JP5581757B2 - Image processing apparatus, interface screen display method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation panel provided in an image processing apparatus or the like.

  In recent years, copying machines have become more and more multifunctional, and copying machines installed in offices are so-called multi-function machines (hereinafter referred to as “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”) having a plurality of functions such as a FAX function and a printing function. ) Is the mainstream.

  As multifunction becomes more advanced, many functions can be used with a single MFP, which is convenient, but the operation method is often complicated. In other words, since there is a limit on the size of the operation panel provided in the MFP, characters or diagrams representing all usable functions and setting items, etc. can be displayed at a time so that the user can visually recognize them. Because it becomes difficult.

  In such a case, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) (hereinafter referred to as “interface”) configured to switch and display a plurality of setting screens, and characters or the like that do not fit on the display screen can be displayed vertically or horizontally. The operability is improved by using a so-called scrolling interface or the like that displays by sliding.

  In addition, with advanced functions, it becomes possible to perform fine prints such as including a plurality of originals in one copy or binding the copied ones when copying, but the setting method becomes complicated. I often go. For example, a case where a certain item and another item cannot be set at the same time, or a case where a setting value of another item is automatically changed in conjunction with a setting value of a certain item may occur.

  In this case, although the items set by the user are recognized, the items set automatically are often not noticed.

  Therefore, when a specific item is set in an interface configured to switch and display a plurality of setting screens, the display mode of other items in a prohibited relationship (a relationship that cannot be set simultaneously) with this specific item is displayed. A technique for changing and displaying has been proposed (see Patent Document 1, etc.). In this technique, when an item having a prohibition relation is set, a screen showing the item having the prohibition relation that causes the prohibition relation is displayed.

JP 2009-175554 A

  However, with this technology, a screen is displayed to show the item that caused the prohibition, but for users who know that this is a prohibition relationship and set it intentionally, display the item that caused the prohibition. May be unnecessary.

  Further, in many cases, a user who is familiar with the MFP only needs to be notified of the existence of items that are forbidden and related items.

  Furthermore, when the user automatically sets another item, the MFP automatically cancels the setting of another item, or automatically changes the value of the item to an appropriate value. It is desirable that the user can easily confirm whether or not it has been changed.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus having a user interface function that suggests the existence of a related item when a certain item is set in an interface for scroll display, and can easily display the item. The purpose is to provide.

An image processing apparatus that achieves the above-described object is an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions, and includes a scroll track in which markers corresponding to each of the functions are continuously arranged, and moves along the scroll track. A scroll display means for displaying a slide gauge for sequentially designating a partial area of the scroll track, and corresponding to the marker included in the area of the scroll track designated by the slide gauge according to the movement of the slide gauge a first image display means for displaying a first image showing a function of a setting unit for accepting the contents of the setting items related to function indicated by the selected first image by the user, the thus selected to the user 1 Related functions that extract other setting functions related to the setting items related to the function indicated by the image Means out, among the first image indicating other functions the related function extracting means has extracted, to determine the first image that is not displayed by said first image display means, indicated by the first image that is the determination Second image display means for displaying a second image showing the same function as the function in the vicinity of the slide gauge.

  When an item is set, the image processing apparatus having the above configuration can suggest the existence of a related item and easily display the item.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an entire MFP. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and display of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a function badge, a function badge area, a scroll track, and a slide gauge. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a sub badge. It is a figure which shows the example which a sub badge moves with a slide gauge. It is a figure which shows the example which touches a sub badge. It is a figure which shows the example which changes and displays the display form of a sub badge. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and content of a related badge management table. It is a flowchart which shows the process which displays a sub badge according to user operation. It is a flowchart which shows the process which displays a scroll screen. It is a flowchart which shows an item content reception process. It is a flowchart which shows a sub badge area data generation process. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure and content of the related badge management table of a modification.

<Embodiment>
The user interface function provided in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. In the embodiment, a user interface function provided in MFP 1000 that is one form of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition to an MFP (multifunction machine), a device having a single function such as a scanner, a fax, and a print may be used.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall schematic diagram of the MFP 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  The MFP 1000 includes an operation panel 20f, and realizes a user interface function using the operation panel 20f. The MFP 1000 controls the following units and the like according to items set via the operation panel 20f, and performs printing or the like desired by the user.

  The MFP 1000 includes an image forming unit for forming a black (K) image. In the image forming unit, the image carrier 1 called a photosensitive member and the surface of the image carrier 1 are charged to a uniform potential. An image exposure device 3 for irradiating light onto the surface of the charged image carrier 1 to form a predetermined electrostatic latent image, and a region where the electrostatic latent image is formed. A developing device 4 is provided for electrostatically adsorbing and developing toner that is a powdery color material. An image forming unit that forms an image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) has the same configuration as an image forming unit that forms an image of black (K).

  The MFP 1000 further includes a primary transfer device 6 for transferring (primary transfer) the toner developed on the surface of each image carrier 1 onto a transfer belt 5 as an intermediate transfer member, and the primary transfer device 6. The secondary transfer device 7 for transferring the toner on the transfer belt 5 onto a recording medium 11 such as recording paper or a resin film (secondary transfer), and the toner transferred on the recording medium 11 are fixed. The fixing device 8 is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 1000.

  The MFP 1000 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20a, a random access memory (RAM) 20b, a read only memory (ROM) 20c, a hard disk 20d, a control circuit 20e, an operation panel 20f, a communication interface (I / F) 20g, and a printing apparatus. 20h and a scanner 20i.

  The control circuit 20e is a circuit for controlling devices such as the hard disk 20d, the operation panel 20f, the communication interface 20g, the printing device 20h, and the scanner 20i.

