Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to avoid impairing user convenience while ensuring the effect of power-saving control. When a plurality of target devices are in normal state, a control unit (51) causes an organic electroluminescent display panel (3b) to display a first menu screen including a first background image in a color other than black and a plurality of first icon images on the first background image (S102). When the plurality of target devices are transitioned from the normal state to a hibernation state, the control unit (51) causes the organic electroluminescent display panel (3b) to display a second menu screen including a black second background image and a plurality of second icon images on the second background image (S110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including an organic electroluminescence display panel.

Background Art

[0002] Image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, or multifunction devices execute power saving control. In the power saving control, when a sleep condition is satisfied, the control unit executes a sleep process, and when a return event occurs, the control unit executes a return process.

[0003] In the sleep process, the control unit puts a plurality of target devices including an image forming unit and a display panel to sleep. Further, in the return process, the control unit activates the plurality of target devices.

[0004] Further, the image forming apparatus may include an operation device including an organic electroluminescence display panel. Hereinafter, the organic electroluminescence display panel is referred to as an OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display panel. Generally, the OEL display panel has low power consumption and is suitable for thinning of the display device.

[0005] In the image forming apparatus, when the OEL display panel stops displaying, the control unit controls the OEL display panel according to the satisfaction status of a predetermined condition. For example, it is known that the control unit selectively displays an image corresponding to a satisfied condition among a plurality of display conditions on the OEL display panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Incidentally, in the pause process, when the display of the OEL display panel is stopped, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus is further reduced. In this case, when a predetermined return event occurs, the control unit causes the menu screen to be displayed on the OEL display panel.

[0008] For example, the return event is an operation event in which an operation on a return button of the operation device is detected. In this case, the user needs to perform an operation on the return button and an instruction operation corresponding to the menu screen in order to instruct the image forming apparatus to perform processing. Thus, as the number of operations increases, the convenience of the user is impaired.

[0009] On the other hand, the operation event may include an event in which a person is detected by a human sensor. In this case, the components related to the human sensor in the image forming apparatus increase, and the cost increases. Further, when the human sensor detects a person passing by in the vicinity, the return process is executed uselessly, and the power saving effect of the image forming apparatus is impaired.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding impairment of user convenience while ensuring the effect of power saving control. Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation device and a control unit. The operation device includes an organic electroluminescence display panel capable of displaying a color image. The control unit is capable of shifting a plurality of target devices predetermined from one of a normal state and a standby state with less power consumption than the normal state to the other. When the plurality of target devices are in the normal state, the control unit causes the organic electroluminescence display panel to display a first menu screen including a first background image of a color other than black and a plurality of first icon images on the first background image. Further, when shifting the plurality of target devices from the normal state to the standby state, the control unit causes the organic electroluminescence display panel to display a second menu screen including a second background image of black and a plurality of second icon images on the second background image.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding impairment of user convenience while ensuring the effect of power saving control.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0015] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10] The image forming apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes a printing device 1 that executes printing processing. The printing processing is processing for forming an image on a sheet 91.

[0016] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 also includes an image reading device 2 that executes image reading processing for reading an image from an original 92. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is a copying machine or a multifunction machine having a copying function and a facsimile communication device function.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 10 can communicate with other devices such as a host device 9 through a network 90 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). For example, the network 90 is connected to the Internet. The host device 9 is an information processing device that can communicate with the image forming apparatus 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 2, a printing device 1, an operation device 3, a secondary storage device 4, a control device 5, a communication device 6, a switch circuit 7, and the like.

[0019] The operation device 3 is a user interface device including an operation unit 3a and a display panel 3b. The operation unit 3a is a device that receives user operations and includes, for example, operation buttons and a touch panel. The operation buttons include one or more of a return button, a cursor movement button, and a confirmation button.

[0020] The display panel 3b can display a color image with three or more colors. In the present embodiment, the display panel 3b is the OEL display panel. Therefore, the display panel 3b includes a plurality of pixel light-emitting units corresponding to a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixel light-emitting units includes three organic light-emitting elements that emit three primary colors respectively. The three primary colors are red, green, and blue.

[0021] In each pixel, when the three organic light-emitting elements are turned off, a black pixel is displayed. In each pixel, when one or more of the three organic light-emitting elements are turned on, a pixel of a color other than black is displayed.

