JP7321773B2 - image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to which an input device having hardware keys can be externally connected.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, for example, have been widely used as copiers, printers, facsimiles, multi-function machines having a plurality of these functions, and the like. As an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus having a touch panel type display capable of displaying software keys on the screen has been proposed. In this case, the user can perform various functions assigned in advance to the software keys by performing touch operations on the software keys on the screen. However, the number of software keys that can be displayed simultaneously on the screen is limited from the viewpoint of user convenience and operability. Therefore, relatively frequently used keys such as the numeric keypad and start key are provided as hardware keys on an external input device (for example, a numeric keypad unit, etc.), and this input device can be connected to the image forming apparatus. has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

In addition, when the screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display, by permitting the transfer of screen data according to the operating state of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus can update the screen at a timing that does not affect the image forming operation. has been proposed (Patent Document 2).

JP 2011-118584 A JP-A-6-164811

By the way, even when an external input device is connected, software keys assigned functions equivalent to hardware keys of the input device may be displayed on the screen from the viewpoint of user convenience ( start key, etc.). In such a case, the display for software keys and the light emission of LEDs for hardware keys indicate whether each key is in a state in which it accepts input (input enabled state) or in a state in which it does not accept input (input disabled state). is notified to the user. However, since there is a difference in the time required for switching between the display of the software key and the light emission of the hardware key, the hardware key switches faster than the software key. In other words, the software key was switched after the hardware key was switched. In that case, for example, while the hardware keys indicate the input-enabled state, the software keys may indicate the input-disabled state, which may confuse the user and is preferable from the viewpoint of user convenience. do not have.

According to the present invention, the switching between the input-enabled state and the input-disabled state by displaying the software keys can be substantially matched with the switching between the input-enabled state and the input-disabled state by the light emission of the hardware keys of the external input device. An object of the present invention is to provide a simple image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet , a housing that houses the image forming unit, and a panel unit that receives a user's touch operation , A panel unit for displaying a software start key for instructing the image forming unit to start image formation , and a first control unit for controlling the panel unit, wherein the software start key can be input by a user's touch operation. a first control unit for switching the display of the panel unit so as to notify a first state in which the input of the software start key by a user's touch operation is disabled ; an input device attached to the housing , the input device having a hardware start key for instructing the image forming unit to start image formation ; and light emitting means ; A second control unit that switches between lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting means so as to notify a third state in which input is possible and a fourth state in which the user cannot input the hardware start key. and outputs a first signal for switching between the first state and the second state to the first control unit, and outputs a second signal for switching between the third state and the fourth state to the second state. and a third control unit that outputs the first signal to the control unit, the third control unit that outputs the first signal before the second signal.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a housing that houses the image forming unit, and software that instructs the image forming unit to start forming an image. A panel section in which input by the start key is possible, and by switching the display, a first state in which the input by the software start key is possible and a second state in which the input by the software start key is disabled. A hardware start key, which is an input device attached to the housing as an optional device and instructs the image forming unit to start image formation , and a switching between lighting and non-lighting. an input device having light-emitting means capable of informing a third state in which input by the hardware start key is possible and a fourth state in which input by the hardware start key is disabled; and the first state. and the second state, the first signal for switching the display of the panel unit is transmitted prior to the second signal for switching the reporting between the third state and the fourth state. and a control unit for
An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a housing that houses the image forming unit, and a panel unit that receives a user's touch operation, wherein the image forming a panel unit for displaying a software start key for instructing the start of image formation to the unit; a first control unit for switching the display of the panel unit so as to notify the first state and a second state in which input of the software start key by a user's touch operation is disabled; and the housing as an optional device. an input device attached to the image forming unit, the input device having a hardware start key for instructing the image forming unit to start image formation, and light emitting means, and allowing a user to input the hardware start key. and a fourth state in which the user cannot input the hardware start key; outputting a first signal for switching between the state and the second state to the first control unit, and outputting a second signal for switching between the third state and the fourth state to the second control unit a third control unit, wherein the third control unit controls the timing at which the panel unit in the second state switches to the first state, and the timing at which the light emitting means in the fourth state switches to the first state; The first signal and the second signal are transmitted so that the timing of switching to state 3 is substantially the same .