  The operation panel 20f includes a touch panel panel, and displays a screen for a message to the user, a screen for inputting an instruction for processing desired by the user, and the like. Further, the user can make a desired setting for the MFP 1000 by touching a predetermined position on the touch panel panel.

  Next, the communication interface 20g communicates with other devices such as an authentication server and a user terminal (not shown) via a communication line according to a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). Network Interface Card) or modem.

  The printing device 20h is a device that prints based on image data stored in a memory (RAM 20b, hard disk 20d, etc.) or image data transmitted from a user terminal or the like.

  The scanner 20 i is a so-called image scanner, and is a device that reads a figure, a photograph, or the like from a document such as paper and stores it as image data in a memory in the MFP 1000. The MFP 1000 implements a so-called copy function by reading an image of a document with the scanner 20 i and printing with the printing device 20 h based on the read image.

<Operation panel and scroll screen>
Next, the configuration and display example of the operation panel 20f will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a description will be given using a screen displayed when a “copy” key 22c (see FIG. 3) included in the operation key unit 22 described later is pressed.

  The operation panel 20 f includes a touch panel unit 21 and an operation key unit 22.

  The touch panel unit 21 is a touch panel panel, and displays a screen for notifying the user of the state of the MFP 1000, a screen for giving an instruction to the MFP 1000 when the user touches with a finger, and the like.

  A plurality of function badges 30 are displayed on the touch panel unit 21, and eight in FIG. 3.

  The function badge 30 is an image indicating a function included in the MFP 1000, and one function badge 30 corresponds to one of the functions included in the MFP 1000. The function badge 30 includes a function type 301 indicating the corresponding function, an illustration 302 indicating the function, and an image indicating the item content 303 currently set. By touching the function badge 30, the item content (operation condition) is set. As a method for setting the item content, there is a method in which “ON” and “OFF” are switched and set by touching the function badge 30. So-called toggle key. As another method, there is a method of displaying an item setting screen and setting items on the displayed screen.

  For example, when the function badge 30 is “book original”, the setting items “division”, “opening direction”, and the like are set as operation conditions. Hereinafter, these setting items may be simply referred to as “function badge 30 items”.

  An area of the touch panel unit 21 displaying the plurality of function badges 30 is referred to as a function badge area 23. In the function badge area 23, a part of all the function badges 30 provided in the MFP 1000, eight such as “book document” and “continuous reading” are displayed in FIG.

  A scroll track 24 and a slide gauge 25 are displayed below the function badge area 23.

  FIG. 4 shows the relationship among all the function badges 30, the function badge area 23, the scroll track 24, and the slide gauge 25.

  In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the MFP 1000 includes 26 function badges 30 from the function badge 30A to the function badge 30Z.

  In the function badge area 23, eight consecutive function badges 30 among the function badges 30A to 30Z are displayed. Which function badge 30 is displayed is designated by the slide gauge 25.

  The scroll track 24 represents the function badges 30 </ b> A to 30 </ b> Z in its entire length, and one square area (hereinafter referred to as “marker”) described on the scroll track 24 corresponds to one function badge 30.

  The slide gauge 25 moves along the scroll track 24 and designates eight markers on the scroll track 24 by surrounding them with a rectangle. That is, the function badges 30 corresponding to the eight markers designated by the slide gauge 25 are displayed in the function badge area 23.

  Accordingly, when the slide gauge 25 is touched (pressed) and moved along the scroll track 24 (hereinafter also referred to as “drag”), the function badges 30 corresponding to the markers designated by the slide gauge 25 are sequentially displayed. Is done. That is, it is scrolled and displayed. Hereinafter, the screen displayed on the touch panel unit 21 in FIG. 3 is referred to as a “scroll screen”.

  A “close” button 26 in FIG. 3 is a button for instructing to close the scroll screen.

  The “<” button 27 is a button for instructing to move the slide gauge 25 to the left in units of functional groups. The function group refers to a group in which the function badge 30 is divided according to the function type. In FIG. 3, nine function groups from the document 24a, image quality / density 24b to other 24i are described. Each function group is indicated by surrounding a marker corresponding to the function badge 30 constituting each function group with a rectangle.

  The “>” button 28 is a button for instructing to move the slide gauge 25 to the right in units of functional groups.

  The operation key unit 22 is a hard key for instructing basic functions of the MFP 1000 such as copying and FAX, for example, a “reset” key 22 a for instructing resetting the item contents of the function badge 30, and scrolling to the touch panel unit 21. A “scroll” key 22b for instructing to display a screen, a “copy” key 22c for specifying use of a copy function, a so-called numeric keypad, and the like are provided. The operation key unit 22 has only a function of receiving an instruction from the user.

  Note that the hard keys included in the operation key unit 22 may be displayed on the touch panel unit 21.

<Function>
Before describing the functional configuration of the MFP 1000 (FIG. 5), user interface functions provided in the MFP 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scroll screen when the function badge 30B is touched by the user.

  FIG. 6A shows the touch panel unit 21 on which the item setting screen 1210B of the function badge 30B is displayed. The user makes a desired setting for the function indicated by the function badge 30B on the item setting screen 1210B.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the touch panel unit 21 after the items of the function badge 30B are set. In other words, in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the touch panel unit 21 after the user makes a desired setting on the item setting screen 1210B and touches the “OK” key.

  In FIG. 6B, a sub badge area 1410 is displayed below the slide gauge 25. In the sub badge area 1410, a sub badge 40M and a sub badge 40Y are displayed. The sub badge 40M and the sub badge 40Y are badges having functions similar to the function badge 30M and the function badge 30Y, respectively. That is, by touching the sub badge 40, the user can set the assigned function item in the same manner as the function badge 30. Therefore, the image of the sub badge 40 may be an image that allows the user to know what the corresponding function badge 30 is. The sub badge area 1410 and the sub badge 40 will be described later.

