JP2009171526A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device which can receive function to be practiced by using data input once by an user's operation and can additionally practice more function desired by an user. <P>SOLUTION: In a complex machine 1 capable of practicing a plurality of function, a CPU 21 and display control means 28 display the next operation setting key K1 on a current operation practicing scope in operation practicing (current operation). When the next operation setting key K1 is depressed by an user, the CPU 21 set the operation using the data input by the current operation as a next operation in accordance with the operation of user. The set next operation is practiced following the current operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of functions.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of functions can be executed using image data by reading the image data once by the image reading unit in accordance with a simple operation instruction of the user in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. A possible image forming apparatus is disclosed.

In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, an operation key for executing, for example, two functions is provided in the operation unit. According to the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, by assigning two functions to an operation key, the user can press the operation key and perform the operation by reading the image once in the image reading unit. Two functions assigned to the key can be executed.
JP 2006-41890 A

  In the above image forming apparatus, for example, operation keys for continuously executing two or more predetermined functions such as “scanner + copy mode key” and “FAX + scanner + copy mode key” are provided. It was.

  For this reason, when the user wants to continuously execute a plurality of functions in a combination different from the functions assigned to the operation keys, or to perform other functions following two or more predetermined functions. Even when the user wishes to execute the operation continuously, the user cannot add another function to the operation key.

  Therefore, in order to execute a function desired by the user, a plurality of operation keys must be individually operated.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of such a situation, and a function to be executed using data once inputted can be received through a user operation, and a function desired by the user is further provided. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can be additionally executed.

  An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus provided with execution means capable of executing a plurality of functions using input data, and is inputted by executing the first function by the execution means. A second function to be executed using input data is stored in the first storage unit during execution of the first function by the execution unit and a first storage unit that stores the second function in association with the first function. Receiving means for accepting an execution instruction for the second function by a user input operation based on a correspondence relationship between the first function and the second function, and the execution means finishes executing the first function Then, the second function accepted by the accepting unit is executed.

  A second aspect of the invention includes a second storage unit that stores the second function received by the reception unit according to the first aspect, and the second storage unit includes input data for identifying the input data. The second function is stored in correspondence with the identification information.

  The invention of claim 3 comprises a setting means for setting an execution condition for executing the second function accepted by the accepting means in claim 2, wherein the second storage means corresponds to the second function. The execution condition set by the setting means is stored.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, when the execution of the first function by the execution means is completed, the erasure means for erasing the input data by the execution of the first function. And when the second function is accepted by the accepting means, there is provided a prohibiting means for prohibiting erasure by the erasing means of the input data used by the second function.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the apparatus further comprises cancellation means for canceling the second function stored in the second storage means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects includes a touch panel type display unit and an operation unit for activating the receiving unit during the execution of the first function. Display control means to be displayed on the means, and detection means for detecting a user operation on the operation section displayed on the display means, provided that the operation on the operation section is detected by the detection means. The receiving unit receives an instruction to execute the second function.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the progress status display means for displaying the progress status of the first function on the display means during execution of the first function. It is characterized by providing.

According to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, during execution of the first function by the execution unit, the first function is based on the correspondence between the first function and the second function stored in the first storage unit. An instruction to execute two functions is received by a user input operation.
Therefore, since the receiving means receives the execution instruction of the second function input based on the user's operation for the input data used in the first function, it is not necessary to read the same input data again. Therefore, it is possible to accept a function to be executed using data once input as desired by the user.
According to the image processing apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, the execution unit executes the second function received by the reception unit after the execution of the first function is completed.
Therefore, since the execution unit executes the second function subsequent to the execution of the first function, the function desired by the user can be added and executed as a function executed using the data once input.

According to the invention of claim 2, the second storage means stores the second function received by the receiving means in correspondence with the input data identification information for identifying the input data.
Therefore, when the second storage means stores the second function in correspondence with the input data identification information, the stored contents of the second storage means after the execution of the first function for one input data is completed. The second function can be executed with respect to the one input data.

According to invention of Claim 3, a 2nd memory | storage means memorize | stores the said execution conditions corresponding to a 2nd function. Thereby, when the execution condition for executing the second function accepted by the accepting means is set by the setting means, the execution condition for the second function can be set promptly together with the acceptance of the second function.
And when performing a 2nd function, it can set so that the function based on the said execution conditions may be started.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the second function is accepted, the prohibition unit can prohibit the erasure of the input data used for the second function.
Therefore, since the input data is not erased, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting again the same input data as the input data used by the first function in order to execute the second function.

