JPH10215337A - Composite equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep the tilt of a display device at a proper angle when a means recognizes an operating state of the composite equipment and a scanner is in use and to change an angle of a camera in response to the angle of the display device when a video camera or a still camera is used to keep pickup of the operator. SOLUTION: A composite equipment main body 1 is a so-called floor installation type provided with casters for movement and a user uses the composite equipment in a standing state. A flat bed type scanner 9 is arranged to read an original image and is composed so that after the original is set by opening a pressing plate 11 so as to be opened to a direction of an arrow D1 by a hinge, a close contact type line sensor array 10 shown in broken lines built in the scanner 9 shown in broken lines is moved to a direction of an arrow D2 to read the original. A color image forming device 13 that desired image information is color-printed and recorded on a sheet of a recording medium to output the result from a front discharge roller 14 to a direction of an arrow D3 is arranged downward to the scanner 9 being an original read means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multifunction device integrally provided with image input / output means, video information input means, display means, audio input / output means, operation means, and the like. The present invention relates to a technique applicable to a multifunction device having a multimedia function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent development of information systems and peripheral technologies, various information processing devices have been developed, but multimedia communication represented by the Internet is expected to be enhanced. As a hardware embodiment of this multimedia communication, connection to a communication line using a personal computer with a display is the most feasible in terms of cost, is generally implemented, and will continue to be a great development in the future. Is expected.

In the multimedia communication using a personal computer as described above, a user operates a keyboard and a mouse of the personal computer to transmit a still image, a moving image, character information, voice information, and the like desired by a user through a communication line. In addition to the basic personal computer functions and communication functions, at least four
A function for performing two different processes is required. That is, a first process of displaying and outputting a still image or a moving image on a display connected to a personal computer and outputting sound to a speaker;
A second process for storing information such as a still image, a moving image, text information, and voice information in an external storage means such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magneto-optical disk of a personal computer; A third process for obtaining a hard copy by a printer or a digital copying machine for recording, and a fourth process for inputting a still image, a moving image, audio information, and the like for transmission to a destination. .

[0004] By enabling the first to fourth processes, it can be used as a database search device, a facsimile device, a color moving image transmitting / receiving device, a video telephone device, a video conference system, a factory management system, and the like. In other words, multimedia support in the original meaning can be realized.

Therefore, when the above-mentioned first to fourth processes are performed using a personal computer with a display, it is connected to a communication line, and a desired image and sound are received by operating a keyboard or a mouse. The first processing for performing display output and sound output and the second processing for inputting the obtained predetermined image and sound to the external storage means are performed by a large-capacity computer normally provided in a personal computer. By assigning the image storage unit to the external storage means of the above. For this purpose, for example, it can be performed by one personal computer installed on a desk.

However, the above-mentioned third method for recording the remaining desired image information on a recording paper to obtain a hard copy.
In order to perform the above processing, a printer or a digital copying machine is required separately, and its installation area needs to be secured. Further, in order to perform the above-described fourth process for inputting a desired still image, moving image, audio information, or the like, the user needs to use a video camera or a digital still camera and an image such as a scanner capable of reading a document. An additional reader and microphone are required.

As a result, when the necessary equipment is connected to the personal computer as described above, the above-mentioned third method is required.
A printer or digital copier for performing the processing of
Since a video camera or a digital still camera, a scanner, and a microphone for performing the fourth process are further required, a considerable installation area is required.
Further, since the device is placed on a desk and must be seated to operate a keyboard or a mouse, there may be a case where the footprint of the chair needs to be further secured.

When a personal computer with a display arranged on a desk is used, all operations are performed by operating a keyboard or a mouse, so that the operation becomes complicated for a beginner.

Therefore, as seen in the application of Japanese Patent Application No. 7-241358, a printer and a scanner or a digital copier are arranged and incorporated in the apparatus main body, and the scanner (or image of the digital copier) of the apparatus main body is installed. A flat panel display that allows input by directly touching the display surface is installed as a display device on the top of the reading unit, thereby omitting the installation of a keyboard and a mouse. In addition, a video camera or a still camera is By arranging, the entire device can be compactly assembled.

