JP2003195693A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus having improved operability by making it possible to change a set picture. <P>SOLUTION: A user inputs an identification (ID) code from a display input part 1. An ID information collation part 6 retrieves an ID information storage part 7 on the basis of the ID code and reads out a function registered in correspondence with the ID code and function correspondence information concerned with the arrangement position of the function. The read function correspondence information is registered in a function correspondence information storage part 5. A set picture display control part 2 displays a set picture on the display input part 1 by using frame information stored in a frame information storage part 3 and function contents information stored in a function contents information storage part 4 on the basis of the function correspondence information newly registered in the storage part 5. A user sets various functions on the basis of the displayed set picture. A function to be arranged in each set picture can be changed and a function correspondence information writing part 8 writes the changed function correspondence information in the ID information storage part 7 in correspondence with the ID code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, displaying a setting screen for setting the plurality of functions and having display input means for inputting by a user. It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally developed copying machines, printers and the like have a display display device such as a CRT or LCD, and according to the display on the display display device,
There are those that set various functions. In recent years, the number of functions that can be set has been increasing with the improvement of technology, and all the functions cannot be displayed on a display screen having only one surface, and the setting operation is performed while switching a plurality of surfaces. For example, in a copying machine, the functions displayed on the display device in the initial state when the power is turned on are displayed as the functions assumed to be most used in the copying machine. To select the remaining functions, the screen display is switched and then set.

However, the function used depends on the user. In some cases, it is necessary to set many functions each time copying is performed. Especially when multiple users copy with different function settings,
Each user has to set the function every time, which makes the setting operation of the function complicated.

In order to simplify the function setting operation for each user, an access code is entered to identify each user and change the initial state of the copying machine. For such a function, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
It is described in, for example, JP-100067. This technique only changes the initial setting function of the copying machine.

By using such a technique, it is possible to change the function that is initially set for each user. However, some users often change various settings each time copying is performed. At this time, the setting of the function displayed on the display device in the initial state can be easily changed. However, if other functions are frequently changed, the screen display must be switched after each setting operation, and the setting operation becomes complicated. The operability is improved if the frequently used functions can be set on the initial setting screen, but in the related art, it is not possible to change the functions displayed on the display device. Even with the above-described technique of making initial settings for each user, it has not been possible to bring only the most frequently used functions for each user to the initial setting screen.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of changing a setting screen and improving operability. It is a thing.

[0007]

According to the invention of claim 1, the present invention has a plurality of functions, displays a setting screen for setting the plurality of functions, and inputs from a user. In the image forming apparatus having the display input means, the setting screen display means for displaying the setting screen on the display input means and the changing means for changing the setting screen for each function are provided. The setting screen display control means causes the display input means to display the changed setting screen.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, frame information holding means for holding frame information regarding a plurality of display areas, and function content information regarding display contents for each function. And a function content information holding means for holding the function content information holding means for holding each of the display areas and the function correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the functions to be displayed in the display area, and the setting screen display control means, Based on the function correspondence information held in the function correspondence information holding means, the correspondence held in the function contents information holding means so that the display contents of the function corresponding to the display area are displayed in each display area. The setting screen is generated and displayed on the display input unit according to the frame information held by the frame information holding unit by using the function content information to be stored. That.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the changing means changes the function correspondence information held in the function correspondence information holding means. To do.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, there are a plurality of setting screens, and each screen can display one or a plurality of functions. The change of the setting screen for each function by the changing means is characterized in that it is possible to change within the same screen and between screens.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second and third aspects,
The frame information holding unit holds frame information for a plurality of screens, and the function corresponding information holding unit holds function corresponding information corresponding to each display area of each screen,
The setting screen display control means extracts the frame information and the function correspondence information corresponding to the designated screen from the frame information holding means and the function correspondence information holding means to generate the setting screen. Is.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second, third and fifth aspects, display contents for setting at least the function are generated for each function. A unit function processing unit having a function is provided, and the function correspondence information includes information indicating a unit function processing unit of the corresponding function. When the setting screen display control unit generates a setting screen, , Requesting the unit function processing unit corresponding to the function to be displayed based on the information indicating the unit function processing unit in the function correspondence information to generate a part of the setting screen corresponding to the function, The processing means is characterized by generating a setting screen of the function in a display area designated based on the function content information of the corresponding function held in the function content information holding means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the unit function processing means provided for each functional unit is selected only by the unit function processing means corresponding to a required function. It is characterized by being installed and installed.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the changing means selects a function within a range provided by the unit function processing means installed therein. It is characterized in that it can be arranged on the setting screen.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the unit function processing means has a function content information holding means therein, and the unit function processing means has a function content information holding means. The function content information corresponding to the function is held in the function content information holding means.

