JPH06152849A - Picture input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance the function as a composite equipment by identifying and displaying equipments in operation in the composite equipment system so as to grasp the status of the entire system thereby easily executing the operation of idle equipments. CONSTITUTION:Pushbutton switches 23, 26 or the like for TV and VTR or the like, pushbutton switches 4 such as function selection switches COPY and FAX or the like are arranged on an operation panel as system selection keys 21, and LEDs indicating a transfer path among the switches are arranged to the rear side of the panel and a corresponding LED is lighted by a controller in interlocking with the depression of each switch. Then the user selects a function and a device and when the keys are depressed, a button switch with a character indicating the corresponding function and device and LEDs indicating the relevant path are lighted to display the operating state of the system. Thus, the user grasps the operating state of the system at a glance and uses devices not in operation and its function and the function as the composite equipment is enhanced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a systematic image input / output device having multiple functions such as a copying machine function, a facsimile function, and a function as a computer or video output device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, image input / output devices can be digitized and thereby decoded. For example, in a copying machine, not only can it be used alone, the reader unit can be used as an image input device such as an image scanner, the printer unit can be used as an output device of an image forming apparatus such as a computer or a video, and an image read by a reader can be read on a telephone line. Using other and other communication networks, it came to have a facsimile function such as outputting to the printer section of another machine.

Normally, in the above-mentioned multi-functional image input / output device, a function selecting button provided on the operation unit is used to select a copying machine, a facsimile, or a printer so that the respective functions are satisfied. It is set to a proper state.

[0004]

However, as the system becomes more complex, it becomes more difficult to understand what state the image input / output device is in and where information is flowing from where.

For example, an image read by the reader is ISDN
(Comprehensive service digital network) When sending by line,
When it is desired to output an image created by a computer in the printer section, this machine is both a facsimile and a printer. Therefore, in such a case, the user does not know which of the facsimile / printer should be selected. Further, as an actual movement, both the reader unit and the printer unit are moving, and the image being read by the reader unit is not output to the printer unit, but at first glance it operates like a copying machine.

For this reason, it may be difficult for the user to understand the current situation, and it may be uncertain whether or not the image is normally sent by facsimile. On the other hand, if you try to send an image with a facsimile while outputting with a printer, you need to wait until the end of the output before using the facsimile to avoid mistakes in the operation, and the function as a multifunction machine is performed. It may not be fully exerted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image input / output device that can sufficiently exhibit the function of a multifunction peripheral.

[0008]

In order to achieve such an object, an image input / output device of the present invention is an image input / output device which is operable by connecting a plurality of devices, and is connected to the image input / output device. Identification means for identifying the type of equipment, an equipment provided on the operation unit and identified by the identification means, an image display portion showing a connection state with the image input / output device, and equipment actually operating. And an operating state display means for displaying.

[0009]

The connection state between the device identified by the identification unit for identifying the type of the device and the image input / output device is shown by the image unit provided on the operation unit, and the operation state display unit actually operates. The status of the entire system can be understood by displaying the existing devices.

In the image display section, the display method differs depending on whether the image input / output device is in the standby state or the operating state. In the operating state, the transmission direction of the information can be known by the transmission direction display means of the device and the image input / output device. .

If there are a plurality of pieces of information to be communicated,
The display method of the transmission direction display means changes so that each information can be distinguished.

Further, the function of the multi-functionalized system can be easily selected by the selecting means.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an image input / output apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a controller (identifying means),
An input selection unit 2, an output selection unit 3, an operation panel (operation unit) 4, and an ISDN line 5 are connected to the controller 1, respectively. In addition, the controller 1 has an SCS
The optical disk device 6, the hard disk device 7 and the computer 8 are connected via I respectively. Further, the input selection means 2 includes TV9, VD10, SV11, VT.
Various input devices such as the R12, the video camera 13, the scanner 14 and the film scanner 15 are connected to each other. The output selection means 3 includes a printer 16 and a printer C.
Output devices such as the RT 17 are connected respectively. The operation panel 4 has a switch (SW) 18 and an LED 1
9 are respectively connected.

