JPH05333988A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability of a control panel and to improve the working efficiency of an operator by evading the key operation not intended by the operator. CONSTITUTION:The image forming device is provided with a control panel 102 on which a start key, stop key, key input inhibit mode setting key or the like are arranged, an operation control section 103 performing the key input by the control panel 102 and the output control of a display device, and a main control section 101 performing the control making the key operation other than start key and stop key invalid when the setting and releasing of the key input inhibit mode is performed and the key input inhibit mode is set.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel such as a copying machine and a printer. More specifically, the operability of the operation panel is improved by avoiding a key operation unintended by the operator. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having improved performance.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, an operation panel provided in a copying machine (image forming apparatus) is provided with basic keys such as a ten-key for setting the number of copies, a copy magnification selection key, and a paper selection key. .. However, in recent years, since a copying machine having various functions such as an edit mode, a binding margin adjustment mode, and a composite copy mode has been developed, the number of keys on the operation panel increases as the functions increase. ing. Therefore, when setting a mode that requires complicated key operation, the operator actually operates the key according to the operation manual. Further, some copiers have a guidance function for displaying the copy operation method and the operation procedure of various keys using the display on the operation panel. In this case, the operator displays on the display. The key operation may be performed according to the procedure.

[0003]

However, according to the conventional image forming apparatus, a large number of keys are arranged on the operation panel in accordance with the increase in the functions, and thus a large number of key switches are provided. Since it is easy for the operator to perform an unintended key operation, the mode set by the unintended key operation is cleared, the time required for the key operation becomes long, and the operator's quick work may be hindered. There was a problem.

As the keys arranged on the operation panel,
Generally, the push-down type is widely used, but since such a key requires a small operating force, it is easy to perform an unintended key operation. In recent years, there are also many image forming apparatuses provided with an operation panel having touch keys (such image forming apparatuses generally have many functions). It is easy to perform unintended key operations.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to improve the operability of the operation panel and the work efficiency of the operator by avoiding the key operation which the operator does not intend. And

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel provided with various setting means, display means, etc., and is provided on the operation panel. Provided is an image forming apparatus provided with a mode setting means for setting a mode in which an operation other than a specific setting means is invalidated, and a control means for executing input control of an operation panel according to the mode by operating the mode setting means. To do.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel provided with various setting means, display means, etc., and is provided on the operation panel to perform a specific setting. Mode setting means for setting a mode in which operations other than the means are disabled, mode display means for notifying the setting status of the mode, and control for executing input control of the operation panel according to the mode by operating the mode setting means And an image forming apparatus including the means.

In the above-mentioned structure, the specific setting means is preferably a setting means for starting the image forming operation and a setting means for stopping the image forming operation. Further, it is desirable that the mode setting means is a mechanical switch whose state is changed by a switch operation such as a slide switch or a toggle switch. Also, the control means, when the mode is set,
It is desirable to automatically release the mode when a state in which various setting means on the operation panel is not operated continues for a predetermined period.

Further, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is provided with an operation panel on which various setting means and display means are arranged, and various setting means on the operation panel are not operated for a predetermined period. In this case, in an image forming apparatus having an auto-clear function that automatically cancels the mode set by the operator and restores the initial state of the apparatus, the operation other than a specific setting means is disabled on the operation panel. (EN) An image forming apparatus provided with a mode setting means for setting a mode to be set and a control means for stopping the release of the mode by the auto clear function when the mode is set by the mode setting means.

[0010]

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when a predetermined mode is set by operating a predetermined key or switch on the operation panel, it becomes invalid except for the operation of a specific key.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in the order of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 4 with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system in an image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1, and a main control unit 101 for controlling the entire apparatus such as sequence control and mode control. An operation panel 102 on which various keys and a display are arranged, and an operation control unit 103 for performing key input on the operation panel 102, output control of the display, and the like.
And the speed of the scanner that mainly reads the original image optically,
An optical control unit 104 that performs position control, an AC control unit 105 that performs drive control for various motors, exposure lamps, fixing heaters (both not shown), and paper feed control that performs paper feed and conveyance control. And a unit 106.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation panel 102 shown in FIG. 1, 201 is a start key for starting the copy operation, 202 is a stop key for interrupting the copy operation, and 203 is a stop key. A numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, 204 is a copy end indicator for displaying the copy end number, 205 is a copy number indicator for displaying the set copy number, and 206 is a paper feed cassette (not shown). A paper selection key for selecting the recording paper size by selection, 207 is an LED indicator for displaying the type of the selected paper feed cassette, 208 is a copy magnification selection key for selecting the copy magnification, and 209 is a selection. Copy ratio indicator for displaying the specified copy ratio, 2
10 is a double-sided mode setting key, 211 is a binding margin mode setting key, 212 is an editing mode setting key, 213 is a combination mode setting key, and 214 is various mode setting keys 210 to 21.
3 is an LCD display for displaying the mode set by step 3, operation method, etc., 215 is a key input prohibit mode setting key for setting a key input prohibit mode described later, and 216 is a key input prohibit mode L lights up
It is an ED display. Here, the various keys are all push-type keys.

