Medium processing apparatus

A medium processing apparatus includes a processor that performs a process related to a medium. The medium processing apparatus includes a discharging section, an operation section, and an operation controller. The discharging section discharges the medium. The operation section is disposed downstream of the discharging section in a discharging direction and includes a touch sensor. The discharging direction is a direction in which the discharging section discharges the medium. The touch sensor detects an operation input. The operation controller limits, on the basis of size information, detection operation performed by the touch sensor. The size information indicates information related to a medium size of the medium.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-118385 filed on Jun. 26, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The technology relates to a medium processing apparatus that performs a process related to a medium.

An apparatus that performs a process related to a medium encompasses, for example but not limited to, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium and an image acquiring apparatus that acquires an image printed on a medium. Such apparatuses that perform often include a touch panel that receives user operation. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-16917 discloses a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that prevents erroneous operation resulting from an unintentional touch input by a user in a case where a part of the user, such as the user's hand, arm, head, or body, touches or approaches a touch panel without the user being aware of such a situation.

SUMMARY

It is desired to reduce a possibility that erroneous operation is performed in a medium processing apparatus and it is expected to further prevent such erroneous operation.

It is desirable to provide a medium processing apparatus that makes it possible to reduce a possibility that erroneous operation is performed.

According to one embodiment of the technology, there is provided a medium processing apparatus including a processor that performs a process related to a medium. The medium processing apparatus includes a discharging section, an operation section, and an operation controller. The discharging section discharges the medium. The operation section is disposed downstream of the discharging section in a discharging direction and includes a touch sensor. The discharging direction is a direction in which the discharging section discharges the medium. The touch sensor detects an operation input. The operation controller limits, on the basis of size information, detection operation performed by the touch sensor. The size information indicates information related to a medium size of the medium.

According to one embodiment of the technology, there is provided a medium processing apparatus including a processor that performs a process related to a medium. The medium processing apparatus includes a discharging section, an operation section, and an operation controller. The discharging section discharges the medium. The operation section includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor detects an operation input. The operation controller controls operation of the operation section. A portion or all of the operation section is covered with the medium in a case where a medium size of the medium discharged from the discharging section is greater than a predetermined size. The operation controller limits the detection operation performed by the touch sensor in the case where the medium size is greater than the predetermined size.

According to one embodiment of the technology, there is provided a medium processing apparatus including a processor that performs a process related to a medium. The medium processing apparatus includes a housing, a placing section, a discharging section, an operation section, and an operation controller. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The second end is opposed to the first end. The placing section is disposed between the first end and the second end. The placing section is a section on which the medium subjected to the process is to be placed. The discharging section is disposed between the first end and the placing section. The discharging section discharges the medium subjected to the process to the placing section. The operation section is disposed between the placing section and the second end. The operation section includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor detects an operation input. The operation controller controls operation of the operation section. A portion or all of the operation section overlaps the discharging section in a direction intersecting a direction from the first end toward the second end. The operation controller limits, on the basis of size information, the detection operation performed by the touch sensor. The size information indicates information related to a medium size of the medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. First Example Embodiment

2. Second Example Embodiment

1. First Example Embodiment

Configuration Example

FIG. 1illustrates a configuration example of a medium processing apparatus (an image forming apparatus1) according to a first example embodiment of the technology. The image forming apparatus1may serve as a printer that forms an image on a medium by an electrophotographic method. Non-limiting examples of the medium may include plain paper. The image forming apparatus1may include, for example but not limited to, a medium cassette11, a medium feeding roller12, a conveying roller13, a medium tray14, a medium feeding roller15, a conveying roller16, an image forming unit17, a toner container18, an exposure section19, a transfer roller21, a fixing section22, a medium sensor23, a conveying roller24, a medium sensor25, a discharging roller26, a discharging slot27, a discharging tray28, and an operation panel30that are contained in a housing100.

The medium cassette11may contain recording media9. The medium feeding roller12may pick up the recording media9contained in the medium cassette11one by one from the top, and feed the picked-up medium9to a conveyance path10. The conveying roller13may include a pair of rollers with the conveyance path10interposed in between, and convey the medium9along the conveyance path10.

The medium tray14may be a tray on which the medium9is to be placed. The medium tray14may be configured to allow various kinds of recording media9having various sizes to be placed on the medium tray14. Non-limiting examples of such a medium9may include a long medium which is not containable in the medium cassette11. The medium feeding roller15may pick up the recording media9placed on the medium tray14one by one from the top, and feed the picked-up medium9to the conveyance path10.

The conveying roller16may convey the medium9, which has been conveyed from any of the medium cassette11and the medium tray14, toward the image forming unit17along the conveyance path10.

The image forming unit17may form a toner image. The image forming unit17may include a photosensitive drum17A. The photosensitive drum17A may have a surface, or a surficial portion, that carries the toner image. For example, an electrostatic latent image may be formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum17A as a result of exposure performed by the exposure section19, and a toner image based on the electrostatic latent image may be formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum17A. The toner container18may contain a toner, and feed the contained toner to the image forming unit17. The exposure section19may apply light to the photosensitive drum17A of the image forming unit17. The exposure section19may include, for example but not limited to, two or more light-emitting diodes that are disposed side by side in a main scanning direction, i.e., a depth direction inFIG. 1, and apply light to the photosensitive drum17A on a dot-unit basis by means of the light-emitting diodes. The photosensitive drum17A may be subjected to exposure by the exposure section19, thereby causing an electrostatic latent image to be formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum17A. The transfer roller21may transfer, onto a transfer surface of the medium9, the toner image formed by the image forming unit17. The transfer roller21may be so disposed as to be opposed to the photosensitive drum17A of the image forming unit17with the conveyance path10interposed in between.

The fixing section22may apply heat and pressure on the medium9and thereby fix, to the medium9, the toner image that has been transferred on the medium9.

The medium sensor23may detect the medium9conveyed along the conveyance path10. The conveying roller24may convey, along the conveyance path10, the medium9having the fixed toner image. The medium sensor25may be disposed near the discharging slot27. The medium sensor25may detect the medium9conveyed along the conveyance path10. The discharging roller26may discharge the medium9from the discharging slot27to the discharging tray28. The discharging slot27may allow the medium9conveyed along the conveyance path10to be discharged to the discharging tray28. The discharging tray28may so receive the discharged medium9with the formed image that the medium9is placed on the discharging tray28.

The operation panel30may display information such as an operating state of the image forming apparatus1and receive operation performed by a user.

FIG. 2illustrates a configuration example of the operation panel30.FIG. 3illustrates an example of disposing the operation panel30on the image forming apparatus1. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, the operation panel30may be disposed downstream of the discharging slot27in a discharging direction F. The discharging direction F may be a direction in which the medium9is discharged from the discharging slot27. In one specific but non-limiting example, the discharging slot27, the discharging tray28, and the operation panel30may be disposed in this order between an end101of the housing100and an end102of the housing100. The end102may be opposed to the end101. The operation panel30may overlap the discharging slot27in a direction intersecting a direction from the end101toward the end102. The direction from the end101toward the end102may correspond to the discharging direction F, and the direction intersecting the direction from the end101toward the end102may correspond to a lateral direction inFIG. 3. Note that a way of disposing the operation panel30is not limited thereto. In another example, a portion or all of the operation panel30may overlap the discharging slot27in the direction intersecting the direction from the end101toward the end102. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the operation panel30may include a display section31and a touch key section32.

The display section31may display the information such as the operating state of the image forming apparatus1. The display section31may include, for example but not limited to, a liquid crystal display.

The touch key section32may receive operation performed by the user. The touch key section32may include a capacitive touch sensor. In this example, the touch key section32may include seven touch keys K. The seven touch keys K may include an “Up” key K1, a “Down” key K2, a “Back” key K3, an “Enter” key K4, an “ONLINE” key K5, a “CANCEL” key K6, and a “HELP” key K7. The “Up” key K1may be operated by the user when the user moves a cursor displayed on the display section31upward, for example. The “Down” key K2may be operated by the user when the user moves the cursor displayed on the display section31downward, for example. The “Back” key K3may be operated by the user when the user return a menu to a previous menu, for example. The “Enter” key K4may be operated by the user when the user selects a menu or determines a process, for example. The “ONLINE” key K5may be operated by the user when the user causes the image forming apparatus1to be in an online state or an offline state, for example. The “CANCEL” key K6may be operated by the user when the user cancels a process, for example. The “HELP” key K7may be operated by the user when the user causes help information to be displayed on the display section31, for example.

FIG. 4illustrates a configuration example of the touch key section32. The touch key section32may include a cover glass33, an electrode sheet34, and a touch detector circuit35. The cover glass33may cover the electrode sheet34. Note that, although glass may be used to cover the electrode sheet34in this example, a material used to cover the electrode sheet34is not limited to glass and may be acrylic resin, for example. The electrode sheet34may be provided on a surface opposite to an operation surface S of the touch key section32. The touch detector circuit35may detect variation in capacitance C by means of the electrode sheet34and thereby detect the user's touch, for example. For example, when the user's finger approaches the operation surface S, a value of the capacitance detected by the electrode sheet34may increase. That is, a decrease in a distance from the user's finger to the electrode sheet34may cause the value of the capacitance C between the user's finger and the electrode sheet34to increase. This may cause the value of the capacitance C detected by means of the electrode sheet34to increase. The touch detector circuit35may monitor the value of the capacitance C, and detect a touch when the value of the capacitance C increases.