According to invention of Claim 5, the 2nd function memorize | stored in the 2nd memory | storage means can be canceled by the cancellation means.
Therefore, even if the second function is erroneously accepted by the accepting means, the second function accepted by the canceling means can be canceled.

According to the invention of claim 6, the display means displays an operation unit for activating the receiving means during execution of the first function, and the detection means detects that an operation on the operation part is detected. The accepting means accepts an instruction to execute the second function.
Therefore, during the execution of the first function, the operation unit is displayed on the display unit, and the user performs an operation for instructing the execution of the second function in order to detect the user's operation on the operation unit by the detection unit. Can be easily confirmed, and the execution instruction of the second function can be quickly performed.

According to the invention of claim 7, during the execution of the first function, the display means displays the progress status of the first function.
Therefore, since the progress of the first function is displayed on the display means, the user can instruct execution of the second function while confirming the progress of the first function.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment in which an image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, many multifunction peripherals have a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function, but it is not necessary to have all these functions. Each function that can be executed by the multifunction machine 1 includes an operation. For example, the facsimile function includes a facsimile transmission operation and a facsimile reception operation.

  An overall appearance configuration of the multifunction machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of the multifunction machine 1. In FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 1 includes a known printer unit 2 such as an ink jet printer and a known flatbed type scanner unit 3 at the lower and upper portions of the frame, and an operation panel unit 4 at the front upper surface of the frame. A touch panel 5 is disposed at the center of the operation panel unit 4.

  On the touch panel 5, a fax key, a scan key, and a copy key are arranged as a part of a large number of input keys in order to select various functions of the multifunction device 1. In addition, many known input numeric keys are arranged on the touch panel 5 for inputting numbers, characters, and the like.

  Reference numeral 40 in the figure is an input key. The input key 40 includes, for example, a power key for instructing to turn on the multifunction device 1. Various instructions can be given to the multifunction device 1 in accordance with the operation of each input key 40.

  The multi-function device 1 is configured to be able to process information in an external memory in addition to the built-in memory. In the present embodiment, CompactFlash (registered trademark) and SD memory card (registered trademark) can be used as the external memory.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 1 includes slot portions 30 and 31 immediately below the operation panel portion 4. The above-described compact flash (registered trademark) is mounted in the slot portion 30. The SD memory card (registered trademark) is mounted in the slot portion 31.

  The overall electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1. In FIG. 2, the control unit 20 performs overall control processing to execute various functions of the multifunction device 1, and is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23. The control unit 20 is connected to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 26 via a bus 25. The printer unit 2 and the scanner unit 3 are connected to the ASIC 26. The input key 40 is connected to the ASIC 26 via the panel gate array (panel GA) 27. The panel gate array (panel GA) 27 controls an operation of inputting a key signal to the ASIC 26 by operating each of a large number of input keys 40. The ASIC 26 controls peripheral devices connected to the ASIC 26 such as a printer unit and a scanner unit in accordance with instructions from the CPU 21.

  The touch panel 5 includes a matrix switch 41 made of transparent electrodes, and a liquid crystal display unit 42 disposed below the switch 41. This configuration is well known. The matrix switch 41 is connected to the ASIC 26 via the touch detection unit 29, and the liquid crystal display unit 42 is connected to the ASIC 26 via the display control unit 28. When the user touches a desired position on the matrix switch 41, the touch detection unit 29 detects the touched coordinate position and outputs a position signal to the ASIC 26. The matrix switch 41 is an example of the detection means of the present invention. The liquid crystal display unit 42 is an example of the display means of the present invention. The display control unit 28 and the CPU 21 are an example of display control means of the present invention.

  The display control unit 28 controls the screen display of the liquid crystal display unit 42 in order to cause the liquid crystal display unit 42 to display various types of information related to the functions executed by the multifunction device 1 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 21.

The display control unit 28 can set the next operation (next operation) following the image reading operation with respect to the operation (current operation) being executed by the multifunction machine 1, for example, as shown in FIG. The illustrated screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42. That is, the display control unit 28 displays the next operation setting key K1 on the lower right side of the display screen. The next operation setting key K1 is an example of the operation unit of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the slot portions 30 and 31 and the USB terminal 32 are connected to the ASIC 26.

  An NCU (Network Control Unit) 33 is connected to the ASIC 26 in order to control facsimile communication. A MODEM 34 that converts transmission signals and reception signals is connected to the NCU 33.

  Configurations of various storage units included in the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The CPU 21 performs control processing for executing various functions in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 22. In the present embodiment, the ROM 22 is configured by a flash memory. The ROM 22 includes a program storage unit, a coordinate storage unit 22b, an operation correspondence table storage unit 22c, and a display information storage unit 22d. The program storage unit stores a next operation setting program 22a.

