JP2001350552A - Method and device for menu operation and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for menu operation and an image processor which improve the operability of the setting of parameters by the selection of choices on a low-order operation picture. SOLUTION: A choice information management part 15 manages pieces of selectable/unselectable and selected unselected information on choices in a selecting operation menu in a low-order operation picture in picture transition from a high-order operation picture to the low-order operation picture among operation pictures which are generated by an operation picture display control part, 13 and displayed on a display device 11. According to those pieces of information and specific conditions, the permission or inhibition of the picture transition to the low-order operation picture is set or switched. Consequently, the operability of the setting of parameters by the selection of the choices in the low-order operation picture is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a menu operation method, a menu operation device, and an image processing device in a user interface for setting parameters.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a user interface for allowing an operator to set parameters, an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine is used to set operation parameters such as a type of copy processing and a paper size, a ticket vending machine for transportation, and others. There is a menu operation system used for various information terminals and the like. Such a menu operation system, for example,
It comprises a display device such as a liquid crystal display and input devices such as a touch panel and operation buttons.

For example, in a menu operation device applied to a copier as an operation panel or an operation terminal, an operation screen including an operation menu for allowing an operator to set parameters is created and displayed on a display. Then, the operator sequentially sets necessary operation parameters such as a paper size while referring to display contents on the operation screen. When all necessary parameters are set and the execution of the copying operation is instructed, the copying machine starts the execution of the copying operation based on the set parameters.

[0004]

In the above-described menu operation device, when a plurality of options for setting parameters are large, or when an option selection method is complicated, an operation on a normal operation screen is performed. A configuration that uses a plurality of operation screens without displaying all options in a menu is used. Specifically, the operation screen (upper operation screen) is provided with a screen transition button for screen transition to another operation screen, and when the screen transition button is pressed, a plurality of detailed options are displayed. The screen is shifted to an operation screen (lower-level operation screen) displayed as a submenu, and necessary parameters are set.

When such a menu operation device is applied to a processing device such as an image processing device which needs to set parameters in order to execute a processing operation, each of a plurality of options selected on a lower operation screen is required. Depending on the state of each part of the processing apparatus, a failure, or other causes, the selectable or unselectable state may fluctuate. At this time,
Depending on the status, menu operations for parameter setting are available, such as allowing screen transition to lower operation screens that do not require operation, or prohibiting screen transition to lower operation screens that require operation. However, there is a problem that the operability of the menu operation is deteriorated because it is not possible to sufficiently cope with the change in the state of the menu.

For example, if there is no option that can be selected on the lower operation screen due to the state or failure of each unit of the apparatus, or if necessary parameters can be set without switching to the lower operation screen, the operator must In addition, it is necessary to perform an unnecessary operation of closing the lower-level operation screen to which the screen has been shifted and returning to the higher-level operation screen again.

[0007] In addition, when the screen transition to the lower operation screen is prohibited depending on the state of each option even though there are already selected options, the operator cancels the selection of the selected option. Therefore, it was necessary to reset the settings, such as turning off the power of the processing apparatus itself and restarting the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has a menu operation method, a menu operation device, and an image that improve operability in setting parameters by selecting an option on a lower operation screen. It is an object to provide a processing device.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a menu operation method according to the present invention has a plurality of operation menus, and operates the respective operation menus to set parameters. The method includes: (1) a lower operation screen including a selection operation menu for selecting and setting a parameter from a plurality of options, and a transition operation menu for instructing a screen transition to the lower operation screen. A plurality of operation screens including at least a higher-level operation screen composed of: an operation screen display step of sequentially creating and displaying on the display means; (2) operating respective operation menus according to the displayed operation screen A parameter setting step of setting parameters by allowing the user to select (3) each of a plurality of options in a selection operation menu Or an option information management step of managing information on an impossible state and an already selected or unselected state, and (4) in the operation screen display step, When the selectable or unselectable state and the selected or unselected state of each of the plurality of options satisfy a predetermined condition, the screen transition to the lower operation screen is permitted or prohibited.

The menu operation device has a plurality of operation menus, and operates each of the operation menus.
A menu operation device for setting a parameter,
(A) A lower operation screen configured to include a selection operation menu for selecting and setting parameters from a plurality of options, and a higher order configuration configured to include a transition operation menu for instructing screen transition to a lower operation screen A plurality of operation screens including at least an operation screen, and operation screen display control means for sequentially displaying the operation screens on the display means; and (b) operating the respective operation menus in accordance with the displayed operation screens to set parameters. Parameter setting control means to be set; and (c) option information management means for managing information on a selectable or unselectable state and a selected or unselected state for each of a plurality of options in the selection operation menu. , And (d) the operation screen display control means displays a plurality of options for the transition operation menu of the higher-level operation screen. Selectable or impossible conditions for Les, and when already selected or unselected state satisfies a predetermined condition, and permits or prohibits the screen transition to the lower operation screen.

In the above-described menu operation method and menu operation device, a plurality of options are displayed on a lower operation screen, and any one of them is selected to set a parameter. Then, regarding the screen transition from the higher-level operation screen to the lower-level operation screen, information on the selectable / unselectable options and the selected / unselected options is managed, and the option information and predetermined predetermined information are given. The permission or prohibition of the screen transition to the lower operation screen is switched based on the condition.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences such as permitting screen transition to a lower operation screen requiring no operation or prohibiting screen transition to a lower operation screen requiring an operation. It becomes possible. At this time, unnecessary operations for returning to the upper operation screen and resetting by restarting the device are not required by the operator as much as possible. A menu operation method and an operation device with improved operability are realized.

Further, by setting the condition of permitting or prohibiting the screen transition as a predetermined condition for the state of the option in advance, it is possible to efficiently set or switch the permission or prohibition of the screen transition. Note that such a predetermined condition may be a condition for a state in which an option can be selected or not, and a condition for one of a selected state and an unselected state. The specific contents of the conditions can be respectively given by the contents of the options on the lower operation screen, etc., thereby realizing suitable operability for each lower operation screen while switching the screen. Allow or prohibit.

Here, the upper operation screen and the lower operation screen in the plurality of operation screens are not fixed to each operation screen. That is, for example, when the main menu screen, the first sub-menu screen, and the second sub-menu screen have a hierarchical structure in which screens are shifted in this order, the main menu screen and the first sub-menu screen In this case, the main menu screen is the upper operation screen, and the first submenu screen is the lower operation screen. Further, regarding the first sub-menu screen and the second sub-menu screen, the first sub-menu screen is an upper operation screen, and the second sub-menu screen is a lower operation screen.

