Multifunction device

Abstract

To improve the beauty appearance of a device in an exterior part even in a case where the position of the exterior part for manipulation is shown to a user.SOLUTION: A compound machine comprises: an exterior part which is a portion not being an input part for inputting an instruction to a program but is an exterior portion of this device; a reception part which receives an execution instruction of processing with a manipulation to the exterior part; and a notification part which when the reception part receives the execution instruction, gives a notification showing the position of the exterior part on which a user performs manipulation when executing the processing in the exterior part, to a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunction device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a document reading device including a document placement table having a document reading unit, and an automatic document feeder rotatably supported on the document placement table between a closed position covering the upper surface of the document placement table and an open position opening the upper surface of the document placement table. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device including the above-described document reading device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in a scene where a user operates an exterior part of a device, which is not an input part for inputting commands to a program such as a UI touch panel or a keyboard, such as opening and closing a cover that covers the device, as a method of indicating to the user the position of the exterior part where the operation is performed, the position is indicated by printing characters on the exterior part or changing the shape of the exterior part to a shape different from that of other exterior parts. However, the appearance of a device in which the above method is applied to all positions of the exterior part where an operation is assumed to be performed is not good.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the appearance of a device in an exterior part where an operation is performed, even when indicating to a user the position of the exterior part where an operation is performed, as compared with a device in which characters are printed or the shape is changed to that of an exterior part of another part at all positions of the exterior part where an operation is assumed to be performed.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The first aspect is a part that is not an input unit for inputting instructions to a program, and includes an exterior part that is the exterior part of the present device, a reception unit that receives an execution instruction for processing accompanied by an operation on the exterior part, and when the reception unit receives the execution instruction, a notification unit that notifies the user of the present device of a notification indicating the position of the exterior part where the user operates when executing the processing within the exterior part.

[0007] The second aspect includes a placing unit on which a document is placed, a conveyance mechanism that conveys the document placed on the placing unit, a reading unit that reads an image of the document conveyed by the conveyance mechanism, a covering position that covers the placing unit, and a moving unit as the exterior part that is movable to an open position that opens the upper side of the placing unit. The notification unit performs a display as the notification indicating the input position where the user inputs a moving force for moving the moving unit when the reception unit receives the execution instruction for the processing including the reading by the reading unit.

[0008] In the third aspect, the notification unit lights up a partial range of the input position.

[0009] The fourth aspect includes a stage as the exterior part on which an object is placed, and a camera that can read an image of the object placed on the stage. The notification unit performs a display as the notification indicating the position on the stage where the object is placed when the reception unit receives the execution instruction for the processing including the reading by the camera.

[0010] In the fifth aspect, the notification unit lights up a range of the central part of the position where the object is placed.

[0011] In the sixth aspect, the notification unit ends the notification when an operation on the exterior part is performed.

[0012] In the seventh aspect, the notification unit ends the notification when an operation on the exterior part is started.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the configuration of the first aspect, in a scene where a user operates on the exterior part which is the exterior of the apparatus, even when indicating the position of the exterior part where an operation is assumed to be performed among all positions of the exterior part where an operation may be performed, the aesthetics of the apparatus in the exterior part where the operation is performed is improved as compared with an apparatus where characters are printed or the shape is changed from that of other parts of the exterior.

[0014] According to the configuration of the second aspect, the user can grasp the input position where the user inputs the moving force for moving the moving part.

[0015] According to the configuration of the third aspect, the user can grasp the input position where the user inputs the moving force for moving the moving part within a lighting range narrower than the input position.

[0016] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the user can grasp the position where the subject on which an image is read by the camera is placed.

[0017] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the user can grasp the position where the subject on which an image is read by the camera is placed within a lighting range narrower than the placing position.

[0018] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the user can grasp that the correct operation position has been operated.

[0019] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the user can grasp that the operation of the correct operation position has been started.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (Multifunction Machine 10) The multifunction machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the multifunction machine 10 according to this embodiment. The arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction of the device, the arrow W indicates the width direction of the device (specifically, the horizontal direction), and the arrow D indicates the depth direction of the device (specifically, the horizontal direction). The vertical direction, width direction, and depth direction of the device are perpendicular to each other (specifically, orthogonal).

[0023] The multifunction device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device capable of executing various processes according to instructions from a user (hereinafter referred to as a user) who uses the multifunction device 10. Specifically, the multifunction device 10 can execute at least scanning, copying, and printing processes according to the user's instructions. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 10 includes a conveyance unit 14, an image forming unit 12, a reading unit 30, a conveyance mechanism 40, an original platen 50, a discharge unit 60, an original platen 70, a camera 80, and an exterior unit 100. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the multifunction device 10 includes a display unit 90, an input unit 92, a notification device 110, a detection unit 150, and a control device 160.

[0024] Note that in the present embodiment, since the multifunction device 10 has a function of forming an image as described later, it may be regarded as an image forming device. Further, since the multifunction device 10 has a function of reading an image as described later, it may be regarded as an image reading device. Furthermore, since the multifunction device 10 has a function of executing various processes as described later, it may be regarded as a process execution device.

[0025] (Conveyance Unit 14 and Image Forming Unit 12) The conveyance unit 14 (see FIG. 1) conveys a recording medium P such as paper stored in the storage unit 16. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance unit 14 has conveyance members 14A such as a plurality of conveyance rolls, and conveys the recording medium P by the conveyance members 14A.