The touch detector circuit35may include a detected value generating section36, a touch determining section37, and a threshold setting section38. The detected value generating section36may generate a detected value DET based on the capacitance C. In this example, the greater the value of the capacitance C is, the greater the detected value DET may be. The touch determining section37may compare the detected value DET with a threshold TH, and determine that the touch key K is in an ON state in a case where the detected value DET is greater than the threshold TH. The threshold setting section38may set the threshold TH on the basis of an instruction provided by an operation panel controller50which will be described later. This may allow detection sensitivity of the touch key section32to be varied.

[Control System in Image Forming Apparatus1]

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a control system in the image forming apparatus1. The image forming apparatus1may include a communication section41, an image formation controller42, a speaker controller44, a speaker45, the operation panel controller50, and a controller46.

The communication section41may perform communication with another unit or device by means of a universal serial bus (USB) or a local area network (LAN), for example. The communication section41may receive print data DP transmitted from an information processor8such as a personal computer, for example. The print data DP may include image data, information related to a medium size of the medium9, i.e., size information INF, information related to a medium thickness of the medium9, and information related to a kind of the medium9, for example. The size information INF may include information related to a medium length of the medium9.

The image formation controller42may control image formation operation performed by the image forming apparatus1on the medium9. For example, the image formation controller42may control operation including, without limitation, conveying operation of the medium9performed by various rollers, toner image formation operation performed by the image forming unit17and the exposure section19, and fixing operation of the toner image on the medium9performed by the fixing section22. The image formation controller42may include a conveyance control section43. The conveyance control section43may control, on the basis of a result of detection performed by each of the medium sensor23and the medium sensor25, operation of conveying the medium9along the conveyance path10.

The speaker controller44may control operation of the speaker45. The speaker45may output various sounds and thereby notify the user of a state of the image forming apparatus1, for example. For example, the speaker controller44may control the speaker45to output an effective-state sound or an ineffective-state sound when the touch key K of the touch key section32is turned on. The effective-state sound may indicate an effective state, and the ineffective-state sound may indicate an ineffective state. In one specific but non-limiting example, the speaker controller44may control the speaker45to output the effective-state sound when an effective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section32is turned on, and the speaker controller44may control the speaker45to output the ineffective-state sound when an ineffective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section32is turned on.

The operation panel controller50may control operation of the operation panel30. The operation panel controller50may include a display control section51, a touch key control section52, and a storage section54.

The display control section51may control operation of the display section31of the operation panel30. The display section31may display, for example but not limited to, a menu screen or an image indicating the operating state of the image forming apparatus1on the basis of an instruction given from the display control section51.

The touch key control section52may control operation of the touch key section32of the operation panel30. The touch key control section52may include a sensitivity setting section53. The sensitivity setting section53may control operation of the threshold setting section38of the touch key section32and thereby set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32. The sensitivity setting section53may have two operation modes, i.e., a usual sensitivity mode M1and a low sensitivity mode M2. The usual sensitivity mode M1may be set, for example, in a case where the image forming apparatus1is in a standby state. In the usual sensitivity mode M1, the sensitivity setting section53may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32to usual sensitivity. The low sensitivity mode M2may be set in order to prevent erroneous detection due to electrically-charged medium9as will be described later. In the low sensitivity mode M2, the sensitivity setting section53may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32to low sensitivity. The detection sensitivity of the touch key section32in the low sensitivity mode M2may be so set that the touch key section32is to detect an intentional touch by the user but not to detect a contact with the electrically-charged medium9, for example, as will be described later. Thus, in the low sensitivity mode M2, detection operation is limited by decreasing the detection sensitivity. In the usual sensitivity mode M1, the sensitivity setting section53may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32on the basis of usual sensitivity data DT1stored in the storage section54. In the low sensitivity mode M2, the sensitivity setting section53may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32on the basis of low sensitivity data DT2stored in the storage section54. The usual sensitivity data DT1and the low sensitivity data DT2will be described later. The threshold setting section38of the touch key section32may so set the threshold TH that the threshold TH in the low sensitivity mode M2is higher than the threshold TH in the usual sensitivity mode M1, on the basis of an instruction given from the sensitivity setting section53.

The storage section54may include, for example but not limited to, a non-volatile memory. The storage section54may hold the usual sensitivity data DT1and the low sensitivity data DT2. The usual sensitivity data DT1may be information related to a setting value of the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32in the usual sensitivity mode M1. For example, the usual sensitivity data DT1may include information related to two or more thresholds TH corresponding to the respective touch keys K in the touch key section32. The low sensitivity data DT2may be information related to a setting value of the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32in the low sensitivity mode M2. For example, the low sensitivity data DT2may include information related to two or more thresholds TH corresponding to the respective touch keys K in the touch key section32.

The controller46may control general operation of the image forming apparatus1. The controller46may include a medium length determining section47. The medium length determining section47may determine whether the medium length is longer than a predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF, which is the information related to the medium size of the medium9, included in the print data DP received by the communication section41. As illustrated inFIG. 3. the predetermined length LEN may be set to a length from the discharging slot27to an uppermost portion of the operation panel30in the discharging direction F. Note, however, that the predetermined length LEN is not limited thereto. In one example, the predetermined length LEN may be shorter than the length from the discharging slot27to the uppermost portion of the operation panel30by a length corresponding to a margin in the discharging direction F. The length corresponding to the margin may be set taking into consideration an amount by which the medium9moves in the discharging direction F when the discharged medium9falls on a bottom of the discharging tray28. The sensitivity setting section53of the operation panel controller50may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32on the basis of a result of determination made by the medium length determining section47, as will be described later.

With this configuration, in the image forming apparatus1, the operation mode may be set to the low sensitivity mode M2in a case where the print data DP transmitted from the information processor8is received and the medium length of the medium9is longer than the predetermined length LEN. In the low sensitivity mode M2, the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32may be set to low sensitivity. This allows for a reduction in a possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous detection even in a case where the discharged medium9reaches the operation panel30and comes in contact with the touch key section32.

The image forming unit17, the exposure section19, the transfer roller21, and the fixing section22may correspond to a “processor” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The discharging slot27may correspond to a “discharging section” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The discharging tray28may correspond to a “placing section” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The operation panel30may correspond to an “operation section” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The operation panel controller50and the controller46may correspond to an “operation controller” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The usual sensitivity mode M1may correspond to a “detection mode” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The low sensitivity mode M2may correspond to a “limiting mode” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology.

[Example Operation and Example Workings]

A description is given next of example operation and example workings of the image forming apparatus1according to the first example embodiment.

[Outline of Overall Operation]

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 5, an outline of overall operation of the image forming apparatus1is described first. When the communication section41receives the print data DP, the controller46may control operation of the image forming apparatus1on the basis of the received print data DP. The image formation controller42may control operation including, without limitation, the conveying operation of the medium9performed by various rollers, the toner image formation operation performed by the image forming unit17and the exposure section19, and the fixing operation of the toner image on the medium9performed by the fixing section22. This may cause the medium9picked up from the medium cassette11to be conveyed along the conveyance path10, cause the image forming unit17to generate the toner image, cause the generated toner image to be transferred onto the medium9, and cause the fixing section22to fix, to the medium9, the toner image transferred on the medium9. Further, the medium9with the fixed toner image may be conveyed along the conveyance path10and the conveyed medium9may be discharged from the discharging slot27to the discharging tray28.

The sensitivity setting section53of the touch key control section52may set the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1, for example, when the image forming apparatus1is in the standby state. The medium length determining section47of the controller46may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF, i.e., the information related to the medium size of the medium9included in the print data DP. In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN, the sensitivity setting section53of the touch key control section52may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2. In the low sensitivity mode M2, the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32may be set to low sensitivity. In a case where the touch key section32detects the user's touch in the low sensitivity mode M2, the sensitivity setting section53of the touch key control section52may set the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1.

FIGS. 6A and 6Beach illustrate an example of discharging operation of the medium9in the image forming apparatus1.FIG. 6Aillustrates an example case where the medium length of the medium9is shorter than the predetermined length LEN.FIG. 6Billustrates an example case where the medium length of the medium9is longer than the predetermined length LEN.

As illustrated inFIG. 6A, in the case where the medium length of the medium9is longer than the predetermined length LEN, the discharged medium9may not reach the operation panel30. As illustrated inFIG. 6B, in the case where the medium length of the medium9is shorter than the predetermined length LEN, the discharged medium9may reach the operation panel30, and in this example, the discharged medium9may cover a portion of the touch key section32of the operation panel30. Upon forming an image on the medium9, the image forming apparatus1may involve application of a high voltage to the medium9and the toner, for example. Accordingly, the medium9with the formed image can be electrically charged. When the medium9thus electrically charged comes into contact with the touch key section32including the capacitive touch sensor as illustrated inFIG. 6B, the touch key section32can erroneously detect that the touch key K is turned on.

