JP2017073743A - Image forming apparatus, and method and program for controlling vibration for sensing operation feeling - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and the like that, even when vibration is generated from other vibration sources present around an operation panel, enable a user to obtain a sufficient operation feeling through a vibration for sensing an operation feeling that is provided at the input of an operation to the operation panel.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an operation panel 1; vibration means 13 that generates a vibration for sensing an operation feeling at the input of an operation to the operation panel; at least one vibration generation sources 2, 6 that generate vibration during operation other than the vibration means; and vibration control means 17 that causes the vibration means 13 to generate vibration at the timing of detection of the input of an operation to the operation panel 1, and causes the vibration means to generate a different vibration according to whether the vibration generation sources are in operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention provides, for example, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) which is a multi-function digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and a scan function, and control of vibration for perceiving operation feeling. The present invention relates to a method and a control program.

  In terminal devices, such as a smart phone and a tablet terminal, the thing which vibrates a touch-panel part at the time of operation of a touch panel, an electrostatic key, etc., and obtains an operation response by tactile sense is increasing. By applying this to the above-mentioned MFP, which is often operated using a touch panel, like a terminal device, the operational feeling is improved by generating vibration for perceiving operational feeling when operating the operation panel. be able to.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for perceiving vibration that is almost uniform at any position on the operation surface by arranging a plurality of vibration elements around the touch panel and changing the vibration of each vibration element to vibrate. ing.

JP 2005-258666 A

  By the way, unlike the terminal device, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP has a vibration generation source such as an image forming unit and a document reading unit in the vicinity of the operation panel. Vibrations that are easily felt by a finger are in the vicinity of a low frequency of 100 Hz, and vibrations for perceiving operational feeling at the time of operation input on the operation panel are often applied at frequencies in the vicinity.

  On the other hand, the vibration generated by the reciprocating motion of the scanning unit performed at the time of scanning in the document reading unit is approximately 30 Hz, although it varies depending on the scanning conditions. For this reason, even when vibration is generated by operating a vibration source such as a document reading unit, it is difficult to distinguish between both vibrations even if vibration for perceiving operation feeling is generated during operation input on the operation panel. There is a problem that it is difficult for the user to obtain a sufficient tactile response.