[0015] Also, regarding the permission or prohibition of screen transition in the transition operation menu on the upper operation screen, when the screen transition to a plurality of lower operation screens is possible, each lower operation screen is assigned to the lower operation screen. Permission or prohibition of screen transition is set or switched separately from the state of options on the operation screen.

With respect to the above-mentioned predetermined condition for permitting or prohibiting the screen transition to the lower operation screen, the menu operation method (menu operation device) includes the operation screen display step (operation screen display control means). When a predetermined option is not selectable among a plurality of options with respect to an operation menu, regardless of whether each of the plurality of options is selected or not selected, a screen shift to a lower-level operation screen is prohibited. There is. At this time, it is possible to prevent a screen from being changed to a lower operation screen that does not require an operation because a predetermined option cannot be selected.

More specifically, the plurality of options have at least three or more options, and in the operation screen display step (the operation screen display control means), the transition operation menu includes a plurality of options among the plurality of options. When it is not possible to select a predetermined number or a combination of options as the predetermined options, it is preferable to prohibit screen transition to a lower operation screen regardless of whether each of the plurality of options has been selected or not.

As described above, by making the selection of a predetermined number or combination of choices unselectable as a condition for prohibiting screen transition, the total number of choices included in the plurality of choices, the selection method thereof, and each choice It is possible to suitably set the conditions for prohibiting the screen transition according to the degree of importance or the like.

In the menu operation method (menu operation device), in the operation screen display step (operation screen display control means), any one of a plurality of options is already selected for the transition operation menu. There is a configuration that allows a screen transition to a lower-level operation screen regardless of whether a plurality of options can be selected or not. At this time, it is possible to prevent a screen transition to a lower operation screen that requires an operation when one of the options is already selected and is prohibited.

More specifically, in the operation screen display step (operation screen display control means), when one of the plurality of options is already selected for the transition operation menu, a plurality of Even if all of the options cannot be selected, it is preferable to permit the screen transition to the lower operation screen.

As described above, by permitting the screen transition even when a plurality of options are not all selectable, necessary operations are performed on the selected options although they cannot be selected. It becomes possible.

At this time, it is particularly preferable that, on the lower operation screen to which the screen shift is permitted, the already selected option is displayed so that the selection can be released. by this,
Cancel the selection on the lower operation screen for the option that is selected even though it is impossible to select,
The menu operation can be returned to a normal state without resetting the device.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs an image processing operation based on set parameters, and includes image data generated by reading an image of a supplied document by image reading means. Or an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on image data from an external device, and the above-described menu operation device that sets parameters to be applied to each of the image processing operations. Features.

With such a configuration, the operability of setting parameters for designating operation contents and the like for an image processing operation such as a copying operation by selecting an option on a lower operation screen is improved. An image processing device is realized.

Further, an option information notifying means for notifying the option information managing means of the menu operating device of information on a selectable or non-selectable state of each of a plurality of options in the selection operation menu on the lower operation screen is provided. It is preferable to further provide. Specifically, the information from the image processing apparatus regarding the selectable or non-selectable state includes information such as the state of each unit of the image processing apparatus or a failure.

Further, the above-described menu operation method and menu operation apparatus are applicable to various apparatuses which set parameters using an operation menu in addition to an image processing apparatus.
The same can be applied.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a menu operation method, a menu operation device, and an image processing device using the same according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference symbols, without redundant description. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings do not always match those described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an embodiment of a menu operation device according to the present invention. The menu operation device 1 includes a display device 11 that displays an operation screen for displaying necessary information such as the contents of an operation menu and an operation method to be operated by an operator;
An operation screen is created based on information input from the input device 12 for allowing the operator to operate an operation menu to set parameters by referring to the operation screen displayed in , An operation screen display control unit 13 for displaying on the display device 11.

As the display device 11, for example, a liquid crystal display or a CRT display is used, and an operation screen is displayed on its display surface. On the other hand, as the input device 12, a touch panel 12a installed so as to correspond to the display surface of the display device 11 is used in FIG. In addition, as the input device 12, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard including ten keys and various operation buttons, or the like may be used in addition to the touch panel 12a, or a combination of these may be used.

Each of the plurality of operation screens created by the operation screen display control unit 13 and displayed on the display device 11 includes a plurality of operation menus for allowing the operator to set necessary parameters in the display content. Created with As a specific operation menu configuration, a selection operation menu for selecting and setting parameters from a plurality of options,
A transition operation menu for instructing a screen transition to another operation screen, an operation menu in which these are combined, or the like is used.

In the following, regarding the relationship between a plurality of operation screens, regarding the screen transition by the above-described transition operation menu, an operation screen including a transition operation menu for instructing a screen transition Is the higher-level operation screen. Also, an operation screen that can be screen-shifted by operating the shift operation menu from the higher-level operation screen and that includes a selection operation menu for selecting a parameter is referred to as a lower-level operation screen.

However, the distinction between the upper operation screen and the lower operation screen is not limited to each operation screen as described above, and the operation menus displayed on the two operation screens are different from each other. The concept of the upper operation screen and the lower operation screen is used for the sake of convenience in accordance with the mutual relationship between the operation screens in a hierarchical structure or the like.

The menu operation device 1 is further provided with a parameter setting control unit 14 and an option information management unit 15. The parameter setting control unit 14 sets parameters according to the input contents from the input device 12 by the operation of the operator performed with reference to the operation screen displayed on the display device 11. In addition, the option information management unit 15 determines whether each of a plurality of options to be selected in the selection operation menu included in the plurality of operation menus is in a selectable or unselectable state, and in a selected or unselected state. Obtain information and manage it.

Here, the operation screen display control unit 13 in the present embodiment is provided with a selectable or unselectable state for each of a plurality of options, and a selected or unselected state managed by the option information management unit 15. In these states, when those states satisfy predetermined conditions given in advance, the screen transition to the lower operation screen in the transition operation menu of the upper operation screen is permitted or prohibited. That is, the screen in the transition operation menu on the higher-level operation screen before the screen transition depends on the selectable / unselectable and the set / unset state of a plurality of options in the selection operation menu on the lower operation screen after the screen transition Switching between permitting and prohibiting migration.

The menu operation method in the menu operation device 1 having the above-described configuration is approximately as follows. That is, the operation screen display control unit 13 sequentially creates a plurality of operation screens for setting necessary parameters, including at least the upper operation screen and the lower operation screen described above, and displays them on the display device 11 (operation Screen display step). At each time, the option information management unit 15 provides information on a selectable / unavailable state and a set / unset state for each of a plurality of options to be selected in the selection operation menu. Is acquired and managed (option information management step).