[0016]

According to the invention described in claim 1, the setting screen can be changed by the function by the changing means. Accordingly, the setting screen can be created and displayed according to the usage pattern of one or a plurality of users who use the image forming apparatus, so that the operability in each usage pattern can be improved.

In the invention described in claim 2, in order to change the setting screen as described in claim 1, frame information regarding a plurality of display areas, function content information regarding display content for each function, Each display area holds function correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the functions to be displayed in the display area, and the setting screen display control means uses the function content information and the frame information based on the function correspondence information to display the corresponding information in each display area. Display the display contents of the function corresponding to the display area. As a result, if the function corresponding information is set according to each usage pattern, it is possible to configure a desired setting screen and improve operability.

According to the third aspect of the invention, since the changing means changes the function correspondence information, it is possible to create a desired setting screen by using the changing means.

According to the invention described in claim 4, there is a plurality of setting screens, and for the image forming apparatus capable of displaying one or a plurality of functions on each screen, the setting means for each function is changed by the changing means. The setting screen can be changed. At this time, it is possible to change within the same setting screen and between setting screens. As a result, for example, by arranging a function for which the screen is switched and setting is arranged on the initial setting screen, or an unused function in the initial setting screen is arranged on a screen which is not normally used, it is possible to change the function according to the use state. It is possible to set different screens.

According to the invention of claim 5, there are a plurality of setting screens, and the display screen can be changed by the image forming apparatus capable of displaying one or a plurality of functions on each screen. , The frame information for a plurality of screens is held, and the function corresponding information corresponding to each display area is held, and the setting screen display control means sets the frame information and the function corresponding information corresponding to the designated screen. To generate a setting screen. Thereby, for example, the functions displayed on the plurality of setting screens can be changed only by changing the function correspondence information by the changing unit.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, each function has a unit function processing means having at least a function of generating display contents for setting the function.
Further, the function correspondence information is associated with the information indicating the unit function processing means of the function. When the setting screen display control means generates the setting screen, the setting screen corresponding to the function is set to the corresponding unit function processing means based on the information indicating the unit function processing means in the function correspondence information. Request some generation and display. As a result, it is possible to develop a portion that generates display contents for setting each function as an independent module for each function, and reduce the number of development steps. Further, even if the installed function is changed, the setting screen is generated according to the function correspondence information, so that it is not necessary to change the software such as the setting screen display control means.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the unit function processing means provided for each function unit can select and mount only the unit function processing means corresponding to the required function. This makes it possible to respond easily and quickly, even when changing the functions installed depending on the model.
Further, it is not necessary to change the software such as the setting screen display control means.

According to the invention described in claim 8, when the setting screen is changed, the changing means selects a function within the range of the function provided by the unit function processing means installed,
It is configured to be placed on the setting screen. This makes it possible to prevent an error such as arranging a function that is not installed on the setting screen.

According to the invention described in claim 9, each unit function processing means internally holds the function content information of the function. When the function screen is displayed for each function, the function content information may be used for display. Since the function content information corresponds to each function, it can be further modularized by including it in the unit function processing means.

[0025]

1 is a partial block diagram showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a display input section, 2 is a setting screen display control section, 3 is a frame information holding section, 4 is a function content information holding section, 5 is a function corresponding information holding section, 6 is an identification information collating section, and 7 is an identification. The information holding unit 8 is a function corresponding information writing unit.

The display input unit 1 is composed of a display device such as an LCD or a CRT and an input device such as a touch panel or a key switch. The display input unit 1 displays the status and messages in the device to the user and inputs instructions to the device. To be done.
In particular, a window display for setting various functions,
The instruction for it is input.

The frame information storage unit 3 stores frame information regarding the display area on the display screen of the display input unit 1. The function content information holding unit 4 holds the function content information regarding the display content for each function. The function correspondence information holding unit 5 holds each display area and function correspondence information indicating correspondence between functions displayed in the display area.

The setting screen display control unit 2 generates information about the state of the inside of the apparatus, a message to the user, windows for setting various functions, and the like, and causes the display input unit 1 to display the information. In particular, when setting various functions, the display contents of the function corresponding to the display area are displayed in each display area based on the function corresponding information held in the function corresponding information holding unit 5. The corresponding function content information held in the function content information holding unit 4 is generated in accordance with the frame information held in the frame information holding unit 3, and a setting screen is generated and displayed on the display input unit 1. In addition, a display for instructing which function is assigned to the window for each function setting is also displayed. On the other hand, the information input from the display input unit 1 is received, and the setting of each function and the erasing, assigning and changing of the function arranged on each setting screen are also performed. In addition, information is exchanged with an image input means, an image forming means, etc. not shown.

