JP2015118437A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display an operation screen for setting a required function by selecting a description on the function when a user refers to an operation manual of an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 having a plurality of functions to be selected or modified, and a host device 30 connected to communicate with the image forming apparatus 10. The host device 30 includes: a display section 31 for displaying an operation manual of the image forming apparatus 10; an operation section 34 for selecting a function described in the operation manual displayed on the display section 31; and a request command generation section 43 which generates a request command for reflecting the function selected by the operation section 34 in the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an operator panel 19 for displaying an operation screen for the function, according to the request command.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, an operation manual is displayed, or predetermined information is displayed by a help function. As a result, even for users who are not familiar with the operation of the image forming apparatus, operations such as menu settings necessary for causing the image forming apparatus to perform desired operations are shown in the operation manual and the help function display. By following the procedure, it can be performed appropriately (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-109307 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus, the amount of information included in the display by the operation manual or the help function increases with the complexity of the structure and the advancement of functions, so that the user can become familiar with the operation of the image forming apparatus. For users who have not, it is difficult to select and acquire only necessary information, and there is a problem that it takes time and labor to complete operations such as menu setting.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and when a user refers to an operation manual of an image forming apparatus, an operation screen for setting the function is selected by selecting a description location regarding a necessary function. An object of the present invention is to provide a displayed image forming system.

  To this end, the image forming system of the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus having a plurality of selectable or changeable functions and a host device communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. The host device relates to a display unit that displays an operation manual of the image forming apparatus, an operation unit that selects a function described in the operation manual displayed on the display unit, and a function selected by the operation unit A request command generation unit that generates a request command for reflecting the selection to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus includes an operator panel that displays an operation screen of a function according to the request command.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming system, it is possible to obtain an effect that the function settings required by the user can be compiled and executed in a series of operations from the operation manual, and can be executed correctly with simplification and efficiency.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an image forming system in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation manual of the image forming apparatus displayed on the host device in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operator panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operator panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operator panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a first diagram illustrating an outline of an operation for setting a function with reference to an operation manual of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating an outline of an operation for setting a function with reference to an operation manual of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating a screen for selecting a function of the image forming apparatus displayed on the host device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing a screen for selecting a function of the image forming apparatus displayed on the host device in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the high-order apparatus in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the image forming system in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an image forming system according to the present embodiment, which includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a host apparatus 30.

  The image forming apparatus 10 may be a single function machine such as a printer, a facsimile machine, or a copier, or a multifunction machine having various functions such as a printer, a facsimile machine, or a copier, that is, an MFP. (Multi Function Printer) may be used, and an image can be formed on a recording medium such as printing paper by using various image forming methods such as an inkjet method, an electrophotographic method, and a thermal transfer method. Any kind of material may be used. Here, the image forming apparatus 10 will be described as a printer. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a calculation unit such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory, an input unit such as a touch panel, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, a communication unit, and the like, and functions as a printer in a network environment. can do.

  The host device 30 is, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, a server, etc., but a computing means such as a CPU or MPU, a storage means such as a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory, an input means such as a keyboard or a mouse, a CRT, As long as the computer includes display means such as a liquid crystal display, input / output means such as a touch panel, communication means, etc., it may be of any kind, and may be a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. Good.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is connected via a communication I / F (interface) 11 and the host apparatus 30 is connected via a communication I / F 41 via a wired or wireless communication such as a LAN (Local Area Network), an intranet, or the Internet. It is connected to a network 40 that is a line network. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 10 and the upper level apparatus 30 are connected so as to communicate with each other. In the illustrated example, there is one image forming apparatus 10 and four upper apparatuses 30, but the number of image forming apparatuses 10 and upper apparatuses 30 may be any number.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming system 1 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation manual of an image forming apparatus displayed on a host device in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a first view showing an example of a screen displayed on the operator panel of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a screen displayed on the operator panel of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a third diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the operator panel of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the host device 30 includes a display unit 31, a display control unit 32, an operation control unit 33, an operation unit 34, a main control unit 35, a RAM 36, a CPU 37, a communication I / F 41, a communication control unit 42, The request command generation unit 43, the nonvolatile memory 44, and the storage control unit 45 are included.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a communication I / F 11, a communication control unit 12, a command analysis unit 13, a device setting information editing unit 14, a menu, a help structure creation unit 15, a setting unit 16, an operation display control unit 17, and a storage control. Unit 18, operator panel 19, nonvolatile memory 21, CPU 22, main control unit 23, engine unit 24, and RAM 25.