  Note that the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above is a technique for perceiving substantially uniform vibration at any position on the operation surface in a situation where no other vibration source exists around the operation panel. When vibration from other vibration sources around the machine is generated, even if vibration for perceiving operation feeling is generated during operation input on the operation panel, it is difficult to distinguish both vibrations. A solution to the problem of difficulty in obtaining a tactile response could not be provided.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when vibrations from other vibration sources existing around the operation panel are generated, an operation feeling perception given when an operation is input to the operation panel. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a sufficient operational feeling by vibration for operation, a method for controlling vibration for perceiving operational feeling, and a control program.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) an operation panel, vibration means for generating vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel, at least one vibration generation source other than the vibration means for generating vibration during operation, Vibration control means for causing the vibration means to generate vibration at the timing when an operation input is detected, and generating different vibrations in the vibration means depending on whether or not the vibration generation source is in operation. An image forming apparatus.
(2) At least one of the vibration generation sources is a vibration generation source that generates vibrations in a certain direction by reciprocation in the same direction,
The vibration means is capable of generating vibrations in a first direction and in a second direction different in direction from the first direction with respect to vibrations in a certain direction by the vibration source, and the vibration control The image forming apparatus according to item 1, wherein the means causes the vibration means to generate vibration in the first direction when the vibration generation source is not in operation, and generates vibration in the second direction when the vibration generation source is in operation. .
(3) The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration having a first frequency and a vibration having a second frequency that is further away from the first frequency with respect to the vibration frequency of the vibration generation source. The vibration control unit causes the vibration unit to generate a vibration of the first frequency when the vibration generation source is not in operation, and generates the vibration of the second frequency when the vibration generation source is in operation. Image forming apparatus.
(4) The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration having a first amplitude and a vibration having a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude, and the vibration control means is that the vibration generation source is not in operation. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 3, wherein a vibration having a first amplitude is generated in the vibration unit, and a vibration having the second amplitude is generated in operation.
(5) The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration having a first vibration time and a vibration having a second vibration time longer than the first vibration time. The vibration control means has the vibration generating source 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 4, wherein a vibration for a first vibration time is generated in the vibration means when not operating, and a vibration for the second vibration time is generated when operating.
(6) Any of the preceding items 1 to 5, wherein the vibration control means causes the vibration means to generate a vibration different from a case where the vibration generation source is not operating only during a vibration generation period during the operation of the vibration generation source. The image forming apparatus described in 1.
(7) The image forming apparatus according to (6), wherein the vibration generation period is a period during which the vibration generation source is accelerating and / or decelerating.
(8) An operation panel, vibration means for generating vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel, vibration detection means for detecting vibration applied to the operation panel in addition to vibration by the vibration means, Vibration control means for causing the vibration means to generate vibration at a timing when an operation input of the operation panel is detected, and to generate different vibrations for the vibration means depending on whether vibration is detected by the vibration detection means; An image forming apparatus comprising:
(9) The vibration means can generate a vibration having a first amplitude and a vibration having a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude, and the vibration control means detects vibration by the vibration detection means. 9. The image forming apparatus according to item 8, wherein when the vibration is not generated, the vibration unit generates vibration with a first amplitude, and when vibration is detected, generates vibration with the second amplitude.
(10) The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration of a first vibration time and a vibration of a second vibration time longer than the first vibration time, and the vibration control means is the vibration vibration detection means. 10. The image according to item 8 or 9, wherein when the vibration is not detected, the vibration means generates a vibration for the first vibration time, and when the vibration is detected, the vibration for the second vibration time is generated. Forming equipment.
(11) Image formation comprising an operation panel, vibration means for generating vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel, and at least one vibration generation source other than the vibration means for generating vibration during operation A vibration control step for causing the vibration means to vibrate at a timing when the apparatus detects an operation input of the operation panel, and causing the vibration means to generate different vibrations depending on whether or not the vibration generation source is operating. A method for controlling vibration for perceiving operation feeling, characterized in that:
(12) An image forming apparatus including an operation panel and a vibration unit that generates vibration for perceiving an operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel may generate vibration applied to the operation panel in addition to the vibration by the vibration unit. The vibration detecting step for detecting and the vibration means generate vibration at the timing when the operation input of the operation panel is detected, and the vibration means differs depending on whether the vibration is detected by the vibration detecting step. And a vibration control step for generating an operational feeling perception vibration.
(13) Image formation comprising an operation panel, vibration means for generating vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel, and at least one vibration generation source other than the vibration means for generating vibration during operation Vibration that causes the vibration means to generate vibration at the timing when the operation input of the operation panel is detected in the computer of the apparatus, and causes the vibration means to generate different vibrations depending on whether the vibration generation source is operating or not. A vibration control program for perceiving operation feeling for executing a control step.
(14) A computer of an image forming apparatus including an operation panel and vibration means for generating vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel is applied to the operation panel in addition to vibration by the vibration means. A vibration detecting step for detecting vibrations and causing the vibration means to generate vibration at a timing when an operation input of the operation panel is detected, and depending on whether or not vibration is detected by the vibration detection step, The vibration control step for generating different vibrations, and a vibration control program for perceiving operation feeling for executing the vibration control step.

  According to the invention described in item (1) above, the vibration means generates vibration for perceiving operational feeling at the timing when the operation input of the operation panel is detected. Depending on whether or not the vibration generation source is operating, vibration is generated. Since vibrations for perceiving operational feeling are generated in the means, it is possible to change the vibrations for perceiving operational feeling depending on whether the vibration generation source is operating or stopped. For this reason, during operation of the vibration source, vibration for perceiving operational feeling can be generated in a form that makes it easier for the user to feel, so vibration from other vibration sources around the operation panel is generated. However, the image forming apparatus can generate a vibration for perceiving operation feeling that can be sufficiently distinguished from this vibration, and can obtain a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel.

  According to the invention described in the preceding item (2), when the vibration source that generates the vibration in a certain direction by the reciprocating operation in the same direction is not in operation, the vibration means causes the vibration in the first direction as the vibration for perceiving the operational feeling. When the vibration is generated and in operation, the vibration in the second direction, which is further different from the vibration in the first direction, is generated for the vibration in the fixed direction by the vibration generation source. It is possible to clearly distinguish the vibration in a certain direction by the vibration in the second direction for perceiving the operational feeling. As a result, a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel can be obtained even though the vibration generating source is operating.

  According to the invention described in (3) above, when the vibration generation source is not in operation, the vibration means generates the vibration of the first frequency as the vibration for perceiving the operational feeling. Since the vibration of the second frequency that is further away from the first frequency with respect to the vibration frequency of the source is generated, the user clearly defines the vibration by the vibration source and the vibration of the second frequency for perceiving operation feeling. Can be distinguished. As a result, a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel can be obtained even though the vibration generating source is operating.

  According to the invention described in item (4) above, when the vibration generation source is not in operation, the vibration means generates vibration having the first amplitude as vibration for perceiving operational feeling. Therefore, the user can clearly distinguish the vibration generated by the vibration generation source from the vibration with the second amplitude for perceiving operation feeling. As a result, a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel can be obtained even though the vibration generating source is operating.

