing operation, the necessity of input operation by the operator and the enabled / disabled state of the operation keys can be more closely associated, and erroneous operations are further suppressed. it can.

  An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body that performs an image processing operation, and an operation display device that is detachable from the main body. The operation display device includes an operation display unit capable of displaying a plurality of operation keys, a first communication unit that performs wireless information communication between the main body, and communication for detecting a distance between the operation display device and the main body. A first distance information acquisition unit. The main body performs communication between the second communication unit for performing wireless information communication with the operation display device and communication for detecting the distance between the operation display device and the main body with the first distance information acquisition unit. A two-distance information acquisition unit. The image processing apparatus includes a control unit in the main body or the operation display device. The control unit acquires the distance between the operation display device and the main body based on communication between the first distance information acquisition unit and the second distance information acquisition unit, and the distance between the operation display device and the main body is Even within the area where wireless information communication is possible, the validity / invalidity of the first specific operation key of the plurality of operation keys is switched according to the distance to the main body. If the distance between the operation display device and the main body is within an area where wireless information communication is possible, the control unit determines the second identification of the plurality of operation keys regardless of the distance between the operation display device and the main body. Enable the operation key.

  In the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the control unit invalidates the first specific operation key when the distance to the main body exceeds a predetermined first threshold value. In this configuration, the distance between the main body and the operation display device is detected by communication between the first distance information acquisition unit and the second distance information acquisition unit. When the distance between the operation display device and the main body is within the first threshold, all the operation keys are valid. On the other hand, when the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the first threshold value, the specific operation key becomes invalid. For example, when a specific operation key is set as an operation key that is not operated at a location far away from the main body, more specifically, an operation key related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body, These operation keys are disabled. For this reason, since an operator's erroneous operation is suppressed, it is not necessary for the operator to pay extra attention during the input operation, and the operability is improved.

  Further, the control unit may be configured such that the distance between the operation display device and the main body is shorter as the distance between the operation display device and the main body is shorter in a region where the distance between the operation display device and the main body is wireless communication. It is preferable to increase the number of operation keys to be activated among the keys. As the distance between the operation display device and the main body becomes shorter, the number of operation keys that become effective increases step by step, so that only the operation keys that are required at each position of the operation display device with respect to the main body become effective. Therefore, the necessity of the operator's input operation and the validity / invalidity of the operation key can be more precisely associated, so that an erroneous operation can be further suppressed and the operability is further improved.

  In addition, the control unit has a predetermined second threshold that is within a region where wireless information communication is possible between the operation display device and the main body, and that exceeds the first threshold and is greater than the first threshold. In the case of the following, it is preferable to enable an operation key that accepts an input operation of a setting condition.

  Further, when the distance between the operation display device and the main body is within an area where wireless information communication can be performed between the operation display device and the main body, the control unit starts the image processing operation of the main body or It is preferable to enable an operation key that receives an input operation related to the stop.

  An operation key related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body is often operated at a place where the distance between the operation display device and the main body is equal to or less than the first threshold value. On the other hand, it may be more convenient to be able to perform the setting condition input operation even in a place where the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the first threshold and is within the second threshold. . In addition, in a place where the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the second threshold value, it is considered that the setting condition is not input anymore and it is sufficient to display the operation status and the like. Therefore, when the distance between the operation display device and the main body exceeds the second threshold value, both the operation key for accepting the setting condition input operation and the operation key for starting or stopping the image processing operation of the main body are invalid. Yes, the operation key that accepts the input operation of the setting condition is first effective when the value is equal to or less than the second threshold value, and in addition to the operation key that accepts the input operation of the setting condition when the value is less than the first threshold value, By enabling the operation keys related to the start or stop of the image processing operation, the necessity of input operation by the operator and the enabled / disabled state of the operation keys can be more closely associated, and erroneous operations are further suppressed. it can.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of the operation display device when operating by removing from the main body.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus including an operation display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the positional relationship of a main body and an operation display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the several operation key displayed on an operation display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the 1st control part of an operation display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the process sequence of the 1st control part of an operation display apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of an image processing apparatus provided with a plurality of operation display devices. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence of the 2nd control part of the main body of an image processing apparatus provided with a some operation display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the outline of an image processing apparatus provided with the operation display apparatus which concerns on other embodiment.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated based on drawing. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 includes an operation display device 2 and a main body 3. The operation display device 2 is configured to be detachable from the main body 3.

