Printing device and operating unit

Abstract

The placement of the touch input buttons could be improved. [Solution] The printing apparatus comprises a power switch that receives a change in the state of the power supply, and an operation unit that receives input operations by the user. The operation unit includes a display panel that displays a plurality of touch keys that receive touch input by the user, and soft keys that receive the touch input by the user, the soft keys being provided on the outer periphery of the display panel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus and an operation unit. [Background Art]

[0002] A printing apparatus having a touch panel is known. The printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes an electrostatic touch panel and a power operation unit. The electrostatic touch panel displays a basic screen including soft keys. The power operation unit includes a mechanical key for shifting the power state of the printing apparatus. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-9871 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not include a touch input button disposed at a position different from the position where a screen is displayed. There is room for improvement in the arrangement of touch input buttons. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a power switch that receives a change in a power state, and an operation unit that receives an input operation by a user, wherein the operation unit includes a display panel that displays a plurality of touch keys that receive touch input by a user, and a soft key that receives the touch input by the user, and the soft key is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the display panel.

[0006] The operation unit of the present disclosure includes a display panel that displays a plurality of touch keys that receive touch input by a user, and a soft key that is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the display panel and receives the touch input by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the external configuration of the printer. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the general configuration of the printer. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the block structure of a printer. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of touch input keys. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the general configuration of the control panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 shows the external configuration of printer 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of printer 1. Printer 1 corresponds to an example of a printing device. Printer 1 has a scanning function for reading documents and a printing function for printing on paper S. Printer 1 may also have a fax function for sending and receiving faxes. Printer 1 comprises a scanner unit 10, a printer unit 20, an ink tank unit 50, and a control panel 70.

[0009] Figures 1 and 2 show a coordinate system including the X1, Y1, and Z1 axes. The Z1 axis is perpendicular to the mounting surface of printer 1. The +Z1 direction is upward from the mounting surface. The -Z1 direction is downward from above towards the mounting surface. The X1 axis is perpendicular to the Z1 axis. The +X1 direction is from left to right in a plan view of the front surface 1a of printer 1. The front surface 1a of printer 1 is the surface on which the control panel 70 is located. The -X1 direction is from right to left in a plan view of the front surface 1a of printer 1. The Y1 axis is perpendicular to the X1 and Z1 axes. The +Y1 direction is from the rear of printer 1 towards the front surface 1a. The -Y1 direction is from the front surface 1a of printer 1 towards the rear.

[0010] The scanner unit 10 comprises a document tray support housing 11 and an ADF support housing 12. ADF stands for Automatic Document Feeder. The scanner unit 10 houses the reading mechanism 80, which will be described later.

[0011] The document support housing 11 supports a document table (not shown). The document support housing 11 houses a part of the reading mechanism 80. The document support housing 11 rotatably supports the ADF support housing 12. The document support housing 11 is positioned in the +Z1 direction of the printer unit 20.

[0012] The ADF support housing 12 has a function of conveying documents. The ADF support housing 12 accommodates a part of the reading mechanism 80. The ADF support housing 12 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel or substantially parallel to the X1 axis with respect to the document platen support housing 11. The ADF support housing 12 is arranged at a position in the +Z1 direction of the document platen support housing 11. The ADF support housing 12 includes a document placement tray 13, a document supply port 14, a document conveyance mechanism (not shown), and a document discharge tray 15.

[0013] The document placement tray 13 holds one or a plurality of documents. The document placement tray 13 is provided on the surface of the ADF support housing 12 in the +Z1 direction. Documents placed on the document placement tray 13 are conveyed by the document conveyance mechanism.

[0014] The document supply port 14 supplies documents placed on the document placement tray 13 into the interior of the ADF support housing 12. The document supply port 14 is provided at a position in the -X1 direction of the document placement tray 13. Documents supplied into the interior of the ADF support housing 12 from the document supply port 14 are conveyed by the document conveyance mechanism.

[0015] The document conveyance mechanism is provided inside the ADF support housing 12. The document conveyance mechanism conveys documents supplied from the document supply port 14 toward the document discharge tray 15. The document conveyance mechanism conveys the document toward a reading sensor (not shown) and causes the reading sensor to read the document.

[0016] The document discharge tray 15 holds documents conveyed by the document conveyance mechanism. The document discharge tray 15 holds documents read by the reading sensor. The document discharge tray 15 is provided at a position in the -Z1 direction of the document placement tray 13.

[0017] The printer unit 20 performs printing on a sheet S. The printer unit 20 accommodates a printing mechanism 90 described later. The printer unit 20 is arranged at a position in the -Z1 direction of the scanner unit 10. The printer unit 20 includes a sheet accommodating portion 21 and a discharged sheet placing portion 31.

[0018] The paper storage section 21 stores the paper S to be printed by the printing mechanism 90. The paper storage section 21 is located on the front surface 1a of the printer 1. The paper storage section 21 shown in Figure 1 has a first paper feed cassette 21a and a second paper feed cassette 21b.

[0019] The first paper feed cassette 21a holds one or more sheets of paper S. The first paper feed cassette 21a is positioned in the +Z1 direction relative to the second paper feed cassette 21b. The first paper feed cassette 21a is provided to the printer unit 20 so as to be insertable and removable parallel or approximately parallel to the Y1 axis.

[0020] The second paper feed cassette 21b holds one or more sheets of paper S. The second paper feed cassette 21b is located in the -Z1 direction of the printer unit 20. The second paper feed cassette 21b is provided to the printer unit 20 so as to be removable parallel or approximately parallel to the Y1 axis. The second paper feed cassette 21b holds paper S of the same size as, or different in size from, the paper S held in the first paper feed cassette 21a.

[0021] The paper storage unit 21 shown in Figure 1 has, but is not limited to, a first paper feed cassette 21a and a second paper feed cassette 21b. The printer unit 20 is provided with one or more paper feed cassettes.

[0022] The paper output tray 31 holds the paper S printed by the printing mechanism 90. The paper output tray 31 is located on the front surface 1a of the printer 1. The paper output tray 31 is, for example, composed of a paper output tray. The paper output tray is positioned in the +Z1 direction relative to the first paper feed cassette 21a. The paper output tray may have a support member for supporting the paper S. The support member is, for example, configured to be extendable in the +Y1 direction relative to the paper output tray.

[0023] The ink tank unit 50 houses one or more ink tanks 51 that supply ink to the printing unit 41, which will be described later. The ink tank unit 50 is located in the -X1 direction of the paper storage unit 21 and the paper output and mounting unit 31. The ink tank unit 50 has one or more ink tanks 51, a viewing window 52, ​​and an ink tank cover 53.

[0024] The ink tank 51 is a container for holding ink. The ink tank unit 50 shown in Figure 1 has multiple ink tanks 51. Each of the multiple ink tanks 51 holds a different ink. The multiple ink tanks 51 may also hold the same ink. The surface of the ink tank 51 in the +Y1 direction is configured so that the ink it holds is visible.

[0025] The viewing window 52 is configured to allow the user to visually check the amount of ink contained in the ink tank 51. The viewing window 52 is provided on the +Y1 direction surface of the ink tank unit 50. The user can visually check the amount of ink contained in the ink tank 51 through the viewing window 52.

[0026] The ink tank cover 53 covers the ink tank 51 housed in the ink tank unit 50 in the +Z1 direction. The ink tank cover 53 is configured to open and close the inside of the ink tank unit 50. The ink tank cover 53 is provided with a handle 53a.

[0027] The handle 53a is used by the user to open and close the ink tank cover 53. The user opens and closes the ink tank cover 53 using the handle 53a. The ink tank cover 53 moves between a closed position that covers the inside of the ink tank unit 50 and an open position that exposes the inside of the ink tank unit 50. When the ink tank cover 53 is in the open position, the user can refill the ink tank 51 with ink.

[0028] The control panel 70 accepts user input. The control panel 70 corresponds to an example of an operating unit. The control panel 70 is located on the front panel 1a of the printer 1. Details of the control panel 70 will be described later.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the schematic configuration of printer 1. Figure 2 shows a Y1-Z1 cross-section of printer 1. Figure 2 shows the internal configuration of printer unit 20. Printer unit 20 houses the printing mechanism 90 and the power supply unit 95.

[0030] The printing mechanism 90 prints on the paper S. The printing mechanism 90 transports the paper S to a predetermined position. The printing mechanism 90 prints on the paper S that has been transported to the predetermined position. The printing mechanism 90 has a paper transport unit 22 and a printing unit 41.

[0031] The paper transport unit 22 transports the paper S from the paper storage unit 21 to the paper discharge and placement unit 31. The paper transport unit 22 transports the paper S along the paper transport path TR. The paper transport unit 22 has a feeding unit 23 and a discharge unit 33.

[0032] The feeding unit 23 transports the paper S stored in the paper storage unit 21 toward the printing unit 41. The feeding unit 23 transports the paper S along the transport direction D1. The feeding unit 23 has a pickup roller 24, a pair of separation rollers 25, and a pair of transport rollers 26.