  According to the invention described in (5) above, when the vibration generation source is not in operation, the vibration means generates vibration for the first vibration time as vibration for perceiving operational feeling. Since the vibration of the second vibration time longer than the vibration time of 1 is generated, the user can clearly distinguish the vibration by the vibration generation source and the vibration of the second vibration time for perceiving operation feeling. As a result, a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel can be obtained even though the vibration generating source is operating.

  According to the invention described in the preceding item (6), the vibration means generates vibration for operating feeling perception different from the case where the vibration generation source is not operating only during the vibration generation period during the operation of the vibration generation source. It becomes efficient.

  According to the invention described in item (7), the vibration for perceiving operational feeling, which is different from the case where the vibration generating source is not operating, is only during the period during which the vibration generating source is accelerating and / or decelerating. Is generated in the vibration means.

  According to the invention described in the preceding item (8), the vibration means generates vibration for perceiving operational feeling at the timing when the operation input of the operation panel is detected. Depending on whether or not it is detected, different vibrations for perceiving operation feeling are generated in the vibration means. Therefore, in addition to the vibration by the vibration means, the vibration for the operation panel may or may not be applied to the operation panel. The vibration can be changed. For this reason, when vibration is applied to the operation panel in addition to vibration by the vibration means, vibration for perceiving operational feeling can be generated in a form that makes it easier for the user to feel. Even if vibration from a vibrating source is generated, it is possible to generate a vibration for perceiving operation that can be sufficiently distinguished from this vibration, and to obtain a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel It becomes a forming device.

  According to the invention described in item (9), when no vibration is detected by the vibration detecting means, the vibration means is caused to generate a vibration having a first amplitude as a vibration for perceiving an operation feeling, and the vibration is detected. In this case, since the vibration having the second amplitude larger than the first amplitude is generated, the user can clearly distinguish the detected vibration from the vibration having the second amplitude for the operation feeling perception. As a result, a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel can be obtained even though the vibration generating source is operating.

  According to the invention described in item (10) above, when vibration is not detected by the vibration detection means, the vibration means is caused to generate vibration for the first vibration time as vibration for perceiving operation feeling, and the vibration is detected. In this case, since the vibration of the second vibration time longer than the first vibration time is generated, the user must clearly distinguish between the detected vibration and the vibration of the second vibration time for operation feeling perception. Can do. As a result, a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel can be obtained even though the vibration generating source is operating.

According to the invention described in the above item (11), the vibration for perceiving the operational feeling can be generated in a form that the user can feel more easily during the operation of the vibration generating source. Even if vibration from the vibration source is generated, it is possible to generate vibration for perceiving operation that can be sufficiently distinguished from this vibration, and to obtain a sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel. According to the invention described in (12), when vibration is applied to the operation panel in addition to the vibration by the vibration means that generates vibration for perceiving operation feeling, the user can more easily feel vibration for perceiving operation feeling. Because it can be generated in such a form, even if vibration from a vibration source existing around the operation panel is generated, it is possible to generate vibration for perceiving operation that can be sufficiently distinguished from this vibration, A sufficient tactile response at the time of operation input on the operation panel can be obtained.

  According to the invention described in item (13), the computer of the image forming apparatus executes a process that can generate vibration for perceiving operational feeling in a form that makes it easier for the user to feel during operation of the vibration generation source. Can be made.

  According to the invention described in item (14) above, when vibration is applied to the operation panel in addition to vibration by the vibration means for generating vibration for perceiving operation feeling, the user feels vibration for perceiving operation feeling more. It is possible to cause the computer of the image forming apparatus to execute a process that can be easily generated.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reader. It is a figure which shows the vibration generation state at the time of the document reading by a reader. It is the top view which showed an example of the operation panel. It is a control block diagram which shows the structure of the conventional operation panel. It is a control block diagram which shows the structure of the operation panel which concerns on this embodiment. It is a timing chart for demonstrating an example of control operation in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control process of vibration for perceiving operation feeling by the image forming apparatus. An example at the time of the scanning operation by the reading apparatus is shown. It is a timing chart for demonstrating an example of control operation in other embodiments of this invention. FIG. 23 is a control block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation panel according to still another embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the vibration for operation feeling perception in embodiment of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as the image forming apparatus 100, the MFP which is the above-described multifunction digital multi-function peripheral is used. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus is also referred to as an MFP.

  MFP 100 includes a reading device 2 that optically reads a document to obtain image data, and a print engine 6 that prints an image on a sheet based on the image data. On the upper surface of the main body of the MFP 100, a feeder 4 that feeds a document to the reading device 2 is disposed, and a plurality of sheet feeding units 9 that supply sheets to the print engine 6 are disposed at the lower portion. Further, a central portion of the MFP 100 includes a tray 8 on which a sheet on which an image is formed by the print engine 6 is discharged.

