Image forming apparatus

Abstract

In configurations where the control panel can be housed inside the device, depending on the location of the communication unit, it may be difficult to perform short-range wireless communication with the communication unit located on the control panel. [Solution] An image forming apparatus comprising an operating unit that moves between a first position in which the entire display unit is exposed to the outside of the main body of the apparatus and a second position in which at least a part of the display unit is housed inside the main body of the apparatus, wherein when the operating unit is in the second position, a target mark for holding a terminal is exposed to the outside of the main body of the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an operation panel.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in the operation panel of an image forming apparatus, as the amount of information to be displayed increases, the size tends to increase. When the operation panel becomes larger, if the operation panel is not used, the size of the main body of the image forming apparatus increases, and the convenience for the user may decrease. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus having a display that can be pulled out from inside the apparatus as needed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent image forming apparatuses, a configuration including a communication unit capable of performing NFC communication (Near Field Communication), a non-contact short-range wireless communication, with an information device such as a mobile terminal is known. The communication unit may be provided on the operation panel in consideration of user convenience. However, in a configuration where the operation panel can be housed inside the apparatus as in Patent Document 1, depending on the position of the communication unit, it may be difficult to perform short-range wireless communication with the communication unit provided on the operation panel.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the risk of deterioration of user operability when performing short-range wireless communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, comprising: an apparatus body having an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material; a display unit for displaying information related to image formation; and a communication unit for performing short-range wireless communication with a mobile communication terminal when the mobile communication terminal is held over the apparatus body, wherein the operation unit is movable between a first position in which the entire display unit is exposed to the outside of the apparatus body and a second position in which at least a part of the display unit is housed inside the apparatus body so that it cannot be seen from the outside of the apparatus body; and the communication unit further comprises a target mark that serves as a target for the user to hold over the mobile communication terminal, wherein when the operation unit is in the second position, the target mark is exposed to the outside of the apparatus body, and the user can perform short-range wireless communication by holding over the mobile terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the risk of reduced user operability when performing short-range wireless communication can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration of an operating unit and a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the operation unit and storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the operation unit and storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the operation unit and storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the operation unit and storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specifically stated, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of this invention to those components alone. [Examples]

[0010] <Image forming apparatus> The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system equipped with an image forming apparatus.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system A includes an image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on a sheet S (recording material), and a reader 14 that optically reads the image of a document placed on a glass surface (not shown) and converts it into image data. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 1, the ceiling side of the image forming apparatus 1 is called the upper side, and the ground side is called the lower side. Additionally, a processing device 16 can be optionally added to perform processes such as stapling, punching, and binding on the sheet S on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a seesaw-type or tactile-type main power switch 121 for switching the main power on and off.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 2 for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 1 and for displaying the status of the image forming apparatus. The operation panel 2 and the short-range wireless IF 28 are connected and arranged together, and these together are sometimes referred to as the operation unit 26.

[0014] On the operation panel 2, there are arranged a display unit 21 capable of displaying a display image received from the image forming apparatus 1 for giving an operation instruction, a touch panel 22 for detecting a touch operation from the user, and a status display unit 24. The user can perform settings related to image formation such as the number of images to be formed and the size setting of the sheet S, and settings related to image reading such as the size setting of the original document, by touching with a finger the keys (input units, buttons) displayed on the display unit 21 to perform input and the like.