  As will be described later, the next operation setting program 22a uses the data input by the operation (current operation) included in the function currently being executed by the multifunction machine 1 to use the next operation following the current operation (next operation). The process including the process of setting (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 15) is executed. In the present embodiment, the current operation is an example of the first function of the present invention. The next operation is an example of the second function of the present invention.

The coordinate storage unit 22b stores the coordinate position of the matrix switch 41 and the like. The coordinate position of the matrix switch 41 corresponds to the display position of information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42.
The operation correspondence table storage unit 22c stores the operation correspondence table shown in FIG. Here, the action correspondence table associates the next action that can be set with the action (current action) included in the currently executed function, and is registered in advance in the action correspondence table storage unit 22c. . “Reading a SCAN image” is an operation that is included in the scanner function and is stored in the ROM 22 or the like after the image data of the original is read by the scanner unit 3. “PC SCAN” is included in the scanner function, and is an operation of reading image data of a document by the scanner unit 3 and then transmitting the image data to a PC (not shown) connected to the multi function device 1. is there. The operation correspondence table storage unit 22c is an example of a first storage unit of the present invention.
The current operation shown in FIG. 5 includes a process of inputting data to the multi function device 1 such as reading of a SCAN image. For example, when SCAN image reading is executed as the current operation, the next operation that can be set for this SCAN image reading is printing of the SCAN image or the like. The operations included in the functions that can be executed by the multifunction machine are not limited to the operations shown in FIG. For example, the operations included in the functions that can be executed by the multifunction peripheral include an operation of acquiring and printing data stored in an external storage unit connected to the slot units 30 and 31.

  The display information storage unit 22d stores display information such as various images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 when each function of the multifunction device 1 is executed. For example, the display information storage unit 22d stores display information representing various images, messages, and colors displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 when the next operation setting program 22a is executed.

  The RAM 23 has a work area for temporarily storing data that is calculated when the CPU 21 executes each program in the program storage unit.

  The execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a of the RAM 23 stores the next operation set by the next operation setting key K1 in association with the operation ID as illustrated in FIG. The same operation ID (A in this case) is attached to the operation executed using the same data. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a FAX transmission operation included in the facsimile function is set as the next operation. The execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a is an example of a second storage unit of the present invention. The operation ID is an example of input data identification information of the present invention.

  “Execution order” in the figure indicates the execution order of each operation executed on the same data. “Operation content” indicates an operation included in each function. Here, “SCAN” indicates an operation in which an image of a document is read by the scanner unit 3 and stored in the multifunction device 1. “FAX transmission” indicates a FAX transmission operation.

  “Operation conditions” in the figure indicate various setting conditions when each “operation content” is executed. Here, image quality and density are set as setting conditions for the image reading operation. A transmission destination is set as a setting condition for the FAX transmission operation.

  The “operation state” in the figure indicates the progress state of each “operation content”. Here, the image reading operation is being executed, and the FAX transmission operation is not being executed (standby), respectively.

  Next, processing executed by the CPU 21 of the multifunction machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The multi-function device 1 according to the present embodiment sequentially executes operations instructed by the user one by one. In the multi function device 1, when an execution of an operation is instructed by the user, the execution order, operation content, and operation conditions are stored in the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the execution of the SCAN image reading operation is instructed. Subsequently, the CPU 21 reads the next operation setting program 22a.

  In the multifunction device 1, when the CPU 21 starts the first operation for the data (S1), the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 cause the liquid crystal display unit 42 to display the screen illustrated in FIG. It is displayed (S2). The illustrated screen shows the current operation execution screen. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 3, the image reading operation is started as the first operation in the execution order. The read image data is stored in the data storage unit of the RAM 23. In this embodiment, CPU21 is an example of the execution means of this invention.

  In the present embodiment, the symbol Z1 and the character “10% complete” are displayed on the lower left side of the current operation execution screen. The symbol Z1 indicates that an image reading operation is being executed. The character “10% complete” indicates that 10% of all the image reading operations are completed. The liquid crystal display unit 42 is an example of the progress status display means of the present invention.

  On the liquid crystal display unit 42, the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 also display the characters “image quality: photographic image quality”, characters “density”, and density determination graphic Z2. Each character and the density determination graphic Z2 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 based on the “operation condition” stored in the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a.

  On the liquid crystal display unit 42, the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display a next operation setting key K1 and a SCAN stop key K2. When the user presses the SCAN stop key K2, the image reading operation is stopped.