[0026] The image forming unit 12 (see FIG. 1) forms an image on the recording medium P conveyed by the conveyance unit 14. In the image forming unit 12, the images read by the reading unit 30 and the camera 80 can be formed on the recording medium P.

[0027] Specifically, in the image forming unit 12, a toner image (an example of an image) is formed on the recording medium P by an electrophotographic method. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 12 includes toner image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K (hereinafter referred to as 20Y to 20K), a transfer body 24, and a fixing unit 26.

[0028] In the image forming unit 12, each toner image forming unit 20Y to 20K performs the steps of charging, exposing, developing, and transferring, and forms toner images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) on the transfer body 24. Further, in the image forming unit 12, the toner images of each color formed on the transfer body 24 are transferred to the recording medium P, and the toner images are fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing unit 26. In this way, the image forming unit 12 uses an intermediate transfer method of transferring an image to the recording medium P via the transfer body 24.

[0029] (Reading unit 30 and transport mechanism 40) The reading unit 30 shown in FIG. 1 and the like is a component that reads the image of the document G (see FIGS. 3 and 5) being transported. As shown in FIG. 1, this reading unit 30 is installed above the image forming unit 12. Specifically, the reading unit 30 includes reading sensors 32 and 34 and a cover 33.

[0030] The reading sensor 32 is a functional unit having a reading function of reading the image on one side of the document G being transported. The reading sensor 34 is a functional unit having a reading function of reading the image on the other side of the document G being transported. As the reading sensors 32 and 34, as an example, a close-type image sensor called CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used.

[0031] The cover 33 is a component that covers the reading sensor 32. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover 33 includes a top plate 35 and side plates 37 and 39.

[0032] The top plate 35 is installed above the reading sensor 32 and covers the reading sensor 32 from above. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a part of the document G on which an image is read by the camera 80 is placed on the top plate 35.

[0033] The side plate 37 is installed on one side in the device width direction with respect to the reading sensor 32 (the left side in FIG. 1), and covers the reading sensor 32 from one side in the device width direction. The side plate 39 is installed on the other side in the device width direction with respect to the reading sensor 32 (the right side in FIG. 1), and covers the reading sensor 32 from the other side in the device width direction.

[0034] Note that since one side in the device width direction corresponds to the left side in the multifunction machine 10, hereinafter, one side in the device width direction will be referred to as the left side. Since the other side in the device width direction corresponds to the right side in the multifunction machine 10, hereinafter, the other side in the device width direction will be referred to as the right side. Since these directions are defined for convenience of explanation, the device configuration is not limited to these directions.

[0035] An entrance 39A for receiving the document G placed on the document table 50 into the inside of the cover 33 is formed in the side plate 39. The entrance 39A is configured by an opening extending in the depth direction of the device.

[0036] A discharge port 39B through which the document G is discharged from the inside of the cover 33 to the discharge unit 60 is formed below the entrance 39A in the side plate 39. The discharge port 39B is configured by an opening extending in the depth direction of the device.

[0037] The conveyance mechanism 40 is a mechanism for conveying the document G whose image is read by the reading unit 30. This conveyance mechanism 40 is arranged inside the cover 33. In other words, the conveyance mechanism 40 is covered by the cover 33.

[0038] Specifically, the conveyance mechanism 40 has a plurality of conveyance members 40A such as conveyance rolls. In the conveyance mechanism 40, the document G placed on the document table 50 is conveyed by the conveyance member 40A along a C-shaped conveyance path from the entrance 39A to the discharge port 39B (that is, the discharge unit 60).

[0039] In this way, in the multifunction machine 10, the conveyance mechanism 40 conveys the document G from the document table 50 to the discharge unit 60, and the reading unit 30 reads the image of the document G conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 40.

[0040] (Original document table 50) The original document table 50 is a table on which the original document G to be imaged by the reading unit 30 (see FIG. 1) is placed as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7. That is, the original document table 50 can also be said to be a component on which the original document G conveyed by the conveying mechanism 40 (see FIG. 1) is placed. Note that the original document table 50 is an example of a placing portion.

[0041] On the original document table 50, the original document G is placed on the upper surface 50A. Therefore, the upper surface 50A of the original document table 50 is a placing surface on which the original document G is placed. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, with the original document table 70 in the open position, the original document G is placed on the original document table 50 from above.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the "original document table" is used to mean something on which the original document G is placed. Therefore, the "table" does not include the meaning of specifying the shape.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the original document table 50 is installed on the right side with respect to the reading unit 30. Further, the original document table 50 is on the lower side with respect to the original document table 70 and on the lower side with respect to the top surface 35A of the top plate 35. Therefore, the upper surface 50A of the original document table 50 has a step with respect to the top surface 35A of the top plate 35.

[0044] The original document table 50 is formed in a plate shape extending rightward from the side plate 39 of the cover 33. The upper surface 50A of the original document table 50 extends rightward from the receiving port 39A. The upper surface 50A is an inclined surface with an upward slope extending rightward from the receiving port 39A.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a restricting portion 58 (so-called side guide) is provided on the original document table 50. The restricting portion 58 contacts the side edges of the original document G placed on the original document table 50 and restricts the movement of the original document G in one side and the other side in the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0046] Note that since one side in the depth direction of the apparatus corresponds to the front in the multi-functional machine 10, hereinafter, one side in the depth direction of the apparatus will be referred to as the front. Since the other side in the depth direction of the apparatus corresponds to the rear in the multi-functional machine 10, hereinafter, the other side in the depth direction of the apparatus will be referred to as the rear. Since these directions are defined for convenience of explanation, the apparatus configuration is not limited to these directions.