According to the present invention, the switching between the input-enabled state and the input-disabled state by displaying the software keys and the switching between the input-enabled state and the input-disabled state by the light emission of the hardware keys of the external input device are substantially matched. can be easily done.

1 is a perspective view for explaining a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram for explaining a control unit; Schematic diagram for explaining a software key and a hardware key. Control block diagram of the ten-key unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display state of software keys and the light emission state of hardware keys, in which (a) is an input disabled state, (b) is an input enabled state, and (c) is a conventional example. 4 is a flowchart showing switching control processing according to the first embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing screen switching processing; 4 is a flowchart showing external LED switching processing according to the first embodiment; 9 is a flowchart showing switching control processing according to the second embodiment; 9 is a flowchart showing external LED switching processing according to the second embodiment;

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described. First, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. In this embodiment, the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 is represented by the front side F, the back side (dorsal side) is represented by the rear side B, the left side is L, the right side is R, the upper side is U, and the lower side is D. there is Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that the user is positioned facing from the front side F to the rear side B and performs various operations.

In this embodiment, a tandem-type full-color printer will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus 1 . The image forming apparatus 1 can be implemented in various applications such as printers, various printing machines, copiers, facsimiles, and multi-function machines. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the tandem-type image forming apparatus 1, and can be applied to image forming apparatuses of other types. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to full-color image forming apparatuses, but also to monochrome or mono-color image forming apparatuses.

<Image forming apparatus>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body) 10. As shown in FIG. The apparatus main body 10 includes an image reading section 20, a sheet feeding section 21, an image forming section 22 (see FIG. 2), a sheet discharging section 23, a control section 30 (see FIG. 2), an operating section 50, It has The sheet, which is the recording material, is used to form a toner image, and specific examples thereof include plain paper, a resin sheet that is a substitute for plain paper, thick paper, and an overhead projector sheet.

The image reading unit 20 is, for example, a flatbed scanner device and is provided on the upper part of the device body 10 . The image reading unit 20 includes a platen glass (not shown) as a document table, a light source (not shown) that irradiates the document placed on the platen glass with light, and an image sensor (not shown) that converts reflected light into a digital signal. etc. The sheet feeding unit 21 is arranged in the lower part of the apparatus main body 10, and includes sheet cassettes 21a and 21b for storing stacked sheets such as recording paper. send. The sheet cassettes 21 a and 21 b can accommodate sheets for image formation in the image forming section 22 .

The image forming section 22 is provided inside the apparatus main body 10, and includes an image forming unit, a toner bottle, an intermediate transfer unit, a secondary transfer section, and a fixing device, all of which have a developing device and a photosensitive drum as an image carrier (not shown). etc. The image forming section 22 can form an image on the sheet fed from the sheet feeding section 21 based on the image information from the control section 30 . The sheet discharge section 23 includes a discharge tray 24 arranged downstream of a sheet discharge port (not shown) formed in the apparatus main body 10 . The discharge tray 24 stacks sheets discharged from the discharge port.

<Control section>
As shown in FIG. 2, a control section 30 as a main body side control section is configured by a computer. The control unit 30 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32 that temporarily stores data. The control unit 30 also includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 33 that stores programs for controlling each unit, and a hard disk device (HDD 34). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 has a system bus 30a and an image bus 30b, and the CPU 31, RAM 32, ROM 33, and HDD 34 are all connected to the system bus 30a. The CPU 31 is a processor that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 1 and is the main body of the system controller. The CPU 31 performs, for example, image processing of image data to be formed into an image, network control, and outputs an image forming instruction to the image forming unit 22, and also executes image forming processing by transmitting/receiving information to/from the operation unit 50. Control.