[0022] The communication device 6 is a communication interface device capable of communicating with other devices such as the host device 9 through the network 90. The control device 5 performs all data transmission and reception with the other devices through the communication device 6.

[0023] The secondary storage device 4 is a computer-readable non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 4 can store programs and various data. For example, one or both combinations of a hard disk drive and an SSD (Solid State Drive) are adopted as the secondary storage device 4.

[0024] The image reading device 2 is a device that executes a reading process for reading an image of the document 92. The image reading device 2 includes a light source 2a, a scanning mechanism 2b, an image sensor 2c, an AFE (Analog Front End) 2d, and the like.

[0025] The light source 2a emits light to the document 92. The scanning mechanism 2b scans the light of the light source 2a against the document 92. The image sensor 2c receives the reflected light from the document 92 and outputs a detection signal of the received light amount as an image signal.

[0026] The AFE (2d) converts the image signal into digital image data. In the following description, the image read from the document 92 by the reading process of the image reading apparatus 2 is referred to as a read image.

[0027] The printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that executes a printing process for forming an image on the sheet 91 by a predetermined method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 is capable of executing the printing process based on the data of the read image or the print data received from the host apparatus 9 through the communication apparatus 6. The print data is data representing an image to be subjected to the printing process.

[0029] For example, when the printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that executes the printing process by an electrophotographic method, the printing apparatus 1 includes a sheet conveyance mechanism 1a, a photoreceptor 1b, a charging device 1c, a laser scanning unit 1d, a developing device 1e, a transfer device 1f, and a fixing device 1g, etc.

[0030] The sheet conveyance mechanism 1a conveys the sheet 91 along a predetermined path. The charging device 1c charges the surface of the photoreceptor 1b. The laser scanning unit 1d writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the charged photoreceptor 1b.

[0031] The developing device 1e develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 1b into a toner image. The photoreceptor 1b is an image carrier that carries and rotates the toner image.

[0032] The transfer device 1f transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor 1b to the sheet 91. The fixing device 1g fixes the toner image on the sheet 91 by heating the toner image on the sheet 91.

[0033] The control device 5 executes various operations, data processing, and control of various electrical devices included in the image forming apparatus 10. The control device 5 can transfer data and control signals to and from the image reading device 2, the printing device 1, the operation device 3, and the communication device 6.

[0034] The control device 5 includes a print engine 50, a CPU 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and the like. The print engine 50 controls the printing device 1 according to commands from the CPU 51, causing the printing device 1 to execute the printing process.

[0035] The print engine 50 is realized by a processor such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) not shown in the figure, or a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0036] The CPU 51 is a processor that executes various data processing and controls by executing programs stored in the secondary storage device 4. The CPU 51 is an example of a control unit.

[0037] Note that it is also conceivable that another processor such as a DSP executes the data processing and control instead of the CPU 51.

[0038] The RAM 52 is a volatile storage device that stores the program executed by the CPU 51 and the data output and referenced by the CPU 51 during the execution of the program in primary storage.

[0039] The switch circuit 7 is a circuit that switches the power supply lines to a plurality of predetermined target devices from one of the energized state and the cut-off state to the other according to the switch control signal output from the CPU 51.

[0040] In this embodiment, the plurality of target devices include a printing device 1, an image reading device 2, a secondary storage device 4, and a print engine 50.

[0041] The CPU 51 operates as a plurality of processing modules by executing the program. The plurality of processing modules include a main control unit 5a and a secondary control unit 5b, etc. (see Fig. 2).

[0042] The main control unit 5a controls the display panel 3b to display various information on the display panel 3b. Further, the main control unit 5a determines the content of a processing request input through the operation unit 3a or the communication device 6, and executes processing according to the content of the processing request.

[0043] Furthermore, the main control unit 5a controls the print engine 50, the image reading device 2, etc.

[0044] For example, when the communication device 6 receives print job data including a print request command and the print data from the host device 9, the main control unit 5a outputs the received print command to the print engine 50.

[0045] When the print engine 50 receives the received print command from the main control unit 5a, it causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process based on the print data.

[0046] Furthermore, when a predetermined pause condition is satisfied, the main control unit 5a executes a pause process. The pause process is a process of stopping the power supply to the plurality of target devices by controlling the switch circuit 7.