As shown in FIG. 3, by changing the inclination angle of this flat panel display so as to follow the front-rear direction of the apparatus main body, use of the scanner is not hindered when the inclination angle position is set. In addition, the operability of touch input can be improved when the device is set at the gentle inclination angle position, and a compact and convenient device with good operability can be configured.

[0011]

However, when a display is arranged above the scanner as described above,
The following disadvantages are observed.

When the scanner is used, the display disposed on the upper part must be steeply inclined every time, and even when the use of the scanner is finished, the operability of touch input is improved. In this case, the display must be returned to the gentle inclination position each time.

[0013] In order to keep photographing the operator with a video camera or a still camera disposed above the display, the angle of the camera must be changed according to the angle of the display.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scanner for inputting a document image, and a scanner disposed above the scanner. A display device that displays information such as image information input from the display device, a display tilt angle variable unit that changes the tilt angle of the display device, and a control unit that controls the display tilt angle variable unit,
In a multifunction device having a plurality of operation states, the control means recognizes the operation state of the multifunction apparatus, determines whether or not to use the scanner based on the operation state, and operates the display tilt angle changing means. According to the second aspect, a scanner for inputting a document image, a display device disposed above the scanner for displaying information such as image information input from the scanner, and changing the inclination angle of the display device In a composite device having a display tilt angle variable unit and a control unit for controlling the display tilt angle variable unit, and having a plurality of operation states,
The control unit recognizes the operation state of the multifunction peripheral, determines whether or not to use the scanner based on the operation state, and operates the display inclination angle changing unit. A touch position detecting means for detecting a touch position when a touch is made, and according to claim 3, claim 1 or 2
The multifunction device according to the above, wherein the display device displays an item that allows an operator to select an operation mode, and the touch position detection unit detects that the operator has selected an operation mode item, whereby the control unit According to the present invention, a scanner for inputting a document image and information such as image information input from the scanner are displayed on the scanner. A display device, a display tilt angle changing unit that changes a tilt angle of the display device, and a control unit that controls the display tilt angle changing unit; and a moving image is input along with the display device. A video camera device, a camera angle varying unit, the display tilt angle varying unit, and a camera angle varying unit. In the composite device having Gosuru control means, said control means recognizes the operation state of the multifunction device,
According to this operation state, it is determined whether or not to use the scanner, and the display tilt angle changing means and the camera angle changing means are operated. According to claim 5, a document image is input. A scanner, a display device disposed above the scanner and displaying information such as image information input from the scanner, a display tilt angle variable unit that changes the tilt angle of the display device, and a display tilt angle variable unit. A multi-function device having a control means for controlling and controlling a still image input, a camera angle changing means, and a control means for controlling the display tilt angle changing means and the camera angle changing means; Recognizes the operating status of the multifunction device, and determines whether to use the scanner based on the operating status Te, is characterized in that the operating and display the inclination angle changing means, and an angle changing means of the camera.

According to each of the above configurations, the control means recognizes the operation state of the multifunction device, and when the scanner is used, maintains the tilt angle position of the display at an appropriate level. It is possible to change the angle of the camera according to the angle of the display in order to keep shooting the image.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) An embodiment of a multimedia multifunction apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the multifunction device with its main body cut away, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing only hardware blocks related to the tilt angle, and FIG. In the left side view, a solid line indicates that the display tilt angle changing means 2 is moving to the steepest tilt angle position.

In FIG. 1, the multifunction device main body 1 is of a so-called floor-mounted type provided with casters for movement, and is basically used by a user in an upright state.
Inside the apparatus main body 1, a flat bed type scanner 9 for reading a document image is provided, and the pressure plate 1 is opened by a hinge (not shown) in the direction of arrow D1.
1, the original is set and the original is set, and then the contact type line sensor array 1 shown in the broken line shown in FIG.
The original is read while moving 0 to the arrow D2.

Next, inside the apparatus main body 1, desired image information is color-printed and recorded on a sheet of a recording medium below the scanner 9 serving as the above-mentioned document reading means. A color image forming apparatus 13 that outputs in the direction is provided. (For example, an apparatus using an electrophotographic recording system (laser beam printer) using three primary color toners). Here, the image forming apparatus 13
The ink jet recording method may be constituted by a recording means, or a thermal transfer recording method using an ink sheet and a thermal head, and is appropriately selected.
It may be a monochrome printer.

