JP2009065243A - Display controller for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display controller for an image forming apparatus, with which what kinds of functions a readout button are associated with can be recognized readily. <P>SOLUTION: The display controller 100 of the multifunctional device 1, having a plurality of functions, has a touch panel 5a and operation keys 5b, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45. The touch panel 5a and operation keys 5b receive the settings of at least one function from among the plurality of functions. The storage unit 44 stores the settings of at least the one function that the touch panel 5a and operation keys 5b have received. The touch panel 5a displays readout buttons K1 to K5 for reading out the settings of the function that the storage unit 44 stores to be selectable. The control unit 45 controls the display operation of the touch panel 5a so that a symbol indicating at least one of the functions set is displayed on the readout buttons K1 to K5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions.

  Recent image forming apparatuses have many functions such as a duplex printing function, a sorting function, and a transmission size setting function used when transmitting image data. With such a function, the user can copy a document to a desired state or transmit image data.

By the way, if there are many functions to be used when copying or transmitting image data, the time required for setting the functions becomes long. Some functions are repeatedly used. Thus, as a recent image forming apparatus, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, an apparatus having a so-called program setting registration function for storing function settings in a nonvolatile storage medium is known. This eliminates the need for the user to repeatedly set functions that have already been used.
JP 2004-234195 A

  In Patent Document 1, when there are a plurality of function settings stored in a storage medium, a display button of the image forming apparatus displays selectable read buttons each having a name indicating the function setting. However, depending on the name, it may be difficult for the user to recognize what function setting the read button to which the name is assigned. Then, the user may select a button different from the read button for reading a desired function setting.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a display control device for an image forming apparatus that can easily recognize the function of a read button.

  A display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect is a display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions, and includes a setting reception unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The setting reception unit receives a setting of at least one function among a plurality of functions. The storage unit stores the setting of at least one function received by the setting receiving unit. The display unit displays a read button for reading function settings stored in the storage unit in a selectable manner. The control unit controls the display operation of the display unit so that a symbol indicating at least one of the set functions is displayed on the readout button.

  According to this display control device, symbols such as characters, pictures, pictograms, and the like indicating the set function are displayed on the readout button. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize what function setting button is specifically used, and can select a desired reading button.

  A display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to a second aspect is the display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the setting receiving unit further receives an input from the outside of a name that represents a function setting. The storage unit further stores the name in association with the function setting. The control unit further controls the display operation of the display unit so that the name corresponding to the function setting is displayed on the readout button.

  According to this display control apparatus, the name input by the user is displayed on the read button together with the symbol indicating the set function. Therefore, the user can surely recognize what function setting the read button relates to.

  A display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to a third aspect is the display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the number of set functions sets the first upper limit number of symbols that can be displayed on the readout button. When it exceeds, the control unit displays the symbols on the readout button until the first upper limit number is reached in the function setting order.

  As a result, symbols up to the first upper limit number are displayed in order from the function that was initially set on the readout button. Therefore, the user can recognize mainly the function setting buttons.

  A display control device of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the display control device of the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the setting reception unit is configured to display a symbol indicating that the number of set functions can be displayed on the readout button. When the second upper limit number is exceeded, the selection of the function corresponding to the symbol to be displayed on the readout button among the set functions is further accepted. The control unit displays a symbol indicating the selected function on the readout button.

  Thereby, the symbol of the function selected by the user is displayed on the read button. Therefore, the user can recognize mainly the function setting buttons.

  A display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the display unit displays the symbols in a selectable manner. When the symbol is selected, the control unit further controls the display operation of the display unit so that the edit screen of the function corresponding to the selected symbol is displayed on the display unit.

  Thereby, the user can change the setting of the selected function.

  According to the present invention, the user can visually recognize what function the read button specifically relates to, and can select a desired read button.