[0033] The pickup roller 24 feeds the paper S contained in the first paper feed cassette 21a or the second paper feed cassette 21b to the paper transport path TR. Each of the multiple paper feed cassettes is provided with a pickup roller 24. The feeding unit 23 shown in Figure 2 has two pickup rollers 24. The two pickup rollers 24 each feed the paper S contained in the first paper feed cassette 21a and the paper S contained in the second paper feed cassette 21b toward the paper transport path TR. The pickup rollers 24 are rotationally driven by the driving force of a drive source (not shown). By rotating, the pickup rollers 24 feed the paper S toward the paper transport path TR.

[0034] The separation roller pair 25 separates the paper S fed by the pickup roller 24 into single sheets of paper S. When the pickup roller 24 feeds multiple sheets of paper S to the paper transport path TR, the separation roller pair 25 separates one sheet of paper S from the multiple sheets of paper S and feeds the single sheet of paper S to the paper transport path TR. A separation roller pair 25 is positioned for each of the multiple pickup rollers 24. The feeding unit 23 shown in Figure 2 has two separation roller pairs 25. The two separation roller pairs 25 are positioned for each of the two pickup rollers 24. The separation roller pair 25 is rotationally driven by the driving force of the drive source. By rotationally driving, the separation roller pair 25 feeds a single sheet of paper S to the paper transport path TR.

[0035] The transport roller pairs 26 transport the paper S within the paper transport path TR toward the printing unit 41. The transport roller pairs 26 are arranged along the paper transport path TR. The feeding unit 23 shown in Figure 2 shows, but is not limited to, three transport roller pairs 26. The number of transport roller pairs 26 can be set as appropriate. The transport roller pairs 26 are rotationally driven by the driving force of the drive source. The transport roller pairs 26 transport the paper S by rotating.

[0036] The discharge unit 33 transports the paper S printed by the printing unit 41 toward the paper output and storage unit 31. The discharge unit 33 discharges the paper S in the discharge direction D2. The discharge unit 33 has a pair of discharge rollers 34 and a discharge port 35.

[0037] The discharge roller pair 34 transports the paper S printed in the printing unit 41 toward the paper output and storage unit 31. The discharge roller pair 34 is arranged along the paper transport path TR. The discharge unit 33 shown in Figure 2 has two discharge roller pairs 34, but is not limited to this. The number of discharge roller pairs 34 can be set as appropriate. The discharge roller pair 34 is rotationally driven by the driving force of the drive source. The discharge roller pair 34 transports the paper S by rotating.

[0038] The output port 35 is an opening for ejecting paper S from inside the printer unit 20. The output port 35 ejects the paper S, which has been transported by the output roller pair 34, to the paper output tray 31. The paper S ejected from the output port 35 is placed on the paper output tray 31.

[0039] The drive source for rotating the pickup roller 24, the separation roller pair 25, the conveying roller pair 26, and the discharge roller pair 34 may consist of one motor or multiple motors. The configuration of the drive source is set as appropriate.

[0040] The printing unit 41 prints on the paper S. For example, the printing unit 41 prints by ejecting ink onto the paper S. The printing unit 41 may be an inkjet system that ejects ink onto the paper S, or it may be an electrophotographic system. The printing unit 41 shown in Figure 2 is an inkjet system. The printing unit 41 includes a print head 42 and a carriage 43.

[0041] The print head 42 ejects ink toward the paper S. The print head 42 prints an image on the paper S by ejecting ink toward the paper S. The print head 42 has multiple nozzles on the surface facing the paper S. Ink is ejected from multiple nozzles. The print head 42 ejects one or more colors of ink onto the paper S.

[0042] The carriage 43 movably supports the print head 42. The carriage 43 moves the print head 42 along the X1 axis in the +X1 direction or the -X1 direction. The print head 42 ejects ink onto the paper S while moving along the X1 axis.

[0043] A platen 45 is positioned opposite the multiple nozzles of the print head 42. The platen 45 supports the paper S conveyed by the transport roller pair 26. The platen 45 supports the paper S at a predetermined interval relative to the print head 42. The platen 45 supports the paper S from which ink is ejected by the print head 42.

[0044] The power supply unit 95 is powered by an external power source. The power supply unit 95 supplies power to the scanner unit 10, the printer unit 20, etc. The power supply unit 95 corresponds to an example of a power supply. The power supply unit 95 changes state based on user instructions. The power supply unit 95 changes to on or off based on user instructions. The power supply unit 95 changes to an operational state or an energy-saving state based on user instructions. The energy-saving state is a state in which power consumption is lower than that of the operational state. The power supply unit 95 changes state from on to off, or from off to on. The power supply unit 95 changes state from an operational state to an energy-saving state, or from an energy-saving state to an operational state.

[0045] Figure 3 shows the block configuration of printer 1. Printer 1 comprises a control panel 70, a reading mechanism 80, a printing mechanism 90, a power supply unit 95, a control unit 100, and a memory 110.

[0046] The control panel 70 transmits various input data to the control unit 100. The control panel 70 displays various screens based on the control of the control unit 100. The control panel 70 includes a power button 71, input buttons 72, a touch panel 73, and touch input keys 74. The control panel 70 may also include indicator lamps 75, etc. The control panel 70 is configured to be rotatable around a pivot axis parallel or substantially parallel to the X1 axis. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the control panel 70 includes a power button 71 is exemplified, but the configuration of the control panel 70 is not limited to this. A configuration in which the control panel 70 does not include a power button 71 can also be adopted. In other words, a configuration in which the power button 71 is separated from the control panel 70 can also be adopted.

[0047] The power button 71 accepts user input. The power button 71 corresponds to an example of a power switch. The power button 71 accepts power input instructions and power off instructions as input operations, which instruct a change in the state of the power supply unit 95. A power input instruction is an instruction to change the state of the power supply unit 95 to ON. A power off instruction is an instruction to change the state of the power supply unit 95 to OFF. The power button 71 accepts the change in the state of the power supply unit 95 based on the user's input.

[0048] The power button 71 may be composed of a mechanical mechanism that mechanically switches electrical signals, or it may be composed of a resistive analog, capacitive, optical, or infrared mechanism. It is preferable that the power button 71 be composed of a mechanical mechanism. By composing the power button 71 with a mechanical mechanism, the reliability of operation and the durability of the power button 71 are improved.

[0049] When the power button 71 receives input from the user, it generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to the control unit 100. For example, when the power button 71 receives a power input instruction operation, it transmits a power input instruction signal to the control unit 100. When the power button 71 receives a power off instruction operation, it transmits a power off instruction signal to the control unit 100. The power input instruction signal and the power off instruction signal are examples of control signals. The power button 71 switches the power unit 95 on and off by transmitting the power input instruction signal and the power off instruction signal to the power unit 95. The power button 71 has a power on / off function that switches the power unit 95 on and off. The power on / off function corresponds to an example of an on / off switching function.

[0050] The power button 71 may accept sleep start command and sleep stop command as input operations. The sleep start command is an input operation that instructs the printer 1 to start sleep mode to reduce power consumption. The sleep stop command is an input operation that instructs the printer to stop sleep mode.

[0051] When the power button 71 receives a sleep start command, it sends a power saving start command signal to the control unit 100. When the power button 71 receives a sleep stop command, it sends a power saving stop command signal to the control unit 100. The power saving start command signal and the power saving stop command signal are examples of control signals. By sending the power saving start command signal and the power saving stop command signal to the power supply unit 95, the power button 71 switches the power saving function of the power supply unit 95 on and off. The power button 71 has a sleep mode switching function that switches the power saving function of the power supply unit 95 on and off. The sleep mode switching function corresponds to an example of the power saving switching function.

[0052] Preferably, the power button 71 is mechanical and has a power on / off function to switch the power supply unit 95 on and off, and a sleep mode switching function to switch the power saving function on and off. The mechanical configuration of the power button 71 ensures reliable execution of state changes in the power supply unit 95. The sleep mode switching function of the power button 71 simplifies the configuration of the control panel 70.

[0053] The input button 72 accepts input operations from the user. The input button 72 is composed of, for example, a component that mechanically switches electrical signals. The input button 72 includes multiple numeric input buttons 72a, etc., as described later. When the user performs an input operation on the input button 72, various control signals are generated. These control signals are transmitted to the control unit 100.

[0054] The touch panel 73 is a display with input functionality. The touch panel 73 has both display and touch input functions. The touch panel 73 is composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The touch panel 73 corresponds to an example of a display panel. The touch input function of the touch panel 73 is composed of mechanisms such as resistive analog, projected capacitive, optical, and infrared methods.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the touch panel 73 displays multiple display screens 210. The display screens 210 displayed on the touch panel 73 can be switched by a predetermined input operation performed by the user. One example of a predetermined input operation is a scroll operation on the touch panel 73. As shown in Figure 6, the display screens 210 display menu icons 211, function icons 213, display images 215, etc.

[0056] The menu icon 211 is displayed within the display screen 210. The menu icon 211 accepts touch input from the user. The menu icon 211 corresponds to an example of a touch key. One or more menu icons 211 are displayed within the display screen 210. When multiple menu icons 211 are displayed within the display screen 210, the multiple menu icons 211 are arranged along the array axis DA. The menu icon 211 is displayed in a manner that allows it to move along the array axis DA in response to user input. As an example, the menu icon 211 is displayed in a first size.

[0057] The menu icon 211 accepts touch input from the user. When the user performs an input operation on the menu icon 211, the touch panel 73 generates a control signal.