In a case where erroneous detection at an ineffective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section32is performed, the speaker45may output the ineffective-state sound. In a case where erroneous detection at an effective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section32is performed, the speaker45may output the effective-state sound, and the image forming apparatus1may perform a process based on the touch key K at which the erroneous detection is performed. For example, in a case where the image forming apparatus1is in the standby state and erroneous detection at the “Up” key K1or the “Down” key K2is performed, the speaker45may output the effective-state sound and the display section31may display the menu screen. For example, in a case where the image forming apparatus1is performing the image formation operation or the image forming apparatus1is in the standby state and erroneous detection at the “Back” key K3or the “Enter” key K4is performed, the speaker45may output the ineffective-state sound. In a case where erroneous detection at the “ONLINE” key K5is performed, the speaker45may output the effective-state sound and the image forming apparatus1may be brought into an offline state, making it unable to perform communication with the information processor8. In a case where the image forming apparatus1is performing the image formation operation and erroneous detection at the “CANCEL” key K6is performed, the speaker45may output the effective-state sound and the display section31may display a job cancel confirmation screen. In a case where the image forming apparatus1is performing the image formation operation and erroneous detection at the “HELP” key K7is performed, the speaker45may output the ineffective-state sound. In a case where the image forming apparatus1is in the standby state and the erroneous detection at the “HELP” key K7is performed, the speaker45may output the effective-state sound and the display section31may display a help screen. In a case where erroneous detection is performed successively two or more times, a change in setting or cancel of a job which is not intended by the user can be made. As described above, the image forming apparatus1may involve a possibility that various kinds of erroneous operation are performed in a case where the touch key section32performs the erroneous detection.

To address this, in the image forming apparatus1, the sensitivity setting section53of the touch key control section52may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2in the case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN. In the low sensitivity mode M2, the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32may be set to low sensitivity. This allows for reduction in the possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium9in the image forming apparatus1. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that erroneous operation based on the erroneous detection is performed in the image forming apparatus1.

FIG. 7illustrates an operation example of the image forming apparatus1. The image forming apparatus1may set the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1, for example, in a case where the image forming apparatus1is in the standby state. Upon receiving the print data DP, the image forming apparatus1may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF included in the received print data DP. In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN, the image forming apparatus1may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2. Further, in a case where the touch key section32detects the user's touch in the low sensitivity mode M2, the image forming apparatus1may return the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1. This operation is described below in detail.

First, the communication section41of the image forming apparatus1may receive the print data DP supplied from the information processor8(step S101). The image formation controller42may control the image formation operation of the image forming apparatus1on the basis of the received print data DP, and thereby cause the image forming apparatus1to start the image formation operation (step S102).

Thereafter, the medium length determining section47of the controller46may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF, i.e., the information related to the medium size of the medium9, included in the print data DP which the communication section41has received in step S101(step S103).

In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN in step S103(“Y” in step S103), the sensitivity setting section53of the operation panel controller50may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2(step S104). The sensitivity setting section53may control the operation of the threshold setting section38of the touch key section32on the basis of the low sensitivity data DT2stored in the storage section54, and the threshold setting section38may set the threshold TH of the touch key section32. The detection sensitivity of the touch key section32may be thereby set to low sensitivity. That is, in this case, the touch key section32can perform erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium9because the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32may be set low. In the low sensitivity mode M2, the threshold setting section38may set the threshold TH to a value that allows for detection of the user's intentional touch and allows for preventing detection of a contact with the electrically-charged medium9. For example, in a case where the detected value DET derived from the user's intentional touch is “150” and the detected value DET derived from the contact with the electrically-charged medium9is “80”, the threshold setting section38may set the threshold TH to a vale that is greater than “80” and smaller than “150”. This allows for reduction in the possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium9.

In contrast, in a case where the medium length is shorter than the predetermined length LEN in step S103(“N” in step S103), the process may be caused to proceed to step S105. That is, in this case, the possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium9is low because the medium length is shorter than the predetermined length LEN. Therefore, the operation mode may be kept to the usual sensitivity mode M1.

As a result of the image formation operation performed by the image forming apparatus1, the medium9with the image formed may be discharged to the discharging tray28. Further, the image forming apparatus1may end the image formation operation (step S105).

Thereafter, the sensitivity setting section53may confirm whether the operation mode is set to the low sensitivity mode M2(step S106). In a case where the operation mode is set to the usual sensitivity mode M1(“N” in step S106), the process may be brought to an end of the flow. In a case where the operation mode is set to the low sensitivity mode M2(“Y” in step S106), the touch key control section52of the operation panel controller50may confirm whether the touch key section32has detected the user's touch to the touch key K in the touch key section32(step S107). Because the operation mode is set to the low sensitivity mode M2, the touch key section32may be able to detect the user's touch, for example, in a case where the user intentionally touches the touch key K strongly. In a case where the touch key section32has not detected the user's touch (“N” in step S107), the process in step S107may be performed repeatedly until the touch key section32detects the user's touch. In a case where the touch key section32has detected the user's touch (“Y” in step S107), the sensitivity setting section53may set the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1(step S108). The sensitivity setting section53may control the operation of the threshold setting section38of the touch key section32on the basis of the usual sensitivity data DT1stored in the storage section54, and the threshold setting section38may set the threshold TH of the touch key section32.

The process may be thereby brought to an end of the flow.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus1, the detection operation of the touch key section32may be limited on the basis of the size information INF indicating the information related to the medium size of the medium9. In this example, the sensitivity setting section53may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2in a case where the medium length of the medium9is determined to be longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF, and thereby set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32to low sensitivity. This allows for reduction in the possibility that the touch key section32performs the erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium9in the image forming apparatus1. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that erroneous operation is performed in the image forming apparatus1.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus1, in a case where the touch key section32detects the user's intentional touch in the low sensitivity mode M2, the operation mode may be set to the usual sensitivity mode M1. This allows the operation mode to be returned from the low sensitivity mode M2to the usual sensitivity mode M1as a result of the user's touch in the image forming apparatus1. Accordingly, switching of the detection sensitivity is allowed at a timing when the user intentionally wants to perform operation. As a result, it is possible to improve user friendliness.

As described above, according to the first example embodiment, detection operation performed by a touch key section may be limited on the basis of size information indicating information related to a medium size of a medium. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that erroneous operation is performed.

According to the first example embodiment, the operation mode may be set to a usual sensitivity mode in a case where the touch key section detects a user's intentional touch in a low sensitivity mode. As a result, it is possible to improve user friendliness.

Although the detection sensitivity (the threshold TH) may be set on the basis of the size information INF according to the first example embodiment described above, this is non-limiting, and the detection sensitivity may be set on the basis of any other information in addition to the size information INF. In one example embodiment, the detection sensitivity may be set on the basis of environment humidity in addition to the size information INF, as in an image forming apparatus1A illustrated inFIG. 8. The image forming apparatus1A may include a humidity sensor48A, a controller46A, and an operation panel controller50A. The humidity sensor48A may detect environment humidity. The controller46A may control overall operation of the image forming apparatus1A. The operation panel controller50A may include a touch key control section52A. The touch key control section52A may include a sensitivity setting section53A. The sensitivity setting section53A may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32. The sensitivity setting section53A may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32on the basis of the low sensitivity data DT2stored in the storage section54and a result of the detection performed by the humidity sensor48A, in the low sensitivity mode M2. For example, the sensitivity setting section53A may correct the threshold TH included in the low sensitivity data DT2on the basis of the environment humidity, and thereby set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32. The sensitivity setting section53A may set the detection sensitivity to be higher in a case where the environment humidity is high, and may set the detection sensitivity to be lower in a case where the environment humidity is low, for example. That is, the high environment humidity makes it more difficult to cause the medium9to be electrically charged, therefore reducing the possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous detection. Accordingly, the sensitivity setting section53A may decrease the threshold TH and thereby increase the detection sensitivity in this case. In contrast, the low environment humidity makes it easier to cause the medium9to be electrically charged, therefore increasing the possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous detection. Accordingly, the sensitivity setting section53A may increase the threshold TH and thereby decrease the detection sensitivity in this case.

Although the threshold TH to be used in the low sensitivity mode M2may be stored as the low sensitivity data DT2in advance according to the first example embodiment, this is non-limiting. In one example embodiment, the low sensitivity data DT2may be updated. This modification 1-2 is described below in detail.

FIG. 9illustrates a configuration example of an image forming apparatus1B according to the modification 1-2. The image forming apparatus1B may include an operation panel controller50B. The operation panel controller50B may include a touch key control section52B. The touch key control section52B may include a sensitivity calibration section53B. The sensitivity calibration section53B may calibrate the detection sensitivity in the low sensitivity mode M2, and update the low sensitivity data DT2stored in the storage section54on the basis of a result of the calibration.

FIG. 10illustrates an operation example of the image forming apparatus1B.