  Hereinafter, a display control device of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of Multifunction Device FIG. 1 is an external view of a multifunction device 1 in which the display control device 100 of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is employed. 1 includes a document cover 3, a main body 4, an operation panel 5, a paper feed cassette 6, and a discharge tray 7, and has a plurality of functions. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the document size setting function, the document size mixed loading function, the duplex printing function, the transmission size setting function, the document set orientation setting function, the file format function, and the sorting / sorting function as shown in FIG. Long document function and the like. Furthermore, the multi function device 1 has a so-called program setting registration function for storing the setting of at least one of the plurality of functions in the storage unit 44 (FIG. 2).

  A document placing table 2 is installed at a portion of the main body 4 facing the document cover 3. The document cover 3 is attached to the main body 4 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document placing table 2, and can hold down the document placed on the document placing table 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 4 mainly includes a communication unit 41, a document reading unit 42, an image forming unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45.

  The communication unit 41 communicates with an external device (not shown) such as a PC connected via a communication network, and can acquire image data and the like from the external device.

  The document reading unit 42 is for reading a document placed on the document placing table 2 and acquiring image data, and has an optical system (not shown).

  The image forming unit 43 forms a toner image based on the image data acquired from the communication unit 41 or the document reading unit 42 and prints it on a recording medium such as paper. Specifically, when the user sets various functions via the operation panel 5 among a plurality of functions of the multifunction device 1, the image forming unit 43 performs image processing according to the settings. A forming operation is performed.

  The storage unit 44 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, for example, and stores various programs that the CPU of the control unit 45 reads and executes. In particular, when at least one function is set using the operation panel 5 in the storage unit 44 according to the present embodiment, and a name that represents the setting of the function is input, the setting of the function is associated with the name. Remember. The storage unit 44 stores symbols indicating the functions of the multifunction device 1. More specifically, the storage unit 44 stores a symbol correspondence table (FIG. 3) and a program setting registration list (FIG. 4). In the symbol correspondence table of FIG. 3, the names of the functions of the multifunction device 1 and the symbols indicating the functions are shown in association with each other. The “symbol” according to the present embodiment corresponds to a character, a picture, or a pictograph indicating each function. In the symbol correspondence table of FIG. 3, the symbol is “picture” (specifically, an icon). The case is shown. In the program setting registration list of FIG. 4, the registration order of the setting of each function made by the user using the operation panel 5, the name that represents the setting of each function, and the function setting contents are shown in association with each other. Has been. Here, the specific contents of the function setting corresponding to the name are written in each function setting content, and the number indicating the setting order of each function is attached to the specific contents of each function setting. Yes.

  The control unit 45 is a microcomputer including a RAM, a CPU, and the like, and is connected to the communication unit 41, the document reading unit 42, the image forming unit 43, the storage unit 44, and the operation panel 5, as shown in FIG. ing. The control unit 45 performs control of each connected functional unit such as control of an image forming operation. In particular, the control unit 45 also functions as a control unit of the display control device 100 described later. The control as the display control apparatus 100 will be described in detail in “(2) Configuration of display control apparatus”.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 5 is provided on the front side of the document table 2 in the main body 4, and as shown in FIG. 5, a touch panel 5a (corresponding to a display unit) and operation keys 5b (touch panel 5a). And the operation key 5b corresponds to a setting reception unit). The touch panel 5a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or a matrix switch, and displays various screens in color. As the screen displayed on the touch panel 5a, for example, various setting screens for setting each function of the multifunction device 1, and read screens P1 and P2 for setting the functions already stored in the storage unit 44 (FIG. 6, FIG. 6). Fig. 7) and the like. Here, the read screens P1 and P2 in FIGS. 6 and 7 include read buttons K1 to K5 for reading the setting of each function from the program setting registration list in the storage unit 44. Each readout button K1 to K5 is selectably displayed on the touch panel 5a. On the readout buttons K1 to K5, a symbol indicating at least one of the set functions and a name representing the setting of the function are displayed. Is done. Further, this symbol is displayed so as to be individually selectable. Thus, the user can select desired readout buttons K1 to K5 and symbols by directly touching the readout buttons K1 to K5 on the touch panel 5a. The readout buttons K1 to K5 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 have two areas on the top and bottom, the name is displayed in the lower area, and the symbols are displayed side by side in the upper area. Yes. The operation key 5b is a start key for instructing the start of printing, a reset key for resetting various settings, various setting keys for setting various functions, a numeric keypad, and a storage unit 44 for the set functions. Program key 51B and the like for storing and reading. Such a touch panel 5a and operation keys 5b can accept setting of at least one function among a plurality of functions of the multi-function device 1 and an input of a name representing the setting of the function.