Then, referring to the display contents of the respective operation screens displayed on the display device 11, the input device 12 allows the operator to operate each operation menu. As a result, the parameter setting control unit 14 performs selection of parameter options, screen transition, and the like, and sequentially executes necessary parameter settings (parameter setting step).

Here, in the operation screen display step,
The screen transition between the operation screens by creating and displaying the operation screen in the operation screen display control unit 13 includes the input contents from the input device 12, the parameters set by the parameter setting control unit 14, and the option information management unit 15. The permission or prohibition of the screen transition and the execution of the screen transition are controlled based on the information about the selectable / impossible state of the options and the already set / unset state managed in.
In particular, regarding the permission or prohibition of the screen transition, as described above, the permission or prohibition of the screen transition is set or switched based on a predetermined condition based on a plurality of options in the selection operation menu on the lower operation screen, Create and display operation screens.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration used for the menu operation device shown in FIG. The CPU 1a performs the hardware control function of each unit of the menu operation device 1 and the software functions such as creation and display of an operation screen by the operation screen display control unit 13 and parameter setting by the parameter setting control unit 14. The CPU 1a has a ROM 1b in which software programs and the like necessary for the operation of the present apparatus are stored.
And a RAM 1c composed of a DRAM or the like and temporarily storing data during execution of the program.
Necessary data such as screen data used for creating an operation screen is stored in an external storage device 1d such as a hard disk.
Is stored in

The CPU 1a and the ROM 1
b, RAM 1c, and external storage device 1d, a display device 11 for displaying an operation screen, and an input device 12 such as a touch panel 12a for performing operations such as parameter setting and screen transition according to the operation screen are connected. , The menu operation device 1 is configured.

In the menu operation device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, regarding the screen transition from the higher-level operation screen to the lower-level operation screen, the option information management unit 15 determines whether the option can be selected or not, and whether the option has been selected or not selected. Manage information. Then, based on the option information and predetermined conditions given in advance, the operation screen display control unit 13
Is set or switched to allow or prohibit the screen transition to the lower operation screen.

This prevents inconveniences such as permitting a screen transition to a lower operation screen requiring no operation or prohibiting a screen transition to a lower operation screen requiring an operation. A menu operation method and an operation device in which operability for setting parameters by selecting an option on an operation screen is improved.

Further, by setting the condition of permitting or prohibiting the screen transition as a predetermined condition for the state of the option in advance, it is possible to efficiently set or switch the permission or prohibition of the screen transition.

Regarding the permission or prohibition of the screen transition, it is possible to instruct the operation screen displayed on the display device 11 to perform the screen transition by a transition operation menu.
When there is another operation screen including a selection operation menu having a plurality of options, the displayed operation screen is set as the upper operation screen, and the other operation screen to which the screen is shifted is set as the lower operation screen. Alternatively, it is preferable to make a determination regarding prohibition.

At this time, when there are a plurality of lower operation screens that can be shifted from the upper operation screen, screen permission or inhibition is determined separately for each of the lower operation screens. Here, the predetermined condition for permitting or prohibiting the screen transition to the respective lower operation screens depends on the content, configuration, selection method, and the like of a plurality of options included in the selection operation menu in each lower operation screen. It is possible to give. As a result, it is possible to permit or prohibit the screen transition while realizing suitable operability for each lower operation screen.

The predetermined condition used in the operation screen display control unit 13 for permitting or prohibiting the screen transition to the lower operation screen includes, for example, a transition operation menu from among a plurality of options. There is a configuration in which when a predetermined option cannot be selected, screen transition to a lower-level operation screen is prohibited regardless of whether a plurality of options are already selected or not selected. At this time, it is possible to prevent a screen from being changed to a lower operation screen that does not require an operation because a predetermined option cannot be selected.

More specifically, the plurality of options have at least three or more options, and a predetermined number or combination of options is selected as a predetermined option from the plurality of options with respect to the transition operation menu. When it is not possible, it is preferable to prohibit the screen transition to the lower operation screen regardless of whether each of the plurality of options has been selected or not.

As described above, by making the selection of a predetermined number or combination of choices unselectable as a condition for prohibiting screen transition, the total number of choices included in the plurality of choices, the selection method thereof, and each choice It is possible to suitably set the conditions for prohibiting the screen transition according to the degree of importance or the like. For example, if there are no options that can be selected on the lower operation screen due to the status or failure of each unit of the device, or if necessary parameters can be set without moving to the lower operation screen, screen transition is prohibited. By setting the conditions so that the operator
Unnecessary operations such as closing the lower-level operation screen that has shifted to the screen and returning to the upper-level operation screen again are eliminated.
The operability of menu operation is improved.

Alternatively, when any one of the plurality of options is already selected for the shift operation menu, regardless of whether each of the plurality of options is selectable or not, the lower operation screen is displayed. There is a configuration that allows screen transition. At this time, it is possible to prevent a screen transition to a lower operation screen that requires an operation when one of the options is already selected and is prohibited.

More specifically, when one of a plurality of options is already selected for the transition operation menu, even if all of the plurality of options cannot be selected, the lower operation screen is displayed. It is preferable to allow the screen transition to.

As described above, by permitting the screen transition even when all of the plurality of options are not selectable, necessary operations are performed on the selected options that are not selectable. It becomes possible. At this time, since the screen transition to the lower operation screen is not prohibited even though there is a selected option, the operator performs an operation of canceling the selection of the selected option. And it is not necessary to perform operations to release all settings by resetting the device, etc.
The operability of menu operation is improved.

Here, it is particularly preferable to display an already selected option on the lower operation screen to which the screen shift is permitted so that the selection can be released. As a result, it is possible to cancel the selection on the lower operation screen for the option that is selected despite being unselectable, and to return the menu operation to a normal state without resetting the device or the like. Becomes

Further, in addition to the specific examples of the conditions for permitting or prohibiting the screen transition, depending on the specific configuration of the upper operation screen and the lower operation screen, the contents of a plurality of options in the selection operation menu, and the like. Thus, it is possible to appropriately set permission or prohibition conditions for a selectable or unselectable state and a selected or unselected state for each of a plurality of options.

The menu operation method in the menu operation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described more specifically by using a configuration in which the menu operation device is applied to a copying machine.

First, as an example of a processing device to which the menu operation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is applied, a copying machine which is an image processing device having a copying function will be schematically described. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a copying machine which is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus to which a menu operation method and a menu operation device according to the present invention are applied.