When the image forming apparatus1B receives the print data DP (step S101), and starts the image formation operation (step S102), the medium length determining section47may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN (step S103). In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN in step S103(“Y” in step S103), the sensitivity setting section53of the operation panel controller50B may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2(step S104). The sensitivity setting section53may control the operation of the threshold setting section38of the touch key section32on the basis of the low sensitivity data DT2, and the threshold setting section38may set the threshold TH of the touch key section32.

Thereafter, the sensitivity calibration section53B of the operation panel controller50B may confirm whether to calibrate the detection sensitivity (step S114). In one specific but non-limiting example, the sensitivity calibration section53B may determine to calibrate the detection sensitivity in a case where the user operates the operation panel30and thereby instructs to calibrate the detection sensitivity in the low sensitivity mode M2, or in a case where the print data DP includes instruction information instructing to calibrate the detection sensitivity in the low sensitivity mode M2. In a case where the sensitivity calibration section53B does not calibrate the detection sensitivity (“N” in step S114), the process may be caused to proceed to step S105.

In a case where the sensitivity calibration section53B determines to calibrate the detection sensitivity (“Y” in step S114), the sensitivity calibration section53B may calibrate the detection sensitivity (step S115). For example, when the medium9with the formed image is discharged to the discharging tray28, the medium length of the medium9may cover a portion of the touch key section32because the medium length of the medium9is longer than the predetermined length LEN. The detected value generating section36of the touch key section32may generate the detected value DET at the time when the medium9comes into contact with the touch key section32, for example. The sensitivity calibration section53B may correct the threshold TH on the basis of the generated detected value DET. For example, the sensitivity calibration section53B may set the threshold TH to a value slightly greater than the generated detected value DET. That is, the sensitivity calibration section53B may set the threshold TH to the value slightly greater than the detected value DET in order to prevent the touch key section32from determining that the touch key K is turned on when the medium9comes into contact with the touch key section32. Further, the sensitivity calibration section53B may update the low sensitivity data DT2with use of the set threshold TH (step S116). Further, the image forming apparatus1B may end the image formation operation (step S105). Subsequent steps may be similar to those in the first example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7.

In the image forming apparatus1B, the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32in the low sensitivity mode M2may be thereby varied. Accordingly, the threshold TH is allowed to be set in accordance with factors including, without limitation, an environment such as humidity and a kind of the medium9. This allows for reduction in the possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous detection. It is therefore possible to reduce the possibility that erroneous operation based on such erroneous detection is performed in the image forming apparatus1B.

Although the operation mode may be set to the low sensitivity mode M2after the medium length is determined to be longer than the predetermined length LEN according to the first example embodiment, this is non-limiting. In one example embodiment, a timing to set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2may be determined also on the basis of a conveyance situation of the medium9. An image forming apparatus1C according to this modification 1-3 is described below in detail.

The image forming apparatus1C may include an image formation controller42C and an operation panel controller50C as with the image forming apparatus1according to the first example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5. The image formation controller42C may include a conveyance control section43C. The conveyance control section43C may detect a timing at which a leading edge of the discharged medium9reaches the operation panel30. The operation panel controller50C may include a touch key control section52C. The touch key control section52C may include a sensitivity setting section53C. The sensitivity setting section53C may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32. The sensitivity setting section53C may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2at a timing instructed by the conveyance control section43C.

The conveying roller24and the discharging roller26may correspond to a “conveying section” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The medium sensor25may correspond to a “medium sensor” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 11illustrates an operation example of the image forming apparatus1C.

When the image forming apparatus1C receives the print data DP (step S101), and starts the image formation operation (step S102), the medium length determining section47may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN (step S103). In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN (“Y” in step S103), the conveyance control section43C of the image formation controller42C may confirm whether the medium sensor25disposed near the discharging slot27has detected the leading edge of the medium9(step S123). In a case where the medium sensor25has not detected the leading edge of the medium9(“N” in step S123), the process in step S123may be performed repeatedly until the medium sensor25detects the leading edge of the medium9.

In a case where the medium sensor25has detected the leading edge of the medium9in step S123(“Y” in step S123), the conveyance control section43C may confirm whether the medium9has been conveyed by a predetermined distance D after the detection of the leading edge of the medium9(step S124). The predetermined distance D may be a distance from the medium sensor25to the end of the operation panel30via the discharging slot27and the discharging tray28, for example. The conveyance control section43C may divide the predetermined distance D by a conveyance speed of the medium9and thereby determine a time T. The conveyance control section43C may confirm whether the time T has elapsed from the timing when the medium sensor25has detected the leading edge of the medium9, and thereby confirm whether the medium9has been conveyed by the predetermined distance D. In one example embodiment, calculation of the time T may be conducted at an accuracy of about 1/100 seconds. In a case where the medium9has not been conveyed by the predetermined distance D yet (“N” in step S124), a process in step S124may be performed repeatedly until the medium9is conveyed by the predetermined distance D.

In a case where the medium9has been conveyed by the predetermined distance D in step S124(“Y” in step S124), the sensitivity setting section53C of the touch key control section52C may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2. Subsequent processes may be similar to those in the first example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7.

In the image forming apparatus1C, for example, in a case where the print data DP involves an instruction to form images on two or more recording media9, the operation mode may be kept to the usual sensitivity mode M1in a period up to a timing when the first one of the recording media9reaches the operation panel30. Accordingly, in the image forming apparatus1C, the term during which the operation mode is set to the usual sensitivity mode M1may be increased, making it easier for the user to operate the “CANCEL” key K6in a case where the user wants to cancel the job after the image formation operation is started, for example. As a result, it is possible to improve user friendliness in the image forming apparatus1C.

Although the operation mode may be returned to the usual sensitivity mode M1in a case where the touch key section32detects the user's intentional touch in the low sensitivity mode M2according to the first example embodiment, this is non-limiting. In one example embodiment, the operation mode may be returned to the usual sensitivity mode M1after a time allowing electric charging of the medium9to be resolved elapses after the image forming apparatus ends the image formation operation. The resolving of the electric charging of the medium9may be caused by releasing of the electric charge of the medium9. An image forming apparatus1D according to this modification 1-4 is described below in detail.

FIG. 12illustrates a configuration example of the image forming apparatus1D. The image forming apparatus1D may include the humidity sensor48A, a controller46D, and an operation panel controller50D. The humidity sensor48A may detect environment humidity. The controller46D may control overall operation of the image forming apparatus1D. The controller46D may include a timer control section49D and a timer49E. The timer control section49D may configure counting setting such as a counting time of the timer49E on the basis of the information related to the kind of the medium9included in the print data DP and the environment humidity, for example. The timer49E may perform counting operation for the set counting time on the basis of the counting setting instructed by the timer control section49D. The operation panel controller50D may include a touch key control section52D. The touch key control section52D may include a sensitivity setting section53D. The sensitivity setting section53D may set the detection sensitivity of the touch key section32. The sensitivity setting section53D may set the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1at a timing instructed by the controller46D.

The humidity sensor48A may correspond to an “environment sensor” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The timer49E may correspond to a “timer” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology.

FIG. 13illustrates an operation example of the image forming apparatus1D.

When the image forming apparatus1D receives the print data DP (step S101), and starts the image formation operation (step S102), the medium length determining section47may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN (step S103). In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN (“Y” in step S103), the sensitivity setting section53D of the operation panel controller50D may set the operation mode to the low sensitivity mode M2(step S104).

Further, the timer control section49D of the controller46D may configure the counting setting of the timer49E on the basis of the information related to the kind of the medium9included in the print data DP and the environment humidity (step S134). In one specific but non-limiting example, the timer control section49D may so configure the counting setting that the counting time is longer in a case where the medium9is of a kind which involves difficulty in resolving electric charging. In another specific but non-limiting example, the timer control section49D may so configure the counting setting that the counting time is longer in a case where the environment humidity is low and such environment humidity causes difficulty in resolving electric charging.

As a result of the image formation operation performed by the image forming apparatus1D, the medium9with the formed image may be discharged to the discharging tray28. Further. the image forming apparatus1D may end the image formation operation (step S105). Further, the timer49E of the controller46D may start the counting operation for the set counting time (step S135).

Thereafter, the sensitivity setting section53D may confirm whether the operation mode is set to the low sensitivity mode M2(step S106). In a case where the operation mode is set to the low sensitivity mode M2(“Y” in step S106), the controller46D may confirm whether the timer49E has ended the counting operation (step S137).

In a case where the timer49E has not ended the counting operation yet in step S137(“N” in step S137), the controller46D may confirm whether the communication section41has received subsequent print data DP (step S138). In a case where the communication section41has not received the subsequent print data DP (“N” in step S138), the process may be caused to return to step S137. In a case where the communication section41has received the subsequent print data DP (“Y” in step S138), the process may be caused to return to step S102.

In a case where the timer49E has ended the counting operation in step S137(“Y” in step S137), the sensitivity setting section53D may set the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1. That is, it may be estimated that the electric charging of the medium9is almost resolved as the counting operation has been ended. When the electric charging of the medium9is almost resolved, the possibility that the touch key section32performs erroneous operation may be low. Accordingly, the sensitivity setting section53D may set the operation mode to the usual sensitivity mode M1.