  In the user interface function provided in the MFP 1000, when an item of a certain function is set, a sub badge 40 of a function related to the item (hereinafter referred to as “related function”) is displayed in the vicinity of the slide gauge 25. “Related functions” will be described in the section <About related functions>.

  Displaying the sub badge 40 has the following three advantages.

  One can notify the user of the presence of related functions and make them aware. For example, when another item is automatically changed when the user sets an item, the user may not be aware that the setting of the other item has been changed.

  Second, by displaying the sub badge 40 having the same function as the function badge 30 that is not displayed in the function badge area 23, the slide gauge 25 is not slid to display the function badge 30 of the related function. There is an advantage that the items of the related functions can be easily changed and the setting contents can be confirmed. In particular, it is effective when the function badge 30 of the related function is separated like the function badge 30B and the function badge 30Y.

  Third, the sub-badge 40 having the same function as the function badge 30 is displayed in the vicinity of the slide gauge 25, so that the items set by the user can be performed while the slide gauge 25 is being slid to perform other operations. There is an advantage that the setting contents of the related functions can be easily confirmed and the items can be easily set. The user drags the slide gauge 25 to an arbitrary position by sliding the finger while keeping the finger touching the slide gauge 25. Therefore, when the user tries to confirm or change the setting contents of the related function, the sub badge 40 is displayed near the slide gauge 25, so that the sub badge is not moved without largely moving the finger touching the slide gauge 25. It is possible to easily confirm or change the setting contents by touching 40.

  In FIG. 6, in addition to displaying the sub badge 40, the display of the marker 24M and the marker 24Y corresponding to the function badge 30M and the function badge 30Y on the scroll track 24 is changed to notify the user of the related function (FIG. 6). 6 is described as a black square.)

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sub badge area 1410 moves following the moving slide gauge 25. When the user touches the slide gauge 25 with a finger and drags the position of the slide gauge 25 in FIG. 7A to the position of the slide gauge 25 in FIG. Move with.

  At this time, the function badge 30B is changed in display form to indicate that it is related to the sub badge 40M and the sub badge 40Y (in FIG. 7, “B” and the like are enclosed in a rectangle).

  Further, in the sub badge 40 displayed in the sub badge area 1410, when the position of the slide gauge 25 is at the position shown in FIG. 7B, the sub badge 40M of the function badge 30M displayed in the function badge area 23 is erased. The sub badge 40B of the function badge 30B of the related function that is no longer displayed in the function badge area 23 is displayed.

  Therefore, when the user wants to see the item of the function badge 30M, which is the related function of the function badge 30B of the item set by the user, as shown in FIG. The related function item setting screen 1210 can be displayed.

  Therefore, the operability is higher in each step than moving the slide gauge 25 and touching the target functional badge 30M.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram when the item setting screen 1210M is displayed by touching the sub-badge 40M in the state shown in FIG. 8A. In this case, since function badge 30M corresponding to sub badge 40M is displayed, sub badge 40B is displayed instead of sub badge 40M in sub badge area 1410.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the sub badge area 1420 when there are a plurality of combinations of related functions. Even if there is only one combination, it may be displayed as in the display example of FIG.

  Here, a display example when there are two combinations of related functions is shown.

  The first is a set of a function badge 30B, a function badge 30M, and a function badge 30Y, and the second is a set of a function badge 30D and a function badge 30Z.

  In this case, it is displayed so that the user can easily determine which function badges 30 belong to the same set.

  In FIG. 9A, since the function badge 30 of the related function is not displayed in the function badge area 23, all the sub-badges 40 of the combination are displayed, and the display form is changed for each combination, so that the user can display the related function. The set can be discriminated. For example, the sub badges 40B and the like are surrounded by a rectangle, and the sub badges 40D and the like are surrounded by a circle to change the display form.

  In FIG. 9B, an index is attached so that the combination of the function badges 30 can be determined.

  For example, since the function badge 30B and the function badge 30D are displayed on the touch panel unit 21 in FIG. 9B, the sub badge 40B and the sub badge 40D are not displayed. In this case, it is not clear which function badge 30 is associated with the sub badge 40M and the sub badge 40Y. Therefore, the index 41B is displayed to clarify the relationship. Here, for example, “B” indicating the function badge 30B is described, but an item name or setting content that is actually set may be described. The same applies to the index 41D.

  Further, for example, the index 41B may be displayed to indicate the setting item that causes the sub badge 40M and the sub badge 40Y to be displayed. In this case, the index 41B may be always displayed, and the sub badge 40 of the function badge 30 that is not displayed in the function badge 30M or the function badge 30Y may be displayed.

  Hereinafter, a user interface function provided in the MFP 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP 1000.

  In FIG. 5, functional units related to the user interface functions provided in the MFP 1000 are mainly described. The MFP 1000 has other functions similar to those of a general multifunction peripheral, but the description thereof is omitted.

  The MFP 1000 includes an operation panel 20f, an overall control unit 1100, a scroll screen control unit 1200, an automatic setting processing unit 1250, a related badge determination unit 1300, a sub badge generation unit 1400, a scanner processing unit 1500, a print processing unit 1600, and a related badge management table storage. A unit 1700, an item setting content storage unit 1800, and an item initial value storage unit 1900.

  All or some of the functions of the respective units of the MFP 1000 described below are realized by the CPU 20a executing a program stored in a memory such as the hard disk 20d of the MFP 1000.

