JP2004351702A - Image forming device and image forming condition display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability by setting conditions hierarchized by a plurality of groups of selection items without changing the screen. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming device has an image input section 2 to input image data, an image processing section 3 to process the image data inputted in the image input section 2, a display section 7 for displaying processing conditions in the image processing section 3 and setting and inputting the processing conditions, a control section 4 to control the action of the image processing section in accordance with the input in the display section 7, a storage section 9 to store display data to be displayed in the display section 7 and a display control section 8 to change the detail of a display in the display section 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus using a display unit for displaying image processing conditions as an operation unit, and a display device for displaying image forming conditions suitably used in the image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, since the functions of the image forming apparatus are diverse, in the setting of operation conditions and the like, one item is set and displayed hierarchically using a plurality of selection items. In many cases, the display screen for setting is frequently switched many times, and the setting operation is complicated.
[0003]
Patent Literature 1 discloses a matrix table displayed on a user interface as a display unit. In the matrix table, when the apparatus has a plurality of discharge trays, particularly when the discharge tray is located at a remote place connected by a network. A technique is disclosed in which the output tray is displayed as one of the operating conditions.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 10-139269 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there are many operation conditions hierarchized by selection items of a plurality of groups in addition to those listed in Patent Literature 1. In spite of the fact that the setting at the time of image processing is frequently changed, in particular, In general, since the selection items for determining the operating conditions are complicatedly related, it is often difficult to display a matrix as described in Patent Literature 1 in the form of rows and columns.
[0006]
Therefore, at the time of fine adjustment of the operating condition, the screen is switched every time in order to display the setting screen of the operating condition, and the operation is complicated.
[0007]
In view of the above, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and enables operability to be improved by setting operating conditions hierarchized by a plurality of selection items without switching screens. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus and a display device for displaying image forming conditions suitably used in the image forming apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an image input unit for inputting image data,
An image processing unit for performing image processing on the image data input by the image input unit;
While displaying processing conditions in the image processing unit, an operation display unit for setting and inputting the processing conditions,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the image processing unit according to the input on the operation display unit,
A storage unit for storing display data to be displayed on the operation display unit,
A display control unit that switches display contents on the operation display unit,
In the operation display unit, for an image processing condition determined by a plurality of selection items, one selection item button group is arranged in a row direction, and another selection item button group is arranged in a column direction. Display columns indicating the corresponding image processing conditions are arranged and displayed where the selection item buttons intersect, and an operation input is performed for the image processing conditions indicated in each display column specified by the selected selection item button. It is characterized by:
[0009]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image data sent from the image input unit is processed by the image processing unit for image formation.
In the operation display unit, display data retrieved from the storage unit by the display control unit is sent from the display control unit and displayed. The display data is related to image processing conditions, and the processing conditions are displayed on the operation display unit at the time of image processing at the time of image formation. Therefore, the user operates the operation part of the operation display unit to reflect the input contents on the image processing conditions already set by default and the like and the image processing conditions to be set each time image formation is performed. And set the processing conditions.
[0010]
In particular, among processing conditions, for processing conditions hierarchically set by a plurality of selection item button groups, this display indicates that two selection item button groups for specifying the processing conditions are arranged in the row direction and the column direction, respectively. Is performed in a matrix format arranged in a row, one selection item button group for specifying a processing condition is arranged in a row direction, and another selection item button group for specifying a processing condition is arranged in a column direction. Be placed. In addition, at a position where the one selection item button arranged in the row direction and the one selection item button arranged in the column direction intersect, a display column showing the processing condition for all combinations of these selection item buttons is displayed. Are located. In addition to this display field and selection item buttons, input buttons for parameter setting are also provided.
[0011]
In this display column, where processing conditions have already been set, the corresponding parameters are displayed, and where processing conditions have not been set, nothing is displayed. When the user selects each selection item for a predetermined combination by clicking or the like, the display control unit changes the selected display column to a state of waiting for input.
[0012]
The user operates the input buttons for parameter setting displayed on the operation display unit to make settings. For parameters that are initially set by default, parameters set by the user are changed by changing preset parameters.
[0013]
The control unit changes the processing conditions in the image processing unit according to the set processing conditions. On the other hand, in the operation display unit, when the processing conditions are changed in the control unit, or when the parameter is set by the user, the display control unit rewrites the display content of the operation display unit, so that the setting is changed. Changes are reflected.
[0014]
In this way, it is possible to set the operation conditions hierarchized by the selection items of a plurality of groups without switching the screen, thereby facilitating confirmation of the processing conditions and improving operability. I do.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the image processing condition is a setting condition relating to a color type.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the condition regarding the type of color to which a plurality of selection items are complicatedly related has conventionally reached the screen of the parameter setting for changing and setting while switching the screen. Can be displayed in a matrix in a list. Therefore, operability is improved.