The RAM 32 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 31, is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data, and functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like for the CPU 31. FIG. The RAM 32 stores setting information in the image forming apparatus 1, job logs and operation logs when each process is performed, and the like. The ROM 33 stores, for example, an image forming job (program) for forming an image on a sheet. By executing an image forming job (program) stored in the ROM 33, the CPU 31 can operate the image forming section 22 and perform image forming control. The HDD 34 is a hard disk drive and stores system software, applications, image data, screen data, and the like.

An image forming job is a series of operations from the start of image formation to the completion of the image formation operation based on a print signal for forming an image on a sheet. That is, after starting a preliminary operation (so-called pre-rotation) necessary for image formation, the image forming process is performed, and then a preliminary operation (so-called post-rotation) necessary for completing image formation is completed. It is a series of actions up to

The control unit 30 includes an operation unit input/output circuit (I/F) 35 all connected to the system bus 30a, a network input/output circuit (I/F) 36, a modem 37, an SRAM 38, an RTC 39, an external and an input/output circuit (I/F) 40 . The operation unit input/output circuit 35 transmits screen data to the operation unit 50 to be described later, performs various communications from the operation unit 50 , and inputs information input by the user from the operation unit 50 to the CPU 31 .

The network input/output circuit 36 connects to the network 90 and inputs/outputs information. Also, the modem 37 is connected to the public line 91, functions as a facsimile communication unit, and inputs and outputs information. Thereby, under the instruction of the CPU 31, the control unit 30 can communicate with other connected PCs and servers via the network 90 by the network input/output circuit 36 or via the public line 91 by the modem 37. . That is, the image forming apparatus 1 inputs and outputs image information and device information by connecting to the network 90 and the public line 91 .

The SRAM 38 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of high speed operation. The RTC 39 is a real-time clock, and performs processing for continuing to count the current time even when the control unit 30 is not powered on. The external input/output circuit 40 is a general-purpose input/output circuit such as USB, and connects a general-purpose PC, a memory device, and a ten-key unit 200 (to be described later) via the USB standard USB connector 40a and the USB port (main unit side connection section) 12. to connect. Note that USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. The USB port 12 is, for example, a connector installed on the side or front of an installation surface 13 (see FIG. 1), which will be described later, on which the ten-key unit 200 is installed in the device main body 10, or on the side of the operation unit 50, or the like. A numeric keypad unit 200 can be connected to the USB port 12 .

The control unit 30 has an image bus input/output circuit (I/F) 41 . The image bus input/output circuit 41 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 30a and the image bus 30b that transfers screen data at high speed and converts the data structure. The image bus 30b is composed of, for example, a PCI bus or IEEE1394.

The control unit 30 includes a device input/output circuit (I/F) 42, a RIP unit 43, a scanner image processing unit 44, a printer image processing unit 45, and an encryption processing unit 46, all of which are connected to the image bus 30b. , and a decoding processing unit 47 . The device input/output circuit 42 connects the image reading section 20 and the image forming section 22 to the control section 30, and performs synchronous and asynchronous conversion of screen data. The RIP unit 43 is a raster image processor and develops PDL data into a bitmap image. The scanner image processing unit 44 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 45 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. The encryption processing unit 46 encrypts input data including image data. The decryption processing unit 47 decrypts the encrypted data.

<Operation section>
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the operation unit 50 will be described. The operation unit 50 has a microcomputer 51 , a touch panel module 52 , a data converter (Conv) 53 and a liquid crystal module 54 . The operation unit 50 is connected to the control unit 30 by a serial bus 60 for communicating with the CPU 31 and a bus 61 for transferring data to be displayed on the liquid crystal module 54 .

A microcomputer 51 as a panel-side control section is a microcomputer that controls the operation section 50 in an integrated manner. The microcomputer 51 has a ROM in which a program for operating the microcomputer 51 is stored. The touch panel module 52 is arranged on the surface of the liquid crystal module 54 , and when touched by the user, notifies the microcomputer 51 of the location information of the touched portion via the touch panel communication bus 62 . The operation unit 50 can display a software numeric keypad section 58 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, on the liquid crystal module 54 , and can input information by touching the touch panel module 52 via the software numeric keypad section 58 . The touch panel module 52 is composed of a touch panel device and a touch panel device controller. As the touch panel device, any of a resistive film type, a capacitive type, and an optical type such as an infrared ray may be applied.

