JP2002316466A - Imaging apparatus, imaging method and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus, an imaging method and an information recording medium whereby a user can easily recognize contents as the point of a long explanatory statement even when the long explanatory statement is formed at a help screen and can understand meanings of also abbreviated words in the explanatory statement. SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus for imaging based on setting and inputting an imaging condition has a display means for displaying the explanatory statement related to a setting part for setting the imaging condition. The apparatus also has a display control means for controlling to display to the display means, specific points as key words in the explanatory statement by characterizing the points differently from the other points.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an information recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of image forming apparatus, image forming conditions and the like are often set and operated on a display screen using a touch panel or the like. Particularly, in recent years, since functions have been complicated and diversified, in image forming apparatuses, it has become common to configure a so-called help screen for explaining how to use the user's operation. .

This help screen is a screen for displaying and confirming on the liquid crystal screen how to make a copy, how to supply toner and paper, and how to operate buttons on the operation panel and keys on the liquid crystal screen. In order to make the user fully use each function, the operation method and the explanation of the function are transmitted to the user. However, a long description is formed so that the user can grasp the function and operation accurately.

[0004] Further, with the development of the screen on the touch panel, the explanation of each function button on a help screen has been made.

[0005]

By the way, if a long description is formed on the help screen, it is often difficult to understand the function, which is a burden on the user.

In some cases, a specific abbreviation word, for example, a Z-fold, etc., is used in the explanation, and the meaning of the abbreviation word itself may not be understood by an unskilled user.

Further, when a help screen or the like for each function button is displayed, the display screen is limited to a limited area. It was hard to understand.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to allow a user to easily recognize the content of the point even if a long description is formed on a help screen. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and an information recording medium that can understand the meaning of an abbreviation word in a description sentence.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of prompting recognition of the detailed explanation contents even on a help screen in which a picture or character explanation is formed in a limited area. It is to provide a forming method.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on a setting input of an image forming condition. Display means for displaying an explanatory note related to a setting unit for setting, and display control means for controlling a specific portion serving as a keyword in the explanatory note to be displayed on the display device by performing characterization different from other portions. , Are included.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image based on a setting input of an image forming condition, wherein the display means displays a basic screen for setting the image forming condition. Operating means for instructing the display means to display a mode of a help screen in which a description about a setting unit for setting the image forming conditions is written;
The help screen is displayed from the basic screen on the basis of an operation instruction from the operation means, and a specific location serving as a keyword in the explanatory note is displayed on the display means by performing a different characterization from other locations. And display control means for performing control as described above.

According to the present invention, there is provided a first mode in which an image is formed by a facsimile procedure, a second mode in which an image is formed by data from an information processing apparatus, and image information from a document reading means. Image forming based on 3rd
A display unit for displaying a description about a setting unit for setting image forming conditions corresponding to each of the first to third modes; and Display control means for controlling a specific portion serving as a keyword in the description corresponding to each of the first to third modes to be displayed on the display device by performing a different characterization from other portions. Features.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method for displaying a basic screen for setting image forming conditions and forming an image on a recording material based on the setting on the basic screen. Transitioning a screen from the basic screen based on a user's operation input to display a help basic screen for explaining an arbitrary function related to the image forming condition; and selecting each of the selection items displayed on the help basic screen. The screen is transited from the help basic screen based on any one of the selection operations described above, and a description of the selected selection item is described, and a specific portion serving as a keyword in the description is different from other portions. Displaying a selection item help screen in which an attachment is made.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium storing a program for controlling display of a display screen for setting the image forming conditions when forming an image based on the setting of the image forming conditions. In order to explain an arbitrary function related to the image forming condition, the screen is changed from the basic screen based on information for performing processing for displaying a basic screen for setting the image forming condition and a user's operation input. Based on the information for performing the process of displaying the help basic screen and the selection operation of any one of the selection items displayed on the help basic screen, a screen is shifted from the help basic screen, and the selected selection item is selected. A help text with a description of the item, and a specific part that is a keyword in the description is described so as to be characterized differently from other parts. Information to perform processing for displaying the face,
And a display screen information related to the basic screen, the help basic screen, and the selection item help screen.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus provided with a display unit for displaying a help screen for explaining an arbitrary function relating to image forming conditions, wherein details regarding the description of the help screen are provided. Operating means for forming and outputting the description in an image form, and control means for controlling the detailed description to be formed on a recording material and output based on an operation input by the operating means. I have.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising a display unit for displaying a screen for setting image forming conditions, wherein the display screen information displayed on the display unit is an image. An operation unit for forming and outputting, and a control unit for controlling so as to form and output the display screen information on a recording material based on an operation input by the operation unit, are provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method for controlling display of a display screen for setting the image forming condition when forming an image based on the setting of the image forming condition, The method includes a step of forming and outputting a detailed description of a content of a help screen for explaining an arbitrary function regarding the image forming condition.

An image forming method according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is an image forming method for controlling display of a display screen for setting the image forming conditions when forming an image based on the setting of the image forming conditions. The method includes a step of forming an image of the information on the display screen on a recording material and outputting the information based on a user's operation input.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] (Overall Configuration) First, prior to the description of the characterization of the description on the help screen, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention, the overall schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described. This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a multi-function device having a facsimile function, a copying function, and a printer function. The communication means 3 performs communication according to a predetermined facsimile communication procedure. Encoding / decoding means 5 for compressing and encoding the original image information at the time of decoding and decoding and expanding the received image information at the time of reception, and original reading means 1 comprising a predetermined optical system for reading the original image
0, image storage means 3 for storing image information read by the document reading means 10 and image information received by the communication means 3
And image processing means 34 for performing predetermined processing (magnification processing, image superposition processing, etc.) on the received or read image information and storing the processed information in the image storage means 32.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image writing unit 40 for forming an electrostatic latent image, an image forming unit 50 for forming an image on a transfer sheet as a recording material, and an image forming unit 50 for transferring the transfer sheet to the image forming unit 50. Transfer paper transporting means 60 for transporting in conjunction with the operation
Transfer paper discharge means 64 for discharging the transfer paper, post-copy inversion means 70 for reversing the transfer paper after forming an image on one side of the transfer paper when forming an image on both sides, and setting various modes. Means 1 for performing an operation including a key group (numeric keys) for inputting a telephone number of a communication destination and a start button, etc.
00, a display means 110 for displaying, for example, a help (HELP) screen using, for example, an LCD touch panel, a screen data storage means 120 for storing screen data displayed on the display means 110, and a display data stored in the screen data storage means 120. Display control means 130 for controlling the display so that the displayed display data is displayed on the display means 110, and control means 140 for controlling these components in accordance with a predetermined control program.
And is configured.