In the image forming apparatus1D, the operation mode is thereby allowed to be returned to the usual sensitivity mode M1, for example, after the time allowing for resolving of the electric charging of the medium9elapses after the completion of the image formation operation. This allows the operation mode to be returned to the usual sensitivity mode M1even without the user's intentional touch, unlike the first example embodiment. As a result, it is possible to improve user friendliness.

Moreover, the counting time of the timer49E may be set on the basis of the information related to the kind of the medium9and the environment humidity, for example. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately switch the detection sensitivity in accordance with the condition.

Although the counting time may be set on the basis of the environment humidity in this example, this is non-limiting. In one example embodiment, the counting time may be set on the basis of any other environment condition in addition to the environment humidity.

Although the print data DP may include the size information INF, i.e., the information related to the medium size of the medium9according to the first example embodiment, this is non-limiting. In one example embodiment, the medium size of the medium9conveyed along the conveyance path10may be determined as in an image forming apparatus1E illustrated inFIG. 14. The image forming apparatus1E may include a controller46E. The controller46E may include a medium length determining section47E. The medium length determining section47E may determine the medium size of the medium9conveyed along the conveyance path10on the basis of a result of the detection performed by a sensor such as the medium sensor23or the medium sensor25, for example. The medium length determining section47may determine the medium length on the basis of the medium size determined by the medium length determining section47E.

Combination of two or more of the modifications described above may be adopted.

2. Second Example Embodiment

A description is given next of an image forming apparatus2according to a second example embodiment. According to the second example embodiment, the detection operation of the touch key section may be limited by a method different from that according to the first example embodiment in a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN. Note that components substantially the same as those in the image forming apparatus1according to the first example embodiment described above are denoted with the same referential numerals and a description thereof is omitted where appropriate.

FIG. 15illustrates a configuration example of the image forming apparatus2. The image forming apparatus2may include an operation panel60, an operation panel controller70, a speaker controller64, the image formation controller42C, and a controller66.

FIG. 16illustrates a configuration example of the operation panel60. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the operation panel60may include the display section31, a touch key section62, and a backlight section63.

The touch key section62may include the “Up” key K1, the “Down” key K2, the “Back” key K3, the “Enter” key K4, the “ONLINE” key K5, the “CANCEL” key K6, the “HELP” key K7, and a number key K8. The number key K8may be operated by the user, for example, when the user inputs some numbers. In this example, the number key K8may include twelve touch keys K.

The backlight section63may be disposed on back of an operation surface S of the touch key section62, and may apply light to two or more touch keys K from their back. The backlight section63may include two or more light-emitting devices corresponding to the respective touch keys K, and may be thereby able to apply light independently to each of the touch keys K.

The operation panel controller70illustrated inFIG. 15may include a touch key control section72and a backlight control section75.

The touch key control section72may control operation of the touch key section62of the operation panel60. The touch key control section72may include an operation setting section73and a release operation detecting section74.

The operation setting section73may set a process based on a detection result from the touch key section62to be effective or ineffective. The operation setting section73may have two operation modes, i.e., an effective mode M11and an ineffective mode M12. The effective mode M11may be set, for example, in a case where the image forming apparatus2is in a standby state. In the effective mode M11, the process based on the detection result from the touch key section62may be made effective. The ineffective mode M12may be set in order to prevent erroneous detection due to electrically-charged medium9. In the ineffective mode M12, the process based on the detection result from the touch key section62may be made ineffective. That is, in the ineffective mode M12, the touch key section62may detect that the touch key K is in the ON state but the touch key control section72may make the process based on the detection result ineffective. In the ineffective mode M12, the detection operation may be thus limited by making the process based on the detection result from the touch key section62ineffective. In the ineffective mode M12, the touch key section62may be able to accept only a predetermined release operation OP that is directed to releasing the ineffective mode M12. The operation setting section73may change the operation mode from the ineffective mode M12to the effective mode M11in a case where the release operation detecting section74detects the release operation OP.

The release operation detecting section74may detect the release operation OP performed by the user in the ineffective mode M12. The release operation OP may be performed by the user to switch the operation mode from the ineffective mode M12to the effective mode M11.

FIG. 17illustrates an example of the release operation OP. In this example, the release operation OP may involve turning on the “Down” key K2, the “Enter” key K4, and the “ONLINE” key K5in this order. With such use of the three touch keys K adjacent to one another, the user may be allowed to turn on the three touch keys K in order by so-called swipe operation. In the ineffective mode M12, the operation setting section73may change the operation mode from the ineffective mode M12to the effective mode M11in a case where the release operation detecting section74detects the release operation OP. Accordingly, the user's release operation OP may appropriately cause the operation mode to be returned to the effective mode M11in the image forming apparatus2.

That is, as illustrated inFIG. 18, the discharged medium9may move in the discharging direction F from an upper portion of the operation panel60toward a lower portion of the operation panel60. Accordingly, in a case where the medium9is electrically charged, the medium9can sequentially turn on two or more touch keys K of the operation panel60from upper side toward lower side in a direction the same as the discharging direction F. In the release operation OP, the user may sequentially turn on the three touch keys K from the lower side toward the upper side in a direction opposite to the discharging direction F, as illustrated inFIG. 17. That is, the turning-on order of the touch keys K in a case where the touch keys K are turned on by the electrically-charged medium9and the turning-on order of the touch keys K in a case where the touch keys K are turned on by the release operation OP may be different from each other. This allows for reduction in a possibility that the release operation OP is detected erroneously when the electrically-charged medium9moves in the discharging direction F in the image forming apparatus2. As a result, it is possible to appropriately cause the operation mode to be returned to the effective mode M11on the basis of the user's operation in the image forming apparatus2.

The operation of turning on the “Down” key K2, the “Enter” key K4, and the “ONLINE” key K5in this order may involve moving a finger from lower left toward upper right on the operation panel60, as illustrated inFIG. 17. Such operation may be easily performed by a right-handed user, for example. Note that such operation is non-limiting. In one example embodiment, the “HELP” key K7, the “Enter” key K4, and the “Up” key K1may be turned on in this order. This operation may involve moving a finger from lower right toward upper left on the operation panel60, and may be therefore easily performed by a left-handed user, for example. In another example embodiment, the “HELP” key K7, the “CANCEL” key K6, and the “ONLINE” key K5may be turned on in this order. This operation may involve moving a finger from the lower side toward the upper side on the operation panel60, and may be therefore performed by both the right-handed user and the left-handed user.

Hereinafter, the touch key K to be touched first in the release operation OP is referred to as a “touch key KEY1”, the touch key K to be touched next is referred to as a “touch key KEY2”, and the touch key K to be touched last is referred to as a “touch key KEY3”. In the example illustrated inFIG. 17, the “Down” key K2may correspond to the touch key KEY1, the “Enter” key K4may correspond to the touch key KEY2, and the “ONLINE” key K5may correspond to the touch key KEYS.

The backlight control section75may control operation of the backlight section63. In one specific but non-limiting example, the backlight control section75may cause the light-emitting devices corresponding to the respective touch keys K to emit light in the effective mode M11. In the ineffective mode M12, the backlight control section75may perform guiding backlight operation in order to prompt the user to perform the release operation OP. The guiding backlight operation may involve causing three light-emitting devices corresponding to the “Down” key K2, the “Enter” key K4, and the “ONLINE” key K5related to the release operation OP to emit light in order.

The speaker controller64may control the speaker45to output the effective-state sound or the ineffective-state sound in a case where the touch key K in the touch key section62is turned on, for example. For example, in the effective mode M11, the speaker controller64may control the speaker45to output the effective-state sound in a case where an effective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section62is turned on, and the speaker controller64may control the speaker45to output the ineffective-state sound in a case where an ineffective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section62is turned on. In the ineffective mode M12, the speaker controller64may control the speaker45to output neither the effective-state sound nor the ineffective-state sound in a case where the touch key K is turned on.

The image formation controller42C may include the conveyance control section43C. The conveyance control section43C may detect a timing at which the leading edge of the discharged medium9reaches the operation panel60.

The controller66may control overall operation of the image forming apparatus2.

The operation panel60may correspond to the “operation section” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The operation panel controller70and the controller66may correspond to the “operation controller” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The effective mode M11may correspond to the “detection mode” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The ineffective mode M12may correspond to the “limiting mode” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The touch key KEY1may correspond to a “first sensor” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology. The touch key KEY3may correspond to a “second sensor” in one specific but non-limiting embodiment of the technology.

FIGS. 19A and 19Beach illustrate an operation example of the image forming apparatus2. The image forming apparatus2may set the operation mode to the effective mode M11, for example, in a case where the image forming apparatus2is in a standby state. Upon receiving the print data DP, the image forming apparatus2may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF included in the print data DP. In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN, the image forming apparatus2may set the operation mode to the ineffective mode M12. Further, in a case where the touch key section62detects the user's release operation OP in the ineffective mode M12, the image forming apparatus2may cause the operation mode to be returned to the effective mode M11. This operation is described below in detail.