The data converter 53 is a module that receives screen data from the operation unit input/output circuit 35 of the control unit 30 via the bus 61 and converts it into a data format receivable by the liquid crystal module 54 , and is managed by the microcomputer 51 . The microcomputer 51 converts screen data transmitted from the control unit 30 to a data converter 53 based on a control signal ( first signal) for switching between the input enabled state and the input disabled state of the software keys transmitted from the control unit 30 . , and input to the liquid crystal module 54 . For example, from the control unit 30 , data conforming to standards such as DisplayPort and HDMI (registered trademark) is received, converted into LVDS and CMOS level signal formats that the liquid crystal module 54 can receive, and sent to the liquid crystal module 54 via the bus 63 . to enter. The data converter 53 is connected to the microcomputer 51 via a bus 64, and has a function of overwriting the screen data sent from the control unit 30 with the screen data generated by the microcomputer 51 at a predetermined position. .

The liquid crystal module 54 is a module composed of an LCD and a backlight module, receives data from the data converter 53 via the bus 63, and transfers screen data to the LCD at a predetermined timing. At this time, the screen data transferred to the LCD is displayed as a visible image by the backlight module emitting light. The brightness of the backlight is adjusted by operating switches 55 and 56 dedicated to brightness adjustment attached to the operation unit 50 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 50 is provided on the front panel 10a of the apparatus main body 10. As shown in FIG. The operation unit 50 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and the panel unit 57 configured by stacking the touch panel module 52 on the liquid crystal module 54 (see FIG. 2) is directed upward U. is fixed to the The shape of the operation portion 50 is not limited to a rectangular flat plate shape, and may be another shape. Also, the orientation of the panel section 57 is not limited to the upper side U, and may be in another direction. good.

An installation surface 13 is provided on the right side R of the operation unit 50 . A numeric keypad unit 200 or the like can be installed on the installation surface 13, and the numeric keypad unit 200 is arranged adjacent to the right side R of the operation unit 50 when viewed from the front side. A USB port 12 is provided on the right R side surface of the installation surface 13 on the exterior of the device main body 10 . A user can attach an external device having a USB terminal such as a numeric keypad unit 200, an IC card reader, a USB memory, etc. to the USB port 12 and connect it via USB.

As shown in FIG. 3, a software numeric keypad section (software keys) 58 can be displayed on the right side R of the panel section 57, for example. The software numeric keypad unit 58 displays numerical keys displaying numerical values from 0 to 9, a start key labeled "Start", a stop key labeled "Stop", and the like. It is an input key that detects the input of each key by being operated.

<Numeric keypad unit>
Next, the hardware configuration and operation of the ten-key unit 200 as a general-purpose input device connected to the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the numeric keypad unit 200 has a connection cable (connecting portion) 201 made of a USB cable and a USB connector 202, and is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment in addition to a general PC. It is freely connectable. The numeric keypad unit 200 has at least one hardware key and is attached to the image forming apparatus 1 having, for example, an operation unit 50 capable of inputting information, and can input information to the image forming apparatus 1 separately from the operation unit 50. is. As an example of using the operation section 50 and the numeric keypad unit 200 for different input of information, the operation section 50 is used to input settings such as density and size related to image formation, and the numeric keypad unit 200 is used to input the number of copies for image formation and the facsimile destination number. Enter a numerical value such as In this specification, the numeric keypad refers to 10 numerical keys from 0 to 9, or 12 keys obtained by adding "*" and "#" to the numerical keys. The concept includes any case of showing around 14 keys including the stop key and the stop key.

