JP2002120433A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify an operation of initializing an image processor after installed with an aim of eliminating the trouble that a user cannot easily search for a target function-setting item because of a small number of display characters and digits in many of display devices for the image processor, particularly when the user feels it inconvenient to initialize the image processor because the operation is made complicated by too many items to be set. SOLUTION: A special menu for the initialization is prepared, so that the user carries out the initialization without following a complicate menu hierarchy. The initialization can be simplified accordingly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on image information such as image data transmitted through a network or image data read by a scanner or the like. In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing device provided with a user interface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A function setting menu of an image processing apparatus generally has a hierarchical structure in which many functions are grouped into functional units. At the time of initial setting after installation of the image processing apparatus, the user has searched and set necessary items from the function setting menu.

[0003] For example, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 193503 (Niigata NEC Corporation) is provided with a shortcut key on a display device so that a user can call an arbitrary function setting screen by operating the shortcut key. By registering at
This is a technology to display the function setting screen by operating the shortcut key, but at the time of initial setting, there are multiple items to be set, and it is necessary to press the shortcut key for each item,
It is not a valid function at the time of initial setting.

[0004]

Among the image processing apparatuses, many display apparatuses of printer apparatuses have a small number of display characters and display digits, and it is not easy for a user to find a desired function setting item. There is. In particular,
At the time of initial setting after the image processing apparatus is installed, there are many items to be set such as system settings such as setting of memory amount and network settings such as setting of ports and IP addresses. It can be complicated and annoying to the user.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to simplify the operation at the time of initial setting after the image processing apparatus is installed.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for processing an image based on a preset processing condition, wherein the display unit displays the set processing condition. And input means for inputting the setting conditions for each of the setting condition items arranged hierarchically when changing the set processing conditions, and the input means is displayed first on the display means. A menu for initial setting that can collectively set a plurality of initial settings is displayed as a menu of hierarchical setting condition items, and when the menu for initial setting is selected, the menu is randomly arranged in the hierarchical setting condition items. The plurality of initial setting items are sequentially displayed on the display means,
It is characterized in that input by the input means is enabled.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by preparing the menu dedicated to the initial setting, the user can perform the initial setting without following a complicated menu hierarchy, thereby simplifying the initial setting. Can be.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the display means and the input means are user interfaces provided in an image processing apparatus.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the display device and the input device are provided in the image apparatus, and the menu dedicated to the initial setting is prepared, so that the user can perform the initial setting without following a complicated menu hierarchy. By doing so, the initial setting can be simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the display means and the input means are provided in an external information processing apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the display means and the input means are provided in an external information processing apparatus such as a host computer, and the menu for exclusive use of the initial setting is prepared, so that the user can form a complicated menu hierarchy. By performing the initial setting without tracing, the initial setting can be simplified.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the menu dedicated to initial setting can always be selected regardless of the current setting conditions. It is characterized by:

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the menu dedicated to the initial setting can always be selected, the user can appropriately perform the initial setting even when the installation environment is changed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the storage means for storing the setting made by using the menu for exclusive use of the initial setting, and the storage means when the power is turned on. Control means for judging whether or not initialization has been completed based on the contents stored in the means, and automatically displaying an initialization-only menu on the display means only when initialization has not been completed, further comprising: Features.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not initialization has been completed by referring to the initialization data stored in the storage means. In this case, the control means automatically displays the menu dedicated to the initial setting on the display means, so that the user can quickly perform the initial setting.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the menu dedicated to the initial setting is canceled halfway, the setting made halfway is valid. It is characterized by the following.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when it is not necessary to change the set function setting items, the user can make the settings that have been made halfway effective so that the user does not perform the initial settings. Only the setting items need to be set, and the trouble of setting duplicate function setting items can be omitted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, if the initial setting-only menu is canceled halfway, the setting made halfway is invalidated. Features.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when there is an item to be changed among the set function setting items, the user cancels the halfway setting so that the user can reset the initial setting to all of the function setting items. The function setting items can be performed, and the trouble of invalidating the settings made halfway one by one can be omitted.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of menus dedicated to the initial setting, and the menus can be selected. And