  The host device 30 includes S / W (software) such as a printer driver and a utility, and a user sends print job data to the image forming device 10, changes settings, and monitors and commands the status. This device has a means for performing management using two-way communication.

  The display unit 31 can perform a plurality of independent multi-window operations as a user work screen and a window screen of the host device 30. In the present embodiment, the operation manual of the image forming apparatus 10 is referred to, the state of the printing system, and the operator panel 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 are displayed as an image on the monitor, transmitted to the user, and further prompted. This is a user I / F unit on H / W (hardware).

  The display control unit 32 is a control unit for controlling the display unit 31.

  Further, the operation control unit 33 is a control unit that transmits what is input via the H / W signal of the operation unit 34 to the main control unit 35 as the user I / F at the time of input of the host device 30.

  Further, the operation unit 34 is an input H / W unit on the user I / F in the host device 30, and includes a touch panel that is detected when the user touches a button or window, and a plurality of keys (buttons) are pressed. And a keyboard that is detected by a combination thereof, a mouse that is determined by clicking a specific button, and the like. In this embodiment, it is the input operation device, and the purpose is the same.

  Further, the main control unit 35 is a control unit that manages the entire host device 30. It is a center that identifies the combination of installed H / W and S / W and realizes each function internally and externally.

  Further, the RAM 36 is a work area commonly used for general purposes in the control within the host device 30 and is a memory space H / W unit.

  Further, the CPU 37 is an arithmetic unit and is the core of control of the H / W unit for operating the host device 30.

  Further, the communication I / F 41 is an I / F for the host device 30 to communicate with the image forming apparatus 10 and is an H / W control unit that enables bidirectional communication. The communication connection means of the communication I / F 41 is, for example, a local port I / F such as a network, IEEE 1284, USB, RS-232C, wireless LAN, IrDa, etc. Here, wireless LAN communication on the network is performed. Explain to the base.

  Further, the communication control unit 42 is a control unit for controlling the communication I / F 41.

  Further, the request command generation unit 43 is the central component of the host device 30 side, and when the user refers to the operation manual of the image forming apparatus 10 and selects a specific function, the image forming apparatus 10 Generate a command that becomes a request to. The incorporation and assignment of the data on the operation manual is not necessary if the data is previously applied to the operation manual. However, if the data is not defined, the request command generator 43 Incorporate a function selection request command.

  Further, the non-volatile memory 44 is an H / W area unit for storing data semipermanently as information inherited by the host device 30 regardless of the power-off operation. The nonvolatile memory 44 is composed of, for example, an HDD, Flash, SD (R) memory, or the like.

  Further, the storage control unit 45 is a control unit for managing data registration and reading of the nonvolatile memory 44 in cooperation with information in the RAM 36.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, the communication I / F 11 is a part that handles data on all communication H / W I / Fs including bidirectional and unidirectional with the host apparatus 30. The communication connection unit of the communication I / F 11 is, for example, a local port I / F such as a network IEEE 1284, USB, RS-232C, a wireless LAN, or IrDa. Explained.

  The communication control unit 12 receives a function setting request, a print job data, a status command, and the like from the upper level apparatus 30 to the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication I / F 11. In response, the control unit transmits a response to the host device 30 and performs management using bidirectional communication.

  The command analysis unit 13 analyzes various input data from the host device 30 and also analyzes the data of the function selection request command.

  Further, the device setting information editing unit 14 analyzes the data of the function selection request command transmitted from the host device 30 and edits the data in a data format capable of performing display suitable for the user setting operation of the image forming apparatus 10. It is an editorial department.

  Further, the menu / help structure creating unit 15 creates the data created by the device setting information editing unit 14 with a structure for displaying an image of an operation on the menu or help screen. As a result, various operation display screens as described later are displayed on the display device of the operator panel 19.