First, the communication section41of the image forming apparatus2may receive the print data DP supplied from the information processor8(step S201). The image formation controller42may control the image formation operation of the image forming apparatus2on the basis of the received print data DP, and thereby cause the image forming apparatus2to start the image formation operation (step S202).

Thereafter, the medium length determining section47of the controller66may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF included in the print data DP which the communication section41has received in step S201(step S203). In a case where the medium length is not longer than the predetermined length LEN (“N” in step S203), the process may be caused to proceed to step S210.

In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN in step S203(“Y” in step S203), the conveyance control section43C of the image formation controller42C may confirm whether the medium sensor25disposed near the discharging slot27has detected the leading edge of the medium9(step S204). In a case where the medium sensor25has not detected the leading edge of the medium9(“N” in step S204), the process in step S204may be performed repeatedly until the medium sensor25detects the leading edge of the medium9.

In a case where the medium sensor25has detected the leading edge of the medium9in step S204(“Y” in step S204), the conveyance control section43C may confirm whether the medium9has been conveyed by the predetermined distance D after the detection of the leading edge of the medium9(step S205). The predetermined distance D may be the distance from the medium sensor25to the end of the operation panel60via the discharging slot27and the discharging tray28, for example. In a case where the medium9has not been conveyed by the predetermined distance D yet (“N” in step S205), a process in step S205may be performed repeatedly until the medium9is conveyed by the predetermined distance D.

In a case where the medium9has been conveyed by the predetermined distance D in step S205(“Y” in step S205), the backlight control section75may cause all of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to stop emitting light (step S206). Thereafter, the operation setting section73of the touch key control section72may set the operation mode to the ineffective mode M12(step S207). The touch key control section72may thereby make the process based on the detection result from the touch key section62ineffective even when the touch key K is turned on, after the operation mode is set to the ineffective mode M12. This may allow for prevention of erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium9, for example. Further, the speaker controller64may control the speaker45to output neither the effective-state sound nor the ineffective-state sound even when the touch key K is turned on, after the operation mode is set to the ineffective mode M12.

Thereafter, the backlight control section75may start the guiding backlight operation in order to prompt the user to perform the release operation OP (step S208). In one specific but non-limiting example, the backlight control section75may set a guiding backlight flag. The backlight control section75may thereby start the guiding backlight operation.

FIG. 20illustrates an example of the guiding backlight operation. This operation may be performed in parallel with the operation illustrated inFIGS. 19A and 19B. First, the backlight control section75may confirm whether the guiding backlight flag is set (step S221). In a case where the guiding backlight flag is set (“Y” in step S221), the backlight control section75may cause a light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY1(e.g., the “Down” key K2) of the two or more light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to emit light (step S222), and wait for 0.1 seconds (step S223). Thereafter, the backlight control section75may cause a light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY2(e.g., the “Enter” key K4) of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to emit light, and cause a light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY1(e.g., the “Down” key K2) to stop emitting light (step S224). Thereafter, the backlight control section75may wait for 0.1 seconds (step S225). Thereafter, the backlight control section75may cause a light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY3(e.g., the “ONLINE” key K5) of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to emit light, and cause the light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY2(e.g., the “Enter” key K4) to stop emitting light (step S226). Thereafter, the backlight control section75may wait for 0.1 seconds (step S227). Thereafter, the backlight control section75may cause the light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY3(e.g., the “ONLINE” key K5) of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to stop emitting light (step S228). Thereafter, the backlight control section75may wait for 0.2 seconds (step S229). Thereafter, the process may be caused to return to step S221. The backlight control section75may repeatedly perform the operation in steps S221to S229until the guiding backlight flag is reset. In a case where the guiding backlight flag is reset in step S221(“N” in step S221), the process may be brought to an end of the flow.

The guiding backlight operation may cause the light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY1(e.g. the “Down” key K2), the light-emitting device corresponding to the touch key KEY2(e.g., the “Enter” key K4), and the light-emitting device according to the touch key KEY3(e.g., the “ONLINE” key K5) of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to emit light repeatedly in this order. The user may run his or her finger on the touch key KEY1, the touch key KEY2, and the touch key KEY3in this order in accordance with the light-emitting pattern, and thereby perform the release operation OP.

Thereafter, as illustrated inFIG. 19A, the release operation detecting section74of the touch key control section72may start the detection operation of the release operation OP (step S209).

FIG. 21illustrates an example of a detection operation of the release operation OP. This operation may be performed in parallel with the operation illustrated inFIGS. 19A and 19B. The ON state and the OFF state of the touch key K may be detected at intervals from about 10 msec to about 20 msec, for example.

First, the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether the touch key KEY1(e.g., the “Down” key K2) is in the ON state (step S231). In a case where the touch key KEY1is not in the ON state (“N” in step S231), the release operation detecting section74may repeatedly perform the process in step S231until the touch key KEY1is turned on.

In a case where the touch key KEY1(e.g., the “Down” key K2) is in the ON state in step S231(“Y” in step S231), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether both of the touch key KEY1(e.g., the “Down” key K2) and the touch key KEY2(e.g., the “Enter” key K4) are in the OFF state (step S232). In a case where both of the touch keys KEY1and KEY2are not in the OFF state (“N” in step S232), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed after turning on of the touch key KEY1(step S233). In a case where 0.5 seconds have not elapsed yet after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“N” in step S233), the process may be caused to return to step S232. In a case where 0.5 seconds have elapsed after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“Y” in step S233), the process may be caused to return to step S231.

In a case where both of the touch keys KEY1and KEY2are in the OFF state in step S232(“Y” in step S232), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether the touch key KEY2(e.g., the “Enter” key K4) is in the ON state (step S234). In the case where the touch key KEY2is not in the ON state (“N” in step S234), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed after turning on of the touch key KEY1(step S235). In a case where 0.5 seconds have not elapsed yet after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“N” in step S235), the process may be caused to return to step S234. In a case where 0.5 seconds have elapsed after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“Y” in step S235), the process may be caused to return to step S231.

In a case where the touch key KEY2is in the ON state in step S234(“Y” in step S234), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether both of the touch key KEY2(e.g., the “Enter” key K4) and the touch key KEY3(e.g., the “ONLINE” key K5) are in the OFF state (step S236). In a case where both of the touch keys KEY2and KEY3are not in the OFF state (“N” in step S236), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed after turning on of the touch key KEY1(step S237). In a case where 0.5 seconds have not elapsed yet after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“N” in step S237), the process may be caused to return to step S236. In a case where 0.5 seconds have elapsed after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“Y” in step S237), the process may be caused to return to step S231.

In a case where both of the touch keys KEY2and KEY3are in the OFF state in step S236(“Y” in step S236), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether the touch key KEY3(e.g., the “ONLINE” key K5) is in the ON state (step S238). In the case where the touch key KEY3is not in the ON state (“N” in step S238), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed after turning on of the touch key KEY1(step S239). In a case where 0.5 seconds have not elapsed yet after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“N” in step S239), the process may be caused to return to step S238. In a case where 0.5 seconds have elapsed after the turning on of the touch key KEY1(“Y” in step S239), the process may be caused to return to step S231.

In a case where the touch key KEY3is in the ON state in step S238(“Y” in step S238), the release operation detecting section74may determine that the release operation OP is detected. That is, the release operation detecting section74may determine in this case that the release operation OP is detected because the “Down” key K2, the “Enter” key K4, and the “ONLINE” key K5have been turned on in this order. Thereafter, the process may be brought to an end of the flow.

In this detection operation, the process may be caused to return to step S231in a case where the detection operation is not brought to the end within 0.5 seconds after the turning on of the touch key KEY1, as in steps S233, S235, S237, and S239. It may be expected that the swipe operation is to be completed within about 0.2 seconds to about 0.3 seconds. Therefore, in a case where the detection operation is not completed within 0.5 seconds after the turning on of the touch key KEY1, the release operation detecting section74may determine that the release operation OP is not being performed and cause the process to return to step S231. In a case where the detection operation is completed within 0.5 seconds, the release operation detecting section74may determine that the release operation OP is detected in step S240. The release operation detecting section74may start such detection operation in step S209inFIG. 19A.

As a result of the image formation operation performed by the image forming apparatus2, the medium9with the formed image may be discharged to the discharging tray28. Further, the image forming apparatus2may end the image formation operation (step S210).

Thereafter, the operation setting section73may confirm whether the operation mode is set to the ineffective mode M12(step S211). In a case where the operation mode is set to the effective mode M11(“N” in step S211), the process may be brought to an end of the flow. In a case where the operation mode is set to the ineffective mode M12(“Y” in step S211), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether the release operation OP has been detected in step S240illustrated inFIG. 21(step S212). In a case where the release operation OP has not been detected (“N” in step S212), the release operation detecting section74may repeatedly perform the process in step S212until the release operation OP is detected.