[0016]
An image forming condition display device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that displays image processing conditions in the image processing device;
A storage unit for storing display data to be displayed on the display unit,
A display control unit that switches display contents on the display unit,
In the display unit, for an image processing condition determined by a plurality of selection items, one selection item button group is arranged in a row direction, another one selection item button group is arranged in a column direction, and each pair of selection item buttons is arranged. A display field indicating an image processing condition corresponding to each of the intersections of the item buttons is arranged.
[0017]
According to the third aspect of the invention, in the display unit, the display data retrieved from the storage unit by the display control unit is sent from the display control unit and displayed. The display data is related to image processing conditions, and the processing conditions are displayed on the display unit during image processing at the time of image formation. Therefore, the user operates the operation part of the display unit to reflect the input contents on the image processing conditions already set by default or the like and the image processing conditions to be set each time image formation is performed. Meanwhile, processing conditions are set.
[0018]
In particular, among processing conditions, for processing conditions hierarchically set by a plurality of selection item button groups, this display indicates that two selection item button groups for specifying the processing conditions are arranged in the row direction and the column direction, respectively. Is performed in a matrix format arranged in a row, one selection item button group for specifying a processing condition is arranged in a row direction, and another selection item button group for specifying a processing condition is arranged in a column direction. Be placed. In addition, at a position where the one selection item button arranged in the row direction and the one selection item button arranged in the column direction intersect, a display column showing the processing condition for all combinations of these selection item buttons is displayed. Are located. In addition to this display field and selection item buttons, input buttons for parameter setting are also provided.
[0019]
In this display column, where processing conditions have already been set, the corresponding parameters are displayed, and where processing conditions have not been set, nothing is displayed. When the user selects each selection item for a predetermined combination by clicking or the like, the display control unit changes the selected display column to a state of waiting for input.
[0020]
When a predetermined parameter setting operation is performed and the parameter is changed, the change in the setting is reflected by rewriting the display content on the display unit by the display control unit.
[0021]
By doing so, it becomes possible to set operation conditions hierarchized by a plurality of selection items without switching screens, and it becomes easy to confirm processing conditions.
[0022]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image processing condition is a setting condition relating to a color type.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the condition regarding the type of color to which a plurality of selection items are complicatedly related has conventionally been changed to another screen while changing the screen, and the screen has reached the parameter setting screen desired to be set. Can be displayed in a matrix in a list.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In an image recording apparatus 1, an image input unit 2 for inputting image data includes an input image data (“input image”). Data) is connected to an image processing unit 3 for image processing and a control unit 4 for controlling the operation of the image processing unit 3 so that input image data is sent to the image processing unit 3 and the control unit 4. Has become. Here, the image input unit 2 generates and outputs input image data such as a scanner and a computer system that operates according to a predetermined program for generating an image.
[0024]
The image processing unit 3 extracts information on the image of the input image data, performs predetermined image processing on the information, and generates recording image data to be handled by the recording unit 5 that performs image formation. The generated recording image data is sent to the control unit 4.
[0025]
The control unit 4 is connected to the image input unit 2, the image processing unit 3, a display device 6 for displaying image processing conditions and performing setting input of conditions, and a recording unit 5. The control unit 4 requests the image input unit 2 for input image data, extracts information about a process from the input image data sent, and sends the information to a recording unit 5 and a post-processing device (not shown) such as a finisher. I have. Further, the control unit 4 sends data relating to the image processing conditions set by the display device 6 to the image processing unit 3. Further, the control section 4 sends the recording image data after the image processing sent from the image processing section 3 to the recording section 5.
[0026]
The recording section 5 forms an image of the recording image data sent from the image processing section 3 through the control section 4 in accordance with the information on the process sent from the control section 4.
[0027]
The display device 6 corresponds to an embodiment of the display device according to the present invention. In the display device 6, the display unit 7 is connected to the display control unit 8, and the image processing transmitted from the display control unit 8 is performed. The information is displayed according to the display data relating to the condition. The display unit 7 can perform both display and input, such as a touch panel, and can perform setting input in addition to display related to image processing conditions. Is sent to the display control unit 8 to that effect.
[0028]
The storage unit 9 stores display data to be displayed on the display unit 7.
The display data is data for a display screen for setting image forming conditions relating to the type of color, and for example, may be a setting screen for conditions relating to the density of each color in the case of color recording of a plurality of colors. preferable.
[0029]
FIG. 2 shows a color density setting screen as an example of the display screen. The screen 10 has a menu button area 11 and a setting button area 12. Further, on the screen 10, an OK button 24 for notifying that the setting or change input has been completed, a cancel button 25 for notifying that the setting or change content is to be cancelled, and a notice that the user wants to return to the default setting. And a standard return button 26 are provided.