  The paper feed cassette 6 can store paper and is provided in three stages below the main body 4 as shown in FIG.

  The discharge tray 7 is provided on the side surface of the main body 4 so as to protrude laterally, and the recording medium after the image forming operation is stacked thereon.

(2) Configuration of Display Control Device Next, the configuration of the display control device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the display control device 100 includes an operation panel 5, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45. Since the operation panel 5 and the storage unit 44 have already been described, the control unit 45 that performs control as the display control device 100 will be specifically described below.

  Mainly, the control unit 45 as the display control apparatus 100 performs update control of the program setting registration list, display control of the read screens P1 and P2, and display control of an edit screen for changing function settings.

(2-1) Program Setting Registration List Update Control When the setting of at least one function among a plurality of functions of the multi-function device 1 is performed by the user via the operation panel 5, the control unit 45 includes the storage unit 44. A new record is created in the program setting registration list (FIG. 4), and the function settings accepted by the operation panel 5 are written in the created new record. Here, in the “registration order” of the new record, an increment of the registration order number in the record immediately before the new record is written. The name arbitrarily entered by the user via the operation panel 5 is written in the “name” of the new record, and the setting of each function accepted by the operation panel 5 is set in the “function setting content”. Written with a number indicating the order.

  When an instruction to delete a function setting already stored in the program setting registration list is given via the operation panel 5, the control unit 45 sets the record including the setting of the corresponding function as a program setting. Delete from the registration list.

(2-2) Display Control of Reading Screen When the program key 51B on the operation panel 5 is pressed, the control unit 45 displays a symbol indicating the set function and the function as shown in FIGS. The display operation of the touch panel 5a is controlled so that names corresponding to the settings are displayed on the readout buttons K1 to K5. Specifically, the control unit 45 retrieves data relating to function settings from the program setting registration list (FIG. 4) in the storage unit 44 in units of records, and sets each set function based on the symbol correspondence table of FIG. Extract the symbol to show. Then, the control unit 45 displays the name corresponding to the function setting and the extracted symbol on the readout buttons K1 to K5 corresponding to each record.

  For example, in the program setting registration list of FIG. 4, when the control unit 45 takes out the record in the registration order “001”, the function setting contents “sort”, “original size mixed loading”, and “original setting direction” are displayed. 3 is extracted from the symbol correspondence table. Then, the control unit 45 displays the name “normal copy 1” on the read button K1 (FIG. 6) corresponding to the record in the registration order “001”, and sort / sort function, document size mixed loading function, document on the name. Each symbol (specifically, icon) of the set orientation setting function is displayed in order from the left.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the read buttons K <b> 1 to K <b> 5 according to the present embodiment divide the symbol arrangement region into three so that three symbols can be displayed. In the program setting registration list of FIG. 4, in the records whose registration order is “001” to “004”, since there are three or less functions set, all the symbols indicating the functions are displayed. However, in the record whose registration order is “005”, since there are four functions set, it is not possible to display all the symbols indicating each function on the read button K5. As described above, when the number of set functions exceeds the upper limit number of symbols that can be displayed on the readout buttons K1 to K5 (corresponding to the first upper limit number), the control unit 45 displays the symbols of the functions. The readout buttons K1 to K5 are displayed until reaching the upper limit number in the setting order. Specifically, in the record whose registration order is “005”, since the sort function, the document size setting function, the duplex printing function, and the document set orientation setting function are set in this order, the control unit 45 sorts / sorts. Three symbols indicating the function, the document size setting function, and the duplex printing function are displayed on the readout button K5 (FIG. 7).