[0058] Function icons 213 are displayed within the display screen 210. One or more function icons 213 are displayed within the display screen 210. Function icons 213 are displayed in predetermined positions within the display screen 210. Function icons 213 may indicate various notifications to the user or the status of printer 1. For example, function icons 213 are displayed in a second size, which is smaller than the first size.

[0059] Display image 215 is displayed within display screen 210. One or more display images 215 are displayed within display screen 210. Display image 215 is displayed in a predetermined position within display screen 210. Display image 215 displays various information to notify the user.

[0060] The touch input key 74 accepts touch input from the user. The touch input key 74 corresponds to an example of a soft key. The touch input key 74 is composed of mechanisms such as resistive analog, capacitive, optical, or infrared. Preferably, the touch input key 74 is a capacitive key of the capacitive type. The touch input key 74 is placed in the sensor placement area SA, which will be described later. The sensor placement area SA is provided on the outer periphery of the touch panel 73. When the user touches the touch input key 74, the touch input key 74 generates a control signal.

[0061] The control panel 70, by incorporating touch input keys 74, allows for the addition of functions to the control panel 70 without updating the control program PG. The printer 1 can have its functions expanded by associating functions provided by a server or the like with the touch input keys 74.

[0062] Figure 4 shows an example of the schematic configuration of a touch input key 74. Figure 4 shows a capacitive touch input key 74. The touch input key 74 includes a cover film 301, an input key circuit board 302, an input key electrode 303, a light guide 304, and a light-emitting element 305.

[0063] The cover film 301 is placed on the surface of the touch input key 74. The cover film 301 is touched by the user. The cover film 301 is made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the cover film 301 is made of polycarbonate. Key marks are formed on the cover film 301 at positions opposite to the input key electrodes 303. The key marks are figures or the like that indicate the type of touch input key 74.

[0064] The input key circuit board 302 is an electrical circuit that transmits the electrical signal generated at the input key electrode 303 to the control unit 100. The input key circuit board 302 includes an electrical circuit that operates the light-emitting element 305. The input key circuit board 302 is positioned opposite the cover film 301.

[0065] The input key electrode 303 generates an electric field when the user touches the cover film 301. The input key electrode 303 is configured as either a self-capacitance type consisting of electrodes that generate an electric field, or a mutual-capacitance type consisting of a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. The input key electrode 303 is placed on the input key circuit board 302.

[0066] The light guide 304 allows light emitted from the light-emitting element 305 to pass through. By allowing light to pass through, the light guide 304 illuminates the key marks formed on the cover film 301. The light guide 304 is made of a light-transmitting material. The light guide 304 is positioned between the cover film 301 and the input key circuit board 302.

[0067] The light-emitting element 305 illuminates the key marks formed on the cover film 301 by emitting light. The light-emitting element 305 is composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element or the like. The touch input key 74 shown in Figure 4 has two light-emitting elements 305, but is not limited to this. The number of light-emitting elements 305 can be set as appropriate.

[0068] The touch input key 74 is preferably a capacitive key. The operability and touch sensitivity of the touch input keys 74 are improved by using capacitive keys for the touch input keys 74.

[0069] The reading mechanism 80 shown in Figure 3 is housed in the scanner unit 10. The reading mechanism 80 reads the document based on the control of the control unit 100. The reading mechanism 80 reads the document and generates reading data. The reading mechanism 80 transmits the reading data to the control unit 100. The reading mechanism 80 includes a reading sensor (not shown), a sensor carriage motor (not shown), and the like. The reading sensor reads the document and generates reading data. The sensor carriage motor is a drive source that generates the driving force to move the reading sensor.

[0070] The printing mechanism 90 performs printing based on the control of the control unit 100. The printing mechanism 90 receives print data from the control unit 100. The printing mechanism 90 performs printing based on the print data. The printing mechanism 90 has various sensors (not shown). The printing mechanism 90 transmits detection signals detected by the various sensors to the control unit 100.

[0071] The power supply unit 95 supplies power to the control panel 70, reading mechanism 80, printing mechanism 90, etc., based on the control of the control unit 100. The power supply unit 95 changes state according to the control of the control unit 100. The power supply unit 95 changes state to on or off according to the control of the control unit 100. The power supply unit 95 changes state to an operational state or an energy-saving state according to the control of the control unit 100.

[0072] The control unit 100 is a control controller that controls the control panel 70, the reading mechanism 80, the printing mechanism 90, etc. The control unit 100 is, for example, a processor having a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 100 is composed of one or more processors. The control unit 100 functions as various functional units by executing a control program PG. The control unit 100 functions as an input receiving unit 101, a display control unit 102, a reading control unit 103, a printing control unit 104, and a power supply control unit 105. The control unit 100 may also function as a functional unit other than the input receiving unit 101, the display control unit 102, the reading control unit 103, the printing control unit 104, and the power supply control unit 105 by executing a control program PG.

[0073] The input receiving unit 101 receives control signals transmitted from the control panel 70. The power button 71 and other buttons included in the control panel 70 generate control signals when they receive input from the user. The control panel 70 transmits the control signals generated by the power button 71 and other buttons to the control unit 100. The input receiving unit 101 receives the control signals by receiving the control signals transmitted from the control panel 70. The input receiving unit 101 transmits the control signals to the display control unit 102 and other units.

[0074] The display control unit 102 controls the display on the touch panel 73. The display control unit 102 causes the touch panel 73 to display various display screens 210, such as the home screen 210a, which will be described later. The display control unit 102 displays menu icons 211, etc., within the display screen 210. The display control unit 102 may also display various notification messages, etc. The touch panel 73 displays the display screen 210, etc., based on the control of the display control unit 102.

[0075] The reading control unit 103 controls the reading mechanism 80. The reading control unit 103 causes the document transport mechanism to transport the document toward a position facing the reading sensor. The reading control unit 103 causes the reading sensor to read the document. The reading control unit 103 may also cause the reading sensor to read a document placed on the document tray.

[0076] The print control unit 104 controls the printing mechanism 90. The print control unit 104 causes the paper transport unit 22 to transport the paper S onto the platen 45. The print control unit 104 causes the printing unit 41 to print on the paper S. The print control unit 104 receives detection signals detected by various sensors provided in the printing mechanism 90. The print control unit 104 transmits the detection signals to the display control unit 102, which displays various notifications on the touch panel 73.

[0077] The power control unit 105 controls the power supply unit 95. Based on a power input instruction signal transmitted from the control panel 70, the power control unit 105 turns on the power supply unit 95. Based on a power off instruction signal transmitted from the control panel 70, the power control unit 105 turns off the power supply unit 95. Based on a control signal, the power control unit 105 changes the state of the power supply unit 95 from on to off, or from off to on. Based on a control signal, the power control unit 105 changes the state of the power supply unit 95 from an operational state to an energy-saving state, or from an energy-saving state to an operational state.

[0078] Memory 110 stores various information, programs, etc. Memory 110 stores control programs PG that operate the control unit 100 as various functional units. Memory 110 stores various images displayed on the touch panel 73. Memory 110 is composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0079] The control program PG is firmware that enables the control unit 100 to function as various functional units. The control program PG operates on the control unit 100. The control program PG enables the control unit 100 to function as an input receiving unit 101, a display control unit 102, a reading control unit 103, a printing control unit 104, and a power supply control unit 105.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 5 shows a schematic configuration of a first control panel 70a, which is an example of the control panel 70. The first control panel 70a includes a power button 71, a plurality of input buttons 72, a first touch panel 73a, a first sensor placement area SA1, a plurality of touch input keys 74, and indicator lamps 75.

[0081] Several figures, including Figure 5, show a coordinate system that includes the X2, Y2, and Z2 axes. The X2 axis is parallel or approximately parallel to the X1 axis shown in Figure 1. The +X2 direction is the direction from left to right when the user is looking directly at the control panel 70. The -X2 direction is the direction from right to left when the user is looking directly at the control panel 70. The Y2 axis is perpendicular to the display surface of the touch panel 73. The +Y2 direction is the direction towards the viewer from the display surface of the touch panel 73. The -Y2 direction is the direction away from the display surface of the touch panel 73. The Z2 axis is perpendicular to the X2 and Y2 axes. The +Z2 direction is the direction from bottom to top when the user is looking directly at the control panel 70. The -Z2 direction is the direction from top to bottom when the user is looking directly at the control panel 70.

[0082] The power button 71 is located in the first control panel 70a at a position in the -X2 direction and in the +Z2 direction. The position of the power button 71 is not limited to the position shown in Figure 5. The position of the power button 71 can be set as appropriate. Furthermore, the power button 71 may not be included in the first control panel 70a.

[0083] Multiple input buttons 72 are positioned on the first control panel 70a in the +X2 direction. The multiple input buttons 72 positioned on the first control panel 70a include multiple number input buttons 72a and a clear button 72b.

[0084] The multiple number input buttons 72a are used when the user enters numbers. When the user performs an input operation on the number input buttons 72a, the corresponding number or other character is entered. Each of the multiple number input buttons 72a corresponds to a number from 0 to 9, an asterisk symbol, and a hash symbol. The multiple number input buttons 72a form a numeric keypad.

[0085] The clear button 72b is used when the user wants to erase their input. When the user presses the clear button 72b, the numerical values ​​and other information entered by the user are erased.