The numeric keypad unit 200 has, for example, a housing 203 , a top cover 204 provided on the top surface of the housing 203 , and operation keys (a plurality of hardware keys) 205 provided on the top cover 204 . The operation keys 205 are roughly divided into a ten key portion (numerical key portion) 206 and a function key portion 207 . A numeric keypad unit 206 is hardware keys for inputting at least numerical information such as “0” to “9”, “*” and “#”. A function key unit 207 is used for instructing the start of an image forming job that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1, such as "Start", and for instructing the stop of an image forming job that is being executed, such as "Stop". It's a hardware key.

As shown in FIG. 1, the numeric keypad unit 200 is mounted adjacent to the right side R of the operation unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 1 by, for example, screwing or bonding. This allows the user to easily use the ten-key unit 200 while looking at the operation section 50 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the numeric keypad unit 200 has a substrate 220, on which there are a hardware switch unit 210, a microcomputer 211, a substrate connector 212, an LED 213, a USB hub 214, and an external USB port. 215 are provided. The USB hub 214 is connected to the microcomputer 211 and the external USB port 215 as well as to the connection cable 201 via the board connector 212 . The board connector 212 is arranged on the board 220 and connected to the base end side of the connection cable 201 .

In this embodiment, a tactile switch 216 is used as an example of a hardware key in order to give the user an operational feeling (for example, a click feeling) of the operation key 205 (see FIG. 3). The tactile switches 216 are arranged one by one inside the housing 203 of each operation key 205 and connected to the microcomputer 211 in a matrix, for example. Each tactile switch 216 is composed of, for example, a protective cover, a plunger pressed by the operation key 205, a reversing spring that produces a click feeling and functions as a movable contact, and a base portion that has two contacts. As the tactile switch 216, an existing or new suitable configuration can be adopted, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The microcomputer 211 can execute input detection from the hardware switch unit 210 and light emission control of the LED 213, for example. The USB connector 202 is connected to a USB port (see FIG. 2), which is a USB connector of the external input/output circuit 40 of the device body 10 . As a result, the microcomputer 211 and the control unit 30 are USB-connected via the connection cable 201, and can communicate with each other using the USB HID protocol. That is, the connection cable 201 is USB-connected from the housing 203 to the apparatus main body 10 , the microcomputer 211 is connected to the USB connector 202 via the USB hub 214 , for example, and is connected to the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the external input/output circuit 40 . and USB communication is possible.

When the tactile switch 216 is depressed by the user, the microcomputer 211 identifies the depressed tactile switch 216 and generates a predetermined code. Microcomputer 211 transmits the generated key code to CPU 31 of image forming apparatus 1 via connection cable 201 . The CPU 31 performs processing according to the input key.

A microcomputer 211 as an input side controller controls light emission of an LED 213 as a light emitting means. The microcomputer 211 controls light emission of the LED 213 based on a control signal ( second signal) for switching between the input enabled state and the input disabled state transmitted from the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2). The LED 213 is provided to inform the user whether the user's input is accepted (input enabled state) or not accepted (input disabled state). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the LED 213 is arranged on the start key 207a, and the microcomputer 211 controls the start key 207a to either turn on or off. The information input function given to the start key 207a includes, for example, a function of instructing the start of execution of an image forming job. In this case, the LED 213 is turned on when the image forming job can be started, and is turned off when the image forming job cannot be started. Note that in the present embodiment, the control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emission state of the LED 213 and the control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys correspond to the execution permission/prohibition state of the image forming job. are simultaneously transmitted from the control unit 30 in accordance with the shift to .

Next, switching between the display state of the start key 58a (software key) and the light emitting state of the start key 207a (hardware key) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c). In this embodiment, in order to improve the operability of the user's key input, the light emitting state of the start key 207a (specifically, the LED 213) and the display state of the start key 58a provided with the same information input function as the start key 207a. are linked. This allows the user to easily visually recognize. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in a state in which the image forming job cannot be executed, the start key 58a displayed on the operation unit 50 is grayed out to indicate that the input is disabled. can be switched to At this time, in the numeric keypad unit 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the start key 207a is switched to a non-input state indicating an input disabled state. In the input disabled state, even if the user operates the start key 58a or the start key 207a, the image forming job is not executed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the image forming apparatus 1 is ready to execute an image forming job, the grayed-out display of the start key 58a is switched to a normal display state indicating an input enabled state. At this time, in the numeric keypad unit 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 1, the start key 207a is switched to a lighting state indicating an input enabled state. In the input enabled state, the image forming job is executed by the user operating the start key 58a or the start key 207a. Here, an example is shown in which the background of the start key 58a is displayed in a grayed-out color, but the present invention is not limited to this.