[0015] In addition to the touch panel, the operation panel 2 includes a key operation input unit 25 for the user to perform settings and job commands of the image forming apparatus 1, and a status display unit 24 for notifying the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1 (during job execution, occurrence of an error such as a jam). For example, when a jam occurs inside the main body during paper feeding in printing or the like and the paper stops, or when a component failure is suspected, or when the cover of the image forming apparatus is opened, the user is notified by blinking or lighting the LEDs or the like of the status display unit 24. (LED is the abbreviation of Light Emitting Diode.) The operation panel 2 is installed slidably and rotatably on the image forming apparatus 1 and can be stored in the space under the reader 14 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 15 for forming an image on the sheet S. The image forming unit 15 includes photosensitive drums 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, charging devices 151Y, 151M, 151C, 151K, developing devices 152Y, 152M, 152C, 152K. The image forming unit 15 also includes primary transfer rollers 153Y, 153M, 153C, 153K, laser scanner units 154Y, 154M, 154C, 154K, an intermediate transfer belt 155, and a secondary transfer roller 156.

[0017] When forming an image by the image forming apparatus 1, first, an image forming job is input to the main body control unit 10. Thereby, the sheet S stored in either the sheet cassettes 19A or 19B is fed into the secondary transfer unit formed by the secondary transfer roller 157.

[0018] On one hand, in the image forming unit 15, first, the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y is charged by the charging device 2Y. Then, according to the image data of the document read by the reader 14 or the image data transmitted from an external device (not shown) via the network, the laser scanner unit 3Y irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y with laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y.

[0019] Next, the developing device 4Y attaches yellow toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y to form a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y. The toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 9Y is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 155 when a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 5Y.

[0020] Through a similar process, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are also formed on the photosensitive drums 9M, 9C, and 9K. Then, when a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer rollers 5M, 5C, and 5K, these toner images are superposed and transferred onto the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 155. Thereby, a full-color toner image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 155.

[0021] After that, as the intermediate transfer belt 155 moves in a circular motion, the full-color toner image is sent to the secondary transfer unit. Then, in the secondary transfer unit, when a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller 157, the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 155 is transferred to the sheet S. The sheet S with the transferred toner image is conveyed to the fixing device 13. Then, in the fixing device 13, heating and pressure application processes are performed to fix the toner image on the sheet S.

[0022] Next, if the user has specified processing such as stapling, punching, or binding, the sheet S with the toner image fixed is sent to the optional processing unit 16. After the specified processing is performed, it is discharged to the output tray 161a. If the user has not specified any processing or if the optional processing unit 16 is not connected, the sheet S is discharged directly to the output tray 161b without any processing.

[0023] <System configuration of an image forming apparatus> Next, the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main control unit 10 having a CPU 100, memory 101, and timer 102. A storage device 11, a reader 14, an image forming unit 15, an operation panel 2, etc. are connected to the main control unit 10. In addition, a processing unit 16 can be added as an option to expand functionality. The main control unit 10 (CPU 100) controls the operation of each connected part.

[0025] The reader 14 reads the original document and generates image data. The image forming unit 15 performs an image forming process to form an image on the sheet based on the image data. The processing unit 16 performs processes such as stapling, punching, and binding on the printed material, such as the sheet, that has undergone the image forming process.

[0026] The storage device 11 stores various programs 110 related to the control of the image forming apparatus 1, various display images, print data, and so on. Here, the various programs 110 stored in the storage device 11 are a group of software that the main control unit 10 uses to perform various processing tasks. The various display images stored in the storage device 11 are display images (image data) for display on the operation panel 2, etc.

[0027] The CPU 100 reads and executes the program 110 stored in the storage device 11. The CPU 100 also reads a display image from the storage device 11 for display on the operation panel 2 and transmits it to the operation panel 2. The memory 101 temporarily stores data related to the CPU 100's execution of the program 110. In other words, the CPU 100 uses the memory 101 as a workspace based on the program 110 stored in the storage device 11, and controls the reader 14, image forming unit 15, and processing unit 16 connected to the main control unit 10 to perform processes such as forming an image on a sheet. For example, the CPU 100 processes the image data read from the document by the reader 14 based on the program 110. The CPU 100 stores the image data thus generated in the storage device 11 and transfers it to the image forming unit 15 to execute the image forming process.

