JP2002351179A - Image forming apparatus and picture reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively eliminate trouble such as the generation of unneeded copies and waste of time due to a confirmation error of an input mode in an image forming apparatus provided with a full color function, especially in a full color copying machine. SOLUTION: In an operating part of the image forming apparatus provided with at least 2 among a black and white mode as an image mode, a full color mode and an automatic color discrimination mode where the black and white mode and the full color mode can be automatically discriminated, a multiple number of image mode input switches and image formation start switches are installed in the peripheral part of the image formation start switches.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus or an image reading apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus capable of forming a full color image or an image reading apparatus capable of reading a full color image. It relates to improvement of operability of the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image forming apparatus capable of forming a full-color image using an electrophotographic system has become widespread. This image forming apparatus forms a full-color image by forming an image four times using four color toners of cyan (C), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and black (K). I have. Therefore, in general full-color image formation, full-color image formation takes more time and the unit price of a copy becomes higher than in black single-color image formation.

Therefore, even when a color original is used, especially when time and cost are prioritized, a mode (black and white mode) in which a black and white copy using only black toner can be created can be set.

On the other hand, in such a color copying machine, in addition to the black-and-white mode, a full-color mode for forming an image in full color and a black-and-white mode or a full-color mode are automatically identified by automatically identifying the type of the original. In many cases, an automatic color identification mode for forming an image in an appropriate copying mode is provided (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-65533).

Accordingly, such a full-color copying machine can perform both black-and-white copying and full-color copying according to the operator's intention.

[0006]

However, if the image forming mode includes the monochrome mode, the full-color mode, or the automatic identification mode, the operator enters various modes when starting the copying operation. However, image forming apparatuses such as full-color copying machines are often used by a plurality of operators on an office floor or the like, rather than dedicatedly used by individuals. When copying in a different mode, the user often forgets to enter the copy mode and presses the copy button.

[0007] In this case, a black-and-white copy is output even though a full-color image is desired to be formed, or a full-color image is formed despite a black-and-white copy being good. There was a problem of wasting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus or an image reading apparatus capable of effectively eliminating troubles caused by such an input mode confirmation error.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising an image reading means and an image forming means, wherein image information read from the image reading means based on an instruction from an operation unit. In an image forming apparatus for executing image formation by image forming means, the image forming apparatus has at least a black and white mode, a full color mode, and an automatic color identification mode capable of automatically distinguishing between a monochrome mode and a full color mode as image modes. The operation unit includes an image forming start switch for instructing an image forming operation start;
An image mode input switch for inputting the plurality of image modes is arranged around the image forming start switch. According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the image mode input switch for inputting a plurality of image modes is arranged around the image formation start switch, the line of sight is moved when the image formation start switch is pressed. And the image mode can be recognized.

[0010] In the invention according to claim 2, the image mode input switch is arranged so as to be associated along the outer periphery of the image formation start switch. With this configuration, since the image mode input switch and the image formation start switch are associated with each other, the visibility is further improved, and erroneous recognition of the image mode can be eliminated.