  The overall control unit 1100 controls the overall operation of the MFP 1000. The overall control unit 1100 detects a user operation on the operation panel 20f and performs control corresponding to the operation. For example, when the “reset” key 22a (see FIG. 3) is pressed, a reset instruction is issued to a functional unit that needs to be reset. Further, when the “scroll” key 22b (see FIG. 3) is pressed, the scroll screen control unit 1200 performs control such as displaying a scroll screen.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 displays a scroll screen on the touch panel unit 21 of the operation panel 20f in accordance with an instruction from the overall control unit 1100. For example, when the “scroll” key 22b is pressed without being changed by the user when the power is turned on, the scroll screen control unit 1200 displays the initial value stored in the item initial value storage unit 1900. The scroll screen corresponding to the initial value is displayed.

  After displaying the scroll screen, the scroll screen control unit 1200 has a function of displaying a screen according to a user instruction. For example, the slide gauge 25 is displayed while being slid according to the user's instruction, and the function badge 30 corresponding to the function badge area 23 is displayed according to the position of the slide gauge 25. When the sub badge area 1410 is displayed, it is slid with the slide gauge 25. The sub badge 40 displayed in the sub badge area 1410 is also slid together with the sub badge area 1410.

  In addition, when there is a “reset” instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the scroll screen control unit 1200 returns the item contents of all the function badges 30 to the initial values stored in the item initial value storage unit 1900. In this case, the displayed sub badge area 1410 is deleted. It is assumed that the item content 303 (see FIG. 3) displayed on the function badge 30 also reflects the content of the initial value.

  The automatic setting processing unit 1250 has a function of receiving item content from the scroll screen control unit 1200 and storing the received item content in the item setting content storage unit 1800. The automatic setting processing unit 1250 further determines an item that needs to be changed according to the received item content, changes the content of the item that is determined to be changed to an appropriate content, and stores the item setting content. It also has a function to be stored in the unit 1800. This is so-called automatic setting.

  The item contents changed by the automatic setting are transferred to the scroll screen control unit 1200 as necessary, and the item contents 303 displayed on the function badge 30 are changed.

  The related badge determination unit 1300 functions based on an instruction from the scroll screen control unit 1200 and has a function of determining whether or not there is another function badge 30 related to a certain function badge 30. If there is a related function badge 30, information indicating the function badge 30 is returned to the scroll screen control unit 1200.

  The sub badge generation unit 1400 has a function of generating data (image data) of the sub badge area 1410 based on an instruction from the scroll screen control unit 1200. That is, data of a format that can be displayed by the scroll screen control unit 1200 and data of the sub badge area 1410 in consideration of the number of the sub badges 40 to be displayed and the like are generated.

  The sub badge generation unit 1400 has the following two functions.

  The first function is to generate data of the sub badge area 1410 to be newly displayed.

  The second function is to generate data in which the sub badge 40 displayed in the already displayed sub badge area 1410 is changed. This function is used to display a sub badge area 1410 in which the displayed sub badge 40 changes as the slide gauge 25 moves.

  The sub badge generation unit 1400 stores a combination of related functions to be displayed, and the sub badge 40 to be displayed based on the information of the function badge 30 displayed in the function badge area 23 delivered from the scroll screen control unit 1200. Judging. For example, when a combination of related functions of the function badge 30B, the function badge 30M, and the function badge 30Y is stored and the function badge 30M is passed from the scroll screen control unit 1200, the function badge 30B and the function badge For example, data of the sub badge area 1410 displaying the 30Y sub badge 40 is generated.

  In response to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the scanner processing unit 1500 reads a figure from a document such as paper, generates image data, and stores the image data in a memory.

  In response to an instruction from the overall control unit 1100, the print processing unit 1600 has a function of printing an image on a sheet based on the image data stored in the memory and discharging the image.

  The related badge management table storage unit 1700 has a function of storing information indicating which function badge 30 is associated with which function badge 30. As information indicating the relationship, part or all of the information indicating the relationship between the item automatically set by the automatic setting processing unit 1250 and the content of the item causing the automatic setting is also stored.

  The item setting content storage unit 1800 has a function of storing the item content set by the user by touching the function badge 30. The item setting content storage unit 1800 also stores the item content automatically set by the automatic setting processing unit 1250. The item content is referred to by the print processing unit 1600 when the print processing unit 1600 performs the print processing, for example.

  The item initial value storage unit 1900 has a function of storing the initial value of the item content of the function badge 30. The initial value is a setting content of the function badge 30 when the MFP 1000 is activated when the power is turned on. When the user makes a new setting as an initial value, the new setting content is the initial value. Value. For example, if the function badge 30 is “automatic rotation”, the item content “not rotating” is set as an initial value.

<Data>
Hereinafter, data used when the MFP 1000 realizes the user interface function will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and contents of the related badge management table 1710.

  It is assumed that the related badge management table 1710 is stored in advance in the related badge management table storage unit 1700.

  The related badge management table 1710 has a set number 1711 and setting items 1712 to 1714. Each of the setting items 1712 to 1714 includes “item content” that is the content of the set item, and “badge identifier” that indicates the function badge 30 for setting the item. In the following, an item that can be set by touching a certain function badge 30 may be an item belonging to a certain function badge 30.

  In the related badge management table 1710, items related to each other and the function badges 30 to which the items belong are registered as one set, that is, as one record of the above configuration.

  The set number 1711 is a record number registered in the related badge management table 1710 and indicates a number for identifying a set of function badges 30 related to each other.

  “Setting contents” configuring the setting items 1712 to 1714 indicate the contents of the items to be set.

  The “badge identifier” constituting the setting items 1712 to 1714 indicates an identifier for specifying the function badge 30 to which the item for setting the content indicated by “setting content” belongs. In FIG. 10, for convenience of explanation, the function name of the function badge 30 is described as an identifier.

  Further, “−” in the setting items 1712 to 1714 indicates that there are no related items and the function badge 30. For example, a group whose group number 1711 is indicated by “3” is “book document” set as the “badge identifier” in the setting item 1712 and “cover sheet” set as the “badge identifier” in the setting item 1713. Two of the function badges 30 indicated by each of these are mutually related functions.