Below the image forming apparatus 13, there are provided communication control means for communicating with the outside and a main control section 15 for controlling the entire multifunction apparatus. The layout is designed so that the occupied installation area can be reduced as much as possible.

Next, a flat panel display device 3 having a flat display surface is provided on the base 6 of the tilt angle changing means 2 for changing the tilt angle with respect to the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 along the front-back direction of the apparatus main body. For example, an FLCD device (ferroelectric liquid crystal device) proposed by the present applicant is provided.

Guide grooves 12 are respectively provided along the left and right wall surfaces of the scanner 9 to form guide portions for guiding the movement of the tilt angle varying means 2 including the flat panel display device 3. .

At the edge of the flat panel display device 3, a non-contact type touch position detecting device for detecting a touch position on the display surface is provided. This non-contact type touch position detecting device detects a finger position in a non-contact type by infrared sensors 4 and 5 disposed at left, right, up and down positions at a pitch of about 3 mm, for example. Further, a touch panel which is usually provided on a touch surface and directly detects a pressing operation may be used.

On the other hand, a CCD camera 7 is provided so as to be exposed from an opening formed in a substantially central portion of the upper portion of the base 6 of the tilt angle varying means 2. The angle can be adjusted vertically. When the base 6 is in the upright position shown by the solid line in FIG.
The angle is adjusted substantially horizontally, and when the base 6 is in the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 3, the angle of the CCD camera is adjusted downward.

In the configuration described above, when the operator touches the flat panel display device 3 with a fingertip, the edges of the flat panel display device 3 are detected by the infrared sensors 4 and 5, and the main control unit 15 is operated.
Is transmitted to the main controller 15 in response to the operation.
Control the whole operation.

As described above, the multimedia multifunction device 1 embodying the present invention can perform various operations as shown in FIG. 7 by the operation of the operator, and the scanner 9 can use the various operations as shown in FIG. Or standby. Further, it is necessary to change the angles of the flat panel display device 3 and the CCD camera 7 depending on whether the scanner 9 is used or on standby. The control of this angle will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

The main control unit 15 is an operation that does not use the scanner 9 based on the operation of the operator, that is, “information search”, “still image output”, “FAX reception”,
If it is determined to be one of "others" (S40
2) The current angle of the flat panel display device 3 is determined (S403). If the current angle of the flat panel display device 3 is a steep angle, the display is set to a gentle angle with respect to the display inclination angle changing means 2. (S404), the scanner 9 is moved to a position where the touch operation cannot be performed but the touch operation becomes easier.
The mechanism of the display tilt angle varying means 2 at this time will be described with reference to FIG. C. W. (Counterclockwise)
, And this movement is transmitted to the base 6.
Moves in the M direction, and the flat panel display device 3
Becomes a gentle angle. In addition, the camera is controlled so that the camera is directed downward to the camera angle changing means 8 (S405), so that the operator is continuously photographed.

The main control unit 15 uses the scanner 9 based on the operation of the operator, that is, any one of “still image input”, “copy”, and “FAX transmission” from FIG. If it is determined that there is (S402), the current angle of the flat panel display device 3 is determined (S40).
6) If the current angle of the flat panel display device 3 is a gentle angle, the display is controlled to a steep angle with respect to the display tilt angle changing means 2 (S4).
07). Display tilt angle changing means 2 at this time
Means that the motor 301 is C.I. W. The movement is transmitted so as to rotate in the clockwise direction, and the movement is transmitted, so that the base 6 moves in the U direction, and the flat panel display device 3 becomes a steep angle. Further, the camera is controlled to be horizontal with respect to the camera angle changing means 8 (S408).

Here, the operation of the operator is "still image input"
If it is "Copy" or "FAX transmission",
The main control unit 15 can make the determination in the following manner.