It should be noted that the image forming apparatus can also be configured with a configuration in which only the copy function is extracted in the image forming apparatus 1 which is a multifunction peripheral. The “transfer paper” in the present example corresponds to the “recording material” in the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an external view of the image forming apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration. The operation unit 100 includes a display unit 110 (not shown in FIG. 2) provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 6. A plurality of, for example, four-stage paper feed cassettes 80 are formed detachably with respect to the apparatus main body 6. In addition, an external paper feeding unit, a fisher unit for performing post-processing such as sorting, stapling, and punching may be provided so as to be externally attached to the apparatus main body 6.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the communication means 3
A network control unit (network control unit) for making a call to and from a public network such as T, and for controlling connection such as incoming call, recovery, and disconnection processing from an unspecified number of other parties; A communication modem that demodulates and converts the modulated signal transmitted by the digital camera into a digital received image, and modulates the original image information into a modulated signal so as to match the frequency band of the public network at the time of transmission. .

The document reading means 10 reads, for example, an image (character string, picture, etc.) described in one document from the bundle of documents as optical information based on the irradiation light of the light source, and converts this into electrical information. Is what you do. Optical information on the document surface read by the light source is repeatedly reflected by a mirror, and reaches a CCD image pickup device via an imaging optical system. The CCD image pickup device has a photoelectric surface on which a plurality of pixels having a photoelectric conversion function are arranged, and the plurality of pixels receive optical information including image information on the document surface and convert the optical information into electrical information. Will be. In this example, an automatic double-sided document feeder (RADF) (not shown) can be provided.

The image storage means 32 is composed of a nonvolatile memory having a built-in copy area and a facsimile area. The image information read by the document reading means 10 is stored in the copy area, The information is stored in the facsimile area. Note that an area for storing a processing program executed by the control unit 140 is stored in the image storage unit 32.
The configuration may include a work area used when the control unit 140 executes the processing program, an area for storing various setting parameters, and the like.

In the image processing means 34, the digital image signal read by the document reading means 10 or the digital image signal received by the communication means 3 is processed by a scaling circuit and a density correction circuit as necessary. After the processing, the image is compressed by the compression / expansion circuit and stored in the image storage means 32. Then, the stored image is read out, decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit, and output to the image forming means 50.

The image writing means 40 irradiates a laser beam controlled based on the above-mentioned electrical information onto the photosensitive drum to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrical information including the image information obtained by converting the optical information relating to the document surface is used for performing control relating to a laser beam oscillated from a semiconductor laser. The laser beam controlled and oscillated based on the electric information is irradiated while being scanned on the photosensitive drum, and an electrostatic latent image based on the electric information is formed.

The image forming means 50 forms an image on transfer paper based on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum. By uniformly charging the entire surface of the photosensitive drum and attaching toner particles to the electrostatic latent image,
A toner image is formed by transferring and attaching toner particles to the transfer paper surface. Then, an image is formed by pressing the transferred toner image.

The transfer paper transporting means 60 comprises a plurality of rollers for transporting the transfer paper and a mechanism for driving them, and is provided with a tray (manual feed tray, paper feed tray, external feeder) provided in each paper feed cassette 80. Transfer from the image forming unit 50 to the transfer sheet discharging unit 62, and when image formation is performed on both sides of the transfer sheet, the transfer sheet is transferred from the image forming unit 50 to the image forming unit 50. The transfer paper is transported in a predetermined transport control condition by transporting and stopping in each transport path, such as transport to the reversing means 70 after copying, and transport from the reversing means 70 to the image forming means 50 to reverse the front and back. Guidance is provided according to the transport route.

The transfer paper is stacked and placed in each tray in each paper feed cassette 80 (four stages in the example of FIG. 2). These paper feed cassettes 80 can be accommodated in the apparatus main body 6 when sending the transfer paper to the image forming unit 50, and can be pulled out from the apparatus main body when refilling the transfer paper.

Here, the transfer paper conveying means 60, the post-copy inversion means 70, the image forming means 50, and the transfer paper discharge means 64
Constitutes a "transfer paper transport system" as a whole, and includes a number of transport rollers and the like, and a drive source (not shown) for rotating these transport rollers and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation means 100 includes a touch panel 100s for receiving an operation and an LCD 100t for displaying patterns and characters, which are superposed, and the touch panel 100s at the position displayed on the LCD 100t. And a keypad 10 for inputting a telephone number including ten keys “0” to “9”, a “*” key, a “#” key, and the like.
0, a check button 100d, a help button 100e, an application button 100f, a reset button 100h,
Stop / clear button 100i and interrupt copy button 100j
, A start button 100m, and mode change keys 100n-1, 100n-2, 100n-3 for switching between a copy function, a facsimile function, and a printer function.
And Thereby, when the screen described later is displayed on the display operation unit 100a, the operation unit 100
Desired settings can be made. Touch panel 110s
The LCD 100t is electrically separated from the LCD 100t, but is mechanically overlapped to form an operation panel.

The operating means 100 is generally used by a user to start and stop copying and the like, to set various operating environments, and the like. This is for transmitting the completed operating environment and the like to the user.

Returning to FIG. 1, the control means 140
The state of each component of the multifunction peripheral is managed and controlled according to a predetermined control program.
Control unit for controlling the operation of the image forming unit 50, an operation control unit for controlling the operation unit 100, and a communication control unit for controlling the communication unit 3. Etc. In addition, the control unit 140 includes a transfer sheet discharge unit 64 and a transfer sheet transport unit 6.
The operation of the transport system such as 0 is controlled.

The display control means 130 displays the basic screen 200 on the display means 110 by default, and when the help button 100e shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the help screen of the basic screen (hereinafter, the HELP screen of the basic screen) 300 is displayed, and the HELP screen 400 relating to RADF, the reason explanation screen 5
The screen transitions to 00 (details will be described later) or the like, and display control is performed so that the screen is developed.

For this purpose, in the screen data storage means 120, basic screen data 122 for displaying the basic screen 200 in advance, HELP screen data 124 for the basic screen for displaying the HELP screen 300 of the basic screen, RADF
RADF for displaying HELP screen 400 related to
Screen data 126 relating to HELP screen, reason explanation screen 50
Stored is screen data 128 for explaining the reason for displaying 0, and other screen data 129 including various HELP screens and other applications. It is preferable that each of these data is individually formed as a HELP file of 100 to 300 patterns on a file system, for example.