  After the process of S2, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a next operation setting request (S3). Here, it is determined whether or not the next operation setting key K1 has been pressed by the user's finger. In the present embodiment, the processes of the CPU 21 and S3 are an example of accepting means of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the CPU 21 determines that the next operation setting key K1 has been pressed by the user (S3: YES), the CPU 21 performs processing for holding image data in the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a. Is executed (S4). The process of S4 is an example of the prohibiting means of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the process of S4 will be described. In the present embodiment, data input by executing an operation or data stored in advance in the ROM 22 or the like is temporarily stored in the RAM 23 by the CPU 21, and then the operation is executed using the data. . Then, when the operation ends, the data is erased. However, since the process of S4 prohibits erasure of the data, the data is stored in the RAM 23 even after the operation is completed.
Thus, in this embodiment, when there is a request for setting the next operation, the data used for the current operation is stored in the RAM 23. Therefore, even if the execution of the current operation is completed during the setting of the next operation, the data used for the current operation can be used in the next operation. Therefore, the trouble of inputting data again to execute the next operation can be saved.

  After the process of S4, the next operation setting confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed by the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 (S5). Here, as shown in FIG. 9, next operation setting confirmation keys K3 and K4 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, respectively. In addition, the text “Do you want to set the next action?” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the design Z <b> 1, the characters “20% complete”, and the SCAN stop key K <b> 2 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42. By displaying the symbol Z1 and the characters “20% complete”, it is notified that the image reading operation is being executed.

  After the process of S5, the CPU 21 determines whether or not to perform the next operation setting (S6). Here, it is determined whether or not the next operation setting confirmation key K3 has been pressed by the user's finger.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined that the next operation setting confirmation key K3 has been pressed by the user's finger (S6: YES), the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display the next operation selection screen (S7). ). Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the next operation that can be set for the current operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 in accordance with the operation correspondence table shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, the next operation selection menu M <b> 1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42. In the illustrated example, the next operation selection menu M1 includes “SCAN image printing”, “SCAN image FAX transmission”, “SCAN image FAX transmission”, as a part of a plurality of operations that can be set for “SCAN image reading” of the current operation. The characters “SCAN image storage in memory” and “Print by changing the SCAN magnification” are displayed. In the present embodiment, the “scan image reading” operation is an example of the first function of the present invention. Each operation such as “print SCAN image” is an example of the second function of the present invention.

  The liquid crystal display unit 42 displays a setting key K5 and a return key K6. In addition, the image display unit 42 displays the characters “Please select the next action”, the symbol Z1 and the characters “30% complete”.

  After the process of S7, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the return key has been selected (S8). Here, it is determined whether or not the illustrated return key K6 has been pressed by the user's finger.

  If it is determined that the return key K6 is not pressed (S8: NO), the CPU 21 starts the next operation selection operation (S9). In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, “FAX transmission of SCAN image” is selected from the next operation selection menu M1 by the user's finger as the next operation.

  After the process of S9, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a setting key has been selected (S10).

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the setting key K5 is pressed by the user's finger (S10: YES), the CPU 21 starts the next operation setting operation (S11).

  After the process of S11, the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display a next operation setting screen on the liquid crystal display unit 42 (S12). Here, as shown in FIG. 11, a FAX transmission destination selection menu M <b> 2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42. The example shown in the drawing indicates that “Mr. B” has been selected as a FAX transmission destination by the user. The FAX transmission destination displayed on the FAX transmission destination selection menu M2 is an example of the execution condition of the present invention.

  The liquid crystal display unit 42 also displays the characters “FAX transmission destination”, the symbol Z1 and the characters “50% complete”.

  After the process of S12, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the return key K6 on the next operation setting screen is selected (S13). When the return key K6 is not selected (S13: NO), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the setting key K5 on the next operation setting screen is selected (S14). In the present embodiment, the processes of the CPU 21 and S14 are an example of setting means of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the CPU 21 determines that the user has pressed the setting key K5 (S14: YES), the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display an additional setting confirmation screen (S15). The additional setting confirmation screen is a screen for confirming whether or not to add an execution condition for executing the next operation. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, an additional permission key K7 and an additional negative key K8 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, respectively. In addition, the design Z1 and the characters “60% complete” are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42.

  After the process of S15, the CPU 21 determines whether there is an additional setting (S16). Here, it is determined whether or not the addition permission key K7 on the additional setting confirmation screen has been pressed by the user's finger.

  If it is determined that the addition permission key K7 has not been pressed (S16: NO), the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display a final confirmation screen (S17). The final confirmation screen is a screen for confirming whether or not to set the next operation based on the operation selected by the user in the previous process and the execution condition. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, a final addition permission key K9 and a final addition negative key K10 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, respectively.