According to the invention described in claim 8, since there are a plurality of menus dedicated to the initial setting, the user can select the menu dedicated to the initial setting suitable for his / her installation environment at the time of the initial setting to thereby perform the initial setting. Can be simplified.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, an initial display selectively displayed based on conditions of a shipping destination from a plurality of the initial setting dedicated menus before shipping. A menu dedicated to setting is determined.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, for example,
By performing the presetting of the device, such as the setting of the dip switch, at the time of factory shipment or the like, a menu dedicated to initial setting suitable for the installation environment of the user is displayed based on the presetting. Thus, the user can simplify the initial setting without selecting the menu dedicated to the initial setting.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an operation procedure is automatically recognized and a next menu dedicated to initial setting is programmed. And

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a menu dedicated to initial setting suitable for the operation procedure of the user is programmed. Thus, the user can simplify the initial setting without selecting the menu dedicated to the initial setting.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking an image processing apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 10
An image recording unit 12 serving as a printer unit for recording an image on recording paper 13 is connected to the image recording unit 12 so as to be able to transmit and receive various data, and executes an image forming operation (job) in the image recording unit 12. And a job control device 14 for transmitting information (job information) to the image recording unit 12. The image recording unit 12 is configured to receive the job information transmitted from the job control device 14 and execute the jobs in the order of reception according to the received job information. As data transmitted and received between the image recording unit 12 and the job control device 14, data transmitted from the job control device 14 to the image recording unit 12 is an image data signal which is various operation command signals and output data. The data transmitted from the image recording unit 12 to the job control device 14 is a synchronization pulse signal for synchronizing the transfer of the image data signal.

The image processing apparatus 10 is connected to a commercial power supply AC.
The power supply unit 16 includes an AC plug 16A for connection to the power supply. The power supply unit 16 is for supplying power to the image recording unit 12 and the job control device 14.

The image processing apparatus 10 is associated with an image forming operation such as copying a document and printing image data.
An input unit having keys (switches) and the like for inputting job information including various setting information such as the number of documents, the number of output copies, and the paper size, etc .; the content of the input job information; Operation panel 18 having a display unit composed of an LCD, an LED, or the like for displaying information of
It has. The operation panel 18 is used for the job control device 1.
4 are connected to each other so that various data can be exchanged. Thus, the job information including the various setting information input by the user operating the key (switch) can be transmitted from the operation panel 18 to the job control device 14, and the setting contents of the various setting information are notified to the user. can do.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 18 has a display section 18A capable of displaying two lines of 16 characters.
And a cross key 18B for setting a function setting item by moving a cursor in the display section 18A at the time of various settings.
And a menu key 18C used to select an initial setting-dedicated menu and to cancel various settings.

The job control device 14 is connected so that various data can be exchanged with the external information processing device 20. Thus, image data and setting item data of job information can be received from various host computers, workstations, or external information processing devices 20 such as information processing devices on a network.

The operation panel 18 determines which of the job item setting item data input from the input unit and the job information setting item data received from the external information processing device 20 is to be preferentially adopted. It can be selected as desired.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic circuit configuration of the job control device 14. The job control device 14 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 30 that performs a central function of various controls.
The CPU 30 is connected to various circuit devices via a bus 32. Operation panel I / F circuit 3
4 has a function of interfacing with the operation panel 18 shown in FIG. For example, the operator operates the operation panel 1
When the key 8 is operated, an instruction signal corresponding to this is output and transferred on the bus 32. The operation panel 18
The instruction information is transferred from the bus 32 to the operation panel I / F circuit 34 in order to operate the LCD, LED and the like.

The external information processing device I / F circuit 36 has a function of interfacing with an external information processing device such as a personal computer. For example, the circuit configuration is such that print data input from a personal computer is received based on the RS232C standard or Centronics.

The nonvolatile memory 38 is a memory backed up by a battery (not shown), and can hold necessary data even when the power of the image processing apparatus 10 itself is turned off.