By the way, in the conventional case, for example, when each key is switched from the input disabled state to the input enabled state, the start key 58a is in the display state indicating the input disabled state as shown in FIG. In some cases, the start key 207a was lit to indicate an input enabled state. This is because, as already described, there is a difference in control time between the display of the start key 58a, which is a software key, and the light emission by the LED 213 of the start key 207a, which is a hardware key. Specifically, display switching (screen updating) of the start key 58a is repeated at intervals of about 60 fps (approximately 16 msec). can switch quickly. In this way, if one indicates the input enabled state and the other indicates the input disabled state, the user may be confused, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of user convenience. Therefore, in this embodiment, when switching between the display state of the start key 58a and the light emission state of the start key 207a, the switching can be performed so that one indicates the input enabled state and the other indicates the input disabled state. . Switching control processing of the present embodiment for switching between the display state of software keys and the light emission state of hardware keys will be described below.

<Switching control processing>
The switching control process of the first embodiment will be described using FIGS. 6 to 8 while referring to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. The switching control process shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the control unit 30 according to the operation of the operation unit 50 by the user.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the control unit 30 receives a display screen switching request due to a user operation or the like (S1), the display screen after switching must be linked with the state of the LED 213 of the external numeric keypad unit 200. It is determined whether there is (S2). For example, when the same function as the start key 207a whose light emission is controlled by the LED 213 in the ten-key unit 200 is assigned as the function of the start key 58a displayed on the screen after switching, it is determined that the LED 213 needs to be interlocked. be done.

If the LED 213 of the numeric keypad unit 200 needs to be interlocked (Yes in S2), the control unit 30 simultaneously executes the "screen switching process" (S3) and the "external LED switching process" (S4). In order to do so, the control unit 30 sends a control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emitting state of the LED 213 to the microcomputer 211 and sends a control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys to the microcomputer 51 at the same time. Send. The "screen switching process" and the "external LED switching process" will be described later. When the "screen switching process" (S3) and the "external LED switching process" (S4) are finished, the controller 30 finishes the switching control process.

On the other hand, if it is not necessary to interlock the LEDs 213 of the numeric keypad unit 200 (No in S2), the controller 30 executes only the "screen switching process" (S5). In order to do so, the control unit 30 transmits a control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys to the microcomputer 51, and transmits a control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emission state of the LED 213 to the microcomputer Do not send to 211. After the "screen switching process" (S5) ends, the control unit 30 ends the switching control process.

The "screen switching process" (see S3 and S5 in FIG. 6) will be described with reference to FIG. The screen switching process shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the microcomputer 51 of the operation unit 50 in response to reception of a control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys from the control unit 30 .

As shown in FIG. 7, the microcomputer 51 receives screen data from the control section 30 (S11). The received screen data is converted by the data converter 53 into a data format receivable by the liquid crystal module 54 and sent to the liquid crystal module 54 . After the liquid crystal module 54 receives data for one screen, the screen is updated (S12). This screen update is performed at regular intervals, and in the case of this embodiment, it is performed at intervals of about 60 fps (approximately 16 msec). After updating the screen, the microcomputer 51 ends the screen switching process. In this way, when the microcomputer 51 receives a control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys from the control unit 30, it starts switching the display of the software keys.

The "external LED switching process" (see S4 in FIG. 6) will be described with reference to FIG. The external LED switching process shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the microcomputer 211 of the ten-key unit 200 in response to reception of a control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emitting state of the LED 213 from the control section 30 .