[0028] Timer 102 is used to keep time when the main control unit 10 performs various processes. The main control unit 10 uses the count value of Timer 102 to control the timing of various processes of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the main control unit 10 makes a decision to switch the image forming apparatus 1 from standby mode to a sleep mode with lower power consumption based on the count value of Timer 102.

[0029] Furthermore, a power supply unit 12 is connected to the main control unit 10. The power supply unit 12 receives power from the commercial power supply via the outlet plug 122, converts it into power used by each device, and supplies power to each device.

[0030] <System configuration of the control panel> Next, the system configuration of the control panel 2 and the mobile communication terminal 4 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the control panel 2 and the mobile communication terminal 4.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the operation panel 2 includes a panel control unit 20 which has a CPU 200, ROM 201, RAM 202, and timer 203. The timer 203 keeps time when the panel control unit 20 performs various processes.

[0032] The ROM 201 (storage unit) stores data such as various programs related to the control of the operation panel 2. The CPU 200 performs various calculations based on the control programs stored in the ROM 201. The RAM 202 temporarily stores data. In other words, the CPU 200 controls the display unit 21, speaker unit 23, status display unit 24, etc., connected to the panel control unit 20, using the RAM 202 as a working area, based on the control programs stored in the ROM 201.

[0033] The short-range wireless IF28 consists of an antenna 29 and a short-range wireless communication control unit 27, and is connected to the operation panel 2. The antenna 29 is an antenna for short-range wireless communication with external devices, and in this embodiment, it is formed in a loop coil shape to receive electromagnetic radiation from external devices, perform electromagnetic coupling, and communicate using electromagnetic waves. The CPU 200 controls the short-range wireless communication control unit 27 and performs short-range wireless communication with the mobile communication terminal 4 via the antenna 29, exchanging information necessary for operating the image forming apparatus 1. In other words, the short-range wireless IF28 corresponds to the communication unit.

[0034] In addition to various programs related to the control of the operation panel 2, ROM201 also stores information related to the connection with the image forming apparatus 1. This control-related information includes information on the establishment of the connection with the image forming apparatus and information obtained from the image forming apparatus. Information obtained from the image forming apparatus includes information on the status of the image forming apparatus, such as standby mode, sleep mode, and error detection, as well as count information such as the number of printed pages.

[0035] The display unit 21 is a display unit capable of displaying information pre-stored in the ROM 201 (storage unit) or information received from the main unit control unit 10. Therefore, the image output to the display unit 21 is determined by the CPU 200 switching between outputting an image held by the operation panel 2 or an image received from the main unit control unit 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the display unit 21 has a touch panel 22 that detects touch operations from the user superimposed on it, and the user operates the display unit 21 by touching it with their finger through the touch panel 22. The display unit 21 displays the screen to the user by passing through the touch panel 22. The touch panel 22 is connected to the panel control unit 20 via the touch panel control unit 220, which detects which part of the display unit 21 the user has touched. The CPU 200 calculates coordinates from the signal detected by the touch panel control unit 220 and transmits them to the control unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby conveying the user's instructions to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0037] The status display unit 24 is equipped with LEDs to inform the user of the status of the image forming apparatus 1. There are lamps to indicate that the image forming apparatus 1 is executing a job and lamps to indicate that an error has occurred, and each lamp lights up in response to a request from the CPU 100. It is also possible to light up or blink each lamp to inform the user that short-range wireless communication has been established between the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile communication terminal 4.

[0038] Furthermore, the control panel 2 may also include a key input section 25 in addition to the touch panel display section 21, which is the operation display section. The key input section 25 consists of hard keys located in an area of ​​the control panel 2 other than the display section 21. The key input section 25 includes keys for starting jobs in the image forming apparatus and a numeric keypad for numerical input.