Then, the display control means 130 controls the specific part which is a keyword in the description to be displayed on the display means 110 by performing a different characterization from the other parts. Alternatively, based on an operation instruction from the operation means 100,
The display means 11 displays the HELP screen 300 of the basic screen from the basic screen 200, and characterizes a specific location serving as a keyword in the description differently from other locations.
It is controlled so that it is displayed at 0. Further, a first mode for displaying a basic screen 200 for setting image forming conditions, and an operation unit 1 in a state where the basic screen 200 is displayed.
HEL of the basic screen displayed based on the operation input of 00
The second mode for displaying the P screen 300 (included in the “help screen” of the present invention) and the selection mode of any one of the selection items displayed on the HELP screen 300 of the basic screen are displayed. For example, a third mode for displaying a HELP screen 400 relating to RADF (corresponding to a “selection item help screen” in one embodiment of the present invention, and included in a “help screen” in another embodiment of the present invention); In the explanation displayed on the screen 400 (included in the “help screen” of the present invention), the reason explanation screen 500 (this book) is displayed based on a selection operation of a specific term displayed in a display mode different from other terms. A fourth mode for displaying a "detailed description screen" of the present invention) is controlled in accordance with an operation input.

Hereinafter, the basic screen 200, the HELP screen 300 of the basic screen, the HELP screen 400 relating to RADF, and the reason explanation screen 500 for explanations relating to RADF will be described.
Will be described.

(Regarding Display Screen) Next, an example of screen development of the display screen of the display means in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 discloses an example of a basic screen on the display means of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the basic screen 200 is used for standard operation of the image forming apparatus, and is a screen for displaying various operation items in standard use and receiving input of the items. . The basic screen 200 is provided with operation keys for entering various special modes and special screens.

The basic screen 200 is "Can be copied"
An interactive message area 210 for displaying instructions to the user such as "Please set a document" and an explanation of the machine status such as "reservation list display", and a job display area 212 for displaying the name of the job being executed. , Number of prints /
A reservation list button 2 for calling a screen for displaying a reservation status of a job whose reservation has been set, a set number display area 214
16 and a screen setting area 220.

The job display area 212 has a job memory button for calling a job memory registration screen.

In the screen setting area 220, each area 22
It is possible to input predetermined information regarding the setting of the operating environment, etc., and to perform various operations relating to the image forming apparatus by applying a finger pressure or the like to the icon display shown in any of 1 to 226 (selection unit). It has become.

More specifically, the screen setting area 220
An output processing setting area 221 for designating the output form of the transfer paper after the copying is completed, in particular, the above-described processing after the copying;
A mode selection area 222 for specifying various modes such as single-sided / double-sided, and a density setting display area 223 for setting the density of an image, by specifying the automatic double-sided document feeder (RADF) in the document reading means 10 described above, , A size selection area 225 for selecting the size of the recording paper, and an application setting area 226 for performing various application settings.

In a magnification setting area 224, a numerical value display section for displaying a magnification by a numerical value, an independent magnification button for setting a magnification that changes continuously in the vertical and horizontal directions, a zoom button capable of setting the magnification in a continuous vertical and horizontal same rate, an A series There is a fixed magnification button and an equal magnification button for setting the conversion magnification between the standard recording paper sizes of B and B series. Primarily, when image forming conditions such as the number of copies, copy density, and magnification are set from the basic screen 200, the set conditions are displayed on the screen and the conditions are set.

After inputting conditions such as the number of copies, the copy density, and the magnification mainly from the basic screen 200, and setting the copy conditions, the document reading is started by pressing the start button 100m (see FIG. 3).

When the reading of the original is completed, the reservation of the job is completed. The reserved job is stored as a reservation list. In this example, a plurality of job reservations, for example, up to five job reservations can be made. However, the number of job reservations is not limited to five, and any number of job reservations can be made.

In the size selection area 225, icons corresponding to the respective paper feed trays and the external paper feed means in each paper feed cassette are displayed, each of which is "setting information" relating to the type and size of transfer paper to be stored. Is displayed (whether the attribute is set) or not. Now, in FIG. 4, it can be seen that, for example, the paper type is set to “colored paper” and the size is set to “A4” for the paper feed tray 1.

The setting information is stored in the non-volatile memory while maintaining the correspondence with the sheet cassette.

In this embodiment, based on the setting information set as described above for each of the paper feed trays, the “control conditions” (constituted by process conditions and the like) relating to the image forming apparatus are set to the setting information. Each time, the operation is switched to the corresponding unique one and applied, and the operation of the image forming apparatus is performed.

For the setting information relating to the paper type, types of paper types such as “plain paper” and “special paper” are provided. Further, “special paper” includes thick paper, thin paper, TAB paper, OHP film, etc. It is preferable to provide a detailed “type”.

FIG. 5 shows a HELP screen 300 of the basic screen displayed when the hard key help button 100e of FIG. 3 is pressed on the basic screen 200 of FIG.

As shown in the figure, the HELP screen (help mode) 300 of the basic screen shows a description (RADF description information) which is formed in a lower layer of this screen and which relates to a method of setting a document on the RADF. HE about RADF
An RADF display operation unit 310 for calling by pressing the LP screen, and a toner replenishment HELP screen formed at a lower hierarchy of the screen and showing a description (toner replenishment explanation information) on a toner replenishment method by pressing down. And a toner supply display operation unit 312.

Further, the HELP screen 300 of the basic screen
Is a tray 1 sheet replenishment H indicating a description (tray 1 sheet replenishment explanation information) on a method of setting a replenishment sheet for copy sheets on the sheet feed tray 1 formed in a lower hierarchy of this screen.
A tray 1 paper supply display operation unit 314 for calling by pressing the ELP screen, and a description (a tray 2 paper supply explanation) relating to a method of setting a supply paper formed on a lower layer of the screen and for a copy paper of the paper feed tray 2 Information), a tray 2 paper supply display operation unit 316 for calling by pressing the tray 2 paper supply HELP screen, and a method of setting supply paper formed on a lower layer of the screen and for copy paper in the paper feed tray 3 Tray 3 paper supply display operation unit 318 for calling by pressing down the tray 3 paper supply HELP screen showing the explanation (Tray 3 paper supply explanation information)
And tray 4 paper supply H showing a description (tray 4 paper supply explanation information) on a method of setting supply paper for copy paper in the paper feed tray 4 formed in a lower hierarchy of this screen.
And a tray 4 paper supply display operation unit 322 for calling by pressing the ELP screen.