Then, the user depresses the switch 18 on the operation panel 4 to give an instruction to the controller 1. The controller 1 selects an input device from the input selecting means 2 or the SCSI / ISDN line 5 according to the instruction, and further selects the output selecting means 3 or SCSI / ISDN.
It is possible to operate as a system by selecting an output device from the line 5 and connecting the selected input device and output device.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the operation panel 4 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 denotes an operation panel body, and one end of the operation panel body is a push button type system selection key (for selecting a system). An image display portion) 21 is provided. A function selection key (selection means) 22 for selecting a function is provided at the center of the operation panel body 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the system selection key 21 has "TV", "VD", "video camera", and "VT" on the upper surface.
"R", "film scanner", "scanner", "printer", "ISDN line", "computer", "hard disk", "still video", "From", "T"
Push button type switches 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 3 displaying the letters "o" respectively.
1, 32, 33, 34, 35 and each switch 23 except the "From" switch 34 and the "To" switch 35
33, a light emitting portion 36 showing a transmission path between them, and a green LED 37 arranged on the back side of each of the switches 23 to 35 and the light emitting portion 36 as shown in FIG. 4 to selectively color them green and red. , And a red LED 38. These green LED 37 and red LED 38 are adapted to be turned on by an instruction from the controller 1. Light emitting part 36, green LED
37 and the red LED 38 constitute a transmission direction display means and an operation state display means.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the function selection key 22 shown in FIG. 1, and includes “COPY”, “FAX”, and “PRINT”.
It is composed of push button type switches 39, 40, 41 and 42 corresponding to the letters "ER" and "SYSTEM".

When each of these switches 39 to 42 is pressed, the LE held inside is instructed by a command from the controller 1.
The structure is such that D (not shown) lights up.

Normally, the function selection key 22 is the copy machine (CO
PY), facsimile (FAX), printer (PRIN)
TER) is used when a device such as TER) is used alone, and the system selection key 21 is used when the device is used in a complex manner as described below.

First, when the power is turned on, the function selection key 22 is in the system (SYSTEM) state, and the LED of the switch 42 corresponding to this portion is lit. In this state, the system selection key 21
Is the green LED 37 on the back side of the switch corresponding to the device actually connected, and the green LED 37 on the back side of the light emitting section 36 showing the transmission path between the switches are all lit up, and what is connected as a system Indicates what you are doing.

When a device such as a copying machine, a facsimile or a printer, which is considered to be frequently used, is used individually, the function selection key 22 is used. When each mode is selected by the function selection key 22, each of the switches 23 to 33 on the system selection key 21 corresponding to the selected mode also indicates that the green LED 37 on the back side is lit up to be selected. Further, the light emitting portion 36 showing the transmission path between the switches corresponding to each mode also has the green LED 37 on the back side thereof.
Lights up to indicate that communication is actually possible.

In operation, a plurality of green LEDs 37 are arranged on the back side of the light emitting section 36 showing the transmission path.
Is sequentially turned on from the information source to the information destination, and when all of them are turned on, the information is turned off and then turned on again from the information source.

For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 show the case where the copy mode is selected. First, press the function selection key 22
When the copy mode is selected by pressing the switch 39 corresponding to the character "Y", the green L arranged behind the scanner switch 28 and the printer switch 29 as shown in FIG.
The ED 37 lights up, and further, the green LE arranged on the back side of the light emitting section 36 showing the transmission path between the switches 28 and 29.
All D37 lights up. Then, when the start switch 43 on the operation panel 4 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed and operated by the user, the green LED 37 on the back side of the light emitting section 36 showing the transmission path which has been lit in green until now is temporarily turned off,
As shown in FIG. 7, the green LEDs 37 are sequentially turned on again from the scanner switch 28 side toward the printer switch 29 side, thereby indicating the direction in which information flows and the fact that communication is currently being performed.

This will be explained with reference to FIG. 7. First, the green LED 37 in the portion (A) lights up, and then (A),
The green LED 37 in the part (a) lights up, and the green LED 37 in the parts (a), (a), and (c) lights up, and further, (a), (a), (c), ( The green LED 37 in the part (d) lights up. Next, (A),
All the green LEDs 37 in (a), (c) and (d) are turned off, and the green LEDs 37 in (a) are turned on again. By repeating this, it is shown that communication is currently in progress. Then, when the copying is completed, all the green LEDs 37 on the back side of the light emitting unit 36 indicating the transmission path are turned off, then all the green LEDs 37 arranged on the back side of the light emitting unit 36 indicating the transmission path are turned on, and the standby state. It becomes a state.