Further, in the invention according to claim 3, the association is characterized by a shape including a concave portion or a convex portion formed around the image forming start switch. as a result,
Further, visibility is improved.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the operation portion is provided with a stepped portion along the outer periphery of the image formation start switch in a height direction from a plane of the operation portion, and the plurality of images are provided on the stepped portion. A mode input switch is arranged. Even with this configuration, the association becomes clearer,
The visibility is improved. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus for performing image reading based on an instruction from an operation unit, the image reading apparatus automatically sets at least a black and white mode, a full color mode, and a black and white mode and a full color mode as image modes to be read. An image reading start switch for instructing the start of an image reading operation;
An image mode input switch for inputting the plurality of image modes is arranged around the image reading start switch. According to the present invention, even in an image reading apparatus capable of switching the image input mode, it is possible to eliminate the misidentification of the reading mode when starting the image reading apparatus.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising an image reading means and an image forming means, wherein image information read from the image reading means is executed by the image forming means based on an instruction from an operation section. In the apparatus, the image forming apparatus includes at least two image modes of a monochrome mode, a full color mode, and an automatic color identification mode capable of automatically identifying a monochrome mode and a full color mode as image modes, and the operation unit includes an image forming apparatus. An image formation start switch for instructing an operation start and an image mode input switch for inputting the plurality of image modes are arranged at a periphery of the image formation start switch. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, as in the first aspect of the present invention, the image formation start switch is pressed by arranging the image mode input switch for inputting a plurality of image modes around the image formation start switch. In this case, the image mode can be recognized without moving the line of sight.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus for executing image reading based on an instruction from an operation unit, wherein the image reading apparatus includes a monochrome mode, a full color mode, a monochrome mode, and a full color mode as image modes to be read. The operation unit includes an image reading start switch for instructing the start of an image reading operation, and an image for inputting the plurality of image modes. A mode input switch is arranged around the image reading start switch. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, similarly to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even in an image reading apparatus capable of switching between a plurality of image input modes, erroneous recognition of the reading mode can be eliminated at the start of the image reading apparatus. it can.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. A color copier as an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows an external view of a color copying machine as an image forming apparatus. A color copying machine 1 has a scanner unit 2 for reading an image at an upper part of the apparatus main body and a paper supply unit for supplying a sheet to a lower part of the apparatus main body. Is provided. And
The scanner unit 2 is provided with a DF unit 8 for automatically supplying a document, and an operation unit A for operating this color copier is provided on the front surface of the scanner unit.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the internal structure of the color copying machine. The color copying machine includes an image processing unit 3, an LSU 4, a printer unit 5, a sheet feeding and conveying unit 6, and a fixing unit 7. , And so on. The scanner unit 2 applies light to the original and reflects the light through an RGB filter.
The signal is sent to the CD image sensor 24, where it is converted into an electric signal. The image processing unit 3 includes the CCD image sensor 2
4 is a part for processing the signal from A / D conversion, shading correction, color tone correction, and other image processing.

The LSU 4 converts the image data of the image processing 3 into a laser beam and irradiates the photosensitive drum 51 with the laser beam. The image forming unit 5 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a main charging unit 52, a developing unit 53, a transfer belt 54, and a cleaning unit 5.
5, and a discharge lamp 57. The developing section 53 particularly has four developing units of a cyan developing unit 533, a magenta developing unit 532, a yellow developing unit 531 and a black developing unit 534. The main charger 52 stretches a thin tungsten wire of 50 to 100 μm in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 51 in a shield case opened toward the photosensitive drum 51 and applies a high voltage of about +5 KV to the photosensitive drum 51. The body drum 51 is positively charged. When the LSU 4 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 51 with a laser beam corresponding to image information, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. A laser image is formed by applying the bias voltage of the developing roller and the potential of the surface of the photosensitive drum to the laser-irradiated portion of the photosensitive drum 51 which is agitated in the developing unit 53 and is positively charged. Is transferred to the surface of the transfer belt 54. The untransferred toner on the photosensitive drum 51 is scraped off by the rubber blade 551 of the cleaning means 55 in the next process, and is discharged by the discharge lamp 57 so as to reduce the residual potential on the surface to be uniform. Prepare for the next set of processes. In the case of color output, this operation is performed for each color cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and the toner images are superimposed on the transfer belt 54. 5
At 41b), the image is transferred onto a sheet. In the case of monochrome output, the cyan developing unit 531, the magenta developing unit 532, and the yellow developing unit 533 do not operate, and only the black developing unit is used.

The sheet feeding and conveying means 6 includes a sheet feeding cassette (61).
1, 612), a paper feed roller (621, 622), a vertical conveyance path 63, a pair of registration rollers (64a, 64b), and a conveyance belt 64. The paper cassette (61)
1, 612), there is a sheet stacking plate on which a plurality of sheets are stacked, and the sheet stacking plate is a spring or a top motor of the sheets stacked by a lift motor or the like is the sheet feed roller (621). , 622). The registration roller pair (64a, 64b) stops the sheet once to adjust the timing of transferring the toner image of the photosensitive drum 51 of the image forming unit 5 to the conveyed sheet and to adjust the leading end of the sheet. Has a role of transporting the paper from the printer to the image forming means 5. The transport belt 65 transports the sheet on which the unfixed toner has been transferred to the fixing unit 7. The necessary number of the transport rollers in each transport path are laid out as needed.