[0039] The system configuration of the mobile communication terminal 4 shown in Figure 3 will be described below. The mobile communication terminal 4 comprises a mobile terminal control unit 40, a user interface unit 41, a short-range wireless communication control unit 47, and an antenna 49. The short-range wireless communication control unit 47 and the antenna 49 together will be referred to as the short-range wireless communication interface 48 (or short-range wireless IF28). The mobile terminal control unit 40 is equipped with control functions necessary for controlling the mobile terminal, such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and timer (not shown).

[0040] The ROM (memory) of the mobile communication terminal 4 stores data such as various programs related to the control of the mobile communication terminal 4. The CPU of the mobile communication terminal 4 controls the user interface unit 41 and the short-range wireless communication control unit 47, using the RAM as a working area based on the control programs stored in the ROM. The antenna 49 is an antenna for short-range wireless communication with external devices, and in this embodiment, it is formed in the shape of a loop coil to receive electromagnetic radiation from external devices, perform electromagnetic coupling, and communicate using electromagnetic waves.

[0041] The user interface unit 41 includes functions necessary for user operation, such as a touch panel, display unit, sound generator, status display unit, and key input unit (not shown). A CPU (not shown) controls the short-range wireless communication control unit 47 and communicates with the image forming apparatus 1 via antenna 49, exchanging information necessary for operating the image forming apparatus 1. For example, suppose a user operates an application installed on a mobile communication terminal 4 and prepares a print job for the image forming apparatus 1. Subsequently, by bringing the short-range wireless IF 28 of the mobile communication terminal 4 close to the short-range wireless IF 28 of the image forming apparatus 1 at an appropriate position and distance, it is possible to communicate with the image forming apparatus 1, issue instructions, and have the image forming apparatus 1 execute the print job. The structure of the retractable operation panel 2 will be described next, but in this case, since the print job can be executed with the operation panel 2 retracted without being pulled out, there is an effect that the printed material can be retrieved in a state of good visibility.

[0042] Furthermore, the status indicator unit 24 can be illuminated or flashed to notify the user that short-range wireless communication has been established between the image forming apparatus 1 and the mobile communication terminal 4. It is also possible to generate operation sounds from the operation sound generation unit 23.

[0043] <Control Panel Structure> In this embodiment, the operation panel 2 is movable between a retracted state in which at least a portion of the display unit 21 is stored inside the main body of the device, and an exposed state in which the entire display unit 21 is exposed outside the main body of the device and visible to the user. The position in which the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state corresponds to a first position, and the position in which the operation panel 2 is in the retracted state corresponds to a second position.

[0044] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. It shows that the short-range wireless IF 28 of the image forming apparatus 1 is exposed with the operation panel 2 retracted, the target mark 290 of the short-range wireless IF 28 is indicated, and each lamp of the status indicator unit 24 is visible. The antenna 29 is positioned in an appropriate location inside the short-range wireless IF 28. A target mark 290 is indicated on the short-range wireless IF 28 to facilitate the alignment of the antenna 29 of the short-range wireless IF 28. This clearly indicates to the user that short-range wireless communication will be established when the user's mobile communication terminal 4 is brought close to the target mark 290 of the image forming apparatus 1, and it also corresponds to the target position when the user holds up the mobile communication terminal. Considering user operability, it is desirable to position the short-range wireless IF 28 on almost the same plane as the operation panel 2, which is the most easily visible position on the image forming apparatus 1.

[0045] Figure 4 shows the front (front of the main unit) and back (back) sides with arrows, indicating that the user operates from the front. For example, suppose a user operates an application installed on the mobile communication terminal 4 to prepare a print job for the image forming apparatus 1. Then, by bringing the short-range wireless IF28 of the mobile communication terminal 4 close to the short-range wireless IF28 of the image forming apparatus 1 at an appropriate position and distance, it is possible to communicate with the image forming apparatus 1 and give instructions to the image forming apparatus 1 to execute the print job. In this case, since the print job can be executed with the operation panel 2 stored without being pulled out, there is an effect of being able to retrieve the printed material with good visibility.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the storage compartment that houses the operation panel 2 in this embodiment. The operation panel 2 and the short-range wireless IF 28 are connected. The operation panel 2 is connected to shaft 62 and can slide forward (towards the front of the main unit) and backward (towards the rear) as indicated by the arrows in Figure 5. The detection sensor 30 is connected to the CPU 200 and detects when the operation panel 2 is fully extended. The detection sensor 30 may be a photosensor such as a photointerrupter, or a mechanical mechanism such as a switch. The operation panel 2 is structured so that it cannot move further back than the position shown in Figure 5, by means of a stopper (not shown).