In the above configuration, the main control unit 101
Performs a sequence control for setting various modes according to various key operations arranged on the operation panel 102 and executing a copy operation according to the set modes. Further, when various mode setting keys 210 to 213 are operated (pressed) in the key operation on the operation panel 102, the mode corresponding to the operated mode setting key is set, and the mode setting key corresponding to the currently set mode is set. When is operated, the mode being set is cleared (released).

Next, the key input control according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, this key input prohibit mode is set by operating the key input prohibit mode setting key 215. When the key input prohibit mode is set, only the key operations of the start key 201 and the stop key 202 are valid. Input control is performed. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the key input control operation according to the first embodiment.

First, it is judged whether or not the copying operation is in progress (S30
1) If it is determined that the copying operation is not in progress, then whether or not the start key 201 is turned on, that is, the start key 2
If 01 is pressed (S302), and if it is determined that the start key 201 is not ON, then it is determined whether the key input prohibit mode setting key 215 is ON, that is,
It is determined whether or not the key input prohibit mode setting key 215 is pressed (S303).

Key input prohibit mode setting key 215 is ON
If so, the display of the LED display 216 is reversed (turned off when the LED display 216 is on) (S304), and then it is determined whether or not the LED display 216 is currently on (S305). ). LED display 216
If it is determined that is not lit, after performing input determination processing of various key operations on the operation panel 102 (S306),
When it is determined that the LED display 216 is lit up, on the contrary, the series of processing ends, and the series of processing ends here.

When it is determined in step S303 that the key input prohibit mode setting key 215 is not turned on,
The process proceeds to step S305, and also step S3
In 02, when it is determined that the start key 201 is turned on, the copy operation start processing is performed, the copy operation is started (S307), and the series of processing is ended.
If it is determined in step S301 that the copy operation is in progress, then it is determined whether the stop key 202 is turned on, that is, whether the stop key 202 is pressed (S3).
08), when it is determined that the stop key 202 is not turned on, a series of processing is ended here. On the contrary, when it is determined that the stop key 202 is turned on, copy operation stop processing is performed to stop the copy operation ( After S309), a series of processing is ended.

As described above, when the key input prohibit mode is set, by invalidating the key operations other than the start key 201 and the stop key 202, even if an unintended erroneous key operation is accidentally performed. It is possible to avoid clearing the already set mode and improve the operability of the operation panel 102. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the waste of time caused by an unintended key operation error by the operator (which may be a person other than the operator), and it is possible to improve work efficiency. This is particularly effective in an image forming apparatus equipped with a touch key or the like, which allows easy key operation. Further, the LED display 216 allows the operator to determine at a glance whether or not the key input prohibition mode is set.

Here, the reason why a complicated key operation is performed when setting various modes is to input (designate) the information generally required for copying in accordance with the mode. Therefore, it is not necessary to strictly limit the keys for which the key operation is valid in the key input prohibit mode to the start key 201 and the stop key 202 as in the first embodiment. For example, the key operation is invalid in the key input prohibit mode. The keys may be only the various mode setting keys 210 to 213, and conversely, the paper selection key 206 and the copy magnification selection key 208 may be added as keys effective for key operation in the key input prohibit mode.