The fixing means 7 includes a first heat roller 71, a first heater 711 therein, and a second heat roller 72.
The inside second heater 721 and the fixing discharge roller pair (7
3a, 73b) and the like. Specifically, the heat roller pair (71, 72) is made of aluminum or the like having good thermal conductivity and coated with fluorine, and the two heaters (71, 72) are used.
1, 721) is controlled to a predetermined temperature required for fixing. The first heat roller 71 is opposed to the second heat roller 72 at an appropriate pressure, and is driven by driving means (not shown). The heat roller pair (71, 72) is made of an aluminum roller having a good thermal conductivity as a base material, and its periphery is covered with an elastic layer in order to secure a fixing nip width. Although not shown, each roller is provided with a claw member for peeling off the sheet, and a roller or web for cleaning.

The operation of the color image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sheet stacking plate (611, 611)
612) is fed to the paper feed roller (62).
1, 622), and is fed to the vertical transport path 63, where it is temporarily stopped by the pair of registration rollers (64a, 64b), and at a predetermined timing, the secondary transfer means ( 541a, 541b), and the unfixed toner is transferred to the upper surface of the sheet in the drawing. The sheet having the unfixed toner transferred to the upper surface is sent to the fixing unit 7 via the transport belt 65. Here, the toner image is fixed on the sheet by being nipped and heated by the nip formed by the heat roller pair (71, 72).
Thereafter, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray (not shown).

[0021]

[Image Forming Mode] Next, various modes employed in the color copying machine will be described. In this color copying machine, the original is scanned once, and the respective components are detected by dedicated detection units for three channels of R, G, and B provided in the CCD unit 24, and are stored in the memory. The data in this memory is analyzed by the image processing unit as histogram data for each of R, G, and B channels,
The image information can be recognized as a color original if it has the individual lightness distributions of R, G, and B, and a black-and-white original if it has substantially the same lightness distribution. The modes for outputting the image information thus formed include a monochrome mode, a full color mode, and an automatic color identification mode.

Here, the black-and-white mode means that the image information of each of the R, G, and B channels is summed, this image information is converted into gray image information, and then output as gray image information from the LSU 3 onto the photoreceptor 51. Output mode as a black and white copy. In this case, even when the original is determined to be full-color image information, if the monochrome mode is selected, full-color RGB information is converted to gray information, and a black-and-white print output using only black toner can be obtained.

The full-color mode means that the input RGB
Is converted into cyan (C), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and black (K) toner image information, and image formation is performed using four types of developing means. In the case of the above color copier, a toner image of each color is formed on the photoconductor in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and is transferred onto the transfer belt. A four-color toner is transferred onto a sheet to form a full-color image. The automatic color identification mode is a mode in which an image is formed in a monochrome mode based on information of a monochrome or full-color original determined based on histogram analysis of each of the R, G, and B channels when the above-described original image information is input. Alternatively, it is a mode in which image formation in the full color mode is automatically executed. In this case, it is not necessary for the operator to specify whether the output is a monochrome output or a full-color output, so that the operation can be extremely simplified.

Next, an operation section for inputting these modes will be described. Before describing the operation unit A of the present invention, the visibility as a technical idea leading to the completion of the present invention will be described.

When a person judges an object visually, the visual acuity centered on the line of sight is an important factor. Normally, when a person looks at something in the horizontal direction, there is an individual
It has a field of view of 00 degrees. In other words, objects that are within a range of 100 degrees on the left and right sides with the eye as the center are temporarily recognized visually. In other words, it is visible. However, in order to recognize meaningful visual information such as characters, not only visual recognition but also the concept of "sight" for identifying the visual information is required. Usually, "sight" refers to the ability of the eye to recognize the shape and existence of an object, and refers to the sense of separation that distinguishes two points or lines. The “sight” includes “central vision” and “out-of-center vision”, and what is evaluated by a normal eye examination or the like means “central vision”. Comparing the visual acuity of a single eye with the visual acuity of both eyes, the binocular visual acuity has approximately 1.2 times the visual acuity of the monocular visual acuity.

The "center vision" and "out-of-center vision" will be further described. In general, human vision mainly refers to "sight (center vision)" in the fovea centralis of the retina.
Is the strongest in visual acuity, and it is known that this visual acuity is greatly reduced due to deviation of the line of sight. Specifically, when the line of sight shifts by 2 degrees, it becomes 1/2.
If it is shifted by 10 or 10 degrees, it will be reduced to 1/20.
If we describe a person with a visual acuity of 1.0 with both eyes, 2
The “out-of-center visual acuity” when deviated by 5 degrees is reduced to 0.4, and the “out-of-center acuity” when deviated by 5 degrees is reduced to 0.1.
If deviated by a certain degree, the visual acuity outside the center is reduced to 0.02. Unlike ordinary visual acuity inspection, in the case of office equipment such as a copying machine as described later, the amount of displacement of the line of sight is 10 degrees, considering that the visible distance between the operator and the operation unit is generally within a range of 40 to 100 cm. Is considered to be the limit, and in view of such a decrease in visual acuity, characters cannot be identified unless the gaze is moved.