<Related functions>
In the embodiment, the “related function” refers to the following three.

  The first relationship refers to a function having items that are mutually prohibited.

  An item having a prohibition relationship refers to an item that is prohibited from being set at the same time.

  For example, if the “split” setting of the item of the function badge 30 “book manuscript” and the “use” of the item of the function badge 30 “mirror image” are forbidden, the item of the function badge 30 “book manuscript” When “divide” is set, the function badge 30 “mirror image” becomes the function badge 30 of the related function.

  The second relationship refers to a function having items that are automatically set.

  An item having a relationship of being automatically set refers to an item that is automatically set according to the set item content when an item is set.

  For example, when the item content “division” of a certain function badge 30 “book original” is set, the item content “centering” of another function badge 30 “image shift” is automatically set to “OFF”. When the item content “division” of the function badge 30 “book manuscript” is set, the function badge 30 “image shift” becomes the sub badge 40 of the related function.

  The third relationship refers to a function having items that are frequently set simultaneously.

  These are items that are expected to be set next when a certain item is set, items determined to be set next from an operation history, and the like.

  For example, if the function badge 30 “continuous reading” item “page aggregation” and the function badge 30 “original setting” item “double-sided” are often set consecutively, the function badge 30 “continuous reading” ”Item“ page aggregation ”is set, the function badge 30“ original setting ”becomes the sub badge 40 of the related function.

  In FIG. 10, the maximum number of mutually related items is three. However, the number is not limited to this.

<Operation>
Hereinafter, an operation when the MFP 1000 according to the embodiment realizes the user interface function will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of displaying the sub badge area 1410 in response to a user operation on the scroll screen displayed on the operation panel 20f.

  A “copy” key arranged in the operation key part 22 (see FIG. 3) of the operation panel 20 f is pressed, and then a “scroll” key 22 b for displaying a scroll screen on the touch panel part 21 is pressed.

  The overall control unit 1100 that has detected that the “scroll” key 22b has been pressed and a scroll screen display instruction has been issued (step S100: Yes) instructs the scroll screen control unit 1200 to display a copy scroll screen. .

  Upon detecting that a key other than the “scroll” key 22b has been pressed (step S100: No), the overall control unit 1100 performs processing according to the pressed key and waits for the next operation of the user.

  Upon receiving the instruction to display the scroll screen, the scroll screen control unit 1200 reads the initial values stored in the item initial value storage unit 1900, and scrolls for copying in which all the setting items are set to the read initial values. The screen is displayed on the operation panel 20f (see step S102, touch panel unit 21 in FIG. 3). Details of the processing in step S102 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 sequentially acquires the coordinates on the touch panel unit 21 touched by the user from the operation panel 20f, and moves the slide gauge 25 and scrolls the function badge 30 according to the acquired coordinates. Do.

  Steps S104 to S114 described below show instructions by user operations detected by the overall control unit 1100 or the scroll screen control unit 1200 from the operation panel 20f. Either the overall control unit 1100 or the scroll screen control unit 1200 detects an instruction, and executes a process according to the instruction. Therefore, hereinafter, “No” in Steps S104 to S114 indicates that it does not correspond to the user's instruction.

<Step S104>
In step S104, when the scroll screen control unit 1200 detects that the “close” button 26 is touched from the acquired coordinates of the touch panel unit 21 (step S104: Yes), the scroll screen control unit 1200 displays the copy displayed on the touch panel unit 21. The scroll screen is erased (step S116).

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 that has deleted the scroll screen notifies the overall control unit 1100 to that effect, and the overall control unit 1100 that receives the notification waits for the user's next operation.

<Step S106>
In step S <b> 106, when the overall control unit 1100 detects that the “start” key of the operation key unit 22 is pressed (step S <b> 106: Yes), the scanner processing unit 1500 and the print processing unit 1600 perform copy processing. Instruct them to do so.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the scanner processing unit 1500 reads characters from a document such as paper, generates image data, and passes the data to the print processing unit 1600 via the memory. The print processing unit 1600 that has received the image data prints on a sheet based on the received image data, and discharges the sheet (step S118).

  The overall control unit 1100 that has instructed the scanner processing unit 1500 and the print processing unit 1600 to perform copying processing waits for the next instruction from the user.

<Step S108, Step S110>
In step S108 or step S110, the scroll screen control unit 1200 detects that the function badge 30 displayed in the function badge area 23 or the sub badge 40 displayed in the sub badge area 1410 is touched (step S108). S108: Yes, Step S110: Yes), the item setting screen 1210 of the touched function badge 30 or the sub badge 40 is displayed, and the item content is set according to the user operation (Step S120, item setting of FIG. 6). Screen 1210B). Details of the processing in step S120 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 passes the set item content to the related badge determination unit 1300, inquires whether there is a function badge 30 of the related function corresponding to the set item content, and the function badge 30 of the related function If there is, it is handed over to the sub badge generation unit 1400 to request generation of an image of the sub badge area 1410.

  Upon receiving the request, the sub badge generation unit 1400 generates image data of the sub badge 40 of the related function, generates image data of the sub badge area 1410 (see FIG. 6) having the generated image of the sub badge 40, and the scroll screen control unit Pass to 1200.

  Receiving the image data, the scroll screen controller 1200 stores the received image data of the sub badge area 1410 in the internal work memory (step S122). Details of the processing in step S122 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 also creates data in which the display form of the marker of the scroll track 24 corresponding to the function badge 30 of the related function is changed (step S124). For example, changing the color.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 displays a scroll screen on which the sub badge area 1410 and the marker whose display form has been changed are displayed (step S102).