When the multifunction peripheral is in a standby state,
As shown in FIG. 5, the flat panel display device 3 generates a document 501, an information search 502, and a FAX transmission 50 as shown in FIG.
3. Display each button of the copy screen 504. From this screen, the operator selects any one of the four buttons. At this time, if the operator selects the FAX transmission 503 or Copy 504 button, it can be determined that the operation is “Fax transmission” or “Copy”.

When the operator selects the button for document creation 501, the flat panel display device 3
The screen 601 displays a page 601 displaying a document as shown in FIG. 6, and buttons such as a character input 602, an image input 603, a graphic input 604, and a print 605 are displayed. At this time, when the operator selects the button of the image input 603, it can be determined that the operation is “still image input”.

Note that the present invention provides a “host computer,
The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices such as an interface and a printer, or may be applied to a device including one device such as a copying machine. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading the program from the storage medium storing the program represented by the software for achieving the present invention into the system or the device,
The system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0032]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The control means recognizes the operation state of the multifunction device, determines whether or not to use the scanner based on the operation state, and operates the display tilt angle changing means and the camera angle changing means to use the scanner. In some cases, the display located at the top must be steeply tilted each time, and when the use of the scanner is finished, if you want better touch input operability, In order to keep the camera at the gentle angle position each time and to keep shooting the operator with the video camera or still camera arranged at the top of the display, change the camera angle according to the display angle. This has the effect of eliminating the disadvantage of having to do so.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a cutaway main body of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing only blocks related to the inclination angle of the multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 3 is a left side view illustrating a schematic configuration of a tilt angle varying unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a tilt angle varying unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing classifications of operation modes of the multifunction peripheral.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction apparatus main body 2 Display inclination angle varying means 3 Flat panel display device 4 Infrared sensor 5 Infrared sensor 6 Base 7 CCD camera 8 Camera angle varying means 9 Scanner 10 Line sensor array 13 Image forming device 15 Main control unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A scanner for inputting a document image, a display device disposed above the scanner for displaying information such as image information input from the scanner, and a display tilt angle for changing the tilt angle of the display device A multifunction device having variable means and a control means for controlling the display tilt angle changing means, and having a plurality of operation states, wherein the control means recognizes the operation state of the multifunction apparatus and uses the scanner according to the operation state. A composite apparatus characterized by determining whether or not to operate the display tilt angle varying means. 2. A scanner for inputting a document image, a display device disposed above the scanner for displaying information such as image information input from the scanner, and a display tilt angle for changing the tilt angle of the display device. A multifunction device having variable means and a control means for controlling the display tilt angle changing means, and having a plurality of operation states, wherein the control means recognizes the operation state of the multifunction apparatus and uses the scanner according to the operation state. A multi-function device comprising: a touch position detecting unit that detects a touch position when an operator touches a display surface, while determining whether or not to operate a display tilt angle changing unit. . 3. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the display device displays an item that allows an operator to select an operation mode, and the touch position detection unit indicates that the operator has selected an operation mode item. 3. The multifunction peripheral according to claim 1, wherein the control means recognizes an operation state of the multifunction peripheral by detecting the state of the multifunction peripheral. 4. A scanner for inputting a document image, a display device disposed above the scanner for displaying information such as image information input from the scanner, and a display tilt angle for changing the tilt angle of the display device A video camera device having variable means, control means for controlling the display tilt angle variable means, and being provided in association with the display device and inputting a moving image; camera angle variable means; and the display tilt angle variable A multi-function device having control means for controlling the means and the camera angle changing means, wherein the control means recognizes an operation state of the multi-function apparatus, determines whether or not to use the scanner based on the operation state, and changes the display tilt angle. And a camera and a camera. 5. A scanner for inputting a document image, a display device disposed above the scanner for displaying information such as image information input from the scanner, and a display tilt angle for changing the tilt angle of the display device. A still camera device having variable means, control means for controlling the display tilt angle varying means, and for inputting a still image, camera angle variable means, and control for controlling the display tilt angle variable means and camera angle variable means In the multifunction device having the means, the control means recognizes an operation state of the multifunction device, determines whether or not to use the scanner based on the operation state, and comprises a display tilt angle changing means and a camera angle changing means. A composite device characterized by being operated.