[0047] When the pause process is executed, the plurality of target devices in the image forming apparatus 10 shift from the normal state to the pause state. The normal state is a state in which power is supplied from a power supply circuit (not shown) to the plurality of target devices through the switch circuit 7.

[0048] On the one hand, the standby state is a state in which the supply of power to the plurality of target devices is stopped. The standby state is a state with lower power consumption than the normal state.

[0049] When the plurality of target devices are in the normal state, the image forming apparatus 10 can execute image processing such as the printing process or the reading process. On the other hand, when the plurality of target devices are in the standby state, the image forming apparatus 10 can receive data through the communication device 6, but cannot execute the image processing.

[0050] Furthermore, in the standby process, the main control unit 5a causes the CPU 51 to shift from the normal mode to the sleep mode with lower power consumption. For example, in the sleep mode, the CPU 51 operates with a clock of a frequency lower than that in the normal mode.

[0051] Also, when power is supplied to the image forming apparatus 10 by operating the power switch, the main control unit 5a executes a startup process. By the main control unit 5a executing the startup process, the plurality of target devices shift from the standby state to the normal state.

[0052] In both the normal mode and the sleep mode, the CPU 51 can execute the process of receiving data through the communication device 6 and the control of the switch circuit 7.

[0053] For example, the standby condition includes a time condition that when the elapsed time after the process corresponding to the process request ends reaches a preset time. The process request may be received through the communication device 6. Also, the process request may be input through the operation unit 3a.

[0054] On the other hand, when a predetermined return event occurs under the situation where the plurality of target devices are in the standby state, the secondary control unit 5b executes a return process. The return process is a process of supplying power to the plurality of target devices.

[0055] Furthermore, in the return process, the secondary control unit 5b causes the CPU 51 to transition from the sleep mode to the normal mode. By executing the return process, the target devices transition from the hibernation state to the normal state.

[0056] When the print process is requested while the target devices are in the sleep state, the secondary control unit 5b first executes the recovery process, followed by the main control unit 5a and the print engine 50 causing the printing device 1 to execute the print process.

[0057] For example, the wake-up events include the following receive events and wake-up operation events:

[0058] The reception event is an event that a processing request requiring some or all of the plurality of target devices is received from the host device 9 via the communication device 6.

[0059] The return operation event is an event that a predetermined return operation is performed on the operation unit 3a. In this embodiment, the return operation is an event that an operation on the return button of the operation unit 3a is detected.

[0060] The hibernation process by the main control unit 5a and the return process by the secondary control unit 5b are an example of power saving control. The main control unit 5a and the secondary control unit 5b can transition the target devices from one of the normal state and the hibernation state, which consumes less power than the normal state, to the other.

[0061] Incidentally, if the display on the display panel 3b is stopped in the pause process, the power consumption of the image forming apparatus 10 is further reduced. In this case, the main control unit 5a causes the display panel 3b to display a menu screen when the return event occurs.

[0062] For example, the return event is the reception event or the return operation event. The return operation event is an example of an operation event in which an operation on the operation device 3 is detected. In this case, the user needs to perform an operation on the return button and an instruction operation corresponding to the menu screen in order to instruct the image forming apparatus 10 to perform processing. Thus, as the number of operations increases, the convenience of the user is impaired.

[0063] On the other hand, the return event may include an event in which a person is detected by a human sensor. In this case, the number of components related to the human sensor in the image forming apparatus 10 increases, and the cost increases. Further, when the human sensor detects a person passing by in the vicinity, the return process is executed uselessly, and the power saving effect of the image forming apparatus 10 is impaired.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the main control unit 5a executes normal state control described later (see FIG. 3). Further, the secondary control unit 5b executes standby state control described later (see FIG. 4). Thereby, it is possible to avoid impairing the convenience of the user while ensuring the effect of the power saving control.

[0065] The main control unit 5a can display the first menu screen G1 or the second menu screen G2 on the display panel 3b (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The first menu screen G1 and the second menu screen G2 are screens that receive operations for designating processing to be executed by the image forming apparatus 10, respectively.

[0066] The first menu screen G1 includes a first background image G10 and a plurality of first icon images G11 on the first background image G10 (see FIG. 5). The first background image G10 is an image of a color other than black. For convenience, in FIG. 5, the hatched area indicates an area of a color other than black.

[0067] In each of the plurality of pixels in the first background image G10, at least one of the three organic light emitting elements emits light. For example, the first background image G10 is a colored or gray uniform image.