[0086] The first control panel 70a is provided with multiple number input buttons 72a and a clear button 72b, but is not limited to these. The first control panel 70a may also have input buttons 72 other than the multiple number input buttons 72a and the clear button 72b. The first control panel 70a may or may not have multiple number input buttons 72a and a clear button 72b.

[0087] The first touch panel 73a is an example of the touch panel 73. The first touch panel 73a is positioned along the X2 axis between the power button 71 and a number of input buttons 72. The first touch panel 73a shown in Figure 5 displays the home screen 210a, which is an example of the display screen 210. Details of the home screen 210a will be described later.

[0088] The first sensor placement area SA1 is an example of a sensor placement area SA. The sensor placement area SA is an area where multiple touch input keys 74 are provided. The first sensor placement area SA1 is provided on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a.

[0089] Multiple touch input keys 74 are arranged in the first sensor placement area SA1. The multiple touch input keys 74 arranged in the first sensor placement area SA1 are provided on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a. By arranging the touch input keys 74 in the first sensor placement area SA1, the user's operability of the menu icons 211 and touch input keys 74 displayed on the first touch panel 73a is improved. Multiple touch input keys 74 arranged on the first control panel 70a are home keys 74a and help keys 74b.

[0090] The home key 74a is pressed when the user displays the home screen 210a on the first touch panel 73a. When the user presses the home key 74a, the first touch panel 73a displays the home screen 210a. The home key 74a on the first control panel 70a is positioned in the -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The home key 74a on the first control panel 70a corresponds to an example of a soft key.

[0091] The help key 74b is pressed when the user wants to display a help screen (not shown) on the first touch panel 73a. When the user presses the help key 74b, the first touch panel 73a displays the help screen. The help key 74b on the first control panel 70a is positioned in the +X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The help key 74b on the first control panel 70a corresponds to an example of a second soft key.

[0092] The indicator lamp 75 lights up or turns off to notify the user. The first touch panel 73a has an unprocessed notification lamp 75a, which is an example of an indicator lamp 75. The unprocessed notification lamp 75a notifies the user that unprocessed data is stored in the memory 110. The first control panel 70a has one indicator lamp 75, but is not limited to this. The number of indicator lamps 75 can be set as appropriate.

[0093] Figure 6 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 6 shows a schematic configuration of the first control panel 70a, which is an example of the control panel 70. Figure 6 shows a magnified view of the vicinity of the first touch panel 73a of the first control panel 70a. Figure 6 shows the first touch panel 73a and a plurality of touch input keys 74 provided in the first sensor placement area SA1.

[0094] The first touch panel 73a shown in Figure 6 displays the home screen 210a. The home screen 210a displays multiple menu icons 211, multiple function icons 213, and a display image 215.

[0095] Multiple menu icons 211 are displayed along the array axis DA. The array axis DA of the first control panel 70a is an axis parallel to or approximately parallel to the X2 axis. The array axis DA corresponds to an example of the first axis. Multiple menu icons 211 are displayed in a way that allows them to be moved along the array axis DA by the user's scrolling operation. Examples of multiple menu icons 211 displayed on the home screen 210a include the copy icon 211a, the fax icon 211b, the scanner icon 211c, and the preset icon 211d.

[0096] The copy icon 211a is entered when the user wants to copy a document. When the user enters an input for the copy icon 211a, the printer 1 reads the document and prints based on the scanned data.

[0097] The fax icon 211b is entered when a user wants to send a fax. When a user enters an input for the fax icon 211b, printer 1 scans the document and sends the scanned data to an external device via the telephone line.

[0098] The scanner icon 211c is used by the user when scanning a document and obtaining scan data. When the user performs an input operation on the scanner icon 211c, the printer 1 scans the document and generates scan data. The printer 1 stores the scan data in memory 110 or the like.

[0099] The preset icon 211d is used by the user when making various settings. When the user makes an input operation on the preset icon 211d, a preset screen (not shown) is displayed on the first touch panel 73a. The preset screen is where the user enters various settings such as paper size and double-sided / single-sided printing. The user makes various settings by making input operations on the preset screen.

[0100] Multiple function icons 213 are positioned in the +Z2 direction and the -Z2 direction within the first touch panel 73a. Multiple function icons 213 are fixedly positioned within the first touch panel 73a. The multiple function icons 213 positioned in the +Z2 direction within the first touch panel 73a are the status display icon 213a, the LAN connection notification icon 213b, the simple AP connection notification icon 213c, the voice setting icon 213d, the operation noise reduction mode notification icon 213e, and the sleep mode setting icon 213f. The multiple function icons 213 positioned in the -Z2 direction within the first touch panel 73a are the fax notification icon 213g, the job status notification icon 213h, the screen position notification icon 213i, and the first scroll icon 213j.

[0101] The status display icon 213a is operated by the user when checking the status of printer 1. When the user operates on the status display icon 213a, the first touch panel 73a displays a status notification screen showing various statuses related to printer 1, such as ink levels. The status notification screen is not shown in the figure. The status notification screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0102] The LAN connection notification icon 213b displays the LAN (Local Area Network) connection status. The way the LAN connection notification icon 213b is displayed differs depending on whether printer 1 is connected to the LAN or not. Users can confirm whether printer 1 is connected to the LAN or not by looking at the LAN connection notification icon 213b.

[0103] The Simple AP Connection Notification Icon 213c indicates whether Printer 1 is connected to other devices as an access point. The display of the Simple AP Connection Notification Icon 213c differs depending on whether or not it is connected to other devices via Simple AP. Users can confirm whether or not Printer 1 is connected to other devices via Simple AP by viewing the Simple AP Connection Notification Icon 213c.

[0104] The sound setting icon 213d is operated when the user adjusts the output sound of printer 1. When the user operates the sound setting icon 213d, the first touch panel 73a displays an output sound setting screen that accepts the output sound setting. The output sound setting screen is not shown. The output sound setting screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0105] The noise reduction mode notification icon 213e indicates whether or not the noise reduction mode is set. The noise reduction mode is a mode that reduces the operating noise of printer 1. The display of the noise reduction mode notification icon 213e differs depending on whether or not the noise reduction mode is set. Users can check whether or not the noise reduction mode is set by looking at the noise reduction mode notification icon 213e.

[0106] The sleep mode setting icon 213f indicates whether or not sleep mode is set. Sleep mode is a mode that allows printer 1 to operate in an energy-saving state. The display of the sleep mode setting icon 213f differs depending on whether or not sleep mode is set. Users can check whether or not sleep mode is set by visually checking the sleep mode setting icon 213f.

[0107] The fax notification icon 213g is pressed when the user checks for the presence of fax data. When the user presses the fax notification icon 213g, the first touch panel 73a displays a fax data information screen (not shown). The fax data information screen displays unprocessed fax data. The fax data information screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0108] The job status notification icon 213h is pressed when the user checks the job execution status of printer 1. When the user presses the job status notification icon 213h, the first touch panel 73a displays a job list screen (not shown). The job list screen displays information about jobs currently running and jobs waiting to be executed by printer 1. The job list screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0109] The screen position notification icon 213i indicates the type of display screen 210 displayed on the first touch panel 73a. The display control unit 102 causes the first touch panel 73a to display multiple display screens 210. The first touch panel 73a switches the display screen 210 to be displayed according to the user's scrolling operation. The screen position notification icon 213i indicates the type of display screen 210 that has been switched according to the scrolling operation.

[0110] The first scroll icon 213j is input when the user switches between display screens 210. When the user inputs to the first scroll icon 213j, the first touch panel 73a displays the first menu icon display screen 210b, which includes menu icons 211 arranged in the +X2 direction. The first menu icon display screen 210b is an example of the display screen 210. The first menu icon display screen 210b will be described later.

[0111] Display image 215 is displayed at the -Z2 position within the home screen 210a. The home screen 210a displays a date and time display image 215a, which is an example of display image 215. The date and time display image 215a shows the date and time. The date and time display image 215a is always displayed regardless of the type of display screen 210 when the user switches display screens 210.

[0112] The first touch panel 73a is a rectangle having a first panel side PS1 with a first panel side length L1 and a second panel side PS2 with a second panel side length L2. The first panel side PS1 is a side along the array axis DA. The first panel side PS1 corresponds to an example of a first side. The first panel side length L1 corresponds to an example of a first length. The second panel side PS2 is a side along an orthogonal axis VA that is perpendicular to the array axis DA. The second panel side PS2 corresponds to an example of a second side. The second panel side length L2 corresponds to an example of a second length. The orthogonal axis VA corresponds to an example of a second axis.

[0113] In the first touch panel 73a, the length of the first panel side L1 is longer than the length of the second panel side L2. By configuring the length of the first panel side PS1 along the array axis DA to be longer than the length of the second panel side L2, the operability of scrolling operations performed by the user is improved.

[0114] Multiple touch input keys 74 are arranged in the first sensor placement area SA1. These multiple touch input keys 74 are home keys 74a and help keys 74b. Home key 74a is positioned in the -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. Help key 74b is positioned in the +X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. Home key 74a, help key 74b, and the first touch panel 73a are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, first touch panel 73a, and help key 74b. By arranging home key 74a and help key 74b on either side of the first touch panel 73a, it is suppressed that the user may accidentally operate home key 74a and help key 74b. By arranging home key 74a and help key 74b along the first panel side PS1, which has a first panel side length L1 that is longer than the second panel side length L2, user error in operating home key 74a and help key 74b is further suppressed.