  The operation display device 2 includes a first control unit 21, a transmitter 22, a first communication unit 23, and an operation display unit 24. The main body 3 includes a second control unit 31, one or more receivers 32, a second communication unit 33, and an image processing unit 34. A plurality of receivers 32 are preferably provided. As an example, three receivers 32 are provided, and each receiver 32 is installed at a predetermined position in the main body 3 that is spaced apart from each other. The transmitter 22 and the receiver 32 constitute a three-dimensional position sensor.

  The transmitter 22 sends a signal for causing the main body 3 to specify the position of the operation display device 2 to the space. As an example, the transmitter 22 transmits an ultrasonic signal. A signal emitted from the transmitter 22 is received by the receiver 32 of the main body 3. The second control unit 31 transmits the time difference at which each receiver 32 receives the signal to the first control unit 21 via the second communication unit 33 and the first communication unit 23. The first control unit 21 detects the position of the operation display device 2 with respect to the main body 3 based on the input time difference, and specifies the distance between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3. The transmitter 22 constitutes a first distance information acquisition unit that performs communication for detecting the distance between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3. The receiver 32 constitutes a second distance information acquisition unit that performs communication for detecting a distance between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 with the first distance information acquisition unit.

  The second control unit 31 performs wireless information communication with the first control unit 21 of the operation display device 2 via the second communication unit 33 and the first communication unit 23. When the distance between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 is specified, the second control unit 31 transmits this distance to the first control unit 21. In this way, as shown in FIG. 2, the first control unit 21 is not only in a state where the operation display device 2 is attached to the main body 3, but also in a state where the operation display device 2 is detached from the main body 3. The distance between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 can always be acquired. The second control unit 31 specifies the distance between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 based on the time difference at which each receiver 32 receives the signal, and transmits this distance to the first control unit 21. It can also be configured as follows.

  The second control unit 31 transmits the operation status of the main body 3 to the first control unit 21 via the second communication unit 33 and the first communication unit 23.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation display unit 24 displays various operation screens 40 including a plurality of operation keys 41 to 53 and accepts an input operation by an operator's touch operation. For example, a liquid crystal touch panel is used as the operation display unit 24. The first control unit 21 causes the operation display unit 24 to display an operation screen 40 corresponding to the input operation status of the main body 3.

  When an input operation is performed on the operation display unit 24, the first control unit 21 transmits input information to the second control unit 31 via the first communication unit 23 and the second communication unit 33. The second control unit 31 performs processing such as condition setting and image processing execution instruction based on the input information.

  The image processing unit 34 executes image processing based on an instruction from the second control unit 31. As an example, the image processing unit 34 includes a scanner unit that reads an image of a document and generates image data, and an image forming unit that executes electrophotographic image forming processing on a sheet based on the image data. 3 can operate in any one of a copy mode, a scan mode, and a facsimile mode. Note that the image processing apparatus 1 is not limited to the above-described multifunction peripheral, and may be an image reading apparatus or a printer.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the processing procedure of the first control unit 21. When acquiring the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 (S1), the first control unit 21 determines whether or not the distance L exceeds a predetermined first threshold L1 (see FIG. 2) (S2). ). When the distance L is within the first threshold L1, the first control unit 21 enables all the operation keys 41 to 53 that should originally be enabled in each operation situation (S3). That is, input by the operation keys 41 to 53 becomes possible. The first threshold value L1 is a boundary value between a region where the operation keys 41 and 42 relating to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body 3 are considered to be operated and a region where the operation keys 41 and 42 are not normally operated.

  On the other hand, if the distance L exceeds the first threshold L1 even if the distance L is within an area where wireless information communication is possible between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3, the first control unit 21 performs a predetermined first The group operation keys 41 and 42 are invalidated (S4). That is, input by the operation keys 41 and 42 becomes impossible. As an example, the first group of operation keys 41 and 42 are operation keys that receive an input operation related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body 3. Specifically, the operation key 41 is a copy key for starting a copy operation, and the operation key 42 is a stop key for stopping the copy operation.

  The first control unit 21 disables the specific operation keys 41 and 42 by not displaying the operation keys 41 and 42 to be disabled on the operation display unit 24. As another example, the first control unit 21 displays the operation keys 41 and 42 to be invalidated on the operation display unit 24. However, even when the operation keys 41 and 42 are pressed, the first control unit 21 does not accept input or is based on the input. The specific operation keys 41 and 42 can be disabled by not outputting a signal.