Further, the HELP screen 30 of the basic screen is displayed.
Reference numeral 0 denotes a staple staple supply display operation unit 3 for calling up by pressing the staple staple supply HELP screen, which is formed at a lower level of the screen and shows a description (staple staple supply description information) on a staple cartridge supply method.
24, and a manual paper supply display operation for calling by pressing the manual paper supply HELP screen formed on the lower hierarchy of the screen and showing a description (manual paper supply explanation information) on a paper supply method to the manual tray. A section 320 and a cutting machine display operation section 326 formed at a lower level of the screen and called by pressing the cutting machine HELP screen showing a description of the cutting machine (cutting machine explanation information). .

Further, the HELP screen 30 of the basic screen
0 indicates an administrator data display section 3 displaying administrator data.
28, a contact information display section 329 for displaying contact information such as a telephone number and a FAX number of a service manager for contacting the occurrence of key troubles, inquiries and periodic inspections, and a menu selection section for displaying a help menu screen. 33
0, a time information display section 331 displaying time information, a key operator mode shift operation section 332 for shifting to a key operator mode, and a HELP screen 300 of a basic screen.
And an end operation unit 334 for ending the operation.

When the end operation section 334 is pressed, the screen returns to the copy basic screen 200.

By pressing any one of the operation units formed on the screen in this manner, for example, a cutting machine,
A screen (not shown) is displayed on which explanations such as RADF, toner supply, tray 1 paper supply, tray 2 paper supply, tray 3 paper supply, tray 4 paper supply, and manual paper supply are displayed. Can understand.

Here, a case where the RADF display operation unit 310 is pressed will be described as an example.

FIG. 6 shows the HELP of the basic screen shown in FIG.
An example of a HELP screen related to RADF displayed when the RADF display operation unit 310 is pressed on the screen 300 is disclosed.

As shown in FIG.
LP screen (hereinafter referred to as RADFHELP screen) 400
For example, the layout of the RADF part is displayed in a perspective view,
An explanatory diagram display section 402 displaying an explanatory diagram showing the RADF portion, an RADF explanatory note display section 410 displaying an explanatory note related to the RADF, and the like are formed.

In the RADF explanation display section 410, for example, operation procedures and the like are displayed in a bulleted list according to the procedures. Important terms that become keywords in each item are displayed using a display mode different from other explanatory sentences, for example, using emphasized characters. Furthermore, the important terms are formed so as to be distinguishable by displaying and forming underlines and the like in addition to the emphasized characters.

For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the description is “set the first page of the document upward as shown in the figure”. Are highlighted and underlined. In addition, as the places of the highlighted character display and the underline display, for example, “two-fold or Z-fold”, “cannot be correctly detected”, and “document setting mode” are formed. These “set up”, “fold in half and Z-fold”, “cannot be detected correctly”, “document setting mode”, etc., are displayed on the lower-level display screens each showing more detailed A “set up” display / operation unit 412, a “two-fold or Z-fold” display / operation unit 414, a “cannot be detected correctly” display / operation unit 416, and a “document setting mode” display / operation unit 418 for shifting are configured. .

Since the "set upwards" portion, for example, which is characterized by, for example, highlighted characters, is a keyword, the user can select a key term from a long description. Can be easily recognized.

In this example, as an example of a display mode different from other explanatory texts, a combination of highlighted character display and underline display is disclosed. However, if either of them is possible, that is, if there is no underline if it can be distinguished. And other display modes, for example, enlarged fonts (increased number of font points or bitmaps), different fonts such as Gothic fonts, italic fonts, and different color displays for color touch panels, Negative / positive reversal may be performed, or other display modes such as hatching or a combination of the above examples may be used.

Further, what is characteristic in the present embodiment is that when a portion serving as a keyword is pressed, a dedicated screen for detailed explanation on the meaning or reason of the keyword is displayed. As a result, the user who does not understand the terms and detailed contents can know the detailed contents, thereby improving the convenience.

FIG. 7 shows a display / operation unit 416 on the RADFHELP screen shown in FIG.
The HELP screen (hereinafter referred to collectively as a "reason explanation screen" may be referred to collectively as the HELP screen of this layer) which explains in detail the reason why "cannot be correctly detected" of the lower hierarchy displayed when "" is pressed. Is disclosed.

That is, when one of the highlights, for example, a part where "cannot be detected correctly" is pressed, a reason explanation screen 500 for explaining the reason why the detection cannot be performed correctly is displayed as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

In the figure, on the reason explanation screen 500,
A detailed explanation of the reason why the size of a document that has been folded in two or Z-fold before cannot be correctly detected is displayed. The reason explanation screen 500 has a reason explanation display section 510 displaying a reason explanation. In order to return to the RADFHELP screen 400 shown in FIG. 6 from the reason explanation screen 500 displaying the explanation of the detailed reason, the user presses a return button 512 formed on the reason explanation display section 510 to return to the original state. Screen can be displayed. Note that when ending the help without returning, the end operation unit 520 may be pressed.

(Regarding Display Control System) FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a display control system for controlling the display of the display means of the image forming apparatus necessary for developing the screen as described above. A figure is disclosed.

As shown in the figure, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment
Display control system 600 is formed on the above-mentioned HELP screen, and calls the RADFHELP screen 400 to the display means 110 (transitions the screen).
10, a staple staple supply display operation unit 324 for calling a staple staple supply HELP screen (not shown), and a cutting machine display operation unit 3 for displaying a cutting machine HELP screen.
26, and a toner supply display operation unit 312 for displaying the toner supply HELP screen.

Further, the display control system 600 includes a tray 1 paper supply display operation unit 314 for displaying the tray 1 paper supply HELP screen, and a tray 2 paper supply display operation unit for displaying the tray 2 paper supply HELP screen. 316 and tray 3
A tray 3 paper supply display operation unit 318 for displaying the paper supply HELP screen, a tray 4 paper supply display operation unit 322 for displaying the tray 4 paper supply HELP screen, and a manual paper supply HELP screen And a manual paper supply display operation unit 320.

Further, the display control system 600 includes a RAD
A “set up” display operation unit 412 for calling the “set up” HELP screen (reason explanation screen) formed on the FHELP screen 400 to the display means 110 (transition of the screen), and “2. Fold and Z-fold "HEL
A “two-fold or Z-fold” display / operation unit 414 for displaying a P screen (reason explanation screen) and a “not correctly detected” display / operation unit for displaying a “cannot be correctly detected” HELP screen (reason explanation screen) 416 and a “document setting mode” display operation unit 418 for displaying a “document setting mode” HELP screen (reason explanation screen).