  Further, the operator panel 19 functions as an input device, transmits a command from the outside to the image forming apparatus 10 by a key operation by pressing a switch, and functions as an output device, and functions as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED ( It is a user I / F H / W unit that displays the state on a display device such as Light Emitting Diode). As an input method of the input device, the switch (SW) includes a button type and a touch panel type. The LCD as the display device includes an LCD dot matrix system, a liquid crystal panel, and the like. The display of the LED as the display device may be expressed in a plurality, and is transmitted to the user by a combination of lighting / extinguishing / flashing and its cycle type, and a plurality of LED lamp displays.

  Further, the operation display control unit 17 functions as an input unit, and is a control unit that transmits what is input via the H / W signal of the operator panel 19 to the main control unit 23. Also, it functions as an output unit, and controls the status and instructions of the image forming apparatus 10 on a display device such as an LCD or LED on the operator panel 19 via the main control unit 23 to notify and transmit to the user. .

  Further, the setting unit 16 defines the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The operation is selected and determined by using a plurality of parameter items such as function ON / OFF and menu. The defined contents are stored in the RAM 25 and the nonvolatile memory 21 in the image forming apparatus 10 via the storage control unit 18.

  Further, the storage control unit 18 is a control unit that writes information from the setting unit 16 into the nonvolatile memory 21. In order to manage information to be stored, such as data to be registered, set values, counters, state transitions, log information, etc., the layout is determined, and management of reading, referencing, writing, etc. of information in the RAM 25 and the nonvolatile memory 21 is performed. Do.

  Further, the RAM 25 is a general-purpose work area that is commonly used in the control within the image forming apparatus 10 and is a memory space H / W unit. The stored contents are erased by a power-off operation.

  Further, the non-volatile memory 21 is a memory area that can hold a set value without affecting the power OFF / ON operation, and includes, for example, an EEPROM, a Flash, an SD (R) card memory, an HDD device memory, and the like. . In the present embodiment, the menu information set at the time of selecting each function is also stored here and managed while being held continuously.

  Further, the CPU 22 is an arithmetic unit and is the center of the H / W unit for operating the image forming apparatus 10.

  Further, the main control unit 23 is a central unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 10, and communicates with the host apparatus 30 and the engine unit 24 to control the entire image forming system 1. And it is the center which realizes each function to the inside and the outside.

  Further, the engine unit 24 manages the entire image forming engine that performs a series of image forming operations including conveyance of the recording medium, and changes the image forming apparatus 10 according to the setting data requested and instructed by the main control unit 23. And print the JOB data. Further, the engine unit 24 updates and manages each device counter, monitors a series of statuses such as information on a paper feeding device, an installed recording medium, a paper out, a change at the time of paper replenishment, a jam, and an error. Also, the main control unit 23 is notified of each attention. The engine unit 24 manages the entire image forming operation by the H / W operation in the above control.

  The host apparatus 30 and the image forming apparatus 10 in the present embodiment are connected to the network 40 and can communicate bidirectionally by the respective communication I / Fs 41 and 11 and the communication control units 42 and 12 that control them. It has become. Here, for convenience of explanation, a case where the network 40 is a wireless LAN and the host device 30 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone will be described. However, the network 40 is a wired LAN, IEEE 1284, USB, RS- Even when connected in the local port I / F mode such as 232C, only the data transmission / reception means is different, and the operations of the host apparatus 30 and the image forming apparatus 10 are exactly the same.

  The user inputs necessary items by operating the operation unit 34 while viewing the information displayed on the display unit 31 of the host device 30. The display content of the display unit 31 is controlled by the display control unit 32 and updated as needed according to the input to the operation unit 34. In addition, items input to the operation unit 34 are transmitted to the main control unit 35 via the operation control unit 33.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the page of the electronic file of the operation manual, which is a function guide for the image forming apparatus 10, can be displayed on the display unit 31 of the host apparatus 30. As a result, the user can browse the operation manual on the screen of the display unit 31 of the host device 30 and learn necessary functions. Further, when it is determined that a certain function is necessary during browsing or when a setting item to be worried about is found, the user operates the operation unit 34 each time to display the operation manual displayed. Can be selected and registered in the function selection request I / F. The registered contents are transmitted from the host device 30 to the image forming apparatus 10. The operator panel 19 displays an operation screen for setting the selected function or item. A similar screen is also displayed on the display unit 31 of the host device 30. Thus, the user can set necessary functions and items by a series of operations on the screen.