  The operation for causing the main body 3 to perform an image processing operation is accompanied by the operator's work such as setting a document. This is generally not performed when the operator is far away from the main body 3. For this reason, when the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 is longer than the first threshold L1, the operation keys 41 and 42 for receiving an input operation related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body 3 are performed. By being invalidated, erroneous operation of the operator is suppressed. Therefore, the operator does not need to pay extra attention when performing the input operation, and the operability of the operation display device 2 is improved particularly when the operator is detached from the main body 3 for operation.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of the processing procedure of the first control unit 21. Processes S11 to S13 are the same as the above-described processes S1 to S3. If the distance L exceeds the first threshold value L1 even in the area where wireless information communication is possible between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3, the first control unit 21 sets the second threshold value L2 (FIG. 2). Reference) It is determined whether or not the following is true (S14). The second threshold L2 is larger than the first threshold L1. Note that the second threshold L2 is an area where it is more convenient that the operation keys 41 and 42 related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body 3 are not normally operated but the setting condition input operation can be performed. And a boundary value with a region that is considered to be sufficient if an operation status or the like is displayed without an input operation of the setting condition.

When the distance L exceeds the first threshold L1 and is within the second threshold L2, the first control unit 21 invalidates the first group of operation keys 41 and 42 as in the above-described process S4 (S15). )
If the distance L exceeds the second threshold L2 even in the area where wireless information communication is possible between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3, the first control unit 21 operates the first group of operation keys 41. , 42, the predetermined second group of operation keys 43 to 52 are also invalidated (S16). As an example, the second group of operation keys 43 to 52 are operation keys that accept an input operation of a setting condition.

  As described above, when the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 is farther than the first threshold L1, the operation keys 41 and 42 relating to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body 3 are operated. It is usually unthinkable. On the other hand, if the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 exceeds the first threshold L1 and is within the second threshold L2, it is more convenient to be able to perform the setting condition input operation. There is a case. Further, when the operation display device 2 is further away from the main body 3 and the distance L exceeds the second threshold value L2, the setting condition is no longer input and it is sufficient to display the operation status and the like. it is conceivable that.

  In the image processing device 1, when the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 exceeds the first threshold value L <b> 1, first, the operation keys 41 and 42 relating to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body 3 are displayed. When the second threshold value L2 is exceeded, the operation keys 43 to 52 for accepting the setting condition input operation in addition to the operation keys 41 and 42 related to the start or stop of the image processing operation of the main body 3 are also invalidated. Thus, only the operation key 53 for displaying information is valid. In this way, the operation keys that become invalid are switched stepwise in accordance with the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3, and are thus required at each position of the operation display device 2 with respect to the main body 3. Only the operation keys are enabled. For this reason, the necessity of the operator's input operation and the valid / invalid states of the operation keys 41 to 53 can be more precisely associated. Therefore, since the erroneous operation of the operation display device 2 when it is operated by being detached from the main body 3 is further suppressed, the operability of the operation display device 2 is further improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the image processing apparatus 1 includes a plurality of operation display devices 2A and 2B, the second control unit 31 uses the distances LA and the operation display devices 2A and 2B and the main body 3 respectively. LB is acquired (S21), and the operation display device 2A closest to the main body 3 among the plurality of operation display devices 2A and 2B is specified (S22). The second control unit 31 gives priority to the input operation from the operation display device 2A closest to the main body 3 among the plurality of operation display devices 2A and 2B over the other operation display devices 2B (S23).

  When the image processing apparatus 1 includes a plurality of operation display devices 2A and 2B, it is considered that the operator closest to the main body 3 needs the use of the image processing apparatus 1 most. For this reason, the input operation in the operation display device 2A closest to the main body 3 among the plurality of operation display devices 2A and 2B has priority over the other operation display devices 2B. Thereby, an input operation by an operator who most needs the image processing apparatus 1 is validated, and the operability is further improved.