  An operation panel 1 is mounted on the front side (the side facing the user) of the upper surface of the main body of the MFP 100. Operation panel 1 is a device for operating MFP 100. As will be described later, the operation panel 1 includes a plurality of keys for accepting various instructions from the user, operations such as input of numbers, characters, symbols, and the like, and a display device. This display device uses a touch panel for input functions, displays various information in response to user operations and / or menu screens for accepting various operations to the user, and acquires the position touched by the user Then, input information corresponding to the acquired position is acquired.

  As shown in the perspective view of MFP 100 in FIG. 1, operation panel device 1 on which a touch panel input device is mounted is attached with an operation surface inclined obliquely so that it can be easily operated while standing in front of MFP 100. Depending on the MFP 100, there are a configuration in which the angle of the operation panel can be changed in consideration of a wheelchair operator, and a configuration in which the operation panel can be moved back and forth and left and right.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of MFP 100.

  Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes operation panel 1, system controller 101, memory 102, network interface 103, printer engine 6, output image processing unit 105, storage device 106, and reading device 2. The input image processing unit 108 and the like are included.

  To the system controller 101, a memory 102, a network interface 103, a printer engine 104, an output image processing unit 105, a storage device 106, a reading device 2, an input image processing unit 108, and an operation panel 1 are connected.

  The system controller 101 controls the entire MFP 100 for various jobs such as a scan job, a copy job, a mail transmission job, and a print job. The system controller 101 includes a CPU 121 (Central Processing Unit) and a ROM 122 (Read Only Memory). The CPU 121 executes a control program stored in the ROM 122. The ROM 122 stores various programs for operating the MFP 100 and various fixed data. The system controller 101 reads data from the memory 102 and writes data to the memory 102 by performing predetermined processing.

  The memory 102 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is used for temporarily storing data and image data necessary when the CPU 121 executes a control program.

  The network interface 103 communicates with an external device via a network according to an instruction from the system controller 101. The printer engine 6 performs a printing process on paper or the like based on the print data processed by the output image processing unit 105. In particular, when MFP 100 operates as a printer, printer engine 6 prints print data transmitted from an external computer or the like, and when MFP 100 operates as a copier, printer engine 6 prints an image read by reading device 2. .

  The output image processing unit 105 performs conversion processing for converting the format of the image data into print data, for example, when printing an image.

  Storage device 106 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), for example, and stores various data related to the operation of MFP 100. Further, the storage device 106 stores image data of a screen displayed on the operation panel 1 of the MFP 100.

  The reading device 2 reads an image of a document.

  The input image processing unit 108 performs conversion processing for converting the format of the image data, for example, when an image of a document is read by the reading device 2.

  Next, the configuration of the reading device 2 is shown in FIG. The reading device 2 is a device that reads a document image by a scanner moving method that is one of moving optical systems, and includes a reading sensor 21, a condensing lens 22, a scanner 23, mirrors 26 and 27, a control unit 28, and the like.

  The scanner 23 has an exposure lamp 24 and a mirror 25 for irradiating the document 31. The mirrors 26 and 27 are held by the slider 30 as a pair. The scanner 23 and the slider 30 are held movably in the direction of arrow a in the figure.

  At the time of reading a document image, the document 31 set on the platen glass 29 is irradiated by the exposure lamp 24, and the scanner 23 is moved (scanned) in the direction of arrow a by driving a scanner motor (not shown). Exposure scanning is performed.

  The reflected light of the light irradiated on the document 31 is incident on the condenser lens 22 via the mirrors 25, 26, and 27, condensed by the condensing action of the condenser lens 2, and read by the reading device 21. .

  When the reading device 21 receives the reflected light of the document, the reading device 21 photoelectrically converts the light into image signals of R, G, and B color components and sends the image signals to the control unit 28.

  The control unit 28 performs a known correction process such as shading correction on the received image signal, stores it as image data in the internal storage operation 106, and when receiving a read instruction, reads the image data from the storage operation 106. Output.

  FIG. 4 shows a vibration generation state when the document is read by the reading device 2 (when the scanner 23 and the slider 30 are operated).

  When scanning of the original is started and stopped, in other words, during the acceleration and deceleration of the scanner 23 and the slider 30, a force is applied in the direction in which the scanner 23 and the slider 30 operate, resulting in vibration. The frequency of this vibration is about 30 Hz although it varies depending on the weight and scanning speed of the scanner 23 and slider 30.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of the operation panel 1 described above. A display unit 10 that displays the setting state of the MFP 100 and the like is disposed at the center of the operation panel 1. Further, the touch panel 11 is arranged so as to be superimposed on the display unit 10 so as to be operated by touching a UI (user interface) screen which is an operation screen displayed on the display unit 10.