[0115] The printer 1 includes a power button 71 that receives notifications of changes in the state of the power supply unit 95, a first touch panel 73a that displays multiple menu icons 211 that receive user touch input, and a home key 74a that receives user touch input. It also includes a first control panel 70a that receives user input operations, including touch input. The home key 74a is located on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a. By providing the touch input keys 74 on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a, user operability of the touch input keys 74 and the first touch panel 73a is improved.

[0116] The first control panel 70a has a help key 74b that accepts touch input from the user. The help key 74b is located on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a. The first touch panel 73a displays multiple menu icons 211 along the array axis DA. The home key 74a, the help key 74b, and the first touch panel 73a are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, first touch panel 73a, and help key 74b. The home key 74a and the help key 74b are positioned with the first touch panel 73a in between, which helps prevent the user from accidentally operating the home key 74a and the help key 74b.

[0117] The first touch panel 73a is a rectangle having a first panel side PS1 along the array axis DA and a second panel side PS2 along an orthogonal axis VA perpendicular to the array axis DA. Preferably, the length L1 of the first panel side PS1 is longer than the length L2 of the second panel side PS2. By positioning the home key 74a and help key 74b along the first panel side PS1, which has a first panel side length L1 that is longer than the second panel side length L2, user errors in pressing the home key 74a and help key 74b are further suppressed.

[0118] It is preferable that the multiple menu icons 211 are displayed in a way that allows them to move along the array axis DA. Users can easily distinguish between the movable menu icons 211 and the fixed touch input keys 74, such as the home key 74a. This reduces accidental operation of the home key 74a by the user.

[0119] The first control panel 70a includes a power button 71 that receives a change in the state of the power supply unit 95, a first touch panel 73a that displays a plurality of menu icons 211 that receive touch input from the user, and a home key 74a provided on the outer edge of the first touch panel 73a that receives touch input from the user. By providing the touch input keys 74 on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a, user operability of the touch input keys 74 and the first touch panel 73a is improved.

[0120] The first control panel 70a has a help key 74b that accepts touch input from the user. The help key 74b is located on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a. The first touch panel 73a displays multiple menu icons 211 along the array axis DA. The home key 74a, the help key 74b, and the first touch panel 73a are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, first touch panel 73a, and help key 74b. The home key 74a and the help key 74b are positioned with the first touch panel 73a in between, which helps prevent the user from accidentally operating the home key 74a and the help key 74b.

[0121] Figure 7 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 7 shows a schematic configuration of the first control panel 70a, which is an example of the control panel 70. Figure 7 shows a magnified view of the vicinity of the first touch panel 73a of the first control panel 70a. Figure 7 shows the first touch panel 73a and a plurality of touch input keys 74 provided in the first sensor placement area SA1. Figure 7 shows the first touch panel 73a that displays the first menu icon display screen 210b. The first control panel 70a shown in Figure 7 has the same configuration as the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 6, except for the first menu icon display screen 210b displayed on the first touch panel 73a.

[0122] The first menu icon display screen 210b is displayed on the first touch panel 73a when the user scrolls in the -X2 direction on the home screen 210a shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the first menu icon display screen 210b is displayed on the first touch panel 73a when the user performs an input operation on the first scroll icon 213j displayed on the home screen 210a shown in Figure 6.

[0123] The first menu icon display screen 210b displays multiple menu icons 211, multiple function icons 213, and display images 215. The multiple function icons 213 displayed on the first menu icon display screen 210b are the same as the multiple function icons 213 displayed on the home screen 210a, except for the second scroll icon 213k. The display images 215 displayed on the first menu icon display screen 210b are the same as the display images 215 displayed on the home screen 210a.

[0124] The multiple menu icons 211 displayed on the first menu icon display screen 210b are displayed along the array axis DA. The multiple menu icons 211 are displayed in a way that allows them to be moved along the array axis DA by the user's scrolling operation. Examples of the multiple menu icons 211 include the external memory print icon 211e, the fax box icon 211f, the main memory print icon 211g, and the maintenance icon 211h.

[0125] The external memory print icon 211e is used when the user wants to print data stored in external memory. The external memory is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and is connected to an unillustrated connection terminal on the printer 1. When the user performs an input operation on the external memory print icon 211e, the first touch panel 73a displays an external memory information screen showing information related to the data stored in the external memory. The external memory information screen is not illustrated. The external memory information screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0126] The fax box icon 211f is entered when the user checks a fax document received by printer 1. When the user enters an input for the fax box icon 211f, the first touch panel 73a displays a fax box screen showing information related to the received document stored in the fax box. The fax box screen is not shown in the diagram. The fax box screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0127] The main unit memory print icon 211g is pressed when the user wants to print print data stored in memory 110. When the user presses the main unit memory print icon 211g, the first touch panel 73a displays a data list screen showing information related to the print data. The data list screen is not shown in the diagram. The data list screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0128] The maintenance icon 211h is entered when the user performs maintenance on printer 1. When the user enters an input for the maintenance icon 211h, the first touch panel 73a displays a maintenance menu screen showing maintenance-related information. The maintenance menu screen is not shown in the diagram. The maintenance menu screen is an example of the display screen 210.

[0129] The second scroll icon 213k is input when the user switches between display screens 210. When the user inputs to the second scroll icon 213k, the display screen 210 of the first touch panel 73a scrolls in the +X2 direction. When the user inputs to the second scroll icon 213k while the first menu icon display screen 210b is displayed, the first touch panel 73a displays the home screen 210a.

[0130] Figure 8 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 8 shows a schematic configuration of the first control panel 70a, which is an example of the control panel 70. Figure 8 shows a magnified view of the vicinity of the first touch panel 73a of the first control panel 70a. Figure 8 shows the first touch panel 73a and a plurality of touch input keys 74 provided in the first sensor placement area SA1. Figure 8 shows the first touch panel 73a displaying the second menu icon display screen 210c. The first control panel 70a shown in Figure 8 has the same configuration as the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 6, except for the second menu icon display screen 210c displayed on the first touch panel 73a.

[0131] The second menu icon display screen 210c is displayed on the first touch panel 73a when the user performs a scroll operation in the -X2 direction on the first menu icon display screen 210b shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, the second menu icon display screen 210c is displayed on the first touch panel 73a when the user performs an input operation on the first scroll icon 213j displayed on the first menu icon display screen 210b shown in Figure 7.

[0132] The second menu icon display screen 210c displays a menu icon 211, multiple function icons 213, and a display image 215. The multiple function icons 213 displayed on the second menu icon display screen 210c are the same as the multiple function icons 213 displayed on the first menu icon display screen 210b, except that the first scroll icon 213j is not displayed. The display image 215 displayed on the second menu icon display screen 210c is the same as the display image 215 displayed on the home screen 210a and the first menu icon display screen 210b.

[0133] The menu icons 211 displayed on the second menu icon display screen 210c are displayed in a way that allows them to be moved along the array axis DA by the user's scrolling operation. One example of a menu icon 211 is a setting icon 211i. The second menu icon display screen 210c shown in Figure 8 displays one menu icon 211, but is not limited to this. The second menu icon display screen 210c may display multiple menu icons 211. The number of menu icons 211 displayed on the second menu icon display screen 210c is set as appropriate.

[0134] The settings icon 211i is used by the user when configuring various settings related to printer 1. When the user performs an input operation on the settings icon 211i, the first touch panel 73a displays a settings screen related to the settings of printer 1. The settings screen is not shown in the diagram. The settings screen shown is an example of the display screen 210.

[0135] Figure 9 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 9 shows a schematic configuration of the second control panel 70b, which is an example of the control panel 70. The second control panel 70b includes a power button 71, a plurality of input buttons 72, a first touch panel 73a, a first sensor placement area SA1, a plurality of touch input keys 74, and an indicator lamp 75. Note that the power button 71 may not be included in the second control panel 70b. The configuration of the second control panel 70b shown in Figure 9 is the same as the configuration of the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 5, except for the arrangement of the plurality of touch input keys 74 placed in the first sensor placement area SA1.

[0136] The first sensor placement area SA1 of the second control panel 70b includes a home key 74a and a help key 74b as multiple touch input keys 74. The home key 74a is positioned in the +Z2 direction relative to the multiple menu icons 211 displayed in the first touch panel 73a. The help key 74b is positioned in the -Z2 direction relative to the multiple menu icons 211. The home key 74a, the help key 74b, and the first touch panel 73a are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, first touch panel 73a, and help key 74b.

[0137] The positions of the home key 74a and the help key 74b along the Z2 axis can be set as appropriate. The home key 74a and the help key 74b may be positioned in the +Z2 direction or the -Z2 direction relative to the multiple menu icons 211. Regardless of their position along the Z2 axis, the home key 74a, the first touch panel 73a, and the help key 74b are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, first touch panel 73a, and help key 74b.

[0138] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 10 also shows a schematic configuration of a third control panel 70c, which is an example of the control panel 70. The third control panel 70c includes a power button 71, a plurality of input buttons 72, a first touch panel 73a, a first sensor placement area SA1, a plurality of touch input keys 74, an indicator lamp 75, and a home button 76. Note that the power button 71 may not be included in the third control panel 70c. The configuration of the third control panel 70c shown in Figure 10 is the same as the configuration of the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 5, except for the plurality of touch input keys 74 and the home button 76 which are placed in the first sensor placement area SA1.