[0068] The plurality of first icon images G11 are images of icons corresponding to the instruction operations for instructing the image forming apparatus 10 to perform processing, respectively.

[0069] For example, the instruction operation is an operation on the touch panel of the operation unit 3a. Further, the instruction operation may be an operation on the cursor movement button and the determination button of the operation unit 3a.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the plurality of first icon images G11 are images each including a filled portion and a first contour line. The filled portion is a filled part. The first contour line is a line indicating the contour of the filled portion. The first contour line is a line of a first specific color. The first specific color is a predetermined color.

[0071] On the other hand, the second menu screen G2 includes a second background image G20 and a plurality of second icon images G21 on the second background image G20 (see FIG. 6). The second background image G20 is a black image.

[0072] In each of the plurality of pixels in the second background image G20, all of the three organic light emitting elements are turned off.

[0073] The plurality of second icon images G21 respectively correspond to the plurality of first icon images G11. The plurality of second icon images G21 are also images of icons corresponding to the instruction operation.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the plurality of second icon images G21 are images formed of second contour lines of a second specific color other than black (see FIG. 6). The second specific color is a predetermined color. Note that none of the plurality of second icon images G21 includes the filled portion.

[0075] For example, each of the second icon images G21 is an image obtained by replacing pixels of a color other than the first specific color in each of the first icon images G11 with black pixels. In this case, the second contour line of each of the second icon images G21 has the same shape as the first contour line of each of the corresponding first icon images G11. Thereby, it is possible to generate a plurality of second icon images G21 from the data of the plurality of first icon images G11.

[0076] Specifically, it is conceivable that the first specific color is black. In this case, each of the second icon images G21 is an image obtained by replacing pixels of a color other than black in each of the first icon images G11 with black pixels, and further replacing the black pixels in each of the first icon images G11 with pixels of the second specific color (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0077] For example, the second specific color is white. Also, the second specific color may be one of the emission colors of the three organic light-emitting elements. Note that the second specific color in this case is an alternative color to black.

[0078] Also, it is conceivable that the first specific color is the same as the second specific color. In this case, each of the second icon images G21 is an image obtained by replacing pixels of a color other than the first specific color in each of the first icon images G11 with black pixels. For example, it is conceivable that both the first specific color and the second specific color are white.

[0079] When the display panel 3b is an OEL display panel, at each pixel of the second background image G20 in the second menu screen G2, the three organic light-emitting elements are turned off. Therefore, the display panel 3b consumes less power when displaying the second menu screen G2 than when displaying the first menu screen G1.

[0080] As will be described later, when the plurality of target devices are in the normal state, the display panel 3b displays the first menu screen G1.

[0081] Also, when the plurality of target devices shift from the normal state to the standby state, the display panel 3b displays the second menu screen G2. Accordingly, when the plurality of target devices are in the standby state, the display panel 3b displays the second menu screen G2.

[0082] [Normal State Control] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the normal state control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3.

[0083] The main control unit 5a executes the normal state control when the image forming apparatus 10 is in the normal state.

[0084] In the following description, S101, S102,... represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the normal state control. In the normal state control, first, the process of step S101 is executed.

[0085] <Step S101> In step S101, the main control unit 5a discriminates the factor by which the plurality of target devices have shifted from the standby state to the normal state.

[0086] When the plurality of target devices have returned from the standby state to the normal state due to the reception of the processing request, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S104.

[0087] Also, when the plurality of target devices have returned from the standby state to the normal state due to the detection of the instruction operation on the operation unit 3a, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S106. In this case, the instruction operation is an operation corresponding to any one of a plurality of second icon images G21 on the second menu screen G2.

[0088] Also, when the plurality of target devices have shifted to the normal state due to a factor other than the reception of the processing request and the instruction operation, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S103.

[0089] For example, when the plurality of target devices shift from the standby state to the normal state by the startup process, the main control unit 5a causes the process to shift to step S103.

[0090] Also, when the plurality of target devices return from the standby state to the normal state by detecting an operation on the return button of the operation unit 3a, the main control unit 5a also causes the process to shift to step S103.

[0091] <Step S102> In step S102, the main control unit 5a causes the first menu screen G1 to be displayed on the display panel 3b (see FIG. 5).

[0092] After executing the process of step S102, the main control unit 5a causes the process to shift to step S103.