[0047] The pivot axis 52 can be freely rotated to a certain angle after the operation panel 2 has been fully extended, allowing the operation panel 2 to be tilted. Depending on the height of the user operating the operation panel 2, it may be difficult to see the operation panel 2. By rotating the operation panel 2 around the pivot axis 52, it becomes possible to set the operation panel 2 to an optimal angle that allows the user to easily see the operation panel 2, according to the user's height. In other words, the pivot axis 52 corresponds to the first pivot axis. The diagram shows a structure in which the short-range wireless IF 28 is exposed when the operation panel 2 is retracted, enabling close-range communication with the short-range wireless IF 28 of the mobile communication terminal 4. The short-range wireless IF 28 is located on the side of the front of the main unit. This structure makes it possible to bring the short-range wireless IF of the user's mobile terminal and the short-range wireless IF 28 of the image forming apparatus 1 into close proximity and perform short-range wireless communication.

[0048] In this embodiment, the short-range wireless interface (IF28) is positioned on the side of the front of the main unit. This allows the user to easily bring their mobile device close to the IF28. On the other hand, the mounting angle of the IF is just an example, and the mounting angle can be changed as appropriate to suit the user's operation.

[0049] In this embodiment, the operation panel 2 is equipped with a status indicator unit 24 that emits light in response to user operation. The status indicator unit 24 emits light, for example, when wireless communication between the mobile communication terminal 4 and the short-range wireless IF 28 is completed. When performing short-range wireless communication, there is a risk that the user's operability will be reduced, such as continuing to hold the mobile terminal over the device without realizing that the communication has been completed. On the other hand, by emitting light in the status indicator unit 24 to notify the user that the short-range wireless communication has been completed, the user can easily recognize that the short-range wireless communication has been completed.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the storage compartment that houses the operation panel 2 in this embodiment. The operation unit 2, including the short-range wireless IF 28, is connected to the shaft 62. The operation panel 2 can move along the front-rear direction of the device body, moving between a stored state and an exposed state. A detection sensor 30 is provided on the movement path of the operation panel 2 inside the storage compartment, making it possible to detect the position of the moving operation panel 2. The detection sensor 30 is connected to the CPU 200. The CPU 200 may change the display of the display unit 21 according to the detection result of the detection sensor 30. For example, the display unit 21 may be lit when the operation panel 2 is in the exposed state, and turned off when the operation panel 2 is in the stored state. By controlling the display unit 21 in this way, it is possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption of the display unit 21. The detection sensor 30 may be a photosensor such as a photointerrupter, or a mechanical mechanism such as a switch. In addition, a stopper (not shown) may be connected to the shaft 62 to restrict the movement of the operation panel 2 in the front-rear direction.

[0051] In this invention, as shown in Figure 6, the short-range wireless IF 28, which has a pivot axis 53 in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the operation panel, is connected to the operation panel 2 via the pivot axis 53 and can rotate around the pivot axis 53. That is, the pivot axis 53 corresponds to a second pivot axis. By rotating the short-range wireless IF 28 around the pivot axis 53, it is possible to change the angle of the target mark 290 relative to the display unit 21 of the operation panel 2. When a mobile communication terminal 4 is held over the short-range wireless IF 28, depending on the angle of the target mark 290 relative to the operation panel 2, it may be difficult to perform short-range wireless communication between the mobile communication terminal 4 and the short-range wireless IF 28. By rotating the short-range wireless IF 28 around the pivot axis 53, it becomes possible to set the angle of the target mark 290 relative to the operation panel 2 to an optimal angle, thereby reducing the risk of decreased user operability.