  The request command generation unit 43 generates operation request data for the operation setting from the host apparatus 30 to the image forming apparatus 10 necessary for the function selection request I / F. Even in the operation manual page as shown in FIG. 3, for example, by selecting individual menu items such as 3-1 to 3-3 and their setting value descriptions, As the item request, data is generated by the request command generation unit 43.

  The execution of the data created by the request command generation unit 43 is managed by the main control unit 35, and when there is a user instruction, the communication control unit 42 causes the image forming apparatus to communicate via the communication I / F 41. 10 is transmitted.

  In the host apparatus 30, the data transmitted by the communication I / F 41 is received by the communication control unit 12 via the communication I / F 11 in the image forming apparatus 10 and taken into the general-purpose work area of the RAM 25. Then, the command analysis unit 13 analyzes and classifies the data of the function selection request command, and transmits the result to the main control unit 23. When the processing of a certain unit up to the end data is completed while the function selection request command data continues, the device setting information editing unit 14 displays the function selection request command data on the display operation screen suitable for the user setting. Edit in a data format that can be realized.

  Then, using the result edited by the device setting information editing unit 14, the menu / help structure creating unit 15 creates a structure in order to display an image of an operation on the menu or help screen. As a result, screens as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are displayed on the operator panel 19. In accordance with the contents of these screens, for example, the user performs an operation such as 4-1, 5-1 or 5-2 using a switch included in the operator panel 19 to obtain a desired function or item. Settings can be made. When the switch of the operator panel 19 is operated, the operation display control unit 17 transmits a command input via the H / W signal of the operator panel 19 to the main control unit 23.

  Further, in synchronization with the operation of the switch on the operator panel 19 by the user, the operation display control unit 17 displays the state on the display device of the operator panel 19 to notify and transmit to the user. And the setting part 16 determines the menu item relevant to ON / OFF of a function in operation of the switch of the operator panel 19 by a user.

  Further, the contents of function settings and item settings by the user, that is, defined items are stored in the RAM 25 and the nonvolatile memory 21 via the storage control unit 18. The engine unit 24 changes and updates the image forming apparatus 10 based on the engine-related setting data requested and instructed by the main control unit 23.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 having the above configuration will be described. First, an outline of the operation will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a first diagram showing an outline of an operation for setting a function with reference to an operation manual of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an operation of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows the outline of the operation | movement which sets a function with reference to a manual.

  In the example shown in the figure, the user uses a portable terminal as the host device 30, and operates a function manual for the image forming apparatus 10 on a screen including a touch panel of the operation unit 34 that also functions as the display unit 31. Display the manual. The operation manual is a document converted into an electronic file, and each page can be displayed on the screen. As a result, the user can browse the operation manual on the screen of the display unit 31 of the host device 30 and learn necessary functions.

  In addition, when it is determined that a certain function is necessary during browsing, or when a setting item to be worried about is found, the user is required to perform each time as indicated by (1) in FIGS. By operating the operation unit 34, a corresponding part in the displayed operation manual can be selected and registered in the function selection request I / F.

  7 and 8, the registered content is transmitted from the upper level apparatus 30 to the image forming apparatus 10 as indicated by (2). The operator panel 19 displays an operation screen for setting the selected function or item. Thus, the user can set necessary functions and items by a series of operations on the screen.

  In addition, as indicated by (3) in FIG. 8, the display content of the operation screen of the operator panel 19 may be transmitted from the image forming apparatus 10 to the host apparatus 30. Then, the same screen as that on the operator panel 19 is also displayed on the display unit 31 of the host device 30. As described above, the display of the operator panel 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 and the display of the display unit 31 of the host apparatus 30 are linked to transmit the operation setting request command data to the image forming apparatus 10 and then the same host. The operator panel 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 can be operated using another screen displayed on the operation unit 34 that also functions as the display unit 31 in the apparatus 30.

  Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 having the above configuration will be described in detail. First, the operation of the host device 30 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a first diagram showing a screen for selecting a function of the image forming apparatus displayed on the host device in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows image formation displayed on the host device in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a second diagram showing a screen for selecting the function of the device, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the host device in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the user operates the host device 30 to download an operation manual electronic file. As a result, the operation manual for the image forming apparatus 10 required by the user is taken into the host apparatus 30.