The identification information holding unit 7 holds identification information for identifying a user, function correspondence information corresponding to each identification information, information regarding initial setting, and the like. The identification information matching unit 6 includes the identification information input from the display input unit 1,
The identification information held in the identification information holding unit 7 is collated, and if there is a match, the function corresponding information held corresponding to the identification information is transferred to the function corresponding information holding unit 5. If there is information about the corresponding initial setting, the information is sent to the setting screen display control unit 2,
When the setting screen is displayed, the initial setting state is set according to the information.

The function correspondence information writing unit 8 stores the function correspondence information indicating the correspondence between each display area of each setting screen set according to the user's instruction input from the display input unit 1 and the function to be displayed in the display area. , Is written in the identification information holding unit 7 in association with the user identification information. By this writing, the function correspondence information corresponding to the identification information of the user who is currently operating is updated. The updated contents can be reflected in the function corresponding information holding unit 5, for example, and the setting screen displayed on the display input unit 1 can be updated when the setting of the function corresponding information is completed.

The operation of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the invention will be described. Here, a case will be described in which registered identification information is input to obtain a corresponding setting screen. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting process of the function corresponding information corresponding to the identification information. In S31, the user inputs the identification code from the display input unit 1.
The identification code may be a code or code string that can be identified, including numerical values, alphanumeric characters, kanji, and kana.
Next, in S32, a function for setting input and a position on the screen where display contents for setting and inputting the function are arranged are designated. When the setting input screen is composed of a plurality of screens, the display contents of each function may be arranged on any screen.
The selection of this function and the instruction of the position on the screen are repeated to form each setting input screen. It is not necessary to provide all the functions. For example, if there is a function that does not need to be set due to the presence or absence of optional equipment, it may not be provided. Alternatively, a general arrangement may be presented as an initial state, and this arrangement may be corrected. The information on the selection of the function and the arrangement position of the display content of the function is the function corresponding information corresponding to the identification code input in S31. When the arrangement of the display contents of each function on the setting input screen is completed, S33
In step S <b> 31, the identification code input in step S <b> 31 is paired with the function selected and arranged in step S <b> 32 and the function correspondence information regarding the arrangement position, and the function correspondence information writing unit 8 writes the pair in the identification information holding unit 7. This completes the setting of the function corresponding information corresponding to the identification information.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting screen generating process. An example of the process of generating the setting screen for each user based on the identification information including the function corresponding information set by the process shown in FIG. 2 will be described. S
At 34, the user inputs the identification code from the display input section 1. At S35, the identification information matching unit 6 determines at S3.
The identification information holding unit 7 is searched based on the identification code input in 4, and the function correspondence information registered corresponding to the input identification code, that is, the information regarding the function and its arrangement position is read. Then, in S36, the read function correspondence information is registered in the function correspondence information holding unit 5. S
In 37, the setting screen display control unit 2 holds the frame information and the function content information holding unit 4 held in the frame information holding unit 3 based on the function corresponding information newly registered in the function corresponding information holding unit 5. The setting screen is displayed on the display input unit 1 by using the function content information that has been set. The user sets various functions based on the displayed setting screen.

Further, it is possible to change the layout of the setting screen at any time with the identification code being input. In this case, the processes of S32 and S33 shown in FIG. 2 may be performed.

In the above operation example, the identification code and the function corresponding information are registered, and then the registered function corresponding information is read by the input of the identification code and the setting screen is displayed. May be registered together with the identification code for distinguishing them, and the user may be configured to select the setting screen from the registered by the identification code.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific example for realizing the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 11 is a microprocessor and 12 is a work R.
AM, 13 is control ROM, 14 is non-volatile RA
M, 15 are screen control RAMs, 16 are screen data ROs
M, 17 are graphic controllers, 18 is LCD,
Reference numeral 19 is a communication unit, and 20 is an input / output interface. The microprocessor 11 is a control ROM
According to the program stored in 13, work RAM
12 and the like to operate to control the entire user interface portion of the apparatus, and realize the functions of the setting screen display control unit 2, the identification information collating unit 6, the function corresponding information writing unit 8, and the like.
The non-volatile RAM 14 is a RAM that holds data even when the device is powered off, and has the function of the identification information holding unit 7. It also holds information about the initial state when the power is turned on. The screen control RAM 15 has the function of the function correspondence information holding unit 5, and the function correspondence information is transferred and stored from the nonvolatile RAM 14. ROM for screen data
Reference numeral 16 has the functions of the frame information holding unit 3 and the function content information holding unit 4, and holds the frame information and the function content information. The graphic controller 17 realizes the display portion of the display input unit 1 together with the LCD 18, and controls the LCD 18 to display based on a display instruction from the microprocessor 11 to the LCD 18. The communication unit 19 is a part for exchanging information with other parts in the image forming apparatus, such as an image input means and an image forming means which are not shown. The input / output interface 20 accepts an input from the input part of the display input section 1 and performs a display other than the LCD 18, such as a lighting display of an LED or the like.