As described above, when considering the operation unit of the copying machine, when recognizing characters described in various switches, it is determined by "center vision", and in order to recognize related switches, color recognition is performed. It is important to arrange them within at least 10 degrees even if they use pictograms or pictograms. Conversely, if the two switches are within two degrees as the amount of shift of the line of sight, it is possible to recognize both without having to intentionally shift the line of sight.

The identifiable state will be further described assuming the actual use state of the copying machine. The operation unit A of the copying machine is integrally attached to a scanner unit 2 as a normal document reading unit as shown in FIG. As a result, if the handling of the original on the contact glass is considered with priority and the height of the contact glass B is determined, the height of the operation unit A is also determined according to the height. In other words,
The height of the operation unit A is provided at a position where the operation of the hand of the operator who uses the copying machine is improved. The height is designed so that visibility is improved. Therefore, in a general copying machine, the operation unit is often provided at a height of about 80 cm to 110 cm.

Therefore, the visibility in the case where the operation unit is provided at such a position will be considered. First, the average height of the operator is 155 to 180 cm, and the height of the shoes is 5 to 180 cm.
Assuming that the position of the eyes is 10 cm lower than the height by 10 cm, on average, the height of the eyes from the operator's floor is
It is considered about 150 to 180 cm. As a result, when trying to operate the copying machine in a natural posture, if the operation unit is the lowest device, it is 70 to 100 cm;
The operation unit is visually recognized at a distance of about 70 cm.

Considering the line of sight of the operator, the longer the viewing distance, the greater the distance due to the shift angle.
〜70 cm). First, in order to keep the range of the line of sight 2 degrees, 2 × 40 tan (1 degree) to 2 × 70 ta
n (1 degree), the adjacent switches are set to 1.
Within the range of 4 to 2.4 cm, similarly, within the range of 3.5 to 6.2 cm to maintain the range of the line of sight 5 degrees, and within the range of 7.0 to 12.2 cm to maintain the range of the line of sight 10 degrees. It is only necessary to arrange them. In practice, the association can be confirmed in a direct viewing state, and considering the operation of slightly moving the line of sight therefrom, the two switches that need to be related, such as the image mode changeover switch and the image formation start switch, are set at a line of sight of 10 degrees. Preferably, it is desirable to set it below that.

On the other hand, in general, in a copying machine, numbers on numeric keys and function buttons such as a fax key and a copy key are arranged close to each other, but an image mode changeover switch and an image mode switch are used. Actually, the arrangement with the formation start switch is not considered at all from the viewpoint of visibility. For example, in a conventional copying machine (JP-A-8-65533), a copy button for starting a copying operation and a mode switching button for a monochrome mode or an automatic identification mode are arranged at completely different positions on an operation panel. It can be understood that the two are not associated with each other, so that the visibility based on central visual acuity according to the present invention is not considered at all.

From the above, the present inventor has attempted to eliminate erroneous operations and unnecessary copying that frequently occur when the copy start button is pressed without recognizing the state in the copy mode unique to the color copying machine. As a result of diligent research, the copy mode switch and the copy start switch have been arranged close to each other in a specific relationship, and the visibility of both has been extremely enhanced.

The operation section of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Operation Unit] The operation unit indicated generally by A is composed of a liquid crystal display unit 100 for transmitting various information of the copying machine to an operator and various input switches. This liquid crystal display unit 100
On the lower side of the figure, buttons 102 for performing various settings such as an image density adjustment button, a document size, a paper size selection button, and a magnification setting button such as equal magnification and variable magnification are provided. Has a ten-key button 104 for inputting the number of copies and the like, and an image mode setting button 10 according to the present invention on the right side of the ten-key button.
6 (107, 108, 109) and a copy start button 110. On the right side of the copy start button 110, function buttons 112 for selecting various functions of the color copying machine such as copy, printer, facsimile, and scanner are vertically arranged.