The copying machine CM shown in FIG.
An automatic document feeder 56 provided so as to freely open and close a copy glass 54 provided on the upper surface of the main body 52. The copy glass 54, the automatic document feeder 56, and a document reading unit 58 are provided. Constitutes an image reading unit (image reading means) 50 for reading an image.

The automatic document feeder 5 is provided inside the main body 52.
6, the moving original conveyed onto the copy glass 54 by
Alternatively, open the automatic document feeder 56 and open the copy glass 54.
A document reading unit 58 that reads an image of a fixed document placed thereon and converts the image into image data, and a recording sheet (hereinafter, simply referred to as a sheet) based on the image data received from the image reading unit 50. An image forming unit (image forming unit) 60 that forms an image, and a paper feeding unit (paper feeding unit) 62 that supplies paper to the image forming unit 60 are provided.

The image forming section 60 has a photosensitive drum 64 (image carrier) which rotates in the direction A (clockwise) in FIG.
And the transfer roll 65 rotating in the B direction (counterclockwise direction)
Are provided so as to approach each other at the transfer position P.

Around the photosensitive drum 64, a charging device 66 for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 64 along the rotation direction, and a laser beam or the like is driven based on image data received from the image reading section 50. Then, a writing device 68 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 64, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 64 is visualized with four color toners of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, Four developing devices 70 for forming a developed image are provided, and a cleaning device 72 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 64 after the transfer is provided across the transfer position P. The copier CM of the present embodiment is configured as a color copier capable of forming an image by full-color processing, black-and-white processing, single-color processing, and the like by installing the four developing devices 70 as described above. .

Inside the transfer roll 65 and at the transfer position P
Is transferred to a sheet supplied from the paper supply unit 62 and conveyed between the photoconductor drum 64 and the transfer roll 65 at a position facing the photoconductor drum 64. Transfer machine 74 is provided.

The image forming section 60 is provided with an image forming control section 75. The image forming control section 75 controls the charging device 66, the writing device 68, and the developing device 70 so that the photosensitive drum is controlled. The amount of toner adhering to the surface of the H.64 is controlled. Further, the image forming section 60 is provided with a fixing device 76 for fixing the image transferred onto the sheet by the transfer machine 74 to the sheet.

A paper supply section 62 for supplying paper to the image forming section 60 is provided at a lower portion of the main body 52, and includes three paper supply trays 78, 80, and 82 serving as paper supply means, and these paper supply trays. A paper feed mechanism 84 is provided for each of the trays 78, 80, and 82. Each paper tray 7
Reference numerals 8, 80, and 82 denote sheets for forming an image, which are stacked and accommodated for each sheet type such as sheet size and sheet thickness, and are detachably attached to the main body 52. Then, when the paper is sent out from one of the paper feed trays, the image forming unit 60
A sheet is supplied for image formation in.

The paper feed mechanism 84 includes paper feed trays 78, 80,
A pickup roller 86 which abuts on the uppermost sheet in the sheet 82 and sequentially feeds the sheet, and receives the sheet sent by the pickup roller 86 and receives the sheet.
And a feed roller 88 and a retard roller 90, which are pairs of rollers for feeding out a sheet while preventing double feeding toward the sheet feeding device. The pickup roller 86 and the feed roller 88 rotate by driving a motor (not shown),
The retard roller 90 paired with the feed roller 88 is
The rotation follows the rotation of the feed roller 88.

A paper transport path 94 is formed by several sets of guide rollers 92 from each of the paper feed trays 78, 80, 82 to the image forming section 60. by this,
The paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 78, 80, and 82 is transferred along the paper transport path 94 to the transfer position P and the fixing device 7.
6 and are discharged to the outside via a discharge roller 96 provided on the downstream side of the fixing device 76 after the image formation is performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, a discharge unit (discharge device) 40 for sorting or stacking the sheets formed and discharged with images is provided further downstream of the discharge roller 96. I have. The paper discharge unit 40 is provided in the housing 4
2 and a paper transport path 44 that sorts and guides the paper discharged from the discharge roller 96 in the housing 42 to a predetermined discharge tray such as the normal tray 46 or the bin tray 48.
And is configured. In FIG. 3, illustration of a specific transport mechanism and a sorting mechanism for configuring the paper transport path 44 is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG. 3 and the configuration of an embodiment of an image processing operation device in which the menu operation device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is applied to the copying machine. Note that this image processing operation device has substantially the same configuration as the menu operation device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and in FIG. 4, the menu operation device 1 shown in FIG.
And the same reference numerals as those of the respective parts. In FIG. 3, the image processing operating device 1 is installed as a control panel or the like at a predetermined position inside the copying machine CM, for example, at a predetermined position on the upper surface side of the copying machine CM. A configuration in which the CM is provided as an operation terminal or the like is possible.

In the copying machine CM shown in FIG. 3, the image reading section 50, the image forming section 60, the sheet feeding section 62, and the sheet discharging section 4
Each component such as 0 is drive-controlled by the image processing control unit 20, thereby executing an image processing operation such as a copying operation. The setting of necessary parameters for each of the image processing operations executed by the image processing control unit 20, the instruction to start or stop the operation, and the like are performed by an image processing operation device (menu operation device) provided as a user interface for the operator. 1) Performed by the operation in 1.

The copy machine CM is provided with an option information notifying section 21. That is, as in the case of the copying machine CM as the image processing apparatus, when the menu operation device is applied to the setting of the parameters that determine the operation content of the processing operation in the processing device, a plurality of options in the selection operation menu are selected. Whether each of the states, in particular, each of the options is selectable or impossible, is influenced by the state of each unit on the processing apparatus side such as the copying machine CM, a failure, and the like. The option information notification unit 21 notifies the option information management unit 15 of the image processing operation device 1 of necessary information such as the status of each unit used for managing the status of the option and a failure.

The image processing operation device (menu operation device) 1 and the image processing operation method (menu operation method) in the copying machine CM shown in FIG.
This will be described more specifically.

In the following description of each operation screen, each display section or display area in the operation screen corresponds to the fact that the touch panel 12a is installed on the display surface of the display device 11. In some cases, a button that functions as an input unit used for setting a parameter or instructing a screen transition is referred to as a “button” to distinguish it from a unit that simply displays information or the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an operation screen including an operation menu for setting parameters to be applied to each of the image processing operations (copying operations) executed by the copying machine CM. The operation screen 100 is located at the bottom of the screen and displays an operation content to be operated on the operation screen, and an operation content display area 101 is located at the top of the screen and displays instructions to the operator. And an instruction content display area 106.