The display control system 600 is called by, for example, “.hlp”
Each screen data that is an ELP file, that is, RAD
FHELP screen data 602, "set up" H
ELP screen data 604, "two-fold or Z-fold" HEL
P screen data 606, "cannot be detected correctly" HELP
Screen data 608, "document setting mode" HELP screen data 609, "staple replenishment" HELP screen data 610, "cutting machine" HELP screen data 612, "toner replenishment" HELP screen data 614, "Tray 1 paper replenishment" HELP screen Data 616, "Tray 2 paper supply" H
ELP screen data 618, "Tray 3 paper supply" HELP
Screen data 620, “Tray 4 paper supply” HELP screen data 622, “Manual paper supply” HELP screen data 62
4 and a display control means 130 for controlling these controls.

In the image forming apparatus 1 having the display control system 600 having the above-described configuration, the display control means 130 stores the corresponding image data stored in the screen data storage means 120 based on the operation input of any one of the display operation sections. The screen data is called and displayed on the display unit 110. Examples of these specific screen developments are as described above.

(Regarding the Processing Procedure) Next, (of the display control system) in the image forming apparatus constituting the above screen
The processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in the default state, processing for displaying the basic screen 200 shown in FIG. 4 on the display means of the image forming apparatus is performed (step, hereinafter, "S" 101). Basic screen 2
In a state where 00 is displayed, a process of determining whether or not the help button 100e (see FIG. 3) of the hard key is pressed is performed (S102). If it is determined in this determination process that the help button 100e has not been pressed,
Return to 101.

On the other hand, the help button 10
When it is determined that 0e is pressed, the mode shifts to a so-called help mode. Nochi, HELP screen of the basic screen that becomes the HELP menu screen (HEP of the first hierarchy)
An LP screen) (screen shown in FIG. 5) 300 is displayed (S103).

In the HELP screen 300 of the basic screen, a process for determining whether or not the end operation section 334 (see FIG. 5) has been pressed is performed (S104). In this determination processing, when it is determined that the end operation unit 334 has been pressed, the display returns to the display of the basic screen 200 in S101. on the other hand,
If it is determined in the determination processing that the end operation unit 334 has not been pressed, the HELP screen 3
At 00, a process of determining whether a predetermined item (each operation unit) is pressed and selected is performed (S105).

If it is determined that the predetermined item is not selected in this determination processing, the processing of returning to the HELP screen 300 of the basic screen in S103 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that a predetermined item is selected, the HELP screen (the second lower-level HELP screen: for example, the second lower hierarchy) related to the selected item (for example, “RADF display operation unit”) , RADFH
A process of displaying the ELP screen 400 (see FIG. 6) is performed (S106).

Next, in the HELP screen of the second lower hierarchy, the end operation unit (for example, the RADFHELP screen 400)
Corresponds to reference numeral 420, but in the present description, it is a generalized description of a plurality of hierarchies or branches after the second lower hierarchy, so that the reference numeral is omitted). S107). In this determination processing, when it is determined that the end operation unit has been pressed, the process returns to the basic screen 200 in S101.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above-mentioned determination processing that the end operation unit has not been pressed, underline display (underlined portion) / emphasized character display (emphasized character portion)
(S10) is performed to determine whether or not the item is selected.
8). In this determination processing, if it is determined that the item of the underline display / highlighted character display is not selected, the processing of returning to the HELP screen of the second lower hierarchy in S106 is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination process that the item of the underline display / highlighted character display is selected, the detailed reason for the selected item (for example, “display operation unit that cannot be correctly detected”) is determined. A process for displaying the explained reason explanation screen (third lower-level HELP screen: for example, “HELP screen that cannot be correctly detected”) is performed (S109).

Then, on the HELP screen of the third lower hierarchy, a return button (in the second and lower hierarchies,
A determination process is performed to determine whether or not (the symbol is omitted for the same reason as in the case of the end operation unit) (S110).
In this determination processing, when it is determined that the return button has been pressed, the HEL of the second lower hierarchy in S106
Processing to return to the P screen is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that the return button has not been pressed, a determination process is performed on the third lower-level HELP screen as to whether the end operation unit has been pressed (S111). .

In this determination processing, if it is determined that the end operation unit has been pressed, the processing of returning to the basic screen in S101 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination processing that the end operation unit has not been pressed, the display returns to the HELP screen of the third lower hierarchy in S109.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, HE
By characterizing and displaying an important part which is a keyword in the explanation in the LP screen, the user can easily recognize an important point without reading all the sentences.

Further, the details of the keyword can be grasped by a simple operation, and information that cannot be known by the user can be displayed by a simple operation.

In the present embodiment, the case where the HELP screen for the basic screen is displayed from the help mode has been described. Naturally, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the user enters the HELP screen such that the help button is pressed to output a help explanation. That is, the HEL of the basic screen
When entering from the help mode which is the P screen, the screen is developed only in the help mode. In addition, the HELP screen is
The screens and functions of each layer are also provided, and explanations about the existing functions are always displayed as help. In such a case, highlighting, underlining, etc. are formed, and the lower layer , A screen for the detailed explanation is formed.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, a description of a substantially similar configuration of the first embodiment will be partially omitted,
The different parts are mainly described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present example.

In the above-described first embodiment, an example of screen development that transits from the basic screen to the HELP screen, and then goes through each lower hierarchy to the above-described reason explanation screen has been disclosed. In the following, an example will be described in which a transition is made from the document setting screen to reach the HELP screen (reason explanation screen) which describes the details of “two-folding or Z-folding”.

First, prior to a specific example of screen development, the configuration will be described. In the image forming apparatus 700 of this example,
As shown in FIG. 10, the communication unit 703 and the encoding / decoding unit 7 have substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.
05, document reading means 710, image storage means 732, image processing means 734, image writing means 740, image forming means 7
50, transfer paper discharge means 764, post-copy inversion means 770,
Transfer paper transporting means 780 including paper feeding cassette 782, operating means 800, display means 810, screen data storage means 82
0, display control means 830, and control means 840.

Here, in this example, the display control means 8
The display control unit 30 controls the display so that the application screen 900 is displayed on the display unit 810. For this purpose, the screen data storage unit 820 stores application screen data 822 and the like.

In the present embodiment, for example, to reach the HELP screen (reason explanation screen) which explains the details of “two-folding or Z-folding”, open the original setting screen from the application screen,
The HELP screen is displayed by directly selecting a Z-fold original. Hereinafter, an example of specific screen development will be described.

(Display Screen) FIG. 11 discloses an example of an application screen displayed when an application function operation unit (see the area indicated by reference numeral 226 in FIG. 4) is pressed on the basic screen.

