Patent ID: 8869067
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A control panel for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display to display multiple menu items; and an operating device to select one of the menu items displayed on the display, the operating device including: multiple input keys that operate independently from each other and that are disposed on the control panel, the multiple input keys being arranged to form, in a plan view of the operating device, a discontinuous annular shape that divides the operating device into arc segments, each arc segment corresponding to a respective one of the multiple input keys disposed in the discontinuous annular arrangement, a sheet member attached to an externally exposed surface of the control panel so as to cover at least an area of the externally exposed surface of the control panel surrounded by the multiple input keys disposed in the discontinuous annular arrangement, the sheet member having portions thereof directly on and over respective upper faces the multiple input keys, the upper faces being opposite respective mounting sides of the multiple input keys, wherein the sheet member includes as a labeling at least one indicator including at least one of letters and marks representing a function of at least one of the multiple input keys, the at least one indicator being located adjacent to a respective one of the multiple input keys, over a portion of said area of the externally exposed surface of the control panel, and being surrounded by the multiple input keys disposed in the discontinuous annular arrangement, multiple key bases on which the multiple input keys are respectively formed, multiple runners, each of which is connected to a respective one of the multiple key bases, and a center portion surrounded by the multiple key bases, wherein each of the multiple runners extends in a direction toward the center portion, and wherein the multiple runners are connected to each other at the center portion.