  An operation key group 12 is arranged at the lower part of the operation panel 1, and these operation keys include a start key for starting an operation such as copying or scanning, a clear key for clearing an inputted numerical value, a copy key, There are a stop key for instructing to stop the scanning operation, a reset key for discarding the set mode and job, and a numeric keypad for inputting a numerical value (not shown).

  The touch panel 11 is provided with a vibration unit 13 that generates vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input. The vibration unit 13 vibrates when the touch panel 11 is operated, and even if the touch panel has no click feeling, an operation input state can be obtained by a vibration tactile sense.

  This kind of vibration for perceiving operational feeling at the time of operation input is often adopted in smartphones, etc. When you press a button displayed on the screen on a touch panel, you can click unlike a hard key such as a tact switch. Since a feeling cannot be obtained, when the touch panel is operated, the touch panel can be vibrated for a short time to obtain a tactile sensation close to a click feeling.

  FIG. 6 is a control block diagram showing the configuration of the conventional operation panel 1. The conventional vibration response control will be described with reference to FIG.

  The operation panel 1 includes a display control unit 14, an input detection unit 15, an input determination unit 16, and a vibration control unit 17 in addition to the display unit 10, the touch panel 11, and the vibration unit 13 described above.

  The display control unit 14 generates a user interface (GUI) screen to be displayed on the display unit 10. The display control unit 14 includes a memory (not shown), stores graphic data related to a plurality of displays, and performs various displays on the display unit 10 according to the state of the MFP 100.

  The input detection unit 15 detects that the touch panel 11 has been touched and the touch position (input position), and the input determination unit 16 determines button input from the touched position information and display content.

  The vibration control unit 17 controls driving of the vibration unit 13 and controls whether or not the vibration unit 13 is vibrated. Since the vibration of the operation response is performed at the timing when the GUI button is pressed, the vibration control unit 17 determines that the operation input of the operation panel 1 has been performed according to the input determination result of the input determination unit 16. Control is performed to vibrate the vibration unit 13 at the timing. The vibration unit 13 generates vibration using a vibration actuator.

  It is said that the vibration frequency for operating feeling perception is a low frequency of 30 to 200 Hz, which is a frequency at which a person is likely to feel vibration with a fingertip, and the vibration unit 13 is often driven at a vibration frequency within these ranges. The larger the magnitude of vibration, the easier it is to obtain a tactile sensation. However, if the vibration is too large, the operation may be uncomfortable, and it is preferable that it can be varied to some extent.

  The vibration time is a short-time vibration similar to a hard key click when using vibration for perceiving operational feeling, but when using it for a response that is different from a click, such as a long tap response, the vibration time is It may change.

  By the way, unlike the smartphone or the like, the MFP 100 includes vibration sources such as the reading device 2 and the print engine 6 other than the vibration unit 13 in the vicinity of the operation panel 1. Vibration is generated by the image forming operation, and the vibration is transmitted to the operation panel 1.

  Further, the vibration for perceiving operational feeling at the time of operation input of the operation panel 1 is performed at a relatively low frequency as described above. Since the vibration due to the operation of the vibration source and the vibration for perceiving the operational feeling are vibrations of the same low frequency, even if the operation panel 1 is input during operation of the vibration generating source, the vibration for perceiving the operational feeling May not be obtained as a tactile sensation.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vibration control of the vibration unit 13 is performed with the operation of the vibration generation source such as the reading device 2 and the print engine 6.

  FIG. 7 is a control block diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel 1 according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the display unit 10, the touch panel 11, the vibration unit 13, the display control unit 14, the input detection unit 15, the input determination unit 16, and the vibration control unit 17 in the operation panel 1 is the conventional control of the operation panel 1 shown in FIG. 6. Same as block.

  In the present embodiment, the system controller 101 includes an operation detection unit 20 that detects an operation state of a vibration generation source such as the reading device 2, and the vibration control unit 17 detects the vibration generation source detected by the operation detection unit 20. The vibration conditions, that is, the vibration frequency of the vibration unit 13, the magnitude of vibration (amplitude), the vibration time, and the like are controlled in accordance with the operation state. As a result, even when the vibration generating source is operating, it is possible to clearly perceive the vibration for perceiving operational feeling at the time of operation input of the operation panel 1.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the control operation in the present embodiment. In this example, the case where the vibration generation source is the reading device 2 in the vicinity of the operation panel 1 is shown.

  FIG. 8A shows the operation of the reading device 2, and the scanning operation is performed from time T1 to T2. FIG. 5B shows the operation status of the operation panel 1 by the user, and shows that the pulse portion touches the touch panel 11.