  Subsequently, the user operates the host device 30 to incorporate a function selection request command. Specifically, when the user selects a specific function while browsing the operation manual as shown in FIG. 3 displayed on the screen of the operation unit 34 that also functions as the display unit 31 of the host device 30. Then, a command that is a request to the image forming apparatus 10 is assigned and incorporated.

  For example, when changing individual menu items such as 3-1 to 3-3 shown in FIG. 3 and their setting values, or checking the details on the screen of the operator panel 19 of the image forming apparatus 10, the user , 3-1 to 3-3 are selected. As a result, a command that is a request to the image forming apparatus 10 is prepared as an individual setting item request. By incorporating the function selection request command, the request command used in this scene is assigned to the electronic data of the operation manual.

  It should be noted that the function selection request command data is incorporated and assigned to the operation manual as long as the function selection request command data is applied in advance to the electronic data of the operation manual. If not defined, the function selection request command is embedded after downloading the operation manual. Whether or not it is necessary to incorporate a function selection request command can be determined by defining an internal plug, and it is also possible to determine the difference in the file format of electronic file data and the incorporation of header information.

  Subsequently, the user operates the host device 30 to refer to the operation manual. Specifically, the user refers to an operation manual as shown in FIG. 3 displayed on the screen of the operation unit 34 that also functions as the display unit 31 of the host device 30.

  Then, the host device 30 determines whether or not a function selection request command has been specified. Specifically, it is determined whether the user browsed the operation manual and selected a desired function or item, and it is selected as “with function registration”, “with function selection (single designation)” or “no request”. Based on the function selection request command specification, whether or not it corresponds is determined and distributed.

  Here, the case of “with function registration” is a case where the user requests that the entire function be performed in the explanation of the specific function described in the operation manual. For example, in the case of “Register this function” in 3-3 shown in FIG. 3, the “Yes” button is selected and pressed by the user.

  If “function registration is present”, the host device 30 updates the function selection table and updates the function selection request command. As a result, the current function selection request data is newly added to the table for managing the data that has already been requested to perform the entire function. FIG. 9 shows an example of an item list display screen in which a function is selected when the user refers to the operation manual. The display screen is the final stage of the step in the function selection operation. The above-mentioned “newly added to the table for managing the requested data” means the data that is the basis of this list table.

  Subsequently, the host device 30 determines whether or not a function selection request command is executed. That is, the execution of the function selection request command is confirmed. In the display screen shown in FIG. 9, when “execute [single unit]” of 9-2 which is the rightmost column of the list is selected, and “execute [batch]” 9- This is the operation execution when “Yes” of 1 is selected.

  When the function selection request command is executed, the host apparatus 30 executes the function selection request command [send to the image forming apparatus]. Thus, the function selection request command data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10.

  Finally, the host device 30 determines whether the reference has been completed. That is, it is determined whether or not the user has referred to the operation manual.

  If the function selection request command is executed and the function selection request command is not executed, the higher-level device 30 determines whether the reference is completed as it is.

  When the reference is completed, the higher-level device 30 ends the process. If the reference has not been completed, the higher-level device 30 determines again whether or not a function selection request command has been designated. Therefore, even when the user is referring to the operation manual, it is possible to execute the function selection request command [send to the image forming apparatus].

  Note that after the user is viewing the operation manual as shown in FIG. 3, the final execution step before transmission to the image forming apparatus 10 is via a display screen as shown in FIG. Instead, the function selection request command can be immediately transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 from the state shown in FIG. As a final execution step, via a display screen as shown in FIG. 9, it is sufficient to define menu settings and dedicated commands that can switch whether or not to perform execution confirmation carefully, and prepare to follow the instructions. .

  Further, it is determined whether or not a function selection request command has been designated. If “function selection is present [single designation]”, the host device 30 prepares a function selection request command.