[0047] (Discharge unit 60) The discharge unit 60 shown in FIG. 5 and the like is a component where the document G whose image has been read by the reading unit 30 is discharged. That is, it can also be said that the discharge unit 60 is a component on which the document G conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 40 is placed. In the discharge unit 60, the document G is placed on the upper surface 60A. Therefore, the upper surface 60A of the discharge unit 60 is the placement surface on which the document G is placed.

[0048] The discharge unit 60 is installed on the lower side with respect to the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 and on the lower side of the document table 50. The discharge unit 60 is formed in a plate shape extending rightward from the side plate 39 of the cover 33.

[0049] The upper surface 60A of the discharge unit 60 extends rightward from the discharge port 39B. The upper surface 60A is configured by an inclined surface that slopes upward toward the right from the discharge port 39B.

[0050] (Document table 70) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the document table 70 is a table on which the document G whose image is read by the camera 80 is placed. The document table 70 is an example of a moving part and an example of a table.

[0051] In the document table 70, the document G is placed on the upper surface 70A. Therefore, the upper surface 70A of the document table 70 is the placement surface on which the document G is placed. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper surface 70A of the document table 70 is installed at the same height as the top surface 35A of the top plate 35. That is, the upper surface 70A of the document table 70 is installed on the same plane as the top surface 35A of the top plate 35.

[0052] The original document table 70 is located above the discharge unit 60 and is installed above the original document table 50. Therefore, the original document table 70 covers the upper surface 50A of the original document table 50 from above.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the original document table 70 has a top plate 71 and side plates 72, 74, and 75. As shown in FIG. 4, the top plate 71 is in the shape of a plate with the plate thickness direction being the vertical direction, and as shown in FIG. 6, it is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. In the original document table 70, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the original document G is placed on the top plate 71. Therefore, the upper surface 70A of the original document table 70 is constituted by the upper surface of the top plate 71.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, the top plate 71 is installed above the original document table 50. The dimension in the device width direction and the dimension in the device depth direction of the top plate 71 are made larger than the dimension in the device width direction and the dimension in the device depth direction of the original document table 50.

[0055] The side plate 75 projects downward from the right end of the top plate 71. The side plate 75 is formed in the shape of a plate with the plate thickness direction being the device width direction. The side plate 75 is installed on the right side with respect to the original document table 50 and covers the original document table 50 from the right side.

[0056] Each of the side plates 72 and 74 projects downward from each of the front end and the rear end of the top plate 71 (see FIG. 3). The side plates 72 and 74 are formed in the shape of a plate with the plate thickness direction being the device depth direction. Each of the side plates 72 and 74 is installed on the front side and the rear side with respect to the original document table 50 and covers the original document table 50 from each of the front side and the rear side.

[0057] Furthermore, the original document table 70 is movable between a covering position (the position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6) that covers the original document table 50 from above and an open position (the position shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7) that opens the upper side with respect to the original document table 50. In the present embodiment, the original document table 70 is movably supported by the device main body 11 as a support between the covering position and the open position.

[0058] On each of the side plates 72 and 74, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a rail 76 formed by an elongated hole along the left - right direction is formed. The shaft portions 57 and 59 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the platen 50 are inserted into the rail 76. Then, by guiding the shaft portions 57 and 59 by the rail 76 to the covering position (the position shown in FIG. 8) and the open position (the position shown in FIG. 9) of the platen 70, the platen 70 moves between the covering position (the position shown in FIG. 8) and the open position (the position shown in FIG. 9) along the width direction of the apparatus.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the platen 70 is arranged on the side opposite to the reading unit 30 with respect to the platen 50 (that is, the right - hand side) in the open position. And a part of the document G placed on the platen 50 is placed on the platen 70 located in the open position.

[0060] In this way, in the multifunction machine 10, a moving mechanism for moving the platen 70 is constituted by the shaft portions 57 and 59 and the rail 76. Note that the moving mechanism is not limited to the above - described configuration and can be constituted using various mechanical elements.

[0061] Also, as described above, the platen 70 has a function as a cover for covering the platen 50. That is, the platen 70 also serves as a cover for covering the platen 50. Since the platen 70 has a function as a cover, it may be grasped as a cover (covering member) of the platen 50.

[0062] In the platen 70, the side plate 75 functions as an input portion for the user to input a moving force for moving the platen 70. Specifically, for example, the user inserts a hand from the lower side of the side plate 75 to the inside (that is, the left - hand side) of the side plate 75 and inputs a moving force to move the platen 70 located in the covering position to the open position with respect to the side plate 75. Also, the user inputs a moving force to move the platen 70 located in the open position to the covering position with respect to the side plate 75 from the outside (that is, the right - hand side).

[0063] Note that, as the input portion, for example, it may be a handle provided on the side plate 75 of the platen 70. Also, for example, it may be configured such that a user inserts a hand into a long hole formed in the side plate 75 of the platen 70 and inputs a moving force to the side plate 75. Further, the input portion may be provided on a portion other than the side plate 75 of the platen 70, as long as a moving force can be input to the platen 70.