As shown in FIG. 8, the microcomputer 211 receives a control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emitting state of the LED 213 (S21). When the microcomputer 211 receives the control signal, it does not immediately switch the light emitting state of the LED 213, but waits for a predetermined time to match the switching of the display state of the software keys in the screen switching process that is being executed at the same time ( S22). This waiting time is generally shorter than the time required for switching the display state of the software keys (for example, 16 msec), and the time required for switching the light emission state of the LED 213 is shorter. As an example, the predetermined time is "10 msec or more and 15 msec or less". The microcomputer 211 switches the light emission state of the LED 213 after a predetermined time has elapsed (S23). After that, the microcomputer 211 terminates the external LED switching process.

As described above, in the case of the present embodiment, in the external numeric keypad unit 200, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of reception of the control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emission state of the LED 213, the hardware key is notified by the LED 213. switching is started. On the other hand, the operation unit 50 immediately starts switching the display of the software keys in response to receiving the control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys. In other words, the switching of the display of the software keys, which takes more time than the switching of the notification of the hardware keys, is started prior to the switching of the notification of the hardware keys. In this way, even while waiting for the switching of the light emission state of the hardware keys, the display switching processing of the software keys is performed, so that the light emission states of the hardware keys are switched in accordance with the timing of the actual display switching. be able to. As a result, when the display state of the software keys assigned the same function and the light emission state of the hardware keys are switched between the input-enabled state and the input-disabled state, the switching between them is substantially matched as a result. be able to

[Second embodiment]
Next, the switching control process of the second embodiment will be described using FIGS. 9 and 10 while referring to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. However, in the switching control process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same processes as the switching control process (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, the switching control process of the second embodiment differs from the switching control process of the first embodiment described above in that the process of step S31 is added, and the rest is the same. .

As shown in FIG. 9, when the control unit 30 receives a display screen switching request due to a user operation or the like (S1), the display screen after switching must be linked with the state of the LED 213 of the external ten-key unit 200. It is determined whether there is (S2). If the LED 213 of the numeric keypad unit 200 does not need to be interlocked (No in S2), the control section 30 executes only the "screen switching process" (S5). At this time, the control unit 30 transmits a control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys to the microcomputer 51, and sends a control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emission state of the LED 213 to the microcomputer 211. do not send to Note that the "screen switching process" may be the same process as the above-described process (see FIG. 7), so description thereof will be omitted here.

On the other hand, if the LED 213 of the numeric keypad unit 200 needs to be interlocked (Yes in S2), the control unit 30 starts executing the "screen switching process" (S3) prior to the "external LED switching control". To do so, here, the control unit 30 transmits to the microcomputer 51 a control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software keys, but a control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emission state of the LED 213 ) is not transmitted to the microcomputer 211. Control unit 30 sends a control signal ( first signal) for switching the display state of the software key to microcomputer 51, and after a predetermined time elapses, control unit 30 transmits a control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emission state of LED 213. ) to the microcomputer 211 (S31). The predetermined time is, for example, "10 to 15 msec". By doing so, the control unit 30 can start executing the "external LED switching process" later than the start of the "screen switching process" (S4). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, when the microcomputer 211 receives a control signal for switching the light emission state of the LED 213 (S21), it immediately switches the light emission state of the LED 213 without waiting for a predetermined time (S23).

As described above, in the second embodiment, the transmission of the control signal ( second signal) for switching the light emitting state of the LED 213 to the external ten-key unit 200 is replaced by the transmission of the control signal (second signal) for switching the display state of the software keys. 1 signal). In this way, it is possible to switch the lighting state of the hardware key in accordance with the actual switching timing of the display of the software key. Therefore, when the display state of the software keys assigned the same function and the light emission state of the hardware keys are switched between the input-enabled state and the input-disabled state, the switching should be substantially matched. You can get the effect of being able to do it.