[0139] The first sensor placement area SA1 of the third control panel 70c has multiple touch input keys 74, including a back key 74c and a help key 74b. The back key 74c is positioned -X2 relative to the first touch panel 73a. The back key 74c in the third control panel 70c corresponds to an example of a soft key. The help key 74b is positioned +X2 relative to the first touch panel 73a. The help key 74b in the third control panel 70c corresponds to an example of a second soft key. The back key 74c, the help key 74b, and the first touch panel 73a are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of back key 74c, first touch panel 73a, and help key 74b.

[0140] The back key 74c is pressed by the user. The user presses the back key 74c when the first touch panel 73a is displaying a screen 210 other than the home screen 210a. When the user presses the back key 74c, the first touch panel 73a displays the other screen 210 that was displayed immediately before the screen 210 that was displayed when the back key 74c was pressed.

[0141] The home button 76 consists of a mechanical mechanism that mechanically switches electrical signals. The home button 76 accepts user input. When the user performs an input operation on the home button 76, the first touch panel 73a displays the home screen 210a. The home button 76 has the same function as the home key 74a.

[0142] The home button 76 of the third control panel 70c is located in the -X2 direction relative to the first touch panel 73a and the first sensor placement area SA1. The home button 76 of the third control panel 70c is located in the -Z2 direction relative to the power button 71.

[0143] Figure 11 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 11 shows a schematic configuration of the fourth control panel 70d, which is an example of the control panel 70. The fourth control panel 70d includes a power button 71, a plurality of input buttons 72, a first touch panel 73a, a second sensor placement area SA2, a plurality of touch input keys 74, an indicator lamp 75, and a home button 76. Note that the power button 71 may not be included in the configuration of the fourth control panel 70d. The fourth control panel 70d differs from the configuration of the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 5 in terms of the configuration of the sensor placement area SA, the arrangement of the plurality of touch input keys 74, and the home button 76. The configuration of the fourth control panel 70d is the same as the configuration of the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 5 in terms of the configuration of the sensor placement area SA, the arrangement of the plurality of touch input keys 74, and the home button 76.

[0144] The second sensor placement area SA2 is an example of the sensor placement area SA. The second sensor placement area SA2 is provided on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a. The second sensor placement area SA2 is configured in a shape that avoids the position where the home button 76 is located.

[0145] In the second sensor placement area SA2, multiple touch input keys 74 are arranged, including a help key 74b, a back key 74c, and a server switching key 74d. The help key 74b, back key 74c, and server switching key 74d are provided on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a.

[0146] The help key 74b in the fourth control panel 70d is located in the +X2 direction on the first touch panel 73a. The help key 74b in the fourth control panel 70d corresponds to an example of the second soft key.

[0147] The back key 74c in the fourth control panel 70d is located in the -X2 direction position on the first touch panel 73a. The back key 74c in the fourth control panel 70d corresponds to an example of a soft key.

[0148] The server switching key 74d is operated when the user switches the server to which printer 1 is connected. The server switching key 74d accepts touch input from the user. The control unit 100 connects to the server via a communication unit (not shown). When the user performs an input operation on the server switching key 74d, the control unit 100 switches the server to which it is connected. The server switching key 74d in the fourth control panel 70d is located in the position of the first touch panel 73a in the -X2 direction. The server switching key 74d is located in the position of the back key 74c in the +Z2 direction. The +Z2 direction intersects with the array axis DA. The +Z2 direction corresponds to an example of the first direction. The server switching key 74d corresponds to an example of the third soft key. By positioning the server switching key 74d in the position of the back key 74c in the +Z2 direction, the user's operability of the back key 74c and the server switching key 74d is improved.

[0149] The home button 76 in the fourth control panel 70d is positioned in the -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The home button 76 in the fourth control panel 70d corresponds to an example of a mechanical key. The home button 76 is positioned in the +Z2 direction of the back key 74c and in the -Z2 direction of the server switching key 74d. The back key 74c, the server switching key 74d, and the home button 76 are arranged along the orthogonal axis VA in the order of back key 74c, home button 76, and server switching key 74d. By arranging the back key 74c, home button 76, and server switching key 74d along the orthogonal axis VA, user accessibility to the menu icon 211, the multiple touch input keys 74, and the home button 76 is improved.

[0150] The back key 74c may be positioned +X2 or -X2 relative to the home button 76. The server switching key 74d may be positioned +X2 or -X2 relative to the home button 76.

[0151] The fourth control panel 70d has a server switching key 74d that accepts touch input from the user. The server switching key 74d is provided on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a. Preferably, the server switching key 74d is positioned in the +Z2 direction, intersecting the array axis DA with respect to the back key 74c. By positioning the server switching key 74d in the +Z2 direction relative to the back key 74c, user operability for both the back key 74c and the server switching key 74d is improved.

[0152] The fourth control panel 70d has a home button 76 that accepts user input. Preferably, the back key 74c, the server switching key 74d, and the home button 76 are arranged along the orthogonal axis VA in the order of back key 74c, home button 76, and server switching key 74d. By arranging the back key 74c and the server switching key 74d along the orthogonal axis VA, with the mechanical home button 76 in between, the user can easily distinguish between the back key 74c and the server switching key 74d.

[0153] Figure 12 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 12 also shows a schematic configuration of a fifth control panel 70e, which is an example of the control panel 70. The fifth control panel 70e includes a plurality of input buttons 72, a first touch panel 73a, a first sensor placement area SA1, a plurality of touch input keys 74, and indicator lamps 75. The configuration of the fifth control panel 70e differs from the configuration of the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 5 in that it does not have a power button 71, and in the number and arrangement of the input buttons 72 and the number and arrangement of the touch input keys 74. Except for the absence of a power button 71, the number and arrangement of the input buttons 72 and the number and arrangement of the touch input keys 74, the configuration of the fifth control panel 70e is the same as the configuration of the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 5.

[0154] The fifth control panel 70e has multiple input buttons 72, including multiple numeric input buttons 72a, a clear button 72b, an interrupt button 72c, and a reset button 72d. The multiple numeric input buttons 72a and the clear button 72b in the fifth control panel 70e are the same as the multiple numeric input buttons 72a and the clear button 72b in the first control panel 70a shown in Figure 5.

[0155] The interrupt button 72c accepts user input. The interrupt button 72c is pressed when the user interrupts an ongoing print job to print or copy previously received print data.

[0156] The reset button 72d accepts user input. When the user performs an input operation on the reset button 72d, the control unit 100 resets the various settings set by the user to their initial values.

[0157] The first sensor placement area SA1 includes a home key 74a, a help key 74b, and a power key 74e, which are arranged as multiple touch input keys 74. The home key 74a, the help key 74b, and the power key 74e are arranged on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a.

[0158] The home key 74a in the fifth control panel 70e is positioned in the -X2 direction relative to the first touch panel 73a. The home key 74a is positioned in the -Z2 direction relative to the multiple menu icons 211 displayed on the first touch panel 73a.

[0159] The help key 74b in the fifth control panel 70e is located in the +X2 direction on the first touch panel 73a.

[0160] The power key 74e accepts touch input from the user. The power key 74e accepts power input instruction operations and power off instruction operations as input operations that instruct a change in the state of the power supply unit 95. The power supply unit 95 may accept a change in state based on the control signal from the power key 74e, which is the touch input key 74. The power key 74e has the same function as the power button 71. The power key 74e corresponds to an example of a power switch.

[0161] The power key 74e is located in the -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The power key 74e is located in the +Z2 direction of the home key 74a. The power key 74e is located in the +Z2 direction of the multiple menu icons 211 displayed on the first touch panel 73a.

[0162] Figure 13 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 13 shows a schematic configuration of the sixth control panel 70f, which is an example of the control panel 70. The sixth control panel 70f includes a power button 71, a second touch panel 73b, a third sensor placement area SA3, a plurality of touch input keys 74, and an indicator lamp 75. Note that the power button 71 may not be included in the sixth control panel 70f.

[0163] The sixth control panel 70f is composed of a rectangle whose length along the Z2 axis is longer than its length along the X2 axis. The sixth control panel 70f shown in Figure 13 does not have input buttons 72, but is not limited to this. The sixth control panel 70f may have input buttons 72.

[0164] The power button 71 in the sixth control panel 70f is positioned in the +Z2 direction relative to the second touch panel 73b and the third sensor placement area SA3. The position of the power button 71 is not limited to the +Z2 direction relative to the second touch panel 73b and the third sensor placement area SA3. The position of the power button 71 may also be in the -Z2 direction relative to the second touch panel 73b and the third sensor placement area SA3.

[0165] The second touch panel 73b is an example of the touch panel 73. The second touch panel 73b is a rectangle having a first panel side PS1 with a first panel side length L1 and a second panel side PS2 with a second panel side length L2. The first panel side PS1 is a side along the array axis DA. The second panel side PS2 is a side along the orthogonal axis VA which is perpendicular to the array axis DA. The second touch panel 73b is positioned in the -Z2 direction of the power button 71. The second touch panel 73b shown in Figure 13 displays the second home screen 210d.