  FIG. 3C shows a state of occurrence of vibration for perceiving operation feeling given to the operation panel 1 by the vibration unit 13 when the operation panel 1 is operated. When the reading device 2 is not performing the scanning operation, vibration in the normal mode is generated as described as “standard”. For the vibration in the normal mode, the frequency, amplitude, vibration time, and the like are set as default setting values in advance.

  Whether the reading device 2 is performing a scanning operation is monitored by the operation detecting unit 20, and when the reading device 2 starts operating at time T1, the operation detecting unit 20 detects this, and the operation detecting unit 20 operates. Is sent to the vibration control unit 17.

  The vibration control unit 17 receives this signal, and when an operation input of the operation panel 1 is performed during the scanning operation, the vibration condition in the normal mode is set by the user, and the vibration for the operational feeling perception by the vibration unit 13 is more In order to make it easy to perceive, the vibration unit 13 is driven and controlled by changing the vibration condition, and vibration under the changed condition is generated. In this embodiment, the vibration amplitude is increased as described as “large”.

  When the scanning operation by the reading device 2 is completed at time T2, the operation detection unit 20 detects this and sends a signal indicating the end of the scanning operation to the vibration control unit 17. When receiving this signal, the vibration control unit 17 returns the vibration condition to the normal mode and vibrates the vibration unit 13.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control process of the vibration for perceiving operation feeling including the operation described with reference to FIG. This process is executed by the CPU 121 in the system controller 101 of the MFP 1 operating according to an operation program stored in the ROM 122 or the like.

  In step S100, it is determined whether there has been an operation input on the touch panel. If not (NO in step S100), the process ends. If there is an operation input (YES in step S100), it is determined in step S101 whether a vibration source such as the reading device 2 or the print engine 6 is operating. If it is not operating (NO in step S101), the first vibration condition (default vibration condition) in the normal mode is set in step S102, and the process proceeds to step S104.

  If the vibration source is operating (YES in step S101), in step S103, a preset second vibration condition for operating the vibration source is set, and then the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the vibration unit 13 is operated under the set vibration conditions.

  Thus, by making the vibration condition of the vibration unit 13 at the time of the vibration source operation different from the vibration condition in the normal mode in which the vibration source is not operating, the influence of vibration by the vibration source can be reduced, It is possible to make the user perceive the vibration for the operational feeling perception by the vibration unit 13 more clearly and feel a good operational feeling.

  The second vibration condition set during the operation of the vibration source may be a condition that allows the user to perceive the vibration for perceiving the operational feeling by the vibration unit 13 as distinguished from the vibration source. In the example of FIG. 8, an example in which the amplitude of vibration by the vibration unit 13 is set large is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vibration frequency may be changed. In this case, a vibration frequency that is further away from the frequency in the normal mode with respect to the vibration frequency of the vibration source is employed. As a result, it is possible to perceive vibration for perceiving operational feeling more distinctly from vibration of the vibration generation source.

  Further, the length of the vibration time may be changed and set to a vibration time longer than that in the normal mode. This also makes it possible to perceive the vibration for perceiving the operational feeling as distinguished from the vibration of the vibration generating source. Moreover, you may change combining 2 or more of an amplitude, a frequency, and vibration time.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the vibration direction of the vibration unit 13 during the vibration source operation may be different from the vibration direction in the normal mode.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the scanning operation by the reading device 2, and the scanning unit 200 including the scanner 23 and the slider 30 shown in FIG. 3 is configured to be movable in the direction of arrow a. The document moves to the right and reads the image of the document. After the reading is completed, the document moves to the left in the drawing and stops. Thus, since the reading device 2 performs reciprocating motion in a certain direction (the direction of the arrow a), vibration in the same direction as the moving direction is generated.

  On the other hand, when the direction of vibration by the vibration unit 13 is set to be the same as the direction of vibration by the reading device 2 in the normal mode, the vibration by the vibration unit 13 is attenuated by the vibration of the reading device 2, and the user operates Cannot perceive feeling.

  Therefore, during the operation of the reading device 2, the vibration direction is set under the second vibration condition so that the vibration direction by the vibration unit 13 is different from the vibration direction during the operation of the reading device 2. Preferably, the vibration direction by the vibration unit 13 is set to be a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction during operation of the reading device 2. Further, when the vibration direction by the vibration unit 13 is not set to be the same as the vibration direction by the reading device 2 in the normal mode, the vibration direction by the reading device 2 is greater than the vibration direction in the normal mode. What is necessary is just to set the 2nd vibration condition so that it may become a different vibration direction.