The specific data structure and operation will be described below. First, a screen layout registration operation will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when setting or changing the arrangement of each function on each setting screen. When the user or the device administrator sets an identification code and gives an instruction to change the screen layout, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In FIG. 5, based on the function correspondence information used so far, the set functions are displayed as they are. FIG. 5 shows a case where the setting screen of the first user is changed, for example.
On the screen, the functions displayed on each setting screen are displayed, and at the bottom, function replacement, function assignment,
Each button for function deletion is displayed. There are three operations that can be performed on this screen: replacement of target functions that can be performed by pressing these buttons, allocation of unassigned functions, and deletion of target functions.

The replacement of the target function is performed by pressing the button of the function to be replaced displayed on each setting screen, selecting the function replacement button, and further selecting another target function button. , You can switch the screen position of the function selected earlier and the function selected later. For example, if you select the paper tray button on the basic copy setting screen, the function swap button, and the binding margin button on the advanced copy setting screen in this order, the display positions of the paper tray and binding margin functions will be switched, and the buttons on the paper tray will change to the advanced copy setting screen. Is displayed second from the left, and the binding margin button is displayed first from the left of the basic copy.

To delete the target function, select the function button to be deleted and select the function delete button.
You can delete the selected function from the setting screen.
For example, if you select the third-sided copy button from the left of the basic copy setting screen and select the function delete button,
The third from the left of the basic copy, that is, the button name of the double-sided copy button in FIG. 5, is blank.

To assign a function that has not been assigned to the setting screen, select the target function button with a blank button name and select the function assignment button to display the function assignment screen. The function assignment screen displays a list of functions that have not been assigned. Here, when the function to be restored is selected, the function name is displayed on the previously selected button and the target function is assigned.

By changing the screen layout by using these functions and finally selecting the end button on the upper right of the screen, the screen layout can be changed for the user having the set identification code. This layout information is stored in the non-volatile RAM 14 together with the identification code as function corresponding information. In this example, the screen for changing the screen layout is displayed, but it is also possible to display a screen similar to the function selection screen to allocate functions. At this time, the instructable position on the screen follows the frame information regarding the display area held in the frame information holding unit 3.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of information held in the identification information holding unit 7. The screen layout set as described above is held in the identification information holding unit 7 as function correspondence information in association with the identification code. FIG. 6A shows the identification code portion, and FIG. 6B shows the function correspondence information portion. These pieces of information are held in the nonvolatile RAM 14 of FIG.

The function correspondence information shown in FIG. 6 has three screens of a basic copy setting screen, an applied copy setting screen, and a specialized copy setting screen for each user,
Each shows the case where five functions can be set.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, "00001" is registered as the identification code for the first user, and as the function corresponding information, the basic tray setting screen shows the paper tray, reduction / reduction. Functions such as enlargement, double-sided copy, copy density, and copy output are set. Special copy, binding margin, etc. are displayed on the application copy setting screen, and editing, composition, ... on the specialized copy setting screen. Is set. In addition, for the second user, the identification code "00
"100" is registered. Also, as the function correspondence information, the basic copy setting screen has paper tray, reduction / enlargement, binding margin, erase, job memory, and the application copy setting screen has double-sided copy, copy. .. is set, and edit, composition, ... Are set on the specialty copy setting screen. Hereinafter, similarly, the identification code of each user and the function correspondence information are registered.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the identification code shows only a numerical value, but of course, it is not limited to this. In addition to the identification code, it is possible to add various kinds of information such as adding a secret code. Also, the case where the function correspondence information has three screens and five functions are arranged on each screen is shown, but the number of screens and the number of functions arranged on each screen are not limited to this. You can decide at times. It is also possible to make these optional. Although FIG. 6B shows which function is displayed for each arrangement position, conversely, it may be configured to indicate at which position each function is arranged. . In FIG. 6, the identification code of each user and the corresponding function correspondence information are shown by broken lines, but this correspondence can be realized using a pointer or the like. Of course, it can be configured as one table.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of frame information. The frame information is stored in the screen data ROM 16. The table shown in FIG. 7A is composed of a pointer to the screen table shown in FIG. 7B and a pointer to the table for each container shown in FIG. 7E.
First, the number of base screens indicates the number of setting screens. Here, the N screen is used. Following that, pointers for N screens are lined up. Each pointer points to a screen table provided for each screen shown in FIG. The number of containers indicates the number of pointers for pointing the information for each function. A container is a block of one function displayed on the setting screen. Here, it is assumed that there are X functions, and X pointers are arranged corresponding to each function following the number of containers.