[0166] The second home screen 210d is an example of the display screen 210. The second home screen 210d displays multiple menu icons 211, multiple function icons 213, and display images 215. The multiple menu icons 211 etc. displayed on the second home screen 210d may be the same as or different from the multiple menu icons 211 etc. displayed on the home screen 210a.

[0167] The multiple menu icons 211 displayed on the second home screen 210d are arranged along the array axis DA. The array axis DA of the multiple menu icons 211 displayed on the second home screen 210d is parallel or approximately parallel to the Z2 axis. The orthogonal axis VA, which is perpendicular to the array axis DA, is parallel or approximately parallel to the X2 axis.

[0168] The third sensor placement area SA3 is an example of a sensor placement area SA. The third sensor placement area SA3 is located on the outer periphery of the second touch panel 73b. The touch input keys 74 located in the third sensor placement area SA3 are located on the outer periphery of the second touch panel 73b.

[0169] The third sensor placement area SA3 includes multiple touch input keys 74: a home key 74a, a help key 74b, a back key 74c, and a server switching key 74d. The home key 74a, help key 74b, back key 74c, and server switching key 74d are located on the outer periphery of the second touch panel 73b.

[0170] The home key 74a in the sixth control panel 70f is located in the +Z2 direction on the second touch panel 73b. The home key 74a in the sixth control panel 70f corresponds to an example of a soft key.

[0171] The help key 74b in the sixth control panel 70f is located in the -Z2 direction on the second touch panel 73b. The help key 74b in the sixth control panel 70f corresponds to an example of the second soft key. The home key 74a, the help key 74b, and the second touch panel 73b are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, second touch panel 73b, and help key 74b.

[0172] The back key 74c in the sixth control panel 70f is located at the +Z2 direction position of the second touch panel 73b. The back key 74c is located at the -X2 direction position of the home key 74a.

[0173] The server switching key 74d in the sixth control panel 70f is located in the +Z2 direction of the second touch panel 73b. The server switching key 74d is located in the +X2 direction of the home key 74a. The home key 74a, back key 74c, and server switching key 74d are arranged along the orthogonal axis VA in the order of back key 74c, home key 74a, and server switching key 74d.

[0174] Figure 14 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 14 shows a schematic configuration of the seventh control panel 70g, which is an example of the control panel 70. Figure 14 shows a magnified view of the vicinity of the first touch panel 73a of the seventh control panel 70g. The seventh control panel 70g, like the first control panel 70a, is equipped with a plurality of input buttons 72 (not shown). Figure 14 shows the first touch panel 73a and a plurality of touch input keys 74 provided in the first sensor placement area SA1. Note that the power button 71 may not be included in the seventh control panel 70g.

[0175] The first sensor placement area SA1 of the seventh control panel 70g includes multiple touch input keys 74: a home key 74a, a help key 74b, a back key 74c, a server switching key 74d, a logout key 74f, and a cancel key 74g. The seventh control panel 70g also includes multiple touch input keys 74 positioned in the +X2 direction and -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a.

[0176] The home key 74a of the seventh control panel 70g is located in the -X2 direction on the first touch panel 73a. The home key 74a of the seventh control panel 70g corresponds to an example of a soft key.

[0177] The help key 74b of the seventh control panel 70g is located in the +X2 direction on the first touch panel 73a.

[0178] The back key 74c of the seventh control panel 70g is located in the -X2 direction position of the first touch panel 73a. The back key 74c is located in the -Z2 direction position of the home key 74a.

[0179] The server switching key 74d of the seventh control panel 70g is located in the -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The server switching key 74d is located in the +Z2 direction of the home key 74a.

[0180] The logout key 74f accepts touch input from the user. Printer 1 has a user restriction function, for example, that limits the number of users. When the user restriction function is enabled, the user performs an input operation on the logout key 74f. When the user performs an input operation on the logout key 74f, the user logs out of Printer 1.

[0181] The logout key 74f of the seventh control panel 70g is located in the +X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The logout key 74f is located in the +Z2 direction of the help key 74b. The logout key 74f of the seventh control panel 70g corresponds to an example of the second soft key. The home key 74a, the logout key 74f, and the first touch panel 73a are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, first touch panel 73a, and logout key 74f.

[0182] The cancel key 74g accepts touch input from the user. When the user inputs an operation to the cancel key 74g, the printer 1 stops the operation it is currently performing. The cancel key 74g on the seventh control panel 70g is located in the +X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The cancel key 74g is located in the -Z2 direction of the logout key 74f and the help key 74b.

[0183] Figure 15 shows a schematic configuration of the control panel 70. Figure 15 shows a schematic configuration of the eighth control panel 70h, which is an example of the control panel 70. Figure 15 shows a magnified view of the vicinity of the first touch panel 73a of the eighth control panel 70h. The eighth control panel 70h, like the first control panel 70a, is equipped with a plurality of input buttons 72 (not shown). Figure 15 shows the first touch panel 73a and a plurality of touch input keys 74 provided in the first sensor placement area SA1. Note that the power button 71 may not be included in the eighth control panel 70h.

[0184] Figure 15 shows the first sensor placement area R1 and the second sensor placement area R2 within the first sensor placement area SA1, indicated by dashed lines. The first sensor placement area R1 and the second sensor placement area R2 are virtual areas that divide the first sensor placement area SA1.

[0185] The first arrangement region R1 is the region along the second panel edge PS2. The first arrangement region R1 is the region of the first touch panel 73a in the +X2 direction and the region of the first touch panel 73a in the -X2 direction. The first arrangement region R1 corresponds to an example of the first region.

[0186] The second arrangement region R2 is the region along the first panel edge PS1. The second arrangement region R2 is the region of the first touch panel 73a in the +Z2 direction and the region of the first touch panel 73a in the -Z2 direction. The second arrangement region R2 corresponds to an example of the second region.

[0187] The first sensor placement area SA1 of the eighth control panel 70h is equipped with multiple touch input keys 74, including a home key 74a, a help key 74b, a back key 74c, a server switching key 74d, a logout key 74f, a cancel key 74g, a sleep mode setting key 74h, and a fax notification key 74i.

[0188] The home key 74a of the eighth control panel 70h is located in the first placement area R1 in the -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The home key 74a of the eighth control panel 70h corresponds to an example of a soft key.

[0189] The help key 74b of the eighth control panel 70h is located in the first placement area R1 in the +X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The help key 74b of the eighth control panel 70h corresponds to an example of a second soft key. The home key 74a, the first touch panel 73a, and the help key 74b are arranged along the array axis DA in the order of home key 74a, first touch panel 73a, and help key 74b.

[0190] The back key 74c of the eighth control panel 70h is located in the first placement area R1 in the -X2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The back key 74c is located in the -Z2 direction of the home key 74a. The back key 74c of the eighth control panel 70h corresponds to an example of the third soft key.

[0191] The server switching key 74d of the 8th control panel 70h is located in the first placement area R1 in the -X2 direction of the 1st touch panel 73a. The server switching key 74d is located in the +Z2 direction of the home key 74a.

[0192] The logout key 74f of the 8th control panel 70h is located in the first placement area R1 in the +X2 direction of the 1st touch panel 73a. The logout key 74f is located in the +Z2 direction of the help key 74b.

[0193] The cancel key 74g of the 8th control panel 70h is located in the first placement area R1 of the 1st touch panel 73a in the +X2 direction. The cancel key 74g is located in the -Z2 direction relative to the logout key 74f and the help key 74b.

[0194] The sleep mode setting key 74h accepts touch input from the user. When the user performs an input operation on the sleep mode setting key 74h, the control unit 100 changes the state of the power supply unit 95 to either an operational state or an energy-saving state.

[0195] The sleep mode setting key 74h of the eighth control panel 70h is located in the second placement area R2 in the -Z2 direction of the first touch panel 73a. The sleep mode setting key 74h of the eighth control panel 70h corresponds to an example of the fourth soft key.

[0196] The fax notification key 74i accepts touch input from the user. When the user performs an input operation on the fax notification key 74i, the first touch panel 73a displays the fax data information screen.

[0197] The fax notification key 74i of the 8th control panel 70h is located in the second placement area R2 in the -Z2 direction of the 1st touch panel 73a. The fax notification key 74i is located in the -X2 direction of the sleep mode setting key 74h.

[0198] The eighth control panel 70h shown in Figure 15 does not have touch input keys 74 placed in the second placement area R2 in the +Z2 direction of the first touch panel 73a, but is not limited to this. The eighth control panel 70h may have one or more touch input keys 74 placed in the second placement area R2 in the +Z2 direction of the first touch panel 73a.

[0199] The eighth control panel 70h has a sleep mode setting key 74h that accepts touch input from the user. The sleep mode setting key 74h is provided on the outer periphery of the first touch panel 73a. Preferably, the home key 74a and the back key 74c are located in a first arrangement area R1 along the second panel edge PS2, and the sleep mode setting key 74h is located in a second arrangement area R2 along the first panel edge PS1. The placement of multiple touch input keys 74 in the first placement area R1 and the second placement area R2 improves user operability.