[0064] (Camera 80) The camera 80 is a camera (so-called picture camera) capable of reading an image of a document G (an example of a subject) placed on the platen 70. This camera 80 is installed above the platen 70. Also, the camera 80 is directed downward, and is capable of reading an image of the document G placed on the upper surface 70A of the platen 70.

[0065] As the camera 80, for example, a digital camera having an optical system such as a lens and an image sensor that converts light reception into an electrical signal is used. As the image sensor, for example, there are a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The optical axis of the camera 80 is, for example, along the vertical direction when viewed from the front side.

[0066] The camera 80 is supported by a support portion 85 provided on the apparatus main body 11. The support portion 85 has a column portion 87 that extends upward from the apparatus main body 11 on the rear side with respect to the platen 70, and a mounting portion 89 that extends forward from the upper end portion of the column portion 87. The camera 80 is attached to the mounting portion 89. Also, an illumination device 88 for illuminating the document G when the document G is imaged by the camera 80 is attached to the mounting portion 89. The illumination device 88 has a light source such as an LED, and illuminates the document G with the light source.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the camera 80 has a reading range MH that straddles the reading unit 30 and the platen 70. The top surface 35A of the top plate 35 in the reading unit 30 and the upper surface 70A of the platen 70 are formed in a planar shape within the reading range MH of the camera 80. In the present embodiment, the entire top surface 35A of the top plate 35 and the entire upper surface 70A of the platen 70 are formed in a planar shape.

[0068] Here, the term "planar shape" means that it is planar to such an extent that it can support the posture of the document G suitable for reading by the camera 80, and unevenness formed within the range that can support the posture of the document suitable for reading by the camera 80 is allowed. The posture of the document G suitable for reading is a smooth posture, and at least when the document G (specifically, plain paper) is placed across the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 and the upper surface 50A of the platen 50, it is a posture with less deflection.

[0069] It is desirable that the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 in the reading unit 30 and the upper surface 70A of the platen 70 are perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 80. At least in the multifunction device 10, when viewed from the front side, the angles of the top surface 35A and the upper surface 70A with respect to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera 80 are smaller than the angle of the upper surface 50A of the platen 50 with respect to the perpendicular direction.

[0070] In the multifunction device 10, the document G is placed on the platen 70 located at the covering position and the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 in the reading unit 30, and the camera 80 captures the document G to read the image. The image is an image formed on the document G and includes images such as characters, pictures, and photographs.

[0071] Also, the top surface 35A and the upper surface 70A that function as the placing surfaces on which the document G is placed do not necessarily have to be planar. That is, the top surface 35A and the upper surface 70A may have any shape as long as the document G can be placed on the top surface 35A and the upper surface 70A and photographed by the camera 80. Therefore, for example, if the document G can be placed on the top surface 35A and the upper surface 70A and photographed by the camera 80, the top surface 35A and the upper surface 70A may have unevenness formed thereon.

[0072] (Display unit 90 and input unit 92) The display unit 90 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) displays various information such as the content and type of instructions that can be input by the input unit 92, and various messages indicating operation guidance to the user, etc. The display unit 90 is composed of, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0073] The input unit 92 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is a component for the user to input various instructions including execution instructions of the program. The input unit 92 is composed of, for example, an operation unit for the user to manually input operations for various instructions including execution instructions of the program. Specifically, the input unit 92 is composed of, for example, a touch panel and a keyboard. When the input unit 92 is a touch panel, it may be a touch panel display in which the display unit 90 and the input unit 92 are integrated. In the present embodiment, as an example, a touch panel display in which the display unit 90 and the input unit 92 are integrated is used. This touch panel display is attached to the support column 87, for example, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0074] Examples of the instructions input by the input unit 92 include execution instructions for various processes such as scan processing, copy processing, and print processing. The execution instructions for the processes include various instructions input by the input unit 92 when the processes are executed. Examples of the various instructions include performing a selection input in the input unit 92 to select the process to be executed from various processes (for example, scan processing, copy processing, and print processing) displayed on the display unit 90, and performing a setting input in the input unit 92 to set the processing conditions performed when the process is executed.

[0075]

[0076] When the setting input is performed, for example, based on the processing conditions displayed on the display unit 90, the user sets and inputs the processing conditions using the input unit 92. The processing conditions, in the case of the scanning process, for example, include the reading resolution, the reading method (whether to read by the reading unit 30 or by the camera 80), and the color setting (for example, whether to perform black-and-white reading or color reading). The processing conditions, in the case of the copying process, for example, in addition to the aforementioned reading resolution, reading method, and color setting, include the size of the recording medium P, magnification, and the like.

[0077] Note that the input unit 92 may be configured to be input by the user's gesture input. In this configuration, for example, the input unit 92 has a recognition unit such as a camera that recognizes the user's gesture, and the input is performed when the recognition unit recognizes the user's gesture.

[0078] Also, the input unit 92 may be configured to be input by the user's voice input. In this configuration, for example, the input unit 92 has a recognition unit such as a microphone that recognizes the user's voice, and the input is performed when the recognition unit recognizes the user's voice. It may be possible to give an instruction to the input unit 92 without contact, such as voice input and gesture input.