<Step S112>
In step S112, when the scroll screen control unit 1200 detects that the user has instructed to move (drag) the slide gauge 25 (step S112: Yes), the scroll screen control unit 1200 moves the slide gauge 25 in accordance with the user instruction (step S126). ).

  When the sub-badge area 1410 is displayed, the scroll screen control unit 1200 passes the identifier of the function badge 30 displayed in the function badge area 23 to the sub-badge generation unit 1400 to receive the image data of the sub-badge area 1410. Instruct to generate.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the sub-badge generation unit 1400 has the function badge 30 (the function badge displayed in the function badge area 23) indicated by the passed identifier among the combinations of the function badges 30 of the related functions stored in the work memory. Image data of the sub badge area 1410 in which the sub badge 40 of the function badge 30 other than 30) is displayed is generated and transferred to the scroll screen control unit 1200.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 to which the data of the sub badge area 1410 has been passed deletes the data of the sub badge area 1410 stored in the work memory and stores the data of the passed sub badge area 1410 (step S127). .

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 displays a scroll screen on which the function badge 30 corresponding to the marker designated by the moved slide gauge 25, sub badge area 1410, and slide gauge 25 is displayed (step S102).

<Step S114>
In step S114, when it is detected that the “reset” key 22a has been pressed (step S114: Yes), the overall control unit 1100 issues a reset instruction to the scroll screen control unit 1200.

  Receiving the reset instruction, the scroll screen control unit 1200 reads the initial values stored in the item initial value storage unit 1900, and sets all setting items of the function badge 30 to the read initial values (step S128). .

  Further, the scroll screen control unit 1200 deletes the data of the sub badge area 1410 stored in the work memory, and instructs the sub badge generation unit 1400 to delete the sub badge area 1410 (step S129). Receiving the instruction, the sub badge generation unit 1400 erases the data related to the generated sub badge area 1410 from the memory.

  Further, the scroll screen control unit 1200 returns all the markers of the scroll track 24 to the display form at the time of initialization (step S130).

  The scroll screen controller 1200 displays the function badge 30 and the marker set with the initial values and displays another scroll screen (step S102).

<Scroll screen display processing>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a scroll screen display process which is the process of step S102 in FIG.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 displays the function badge 30 corresponding to the marker of the scroll track 24 designated by the slide gauge 25 in the function badge area 23 (step S500).

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 that has displayed the function badge area 23 displays the data of the sub badge area 1410 at a predetermined position near the slide gauge 25 when the data of the sub badge area 1410 is stored in the work memory (step S504).

  Further, other necessary display processing, for example, processing such as displaying a marker is performed (step S506).

<Item content acceptance process>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the item content receiving process which is the process of step S120 in FIG.

  When the sub badge 40 is touched (step S200: Yes), the scroll screen control unit 1200 displays the function badge 30 corresponding to the touched sub badge 40 at a predetermined position in the function badge area 23, for example, at the left end. The slide gauge 25 is moved (step S211). That is, the slide gauge 25 is slid so that the marker corresponding to the corresponding function badge 30 comes to the left end of the slide gauge 25.

  When the function badge 30 is touched (step S200: No), the scroll screen control unit 1200 does not move the slide gauge 25. This is because the touched function badge 30 is displayed.

  Next, the scroll screen control unit 1200 determines whether the touched function badge 30 or sub badge 40 is a toggle key.

  When it is a toggle key (step S201: Yes), the setting of the item content of the function badge 30 corresponding to the touched function badge 30 or the touched sub badge 40 is reversed (step S212), and the reversed item content is changed. The automatic setting processing unit 1250 is instructed to be stored in the item setting content storage unit 1800 (step S214).

  If the touched function badge 30 or sub badge 40 is not a toggle key (step S201: No), an item setting screen 1210 is displayed (see step S202, FIG. 6 and the like). Here, the user selects the content of the item displayed on the item setting screen 1210 (step S204), and touches the “OK” button (step S206: OK button), that is, sets the item content.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 that has detected that the “OK” button has been touched and the item content has been set causes the item content storage unit 1800 to store the set item content (step S208). Note that the automatic setting processing unit 1250 changes and stores other item contents as necessary.

  On the other hand, when the user touches the “stop” button (step S206: stop button), the scroll screen control unit 1200 does not store the item content in the item content storage unit 1800.

  The scroll screen control unit 1200 having the item content stored in the item content storage unit 1800 closes the displayed item setting screen 1210 (step S210).

<Sub badge area data generation processing>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the sub badge area data generation process which is the process of step S122 in FIG.

  In the scroll screen control unit 1200 that has closed the item setting screen 1210, the set item content stored in the item setting content storage unit 1800 is different from the initial value of the item stored in the item initial value storage unit 1900. Judgment is made.

  If there is no item with different setting contents (step S400: No), it is determined that there is no item related to the set item contents, and the process is terminated.

  If there are items with different setting contents, the following processing is performed for all the different items (step S408: No).

  First, for items with different settings, the related badge determination unit 1300 is inquired as to whether there is a function badge 30 of a related function.

  Specifically, one of the item contents determined to be different from the initial value is passed to the related badge determination unit 1300 to inquire whether there is a function badge 30 of the related function for the set item content.

  The related badge determination unit 1300 that has received the inquiry determines whether or not there is a function badge 30 having an item related to the received item content (step S402). This determination is made with reference to the related badge management table 1710 stored in the related badge management table storage unit 1700.

  Specifically, the records in which the received item contents are set as “setting contents” of the setting items 1712 to 1714 are searched in order from the record of the set number 1711 “1”.

  If the corresponding record is registered, it is determined that there is a function badge 30 for the related function. If the corresponding record is not registered, it is determined that there is no function badge 30 for the related function.