As shown in the figure, in the application screen 900, the page editing section 910, the image editing section 920, the job memory setting section 933, the memory copy setting section 919, the all release setting section 930, the cancel operation section 931, the OK operation section An operation unit 932 and the like are formed.

A page editing unit 910 includes an inter-sheet setting unit 911 for attaching a cover when copying a plurality of sheets, and an OHP setting unit 915 for performing settings for inserting paper between films during OHP film copying to prevent adhesion between films. A chapter setting section 912 for setting the chapter by sending the back side of the two-sided copy to the front side of the next page; an insertion page setting section 916 for setting the paper to be inserted into an arbitrary position in a plurality of originals;
A one-sheet combination setting unit 913 for combining and copying a plurality of document images into one sheet, a page continuous shooting setting unit 917 for setting to copy a two-page spread document such as a book separately for each page,
A booklet setting unit 914 that copies the documents in the reading order when folded in two, and a document setting unit 9 that sets the types of documents such as mixed documents of different sizes to correspond to the types of documents.
18 and the like.

An image editing unit 920 includes a document image quality setting unit 921 for setting a mode according to the image quality of a document such as a photograph, a black-and-white inversion setting unit 922 for inverting and copying black and white, and repeating a document image on one sheet. A repeat / copy setting section 923 for copying, a frame / fold-off setting section 924 for setting to perform copying by eliminating black shadows around and at the center of a thick original such as a book, and placing the original on the original glass in the center of the copy paper. Document position correction setting unit 92 for performing setting to correct the image position
5. Margin setting section 926 sets margins to be copied and detects margins of the originals on the original glass, and erases out-of-size portions to perform copying. And a stamp setting unit 928 for setting printing on a copy image.

By pressing the original setting section 918 on the application screen 900 having the above configuration, an original setting screen 1000 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the display section 810. In this case, the screen data storage unit 820 has the document setting screen data, and the display control unit 830 controls the display so that the document setting screen 1000 is displayed on the display unit 810 based on the data. .

FIG. 12 shows the application screen 900 shown in FIG.
Discloses an example of an original setting screen displayed when the original setting unit 918 is selected.

As shown in FIG.
00 is a special document setting unit 1010, a top-bottom correction setting unit 10
20, OK operation unit 1030, cancel operation unit 1031
Etc. are formed.

A special original setting unit 1010 includes a normal setting unit 1012, a mixed original setting unit 1014 for setting originals having different sizes in the RADF, selecting their own size and magnification, and performing copying, and a Z-fold original. A Z-fold original setting unit 1016 for setting a mode for copying, an irregular original setting unit 1018 for setting a mode for copying an irregular original, and the like are included. A top / bottom correction setting unit 1020 includes a normal setting unit 1022 and a single / double-sided top / bottom correction (abbreviated as “one-sided top / bottom correction”) for setting the front and back sides to be reversed when copying a single-sided document to both sides. Part 10
23, a two-sided-one-sided upside-down correction (abbreviated as "two-sided upside-down correction") setting unit 1024 for setting upside-down and upside-down alignment when two-sided originals whose front and back are reversed are copied on one side including.

Here, when the help button of the hard key is pressed while the Z-fold original setting section 1016 is in the selected state, the “two-fold or Z-fold” HE of the first embodiment is performed.
The LP screen (reason explanation screen) will be displayed.

As described above, in this example, regardless of the hierarchy of the HELP mode (HELP screen), by pressing the help button of the hard key while selecting a predetermined item from other various screens, the HELP is performed. In the mode (HELP screen), it is possible to directly browse the reason explanation screen at the lower hierarchy.

(Processing Procedure) Next, referring to FIG. 13, a description will be given of a processing procedure of a display control system required for screen expansion of the present example displayed on the display means in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, with reference to FIG. I do. In the description of this processing procedure, for simplification of the description, reference numerals for each screen and each button are omitted, and the flow of the procedure will be mainly described.

First, by default, the image forming apparatus 70
A process of displaying the basic screen on the display means 810 of the 0 is performed (S201). Next, a determination process is performed as to whether or not the applied function operation unit has been selected on the basic screen (S202).
If it is determined in this determination process that the applied function operation unit has not been selected, the process returns to the basic screen in S201.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that the application function operation unit has been selected, a process of displaying an application screen is performed (S203).

Next, in the application screen, it is determined whether or not the document setting section (button) is pressed and selected (S204). If it is determined in this determination process that the document setting unit has not been selected, the state in which the application screen of S203 is displayed is maintained.
On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that the document setting unit has been selected, a document setting screen is displayed (S205).

Then, on the document setting screen, a process for determining whether or not a Z-fold document has been selected is performed (S20).
6). If it is determined in this determination process that the Z-fold document has not been selected, the process of displaying the document setting screen in S205 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that the Z-fold original has been selected, a determination process is performed to determine whether the help button has been pressed (S207).

In this determination processing, if it is determined that the help button has not been pressed, the processing for displaying the original setting screen in S205 is performed. on the other hand,
If it is determined in the determination process that the help button has been pressed, a HELP screen (a reason explanation screen) relating to the Z-folding is displayed (S208).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, regardless of the hierarchy of the help mode, the help button of the hard key is pressed while selecting a predetermined item from other various screens. In this case, it is possible to directly browse the reason explanation screen at the lower hierarchical level, so that the convenience for the user is improved.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the overall schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present example.

What is characteristic in this example is that, although the explanation is simplified on the HELP screen, the explanation print operation unit is pressed on the HELP screen on which the explanation is displayed. The point is that the detailed explanation is formed into an image and printed out.

Before describing a specific example of the screen, its configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus 1100 of this example has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Communication means 1103, encoding / decoding means 1
105, document reading means 1110, image storage means 113
2. Image processing means 1134, image writing means 1140, image forming means 1150, transfer paper discharge means 1164, post-copy inversion means 1170, transfer paper transport means 1180 including paper feed cassette 1182, operation means 1200, display means 121
0, screen data storage unit 1220, display control unit 123
0 and control means 1140.

Here, in this example, the display control means 1
Reference numeral 230 denotes an explanation print operation unit 1412
Is displayed. When the explanation print operation unit 1412 is pressed, the control unit 1140 causes the image forming unit 1150 to form an image of all the explanation data stored in the screen data storage unit 1220, that is, the explanation print data. And finally prints the explanatory print data on which the image is formed on the transfer paper by the transfer paper discharge means 1164
The print output is performed so as to output more. Naturally, the screen data storage unit 1220 stores each data corresponding to each HELP screen, each print data corresponding to each description of each HELP screen, or each description displayed on each HELP screen. Bitmap data of the print operation unit and the like are stored. Hereinafter, an example of forming a display screen will be described.