  In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 42 displays the characters “FAX transmission destination set”, the FAX transmission destination (here, Mr. B), and the characters “Are you sure about this setting?”. Further, the design Z1 and the character “70% complete” are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42.

  After the process of S17, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the setting is correct (S18). Here, it is determined whether or not the final addition permission key K9 on the final confirmation screen has been pressed by the user's finger.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 21 determines that the user has pressed the final addition permission key K9 (S18: YES), a process (S19) for storing the next operation is executed. Here, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the CPU 21 causes the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23 a to correspond to the operation ID “A” and identify the operation content identification data for identifying “FAX transmission” and each “transmission destination”. The operation condition identification data for identifying “

  After the process of S19, the CPU 21 confirms that the setting of the next operation has been completed (S20). Thereafter, the CPU 21 executes a process (S21) for releasing the data retention. Here, since the data holding of the data held in the RAM 23 by the process of S4 is released, the execution of the next operation (FAX transmission) is completed and the data in the RAM 23 is erased. become.

  After the process of S21, the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display the current operation execution screen (S22) and the next operation cancel key K11 (S23). The next operation cancel key K11 is a key for erasing the set next operation from the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a. Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the symbol Z <b> 1, the character “80% complete”, and the character “SCAN in progress” are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 by the process of S <b> 22.

  On the liquid crystal display unit 42, the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display the SCAN stop key K2 and the next operation addition setting key K12 as shown in the figure. The SCAN cancel key K2 is a key for canceling the “SCAN image reading” operation currently being executed. The next operation additional setting key K12 is a key for further setting the next operation with respect to the “SCAN image reading” operation currently being executed. In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 42 notifies that the next operation (FAX transmission) is performed after the current operation (image reading operation) is completed. Here, the character “next operation setting content”, the character “contents: SCAN image FAX transmission”, and the transmission partner (here, Mr. B) are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, respectively.

  After the process of S23, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the next operation cancel key has been pressed (S24). Here, it is determined whether or not the next operation cancel key K11 is pressed by the user's finger.

  If it is determined that the next operation cancel key K11 has not been pressed by the user's finger (S24: NO), the CPU 21 determines whether or not to make additional settings (S25). Here, it is determined whether or not the next operation addition setting key K12 is pressed by the user's finger.

  If it is determined that the next operation addition setting key K12 has not been pressed (S25: NO), the CPU 21 starts the current operation end determination (S26). Here, the progress of all the image reading operations is confirmed by the CPU 21.

  After the process of S26, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the current operation is completed (S27). Here, it is determined whether or not the entire image reading operation has been performed.

  When all the image reading operations are performed (S27: YES), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the next operation is set (S28). Here, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the operation content identification data and the operation condition identification data are stored in the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a.

  When it is determined that the operation content identification data and the operation condition identification data are stored in the waiting operation information storage unit 23a (S28: YES), based on the operation content identification data and the operation condition identification data, The CPU 21 starts the next operation (S29). That is, the operation set as the next operation is executed as the current operation (S1). Here, FAX transmission of the SCAN image data input by the previous SCAN image reading operation is executed based on the operation content identification data for identifying “FAX transmission” and the operation condition identification data for identifying each “transmission destination”. The

  If the CPU 21 determines that the next operation setting key K1 is not pressed by the user in the process of S3 (S3: NO), the process returns to the process of S2. In the process of S6, if it is determined that the next operation setting confirmation key K3 is not pressed by the user's finger (S6: NO), the next operation setting is stopped (S31) and the data of the current operation is retained. Is released (S32).

  In the process of S8, when the CPU 21 determines that the return key K6 is pressed by the user's finger (S8: YES), the process returns to the process of S5. If it is determined in the process of S10 that the setting key K5 has not been pressed by the user's finger (S10: NO), the process returns to S9.

  In the process of S13, when the CPU 21 determines that the return key K6 has been selected by the user's finger (S13: YES), the process returns to the process of S7. If the CPU 21 determines in step S14 that the setting key K5 has not been pressed by the user (S14: NO), the process returns to step S12.

  In the process of S16, if the CPU 21 determines that there is an additional setting (S16: YES), the process returns to the process of S12. If the CPU 21 determines that the user has not pressed the final addition permission key K9 by the process of S18 (S18: NO), the process returns to the process of S7.

  In the process of S24, if the CPU 21 determines that the next operation cancel key K11 has been pressed (S24: YES), the next operation setting is canceled (S33). Here, the CPU 21 deletes the operation content identification data (FAX transmission) and the operation condition identification data (transmission destination: Mr. B) from the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a. After the process of S33, the process returns to the process of S2. In this embodiment, each process of S24 and S33 is an example of the cancellation means of this invention.