The screen table shown in FIG. 7B shows the structure of each screen, and includes an OBJ table, a point table, and a pop-up table. The OBJ table stores a pointer indicating a table in which information about the display area of the entire screen and tag information is stored. The point table stores a pointer that points to a point table that stores information about areas for displaying the display contents of each function in the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 7C. The number of pop-ups indicates the number of pop-up screens that can be displayed on the setting screen, and is followed by a pointer that points to a table indicating information about each pop-up screen.

In the point table relating to the display area in each setting screen shown in FIG. 7C, the number of display areas in which containers are arranged on the setting screen and a pointer to the function corresponding information indicating the function to be displayed. , The start coordinates of each display area are stored. In FIG. 7C, the number of display areas is 5, and the X and Y coordinates of the upper left corner of each display area are stored. The RAM address is an address that indicates the head of the column of the function arranged on the corresponding screen among the function correspondence information as shown in FIG. 10 stored in the screen control RAM 15.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the display area on the setting screen. FIG. 8 shows a case where three setting screens can be displayed. BASIC is the above-mentioned basic copy setting screen, MORE is the application copy setting screen, and SPECIAL
Shows respective professional copy setting screens. Here, the starting point of each display area of the basic copy setting screen is indicated by an arrow, and the X and Y coordinates on this screen are respectively
It is stored in the point table shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 7, of the tables shown in FIG. 7 (B), FIG. 7 (D) shows a table pointed to by a pointer pointing to information on the pop-up screen. The OBJ table stores a pointer indicating information about the content of the pop-up screen. Further, the X, Y coordinates of the starting point for displaying the pop-up screen, width, and height information are stored.

Information such as the size relating to the function content information pointed to from the table shown in FIG.
It is shown in (E). For each function, an OBJ table indicating function content information, information regarding buttons for input, etc., information indicating the width and height of a container for displaying each function content, and the like are stored.

Although the content of each OBJ table is not shown, buttons for inputting, information about a picture to be displayed, text, etc. are recorded for the entire setting screen, each container, and each popup screen. ing.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a container for each function. FIG. 9A shows a paper tray container, and FIG.
9B shows a reduction / enlargement container, and FIG. 9C shows a double-sided copy container. The size of each container, that is, the height and width of the container is stored in the table shown in FIG. The image of the displayed container is held in the display data ROM 16 and is pointed by the pointer as a part of the OBJ table. Further, the position information regarding the button for setting and inputting each function is also pointed by the pointer as a part of the OBJ table. The coordinates of various buttons and patterns / texts in the container are indicated by offsets from the origin at the upper left end of the container. Such a container is displayed in the designated display area of the setting screen.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the function correspondence information. In the function corresponding information, the functions are arranged in the screen control RAM 15 in the order in which they are displayed on each screen. For example,
In the example shown in FIG. 10, the functions are arranged in the order of paper tray, reduction / enlargement, double-sided copy, copy density, copy output, special document, binding margin, ... From the top of the table. The head of this table is pointed to by the RAM address of the point table shown in FIG. 7 (C). Also, the RAM of the point table at the bottom of FIG.
The address points to a special document. That is,
On the basic copy setting screen of the setting screen, five functions of paper tray, reduction / enlargement, double-sided copy, copy density, and copy output are arranged in this order. It means that the functions of ... Are arranged in this order. This content is a copy of the information corresponding to one user of the function corresponding information held in the identification information holding unit 7 in correspondence with the identification code. FIG. 10 shows the content of the function corresponding information when the first user shown in FIG. 6 is operating.

