1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image formation apparatus that reads images, such as a copier, a facsimile, a scanner, and a multi-function device that is a complex integration of those functions.
2. Description of the Related Art
This image formation apparatus also has a console 5. The console 5 is provided on the upper front side of the main body 1 with an upper surface thereof inclined. The console also has a display 6 (e.g., a liquid crystal display), a start key 7, and ten keys not shown. An operator, through the console 5, instructs the image formation apparatus on procedures for imaging, image transfer, and the like, and then visually confirms the procedures. The operator stands in front of the main body 1 to manipulate the console 5. Since the operator looks down at the display 6, the operator can carry out the manipulation easily, and can visually confirm the display contents.
However, as shown in
It is an object of the present invention to at least solve the problems in the conventional technology.
The image formation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a document table on which a document to be read is placed; a platen that covers the document placed on the document table; and a console to input instructions to control the image formation apparatus and display information, wherein the console is arranged at a position where the console is visible even when the document is placed on the document table.
The image formation apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a console to input instructions to control the image formation apparatus and display information, wherein the console is arranged to rotate along an axis.
The image formation apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a console that has operation panel having keys to input instructions to control the image formation apparatus and a display to display information, wherein any one of the display and the operation panel is arranged to rotate along an axis.
The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Exemplary embodiments of the image formation apparatus relating to the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the several views.
Even when the large-sized document 8 is placed on the document table and a part of the large-sized document 8 is out of the area of the document table, the console 10 is not covered with the large-sized document 8. This is because the console 10 is positioned above the large-sized document 8, like the platen 3, as shown FIG. 4.
As a result, the operator can visually confirm the display contents of the display 6 and give instructions on the image formation apparatus through the console 10 without lifting the part of large-sized document 8.
The image formation apparatus having a small height as shown in
An image formation apparatus having a relatively large height like in the first embodiment may include the console 20 in place of the console 10. The display 6 only or the console 20 may be formed in a panel shape and be rotatably supported at the platen 3.
As explained above, according to an aspect of the present invention, the image formation apparatus has the operation panel that displays the manipulation contents and the operation contents, on the platen that is provided on the main body. Therefore, even when a part of a large-sized document is out of the area of the document table, the part does not hide the console. As a result, the operator can manipulate the console without lifting the part of the large-sized document.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the image formation apparatus has a direction of the console or a part of the console supported movably. Therefore, it is possible to change the direction of the console surface according to a set position or a height of the image formation apparatus. As a result, the operator can manipulate the console easily without depending on a vertical position of the console.
The present document incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese priority document, 2002-169510 filed in Japan on Jun. 11, 2002.
Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2002-169510 | Jun 2002 | JP | national |
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20030228168 A1 | Dec 2003 | US |