In a case where the release operation OP has been detected in step S212(“Y” in step S212), the backlight control section75may end the guiding backlight operation illustrated inFIG. 20(step S213). In one specific but non-limiting example, the backlight control section75may reset the guiding backlight flag. This may allow the backlight control section75to confirm, in step S221illustrated inFIG. 20, that the guiding backlight flag has been reset (“N” in step S221), and the backlight control section75may therefore end the guiding backlight operation.

Thereafter, the operation setting section73of the touch key control section72may set the operation mode to the effective mode M11(step S214). Thereafter, the backlight control section75may cause all of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to emit light (step S215).

This may bring the process to an end of the flow. This may cause the touch key control section72to make the process based on the detection result from the touch key section62effective after the process of the flow has been ended. The speaker controller64may control the speaker45to output the effective-state sound in a case where the effective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section62is turned on, and may control the speaker45to output the ineffective-state sound in a case where the ineffective touch key K of the two or more touch keys K in the touch key section62is turned on.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus2, the detection operation of the touch key section62may be limited on the basis of the size information INF indicating the information related to the medium size of the medium9. For example, in a case where the medium length of the medium9is determined to be longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF, the operation setting section73may set the operation mode to the ineffective mode M12and thereby make the process based on the detection result from the touch key section62ineffective. This allows for reduction in a possibility that the touch key section62performs erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium9in the image forming apparatus2. As a result, it is possible to reduce a possibility that erroneous operation is performed in the image forming apparatus2.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus2, the speaker45may be caused to output neither the effective-state sound nor the ineffective-state sound when the touch key K is turned on in the ineffective mode M12. This may cause the speaker45to output neither the effective-state sound nor the ineffective-state sound even in a case where the electrically-charged medium9comes into contact with the touch key section62, preventing the user from being disturbed by the sound. As a result, it is possible to improve user friendliness.

Moreover, in the image forming apparatus2, the release operation OP may cause the operation mode to be returned from the ineffective mode M12to the effective mode M11. The release operation OP may be operation of sequentially turning on the touch keys K in the direction opposite to the discharging direction F. This allows for reduction in a possibility that the release operation OP is detected due to the electrically-charged medium9, allowing the operation mode to be appropriately returned to the effective mode M11.

According to the second example embodiment, detection operation of a touch key section may be limited on the basis of size information indicating information related to a medium size of a medium, as described above. As a result, it is possible to reduce a possibility that erroneous operation is performed.

According to the second example embodiment, a speaker may be caused to output neither an effective-state sound nor an ineffective-state sound in an ineffective mode. As a result, it is possible to improve user friendliness.

According to the second example embodiment, release operation may cause an operation mode to be returned from the ineffective mode to an effective mode. The release operation is operation of sequentially turning on the touch keys in a direction opposite to a discharging direction. As a result, it is possible to allow the operation mode to be appropriately returned to the effective mode.

Although the turning on of the predetermined touch keys KEY1, KEY2, and KEY3in this order may cause the operation mode to be returned to the effective mode M11in the second example embodiment, this is non-limiting. Modification 2-1 is described in detail below.

FIG. 22illustrates a configuration example of an image forming apparatus2A according to Modification 2-1. The image forming apparatus2A may include an operation panel controller70A. The operation panel controller70A may include a touch key control section72A, a storage section76A, and a backlight control section75A.

The touch key control section72A may include a release operation detecting section74A. The release operation detecting section74A may detect release operation OP2performed by the user in the ineffective mode M12.

FIG. 23illustrates an example of the release operation OP2. In this example, the release operation OP2may involve: turning on any of touch keys K included in a key group G1; and thereafter turning on any of touch keys K included in a key group G2. The key group G1may include eight touch keys K disposed near the lower end of the operation panel60of the touch keys K in the touch key section62, i.e., the “Down” key K2, the “HELP” key K7, and a “7” key, an “8” key, a “9” key, a “0” key, an “*” key, and a “C” key of the number keys K8, in this example. The key group G2may include five touch keys K disposed near the upper end of the operation panel60of the touch keys K in the touch key section62, i.e., the “Up” key K1, the “ONLINE” key K5, and a “1” key, a “2” key, and a “3” key of the number keys K8in this example. That is, the release operation OP2may cause the user to sequentially turn on two touch keys K from the lower side toward the upper side in the direction opposite to the discharging direction F, as illustrated inFIG. 23.

The storage section76A may include, for example but not limited to, a non-volatile memory. The storage section76A may hold key data77A. As illustrated inFIG. 24, the key data77A may include information related to the touch keys K belonging to the key group G1and information related to the touch keys K belonging to the key group G2.

In the ineffective mode M12, the release operation detecting section74A may detect the release operation OP2on the basis of the key data77A stored in the storage section76A. In a case where the release operation detecting section74A detects the release operation OP2, the operation setting section73may change the operation mode from the ineffective mode M12to the effective mode M11.

Hereinafter, the touch key K to be touched first in the release operation OP2is referred to as a “touch key KEY11” and the touch key K to be touched last in the release operation OP2is referred to as a “touch key KEY12”.

In the effective mode M11, the backlight control section75A may cause light-emitting devices corresponding to the touch keys K to emit light. In the ineffective mode M12, the backlight control section75A may cause light-emitting devices corresponding to the touch keys K to stop emitting light.

FIGS. 25A and 25Beach illustrate an operation example of the image forming apparatus2A.

First, the communication section41of the image forming apparatus2A may receive the print data DP supplied from the information processor8(step S201). The image formation controller42may control the image formation operation of the image forming apparatus2A on the basis of the received print data DP, and thereby cause the image forming apparatus2A to start the image formation operation (step S202).

Thereafter, the medium length determining section47of the controller66may determine whether the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN on the basis of the size information INF included in the print data DP which the communication section41has received in step S201(step S203). In a case where the medium length is not longer than the predetermined length LEN (“N” in step S203), the process may be caused to proceed to step S210.

In a case where the medium length is longer than the predetermined length LEN in step S203(“Y” in step S203), the conveyance control section43C of the image formation controller42C may confirm whether the medium sensor25disposed near the discharging slot27has detected the leading edge of the medium9(step S204). In a case where the medium sensor25has not detected the leading edge of the medium9(“N” in step S204), the process in step S204may be performed repeatedly until the medium sensor25detects the leading edge of the medium9.

In a case where the medium sensor25has detected the leading edge of the medium9in step S204(“Y” in step S204), the conveyance control section43C may confirm whether the medium9has been conveyed by the predetermined distance D after the detection of the leading edge of the medium9(step S205). In a case where the medium9has not been conveyed by the predetermined distance D yet (“N” in step S205), a process in step S205may be performed repeatedly until the medium9is conveyed by the predetermined distance D.

In a case where the medium9has been conveyed by the predetermined distance D in step S205(“Y” in step S205), the backlight control section75A may cause all of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to stop emitting light (step S206). Thereafter, the operation setting section73of the touch key control section72A may set the operation mode to the ineffective mode M12(step S207).

Thereafter, the release operation detecting section74A of the touch key control section72A may start the detection operation of the release operation OP2on the basis of the key data77A stored in the storage section76A (step S249).

FIG. 26illustrates an example of the detection operation of the release operation OP2. This operation may be performed in parallel with the operation illustrated inFIGS. 25A and 25B.

First, the release operation detecting section74A may confirm whether any one of the touch keys K included in the key group G1is in the ON state (step S261). In a case where all of the touch keys K included in the key group G1are in the OFF state (“N” in step S261), the release operation detecting section74A may repeatedly perform the process in step S261until any one of the touch keys K included in the key group G1is turned on.

In a case where any one (the touch key KEY11) of the touch keys K included in the key group G1is in the ON state (“Y” in step S261), the release operation detecting section74A may confirm whether all of the touch keys K included in the key group G2are in the OFF state (step S262). In a case where not all of the touch keys K included in the key group G2are in the OFF state (“N” in step S262), the process may be caused to return to step S261.

In a case where all of the touch keys K included in the key group G2are in the OFF state in step S262(“Y” in step S262), the release operation detecting section74A may confirm whether the touch key K (the touch key KEY11) that has been in the ON state in step S261is now in the OFF state (step S263). In a case the touch key K (the touch key KEY11) that has been in the ON state in step S261is now not in the OFF state (“N” in step S263), the release operation detecting section74A may confirm whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed after first turning on of the touch key K (the touch key KEY11) (step S264). In a case where 0.5 seconds have not elapsed yet after the first turning on of the touch key K (the touch key KEY11) (“N” in step S264), the process may be caused to return to step S263. In a case where 0.5 seconds have elapsed after the first turning on of the touch key KEY (the touch key KEY11) (“Y” in step S264), the process may be caused to return to step S261.

In a case where the touch key K (the touch key KEY11) that has been in the ON state is now in the OFF state (“Y” in step S263), the release operation detecting section74A may confirm whether any one of the touch keys K included in the key group G2is in the ON state (step S265). In a case where all of the touch keys K included in the key group G2are in the OFF state (“N” in step S265), the release operation detecting section74A may confirm whether 0.5 seconds have elapsed after first turning on of the touch key K (the touch key KEY11) (step S266). In a case where 0.5 seconds have not elapsed yet after the first turning on of the touch key K (the touch key KEY11) (“N” in step S266), the process may be caused to return to step S265. In a case where 0.5 seconds have elapsed after the first turning on of the touch key KEY (the touch key KEY11) (“Y” in step S266), the process may be caused to return to step S261.