  The vibration direction may be changed by using a vibration device that can change the vibration direction. In the case of a vibration device that has a fixed vibration direction, the vibration unit 13 is operated by the vibration device in the normal mode and the reading device 2. What is necessary is just to comprise by the some vibration apparatus of the vibration apparatus made to vibrate occasionally, and to arrange | position so that it may become the set vibration direction, respectively.

  In this case as well, the vibration direction may be changed and may be changed by combining one or more of amplitude, frequency, and vibration time.

  FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the control operation in another embodiment of the present invention.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, regarding the vibration of the reading device 2, the scanner 23 and the slider are moved when the scanning of the original is started and stopped, in other words, during the acceleration and deceleration of the scanner 23 and the slider 30. A force is applied in the direction in which 30 operates, resulting in vibration.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the vibration condition of the vibration unit 13 is not always changed during the scanning operation of the reading device 2, but only at the start and stop of reading, that is, during acceleration and deceleration of the scanner 23 and the slider 30. The vibration condition has been changed.

  FIG. 11A shows the operation of the reading device 2, and the scanning operation is performed from time T1 to T2. FIG. 5B shows the operation status of the operation panel 1 by the user, and shows that the pulse portion touches the touch panel 11.

  FIG. 3C shows a state of occurrence of vibration for perceiving operation feeling given to the operation panel 1 by the vibration unit 13 when the operation panel 1 is operated. When the reading device 2 is not performing the scanning operation, vibration in the normal mode is generated as described as “standard”. The motion detection unit 20 (shown in FIG. 7) monitors the operation of the reading device 2 so that the acceleration state and the deceleration state of the scanner 23 and the slider 30 can be detected from changes in the drive current of the scanner 23 and the slider 30. It has become. When the acceleration state and the deceleration state of the scanner 23 and the slider 30 are detected, a predetermined signal is sent to the vibration control unit 17.

  The vibration control unit 17 that has received this signal changes the vibration condition and changes the vibration unit 13 while receiving the signal from the vibration control unit 17, in other words, only during acceleration and deceleration of the scanner 23 and the slider 30. Drive control is performed to generate vibrations under the changed conditions. When the reading device 2 is in the scanning operation, the vibration unit 13 is vibrated under the same vibration conditions as in the normal mode when the reading apparatus 2 is not accelerating or decelerating.

  With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently change the vibration condition only when vibration occurs.

  FIG. 12 shows still another embodiment of the present invention, and is a control block diagram showing the configuration of the operation panel 1. In this embodiment, a vibration detection sensor 40 that detects vibration applied to the operation panel is provided in the vicinity of the operation panel 1. When the reading device 2, which is a vibration generation source, operates to generate vibration, the vibration detection sensor 40 detects this and outputs a detection signal to the vibration control unit 17. The vibration control unit 17 that has received the detection signal sets a vibration condition different from the vibration condition in the normal mode when there is an operation input to the operation panel 1 while the detection signal is being output, that is, while vibration is generated by the vibration source. Then, the vibration unit 13 is operated.

  In the control block diagram of FIG. 12, the configuration other than the vibration detection sensor 40 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the vibration for perceiving operation feeling described with reference to FIG. 13 by the MFP 1. This process is executed by the CPU 121 in the system controller 101 of the MFP 1 operating according to an operation program stored in the ROM 122 or the like.

  In step S200, it is determined whether or not there has been a touch panel operation input. If not (NO in step S200), the process ends. If there is an operation input (YES in step S200), it is determined in step S201 whether the vibration detection sensor 40 has detected vibration. If not detected (NO in step S201), after setting the first vibration condition (default vibration condition) in the normal mode in step S202, the process proceeds to step S204.

  If vibration is detected (YES in step S201), the second vibration condition at the time of vibration detection set in advance is set in step S203, and then the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the vibration unit 13 is operated under the set vibration conditions.

  As described above, the vibration condition of the vibration unit 13 at the time of vibration detection by the vibration detection sensor 40 is different from the vibration condition in the normal mode in which vibration is not detected, thereby reducing the influence of vibration due to the operation of the vibration source. The vibration for perceiving the operational feeling by the vibration unit 13 can be more clearly perceived by the user and a good operational feeling can be felt.