  In the process of S25, when the CPU 21 determines that the user has pressed the next operation addition setting key K12 (S25: YES), the process returns to the process of S4.

  In the process of S27, if the CPU 21 determines that the entire image reading operation is not performed (S27: NO), the process returns to the process of S26. In the process of S28, when the CPU 21 determines that the operation content identification data and the operation condition identification data are not stored in the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a (S28: NO), the CPU 21 After the data stored in the RAM 23 is erased, the current operation is terminated (S34). Here, the image reading operation is completed. S34 is an example of the erasing means of the present invention.

<Effect of the first embodiment>
In the multi function device 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 21 performs an operation correspondence table (see FIG. 6) stored in the operation correspondence notation unit 22c by the process of S3 (see FIG. 6) during execution of the SCAN image reading operation. 5), it is determined whether or not there is a setting request for the next operation (such as “FAX transmission of SCAN image”) using the read image data stored in the RAM 23 (data storage unit). .
In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a setting request such as the operation of “FAX transmission of the SCAN image” for the read image data by the process of S3. In order to execute an operation such as “FAX transmission of SCAN image”, it is not necessary to read image data used for an operation such as “FAX transmission of SCAN image” again.
Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, a setting request such as the “SCAN image FAX transmission” operation that is performed by using the read image data, which is the operation desired by the user, is determined by the process of S3. can do.

In the multi function device 1 of the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the entire operation of the SCAN image reading operation has been performed by the process of S27 (see FIG. 7). If it is determined that the entire operation of the SCAN image reading operation has been performed by the processing of S27, the operation of “FAX transmission of SCAN image” is executed by the processing of S29 (see FIG. 7).
Therefore, since the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment can execute the operation of “FAX transmission of SCAN image” after the SCAN image reading operation, the operation desired by the user is executed using the read image data. It can be added and executed as an action.

In the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a stores the “FAX transmission” operation that is determined to have been requested by the above-described processing of S3 in association with the operation ID.
Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, when the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a stores an operation of “FAX transmission” in association with the operation ID, the SCAN image reading for one read image data is performed. After the execution of the operation is completed, it is possible to execute the “FAX transmission” operation on one read image data based on the stored contents of the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a.

In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a stores a FAX transmission destination (here, Mr. B, see FIG. 4) in association with the “FAX transmission” operation.
In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the FAX transmission destination of the “FAX transmission” operation (see FIG. 11) that is determined to have been requested by the process of S3 by the process of S14 (see FIG. 6). ) Is set, the FAX transmission destination can be set promptly together with the setting request for the “FAX transmission” operation.
In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, when performing the “FAX transmission” operation, the FAX transmission partner (Mr. B) may be set to start the “FAX transmission” operation of image data. it can.

In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is a setting request such as an operation of “FAX transmission of SCAN image” by the process of S3, the process of S4 (see FIG. 6) Deletion of data (for example, read image data) stored in the RAM 23 used for the “FAX transmission” operation can be prohibited.
Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, since the data stored in the RAM 23 is not erased, the same data as the data input by the SCAN image reading operation is input again in order to execute the “FAX transmission” operation. This saves you the trouble of making it happen.

In the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, operations such as “FAX transmission” can be deleted from the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a by the processes of S24 and S33 (see FIG. 7).
Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, even when it is determined by the above-described processing of S3 that there is a setting request for an operation that the user did not intend (operation such as “FAX transmission”). The operations not intended by the user can be deleted by the processes of S24 and S33.

In the multi function device 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the next operation setting key K1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 during the execution of the SCAN image reading operation. In the multi function device 1, if it is determined by the matrix switch 41 that the next operation setting key K <b> 1 has been pressed during the execution of the SCAN image reading operation, the processing of S <b> 3 (see FIG. 6) performs “SCAN image reading”. It is determined whether or not there is a setting request such as an operation of “FAX transmission”.
Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, during the execution of the SCAN image reading operation, the next operation setting key K1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, and it is determined whether or not the next operation setting key K1 has been pressed. Is done.
Since the next operation setting key K1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42, the user can easily confirm the next operation setting key K1 visually. Further, the user can promptly make a setting request such as an operation of “FAX transmission of SCAN image” by pressing the next operation setting key K1.