[0052] As described above, this embodiment provides a convenient image forming apparatus that has a structure that allows the short-range wireless IF28 to be used at an angle even when the user pulls out the operation panel 2 and uses the operation panel 2 at an angle. [Examples]

[0053] This figure shows the case where the short-range wireless IF28 is positioned on the bezel of the control panel 2 in Example 2. Note that the configuration of the image forming system and other components other than the short-range wireless IF28 are the same as in Example 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0054] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the main body of the device according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 7, the operation panel 2 is shown in a stored state, stored in the storage compartment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel 2 stored in the storage compartment. In Embodiment 2, the short-range wireless IF 28 is provided on the bezel portion of the operation panel 2, and the short-range wireless IF 28 is exposed to the outside of the main body of the device even when the operation panel 2 is in a stored state. Therefore, regardless of the stored state of the operation panel 2, the user can hold the mobile communication terminal 4 over the short-range wireless IF 28 provided on the bezel of the operation panel 2 and perform short-range wireless communication.

[0055] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the control panel 2 in its exposed state. As shown in Figure 9, a pivot axis 53 is provided in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the control panel. The short-range wireless IF 28 is connected to the control panel 2 via the pivot axis 53 and can rotate around the pivot axis 53. By rotating the short-range wireless IF 28 around the pivot axis 53, it is possible to change the angle of the target mark 290 relative to the control panel 2. When a mobile communication terminal 4 is held over the short-range wireless IF 28, depending on the angle of the target mark 290 relative to the control panel 2, it may be difficult to perform short-range wireless communication between the mobile communication terminal 4 and the short-range wireless IF 28. By rotating the short-range wireless IF 28 around the pivot axis 53, it is possible to set the angle of the target mark 290 relative to the control panel 2 to an optimal angle, thereby reducing the risk of decreased user operability. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1. Image forming apparatus 15 Image forming unit 2. Control Panel 21 Display section 22 Touch Panel 23 Operation sound generation unit 24 Status display section 26 Control section 27 Short-range wireless communication control unit 28. Short-range wireless communication interface (Short-range wireless IF) 290 Target Marks 4 Mobile devices

Claims

1. A device body having an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, An operating unit having a display unit for displaying information related to image formation and a communication unit for short-range wireless communication with a mobile communication terminal when the mobile communication terminal is held over the operating unit, wherein the operating unit is movable between a first position in which the entire display unit is exposed to the outside of the main body of the device and a second position in which at least a part of the display unit is housed inside the main body of the device so that it cannot be seen from the outside of the main body of the device, The communication unit further includes a target mark that serves as a target for the user to hold the mobile communication terminal over, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, when the operating unit is in the second position, the target mark is exposed to the outside of the main body of the apparatus, and the user can perform short-range wireless communication by holding the mobile communication terminal over it.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit is movable along the front-rear direction of the main body of the apparatus.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that when the operating unit is located in the first position, the operating unit rotates around a pivot axis that intersects the front-rear direction.

4. The aforementioned pivot shaft is the first pivot shaft, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the communication unit is rotatably connected to the operating unit via a second pivot axis that intersects in the front-rear direction, and the angle of the target mark with respect to the display unit changes by rotating around the second pivot axis.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a stopper that restricts the movement of the operating unit in the front-rear direction.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit further comprises a light-emitting unit that emits light in response to the completion of short-range wireless communication between the mobile communication terminal and the communication unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor for detecting when the operating unit is in the first position and when the operating unit is in the second position.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the display unit turns off when the sensor detects that the operating unit is in the second position.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the target mark is provided on the bezel of the operating unit.

Images