[0079] (Exterior unit 100) The exterior unit 100 is a part that is not the input unit 92 and is the exterior part of the multifunction machine 10. That is, the exterior unit 100 does not include the input unit 92 composed of a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like. This exterior unit 100 can also be said to be a component that can be visually recognized and touched by the user from the outside of the multifunction machine 10. The exterior unit 100 includes at least the aforementioned cover 33, document table 50, discharge unit 60, and document table 70.

[0080] Here, as the processes that can be input with an execution instruction by the input unit 92, there are processes accompanied by operations on the exterior unit 100 (hereinafter referred to as Process A). Examples of Process A include a copy process and a scan process. Note that the copy process and the scan process are processes in which image reading is performed by the camera 80 or the reading unit 30. Therefore, the copy process and the scan process are an example of a process including reading by the reading unit and an example of a process including reading by the camera.

[0081] In the copy process and the scan process, when image reading is performed by the camera 80, as an operation on the exterior unit 100, for example, an operation of placing the document G on the document table 70 and the cover 33 (hereinafter referred to as the placing operation) is involved.

[0082] In the copy process and the scan process, when image reading is performed by the reading unit 30, as an operation on the exterior unit 100, an operation of moving the document table 70 located at the covering position to the open position (hereinafter referred to as the moving operation) is involved.

[0083] Therefore, among the exterior unit 100, the cover 33, the document table 50, and the document table 70 correspond to the exterior unit 100 on which the user performs operations when executing Process A. The said exterior unit 100 can be said to be an operation target on which the user performs operations.

[0084] The cover 33, the document table 50, and the document table 70 that are operation targets are exterior units arranged at the upper part of the apparatus of the multifunction machine 10. Specifically, the cover 33, the document table 50, the discharge unit 60, and the document table 70 are provided at a height at which the user can perform operations on them while standing.

[0085] Note that since the input unit 92 is not included in the exterior unit 100 as described above, the operations on the exterior unit 100 do not include operations on the input unit 92.

[0086] The above-described placement operation and movement operation are preparatory operations that are performed as preparations for executing Process A before executing Process A. Therefore, the operations on the exterior unit 100 can also be said to be such preparatory operations. The above-described placement operation and movement operation can also be said to be operations in which the user moves members or the like (specifically, the original document G and the document table 70). Therefore, the operations on the exterior unit 100 can also be said to be operations in which the user moves members or the like.

[0087] (Notification device 110) The notification device 110 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) gives a notification to the user indicating the position of the exterior unit 100 (hereinafter, may be referred to as the operation position) where the user performs an operation when executing Process A within the exterior unit 100 when the reception unit 161A described later receives an instruction to execute Process A. In the notification device 110, the notification is given by executing a display on the exterior unit 100 indicating the operation position on the exterior unit 100.

[0088] Furthermore, in the notification device 110, the display is performed by lighting the operation position of the exterior unit 100. Furthermore, in the notification device 110, the lighting is performed by illuminating the operation position of the exterior unit 100. Here, lighting means making it emit light. Also, illumination means irradiating light with a light source provided other than the lighting target. Therefore, lighting includes, for example, the case of illuminating the lighting target and the case where the lighting target emits light by itself. Note that the notification device 110 is an example of a notification unit.

[0089] In the multifunction device 10, as shown in FIG. 4, the notification device 110 is configured as an illumination device having a light source such as an LED attached to the attachment portion 89 as an example. In the notification device 110, for example, the light source illuminates part or all of the operation position from above. The notification device 110 may have a plurality of light sources corresponding to the number of operation positions to be illuminated. That is, the notification device 110 may be configured to have a plurality of light sources each illuminating each of the plurality of operation positions. Note that the light source of the notification device 110 is a different light source from the light source of the illumination device 88.

[0090] When the operation on the exterior unit 100 is the operation of placing the original document G on the platen 70 and the cover 33, the operation position is the position where the user places the original document G on the platen 70 and the cover 33 (hereinafter referred to as the placement position). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the notification device 110 illuminates, for example, the range 110A at the center of the placement position from above the platen 70 and the cover 33. In other words, the notification device 110 illuminates the center in the reading range MH of the camera 80. In the present embodiment, it is illuminated across the platen 70 and the cover 33. The light of the illumination is, for example, circular in shape.

[0091] When the operation on the exterior unit 100 is the operation of moving the platen 70 located at the covering position to the open position, the operation position is the input position where the user inputs the moving force to move the platen 70 located at the covering position to the open position. In the present embodiment, the range along the depth direction of the apparatus on the side plate 75 is the input position. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the notification device 110 illuminates, for example, the range 110B at the center in the depth direction of the apparatus at the input position from above the platen 70. In the present embodiment, it illuminates the center in the depth direction at the right end of the top plate 71, rather than the side plate 75 itself of the platen 70. This illumination is a display indicating that the input position exists at the right end of the platen 70. The light of the illumination is, for example, circular in shape. Also, the size of the light of the illumination is made smaller than the size of the illumination indicating the placement position.

[0092] (Detection by the detection unit 150 and the camera 80) The detection unit 150 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is a component that detects operations on the exterior unit 100. Specifically, the detection unit 150 is composed of sensors that detect the movement from the covering position of the document table 70. For example, when the document table 70 is in the covering position, the detection unit 150 receives light from the light emitting unit, and when the document table 70 moves from the covering position, it becomes a photosensor (specifically, a reflective or transmissive photosensor) that no longer receives light from the light emitting unit. In this way, the detection unit 150 detects the movement operation (specifically, the start of the movement operation) of the document table 70. The detection unit 150 sends the detection information indicating that it has detected the movement operation of the document table 70 to the control device 160.