[0200] Among the soft keys, the back key (74c), logout key (74f), and server switching key (74d) are specific to authentication systems from third-party vendors built on open platforms. For example, there are authentication printing systems that allow only identified users to print documents using IC card authentication or biometric authentication. In an authentication printing system, the user's PC, the printer, a management server (authentication server) that handles user authentication, and a print data control server that handles print data management are connected via a network. Software is installed on the user's PC, management server, and print data control server to enable them to function as a system. This software is provided independently by various vendors. When adding a new printer to an authentication printing system already built by a third-party vendor, the printer's system needs to be customized to be compatible with that system. Printers provide a platform (foundation) for users to connect the printer to external systems. This is called an open platform.

[0201] Printer 1 is equipped with a browser to support applications that can run in a browser. The back key 74c is used when transitioning from Printer 1's native screen to the browser screen. It is also used for transitioning between UI screens in third-party vendor applications. The logout key 74f is used when a user logs out from the authentication server. It is also used when transitioning from the authentication server screen to the native screen. The server switching key 74d is used to switch between multiple authentication servers (primary server / secondary server) when multiple authentication systems are used in conjunction.

[0202] A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0203] Note 1 A printing apparatus comprising a power switch that receives a change in the state of the power supply, and an operation unit that receives input operations by a user, wherein the operation unit includes a display panel that displays a plurality of touch keys that receive touch input by a user, and soft keys that receive the touch input by the user, the soft keys being provided on the outer periphery of the display panel. By placing the soft keys on the outer edge of the display panel, user operability of both the soft keys and the display panel is improved.

[0204] Note 2 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein the operating unit has a second soft key that accepts touch input by a user, the second soft key is provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, the display panel displays a plurality of touch keys along a first axis, and the soft key, the second soft key, and the display panel are arranged along the first axis in the order of the soft key, the display panel, and the second soft key. By positioning the soft key and the second soft key on either side of the display panel, the user is less likely to accidentally operate the wrong soft key.

[0205] Note 3 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 2, wherein the display panel is a rectangle having a first side along the first axis and a second side along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the first length of the first side is longer than the second length of the second side. By positioning the soft key and the second soft key along the first side of the first length, which is longer than the second length, user error is further reduced.

[0206] Note 4 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of touch keys are displayed so as to be movable along the first axis. Users can easily distinguish between movable touch keys and fixed soft keys. This reduces user error.

[0207] Note 5 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 2 to Appendix 4, wherein the operating unit has a third soft key that accepts touch input by a user, and the third soft key is provided on the outer periphery of the display panel and is positioned in a first direction intersecting the first axis with respect to the soft key. By positioning the third soft key in the first direction relative to the other soft keys, user operability of the soft keys and the third soft key is improved.

[0208] Note 6 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 5, wherein the operating unit has mechanical keys for receiving the input operation by the user, and the soft keys, the third soft key, and the mechanical key are arranged along the second axis in the order of the soft keys, the mechanical key, and the third soft key. By arranging the soft keys and third soft keys along the second axis, flanking the mechanical keys, users can more easily distinguish between the soft keys and the third soft key. This improves user operability.

[0209] Appendix 7 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 6, wherein the operating unit has a fourth soft key that accepts touch input by a user, the fourth soft key is provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, the soft key and the third soft key are arranged in a first region along the second side, and the fourth soft key is arranged in a second region along the first side. The placement of the soft keys, second soft keys, third soft keys, and fourth soft keys in the first and second areas improves user operability.

[0210] Note 8 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, wherein the power switch is mechanical and has an on / off switching function for switching the power on and off, and a power saving switching function for switching the power saving function on and off. By using a mechanical power switch, changes in the power supply state can be reliably executed. The power switch having a power-saving switching function simplifies the configuration of the operating unit.

[0211] Note 9 The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, wherein the soft keys are capacitive keys. By using capacitive keys for the soft keys, the operability and touch sensitivity of the soft keys are improved.

[0212] Note 10 An operation unit comprising a display panel that displays multiple touch keys that accept touch input from a user, and soft keys provided on the outer periphery of the display panel that accept the touch input from the user. By placing the soft keys on the outer edge of the display panel, user operability of both the soft keys and the display panel is improved.

[0213] Note 11 An operating unit according to claim 10, comprising a second soft key for receiving touch input by a user, wherein the second soft key is provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, the display panel displays a plurality of touch keys along a first axis, and the soft key, the second soft key, and the display panel are arranged along the first axis in the order of the soft key, the display panel, and the second soft key. By positioning the soft key and the second soft key on either side of the display panel, the user is less likely to accidentally operate the wrong soft key. [Explanation of symbols]

[0214] 1…Printer, 1a…Front, 10…Scanner unit, 11…Document glass support housing, 12…ADF support housing, 13…Document tray, 14…Document feed slot, 15…Document output tray, 20…Printer unit, 21…Paper storage section, 21a…First paper feed cassette, 21b…Second paper feed cassette, 22…Paper transport section, 23…Paper feeding section, 24…Pickup roller, 25…Separation roller pair, 26…Transport roller pair, 31…Paper output section, 33…Output section, 34…Output roller pair, 35…Output port, 41…Printing section, 42…Print head, 43…Carriage, 45…Platen, 50… Ink tank unit, 51…Ink tank, 52…Viewing window, 53…Ink tank cover, 53a…Handle, 70…Control panel, 70a…1st control panel, 70b…2nd control panel, 70c…3rd control panel, 70d…4th control panel, 70e…5th control panel, 70f…6th control panel, 70g…7th control panel, 70h…8th control panel, 71…Power button, 72…Input button, 72a…Number input button, 72b…Clear button, 72c…Interrupt button, 72d…Reset button 73...Touch panel, 73a...First touch panel, 73b...Second touch panel, 74...Touch input key, 74a...Home key, 74b...Help key, 74c...Back key, 74d...Server switching key, 74e...Power key, 74f...Logout key, 74g...Cancel key, 74h...Sleep mode setting key, 74i...Fax notification key, 75...Indicator lamp, 75a...Unprocessed notification lamp, 76...Home button, 80...Reading mechanism, 90...Printing mechanism, 95...Power unit, 100...Control unit, 101...Input reception unit, 102...Display control unit, 103... 104...Reading control unit, 105...Printing control unit, 110...Power supply control unit, 210...Memory, 210...Display screen, 210a...Home screen, 210b...First menu icon display screen, 210c...Second menu icon display screen, 210d...Second home screen, 211...Menu icon, 211a...Copy icon, 211b...Fax icon, 211c...Scanner icon, 211d...Preset icon, 211e...External memory print icon, 211f...Fax box icon, 211g...Maintenance memory print icon, 211h...Maintenance icon,211i…Settings icon, 213…Function icon, 213a…Status display icon, 213b…LAN connection notification icon, 213c…Simple AP connection notification icon, 213d…Voice settings icon, 213e…Operation noise reduction mode notification icon, 213f…Sleep mode setting icon, 213g…Fax notification icon, 213h…Job status notification icon, 213i…Screen position notification icon, 213j…First scroll icon, 213k…Second scroll icon, 215…Display image, 215a…Date and time display image, 301…Cover film, 302…Input key circuit board, 303…Input key electrode, 304…Light guide section, 305…Light-emitting element, DA…Array axis, D1…Transport direction, D2…Discharge direction, L1…First panel side length, L2…Second panel side length, PG…Control program, PS1…First panel side, PS2…Second panel side, R1…First placement area, R2…Second placement area, S…Paper, SA…Sensor placement area, SA1…First sensor placement area, SA2…Second sensor placement area, SA3…Third sensor placement area, TR…Paper transport path, VA…Orthogonal axis.

Claims

1. A power switch that accepts changes in the power supply state, It includes an operating unit that accepts user input operations, The aforementioned operating unit is A display panel that shows multiple touch keys that accept user touch input, Includes a soft key that accepts touch input from the user, The aforementioned soft keys are provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, Printing device.

2. The aforementioned operating unit has a second soft key that accepts the touch input from the user, The second soft key is provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, The display panel displays a plurality of touch keys along the first axis, The soft key, the second soft key, and the display panel are arranged along the first axis in the order of the soft key, the display panel, and the second soft key. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The display panel is a rectangle having a first side along the first axis and a second side along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first length of the first side is longer than the second length of the second side. The printing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Multiple touch keys are displayed so as to be movable along the first axis. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The operation unit has a third soft key that accepts touch input from the user, The third soft key is, Provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, The soft key is positioned in a first direction that intersects with the first axis, The printing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The operating unit has mechanical keys that accept the input operation by the user, The soft key, the third soft key, and the mechanical key are arranged along the second axis in the order of the soft key, the mechanical key, and the third soft key. The printing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The operation unit has a fourth soft key that accepts touch input from the user, The fourth soft key is provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, The soft key and the third soft key are arranged in a first region along the second edge, and the fourth soft key is arranged in a second region along the first edge. The printing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The power switch is mechanical and has an on / off switching function for switching the power on and off, and a power saving switching function for switching the power saving function on and off. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned soft key is a capacitive key. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. A display panel that shows multiple touch keys that accept user touch input, The display panel is provided with soft keys on its outer periphery that accept touch input from the user, An operating unit having

11. It has a second soft key that accepts the aforementioned touch input from the user, The second soft key is provided on the outer periphery of the display panel, The display panel displays a plurality of touch keys along the first axis, The soft key, the second soft key, and the display panel are arranged along the first axis in the order of the soft key, the display panel, and the second soft key. The operating unit according to claim 10.

Images