Further, in the image forming apparatus provided with the mode clear key, in the key input prohibit mode, the mode clear key may be enabled in addition to the stop key and the start key. This is effective when all the modes set by the operator are cleared at once. Thus, according to the function of the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied,
It suffices to specify the key to be valid in the key input prohibit mode.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, in the configuration of the first embodiment, a push-type key input prohibit mode setting key 215 is used.
Is a slide switch. For this reason,
The configuration of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment.
Only the parts that differ from are explained. Further, the reference numerals are changed only in different parts.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and the position of the key input prohibit mode setting switch 401 for setting the key input prohibit mode in the second embodiment. Figure 4
As shown in, the key input prohibit mode setting switch 401
Is arranged at the end of the operation panel 102, that is, at the position where the key input prohibit mode setting key 215 in the first embodiment is arranged, and slides left and right as viewed in the drawing. The key input prohibit mode setting switch 401 is on the lock side (see FIG. 4).
The key input prohibit mode is set when it is in the state (1), and the key input prohibit mode is canceled when it is in the free side. In addition, the key input prohibit mode setting switch 401
Since it is possible to determine whether or not the key input prohibition mode is set, the LED display 216 is not provided as in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the second embodiment.
6 is a flowchart showing a key input control operation by the.

First, it is judged whether or not the copying operation is in progress (S50
1) If it is determined that the copying operation is not in progress, then whether or not the start key 201 is turned on, that is, the start key 2
If 01 is pressed (S502), and if it is determined that the start key 201 is not ON, then it is determined whether the key input prohibit mode setting switch 401 is on the lock side (S503). If it is determined that the key input prohibit mode setting switch 401 is not on the lock side, the operation panel 1
The input determination process of various key operations on 02 is performed (S50
4) When the series of processes is completed and it is judged that the key input prohibit mode setting switch 401 is on the lock side, the series of processes is completed here.

When it is determined in step S502 that the start key 201 is turned on, a copy operation start process is performed to start the copy operation (S505).
A series of processing ends. If it is determined in step S501 that the copying operation is in progress, then the stop key 20
2 is turned on, that is, it is determined whether or not the stop key 202 is pressed (S506), and when it is determined that the stop key 202 is not turned on, a series of processes is ended here, and conversely the stop key 202 is turned on. When it is determined that the switch has turned on, the copy operation stop processing is performed, the copy operation is stopped (S507), and the series of processing ends.

Key input prohibit mode setting key 2 of the first embodiment
Since a pressing type key such as 15 requires a small operating force, the operator mistakenly inputs the key input prohibit mode setting key 2
Even if you lightly touch 15, the key input prohibit mode is cleared,
Further, the set mode may be cleared. However, in the second embodiment, such a case can be avoided by using a slide switch as the key input prohibition mode setting switch 401. this is,
A mechanical switch whose state changes by operation of a slide switch, toggle switch, etc. generally requires a large actuating force as compared with a push-type key switch, a touch key, etc., so that an operation not intended by the operator may be performed. This is because the effect of preventing accidental execution is great.

In the second embodiment, the slide switch is used to prevent the key operation which is not intended by the operator. However, in order to prevent the key operation which is not intended by the operator, for example, When a push-type key switch or a touch key is used as the key input prohibition mode setting key, a cover may be provided for the key input prohibition mode setting key. Not only mechanical switches such as slide switches and toggle switches, but also those that require a large actuating force and can be used as key input prohibition mode setting switches (or keys) if it is difficult for the operator to perform unintended operations. Good. Further, the setting state of the key input prohibition mode may be displayed.

[Third Embodiment] Many image forming apparatuses have an auto-clear function for automatically clearing a mode set by an operator when no key operation is performed for a certain period. Example 3 is a control for automatically clearing the mode set by the operator including the key input prohibit mode when the key operation is not performed for a predetermined period. The configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (therefore, the same reference numerals are used). FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the auto clear control operation according to the third embodiment.

First, it is determined whether or not there is a key input, that is, whether or not any of the various keys arranged on the operation panel 102 has been pressed (S601). If it is determined that there is no key input, the value of the auto-clear timer is incremented (S602), and it is determined whether the incremented timer value exceeds a predetermined value (S603).

When it is determined that the timer value has exceeded the predetermined value, all the modes set by the operator, including the key input prohibit mode, are cleared, the LED display 216 is turned off (S604), and a series of processing is terminated. On the contrary, if it is determined that the value of the timer does not exceed the predetermined value, the series of processes ends here. When it is determined in step S601 that there is a key input, the value of the auto clear timer is set to 0 (S605), and the series of processes is ended. here,
Clearing all modes in step S604 means
To turn on the power to return the device to the booted state, that is, the initial state of the device. In the initial state of the apparatus, for example, the copy number is set to 1 and the copy magnification is set to 100%.