[0093] Also, in the multifunction machine 10, the camera 80 also functions as a detection unit that detects operations on the exterior unit 100. Specifically, the camera 80 detects the placement operation of the document G on the document table 70 and the cover 33 located at the covering position. When the camera 80 images the document G within the reading range MH, it detects the placement operation of the document G as if the placement operation of the document G has started. The camera 80 sends the detection information indicating that it has detected the placement operation of the document G to the control device 160.

[0094] (Control Device 160) The control device 160 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is a device that controls the operations of each part of the multifunction machine 10. For example, based on the execution instruction input from the input unit 92, the control device 160 performs control to cause each part of the multifunction machine 10 to execute processing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the control device 160 is composed of a computer having a processor 161, a memory 162, and a storage 163.

[0095] As the processor 161, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor, is used. Note that as an example of a processor, a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.) configured by a circuit designed specifically to execute specific processing may also be used.

[0096] The storage 163 stores various programs including the control program 163A (see FIG. 11) and various data. Specifically, the storage 163 is realized by a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a flash memory.

[0097] The memory 162 is a work area for the processor 161 to execute various programs, and temporarily records various programs or various data when the processor 161 executes processing. The processor 161 reads various programs including the control program 163A from the storage 163 into the memory 162, and executes the programs using the memory 162 as a work area.

[0098] In the control device 160, the processor 161 realizes various functions by executing the control program 163A. Hereinafter, the functional configuration realized by the cooperation of the processor 161 as a hardware resource and the control program 163A as a software resource will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor 161.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 11, in the control device 160, the processor 161 functions as a reception unit 161A and a notification control unit 161B by executing the control program 163A.

[0100] The reception unit 161A receives execution instructions for various processes including Process A. Specifically, when the user inputs an execution instruction for Process A using the input unit 92, the reception unit 161A receives the execution instruction for Process A.

[0101] The execution instruction for Process A includes various instructions input using the input unit 92 when executing Process A. Examples of the various instructions include performing a selection input to select the Process A to be executed using the input unit 92, and performing a setting input to set the processing conditions performed when executing Process A using the input unit 92.

[0102] The selection input is performed, for example, by the user selecting the Process A to be executed from among various processes (e.g., scan process, copy process, and print process) displayed on the display unit 90 using the input unit 92.

[0103] The setting input is performed, for example, by the user setting the processing conditions using the input unit 92 based on the processing conditions displayed on the display unit 90. In the case of the scan process, the processing conditions include, for example, the reading resolution, the reading method (reading by the reading unit 30 or reading by the camera 80), and the color setting (e.g., black and white reading or color reading). In the case of the copy process, the processing conditions include, for example, in addition to the aforementioned reading resolution, reading method, and color setting, the size of the recording medium P, the magnification, and the like.

[0104] In addition, the reception unit 161A receives detection information detected by the detection unit 150 and the camera 80 regarding operations on the exterior unit 100. Specifically, the reception unit 161A receives detection information detected by the detection unit 150 regarding the movement operation of the platen 70. The reception unit 161A receives detection information detected by the camera 80 regarding the placement operation of the original document G.

[0105] When the reception unit 161A receives an execution instruction for Process A, the notification control unit 161B executes notification control to perform a notification indicating the operation position of the exterior unit 100 to the notification device 110. As a result, the notification device 110 illuminates the operation position of the exterior unit 100 as described above.

[0106] In the present embodiment, when the reception unit 161A receives a selection input of a scanning process or a copying process as process A, the notification device 110 illuminates both the placement positions on the platen 70 and the cover 33 and the input position on the platen 70.

[0107] When the reception unit 161A receives detection information indicating an operation on the exterior unit 100, the notification control unit 161B executes control to end the notification indicating the operation position of the exterior unit 100 for the notification device 110. As a result, the notification device 110 ends the illumination of the operation position of the exterior unit 100.

[0108] In this way, when an operation is performed on the exterior unit 100, the notification device 110 ends the notification indicating the operation position of the exterior unit 100. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when an operation on the exterior unit 100 is started, the notification device 110 ends the notification.

[0109] In the present embodiment, when an operation of placing the document G on the platen 70 and the cover 33 or an operation of moving the platen 70 to the open position is started, for example, the notification device 110 ends the illumination of both the placement positions on the platen 70 and the cover 33 and the input position on the platen 70.

[0110] (Operation according to the present embodiment) Next, the operation according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0111] The multifunction machine 10 includes a notification device 110 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) that, when the reception unit 161A receives an execution instruction for process A, notifies the user of the position of the exterior unit 100 where the user performs an operation when executing process A within the exterior unit 100.

[0112] Therefore, in a scene where the user operates the exterior part 100 which is the exterior part of the apparatus, even if the position of the exterior part 100 where the operation is assumed to be performed is indicated, compared with an apparatus in which characters are printed or the shape is changed from that of other parts of the exterior part 100, the aesthetics of the apparatus in the exterior part 100 where the user performs the operation is improved.

[0113] Also, in the present embodiment, when the reception unit 161A of the notification device 110 receives an execution instruction for scanning processing or copying processing, the notification device 110 performs a display indicating the position where the user inputs the moving force for moving the platen 70. For this reason, the user can grasp the position where the user inputs the moving force for moving the platen 70.