In the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, during the execution of the SCAN image reading operation, the liquid crystal display unit 42 indicates that 10% of the entire image reading operation has been completed as illustrated in FIG. indicate.
Therefore, in the MFP 1 of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 42 displays that 10% of all the image reading operations have been completed, so that the user is performing the image reading operation. It is possible to make a setting request such as an operation of “FAX transmission of SCAN image” while confirming that there is.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the same configurations and the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, when it is determined that the next operation setting key K1 is pressed by the user (S3: YES), the CPU 21 stores in the execution waiting operation information storage unit 23a. A process for holding data is executed (S4).

  Similar to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the next operation setting key K3 is pressed by the user's finger (S6: YES), the CPU 21 adds the next operation (next operation) following the operation waiting for execution. Is determined (S41). Here, as shown in FIG. 16, an execution waiting operation addition confirmation screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42.

  The liquid crystal display unit 42 displays an execution waiting operation addition permission key K21 and an execution waiting operation addition negative key K22. In addition, the characters “Do you want to add the next operation to the execution waiting operation?” Are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42. Here, the execution waiting operation indicates an unexecuted next operation set based on the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the CPU 21 determines that the execution waiting operation addition permission key K21 on the execution waiting operation addition confirmation screen has been pressed by the user's finger (S41: YES), the execution waiting operation information storage unit Based on the above-described execution waiting operation content identification data stored in 23a, the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display an execution waiting operation selection screen (S42).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 17, an execution waiting operation selection menu M <b> 11 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42. In the illustrated example, characters “copy”, “FAX transmission”, and “transmission to PC” are displayed as selectable operations in the execution waiting operation selection menu M11. These are the next operations set for the “SCAN image reading” operation of the current operation. The liquid crystal display unit 42 displays the characters “What operation content should be set?”. The illustrated example shows that FAX transmission is selected from the menu M11 by the user.

  After the process of S42, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the user has pressed the return key K6 (see FIG. 17) (S43). If the return key K6 is not pressed (S43: NO), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the user's selection is correct (S44). Here, it is determined whether or not the setting key K5 has been pressed by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the CPU 21 determines that the setting key K5 has been pressed by the user (S44: YES), the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 display a next operation selection screen (S45).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 18, a next operation selection menu M12 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 in accordance with the operation correspondence table of FIG. In this embodiment, instead of “the operation content of the execution operation” in place of “the operation content of the current operation” in the operation correspondence table, “the operation content to be executed after the current operation” is replaced with “the operation operation waiting operation”. It has an “operation content to be executed later” column. The contents of each column are the same. Accordingly, the settable operation is associated with the execution waiting operation. In the example of FIG. 18, in the next operation selection menu M12, as part of operations that can be set for “FAX transmission”, “FAX transmission to another designated destination”, “print transmission history”, “to designated destination”. The characters “Make a call” and “Print the scanned image” are displayed. In addition, the characters “Please select an operation to be executed after the execution waiting operation” are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42.

  After the processing of S45, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the user has selected the return key K6 on the next operation selection screen (S46). If it is determined that the return key K6 has not been pressed (S46: NO), the CPU 21 and the display control unit 28 select the operation selected from the next operation selection menu M12 (here, “FAX to another designated destination”). "Send") is highlighted (S47).

  After the process of S47, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the user's selection is correct (S48). Here, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the setting key K5 on the next operation selection screen.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the CPU 21 determines that the setting key K5 has been pressed by the user (S48: YES), the same processing (S11 to S29, S31 to S34) as in the first embodiment is performed. Executed. However, in the process of S18, when the CPU 21 determines that the setting is not correct on the final confirmation screen (S18: NO), the process returns to S45.

  In the process of S41, when the CPU 21 determines that the execution waiting operation addition permission key K21 has not been pressed by the user, the processes after S7 in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Executed. If it is determined in the process of S43 that the return key K6 is pressed by the user (S43: YES), the process returns to S5.

  If the CPU 21 determines in step S44 that the setting key K5 has not been pressed by the user (S44: NO), the process returns to step S42. If the CPU 21 determines in step S46 that the return key K6 has been pressed (S46: YES), the process returns to step S5.

  If the CPU 21 determines in step S48 that the setting key K5 has not been pressed by the user (S48: NO), the process returns to step S47.

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
In the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 21 performs the operation waiting operation on the operation correspondence table in the operation correspondence table storage unit 22c by the processing of S41 (see FIG. 15) during the execution of the SCAN image reading operation. Based on the contents, it is determined whether or not there is an additional request for an operation such as “FAX transmission” using the read image data stored in the RAM 23 (data storage unit).
In the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is an additional request for an operation such as “FAX transmission” with respect to the read image data by the process of S41. Therefore, it is not necessary to read again the image data used for the operation such as “FAX transmission”.
Therefore, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine an additional request for an operation such as “FAX transmission” which is an operation desired by the user and executed using the read image data by the process of S41. it can.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented by appropriately changing a part of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the multifunction device 1 in the first and second embodiments may be a multifunction multifunction device that executes a plurality of operations independently. The multi-function multifunction peripheral is an example of the multi-function device of the present invention.