When the copying of oneself is completed, the operator often leaves the apparatus without clearing the set mode. For the apparatus in which the mode is set, the operator who set the mode temporarily sets the apparatus. Since it may be away from the device, it causes other operators to be confused about the use of the device, and also causes unnecessary key operations, which reduces the use efficiency of the device. However, if the key operation is not performed for a predetermined period, such a problem can be avoided by automatically clearing the mode set by the operator. This is particularly effective when there are many users of the device.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, the control for stopping the automatic clear function is performed when the key input prohibit mode is set. The configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (therefore, the same reference numerals are used). FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the auto clear control operation according to the fourth embodiment.

First, it is judged whether or not the key input prohibit mode is set (S701), and if it is judged that the key input prohibit mode is not set, then it is judged whether or not there is a key input, that is, on the operation panel 102. It is determined whether or not any of the various keys arranged in step 1 has been pressed (S70).
2). If it is determined that there is no key input, the value of the auto clear timer is incremented (S703), and it is determined whether the value of the next incremented timer exceeds a predetermined value (S704).

When it is determined that the timer value has exceeded the predetermined value, all the modes set by the operator are cleared (S7
05), the series of processing is ended, and when it is determined that the value of the timer does not exceed the predetermined value, the series of processing is ended here. If it is determined in step S701 that the key input prohibit mode is set, the value of the auto clear timer is set to 0 (S706), and the series of processes is ended. If it is determined in step S702 that there is a key input, the process proceeds to step S706.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the key input prohibit mode is set, the mode set by the operator can be automatically cleared even if the key operation is not performed for a long period. No, that is, the auto clear function is stopped. In the third embodiment, auto clear is performed regardless of the key input prohibit mode. However, depending on the mode, it may take a long time to perform a key operation or the like in setting the mode in a document set. When the mode is cleared, it may be more troublesome. However, such a problem can be avoided by stopping the auto-clear function when the key input prohibit mode is set as in the fourth embodiment. This is particularly effective for an image forming apparatus having a function of requiring a long time for key operation and the like in mode setting for the document set as described above.

In the fourth embodiment, the auto clear function is stopped when the key input prohibit mode is set, but when the key input prohibit mode is set, the mode set by the operator is cleared. The period during which the key operation is not performed may be set longer than when the key input prohibit mode is not set. Alternatively, a key for stopping the auto clear function may be provided so that this key operation is valid only when the key input prohibit mode is set.

[0037]

As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when a predetermined mode is set by operating a predetermined key or switch on the operation panel, it becomes invalid except the operation of the specific key. Therefore, by avoiding an unintended key operation by the operator, the operability of the operation panel can be improved and the work efficiency of the operator can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a key input control operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a position and a configuration of a key input prohibition mode setting switch according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a key input control operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an auto clear control operation according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an auto clear control operation according to the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 Main Control Unit 102 Operation Panel 103 Operation Control Unit 201 Start Key 202 Stop Key 215 Key Input Prohibition Mode Setting Key 216 LED Display 401 Key Input Prohibition Mode Setting Switch

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having an operation panel provided with various setting means, display means, etc., wherein a mode is provided on the operation panel for invalidating operations other than specific setting means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a mode setting unit for operating the mode setting unit; and a control unit executing an input control of the operation panel according to the mode by operating the mode setting unit. 2. An image forming apparatus having an operation panel provided with various setting means, display means and the like, and sets a mode which is provided on the operation panel and invalidates operations other than specific setting means. And a mode display unit for notifying the setting state of the mode, and a control unit for executing input control of the operation panel according to the mode by operating the mode setting unit. A characteristic image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific setting unit is a setting unit for starting the image forming operation and a setting unit for stopping the image forming operation. .. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit is a mechanical switch whose state is changed by operating a switch such as a slide switch or a toggle switch. 5. The control means, when the mode is set, automatically releases the mode when a state in which various setting means on the operation panel is not operated continues for a predetermined period. Claim 1 or 2 characterized by
The image forming apparatus described. 6. An operation panel provided with various setting means, display means and the like, wherein the mode set by the operator is automatically set when the operation of the various setting means on the operation panel is not performed for a predetermined period. In an image forming apparatus having an auto-clear function for manually releasing the operation and returning to the initial state of the apparatus, a mode setting is provided on the operation panel for setting a mode for invalidating operations other than specific setting means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a means and a control means for stopping the release of the mode by the auto-clear function when the mode is set by the mode setting means.