  If there is no record in the program setting registration list, for example, the control unit 45 causes the touch panel 5a to display a message indicating that there is no registered function setting.

(2-3) Edit Screen Display Control In the read screens P1 and P2 in FIGS. 6 and 7, when a symbol that can be selected on the read buttons K1 to K5 is selected, the control unit 45 is selected. The display operation of the touch panel 5a is controlled so that the edit screen of the function corresponding to the symbol is displayed on the touch panel 5a.

  For example, when the original size setting function symbol on the read button K2 (specifically, the leftmost icon on the read button K2) is selected on the read screen P1 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the original size setting function editing screen P3 is read and displayed on the screen P1.

(3) Operation of Display Control Device FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the display control device 100.

  Steps S1 and S2: When the program key 51B on the operation panel 5 is pressed (YES in S1), the control unit 45 reads the read screens P1 and P2 including the read buttons K1 to K5 corresponding to the records in the program setting registration list. Is displayed on the touch panel 5a to control the display operation of the touch panel 5a. At this time, the control unit 45 displays a name corresponding to the function setting and a symbol indicating the set function on the read buttons K1 to K5 (S2). Thereby, the read screens P1 and P2 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are displayed on the touch panel 5a.

  Steps S3 to S4: When the new registration button is pressed on the readout screens P1 and P2 in FIGS. 6 and 7 (YES in S3), and then the function is set by the user via the operation panel 5, control is performed. The unit 45 associates the setting of the function received by the operation panel 5 with the name representing the setting of the function and stores it in the program setting registration list of the storage unit 44 (S4).

  Steps S5 to S6: When the delete button is pressed from the readout screens P1 and P2 in FIGS. 6 and 7 (YES in S5), and then the function to be deleted is set by the user via the operation panel 5 The control unit 45 deletes the record corresponding to the setting of the function from the program setting registration list (S6).

  Steps S7 to S8: When the symbols on the read buttons K1 to K5 are pressed (YES in S7), the control unit 45 causes the touch panel 5a to display an edit screen for the function corresponding to the pressed symbols (S8). ).

  Steps S9 to S10: When any one of the read buttons K1 to K5 is pressed (YES in S9), the control unit 45 sets the program function setting contents of the record corresponding to the pressed read buttons K1 to K5. The function setting is extracted from the registration list and the function setting is read (S10).

(4) Effect (a)
According to the display control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the readout buttons K1 to K5 display symbols such as characters, pictures, and pictograms that indicate the set functions. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the specific function setting regarding the readout buttons K1 to K5 and select the desired readout buttons K1 to K5.

(B)
Further, according to the display control device 100, the names input by the user are displayed on the readout buttons K1 to K5 together with the symbols indicating the set functions. Therefore, the user can surely recognize what function setting the read buttons K1 to K5 relate to.

(C)
Further, according to the display control device 100, when the number of set functions exceeds the upper limit number of symbols that can be displayed on the read buttons K1 to K5, the functions that are initially set to the read buttons K1 to K5 are displayed. Symbols up to the upper limit are displayed in order. Therefore, the user can recognize mainly the function setting buttons.

(D)
Further, according to the display control apparatus 100, the symbol is displayed so as to be selectable. When the symbol is selected, an edit screen of a function corresponding to the selected symbol is displayed on the touch panel 5a. Thereby, the user can change the setting of the selected function.