[0093] <Step S103> In step S103, the main control unit 5a checks the status of the communication device 6, and when the processing request of the host device 9 has been received, the main control unit 5a causes the process to shift to step S104.

[0094] On the other hand, when the processing request of the host device 9 has not been received by the communication device 6, the main control unit 5a causes the process to shift to step S105.

[0095] <Step S104> In step S104, the main control unit 5a executes reception response processing. In the reception response processing, the main control unit 5a executes processing corresponding to the processing request received through the communication device 6.

[0096] For example, when the processing request is a print request, the main control unit 5a causes the print processing to be executed on the printing device 1 through the print engine 50. In this case, the printing device 1 executes the print processing based on the print data received following the print request.

[0097] Also, when the processing request is a data storage request, the main control unit 5a stores the data to be stored received subsequent to the processing request in the secondary storage device 4.

[0098] After executing the reception response process, the main control unit 5a causes the process to proceed to step S103.

[0099] <Step S105> In step S105, the main control unit 5a checks the state of the operation unit 3a, and when the instruction operation on the operation unit 3a is detected, causes the process to proceed to step S106.

[0100] The instruction operation that can be detected in step S105 is an operation corresponding to any of the plurality of first icon images G11 on the first menu screen G1.

[0101] On the other hand, when the instruction operation on the operation unit 3a is not detected, the main control unit 5a causes the process to proceed to step S108.

[0102] <Step S106> In step S106, the main control unit 5a executes an operation response process. In the operation response process, the main control unit 5a executes a process corresponding to the instruction operation detected by the operation unit 3a.

[0103] For example, when the detected instruction operation is a copy operation, the main control unit 5a causes the image reading device 2 to execute the reading process and causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process through the printing engine 50. At that time, the main control unit 5a causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process based on the data of the read image.

[0104] Also, when the detected instruction operation is a stored data output operation, the main control unit 5a causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process through the printing engine 50. At that time, the main control unit 5a causes the printing device 1 to execute the printing process based on the image data stored in the secondary storage device 4.

[0105] Also, when the detected instruction operation is a screen switching operation, the main control unit 5a executes a process of switching the screen to be displayed on the display panel 3b to the screen corresponding to the screen switching operation.

[0106] The main control unit 5a may cause the first menu screen G1 to be displayed on the display panel 3b according to the screen switching operation. After executing the process of step S106, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S107.

[0107] <Step S107> In step S107, the main control unit 5a executes an operation history recording process. The operation history recording process is a process of recording operation history information representing the history of detection of the instruction operation in the secondary storage device 4.

[0108] The main control unit 5a records information on the operation history of one or both of the first menu screen G1 and the second menu screen G2 in the secondary storage device 4 as the operation history information. For example, the operation history information includes information on the time when the instruction operation was detected for each type of the instruction operation.

[0109] After executing the process of step S107, the main control unit 5a shifts the process to step S1,003. Note that the main control unit 5a that executes the process of step S107 is an example of a history recording unit.

[0110] <Step S108> In step S108, the main control unit 5a determines whether or not a first time condition is satisfied. The first time condition is a condition that the standby time reaches a first set time set in advance. The standby time is the elapsed time after the process corresponding to the process request or the instruction operation has ended.

[0111] In the initial state of the image forming apparatus 10, the first set time is set to a predetermined time. Also, the main control unit 5a can change the first set time according to a setting operation on the operation unit 3a.

[0112] When the main control unit 5a determines that the first time condition is satisfied, it causes the process to shift to step S109. On the other hand, when the main control unit 5a determines that the first time condition is not satisfied, it causes the process to shift to step S103.

[0113] <Step S109> In step S109, the main control unit 5a executes target icon selection processing. The target icon selection processing is processing for selecting a plurality of target icon images from among a plurality of candidate icon images determined in advance.

[0114] The plurality of target icon images are a plurality of second icon images G21 to be included in the second menu screen G2. The plurality of candidate icon images correspond to a plurality of first icon images G11 included in the first menu screen G1.

[0115] Specifically, in step S109, the main control unit 5a specifies the operation frequency for each of the plurality of first icon images G11 or the plurality of second icon images G21 based on the operation history information. Further, the main control unit 5a selects the plurality of target icon images according to the operation frequency.

[0116] For example, the main control unit 5a selects, as the target icon images, a predetermined number of images in order from those with the highest operation frequency among the plurality of candidate icon images.