  When it is determined that there is the function badge 30 of the related function (step S402: Yes), the related badge determination unit 1300 notifies the scroll screen control unit 1200 to that effect. Further, the record found by the search is passed to the scroll screen control unit 1200.

  Upon receiving the notification that there is a related function, the scroll screen control unit 1200 displays whether all of the function badges 30 indicated by the identifier set as the “badge identifier” in the passed record are displayed in the function badge area 23. Is determined (step S404).

  When it is determined that there is a function badge 30 that is not displayed (step S404: No), the scroll screen control unit 1200 displays the passed record and the identifier of the function badge 30 currently displayed in the function badge area 23 as a sub-badge. It passes to the generation unit 1400 and instructs to generate an image of the sub badge area 1410.

  Upon receiving the instruction, the sub-badge generation unit 1400 has an identifier other than the identifier of the function badge 30 being displayed among the identifiers set as the “badge identifier” of the passed record, that is, the function of the related function that is not displayed. An image of the sub-badge 40 of the function badge 30 indicated by the identifier of the badge 30 is generated. Then, an image of the sub badge area 1410 (see FIG. 6) having the generated image of the sub badge 40 is generated.

  At this time, if the sub-badge generation unit 1400 has already generated and stored the data of the sub-badge area 1410, the stored “function number” of the related function and the “record number” of the passed record are stored. When the number is the same as the number set as “,” an image of the sub badge area 1410 having an image of the newly generated sub badge 40 is generated instead of the existing sub badge 40 (see FIG. 8).

  In addition, when the “set number” of the stored combination of related functions is different from the number set as the “set number” of the transferred record, the sub badge 40 whose display form is changed from the existing sub badge 40 is displayed. Are generated, and an image of the sub badge area 1410 having these is generated (see FIG. 9).

  The sub-badge generation unit 1400 stores the set number of the sub-badge 40 displayed in the sub-badge area 1410 and the identifiers of all the function badges 30 constituting this set.

  The sub badge generation unit 1400 that generated the image of the sub badge area 1410 passes the generated image of the sub badge area 1410 to the scroll screen control unit 1200.

  Upon receiving the image, the scroll screen control unit 1200 stores the received sub badge area 1410 image in the internal work memory.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the function badge 30 of the related function is displayed in the function badge area 23 (step S404: Yes), the scroll screen control unit 1200 has the function badge 30 of the related function for the next setting item. The related badge determination unit 1300 is inquired of whether or not (steps S408 and S402).

  Further, it is determined that there is no function badge 30 for the related function (step S402: No), the related badge determination unit 1300 notifies the scroll screen control unit 1200 to that effect.

Receiving the notification that there is no related function, the scroll screen control unit 1200 inquires of the related badge determination unit 1300 whether there is a function badge 30 of the related function for the next setting item (step S408: No, step S402). . When all items whose setting contents are different from the initial values have been processed (step S408: Yes), the sub badge area data generation process is terminated.
<Supplement>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention may be as follows not only the said form.
(1) In the embodiment, the related function badge 30 is a function badge 30 that can set items that are mutually prohibited, or a function badge 30 that sets items that are frequently set at the same time. However, the function badge 30 having another relationship may be used as the related function badge 30.

  For example, the related function badge 30 may be selected only from the set item regardless of the setting content set to the item. In this case, the related badge management table 1720 (see FIG. 15) in which the identifiers of the function badges 30 are associated with each other is stored in the related badge management table storage unit 1700.

  In the embodiment, when an item is set, the sub badge area 1410 is displayed. However, even if a value or the like is not set for the item, the sub badge area 1410 may be displayed.

For example, the item setting screen 1210 is displayed only for confirming the setting contents, and even when the “Cancel” button is touched and closed, the sub badge 40 of the related function is displayed. That is, when the process related to the function indicated by the function badge 30 is executed, the related function sub-badge 40 is displayed.
(2) In the embodiment, when the “reset” key is pressed and an initial value is set for an item, the sub badge area 1410 is deleted. However, the sub badge area 1410 may be deleted in other cases.

  For example, a scroll screen may be displayed, and the initial value may be restored when a certain time, for example, 10 minutes has elapsed since the last item was set.

Further, when a predetermined item of the sub badge 40 is set and the prohibition relationship is lost, the sub badge 40 may be deleted.
(3) In the embodiment, when the sub badge 40 is touched, the slide gauge 25 is moved to display the functional badge 30 corresponding to the touched sub badge 40 in the functional badge area 23 (step of FIG. 13). S211).

  At this time, when the function badge 30 corresponding to the touched sub badge 40 is a toggle key, “ON” and “OFF” are switched as in the case where the corresponding function badge 30 is touched. An item setting screen may be displayed.

  When the sub badge 40 is touched, it is possible for the user to clearly know the setting contents.

  That is, when the function badge 30 corresponding to the sub badge 40 is a toggle key, the item content is reversed only by touching the sub badge 40.

  Therefore, although it is good if the user who is used to it intentionally reverses it, the setting contents may change without the user's knowledge.

  Therefore, when the function badge 30 corresponding to the sub badge 40 is a toggle key, an item setting screen may be displayed.

When the sub badge 40 is a toggle key, the display form of the sub badge 40 may be changed. In this case, the image of the sub badge 40 needs to be such that it can be seen that the setting content is “ON” or “OFF”.
(4) The user interface function of the embodiment may be realized by all or a part of each component in FIG. 5 by a computer program, or may be implemented in any other form.

  In the case of a computer program, a program written in any recording medium such as a memory card or CD-ROM may be read and executed by a computer, or a program may be downloaded and executed via a network. Also good.