(Display Screen) FIG. 15 discloses an example of a display screen in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the layout of the application screen 1300 is different, but the page editing unit 1310, the image application unit 1320, and the memory setting unit 13 are similar to the second embodiment.
31, all application cancel setting unit 1332, cancel operation unit 1
333, an OK operation unit 1334, and the like are formed. Further, a help button 1340 is also formed.

The page editing unit 1310 includes an inter-sheet setting unit 1311, an OHP setting unit 1315, a chapter setting unit 1312, an insertion page setting unit 1316, and a combination setting unit 13.
13, page continuous shooting setting section 1317, booklet setting section 131
4. It includes an overlay setting unit 1318 and the like.

The image application section 1320 includes an automatic erasure setting section 1321, a black-and-white inversion setting section 1322, a repeat setting section 1323, a frame / fold erasing setting section 1324, a document position correction setting section 1325, a thin paper setting section 1326, and a binding section. It is configured to include a margin setting unit 1327 and the like.

In the application screen 1300 having the above-described configuration, while the booklet setting section 1314 is selected, the help button 1
By pressing 340, the HE as shown in FIG.
The LP screen 1400 will be displayed.

FIG. 16 discloses an example of the display screen of the HELP screen. As shown in FIG.
On the screen 1400, an explanatory note that simplifies the function of the booklet and an explanatory note display unit 141 illustrated with a drawing
0 and an explanation print operation unit 14 capable of forming an image and printing out all the explanations which are more detailed than this explanation.
12 and an end operation unit 1414 for ending the HELP screen 1400.

By pressing the explanation print operation unit 1412 on the HELP screen 1400 having such a configuration, the explanation of the entire explanation of the explanation and the output for printing the figure are automatically made. Note that this explanation print operation unit 14
If the user presses the key 12 once, it is preferable to print out on a plurality of A4 sheets, for example, although it depends on the function to be explained in HELP. At this time, it is further preferable that the setting screen on which the magnification of the printout of the explanatory text and the like can be set can be displayed in a pop-up format when the explanatory print operation unit 1412 is pressed. Alternatively, separately from the explanation print operation unit 1412, all HELP
A dedicated operation button (all print operation unit) that can output all detailed explanations and figures corresponding to the screen at one time may be formed.

By doing so, the file size tends to increase on the HELP screen due to the use of bitmaps and the like for small characters, and the amount of explanations is naturally limited, thus simplifying the form. Could only be displayed in the description, but in this example, even if the simplified description was displayed, the detailed description could be viewed by the user by printout. As a result, while improving the user experience,
Since detailed explanations can be stored in the storage area as text data, no problem occurs in the memory area even if there are a large number of explanations.

(Regarding Processing Procedure) Next, a processing procedure related to the explanation printing in the image forming apparatus as described above will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of this processing procedure, for simplification of the description, reference numerals for each screen and each button are omitted, and the flow of the procedure will be mainly described.

First, in the state where a certain specific screen is displayed on the display means 1210, it is determined whether or not the help button has been pressed (S301). In this determination processing, when it is determined that the help button has not been pressed, the standby state is set and the specific screen is kept displayed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the help button has been pressed in the determination processing, a processing of displaying a HELP screen which is a display screen displaying the contents of the HELP is performed (S302). Note that an explanation print operation unit and the like are formed on the HELP screen.

Next, in the HELP screen, a process is performed to determine whether the explanation print operation unit has been pressed (S30).
3). In this determination process, if it is determined that the explanatory print operation unit has not been pressed, the HELP screen remains displayed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process that the explanation print operation unit has been pressed, the HE
A process of forming an image and printing out all the explanations related to the contents of the LP screen is performed (S304). In this way, all explanatory texts can be printed out.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can deepen the understanding of the mounted functions. For example,
If you do not understand how to use the booklet function, the current help
Although used for one-screen description, the same description as the instruction manual can be owned by an individual by printing the same explanation screen as the instruction manual.

Although the apparatus and method according to the present invention have been described according to some specific embodiments thereof,
Those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the embodiments described in the text of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described third embodiment,
Although the detailed description corresponding to the HELP screen is printed, a screen print operation unit capable of forming an image of the content itself displayed on the HELP screen and print-outputting the image itself may be configured. Further, the screen print operation unit includes a case where a display mode of any other screen displayed on the display unit is formed and output. Each of these operation units may be configured as software on the display screen or may be configured as hard keys on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Further, for example, a configuration may be employed in which the processing program processed in the image forming apparatus of each of the above-described embodiments, the described processing, the entire data or each part is recorded on an information recording medium. Furthermore, the present invention also includes an electronic mail software in which the above-described processing program is operable on a general personal computer or a portable terminal, or an information recording medium in which the embedded electronic mail software is recorded.

As the information recording medium, for example, RO
M, RAM, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an integrated circuit, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic recording medium, etc. may be used. Further, a CD-ROM, hard disk, CD-R, CD-RW, FD, DVDRAM, DV
The information may be recorded on a DROM, MO, ZIP, magnetic card, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, IC card, or the like for use.

Still further, examples of the medium include a wireless or infrared transmission channel between a computer and another device, a computer-readable card such as a PCMC.
An IA card, a network connection to another computer or device on a network, and the Internet or an intranet that includes e-mail transmission and information recorded on a website or other.

This information recording medium is used in a system or apparatus other than the system according to each of the above-described embodiments, and the system or computer reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium to execute the above-described method. A function equivalent to that of the embodiment can be realized, and an equivalent effect can be obtained.

In addition, the O running on the computer
S, when the RTOS or the like on the image forming apparatus performs a part or all of the processing, or when the program code read from the storage medium is used as a computer, an image forming apparatus, an extended function board or a computer After being written into a memory provided in an extended function unit connected to the image forming apparatus, the CPU or the like provided in the extended function board or the extended function unit performs part or all of the processing based on an instruction of the program code. In this case, the same functions as those of the above embodiments can be realized, and the same effects can be obtained.

More specifically, the information recording medium is an information recording medium that records a program for controlling display of a display screen for setting the image forming conditions when forming an image based on the setting of the image forming conditions. is there.