Further, when the facsimile mode is selected, it becomes as shown in FIGS. First, the function selection key 2
When the facsimile mode is selected by pressing the switch 46 corresponding to the character "FAX" of No. 2, the scanner switch 28, the printer switch 29, as shown in FIG.
Green LE on the back of each ISDN line switch 30
D37 lights up, and the green LED 37 on the back side of the light emitting unit 36 showing the transmission path therebetween also lights up. Then, when the start switch 43 is pressed, the green LEDs 37 sequentially light up from the scanner switch 28 side toward the ISDN line switch 30 side as shown in FIG. 9 for transmission, and as shown in FIG. 10 for reception. As shown, the green LED 37 is sequentially turned on from the ISDN line switch 30 side toward the printer switch 29 side to indicate the direction of information flow.

When the switch 41 corresponding to the characters "PRINTER" is pressed to select the printer mode, the green LED 37 on the back side of the printer switch 29 is turned on as shown in FIG. For example, in the case of an output from a computer, the green LED 37 on the back side of the computer switch 31 lights up, and the lighting portion of the green LED 37 gradually increases from the computer switch 31 toward the printer switch 29 as described above. This indicates the direction of information flow.

Further, when outputting a computer image during transmission by facsimile, the system selection key 21 can be used. First, since it is already operating as a facsimile, as shown in FIG. 11, the green LEDs 37 on the back side of the scanner switch 28 and the ISDN line switch 30 are turned on, and the route is from the scanner switch 28 to the ISDN line switch 30. This is indicated by the increasing number of illuminated parts of the green LED 37. Further, in the function selection key 22, the green LED 37 on the back side of the switch 40 corresponding to the character "FAX" lights up and the facsimile mode is selected.

Here, what the user wants to do is to interrupt this state and output from the computer to the printer. Therefore, the function selection key 22 "SYSTE
By pressing the switch 42 corresponding to the letter "M", an interrupt state is entered, and as shown in FIG.
The green LED 37 on the back side of is turned on. Then, with the system selection key 21, the computer switch 31 is first pressed to select the computer, and the "FROM" button 34 is pressed. This selects where the source of the information is. Next, the printer switch 29 is pushed and the "TO" switch 35 is pushed. As a result, the information destination is selected.

The computer switch 31 and the printer switch 29 of the system selection key 21 turn on the red LED 38 different from the conventional one in the sense of showing different information flows. Further, the red LED 38 arranged on the path between the computer switch 31 and the printer switch 29 also lights up.

In this state, the system is brought into a system-cooperative state, and when the computer issues an output command,
The red LED 38 arranged on the path gradually lights up in the direction from the computer switch 31 to the printer switch 29, indicating that information is being sent in that direction.

Further, even in the case of a multi-output such as sending a still video image by facsimile and printing it out, the switch 42 corresponding to the character "SYSTEM" of the function selection key 22 is pressed to press the system selection key 21. Can be done using. First, the still video switch 33 and the "FROM" switch 34 are pressed, and the ISDN line switch 30 and the printer switch 29 are pressed.
Then, press the “TO” switch 35. Green LED 3 on the back side of each pressed switch 33, 34, 30, 29
7 lights up, and the green LED 37 arranged on the path between the switches also lights up. When the start button switch 43 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, the green LEDs 37 arranged on the path are changed from a state where all of them are turned on simultaneously to a state where they are turned on gradually, indicating that information is being transmitted. .

As described above, the normal operation can be selected by the function selection key 22, and the use mode which is difficult to instruct only by the function selection key 22 can be directly used by the system selection key 21. Further, since the data flow is shown on the system selection key 21, it is obvious where information is transmitted from where, and therefore, there is an advantage that it is easy to operate the decrypted system.

Here, the system selection key 21 is normally shown on the outside of the operation panel 4, but by attaching a cover, the system selection key 21 is hidden, and the outside of the operation panel 4 during normal use. It is also possible to prevent it from appearing in.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image input / output device according to this embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those of the above-described first embodiment will be described by giving the same reference numerals to the drawings.