The above-described data structures shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10 are examples, and other configurations may be used. For example, in the data structure of the frame information shown in FIG. 7, some tables can be integrated. It is also possible to configure the pointer for the screen table and the pointer for the container as different tables. Furthermore, as function correspondence information, it is possible to point to a point table corresponding to each function,
It can also be configured to point to information about the container. The width and height information of each container or pop-up may also be configured to store the X and Y coordinates of the end point.

The setting screen display control unit 2 forms a setting screen by using the above-mentioned information. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the setting screen displayed on the display input unit 1. Consider a case where the basic copy setting screen for the first user is configured using the table shown in FIG. When the identification code “00001” is input from the display input unit 1, the identification information matching unit 6
For example, the identification information in the identification information holding unit 7 as shown in FIG. 6 is searched and the function corresponding information corresponding to the identification code “00001” is read. A screen control RAM based on the read function-corresponding information, that is, the information about the function and the layout position thereof, in the order of the screen and the layout position in the screen.
The function is stored in 15. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the function correspondence information of the first user is copied to the screen control RAM 15. That is, as the functions to be displayed in the five display areas of the basic copy setting screen, the five functions of paper tray, reduction / enlargement, double-sided copying, copy density, and copy output are set in this order. At the same time, the functions displayed on the application copy setting screen and the specialty copy setting screen are also set.

When the basic copy setting screen is displayed, FIG.
The screen table of the basic copy setting screen shown in FIG. 7B is referred to from the table shown in FIG. The frame of the basic copy setting screen is set from various data indicated by the pointer of the OBJ table of the screen table. These data are sent to the graphic controller 17 and displayed on the LCD 18. Further, the function correspondence information shown in FIG. 10 is referred to from the point table pointed to from the screen table, and the basic copy setting screen includes paper tray, reduction / enlargement, double-sided copy, copy density, and copy output. It can be seen that the function container is placed. Also, the X and Y coordinates for arranging each container are acquired from the same point table.

On the other hand, when the functions to be arranged on the basic copy setting screen are known, a pointer pointing to the table relating to the container is acquired from the table shown in FIG. 7A based on each function, and the function shown in FIG. Refer to the table shown in.
At this time, the function corresponding information is displayed in order from the left area. First, the pointer corresponding to the paper tray is obtained, and information regarding the paper tray container is obtained from the table. The paper tray container is shown in FIG. Information such as the width, height, and image of this container is acquired, and the origin of the container is displayed so as to match the X and Y coordinates of the first point at which the previously acquired container is placed. As a result, the display process for selecting the leftmost paper tray in FIG. 11 ends.
Similarly, for reduction / enlargement, the origin of the container shown in FIG. 9B is displayed so as to match the X and Y coordinates of the second point. The same applies to double-sided copying, copy density, and copy output. In this way, FIG.
The basic copy setting screen as shown in
8 is displayed.

When displaying each container, the coordinates corresponding to the input area in the paper tray container are calculated and registered in a button region table (not shown). When there is an input from the display input unit 1, this table is referred to, which button is instructed is determined, and each function can be set. The set function is transmitted to the image input unit and the image output unit (not shown) via the communication unit 16 by pressing the copy button, and the copy process according to the set function is performed.

If the settings on the basic copy setting screen are insufficient, another setting screen is displayed and the setting is performed. For example, when the application copy setting screen is selected, the pointer corresponding to the application copy setting screen is acquired from the table shown in FIG. 7A, and the function table information is obtained by referring to the screen table and the point table. Then, the containers corresponding to the functions stored as the function correspondence information may be sequentially obtained and sequentially displayed on the application copy setting screen. The same applies to the professional copy setting screen.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the setting screen displayed on the display input section. It is assumed that the copying work of the first user is finished and then the second user starts the copying work. The second user uses, for example, “0010” as the identification code.
You can enter "0". The function corresponding information corresponding to the identification code “00100” is, for example, as shown in FIG.
Each function of reduction / enlargement, binding margin, frame erase, and job memory is set. Also, as functions to be placed on the application copy setting screen, double-sided copy, copy density, ...
... is set. These pieces of function correspondence information are copied to the screen control RAM 15. In the subsequent display processing, the same processing as in the case of generating the display screen shown in FIG. 11 is performed, and, for example, the basic copy setting screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. In this way, each setting screen can be changed according to the identification code input by the user.

In the display screens shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rectangle displayed at the upper right of each button indicates that a submenu exists. When the user selects this, a pop-up opens to allow further setting or setting value input.