  Here, “with function selection (single designation)” means that the setting of a specific menu item is changed or the details of a specific menu item are displayed in the explanation of the specific function described in the operation manual. This is a case in which the user requests confirmation. For example, this is a case where the menu item 3-1 or 3-2 shown in FIG. 3 is selected by the user. Then, the host device 30 prepares a function selection request command and prepares a command to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 as an individual item request. Subsequently, the host device 30 determines whether or not a function selection request command is executed.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of an item list display screen on which a function is selected when the user refers to the operation manual. The display screen is the final stage of the step in the function selection operation. “Preparing a command that becomes a request to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 as an individual item request” described above is “ # ”Means data defined in the column numbers (1), (2) and (4) in the item row. The other item lines (3), (5), and (10) are designations related to the functions in general, and each function includes a plurality of menu settings. The item rows of (1), (2), and (4) are only specific menu settings for a certain function. A user who has mastered the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 to some extent may request a minimum menu setting change. The standard setting change includes a large number of menu changes, and depending on the item to be changed, the standard function and the printing performance are affected, and there may be restrictions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can also select “with function selection [single designation]”.

  Further, it is determined whether or not a function selection request command has been specified. If “no request”, the higher-level device 30 determines whether or not the reference has been completed. Here, the case of “no request” refers to a case where the user refers to the operation manual but no request for function selection has occurred.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1 The user downloads an electronic file of the operation manual.
Step S2 The user incorporates a function selection request command.
Step S3 The user refers to the operation manual.
Step S4: The host device 30 determines whether or not a function selection request command has been designated. If it is “with function registration”, the process proceeds to step S5. If it is “with function selection (single designation)”, the process proceeds to step S10. If it is “no request”, the process proceeds to step S9.
Step S5: The host device 30 updates the function selection table.
Step S6: The host device 30 performs a function selection request command update.
Step S7: The host device 30 determines whether or not a function selection request command has been executed. If the function selection request command is executed, the process proceeds to step S8. If the function selection request command is not executed, the process proceeds to step S9.
Step S8 The host apparatus 30 executes a function selection request command [transmission to the image forming apparatus].
Step S9: The host device 30 determines whether the reference has been completed. When the reference is not completed, the process returns to step S4, and when the reference is completed, the process is terminated.
Step S10 The host device 30 prepares a function selection request command.

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the image forming apparatus 10 receives a function selection request command. Thereby, the host device 30 executes the function selection request command [send to the image forming apparatus] and transmits the function selection request command data, that is, the user defines it with reference to the operation manual. The function selection request command data is received by the image forming apparatus 10.

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 10 initializes a pointer for command selection data for function selection, and initializes a menu and a help structure. Specifically, the received request command information is analyzed, initialization is performed for editing in the data format developed on the operation display screen suitable for the user setting of the image forming apparatus 10, and the data is displayed in the menu or help screen. Initialize to create a structure to display in the image of operation in. In order to create screens as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, initialization of tables and pointers for organizing information is performed.

  The function selection request command received from the host device 30 is composed of a plurality of functions or menu setting operation requests, and is data transmitted by an I / F that can be used alone, so that information is expanded in units of individual functions. It is desirable to combine them so that the user's setting operation can be created in a simple and easy-to-understand configuration.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 subsequently reads a help message for the corresponding function. Specifically, the corresponding help message is searched and read out. The function selection request is not simply a set of menu settings, but a function or setting for which a help message exists is associated.

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 10 reads the menu data of the corresponding function. Specifically, in order to collect menu settings related to the function selection request command, the association is performed.

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 10 updates the pointer of the function selection request command data. Specifically, a function selection request command composed of requests for a plurality of functions or menu setting operations is analyzed in units, and the pointer is updated to create a setting screen suitable for user setting operations. .

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether the function selection request command is completed. That is, for all data of the function selection request command received from the host device 30 this time, the help message of the corresponding function is read, the menu data of the corresponding function is read, and the pointer of the function selection request command data is updated. It is determined whether or not.

  If it is not completed, reading the help message for the corresponding function, reading the menu data for the corresponding function, and updating the pointer of the command command data for requesting the function selection are repeated until it is determined that the function has been completed. . As a result, data for configuring screens as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are completed for all data of the function selection request command received from the host device 30 this time.

  When the function selection request command is completed, the image forming apparatus 10 displays the operation screen for which the function selection is requested. Thereby, screens as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are displayed on the operator panel 19. The screen shown in FIG. 4 is the initial screen, and the items shown there are display screens displayed on the host device 30 as shown in FIG. 9, that is, function selection when the user refers to the operation manual. It is paired with the item on the display screen of the item list that has been performed. By comparing FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, it can be seen that the information on the transmitting side and the receiving side is taken over and developed in each.