In the upper part of the operation content display area 101, “basic copy” in which parameters can be set in this embodiment,
Menu item tags 102a to 102e corresponding to five operation menus of "applied copy", "image quality adjustment", "output format", and "others" are displayed. This operation screen 1
At 00, the “basic copy” menu item tag 102a on the left side corresponding to the “basic copy” operation menu is selected as the display content (operation target). These tags 10
In the operation menu display area 103, which is located below the 2a to 102e and is connected to the "basic copy" menu item tag 102a, the "basic copy" operation menu is operably displayed. ing.

In the operation menu display area 103 of the operation screen 100, specifically, “double-sided / single-sided selection”, “sort / staple / punch”, and “magnification” included in the “basic copy” operation menu Four submenus, "selection" and "paper selection" are displayed. That is, the operation menu display area 103 is divided into four display areas having substantially the same size in the left-right direction. Then, from the left side, a “double-sided / single-sided selection” submenu display area 103
a, “sort / staple / punch” submenu display area 103b, “magnification selection” submenu display area 103
c and a “paper selection” submenu display area 103d.

The sub-menu display areas 103a to 103
Each of the sub-menus 103d is provided with a plurality of parameter selection buttons so as to be selectable, whereby each submenu constitutes a selection operation menu from which a parameter can be selected from a plurality of options.

Regarding the structure of such a submenu,
The “sort / staple / punch” submenu will be described as an example. In the “sorting / stapling / punch” submenu display area 103b, “automatic sorting”, “automatic sorting (large amount)”, “sort (one copy)”, “stack (each page)”, “stapling / punching, etc.” ... ”Has five parameter selection buttons.
Is provided.

Here, among the parameter selection buttons displayed on the parameter selection section 104, "automatic sorting", "automatic sorting (large amount)", "sort (per copy)", "stack ( The four parameter selection buttons "for each page" are normal selection buttons for selecting the corresponding option parameter by pressing the button. Therefore, these parameter selection buttons constitute a selection operation menu for setting the parameters of “sort / staple / punch” by selecting options.

On the other hand, the parameter selection button of “staple / punch, etc.” located on the lower side does not function as a selection button for directly selecting an option, but the “staple / punch, etc.” submenu. The screen transition button 105 is used to transition the screen to another operation screen that includes.
Therefore, the screen shift button 105 is used for the operation screen 1
A transition operation menu for instructing a transition from 00 (upper operation screen) to another operation screen (lower operation screen) for setting parameters is configured.

Here, an example of a method of controlling screen transition by the operation screen display control unit 13 when the screen transition button is pressed on the upper operation screen will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

First, from the transition operation menu included in the display contents of the upper operation screen, a screen transition to the lower operation screen is instructed by a method such as pressing a screen transition button (step S101). In response to the screen shift instruction, the operation screen display control unit 13 changes the lower operation screen for which the screen shift is instructed to the lower operation screen based on the option information managed by the option information management unit 15 and the like. It is determined whether or not screen transition is permitted (S1).
02).

If screen shifting is permitted, execution of screen shifting is instructed (S103), a lower-level operation screen including a selection operation menu is created, and displayed on the display device 11 (S104). On the other hand, if screen transition is prohibited,
It is instructed that the screen shift is not possible (S105), and in the displayed higher-level operation screen, the instruction content that disables the screen shift is displayed in the instruction content display area (S10).
6).

On the operation screen 100 which is a higher-level operation screen, a "staple / punch etc." screen shift button 10
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of an operation screen displayed as a lower-level operation screen when the screen 5 is pressed. Like the operation screen 100, the operation screen 110 includes an operation content display area 111 on the lower side of the screen and an instruction content display area 11 on the upper side of the screen.
6 are provided. The instruction content display area 116 of the operation screen 100 includes the instruction content display area 10.
As in the case of No. 6, the content of the instruction "Can be copied" is displayed, indicating that the device is in a normal state in which parameters can be set.

The operation screen 110 is the same as the operation screen 100
Among the five operation menus indicated by the two menu item tags 102a to 102e, the "sort / staple / punch" submenu, which is a submenu (lower-level operation menu) of the "basic copy" operation menu, is displayed. . For this reason, a menu item display section 112 displaying a submenu item of “sort / staple / punch” is provided above the operation content display area 111, and the menu item tag is not displayed. Further, the operation screen 11 is displayed on the menu item display section 112.
"Cancel" button 112 for canceling the operation at 0
a, and "Close" for closing the operation screen 110
A button 112b is provided.

The operation menu display area 113 located below the menu item display section 112 displays “sort / sort”.
The “staple / punch” submenu is operably displayed. Specifically, on the left side, the parameters of “sorting / stapling / punching” are selected from three options of “automatic sorting”, “sort (by copy), stapling / punching”, and “stack (by page)”. Parameter selection buttons 114a to 114c for selection and setting are displayed. Further, on the right side, parameter selection buttons 115a and 115b are displayed for allowing the user to select "No" and "Yes" for the large-volume discharge and set the non-execution / execution.

These five parameter selection buttons are
A selection operation menu for setting parameters of “sorting / stapling / punching” by selecting options is configured. 5 and 7, each of the parameter selection buttons 114a to 114c, 115a, 11
5B shows the configuration of the operation screens 100 and 110 when all the options corresponding to 5b are in a selectable state and the screen transition from the operation screen 100 to the operation screen 110 is permitted.

On the operation screen 110 shown in FIG. 7, the "automatic sorting" parameter selection button 114a and the "disable" parameter selection button 115a correspond to the state in which the normal "automatic sorting" is selected (selected). Against
It is shown with diagonal lines indicating that it is already selected. Also in the operation screens in the following figures, the already selected buttons are similarly indicated by hatching.

Subsequently, using the operation screens 100 and 110 having the above-described configuration, the operation screen 110 as a lower-level operation screen is used.
The permission or prohibition of the screen transition to the lower operation screen, which is set or switched according to the state of each of the plurality of options in the selection operation menu displayed in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a menu operation method (image processing operation method) in the menu operation device (image processing operation device) 1 shown in FIGS. This flowchart shows an example of a control method for creating and displaying each operation screen, and is executed at each necessary point in time, such as when the operation screen is switched or while the operation screen is being displayed.

First, when the operation screen to be displayed is the upper operation screen, the operation screen display controller 13 selects each of a plurality of options in the selection operation menu included in the lower operation screen. Regarding the impossible state and the already set or unset state, the option information management unit 15
(Step S201). Then, it is checked whether a predetermined option provided as a predetermined condition for prohibiting screen transition, for example, a predetermined number or combination of options cannot be selected (S202).

