Patent ID: 7312885
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image communication apparatus including a printing unit for printing an image by scanning a printing head discharging ink onto the recording medium, and an operation panel having operation keys for making said image communication apparatus perform a cleaning operation of said printing head by being operated, said apparatus comprising: cleaning means for performing a cleaning operation of said printing head by discharging ink according to an input by a key operation; a key lock switch for prohibiting an input by operation of at least one of said operation keys, wherein it is prohibited to perform a cleaning operation of said print head, under the condition that the input by the key operation is prohibited by said key lock switch; reset judging means for judging whether prohibition of the input by said key lock switch is reset or not; timing means; appointed time information storing means for storing appointed time information; and appointed time judging means for judging whether an appointed time measured by said timing means has passed or not, wherein when said appointed time judging means judges that the appointed time has passed under the condition that the input by the key operation is prohibited by said key lock switch, said reset judging means judges that the prohibition of the input by said key lock switch is reset and the input by the key operation is allowed so that said cleaning means can perform a cleaning operation of said printing head.