[0114] Also, in the present embodiment, the notification device 110 lights up a partial range of the input position on the platen 70. For this reason, the user can grasp the position where the user inputs the moving force for moving the platen 70 within a lighting range narrower than the input position.

[0115] When the reception unit 161A of the notification device 110 receives an execution instruction for a process including reading by the camera 80 (for example, scanning processing or copying processing), the notification device 110 performs a display indicating the position where the document G is placed on the platen 70. For this reason, the user can grasp the position where the document G on which an image is read by the camera 80 is placed.

[0116] Also, in the present embodiment, the notification device 110 lights up the range of the central part of the placement position on the platen 70. For this reason, the user can grasp the position where the document G on which an image is read by the camera 80 is placed within a lighting range narrower than the placement position.

[0117] Also, in the present embodiment, when an operation on the exterior part 100 (for example, an operation of placing the document G on the platen 70 and the cover 33, or an operation of moving the platen 70 to the open position) is performed, the notification device 110 ends the notification indicating the operation position of the exterior part 100 where the user performs the operation. For this reason, the user can grasp that the correct operation position has been operated.

[0118] Further, in the present embodiment, when an operation on the exterior unit 100 (for example, an operation of placing the original G on the platen 70 and the cover 33, or an operation of moving the platen 70 to the open position) is started, the notification device 110 ends the notification indicating the operation position of the exterior unit 100 where the user performs the operation. Therefore, the user can recognize that the operation at the correct operation position has been started.

[0119] (Modification example of the notification device 110) In the present embodiment, when the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for scan processing or copy processing, the notification device 110 illuminates both the placement positions on the platen 70 and the cover 33 and the input position on the platen 70. In addition to this, the illumination may be performed as follows. That is, after the notification device 110 illuminates both the placement position and the input position, for example, when the reception unit 161A receives a setting input of a reading method (reading by the reading unit 30 or reading by the camera 80) as a processing condition, the notification device 110 illuminates the operation position corresponding to the reading method.

[0120] For example, when the reception unit 161A receives a setting input for reading by the reading unit 30, the notification device 110 ends the illumination of the placement positions on the platen 70 and the cover 33 and continues the illumination of the input position on the platen 70.

[0121] Further, for example, when the reception unit 161A receives a setting input for reading by the camera 80, the notification device 110 ends the illumination of the input position on the platen 70 and continues the illumination of the placement positions on the platen 70 and the cover 33.

[0122] Furthermore, in a configuration where the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for scanning or copying, and then receives a setting input for the reading method (reading by the reading unit 30 or reading by the camera 80) as a processing condition, it may be configured as follows. That is, when the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for scanning or copying, the notification device 110 does not perform illumination. When the reception unit 161A receives a setting input for the reading method, the notification device 110 may illuminate the operation position corresponding to the reading method. When the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for reading by the reading unit 30, the notification device 110 illuminates the input position on the document table 70. When the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for reading by the camera 80, the notification device 110 illuminates the placement positions on the document table 70 and the cover 33.

[0123] Also, in a configuration where a selection input for scanning or copying is made including a selection input for the reading method (reading by the reading unit 30 or reading by the camera 80), when the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for scanning or copying, for example, the notification device 110 may illuminate the operation position corresponding to the reading method. When the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for reading by the reading unit 30, the notification device 110 illuminates the input position on the document table 70. When the reception unit 161A receives a selection input for reading by the camera 80, the notification device 110 illuminates the placement positions on the document table 70 and the cover 33.

[0124] Also, in this embodiment, the notification device 110 illuminated the central portions of the placement positions on the document table 70 and the cover 33, but it is not limited to this. For example, the notification device 110 may illuminate all of the placement positions on the document table 70 and the cover 33, or may illuminate a part other than the central portion at the placement positions. That is, the notification device 110 may illuminate at least a part of the placement positions on the document table 70 and the cover 33.

[0125] Also, in this embodiment, the notification device 110 illuminated the central portion in the depth direction of the apparatus of the input position on the platen 70, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the notification device 110 may illuminate the entire input position on the platen 70, or may illuminate a part other than the central portion in the depth direction of the apparatus of the input position. That is, the notification device 110 may illuminate at least a part of the input position on the platen 70.

[0126] Also, in this embodiment, when the operation on the exterior portion 100 was started, the notification device 110 terminated the notification indicating the operation position of the exterior portion 100, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the notification device 110 may terminate the notification indicating the operation position of the exterior portion 100 when the operation on the exterior portion 100 is completed, and any configuration may be used as long as the notification indicating the operation position of the exterior portion 100 is terminated when the operation on the exterior portion 100 is performed.

[0127] Also, in this embodiment, the light source of the notification device 110 was a light source different from the light source of the illumination device 88 that illuminates the document G, but it is not limited thereto. Part or all of the light source of the notification device 110 may be shared with the light source of the illumination device 88.

[0128] Also, in this embodiment, the notification device 110 illuminated the operation position from above the platen 70, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the notification device 110 may illuminate the operation position from below the platen 70. In this case, the notification device 110 transmits light by illuminating from below the platen 70.

[0129] Also, in this embodiment, the notification device 110 illuminated the operation position of the exterior portion 100, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the notification device 110 may be configured to light up the operation position of the exterior portion 100 by causing the exterior portion 100 itself to emit light using a light source such as an LED provided at the operation position of the exterior portion 100.