If it is determined that the predetermined option cannot be selected, it is checked whether the unselectable option is selected (selected) (S203).
The selection of the option is automatically canceled to be unselected (S2
04). Subsequently, an instruction to prohibit screen transition to the lower operation screen is issued (S205). Operation screen display control unit 13
Creates an (upper) operation screen in a state where screen transition is prohibited and displays it on the display device 11 (S206).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined option is not selectable, permission for screen transition to the lower operation screen is issued (S207). Operation screen display control unit 13
Creates an (upper) operation screen in a state where the screen transition is permitted, and displays it on the display device 11 (S208).

The automatic release of the function in the copying machine is described in JP-A-7-319343.

The menu operation method according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to specific examples of operation screens shown in FIGS.

The operation screen 100 shown in FIG. 9 is the same operation screen as that shown in FIG. 5, but the display state is partially different depending on the above-mentioned option states and permission or prohibition of screen transition. It has become.

More specifically, in this example, the copying machine C
The operation screen 100 is displayed in a state in which the tray (finisher tray) used for sorting or stacking the paper in the discharge tray of the discharge unit 40 of M has failed and the option to use the tray cannot be selected. ing.

At this time, "sorting / stapling / punch"
Parameter selection section 1 in submenu display area 103b
At 04, only the "automatic sorting" parameter selection button among the parameter selection buttons is displayed to be selectable (indicated by a solid line). On the other hand, the other three parameter selection buttons of “automatic sorting (large amount)”, “sort (per copy)”, and “stack (per page)” are displayed as non-selectable (displayed by dotted lines).

Further, with respect to the “staple / punch etc.” screen shift button 105, the condition for prohibiting the screen shift is satisfied because the above-mentioned option cannot be selected. Therefore, the screen shift button 105 in FIG.
Operation to instruct screen transition is not possible (also indicated by dotted line)
Is displayed in.

Here, if the screen shift button 105 is pressed even though the operation is not possible, the instruction content indicating that the screen shift is not possible is displayed in the instruction content display area 106 of the operation screen 100 (FIG. 6).
In FIG. 9, as an example of such an instruction content, the instruction content “The setting cannot be performed. The finisher tray has failed.” Is displayed in the instruction content display area 106. Alternatively, a configuration is possible in which a warning sound is issued to the operator at the same time as the content of such an instruction.

As described above, when the predetermined option is not selectable, the screen shift to the lower operation screen is prohibited, so that the screen shift to the lower operation screen which does not require the operation is permitted. Is prevented.

The condition of what number or combination of options is prohibited from being switched to the screen when it becomes impossible to select the options depends on the specific contents of a plurality of options on each lower operation screen. It can be set appropriately. For example,
Even if some of the options cannot be selected, if the necessity of operation on the lower operation screen is recognized, the screen transition to the lower operation screen may not be prohibited.

FIG. 10 shows that some options cannot be selected.
5 shows an example of an operation screen 100 in which screen transition is permitted. Here, a case in which sorting or stack selection is temporarily restricted due to the nature of an image processing operation to be executed is not a failure of a finisher tray or the like. Specifically, in this example, an operation screen 100 for setting parameters for an interrupt copy operation performed by interrupting a normal copy operation is displayed.
For this reason, in the instruction content display area 106, an instruction content of "interrupt copying is possible" indicating that interrupt copying is set is displayed.

At this time, due to the restriction on the operation for interrupt copying, the parameter selection unit 104 in the “sort / staple / punch” submenu display area 103b
Of the parameter selection buttons, two parameter selection buttons of “automatic sorting” and “automatic sorting (large amount)” are displayed so as to be selectable. On the other hand, the other two parameter selection buttons of “sort (for each copy)” and “stack (for each page)” are displayed in a non-selectable manner.

Regarding the “staple / punch etc.” screen shift button 105, whether two options of “sort (by copy)” and “stack (by page)” cannot be selected. Therefore, the condition for prohibiting screen transition is not satisfied. Therefore, unlike FIG. 9, the screen shift button 105 in FIG. 10 is displayed so that an operation to instruct screen shift can be performed.

On the operation screen 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 shows the configuration of an operation screen 110, which is a lower-level operation screen displayed by shifting the screen when the "staple / punch etc." screen shift button 105 is pressed.

The operation screen 110 shown in FIG. 11 is the same operation screen as that shown in FIG. 7, but each of the parameter selection buttons 114a-11
4c, 115a, and 115b are displayed as selectable or impossible.

That is, due to the restriction on the operation for interrupt copying, “automatic sorting” among the parameter selection buttons is performed.
Parameter selection button 114a and “No” or “Yes” parameter selection button 115 for mass discharge
The three parameter selection buttons a and 115b are displayed so as to be selectable. On the other hand, other "sorts (per copy),
Stapler / Punch ”,“ Stack (per page) ”
The two parameter selection buttons 114b and 114c are displayed so as not to be selectable.

Here, if the parameter selection button 114b or 114c is pressed even though selection is not possible,
As shown in FIG. 11, the instruction contents such as "The setting is not possible. In the interruption copy, set the [sorting] to [automatic sorting]" are displayed in the instruction content display area 116. A warning tone is sounded for.

As described above, the condition of what number or combination of choices cannot be selected when the screen transition is prohibited is described in detail in the specific contents of the plurality of choices on each lower operation screen. Each setting can be made based on a selection method, positioning of each operation screen in a plurality of operation screens, and the like.

In the operation screen 100 shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the above-described "sorting / stapling / punching" submenu, the "paper tray 5" for selecting the manual feed tray is also used in the "paper selection" submenu. The parameter selection button can be selected, and “Auto”, “Paper Tray 1”
A4 "and" Paper Tray 2 B5 "parameter selection buttons cannot be selected. Also, "Other ..."
Regarding the screen transition button, the screen transition is permitted irrespective of whether some options cannot be selected. In the other two submenus of “double-sided / single-sided selection” and “magnification selection”, all the parameter selection buttons and “others ...” screen transition buttons can be selected or operated with screen transition permitted. It has been.

As described above, when a plurality of transition operation menus are included in the display contents on the same higher-level operation screen, permission or prohibition of screen transition for each transition operation menu is determined separately. You.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the menu operation method (image processing operation method) in the menu operation device (image processing operation device) 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. This flowchart shows an example of a control method for creating and displaying each operation screen, similarly to the flowchart shown in FIG.
Alternatively, it is executed at each necessary point in time, such as while the operation screen is being displayed.