The RAM 40 has a bit map memory 42,
It comprises a work memory 44 and a reception memory 46. The bitmap memory 42 is a memory for electronically editing the generated character patterns, images, and the like in correspondence with one page of the recording paper. The work memory 44 holds data necessary for performing various controls of the job control device 14. The reception memory 46
The image data input from the external information processing device I / F circuit 36 is temporarily stored.

The image recording section I / F circuit 48 supplies the bit data developed in the bit map memory 42 to the image recording section 12 as an image signal as raster data, and records the various operation command signals described above in image recording. An interface circuit for transmitting and receiving to and from the unit 12. The bitmap controller 50 controls such image transfer.

The program memory 52 is a memory that stores a program for controlling the image processing apparatus 10. The character pattern memory 54 is a so-called font memory, and stores character patterns used when performing printout.

The program memory 56 and the character pattern memory 58 store and hold programs and character patterns corresponding to image data and control data sent from various host computers connected to the image processing apparatus 10. Both removable IC card format or S
It is a ROM of the IMM format, and is configured to be selectively connectable via the corresponding additional memory I / F circuits 56A and 58A. This allows the image processing apparatus 10 to be compatible with various host computers,
Special functions requested by the user can be realized.

The job control device 14 has an external information processing device I / F circuit 36 which is an interface circuit with the external information processing device 20 such as a personal computer. The external information processing device I / F circuit 36 includes, for example, a Centronics interface, Ethernet
It is configured to include one or more interfaces of the external information processing device 20 such as t.

An external storage device 60 such as a hard disk connected via the additional storage device I / F circuit 60A.
Are used, for example, for adding a character pattern, storing form data / logo data, and holding input data from a host computer. The user can connect as needed.

FIG. 4 is a software block diagram of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The input means 80 detects a setting made by a user's operation, and stores information on the various settings that have been set.
2 remembers.

Display means 84 displays menus and setting information to the user. The control means 86 includes the input means 80,
The control of the setting storage unit 82 and the display unit 84 is performed.

In the case where the setting is performed using the menu dedicated to the initial setting, when the power is turned on, the control device determines whether or not the initial setting has been completed by referring to the initial setting data stored in the storage means. Alternatively, the menu dedicated to the initial setting may be automatically displayed only when the initial setting is not completed.

FIG. 5 shows a processing routine executed in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In step S100, an initial setting menu is selected. When the user selects this initial setting menu, the process moves to the next step S102.

In step S102, an initial setting menu is displayed and set. The initial setting menu includes
As shown in FIG. 6, there are a plurality of menus dedicated to initial settings such as meter confirmation, an installation mode, a report / list, and system settings, and the plurality of menus dedicated to initial settings can be selected. In step S102, when the input of the initial settings is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S104.

In step S104, a process for ending the initial setting menu is performed.

In step S104, when the above processing is completed, the initial setting is completed.

Note that the initial setting menu may always be selectable regardless of the setting state of the apparatus. Thereby, even when the installation environment is changed, the user can appropriately perform the initial setting.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Here, the case where the installation mode is selected on the operation panel 18 will be described.

FIG. 7 shows an operation procedure of the install mode at the time of initial setting of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

First, whether or not to perform installation is selected on the operation panel 18.

If this selection is rejected, the process returns to the selection of the menu exclusively for initial setting (see FIG. 5).

When the installation is selected, whether or not to output a start page is selected.

If the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to output the start page, the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to perform the installation.

When the selection of whether or not to output the start page is completed, a selection is made as to whether or not to output the automatic print history, which is the next setting condition.

If the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to output the automatic print history, the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to output the start page.

When the selection of whether or not to output the automatic print history is completed, a selection is made as to whether or not to perform clock setting, which is the next setting condition.

If the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to perform the clock setting, the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to output the automatic print history.

If the user does not make a selection as to whether or not to perform the clock setting, the process proceeds to the next setting condition, ie, whether to use a network.

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the network, the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to perform the total setting.

If the user selects to set the clock,
The display for setting the date is displayed.

If the left arrow key is pressed during the display of the date setting, the process returns to the selection of whether or not to perform the clock setting.

When the date setting is completed, a display for setting the time is displayed.