[0130] Further, in the notification device 110, although the operation position of the exterior portion 100 is lit, it is not limited to this. For example, the notification device 110 may be configured to notify the user of the operation position of the exterior portion 100 by voice indicating the operation position of the exterior portion 100.

[0131] (Modification example of the image forming unit 12) As an example of the image forming unit, it is not limited to the aforementioned image forming unit 12. As an example of the image forming unit, for example, a direct transfer method may be used in which each toner image forming unit 20Y to 20K forms a toner image directly on the recording medium P without passing through the transfer body 24. Further, as an example of the image forming unit, it may be an image forming unit that discharges ink onto the recording medium P to form an image, as long as it has a function of forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0132] (Modification example of the reading unit 30) In the reading unit 30, a close-contact type image sensor is used as the functional unit having the image reading function, but it is not limited to this. As the functional unit, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD or the like may be used, as long as it can read an image.

[0133] Further, in the present embodiment, the reading unit 30 has the reading sensors 32 and 34 as the functional unit having the image reading function, but it is not limited to this. The reading unit 30 may be configured to have only one of the reading sensors 32 and 34. That is, the reading unit 30 only needs to be able to read the image of at least one side of the document G.

[0134] Further, in the present embodiment, the cover 33 is grasped as a component constituting a part of the reading unit 30 having the reading sensors 32 and 34, but it is not limited to this. For example, the cover 33 may be grasped as a component constituting a part of the conveyance unit having the conveyance mechanism 40.

[0135] (Modification example of the camera 80) Examples of images read by the camera 80 are not limited to images including characters, pictures, and photographs. As an example of an image read by the camera 80, for example, it may be a video such as a still image or a moving image, as long as it is an image readable by the camera 80.

[0136] Examples of the subject are not limited to the document G. As an example of the subject, it may be an imaging device that projects a video (for example, a smartphone, a mobile terminal, etc.), as long as it is an object that can be imaged by the camera 80.

[0137] Also, anything placed on the document table 70 and the cover 33 can be used as the subject. Therefore, the camera 80 may be configured to be able to image not only the image but also the subject itself as a still image or a moving image.

[0138] (Modification example of the document table 70) The upper surface 70A of the document table 70 was installed at the same height as the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 as shown in FIG. 4, but it is not limited to this. The upper surface 70A of the document table 70 and the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 may have a step. The step is, for example, a step formed within a range that can support the posture of the document suitable for reading by the camera 80.

[0139] Also, as described above, the document table 70 also serves as a cover that covers the document table 50, but it is not limited to this. The multifunction device 10 may have a cover that covers the document table 50 as a separate part from the document table 70. In this case, a display is made for the cover.

[0140] (Other modification examples) In the multifunction device 10, the entire top surface 35A of the top plate 35 and the entire upper surface 70A of the document table 70 in the reading unit 30 were formed in a flat shape, but it is not limited to this. For example, the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 and the upper surface 70A of the document table 70 in the reading unit 30 only need to be formed in a flat shape at least within the reading range of the camera 80, and may have unevenness within the reading range of the camera 80.

[0141] In the multifunction machine 10, the document G from which an image is read by the camera 80 is configured to be placed on the document table 70 located at the covering position and the top surface 35A of the top plate 35 in the reading unit 30, but it may also be configured to be placed only on the document table 70. In this case, the reading range MH of the camera 80 may be a range including only the document table 70.

[0142] In the multifunction machine 10, the document table 70 is used as an example of the placing unit, but it is not limited to this. In the multifunction machine 10, for example, the document table 50 may be used as an example of the placing unit. That is, the subject such as the document G from which an image is read by the camera 80 may be configured to be placed on the document table 50. In this case, for example, the document table 70 may be configured to be fixed at the open position, or the document table 70 may not be provided.

[0143] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the above-described modified examples may be configured by appropriately combining a plurality of them.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0144] 10 Multifunction machine 30 Reading unit 40 Conveying mechanism 50 Document table (an example of the placing unit) 70 Document table (an example of the moving unit, an example of the table) 80 Camera 100 Exterior unit 110 Notification device (an example of the notification unit) 161A Reception unit

Claims

1. A placing portion on which an original is placed, a conveying mechanism that conveys the original placed on the placing portion, a reading unit that reads an image of the original conveyed by the conveying mechanism, a moving portion that is not a portion for inputting commands to a program and is movable between a covering position that covers the placing portion and an open position that opens the upper side of the placing portion, a receiving unit that receives an execution instruction for a process accompanied by an operation on the moving portion, a notification unit that, when the receiving unit receives the execution instruction for the process including reading by the reading unit, performs a display indicating an input position where a user inputs a moving force for moving the moving portion, A multifunction device comprising the above.

2. The notification unit lights up a partial range of the input position The multifunction device according to Claim 1.

3. A table on which an operation of placing a subject is performed, a camera capable of reading an image of the subject placed on the table, comprising The notification unit performs a display indicating a position where the subject is placed on the table when the receiving unit receives an execution instruction for a process including reading by the camera and accompanied by an operation on the table The multifunction device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The notification unit lights up a partial range of the position where the subject is placed The multifunction device according to Claim 3.

5. The notification unit ends the display when an operation on the moving portion is performed The multifunction device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The notification unit ends the display when an operation on the moving portion is started The multifunction device according to Claim 5.

Images