When the multifunction device 1 is a multifunction multifunction device, for example, the screen illustrated in FIG. 19 may be displayed instead of FIG. Further, when the multifunction device 1 is executing “SCAN image reading” and “FAX reception” as the current operation, an image indicating “SCAN image reading” and an image indicating “FAX reception” are set as predetermined symbols Z1. You may display alternately by timing. Further, the execution waiting operation selection menu M11A may be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit. Here, different operation IDs (here, A and B) are attached to different data.
For example, an operation ID that uses image data read by “scan image reading” is A, and an operation ID that uses image data received by “FAX reception” is B. “Copy” and “FAX transmission” in the execution waiting operation selection menu M11A shown in FIG. 19 are operations using SCAN image data, and “Send to PC” is an operation using received image data of FAX reception. It is shown that.

  In the multi-function multifunction peripheral, the next operation can be set for each different data. In the multi-function multifunction peripheral, as in the case shown in FIG. 4, the next operation set by the next operation setting key K1 is associated with the operation ID (A and B), and the above-mentioned execution waiting operation information. It is stored in the storage unit 23a.

In the multi-function multifunction peripheral, as in the case illustrated in FIG. 19, the next operation for the execution waiting operation (next operation) corresponding to the operation ID is set using the same key as the next operation setting key K1. be able to.
As described above, in the multi-function multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment, it is possible to set the next operation using the image data input by “SCAN image reading” and “FAX reception”, which are the current operations. An operation can be further set for the next operation (execution waiting operation) using data with IDs “A” and “B”.

1 is an overall perspective view of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a storage table of an operation correspondence table storage unit of the same multifunction peripheral in which an image reading operation is set as the first operation in the execution order. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a storage table in a RAM of the same multifunction peripheral in which a FAX transmission operation is set as the second operation in the execution order. It is a figure which shows the content of the memory | storage table of RAM of the same multifunctional device in which the operation content performed after the present operation and the present operation was set. 3 is a first flowchart illustrating processing executed by the multifunction machine. It is the 2nd flow flowchart. It is an example of a display of the present operation execution screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of a display of the next operation setting confirmation screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is the 1st display example of the next operation | movement selection screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of a display of the next operation setting screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of a display of the additional setting confirmation screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of a display of the final confirmation screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of a display of the present operation execution screen in a liquid crystal display part. 6 is a first flowchart illustrating processing executed by the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. It is an example of a display of the execution waiting operation addition confirmation screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is an example of a display of the execution waiting operation selection screen in a liquid crystal display part. It is a 2nd example of a display of the next operation | movement selection screen in a liquid crystal display part. 10 is a display example of an execution waiting operation selection screen in a liquid crystal display unit of a multifunctional multifunction peripheral of a modified example.

Explanation of symbols

1 MFP 21 CPU
22c Operation correspondence table storage unit 23a Execution operation waiting operation information storage unit 28 Display control unit 42 Liquid crystal display unit K1 Operation setting key

Claims (7)

In an image processing apparatus provided with an execution means capable of executing a plurality of functions using input data,
First storage means for storing a second function executed using input data input by executing the first function by the execution means in association with the first function;
During execution of the first function by the execution unit, an instruction to execute the second function is input by a user's input operation based on the correspondence relationship between the first function and the second function stored in the first storage unit. Receiving means,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the execution unit executes the second function received by the reception unit after the execution of the first function is completed. Second storage means for storing the second function received by the receiving means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit stores the second function in association with input data identification information for identifying the input data. Setting means for setting an execution condition for executing the second function accepted by the accepting means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second storage unit stores an execution condition set by the setting unit in association with the second function. When the execution of the first function by the execution unit is completed, the execution unit includes an erasing unit that erases the input data by executing the first function.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a prohibiting unit that prohibits erasure of the input data used by the second function by the erasing unit when the second function is received by the receiving unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a cancel unit that cancels the second function stored in the second storage unit. 6. Touch panel type display means;
Display control means for causing the display means to display an operation unit for activating the accepting means during execution of the first function;
Detecting means for detecting a user operation on the operation unit displayed on the display means,
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives an instruction to execute the second function on condition that an operation on the operation unit is detected by the detecting unit. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   The progress status display means for displaying the progress status of the first function during execution of the first function is provided on the display means. Image processing device.

Images