[0030]
The menu button area 11 is provided with buttons for each item of image processing conditions. For example, when a “copy density” button is clicked, the display control unit 8 stores display data of a setting screen relating to copy density. 9 and is sent to the display unit 7. The display unit 7 displays this setting screen and waits for input by the user.
[0031]
FIG. 2 shows a state in which an item of color balance adjustment, which is a color density adjustment, is selected. In the setting button area 12, a button group 22 related to the type of density, which is one selection item group, and another button group are displayed. A button group 21 related to a color type, which is one selection item group, is provided. The setting button area 12 is provided with input support buttons 27 and 28 for performing setting input.
[0032]
The button group 21 is provided with a cyan (C) button 17, a magenta (M) button 18, a yellow (Y) button 19, and a black (K) button 20 by classifying the colors into four colors.
[0033]
On the other hand, the button group 22 divides the color density into three levels of high, medium and low with respect to the type of density, and buttons for selecting each level, that is, the high density button 14, the middle density button 15, the low density button 16 and a button for selecting all stages, that is, an all-density area button 13.
[0034]
Therefore, the type of density (high, medium, low) is arranged in the row direction, the type of color (CMYK) is arranged in the column direction, and the display columns 23, 23, 23,. In this way, a 3 × 4 matrix is created for all combinations specified by a specific density type for a specific color. Further, in each display column 23, a correction value of the ink amount (default is 100%) in the corresponding density type and the corresponding color type (referred to as “color density”) is also displayed.
[0035]
FIG. 3 shows a setting screen for adjusting the relationship between the color sensitivity and the original reading speed (referred to as “linear speed”) as an example of a display screen on the display unit 7. A button group 35, a button group 39 relating to the type of linear velocity, input support buttons 41, 42 and ten keys 43 for supporting input of numerical values, an OK button 44 for notifying that the setting or change input has been completed, and a setting. Alternatively, a cancel button 45 for notifying that the user wants to cancel the changed content is provided. Although not shown, a button for returning to the default setting may be provided.
[0036]
The button group 35 is provided with a cyan (C) button 31, a magenta (M) button 32, a yellow (Y) button 33, and a black (K) button 34 by classifying the colors into four colors.
[0037]
On the other hand, the button group 39 is divided into three stages of constant speed (1/1), 1/2 speed, and 1/3 speed with respect to the type of linear speed, and buttons for selecting each stage, that is, 1 button. A / 1 button 36, a 1/2 button 37, and a 1/3 button 38 are provided.
[0038]
Therefore, the color type (CMYK) is arranged in the row direction, the linear velocity type (1/1, 1/2, 1/3) is arranged in the column direction, and the selection buttons 40, 40, Are arranged. In this way, a 4 × 3 matrix is created for all combinations specified by the sensitivity of a specific color to a specific linear velocity. Each selection button 23 also displays a correction value of sensitivity (default is 0) of each color for a specific type of linear velocity.
[0039]
Here, the storage unit 9 stores such display data of the image forming condition setting screen so that the display device 6 sets image processing conditions hierarchically managed by a plurality of selection items. However, in addition to the above, screen display data for setting all image forming conditions that can be set on the touch panel, that is, both image processing and process conditions as in the related art, may be stored.
[0040]
The display control unit 8 retrieves the corresponding display data from the storage unit 9 and sends it to the display unit 7 when there is an operation to switch the screen on the display unit 7. Further, when data relating to the setting input from the display unit 7 is transmitted, the display control unit 8 transmits this data to the control unit 4 as data relating to the image processing conditions.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
The input image data sent from the image input unit 2 is sent to the image processing unit 3 and the control unit 4. The image processing unit 3 extracts information about the image, and the control unit 4 extracts information about the process.
[0042]
On the other hand, the display device 6 displays the image processing condition settings on the display unit 7 and waits for input of the settings.
[0043]
For example, when a screen for setting color balance adjustment as shown in FIG. 2 is read, the user clicks a selection item button for selecting a display column 23 corresponding to a color density desired to be adjusted. (In the figure, the high density button 14 on the density side and the yellow button 19 on the color type side are selected), and are displayed on the selection button 23 selected by clicking the input support buttons 27 and 28. The correction value is raised or lowered. Here, it is shown that the adjustment is possible in 10% steps from 0 to 200%. That is, when the input support buttons 27 and 28 are clicked, the correction value increases and decreases in increments of 10%. When it is desired to select all the densities, the user clicks the all-density area button 13 and clicks one of the color type buttons 21 to select the entire density for that color. .