Here, the relationship between the image mode button 106 and the copy start button 110 will be further described.
The operation unit shown in FIG. 3 employs a copy start button 110 colored yellowish green with a diameter of 3 cm, and the outer periphery of the copy start button 110 has a width of 0.3 cm.
Are formed. Then, the copy start button 110 is
Three grooves 122, 123, and 124 on the left side of the recess 12
0, and the respective grooves 122, 12
At 3 and 124, an automatic color mode selection button 107, a full color mode selection button 108, and a monochrome mode selection button 109 as image mode setting buttons 106 are arranged in order from the top. Thus, the copy start button and the image mode switch are associated with each other by the circumferential concave portion 120 and the following groove portions 122, 123, and 124.

Further, each image mode switch 106
Is colored in a similar color to the copy start button 110 in order to enhance the relation with the copy start button 110, and the lamp means 128 such as a light emitting diode is turned on so that the selected state can be easily recognized. ing. Further, a pictogram 130 is formed on the left side of each image mode switch 106 so that the user can easily recognize which mode the button 106 is in. In this embodiment, the various image mode selection buttons have a width of 1.5c in the longitudinal direction.
The copy start button 110 and the image mode selection button 106 are arranged within a range of 5 cm, and are arranged so as to be within a range of about 6 cm even when a pictogram portion is included.

In this full-color copying machine 1, the height of the operation unit varies depending on the number of stages of the cassettes 611 and 612 of the sheet feeding device 9. However, the height is usually in the range of 80 to 100 cm, and typically about 90 cm. It is designed to be. By performing such a design, as described above, it is arranged so as to fall within the range of the line of sight of 10 degrees in the state used by the average operator. As a result, when the line of sight is moved to the copy start button 110 when the copy start button 110 is pressed, the image forming mode selection switch 106 is inevitably visible, and the color copying machine 1 It is possible to clearly recognize which image forming mode is selected. Therefore,
Even when the copy start button 110 is pressed quickly, an erroneous operation can be eliminated. Further, the image forming mode selection switch 106 and the copy start button 110 are operated together with the operation unit A.
Since the buttons are arranged on the right side, a series of button operations for mode selection and copy start can be realized extremely smoothly by right hand operation.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral direction of the copy start button 110 and three types of image mode switches 136 (137, 138, 139) are arranged above the copy start button having the same size as the above-described embodiment in the figure. is there. These three image mode switches 136 (13
7, 138, 139) are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. The three image mode switches are formed into a fan shape having a width of 1 cm, and are arranged such that the inner peripheral portion thereof is in contact with the concave portion 120 outlined by the copy start switch 110. The mode switch 136 has a light-emitting display unit 138 containing a light-emitting diode therein for recognizing that each mode is selected.
Is arranged. Pictograms and characters are arranged on the outer periphery further adjacent to the fan-shaped mode switch.
As a result, even if the outer periphery of the image mode switch is included, it is arranged in an area of 4.6 cm in width, and it is arranged in an area of 6 cm in width including pictograms and characters. As a result, in this embodiment as well, extremely high visibility is ensured and erroneous operation is prevented by arranging the operator within the range of 10 degrees of the operator's line of sight.

FIG. 5 shows still another embodiment of the operation unit. In this embodiment, 3 similar to the first embodiment is used.
A convex portion 150 having a caldera shape is formed concentrically around the copy start button 110 of cm. The outer diameter of this projection is 6 cm. Then, the three image mode switches 152 (153, 154, 155) are molded into a fan shape and are arranged in the caldera-shaped projection 150. On the copy start button 110 side of the sector-shaped mode switch 152, a light-up display section 158 containing a light-emitting diode therein is arranged in order to recognize that each mode is selected. In addition, pictograms indicating various image modes are arranged along the outer periphery of the convex portion of the caldera shape so as to associate them with the copy start button. The diameter of the outer circle formed by these three pictographs is 8cm
And

In this example, the convex portion is made somewhat larger to give a sense of unity with the copy start button, and a mode switch having a lighting display section is arranged inside the convex portion. For this reason, when the height of the operator is short, the portion where the mode switch is arranged can enter the line of sight sufficiently within 10 degrees. Then, three mode switches 153 and 15
With the automatic color identification mode switch 153 at approximately 1 o'clock, the full color mode switch 154 at approximately 10:00, and the black and white mode switch 155 at approximately 8 o'clock, with 4,155 as the center of the start button 110, They are arranged asymmetrically. As a result, even when pictograms are included, both are kept within a range of about 7 cm in the maximum horizontal direction, and are arranged so as to be within a line of sight of 10 degrees. In this way, the copy start button and the image mode switch are associated in shape, and by arranging them within the range of the line of sight of 10 degrees, extremely high visibility is ensured. Therefore, when the copy start button is pressed, the image mode switch and the characters and pictograms indicating the function of the switch can be confirmed without moving the line of sight, and no erroneous operation occurs.