<Other embodiments>
(A)
In the above embodiment, when the number of set functions exceeds the upper limit number of symbols that can be displayed on the readout buttons K1 to K5, the control unit 45 sequentially reaches the upper limit number from the function that is set first. Although it has been described that the symbols up to are displayed on the touch panel 5a, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, when the number of set functions exceeds the upper limit number of symbols that can be displayed on the readout buttons K1 to K5 (corresponding to the second upper limit number), the touch panel 5a and / or the operation key 5b is set to the set function. Among them, the selection of the function corresponding to the symbol to be displayed on the readout button may be accepted. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, in addition to “registration order”, “name”, and “function setting content” in the program setting registration list of FIG. The program setting registration list attached is stored. And the control part 45 displays the symbol which shows the selected function on a read-out button (FIG. 11). FIG. 11 shows an example of a read screen P2 'including the read button K5' displayed on the touch panel 5a by this method. The read button K5 'is a button corresponding to a record in the registration order “005” in the program setting registration list of FIG.

  Thus, since the symbol of the function selected by the user is displayed on the read button K5 ', the user can recognize mainly the function setting button.

(B)
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the case where the name is displayed in the area below the read buttons K1 to K5 and the symbols are displayed side by side in the upper area has been described. However, the display position of the name and symbol displayed on the readout button is not limited to this. As other specific display methods of names and symbols, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), a method in which names are displayed in the area above the read button and symbols are displayed in the area below, As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the name and the symbol are displayed side by side on the left and right of the readout button, and the name and the symbol are overlapped as shown in FIG. Methods and the like.

(C)
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which symbols indicating the set function are displayed on the read buttons K1 to K5 and a name representing the setting of the function is displayed. However, for example, in the program setting registration list, only one record of the function setting is written, and there is no name displayed on the read button as in the case where there is one read button displayed on the screen. If the user can recognize the contents of the function set only by the symbol, only the symbol indicating the set function may be displayed on the read button.

  The display control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to various types of copiers, printers, and facsimile machines, and image forming apparatuses such as multi-function machines that have a scanner function in addition to these functions.

1 is an external view of a multifunction machine that employs a display control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a multifunction machine. The conceptual diagram of the symbol correspondence table which the memory | storage part has memorize | stored. The conceptual diagram of the program setting registration list which the memory | storage part has memorize | stored. Schematic external view of the operation panel. Screen example 1 including a readout button displayed on the touch panel. Screen example 2 including a readout button displayed on the touch panel. An example of an edit screen displayed on the touch panel when a symbol is selected. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the display control apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the program setting registration list which concerns on other embodiment (A). The example of a screen displayed on the touch touch panel which concerns on other embodiment (A). The example of the symbol and name displayed on the read-out button which concerns on other embodiment (B).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction device 5 Operation panel 5a Touch panel 5b Operation key 44 Memory | storage part 45 Control part 100 Display control apparatus P1-P3 Screen K1-K5 Read button

Claims (5)

A display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A setting reception unit that receives a setting of at least one of the plurality of functions;
A storage unit that stores the setting of at least one of the functions received by the setting reception unit;
A display unit for selectively displaying a read button for reading the setting of the function stored in the storage unit;
A control unit that controls a display operation of the display unit so that a symbol indicating at least one of the set functions is displayed on the read button;
A display control apparatus for an image forming apparatus. The setting reception unit further receives an input from the outside of a name that represents the setting of the function,
The storage unit further stores the name in association with the setting of the function,
The control unit further controls a display operation of the display unit so that the name corresponding to the setting of the function is displayed on the readout button.
The display control apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the number of the set functions exceeds the first upper limit number of the symbols that can be displayed on the readout button, the control unit moves the symbols to the first upper limit number in the function setting order. Displaying on the readout button;
The display control apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. When the number of the set functions exceeds the second upper limit number of the symbols that can be displayed on the read button, the setting reception unit should display the read function on the read button. Further accepting selection of the function corresponding to the symbol;
The control unit displays the symbol indicating the selected function on the readout button.
The display control apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The display unit displays the symbol in a selectable manner,
The control unit further controls the display operation of the display unit such that when the symbol is selected, an edit screen of a function corresponding to the selected symbol is displayed on the display unit.
The display control apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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