[Other embodiments]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the information input function assigned to the software key and the hardware key is the function of receiving the execution start of the image forming job. It can be any function.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a ten-key unit is applied as an input device. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Image forming apparatus 10... Apparatus main body 22... Image forming part 30... Main body side control part (control part) 50... Operation part 51... Panel side control part (microcomputer) 57... Panel part 58a... Software key (start key) 200 Input device (ten-key unit) 207a Hardware key (start key) 211 Input side control section (microcomputer) 213 Light emitting means (LED)

Claims (11)

an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet ;
a housing that houses the image forming unit;
a panel unit for receiving a user's touch operation , the panel unit displaying a software start key for instructing the image forming unit to start forming an image ;
A first control unit for controlling the panel unit, the first state enabling input of the software start key by a user's touch operation , and the first state disabling input of the software start key by a user's touch operation . a first control unit that switches the display of the panel unit so as to notify the state of 2 ;
an input device attached to the housing as an optional device, the input device having a hardware start key for instructing the image forming unit to start forming an image , and a light emitting means;
Lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting means so as to indicate a third state in which the user can input the hardware start key and a fourth state in which the user cannot input the hardware start key. A second control unit that switches between
A first signal for switching between the first state and the second state is output to the first control unit, and a second signal for switching between the third state and the fourth state is output to the second control unit. A third control unit that outputs to the first signal, and a third control unit that outputs the first signal before the second signal,
An image forming apparatus characterized by: The third control unit accepts an operation to start the operation of the image forming unit when the hardware start key is pressed in the third state, and the hardware start key is pressed in the fourth state. not accepting an operation to start the operation of the image forming unit when pressed;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein: The light emitting means is turned on when the input device is in the third state and is turned off when the input device is in the fourth state.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When switching between the first state and the second state, the panel unit displays at least one of the characters of the software start key and the background in a different color.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The third control unit outputs the second signal after a predetermined time has elapsed after outputting the first signal.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The screen of the panel unit is updated at a predetermined cycle that is a constant interval,
The predetermined time is the time for one cycle in the predetermined cycle,
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet ;
a housing that houses the image forming unit;
A panel unit that allows input by a software start key for instructing the image forming unit to start image formation , wherein a first state in which input by the software start key is possible by switching a display; and the software start. a panel unit for notifying a second state in which key input is disabled;
An input device attached to the housing as an optional device, comprising: a hardware start key for instructing the image forming unit to start forming an image; an input device having light-emitting means capable of informing a third state in which input by the hardware start key is possible and a fourth state in which input by the hardware start key is disabled;
A first signal for switching the display of the panel unit to notify the first state and the second state , and a second signal for switching the notification between the third state and the fourth state. and a control unit that transmits earlier than
An image forming apparatus characterized by: The control unit receives an operation for starting the operation of the image forming unit when the hardware start key is pressed in the third state, and receives an operation for starting the operation of the image forming unit when the hardware start key is pressed in the fourth state. not accepting an operation to start the operation of the image forming unit when
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet;
a housing that houses the image forming unit;
a panel unit for receiving a user's touch operation, the panel unit displaying a software start key for instructing the image forming unit to start forming an image;
A first control unit for controlling the panel unit, the first state enabling input of the software start key by a user's touch operation, and the first state disabling input of the software start key by a user's touch operation. a first control unit that switches the display of the panel unit so as to notify the state of 2;
an input device attached to the housing as an optional device, the input device having a hardware start key for instructing the image forming unit to start forming an image, and a light emitting means;
Lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting means to indicate a third state in which the user can input the hardware start key and a fourth state in which the user cannot input the hardware start key. a second control unit that switches between
A first signal for switching between the first state and the second state is output to the first control unit, and a second signal for switching between the third state and the fourth state is output to the second control unit. and a third control unit that outputs to
The third control unit controls the timing at which the panel unit, which is the second state, switches to the first state, and the timing at which the light emitting unit, which is the fourth state, switches to the third state. transmitting the first signal and the second signal so as to be substantially identical;
An image forming apparatus characterized by: The light emitting means is turned on when the input device is in the third state and is turned off when the input device is in the fourth state.
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: When switching between the first state and the second state, the panel unit displays at least one of the characters of the software start key and the background in a different color.
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:

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