  FIG. 12 shows another initial screen displayed on the operator panel 19, and the items shown there are paired with the items on the display screen displayed on the host device 30 as shown in FIG. 10. It has become.

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether there is an operation execution request. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an operation for executing the function selected based on the function selection request command received from the host device 30 has been performed by the user.

  Even if the function is set by itself using the host device 30 while referring to the operation manual, there is a possibility that the user may rethink at the stage where the image forming apparatus 10 is operated to actually form an image. . In other words, it may be considered that the user changes the judgment by looking at the screen displayed on the operator panel 19 of the image forming apparatus 10 and stops the execution of the function selected based on the function selection request command. Therefore, when the user performs a “cancel” operation, the execution of the function selected based on the function selection request command can be stopped.

  When there is an operation execution request, the image forming apparatus 10 executes the operation of the selection function and updates the state to already executed. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the screen displayed on the operator panel 19, a check mark is displayed in a frame corresponding to an operation such as 4-1, 5-1 or 5-2. Is added and the mark “Executed” is added to reflect the result.

  Finally, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether to end the operation. That is, it is determined whether to end the function selection setting request or to continue it. If the operation is not terminated, the image forming apparatus 10 again determines whether there is an operation execution request and repeats the subsequent operations. When the operation is to be ended, the image forming apparatus 10 ends the process.

  If it is determined whether there is an operation execution request and there is no operation execution request, the image forming apparatus 10 immediately determines whether to end the operation.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S21: A function selection request command is received.
Step S22: Pointer initialization of function selection request command data is performed.
Step S23: The menu and help structure are initialized.
Step S24: Read a help message for the corresponding function.
Step S25: The menu data of the corresponding function is read.
Step S26: The pointer of the function selection request command data is updated.
Step S27: It is determined whether or not the function selection request command is completed. If the function selection request command is completed, the process proceeds to step S28. If the function selection request command is not completed, the process returns to step S24.
Step S28: The operation screen requested to select the function is displayed.
Step S29: It is determined whether or not there is an operation execution request. If there is an operation execution request, the process proceeds to step S30, and if there is no operation execution request, the process proceeds to step S32.
Step S30: The operation of the selection function is executed.
Step S31: Updates the state to executed.
Step S32: to judge whether or not to end the operation. If the operation is not terminated, the process returns to step S29, and if the operation is terminated, the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the user refers to the operation manual of the image forming apparatus 10 using the host device 30, the user selects a description location regarding a desired function setting or setting item. An operation screen for setting the function can be displayed on the image forming apparatus 10.

  Therefore, the setting of functions required by the user can be performed in a series of operations from the operation manual, and can be executed correctly with simplification and efficiency.

  Although the case where the image forming apparatus 10 is a printer has been described in the present embodiment, the present invention is similar to an MFP, a facsimile, a scanner, a certificate, a check, a money order, and a traveler's check issuing machine. Similarly, the present invention can be applied to all image forming apparatuses having a plurality of functions and menu items.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made based on the spirit of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used in an image forming system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 10 Image forming apparatus 14 Apparatus setting information edit part 19 Operator panel 30 Host apparatus 31 Display part 34 Operation part 43 Request command production | generation part

Claims (7)

An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus having a plurality of selectable or changeable functions; and a higher-level apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus so as to communicate with each other.
The host device relates to a display unit that displays an operation manual of the image forming apparatus, an operation unit that selects a function described in the operation manual displayed on the display unit, and a function selected by the operation unit A request command generation unit that generates a request command for reflecting the selection to the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes an operator panel that displays a function operation screen in response to the request command.   When the setting item of the function selected by the operation unit is further selected by the operation unit, the request command generation unit is configured to reflect the function and setting item selected by the operation unit on the image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein a request command is generated, and the function and setting items are included in an operation screen displayed by the operator panel.   The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the operator panel includes a switch for setting a function or a setting item included in the operation screen.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus further includes an editing unit that edits an operation screen for setting a function according to the request command.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an operation screen displayed on the operator panel is also displayed on the display unit.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus and the host apparatus are communicably connected via a wireless communication network.   The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the upper apparatus is a mobile terminal.

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