  The means for obtaining the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 is not limited to the above-described three-dimensional position sensor. For example, as a means for acquiring the distance L, a system similar to GPS (Global Positioning System) configured to be able to perform positioning only in a predetermined local area can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 3 may include one or more transmitters 35, and the operation display device 2 may include a receiver 25 that receives a signal emitted from the transmitter 35. It is preferable that a plurality of transmitters 35 are provided. As an example, three transmitters 35 are provided, and each transmitter 35 is installed at a predetermined location in the main body 3 that is separated from each other. The first control unit 21 controls the operation display device 2 with respect to the main body 3 based on the time difference when signals simultaneously generated from all the transmitters 35 are received by the receiver 25 and the respective position information of the transmitters 35. And the distance L between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3 is specified. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the receiver 25 constitutes a first distance information acquisition unit, and the transmitter 35 constitutes a second distance information acquisition unit.

  It is also conceivable to specify the distance L based on the antenna strength of transmission / reception between the operation display device 2 and the main body 3.

  Furthermore, the control unit that detects the distance L can be mounted on either the operation display device 2 or the main body 3.

  The above description of the embodiment is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus 2, 2A, 2B Operation display apparatus 21 1st control part 22 Transmitter (1st distance information acquisition part)
23 first communication unit 24 operation display unit 3 main body 31 second control unit 32 receiver (second distance information acquisition unit)
33 Second communication unit 34 Image processing unit 41 to 53 Operation keys L1 First threshold L2 Second threshold

Claims (10)

An operation display device detachable from the main body of the image processing device,
An operation display section capable of displaying a plurality of operation keys;
A communication unit for performing wireless information communication with the main body;
A distance information acquisition unit for detecting a distance between the main body,
The distance information acquisition unit is used to acquire the distance to the main body, and even if the distance to the main body is within an area where wireless information communication is possible with the main body, A control unit that switches between valid and invalid of the first specific operation key among the plurality of operation keys according to the distance between them,
If the control unit is in an area where wireless information communication with the main body is possible, the second specific operation among the plurality of operation keys is performed in all areas regardless of the distance to the main body. Operation display device that activates the key.   The operation display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit invalidates the first specific operation key when a distance from the main body exceeds a predetermined first threshold.   The control unit enables the operation key among the plurality of operation keys as the distance to the main body becomes shorter in a region where wireless information communication with the main body is possible. The operation display device according to claim 1, wherein the operation key is increased.   The control unit has a predetermined second distance within a region where wireless information communication with the main body is possible, and exceeds the first threshold and is greater than the first threshold. The operation display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an operation key that accepts an input operation of a setting condition is validated when a threshold value or less is reached.   The control unit starts an image processing operation of the main body when the distance to the main body is within an area where wireless information communication with the main body is possible and is equal to or less than the first threshold value. Or the operation display apparatus in any one of Claim 1 to 4 which validates the operation key which receives the input operation which concerns on a stop. A main body that performs an image processing operation, and an operation display device that is detachable from the main body,
The operation display device includes:
An operation display section capable of displaying a plurality of operation keys;
A first communication unit that performs wireless information communication with the main body;
A first distance information acquisition unit that performs communication for detecting a distance between the operation display device and the main body;
The body is
A second communication unit for performing wireless information communication with the operation display device;
A second distance information acquisition unit that performs communication with the first distance information acquisition unit for detecting a distance between the operation display device and the main body,
Based on the communication between the first distance information acquisition unit and the second distance information acquisition unit, the distance between the operation display device and the main body is acquired, and between the operation display device and the main body A control unit that switches between enabling and disabling the first specific operation key of the plurality of operation keys according to the distance from the main body, even if the distance is within an area where wireless information communication is possible;
If the distance between the operation display device and the main body is within a region where wireless information communication is possible, the control unit, in all regions regardless of the distance between the operation display device and the main body, An image processing apparatus that validates a second specific operation key among a plurality of operation keys.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit invalidates the first specific operation key when a distance from the main body exceeds a predetermined first threshold value.   In the region where the distance between the operation display device and the main body is wireless information communication between each other, the control unit decreases the distance between the operation display device and the main body as the distance between the operation display device and the main body decreases. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein among the operation keys, operation keys to be activated are increased.   The control unit has a predetermined distance between the operation display device and the main body within a region where wireless information communication can be performed between the operation display device and the main body, and exceeds the first threshold and is greater than the first threshold. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an operation key that receives an input operation of a setting condition is validated when the second threshold value or less is reached.   When the distance between the operation display device and the main body is within an area where wireless information communication can be performed between the control display device and the main body and is equal to or less than the first threshold, the image processing operation of the main body The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an operation key that accepts an input operation related to start or stop is enabled.

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