In a case where any one (the touch key KEY12) of the touch keys K included in the key group G2is in the ON state (“Y” in step S265), the release operation detecting section74A may determine that the release operation OP2is detected. This may bring the process to an end of the flow. The release operation detecting section74A may start the detection operation described above in step S249illustrated inFIG. 25A.

As a result of the image formation operation performed by the image forming apparatus2A, the medium9with the formed image may be discharged to the discharging tray28. Further, the image forming apparatus2A may end the image formation operation (step S210).

Thereafter, the operation setting section73may confirm whether the operation mode is set to the ineffective mode M12(step S211). In a case where the operation mode is set to the effective mode M11(“N” in step S211), the process may be brought to an end of the flow. In a case where the operation mode is set to the ineffective mode M12(“Y” in step S211), the release operation detecting section74may confirm whether the release operation OP2has been detected in step S267illustrated inFIG. 26(step S252). In a case where the release operation OP2has not been detected (“N” in step S252), the release operation detecting section74A may repeatedly perform the process in step S252until the release operation OP2is detected.

In a case where the release operation OP2has been detected in step S252(“Y” in step S252), the operation setting section73of the touch key control section72A may set the operation mode to the effective mode M11(step S214). Thereafter, the backlight control section75A may cause all of the light-emitting devices of the backlight section63to emit light (step S215).

This may bring the process to an end of the flow.

With this configuration, in the image forming apparatus2A, it may be unnecessary for the user to pay attention to a particular touch key K to be used in the release operation OP, unlike in the release operation OP according to the second example embodiment. As a result, it is possible to improve user friendliness.

Although the print data DP may include the size information INF, i.e., the information related to the medium size of the medium9, according to the second example embodiment, this is non-limiting. In one example embodiment, alternatively, the medium size of the medium9conveyed along the conveyance path10may be determined as in the image forming apparatus1E according to Modification 1-5 of the first example embodiment.

One embodiment of the technology has been described above with reference to some example embodiments and the modifications thereof; however, one embodiment of the technology is not limited thereto and may be modified in a variety of ways.

For example, although one embodiment of the technology may be applied to a single-function printer according to the example embodiments and the modifications thereof described above, this is non-limiting. Alternatively, one embodiment of the technology may be applied to a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having multiple functions including, without limitation, a copying function, a faxing function, a scanning function, and a printing function.

Moreover, although one embodiment of the technology may be applied to a printer in the example embodiments and the modifications thereof described above, this is non-limiting. One embodiment of the technology is applicable to various apparatuses performing a process related to a medium. In one specific but non-limiting example, one embodiment of the technology may be applied to a scanning apparatus that acquires an image printed on a medium. For example, the medium can be electrically charged due to static electricity also in this case. Therefore, one embodiment of the technology is applicable in order to reduce a possibility that a touch sensor performs erroneous detection due to the electrically-charged medium.

Furthermore, the technology encompasses any possible combination of some or all of the various embodiments and the modifications described herein and incorporated herein. It is possible to achieve at least the following configurations from the above-described example embodiments of the technology.

A medium processing apparatus including a processor that performs a process related to a medium, the medium processing apparatus including:

a discharging section that discharges the medium;

an operation section that is disposed downstream of the discharging section in a discharging direction and includes a touch sensor, the discharging direction being a direction in which the discharging section discharges the medium, the touch sensor detecting an operation input; and

an operation controller that limits, on the basis of size information, detection operation performed by the touch sensor, the size information indicating information related to a medium size of the medium.

The medium processing apparatus according to (1), in which

the operation controller has a detection mode and a limiting mode, the detection mode allowing the touch sensor to detect the operation input, the limiting mode limiting the detection operation, the detection mode and the limiting mode each being to be set as an operation mode of the operation section, and

the operation controller sets the operation mode to the limiting mode in a case where the medium size based on the size information is greater than a predetermined size.

The medium processing apparatus according to (2), further including:

a conveying section that conveys the medium along a conveyance path and thereby causes the medium to be discharged from the discharging section; and

a medium sensor that is disposed on the conveyance path and detects the medium, in which

the operation controller determines, on the basis of a timing at which the medium sensor detects the medium, a timing to switch the operation mode from the detection mode to the limiting mode.

The medium processing apparatus according to (2) or (3), in which

the operation controller sets detection sensitivity of the touch sensor to first detection sensitivity in the detection mode, and

the operation controller sets the detection sensitivity of the touch sensor to second detection sensitivity in the limiting mode, the second detection sensitivity being lower than the first detection sensitivity.

The medium processing apparatus according to (4), in which the operation controller switches the operation mode from the limiting mode to the detection mode on the basis of a result of the detection operation performed by the touch sensor in the limiting mode.

The medium processing apparatus according to (4), in which

the operation controller includes a timer that performs counting operation, and

the operation controller causes the timer to start the counting operation when the processor ends the process, and switches the operation mode from the limiting mode to the detection mode after the timer ends the counting operation.

The medium processing apparatus according to (6), further including

an environment sensor that performs detection of an environment, in which

the operation controller configures setting of the counting operation on the basis of a result of the detection performed by the environment sensor.

The medium processing apparatus according to any one of (4) to (6), in which

the touch sensor compares a detected value and a threshold with each other and thereby performs the detection operation,

the operation controller sets the threshold to a first threshold in the detection mode, and

the operation controller sets the threshold to a second threshold in the limiting mode, the second threshold being higher than the first threshold.

The medium processing apparatus according to (8), in which the operation controller adjusts the second threshold on the basis of a result of the detection operation performed by the touch sensor in a case where the medium is discharged from the discharging section.

The medium processing apparatus according to (2) or (3), in which the operation controller causes a process based on a result of the detection operation performed by the touch sensor to be effective in the detection mode, and

the operation controller causes the process based on the result of the detection operation performed by the touch sensor to be ineffective in the limiting mode.

The medium processing apparatus according to (10), in which

the touch sensor includes two or more sensors, and

the operation controller switches the operation mode from the limiting mode to the detection mode in a case where the two or more sensors are turned on in a predetermined sensor order.

The medium processing apparatus according to (11), in which

the two or more sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor being to be turned on first in the predetermined sensor order, the second sensor being to be turned on last in the predetermined sensor order, and

the first sensor is disposed downstream of the second sensor in the discharging direction in the operation section.

The medium processing apparatus according to (10), in which

the touch sensor includes two or more first sensors and two or more second sensors, and

the operation controller switches the operation mode from the limiting mode to the detection mode in a case where any of the second sensors is turned on after any of the first sensors is turned on.

The medium processing apparatus according to (13), in which the two or more first sensors are disposed downstream of the two or more second sensors in the discharging direction in the operation section.

The medium processing apparatus according to (10), further including:

a speaker; and

a speaker controller that controls operation of the speaker, in which

the speaker controller stops, in the limiting mode, the operation of the speaker based on the result of the detection operation performed by the touch sensor.

The medium processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (15), in which the size information includes information related to a length of the medium in the discharging direction.

The medium processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (16), further including:

a conveying section that conveys the medium along a conveyance path and thereby causes the medium to be discharged from the discharging section; and

a medium sensor that is disposed on the conveyance path and performs detection of the medium, in which

the operation controller generates the size information on the basis of a result of the detection performed by the medium sensor.

The medium processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (17), further including a communication section that performs communication with an information processor and thereby receives the size information from the information processor.

A medium processing apparatus including a processor that performs a process related to a medium, the medium processing apparatus including:

a discharging section that discharges the medium;

an operation section that includes a touch sensor, the touch sensor detecting an operation input; and

an operation controller that controls operation of the operation section, in which

a portion or all of the operation section is covered with the medium in a case where a medium size of the medium discharged from the discharging section is greater than a predetermined size, and

the operation controller limits the detection operation performed by the touch sensor in the case where the medium size is greater than the predetermined size.

A medium processing apparatus including a processor that performs a process related to a medium, the medium processing apparatus including:

a housing including a first end and a second end, the second end being opposed to the first end;

a placing section that is disposed between the first end and the second end, the placing section being a section on which the medium subjected to the process is to be placed;

a discharging section that is disposed between the first end and the placing section, the discharging section discharging the medium subjected to the process to the placing section;

an operation section that is disposed between the placing section and the second end, the operation section including a touch sensor, the touch sensor detecting an operation input; and

an operation controller that controls operation of the operation section, in which

a portion or all of the operation section overlaps the discharging section in a direction intersecting a direction from the first end toward the second end, and

the operation controller limits, on the basis of size information, the detection operation performed by the touch sensor, the size information indicating information related to a medium size of the medium.

Although the technology has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in the described embodiments by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in this specification or during the prosecution of the application, and the examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in this disclosure, the term “preferably”, “preferred” or the like is non-exclusive and means “preferably”, but not limited to. The use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. The term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term “about” or “approximately” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range. Moreover, no element or component in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly recited in the following claims.