13 differs from FIG. 1 in that a driver 44 connected thereto, a liquid crystal screen 45 and a liquid crystal touch panel 46 operated by the driver 44 are added to the operation panel 4 in the configuration of FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, for normal use, as shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above is used.
The diagram showing the system selection key 21 as shown in FIG. 4 is not shown on the surface, and the liquid crystal touch panel 46 corresponding to the operation panel 4 described above is not displayed until the switch 42 corresponding to the letters “SYSTEM” on the operation panel 4 is pressed. Figure 1 above
As shown in FIG. 5, the above-described system selection key 21 is developed to show the flow of information at that time.

The display section in this case has a structure in which a touch panel having coordinate axes is superposed on the liquid crystal screen 45,
When the user presses the liquid crystal screen 45, the coordinates are recognized by the touch panel 46, and the function is selected by associating the coordinates with the switches on the liquid crystal screen 45. The operation itself is substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above, but by pressing the return switch 47 (see FIG. 15) on the liquid crystal touch panel 46, the display state of the liquid crystal screen 45 is changed from FIG. 15 to FIG.
Then, the function selection key 22 returns to the previous state and the normal operation can be performed.

FIG. 15 shows the change of the operation panel 4 when the switch 42 corresponding to the character "SYSTEM" is pressed during the copying operation in this embodiment. In the above-described first embodiment, the green LE arranged on the route when waiting
The information transmission direction is shown by lighting all the D37 and gradually lighting the green LED 37 from the information source to the information destination when in operation, but in the case of the present embodiment, a thick solid line during standby. After the start button 43 is pressed, the transmission direction is indicated by a method of changing from a dotted line to moving from the information source to the information destination.

In the case where different information is transmitted, such as the computer output during the facsimile transmission shown in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the difference in the information is clarified by making the type of the line different. can do. For example, in the case of the present embodiment, a double line is used for the second information flow to show that it is different from the first information flow.

In the case of this embodiment, the state of the system can be displayed without providing a special place on the operation panel 4, and there is an advantage that space is saved. In the case of a single-use device such as a normal copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a printer, displaying the system on the display screen makes it rather difficult for the user to understand. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the confusion given to the user can be avoided by allowing the display screen to be displayed only when necessary.

[0043]

As described above, according to the image input / output device of the present invention, the user can understand the flow of information in the system at a glance, and the functions of the multifunction machine can be easily used. There is an effect that can be fully demonstrated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image input / output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of an operation panel in the same device.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a system selection key portion of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the system selection key.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a function selection key portion of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a change of a system selection key at the time of copy selection of the apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing changes in a system selection key during a copy operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a change in a system selection key when a facsimile is selected by the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing changes in a system selection key during a facsimile transmission operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in a system selection key during a facsimile reception operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing changes in a system selection key and a function key during facsimile transmission of the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing changes in a system selection key and a function key when a computer outputs a facsimile transmission of the apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image input / output device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a change of an operation panel in the same device.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a change of an operation panel in the same device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Controller (Identifying Means) 4 Operation Panel (Operating Unit) 21 System Selection Key (Image Display) 22 Function Selection Key (Selecting Means) 36 Light Emitting Unit (Transmission Direction Displaying Means / Operating State Displaying Means) 37 Green LED (Transmission Direction) Display means / operation status display means) 38 Red LED (transmission direction display means / operation status display means)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image input / output device which is operable by connecting a plurality of devices, the identifying means for identifying the type of the device connected to the image input / output device, and the identification unit provided on the operation unit. An image input / output device comprising: a device identified by the means; an image display section showing a connection state with the image input / output device; and an operation state display means for displaying the device which is actually operating. . 2. The image display unit has a transmission direction display means for changing a display method between a standby state and an operation state and indicating a transmission direction of information in the device and the image input / output device during the operation state. The image input / output device according to claim 1. 3. The image input / output device according to claim 2, wherein when a plurality of pieces of information are communicated, the display method of the transmission direction display means is changed. 4. The image input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit has a selection unit that selects a function of a multifunctional system.