As a software development method for coping with the change of the display position for each function as described above, a method of developing the software for display and input of each function as one module is adopted. You can FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modularized software structure. In the figure, 41 is device software, 42
Is a database. The single-function module is stored in the database 42. Here, the processing software when the mode button is pressed and the base frame of each setting screen are also registered as one module. Modules for various settings such as the module for setting the paper tray and the module for setting the reduction / enlargement ratio are also registered.The modules shown with diagonal lines are attached to the base frame. It is capable of being installed and functioning.

The device software 41 has a common processing section, and this common processing section calls each module. Each module is called when displaying the function of each module, performing a process for an input, and when it is desired to know the state of the module. The common processing unit performs only the processing common to each module and does not perform the processing depending on each function.

When building the apparatus software 41, only the required modules are selected from the database 42 and installed. Therefore, even if the model changes and the installed functions change, the modules to be installed are simply selected. For example, a monochrome copying machine may be configured without a color module. This makes it possible to reduce the software development cost, simplify the process, and shorten the development time. In addition, the software can be easily added when the function is added later, and the software has excellent expandability.

Each module is created so as not to affect other software. For example, the common processing unit does not change regardless of how many base frames are incorporated. For example, only the table shown in FIG. 7 changes.
Also, in each module, when information on another module is required, the base frame or the common processing unit requests the information, and the base frame or the common processing unit requests the information on the other module. . By adopting such a mechanism, independence of each module is secured.

By incorporating each module, for example,
The table shown in FIG. 7 is rewritten. In particular,
By incorporating the base frame, the number of base screens and the number of pointers change, and corresponding screen tables and point tables are prepared. In addition, since a module that implements each function is incorporated, a pointer that points to information about the container and information that points to the number of pointers are changed. As long as processing is performed using the table shown in FIG. 7, for example, the number of set screens does not increase beyond the number of registered base frames, and a function that is not installed is not selected. . That is, when arranging a container of functions, for example, by presenting the user with the functions that can be assigned based on the information about the containers registered in the table shown in FIG. It is not assigned to the setting screen.

As described above, when the functions such as paper tray, reduction / enlargement, ... Are set in the basic copy setting screen,
Conceptually, as shown in FIG. 13, modules that implement these functions are incorporated in the base frame. The information that realizes the incorporation of the module that realizes each function in the base frame is the above-described function correspondence information. In the software on the base frame side, only the processing common to the processing contents of each function is performed, and the processing unique to each function, such as the display of the contents of the container or the change of the setting value due to the button inside the container being pressed Etc. are all performed in a module that realizes each function. In the base frame, these modules are simply called together with information indicating the contents of processing such as display processing and processing for input data.

As described above, by modularizing the software to configure the software, the software can be easily developed. On the contrary, the modularization allows the software to operate regardless of which setting screen is assigned to which function. It is possible. Conventional software for controlling the setting screen has been developed for each setting screen, so that it is difficult to transfer the function to other setting screens. However, by adopting a modular structure, it is possible to change the arrangement of the display contents of each function by a very simple process of rewriting the function corresponding information.

The function content information, for example, the image of the container as shown in FIG.
Although it can be stored in the OM 16, it can also be stored as a part of the module of each function. By making it a part of the module, it becomes possible to further modularize it.

Of course, the above-mentioned modular design is one method for realizing the software of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and it may be developed using other methods.

In the above-described first embodiment, the identification information is input, and the setting screen corresponding to the input identification information is generated and displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
When used by an individual or a small number of people in a small machine, or when used for a specific purpose, one type of setting screen may be sufficient. In such a case, the identification information collating unit 6 and the identification information holding unit 7 can be omitted and the configuration shown in FIG. 14 can be adopted.

FIG. 14 is a partial block diagram showing the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. Reference numeral 9 is a function corresponding information writing unit. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the identification information is not used. In such a configuration, the function correspondence information writing unit 9 need only change the function correspondence information held in the function correspondence information holding unit 5. When the user gives an instruction to change the setting screen from the display input unit 1, the function corresponding information writing unit 9 obtains the instructed function and the instruction content regarding the arrangement position of the function,
The function correspondence information held in the function correspondence information holding unit 5 is changed. At the same time, the setting screen display control unit 2 uses the frame information held in the frame information holding unit 3 and the function content information held in the function content information holding unit 4 based on the changed function correspondence information. , A new setting screen is displayed on the display input unit 1.