First, when the operation screen to be displayed is set to the upper operation screen, the operation screen display controller 13 selects each of a plurality of options in the selection operation menu included in the lower operation screen. Regarding the impossible state and the already set or unset state, the option information management unit 15
(Step S301). Then, it is determined whether all of the options are not selectable (S3).
02).

If it is determined that all the options cannot be selected, it is checked whether any of the unselectable options has been selected (S303). If the options have been selected, the screen for the lower operation screen is displayed. Instructed to permit migration (S30)
4), an (upper) operation screen for which screen transition is permitted is created and displayed (S305). If not selected, the instruction to prohibit screen transition to the lower operation screen is issued (S30).
6) An operation screen in which screen transition is prohibited (higher order) is created and displayed (S307).

On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the options is selectable, permission to shift the screen to the lower operation screen is instructed (S308), and an (upper) operation screen permitted to shift the screen is created. Is displayed (S309).

The menu operation method according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to specific examples of operation screens shown in FIGS.

The operation screen 120 shown in FIG. 13 is almost the same as the operation screen 110 shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, but is partially different. That is, the operation screen 120 includes an operation content display area 121 on the lower side of the screen.
And an instruction content display area 126 on the upper side of the screen. Further, a menu item display section 122 displaying a submenu item of “sort / staple / punch”, a “cancel” button 122a, and a “close” button 122b is provided above the operation content display area 121. ing.

The operation menu display area 123 located below the menu item display section 122 displays “sort / sort”.
The “staple / punch” submenu is operably displayed. Specifically, on the left side, the parameters of “sorting / stapling / punching” are selected from three options of “automatic sorting”, “sort (by copy), stapling / punching”, and “stack (by page)”. Parameter selection buttons 124a to 124c for selection and setting are displayed.

On the right side, unlike the configuration of the operation screen 110, two parameter selection buttons 125a and 125b of "staple" and "punch" are displayed.
These parameter selection buttons 125a and 125b
Are parameter selection buttons for selecting use of stapling and punching, respectively, and also function as screen transition buttons for transitioning to another operation screen. This constitutes a transition operation menu for instructing a transition to another operation screen (lower-level operation screen) for setting parameters. That is, the operation screen 120 is a higher-level operation screen with respect to another operation screen to which the screen is shifted by the parameter selection button 125a or 125b.

Here, it is assumed that the stapler has failed in the paper discharge unit 40 of the copying machine CM, and the option using the stapler cannot be selected. At this time, all of the plurality of options in the selection operation menu on the lower operation screen in which the screen transition is instructed by pressing the screen transition button 125a cannot be selected. Therefore, normally, the screen transition to the lower operation screen is prohibited, and the screen transition button 125a is used as the screen transition button 10 in FIG.
As in the case of 5, the operation is displayed as inoperable.

On the other hand, the operation screen 1 shown in FIG.
At 20, a “staple” screen transition button (parameter selection button) 125a and a “sort (per copy), stapler / punch” parameter selection button 124b necessary for using the “staple” are already selected. . Also, as a parameter of the “staples” submenu,
"One location on the upper left" is already selected. For this reason, in the operation screen 120, the screen transition to the lower operation screen corresponding to the “staple” submenu is permitted, and the screen transition button 125a is operably displayed.

On the operation screen 120 shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the operation screen 130, which is a lower-level operation screen displayed when the “staple” screen transition button 125a is pressed.

The operation screen 130 shown in FIG. 14 has an operation content display area 131 at the bottom of the screen and an instruction content display area 136 at the top of the screen. In addition, a menu item display unit 132 displaying a “staple” submenu item, a “cancel” button 132a, and a “close” button 132b is provided above the operation content display area 131.

Further, in the operation menu display area 133 located below the menu item display section 132, a "staple" submenu is operably displayed. Specifically, regarding the parameter setting of the position where the stapling is stopped, “upper left one place”, “left lateral two places”, “upper two places”,
Parameter selection buttons corresponding to the five options of “one upper right place” and “two right right sides” are displayed in the parameter selection section 134.
Respectively.

Of the five parameter selection buttons of the parameter selection section 134, “two places on the left”, “two places on the top”,
The four parameter selection buttons "one upper right" and "two right right" are displayed as inoperable in response to the stapler having failed and being unselectable. Here, when these parameter selection buttons are pressed even though the operation is not possible, as shown in FIG. 14, the instruction content display area 136 displays "The setting cannot be performed. The stapler has failed." The instruction content is displayed, and a warning sound is issued to the operator.

On the other hand, the “upper left” parameter selection button 135 at the upper left of the parameter selection section 134 indicates that the corresponding option “upper left” cannot be selected, but the selected state is selected. And
An operation for canceling the selection is displayed.

In such a state, for example, after setting a parameter for stapling on the operation screen 130 and starting a copying operation for the copying machine CM, the stapler breaks down, and the automatic release of the stapling is disabled. This is equivalent to the case where the operation was not performed. Particularly, in recent years, multifunction peripherals having a printing (printing) function, a reading (scanning) function, and the like in addition to a copying (copying) function are often used. In an apparatus such as a copying machine having many functions as described above, there may be a case where the state or failure of each part of the apparatus cannot be adequately dealt with only by automatically canceling the parameter selection.

On the other hand, the operation screen 13 shown in FIG.
When there are already selected options such as 0, even if all the options are not selectable, the screen transition to the operation screen is permitted, so that the already selected options are manually released on the operation screen. It becomes possible. At this time, in particular, instead of canceling the setting of all the parameters by resetting the device or the like, it is possible to cancel only the selection of the option and use the other settings as they are.

For example, on the operation screen 130, the already selected parameter selection button 135 is displayed so as to be operable, and the operator is required to manually release the selection.
The "close" button 132b is disabled.

Here, when the parameter selection button 135 is pressed, the selection of the “upper left” option is released, and the display of the parameter selection button 135 is changed to the same operation as the other parameter selection buttons. The display becomes impossible. Also, with the completion of manual release,
The “close” button 132b becomes an operable display.
Then, by pressing the “close” button 132b that has become operable, the “staple” screen shift button 125
The screen returns to the operation screen 120 in a state where “a” is displayed as unselected and unselectable.

The menu operation method, menu operation device, and image processing device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, the screen transition control method is not limited to the method shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 12, and various conditions are applied to each screen transition to each lower operation screen to permit the screen transition. Or prohibition can be set. Further, a control method using these control methods in combination may be used. Alternatively, a different control method may be used depending on the lower operation screen.

As for the configuration of the operation screens such as the higher-level operation screen and the lower-level operation screen, each of the above-described operation screens is an example of the configuration, and other operation screens having various configurations are also shown. It can be used.