[0117] Furthermore, the main control unit 5a selects, as the target icon images, images whose operation frequency exceeds a reference frequency from among the plurality of candidate icon images.

[0118] Note that when the operation history information does not include sufficient information for specifying the operation frequency, the main control unit 5a selects all of the plurality of candidate icon images as the target icon images.

[0119] After executing the process of step S109, the main control unit 5a causes the process to shift to step S110.

[0120] <Step S110> In Step S110, the main control unit 5a causes the display panel 3b to display a second menu screen G2 including the plurality of target icon images selected in Step S109 (see FIG. 6).

[0121] After executing the process of Step S110, the main control unit 5a causes the process to proceed to Step S111.

[0122] <Step S111> In Step S111, the main control unit 5a executes the suspension process. By executing the suspension process, the power supply to the plurality of target devices is stopped, and the CPU 51 shifts from the normal mode to the sleep mode. Note that the plurality of target devices do not include the operation unit 3a and the display panel 3b.

[0123] By executing Step S110 and Step S111, the plurality of target devices shift from the normal state to the suspended state while the second menu screen G2 is displayed on the display panel 3b.

[0124] Note that after the plurality of target devices shift from the normal state to the suspended state, the secondary control unit 5b may cause the second menu screen G2 to be displayed on the display panel 3b.

[0125] After executing the process of Step S111, the main control unit 5a ends the normal state control. As a result, the secondary control unit 5b executes the suspended state control.

[0126] [Suspended State Control] Next, an example of the procedure of the suspended state control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4.

[0127] The secondary control unit 5b executes the suspended state control when the plurality of target devices are in the suspended state. That is, the suspended state control is executed in a situation where the power supply to the plurality of target devices is stopped.

[0128] In the following description, S201, S202, … represent identification codes of a plurality of steps in the standby state control. In the standby state control, first, the process of step S201 is executed.

[0129] <Step S201> In step S201, the secondary control unit 5b executes a process of checking whether the return event has occurred. For example, the return event is the reception event, the return operation event, or the instruction operation event.

[0130] The instruction operation event is an event in which an operation corresponding to any one of a plurality of second icon images G21 on the second menu screen G2 is detected by the operation unit 3a.

[0131] When the return event occurs, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to shift to step S202. On the other hand, when the return event has not occurred, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to shift to step S203.

[0132] <Step S202> In step S202, the secondary control unit 5b executes the return process. As a result, the plurality of target devices return from the standby state to the normal state.

[0133] After executing the process of step S202, the secondary control unit 5b ends the standby state control.

[0134] <Step S203> In step S203, the secondary control unit 5b checks the state of the communication device 6, and when a response request is received through the communication device 6, causes the process to shift to step S204.

[0135] The response request is a request for response processing. The response processing is a process of responding as to what state the image forming apparatus 10 is in. The response request is an example of a request for a process that does not require the plurality of target devices.

[0136] If the response request is not received through the communication device 6, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S205.

[0137] <Step S204> In step S204, the secondary control unit 5b executes the response process corresponding to the response request. In the response process, the secondary control unit 5b transmits information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the source of the response request.

[0138] After executing the process of step S204, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S205.

[0139] <Step S205> In step S205, the secondary control unit 5b checks the state of the display panel 3b.

[0140] If the second menu screen G2 is displayed on the display panel 3b, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S206. On the other hand, if the second menu screen G2 is not displayed on the display panel 3b, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S201.

[0141] In the present embodiment, in a situation where the plurality of target devices are in the standby state and the second menu screen G2 is not displayed on the display panel 3b, the display panel 3b is in a non-display state. The non-display state is a state in which nothing is displayed on the display panel 3b, that is, a state in which all pixels of the display panel 3b are black.

[0142] <Step S206> In step S206, the secondary control unit 5b determines whether or not a second time condition is satisfied. The second time condition is a condition that the standby time reaches a second set time. The second set time is set to be longer than the first set time in advance.

[0143] When the main control unit 5a determines that the second time condition is satisfied, it causes the process to proceed to step S207. On the other hand, when the main control unit 5a determines that the second time condition is not satisfied, it causes the process to proceed to step S201.

[0144] <Step S207> In step S207, the secondary control unit 5b stops the display of the image on the display panel 3b. As a result, the display panel 3b enters the non-display state. For example, the secondary control unit 5b stops the power supply to the display panel 3b by controlling the switch circuit 7.