  In the embodiment in which the vibration detection sensor 40 is provided, one or more of amplitude, frequency, vibration time, and the like may be changed as the second vibration condition.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the control when vibration is generated mainly by the operation of the reading device 2 has been described. However, the MFP has a plurality of vibration generation sources such as an image forming unit (print engine 6) and a sheet conveying unit in addition to the reading device 2. Of course, the vibration generation source other than the reading device 2 can control the vibration of the vibration unit 13 by the vibration control unit 17 as in the case of the reading device 2.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation panel 2 Reading apparatus 6 Print engine 13 Vibration part 17 Vibration control part 20 Operation | movement detection part 40 Vibration detection sensor 100 Image forming apparatus 121 CPU
122 ROM

Claims (14)

An operation panel;
Vibration means for generating vibrations for perceiving operational feeling upon operation input of the operation panel;
At least one vibration generating source other than the vibrating means that generates vibration during operation;
Vibration control means for causing the vibration means to generate vibration at a timing when an operation input of the operation panel is detected, and generating different vibrations for the vibration means depending on whether or not the vibration generation source is operating;
An image forming apparatus comprising: At least one of the vibration generation sources is a vibration generation source that generates vibration in a certain direction by reciprocation in the same direction,
The vibration means is capable of generating vibration in a first direction and a second direction different in direction from the first direction with respect to vibration in a certain direction by the vibration generation source,
The vibration control means causes the vibration means to generate vibration in a first direction when the vibration generation source is not in operation, and generates vibration in the second direction when the vibration generation source is in operation. Image forming apparatus. The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration having a first frequency and a vibration having a second frequency farther than the first frequency with respect to the vibration frequency of the vibration source,
The vibration control means causes the vibration means to generate a vibration having a first frequency when the vibration generation source is not in operation, and generates a vibration having the second frequency when the vibration generation source is in operation. The image forming apparatus described in 1. The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration having a first amplitude and a vibration having a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude.
The vibration control means causes the vibration means to generate a first amplitude vibration when the vibration generation source is not in operation, and generates a second amplitude vibration when the vibration generation source is in operation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration of a first vibration time and a vibration of a second vibration time longer than the first vibration time,
The vibration control means causes the vibration means to generate a vibration for a first vibration time when the vibration generation source is not in operation, and generates a vibration for the second vibration time when the vibration generation source is in operation. The image forming apparatus according to any one of?   6. The vibration control unit according to claim 1, wherein the vibration control unit causes the vibration unit to generate a vibration different from a case where the vibration generation source is not operating only during a vibration generation period during the operation of the vibration generation source. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the vibration generation period is a period during which the vibration generation source is accelerating and / or decelerating. An operation panel;
Vibration means for generating vibrations for perceiving operational feeling upon operation input of the operation panel;
Vibration detection means for detecting vibration applied to the operation panel other than vibration by the vibration means;
Vibration control means for causing the vibration means to generate vibration at a timing when an operation input of the operation panel is detected, and to generate different vibrations for the vibration means depending on whether vibration is detected by the vibration detection means; ,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration having a first amplitude and a vibration having a second amplitude larger than the first amplitude.
The vibration control means causes the vibration means to generate a first amplitude vibration when no vibration is detected by the vibration detection means, and generates a second amplitude vibration when the vibration is detected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8. The vibration means is capable of generating a vibration of a first vibration time and a vibration of a second vibration time longer than the first vibration time,
The vibration control means causes the vibration means to generate a vibration of a first vibration time when no vibration is detected by the vibration vibration detection means, and if a vibration is detected, the vibration control means generates a vibration of the second vibration time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus generates image data. An image forming apparatus comprising: an operation panel; a vibration unit that generates vibration for perceiving operational feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel; and at least one vibration generation source other than the vibration unit that generates vibration during operation.
A vibration control step of causing the vibration means to generate vibration at a timing when an operation input of the operation panel is detected, and causing the vibration means to generate different vibrations depending on whether or not the vibration generation source is operating. A control method of vibration for perceiving operation feeling characterized by the above. An image forming apparatus including an operation panel and a vibration unit that generates vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel.
A vibration detecting step for detecting vibration applied to the operation panel in addition to vibration by the vibration means;
A vibration control step for causing the vibration means to generate vibration at a timing at which an operation input of the operation panel is detected, and for generating different vibrations for the vibration means depending on whether vibration is detected by the vibration detection step; ,
A method for controlling vibration for perceiving operation feeling, characterized in that: A computer of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an operation panel; a vibration unit that generates vibration for perceiving operational feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel; and at least one vibration generation source other than the vibration unit that generates vibration during operation. In addition,
The vibration means is caused to vibrate at the timing when the operation input of the operation panel is detected, and a vibration control step for causing the vibration means to generate different vibrations depending on whether or not the vibration generation source is operating. Vibration control program for perceiving operational feeling. A computer of an image forming apparatus including an operation panel and a vibration unit that generates vibration for perceiving operation feeling when an operation is input to the operation panel.
A vibration detecting step for detecting vibration applied to the operation panel in addition to vibration by the vibration means;
A vibration control step for causing the vibration means to generate vibration at a timing at which an operation input of the operation panel is detected, and for generating different vibrations for the vibration means depending on whether vibration is detected by the vibration detection step; ,
A vibration control program for perceiving operational feeling for implementing the above.

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