[0130]

As described above in detail, the menu operation method and menu operation device according to the present invention have the following effects. That is, regarding the screen transition from the higher-level operation screen including the transition operation menu to the lower-level operation screen including the selection operation menu, each of a plurality of options in the selection operation menu is selectable / impossible and selected / unselected. Is set, and permission or prohibition of screen transition to the lower operation screen is set or switched based on the option information and predetermined conditions given in advance.

This prevents inconveniences such as permitting screen transition to a lower operation screen requiring no operation or prohibiting screen transition to a lower operation screen requiring an operation. A menu operation method and an operation device in which operability for setting parameters by selecting an option on an operation screen is improved.

Such a menu operation method and menu operation apparatus can be applied to an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine. In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to parameter setting in various devices other than the image processing device, such as an ATM such as a bank, a ticket vending machine for transportation, and various information terminals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a menu operation device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration used in the menu operation device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a copying machine which is an embodiment of an image processing apparatus to which the menu operation device shown in FIG. 1 is applied as an image processing operation device;

4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the copying machine illustrated in FIG. 3 and a configuration of an embodiment of an image processing operation device applied to the copying machine;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation screen;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method of screen transition of an operation screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of another example of the operation screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method for creating and displaying an operation screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of another example of the operation screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of another example of the operation screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of another example of the operation screen.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a control method for creating and displaying an operation screen.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of another example of the operation screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of another example of the operation screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Menu operation device (image processing operation device), 11 ... Display device, 12 ... Input device, 12a ... Touch panel, 13
... operation screen display control unit, 14 ... parameter setting control unit,
15 ... Option information management unit, 20 ... Image processing control unit, 21
... Option information notifying section, CM ... copier, 50 ... Image reading section, 52 ... Main body, 60 ... Image forming section, 62 ... Paper feeding section, 4
0: paper discharge unit, 100: operation screen, 101: operation content display area, 102a to 102e: menu item tag, 103
... Operation menu display area, 103a to 103d ... Submenu display area, 104 ... Parameter selection unit, 105 ...
Screen shift button, 106: Instruction content display area.

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A menu operation method having a plurality of operation menus and operating each of the operation menus to set a parameter, wherein a selection operation menu for selecting and setting the parameter from a plurality of options is provided. A lower operation screen configured to include:
An operation screen display step of sequentially creating a plurality of operation screens including at least an upper operation screen configured to include a transition operation menu for instructing a screen transition to the lower operation screen, and displaying the plurality of operation screens on a display unit; A parameter setting step of operating each of the operation menus to set the parameter according to the displayed operation screen; and a state in which each of the plurality of options in the selection operation menu is selectable or impossible. And an option information management step of managing information on an already selected or unselected state. In the operation screen display step, the plurality of options are selected with respect to the transition operation menu of the upper operation screen. The selectable or unselectable state for each, and the selected or unselected A menu operation method, wherein when the state of selection satisfies a predetermined condition, screen transition to the lower operation screen is permitted or prohibited. 2. In the operation screen displaying step, when a predetermined option among the plurality of options cannot be selected with respect to the transition operation menu, each of the plurality of options is selected or unselected. Regardless of your choice,
2. The menu operation method according to claim 1, wherein screen transition to the lower operation screen is prohibited. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of options include at least three or more options, and in the operation screen display step, a predetermined option is selected from the plurality of options as the predetermined option with respect to the transition operation menu. 3. The screen shift to the lower operation screen is prohibited when the number or combination of options is not selectable, regardless of whether each of the plurality of options is selected or not selected. Menu operation method. 4. In the operation screen displaying step, when any one of the plurality of options is already selected with respect to the transition operation menu, each of the plurality of options can be selected or disabled. The menu operation method according to claim 1, wherein a screen transition to the lower operation screen is permitted regardless of the possibility. 5. In the operation screen displaying step, when any one of the plurality of options is already selected with respect to the transition operation menu, all of the plurality of options cannot be selected. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising permitting a screen transition to the lower operation screen. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, in the operation screen displaying step, the selected option is displayed so as to be deselectable on the lower operation screen to which screen transition is permitted. Menu operation method. 7. A menu operation device having a plurality of operation menus and operating each of the operation menus to set a parameter, wherein the selection operation menu for selecting and setting the parameter from a plurality of options is provided. A lower operation screen configured to include:
An operation screen display control unit for sequentially creating a plurality of operation screens including at least an upper operation screen including a transition operation menu for instructing a screen transition to the lower operation screen, and displaying the plurality of operation screens on a display unit Parameter setting control means for operating each of the operation menus to set the parameters according to the displayed operation screen; and selectable or impossible for each of the plurality of options in the selection operation menu And an option information management unit that manages information on a selected state or an unselected state, and the operation screen display control unit is configured to: The selectable or unselectable state for each of the alternatives, and the selected or unselected state A menu operation device for permitting or prohibiting a screen transition to the lower operation screen when a predetermined condition is satisfied. 8. The operation screen display control means, when a predetermined option among the plurality of options cannot be selected with respect to the transition operation menu, each of the plurality of options selected or 8. The menu operation device according to claim 7, wherein the screen transition to the lower operation screen is prohibited regardless of the selection. 9. The plurality of options include at least three or more options, and the operation screen display control unit determines a predetermined one of the plurality of options as the predetermined option for the transition operation menu. 9. The screen shift to the lower operation screen is prohibited when the number or combination of options is not selectable, regardless of whether each of the plurality of options is selected or unselected. Menu operation device as described. 10. The operation screen display control means, when any one of the plurality of options is already selected with respect to the transition operation menu, each of the plurality of options can be selected or 8. The menu operation device according to claim 7, wherein a screen transition to the lower operation screen is permitted regardless of whether or not the menu operation is possible. 11. The operation screen display control means, when any one of the plurality of options is already selected with respect to the transition operation menu, all of the plurality of options cannot be selected. 11. The menu operation device according to claim 10, wherein screen transition to the lower operation screen is permitted even if there is any. 12. The operation screen display control means displays the selected option on the lower operation screen to which screen transition is permitted so that the selection can be released. Menu operation device. 13. An image processing apparatus for performing an image processing operation based on set parameters, wherein image data generated by reading an image of a supplied document by image reading means, or image data from an external device. 8. An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet based on the image processing unit, and the menu operation device according to claim 7, wherein the parameter is set to be applied to each of the image processing operations. Image processing device. 14. The option information management means of the menu operation device is notified of information on the selectable or non-selectable state of each of the plurality of options in the selection operation menu on the lower operation screen. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising an option information notifying unit that performs the selection.