20f Operation panel 20h Printing device 20i Scanner 21 Touch panel unit 22 Operation key unit 23 Function badge area 24 Scroll track 25 Slide gauge 30 Function badge 40 Sub badge 1000 MFP
1100 Overall control unit 1200 Scroll screen control unit 1300 Related badge determination unit 1400 Sub badge generation unit 1410 Sub badge area 1500 Scanner processing unit 1600 Print processing unit 1700 Related badge management table storage unit 1710 1720 Related badge management table 1800 Item content storage unit

Claims (17)

An image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
Scroll display means for displaying a scroll track in which markers corresponding to each of the functions are continuously arranged, and a slide gauge that moves along the scroll track and sequentially designates a partial area of the scroll track; ,
First image display means for displaying a first image indicating a function corresponding to the marker included in the area of the scroll track designated by the slide gauge according to the movement of the slide gauge;
Setting means for receiving the contents of the setting items related to the function indicated by the first image selected by the user;
A related function extracting means for extracting other functions related setting items associated with the setting items related to the user to thus selected first image indicating function was,
Among the first images indicating other functions extracted by the related function extracting unit, the first image not displayed by the first image display unit is determined, and the same function as the function indicated by the determined first image the image processing apparatus characterized by comprising a second image display means for displaying the second image in the vicinity of the slide gauge shows a. The said 2nd image display means moves and displays the area | region which displays a 2nd image following the movement of the said slide gauge, when the said slide gauge moves along the said scroll track. Image processing apparatus. The setting unit accepts the content of the same setting items as when the first image having the same function as the function indicated by the second image is selected when the second image is selected by the user. Or the image processing apparatus of 2. When the content of the setting item related to the function indicated by the first image or the second image is received, the content of the setting item related to a predetermined function other than the function indicated by the selected first image or the second image is automatically set. It further comprises an automatic change means for changing,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the related function extracting unit extracts the predetermined function whose setting item content is automatically changed as another related function. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the related function extracting unit extracts a function related to a setting item having a prohibition relation with the content of the setting item received by the setting unit as another related function. . The related function extracting unit extracts, as another related function, a function related to a setting item estimated to be set next when the setting unit receives the contents of the setting item. 2. The image processing apparatus according to 2. 7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display a content of a setting item of a function indicated by the selected first image or the second image when the user selects the first image or the second image. An image processing apparatus according to 1. When the second image is displayed by the second image display means, the scroll display means displays the marker corresponding to the function indicated by the first image corresponding to the second image on the second image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display form different from a display form when not being displayed is displayed. When the user thus that the second image is selected, the scrolling display means, to specify an area including the marker corresponding to the selected function indicated by the first image corresponding to the second image The slide gauge is moved, and the first image display means displays a first image indicating a function corresponding to the marker included in the area of the scroll track specified by the moved slide gauge. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 8. An interface screen display method used in an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
The image processing apparatus includes:
A scroll display step of displaying a scroll track in which markers corresponding to each of the functions are continuously arranged, and a slide gauge that moves along the scroll track and sequentially designates a partial area of the scroll track; ,
A first image display step of displaying a first image indicating a function corresponding to the marker included in the area of the scroll track designated by the slide gauge according to the movement of the slide gauge;
A setting step for receiving the contents of the setting items related to the function indicated by the first image selected by the user;
And related functions extracting other functions related setting items associated with the setting items related to the user to thus selected first image indicating function was,
Of the first images indicating other functions extracted by the related function extraction step, the first image not displayed by the first image display step is determined, and the same function as the function indicated by the determined first image And a second image display step of displaying a second image indicating the vicinity of the slide gauge. 11. In the setting step, when the second image is selected by the user, the content about the same setting item as that when the first image showing the same function as the function indicated by the second image is selected is received. The interface screen display method described. When the second image is displayed by the second image display step, the second image displays the marker corresponding to the function indicated by the first image corresponding to the second image in the scroll display step. The interface screen display method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the display screen is displayed in a display mode different from a display mode when not. When the user thus that the second image is selected, in the scroll display step, to specify an area including the marker corresponding to the selected function indicated by the first image corresponding to the second image The slide gauge is moved, and in the first image display step, a first image indicating a function corresponding to the marker included in the area of the scroll track designated by the moved slide gauge is displayed. The interface screen display method according to any one of 10 to 12. A computer program for displaying an interface screen on an image processing apparatus having a plurality of functions,
A scroll display step of displaying a scroll track in which markers corresponding to each of the functions are continuously arranged, and a slide gauge that moves along the scroll track and sequentially designates a partial area of the scroll track; ,
A first image display step of displaying a first image indicating a function corresponding to the marker included in the area of the scroll track designated by the slide gauge according to the movement of the slide gauge;
A setting step for receiving the contents of the setting items related to the function indicated by the first image selected by the user;
And related functions extracting other functions related setting items associated with the setting items related to the user to thus selected first image indicating function was,
Of the first images indicating other functions extracted by the related function extraction step, the first image not displayed by the first image display step is determined, and the same function as the function indicated by the determined first image computer program for executing a second image displaying step on a computer for controlling the display of the interface screen for displaying the second image in the vicinity of the slide gauge shows a. 15. In the setting step, when the second image is selected by the user, the contents about the same setting items as when the first image having the same function as the function indicated by the second image is selected are received. The computer program described. When the second image is displayed by the second image display step, the second image displays the marker corresponding to the function indicated by the first image corresponding to the second image in the scroll display step. The computer program according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the computer program is displayed in a display form different from the display form in the case where it is not performed. When the user thus that the second image is selected, in the scroll display step, to specify an area including the marker corresponding to the selected function indicated by the first image corresponding to the second image The slide gauge is moved, and in the first image display step, a first image indicating a function corresponding to the marker included in the area of the scroll track designated by the moved slide gauge is displayed. The computer program according to any one of 14 to 16.

Images