If the left arrow key is pressed during the display of the time setting, the display returns to the display for setting the date.

After setting the time, the user selects whether or not to use the network.

If the user does not make a selection as to whether or not to use the network, the process proceeds to a selection as to whether or not to output a printer setting list.

When the user selects to use the network, the user selects whether to use the SMB (NetBEU1).

If the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether to use the SMB (NetBEU1), the process returns to the selection as to whether to use the network.

If the user does not select whether to use the SMB (NetBEU1), the user selects whether to use the SMB (TCP / IP).

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the SMB (TCP / IP), the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to use the SMB (NetBEU1).

When the user selects to use the SMB (NetBEU1), the user selects whether or not to use the SMB spool.

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the SMB spool, the S
The process returns to the selection of whether to use the MB (NetBEU1).

When the selection as to whether or not to use the SMB spool is completed, a selection is made as to whether or not to use the SMB (TCP / IP).

If the user selects not to use SMB (TCP / IP), the user selects whether to use Ipd (TCP / IP).

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether to use the Ipd (TCP / IP), the process returns to the selection as to whether to use the SMB (TCP / IP).

When the user selects to use SMB (TCP / IP), the user selects whether to use the SMB spool. If the user has selected to use the SMB (NetBEU1), the Ipd (TCP / TCP / TCP) is not displayed without selecting whether to use the SMB spool.
Select whether to use IP).

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the SMB spool, the S
Return to the selection of whether to use MB (TCP / IP).

When the selection as to whether or not to use the SMB spool is completed, a selection is made as to whether or not to use the Ipd (TCP / IP).

When the user selects not to use Ipd (TCP / IP), the user selects whether or not to use IPP.

When the menu key 18C is pressed to select whether or not to use the IPP, the Ipd (T
Return to the selection of whether to use CP / IP.

When the user selects to use Ipd (TCP / IP), the user selects whether to use the Ipd spool.

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the Ipd spool,
Return to the selection of whether to use pd (TCP / IP).

When the selection as to whether or not to use the Ipd spool is completed, a selection is made as to whether or not to use the IPP.

If you choose not to use IPP, N
Select whether to use etWare (IPX).

If you choose to use IPP,
Select whether to use P spool.

When the selection as to whether or not to use the IPP spool is completed, a selection is made as to whether or not to use the NetWare (IPX).

If the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the NetWare (IPX), the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to use the IPP.

When the selection as to whether or not to use the NetWare (IPX) is completed, NetWare (TCP / IPX) is used.
Select whether to use IP).

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the NetWare (TCP / IP), the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to use the NetWare (IPX).

When the selection as to whether or not to use NetWare (TCP / IP) is completed, EtherTalk
Select whether to use.

When the selection of whether or not to use EtherTalk is completed, a selection is made as to whether or not to use Salutation.

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the above-mentioned Salutation,
Return to the selection of whether to use EtherTalk or not.

When the selection of whether to use the salutation is completed, a selection is made as to whether to use the Internet service.

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the Internet service, the flow returns to the selection as to whether or not to use Salutation.

When the selection as to whether to use the Internet service is completed, a selection is made as to whether to use SNMP (TCP / IP).

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether to use the SNMP (TCP / IP), the process returns to the selection as to whether to use the Internet service.

When the selection of whether to use the SNMP (TCP / IP) is completed, a selection is made as to whether to use the SNMP (IPX).

If the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to use the SNMP (IPX), the process returns to the selection as to whether or not to use the SNMP (TCP / IP).

When the selection of whether to use the SNMP (IPX) is completed, a selection is made as to whether to use the DHCP.

When the menu key 18C is pressed to select whether or not to use the DHCP, the SNMP
Return to the selection of whether to use (IPX).

When the user selects to use DHCP, the user selects whether to output the printer setting list.

When the menu key 18C is pressed when selecting whether or not to output the printer setting list,
The process returns to the selection of whether to use the DHCP.