The specific data structure and operation in the second embodiment are almost the same except that the identification code is not input. That is, the frame information has the data structure shown in FIG. 7, the function correspondence information has the data structure shown in FIG. 10, and the function content information has an image of a container as shown in FIG. And the like, and the setting screen can be generated using these. Also, software that realizes these can be created with a modular structure.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the position where each container is arranged is set in advance as the frame information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the position where the container is arranged on the setting screen can be changed, or the container can be arranged so that it can be held together with the function corresponding information and arranged in a free layout. it can. At this time, each container may overlap, but each container is
By processing as one window, it is possible to set each function. It is also necessary to perform processing such as when the container runs off the setting screen.

It is also possible to mount a means for the user to edit the layout of the icons and buttons in each container, and the patterns themselves. in this case,
The container information needs to be stored in the RAM.

[0076]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the setting screens of various functions can be changed for each user or according to the usage pattern of the user. , For example, it becomes possible to arrange the setting screen of frequently used functions on the initial setting screen, and in many cases, the function setting operation can be performed on the initial setting screen without switching the display screen. . This has the effect of improving the operability.

Further, by changing the processing for each function into a module and using the function correspondence information, the above-mentioned change of the setting screen can be easily realized, and further, the software development is simplified and the extensibility is excellent. There is also an effect that the system can be constructed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial block diagram showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting process of function corresponding information corresponding to identification information.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting screen generation process.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific example for realizing the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display screen when setting or changing the arrangement of each function on each setting screen.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of information held in an identification information holding unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of frame information.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a display area on a setting screen.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a container of each function.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of function correspondence information.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a setting screen displayed on the display input unit.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the setting screen displayed on the display input unit.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modularized software structure.

FIG. 14 is a partial block diagram showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Display input part, 2 ... Setting screen display control part, 3 ... Frame information holding part, 4 ... Function content information holding part, 5 ... Function corresponding information holding part, 6 ... Identification information collating part, 7 ... Identification information holding part , 8,
9 ... Function corresponding information writing unit, 11 ... Microprocessor,
12 ... Work RAM, 13 ... Control ROM, 14
... Non-volatile RAM, 15 ... Screen control RAM, 16 ... Screen data ROM, 17 ... Graphic controller,
18 ... LCD, 19 ... Communication unit, 20 ... Input / output interface.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Makoto Iwasaki             Fuji Zero, 2274 Hongo, Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture             X Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C061 AP04 BB10 CQ04 CQ12 CQ24                       CQ25 CQ34                 2H027 GA31 GB14 GB20

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, a display screen for displaying a setting screen for setting the plurality of functions, and a user inputting the setting screen. A setting screen display unit for displaying on the display input unit and a changing unit for changing the setting screen for each function are provided, and the setting screen changed by the changing unit is displayed by the setting screen display control unit. An image forming apparatus characterized by being displayed on. 2. A frame information holding means for holding frame information on a plurality of display areas, a function content information holding means for holding function content information on display contents for each function, and each display area and its display area. The setting screen display control means has function correspondence information holding means for holding function correspondence information indicating correspondence of functions to be displayed, and the setting screen display control means, based on the function correspondence information held in the function correspondence information holding means, each display area. In order to display the display content of the function corresponding to the display area, the frame information held by the frame information holding means is used by using the corresponding function content information held in the function content information holding means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a setting screen is generated and displayed on the display input unit according to the above. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the changing unit changes the function correspondence information held in the function correspondence information holding unit. 4. The setting screen includes a plurality of screens, and each screen can display one or a plurality of functions. The changing of the setting screen for each function by the changing unit is performed in the same screen or between screens. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be changeable. 5. The frame information holding unit holds frame information for a plurality of screens, and the function corresponding information holding unit holds function corresponding information corresponding to each display area of each screen. The setting screen display control means extracts the frame information and the function correspondence information corresponding to the designated screen from the frame information holding means and the function correspondence information holding means to generate the setting screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. 6. A unit function processing means having at least a function for generating display contents for setting the function for each function, and the function correspondence information indicates a unit function processing means of the corresponding function. Information is included, and when the setting screen display control means generates a setting screen, the unit function corresponding to the function to be displayed based on the information indicating the unit function processing means in the function correspondence information. The processing unit is requested to generate a part of the setting screen corresponding to the function, and the unit function processing unit is instructed to display a region based on the function content information of the corresponding function held in the function content information holding unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a setting screen for the function is generated in the image forming apparatus. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein only the unit function processing unit corresponding to a required function is selected and mounted in the unit function processing unit provided for each function unit. . 8. The changing means is configured to be capable of selecting a function within a range of functions provided by the unit function processing means installed therein and arranging it on a setting screen. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 9. The unit function processing means has a function content information holding means inside and holds the function content information corresponding to the function of the unit function processing means in the function content information holding means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.