In this information recording medium, a screen is shifted from the basic screen based on information for performing processing for displaying a basic screen for setting the image forming conditions and a user's operation input. Information for processing to display a help basic screen for explaining the function,
On the basis of a selection operation of any of the selection items displayed on the help basic screen, a screen is changed from the help basic screen, and a description of the selected selection item is written. Information for performing a process of displaying a selection item help screen in which a specific portion is differently characterized from other portions, and display screen information relating to the basic screen, the help basic screen, and the selection item help screen And

[0138] Further, the information recording medium includes information for performing a process of displaying a detailed explanation screen in which a detailed explanation about the keyword is described, based on pressing of the specific portion on the selection item help screen.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of the help screen in the copy mode has been described. However, it is needless to say that the present invention can be similarly applied to the help screen in other fax modes and printer modes.

Further, it goes without saying that the above-described embodiments include examples obtained by combining the above-described embodiments and any of the above-described embodiments in combination with the modified examples. In this case, even if not explicitly described in the present embodiment, the obvious operational effects that can be produced by the combination of the respective configurations disclosed in the respective embodiments and the modified examples are, of course, not explicitly described in the present embodiment, unless explicitly stated. The same effect can be obtained also in the above.

[0141]

As described above, according to the present invention, the user can easily recognize important points by performing characterization different from display. Further, with respect to a portion that becomes a keyword in the description, the details thereof can be known by a simple operation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a necessary portion is printed from explanation data substantially equivalent to the instruction manual of the image forming apparatus in advance, and the individual owns the equivalent of the instruction manual. It is possible to know the supplementary explanation of the installed function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a basic screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a HELP screen of a basic screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates an R displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a HELP screen related to an ADF.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of a reason explanation screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating display control of a display unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of another embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an application screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG.

12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a document setting screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of another embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG.

16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 14;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 image forming apparatus 110 display means 130 display control means 200 basic screen 300 HELP screen of basic screen 400 HELP screen related to RADF (RADFHE
LP screen) 500 Reason explanation screen

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 AQ06 AR03 AS01 CQ04 CQ24 CQ30 CQ33 CQ36 CQ38 CQ43 CQ44 5E501 AA06 AC15 BA03 BA05 CB05 EB01 EB05 FA08 FA42

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for forming an image based on an input for setting an image forming condition, comprising: a display unit for displaying a description about a setting unit for setting the image forming condition; An image forming apparatus comprising: a display control unit that performs control so that a specific portion is characterized differently from other portions and is displayed on the display unit. 2. An image forming apparatus for forming an image based on an image forming condition setting input, comprising: a display unit for displaying a basic screen for setting the image forming condition; and setting the image forming condition. An operation means for instructing the display means to display a mode of a help screen in which a description about the setting unit is displayed, and displaying the help screen from the basic screen based on the operation instruction on the operation means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a display control unit that performs control so that a specific portion serving as a keyword in the description is differently characterized from other portions and displayed on the display unit. 3. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit to display a detailed description on the keyword based on the pressing of the specific portion. Image forming device. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the specific portion to be displayed in a highlighted character format. . 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the specific portion to be displayed in a format in which a keyword is underlined. Image forming device. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the keyword to be an abbreviation in the description. 7. An operation unit for displaying the help screen on the display unit, wherein the display control unit displays a first screen for setting an image forming condition.
And a second mode for displaying a help screen displayed based on an operation input of the operation unit while the basic screen is displayed, and any one of the selection items displayed on the help screen. A third mode for displaying a selection item help screen displayed on the basis of the selection operation, and a selection of a specific term displayed in a display mode different from other terms in a description displayed on the selection item help screen. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein switching between a fourth mode for displaying a detailed description screen displayed based on an operation and a fourth mode is performed in accordance with an operation input. 8. A first method for forming an image by a facsimile procedure
Mode, a second mode in which an image is formed based on data from an information processing apparatus, and a third mode in which an image is formed based on image information from a document reading unit by mode switching. Display means for displaying a description about a setting unit for setting image forming conditions corresponding to each of the first to third modes; and a keyword in the description corresponding to each of the first to third modes. And a display control unit that controls the specific portion to be displayed on the display unit by performing a different characterization from the other portions. 9. An image forming method for displaying a basic screen for setting image forming conditions and forming an image on a recording material based on the setting on the basic screen, wherein the image forming method comprises the steps of: Transitioning a screen from a basic screen to display a help basic screen for explaining an arbitrary function relating to the image forming condition; and, based on a selection operation of any one of the selection items displayed on the help basic screen. A selection item in which a screen is changed from the help basic screen, and a description of the selected item is described, and a specific portion serving as a keyword in the description is characterized differently from other portions. Displaying a help screen. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a step of displaying a detailed explanation screen in which a detailed explanation about the keyword is described, based on pressing of the specific portion on the selection item help screen. Method. 11. An information recording medium recording a program for controlling display of a display screen for setting the image forming condition when forming an image based on the setting of the image forming condition, the information recording medium comprising: Based on information for performing processing for displaying a basic screen to be set, and processing for transitioning a screen from the basic screen based on a user's operation input and displaying a help basic screen for explaining an arbitrary function related to the image forming conditions. Based on the information to be performed and a selection operation of any one of the selection items displayed on the help basic screen, a screen is changed from the help basic screen, and a description about the selected selection item is written. Information for performing processing to display a help screen for a selected item in which a specific part that becomes a keyword in a sentence is characterized differently from other parts. An information recording medium characterized by comprising: information on each of display screens related to the basic screen, the help basic screen, and the selection item help screen. 12. The information according to claim 11, further comprising information for performing a process of displaying a detailed explanation screen in which a detailed explanation about the keyword is described, based on pressing of the specific portion on the selection item help screen. Information recording medium. 13. An image forming apparatus comprising a display unit for displaying a help screen for explaining an arbitrary function related to an image forming condition, wherein an operation for forming and outputting a detailed description related to the description of the help screen is performed. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to perform control so that an image of the detailed description is formed on a recording material and output based on an operation input by the operation unit. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising display control means for performing display control so that the operation means is displayed on the help screen of the display means. 15. An image forming apparatus comprising a display unit for displaying a screen for setting an image forming condition, an operation unit for forming and outputting display screen information displayed on the display unit, Control means for controlling the display screen information to form an image on a recording material and output the same based on an operation input by the operation means. 16. An image forming method for controlling display of a display screen for setting the image forming conditions when forming an image based on the setting of the image forming conditions, the image forming method comprising: An image forming method, comprising the step of forming and outputting a detailed description of the contents of a help screen to be described. 17. An image forming method for controlling display of a display screen for setting image forming conditions when forming an image based on the setting of image forming conditions, the image forming method comprising: An image forming method, comprising a step of forming an image of a screen on a recording material and outputting the image.