If one chooses not to use DHCP,
You will be required to enter an IP address. When the input of the IP address is completed, whether or not to output the printer setting list is selected. In addition, SMB (TCP
/ IP), Ipd (TCP / IP), NetWare
(TCP / IP), IPP, Internet service,
A screen for inputting an IP address is displayed only when any one of SNMP (TCP / IP) and Saluation has selected to use.

The SMB (TCP / IP), Ipd (T
CP / IP), NetWare (TCP / IP), IP
P, Internet service, SNMP (TCP / I
If neither P) nor Saluation is selected to be used, the user selects whether to output the printer setting list.

When the user selects to output the printer setting list, the fact that the printer setting list is being printed is displayed on the display unit 18A, and the setting of the installation mode is displayed on the display unit 18A. .

On the other hand, if the user selects not to output the printer setting list in the selection of whether to output the printer setting list, whether to register each setting of the installation mode or to output the printer setting list Select whether to return to the selection. When returning to the selection of whether or not to output the printer setting list, the menu key 18C is pressed and executed.

While each setting of the installation mode is being registered, "OK" is displayed on the display section 18A.

When the settings of the installation are registered, the display section 18A displays "Print Dekimass", and all the installation operations are completed, and an image is recorded based on the image data input to the printer. Is done.

In the present embodiment, the operation panel as input means and display means for various settings of the image processing apparatus is provided in the image processing apparatus. However, the operation panel as the input means and display means is provided on the host computer. Etc. may be provided in an external information processing device.

When the initial setting menu is canceled halfway, the setting made halfway may be made either valid or invalid.

Further, an initial setting menu which is selectively displayed from a plurality of initial setting menus before shipment based on the conditions of the shipping destination may be determined.

The menu dedicated to initial setting may be programmed by automatically recognizing the operation procedure of the user.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention, not only the number of characters displayed on the operation panel is increased, but also a plurality of initial setting menus are provided, so that the initial setting operation after the image processing apparatus is installed can be performed. There is an effect that simplification can be achieved.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described using an image processing apparatus, not only an image processing apparatus but also an apparatus that requires a user to select a menu and perform initial settings. The invention can be applied, and the same effects as in the embodiment of the invention can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a circuit configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a software block diagram of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a flowchart of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display menu of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure of an installation mode at the time of initial setting of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 image processing device 14 job control device 18 operation panel 18A display unit 18B cross key 18C menu key 20 external information processing device 34 operation panel I / F 36 external information processing device I / F

Continued on front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP04 CQ05 CQ22 CQ24 CQ29 CQ34 CQ36 CQ37 CQ38 CQ44 HL01 2H027 EE08 EF01 FC03 GA52 GA53 GA54 GA56 GB05 GB14

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for processing an image based on a preset processing condition, comprising: a display unit for displaying the set processing condition; Input means for inputting the setting conditions for each of the setting condition items arranged in a hierarchy, and a plurality of initial settings as a menu of hierarchical setting condition items displayed first on the display means. Is displayed, and when the menu for exclusive setting is selected, a plurality of initial setting items randomly arranged in the hierarchical setting condition items are sequentially displayed on the display means. An image processing apparatus capable of inputting by an input means. 2. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display means and input means are user interfaces provided in the image processing apparatus. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit and the input unit are provided in an external information processing device connected to the image processing device. 4. The image according to claim 2, wherein the menu exclusively for initial setting can be always selected regardless of the current setting conditions. Processing equipment. 5. A storage means for storing the setting made using the menu dedicated to the initial setting, and when the power is turned on, it is determined whether or not the initialization has been completed based on the contents stored in the storing means, 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit configured to automatically display a menu dedicated to initial setting on the display unit only when initial setting is not completed. apparatus. 6. When the menu for exclusive use of initial setting is canceled halfway, the setting made halfway is made effective.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: 7. When the menu for exclusive use of initial setting is canceled halfway, the setting made halfway is invalidated.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: 8. There are a plurality of menus dedicated to the initial setting,
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said selection is possible.
The image processing device according to claim 7. 9. The menu exclusively for initialization which is selectively displayed based on the condition of the shipping destination from a plurality of menus exclusively for initialization before shipment. The image processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation procedure is automatically recognized and a next menu dedicated to initial setting is programmed.