[0145] After executing the process of step S207, the secondary control unit 5b causes the process to proceed to step S201.

[0146] As described above, when the plurality of target devices are in the normal state, the CPU 51 causes the first menu screen G1 to be displayed on the display panel 3b (see step S102 in FIG. 3).

[0147] Furthermore, when the CPU 51 shifts the plurality of target devices from the normal state to the standby state, it causes the second menu screen G2 having a black background to be displayed on the display panel 3b (see step S110 in FIG. 3).

[0148] Therefore, at least for a while after the plurality of target devices shift from the normal state to the standby state, the instruction operation corresponding to the second menu screen G2 is received by the image forming apparatus 10.

[0149] By adopting the image forming apparatus 10, the effect of the power saving control is ensured, and it is avoided that the convenience of the user is impaired.

[0150] Furthermore, when the second time condition is satisfied while the second menu screen G2 is being displayed on the display panel 3b, the CPU 51 stops the display on the display panel 3b (see steps S205 to S207 in FIG. 4). As a result, the power consumption of the display panel 3b is further reduced.

[0151] Note that the second time condition is an example of a predetermined non-display condition.

[0152] Further, the CPU 51 selects the plurality of target icon images from among the plurality of candidate icon images according to the operation frequency specified based on the operation history information (see step S109 in FIG. 3).

[0153] Among the plurality of candidate icon images, images with a relatively low operation frequency are omitted from the second menu screen G2, thereby further reducing the power consumption of the display panel 3b while the second menu screen G2 is being displayed.

[0154] [Application Example] Next, an application example of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

[0155] In this application example, the main control unit 5a or the secondary control unit 5b executes second menu screen update processing each time a predetermined change condition is satisfied. The second menu screen update processing is processing for causing the display panel 3b to display a second menu screen G2 in which the display position of the second icon image G21 is changed.

[0156] For example, the change condition includes one or both of a first change condition and a second change condition.

[0157] The first change condition is a condition that the suspension process in step S111 is newly executed. When the first change condition is adopted, the main control unit 5a executes second menu screen update processing each time the suspension process is executed.

[0158] The second change condition is a condition that the same second menu screen G2 has been continuously displayed for a predetermined time. When the second change condition is adopted, the secondary control unit 5b periodically executes second menu screen update processing when the plurality of target devices are in the suspended state.

[0159] By adopting this application example, baking of the display panel 3b is prevented.

Claims

1. An operating device including an organic electroluminescent display panel capable of displaying a color image, and a control unit capable of shifting a plurality of predetermined target devices from one of a normal state and a standby state with lower power consumption than the normal state to the other, the image forming apparatus comprising: when the plurality of target devices are in the normal state, the control unit causes the organic electroluminescent display panel to display a first menu screen including a first background image of a color other than black and a plurality of first icon images on the first background image; further, when shifting the plurality of target devices from the normal state to the standby state, the control unit causes the organic electroluminescent display panel to display a second menu screen including a second background image of black and a plurality of second icon images on the second background image.

2. Each of the plurality of first icon images includes a filled portion, each of the plurality of second icon images is composed of a contour line and does not include a filled portion, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Each of the plurality of first icon images is an image including a contour line of a predetermined specific color, each of the plurality of second icon images is an image obtained by replacing pixels of a color other than the specific color in each of the plurality of first icon images with black pixels, the image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Each of the plurality of second icon images is an image obtained by replacing pixels of a color other than the specific color in each of the plurality of first icon images with black pixels, and further replacing pixels of the specific color in each of the plurality of first icon images with pixels of an alternative color other than the specific color, the image forming apparatus according to claim 3.

5. further comprising a history recording unit that records information on an operation history of one or both of the first menu screen and the second menu screen in a non-volatile storage device, the control unit selects the plurality of second icon images to be included in the second menu screen from among a plurality of candidate icon images predetermined according to the operation frequency of each of the plurality of first icon images or the plurality of second icon images specified based on the operation history information, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the organic electroluminescence display panel to display the second menu screen in which the display positions of the plurality of second icon images are changed each time a predetermined change condition is satisfied.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the display on the organic electroluminescence display panel when a predetermined non-display condition is satisfied in a situation where the second menu screen is being displayed on the organic electroluminescence display panel.

Images