Although the above description has been made with reference to a color copying machine as an example, the present invention is not limited to this color copying machine. For example, an image forming apparatus that connects a color printer and a scanner and performs the same functions as a copying machine by using software with a copying function, or an image forming apparatus that hangs on a network and is attached to a remote color printer or color copying machine Of course can be applied to an image reading apparatus such as a network type scanner capable of transmitting the above-mentioned command. In this case, the copy start button in the above embodiment functions as an image reading button.

In each of the embodiments described above, a case has been described in which three modes, that is, a black and white mode, a full car mode, and an automatic color identification mode are provided as image modes. In addition to this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when there are two image modes, a black-and-white mode and a full-color mode, these two mode switches are set in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment (FIG. 3). Can be positioned around the copy start button. FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment except that the automatic identification mode switch is not provided.
The contents are the same as in the figure. Further, as to the form of association and arrangement, as shown in the above embodiment (FIG. 4 or FIG. 5), the arrangement may be made by associating using a convex portion or a groove portion. Of course, for these two mode switches, see FIG.
In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to a case having two modes, that is, a monochrome mode and an automatic color identification mode.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image forming modes of the black and white image mode, the full color mode, and the black and white / full color automatic identification mode are arranged in a specific relationship with the copy start switch or the scan reading switch. Thus, it is possible to provide an operation unit having excellent visibility without erroneous operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

[Figure 1] External view of full-color copying machine

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a full-color copying machine

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a modification of the operation unit.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another modification of the operation unit.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of still another modification of the operation unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... color copier 2 ... scanner unit A ... operation unit 106 image mode input button 110 ... copy start button 120 ... Concave part 124: Groove part 150: Convex part

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 AR01 CQ03 HM00 HN04 2H027 DB02 DE02 DE07 ED02 ED08 ED24 EF06 FA28 FA35 FB06 FB07 FB19 FC03 GA08 GA12 GA23 GA45 ZA07 2H030 AD07 AD08 AD09 BB23 BB23 BB42 BB42 BB42 BB42 BB42

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image reading unit; and an image forming unit, wherein the image forming unit executes image formation of image information read from the image reading unit based on an instruction from an operation unit. The apparatus has at least a black and white mode, a full color mode, and an automatic color identification mode capable of automatically distinguishing between a monochrome mode and a full color mode as an image mode, and the operation unit includes an image formation start switch for instructing an image formation operation start. And an image mode input switch for inputting the plurality of image modes is disposed around the image formation start switch. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image mode input switch is arranged in association with an outer periphery of an image forming start switch. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the association is based on a shape including a concave portion or a convex portion formed around the image forming start switch. 4. An operation unit, wherein a step is provided along an outer periphery of an image formation start switch in a height direction from a plane of the operation unit, and the plurality of image mode input switches are arranged in the step. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 2. 5. An image reading apparatus for executing image reading based on an instruction from an operation unit, wherein the image reading apparatus can automatically identify at least a black and white mode, a full color mode, and a black and white mode and a full color mode as image modes to be read. The operation unit includes an image reading start switch for instructing the start of an image reading operation, and an image mode input switch for inputting the plurality of image modes, around the image reading start switch. An image reading device, comprising: 6. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image reading unit; and an image forming unit, wherein the image forming unit executes image formation of image information read from the image reading unit based on an instruction from an operation unit. The apparatus has at least two image modes of a monochrome mode, a full color mode, and an automatic color identification mode capable of automatically identifying the monochrome mode and the full color mode as image modes, and the operation unit instructs a start of an image forming operation. An image forming start switch, and an image mode input switch for inputting the plurality of image modes are arranged in a peripheral portion of the image forming start switch. 7. An image reading apparatus for executing image reading based on an instruction from an operation unit, wherein the image reading apparatus can automatically identify a monochrome mode, a full color mode, and a monochrome mode and a full color mode as image modes to be read. The image forming apparatus has at least two image modes among automatic color identification modes. The operation unit includes an image reading start switch for instructing an image reading operation start, and an image mode input switch for inputting the plurality of image modes. An image reading device, which is arranged around a start switch.