[0044]
When the color density adjustment is completed, the display unit 7 switches to the original screen by clicking the OK button 24. If the user wants to cancel the settings or changes, the user clicks the cancel button 25. To return to the default settings, the user clicks the standard return button 26.
[0045]
The data set or changed may be reflected on the display unit 7 and then sent from the display control unit 8 to the control unit 4. Alternatively, the data may be displayed or controlled by the display control unit 8 each time the setting or change input is performed. The information may be sent from the unit 8 to the control unit 4 and reflected on the display unit 7 after the setting of the processing in the image processing unit 3 is changed.
[0046]
This makes it easy to adjust the color density, which has been complicated because the color and the density are conventionally managed in a plurality of layers. In addition, since the correction values are displayed for the color densities of all the combinations without switching the screen, it is easy to confirm the adjustment contents.
[0047]
Further, for example, when a screen for adjusting the relationship between the color sensitivity and the linear velocity as shown in FIG. 3 is read, the user desires to adjust the sensitivity at the linear velocity at which the original is to be read. Selection is made by clicking the selection button 40 corresponding to the color (in the figure, the 1/2 button 37 on the linear velocity side and the cyan button 31 on the color type side are selected), and the input support buttons 42 and 43 are selected. The correction value is changed one by one by clicking or the like, or the correction value is directly set by operating the ten keys 43.
[0048]
When the adjustment of the color sensitivity is completed, by clicking the OK button 44, the display unit 7 switches to the original screen. When the user wants to cancel the setting or the changed content, the user clicks the cancel button 45.
[0049]
As described above, the data set or changed may be reflected on the display unit 7 and then sent from the display control unit 8 to the control unit 4, or the setting or change input may be performed. In addition, the contents may be sent from the display control unit 8 to the control unit 4 and reflected on the display unit 7 after the setting of the processing in the image processing unit 3 is changed.
[0050]
As a result, it is easy to adjust the sensitivity of the color, which is complicated because the color and the linear velocity are conventionally managed in a plurality of layers. Further, since the correction values are displayed for the color sensitivities of all combinations of the linear velocity and the color type without switching the screen, it is easy to confirm the adjustment contents.
[0051]
When the image processing conditions are set in this manner, data relating to the image processing conditions is sent from the display control unit 8 of the display device 6 to the control unit 4, and the control unit 4 performs image processing under these conditions. Data relating to the image processing conditions is sent to the image processing unit 3 for control. The image processing unit 3 performs image processing on the input image data according to the data on the transmitted image processing conditions. The obtained recording image data is sent to the control unit 4.
[0052]
The control unit 4 sends the sent image data for recording to the recording unit 5, and the recording unit 5 converts the image data according to the input image data or information on a process set by the display device 6 in some cases. It is recorded on a recording medium.
[0053]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the operation conditions hierarchized by a plurality of selection items without switching screens, so that the processing conditions can be easily confirmed and the operation can be performed. The performance is improved.
[0054]
Further, by setting the image processing condition as a setting condition relating to a color type, a condition relating to a color type in which a plurality of selection items are involved in a complicated manner is conventionally changed while changing screens, and a parameter setting which is desired to be set. What has reached the screen can be displayed in a list in a matrix. Therefore, operability is improved.
[0055]
Further, the display device according to the present invention is preferably applied to a display device as an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. In this manner, setting of operation conditions hierarchized by a plurality of selection items of a group can be performed. Can be performed without switching the screen, and the processing conditions can be easily checked.
[0056]
In addition, by setting the image processing condition as a setting condition relating to a color type, a condition relating to a color type in which a plurality of selection items are involved in a complicated manner is conventionally changed while switching screens, and a parameter setting of a desired parameter setting is performed. What has reached the screen can be displayed in a list in a matrix.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set operation conditions hierarchized by a plurality of selection items without switching screens, and to easily confirm processing conditions. Operability is improved.
[0058]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, by setting the image processing condition as a setting condition relating to a color type, a condition relating to a color type in which a plurality of selection items are involved in a complicated manner can be changed while conventionally switching screens. What has arrived at the parameter setting screen desired to be changed and set can be displayed in a list in a matrix. Therefore, operability is improved.
[0059]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the present invention is applied to a display device as an operation unit of an image forming apparatus, the setting of operation conditions hierarchized by a plurality of selection items is switched on a screen. And the processing conditions can be easily confirmed.
[0060]
According to the invention described in claim 4, by setting the image processing condition as a setting condition relating to a color type, a condition relating to a color type in which a plurality of selection items are complicatedly changed while switching a screen in the related art. What has arrived at the parameter setting screen desired to be changed and set can be displayed in a list in a matrix.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when setting of image processing conditions is input in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of a screen displayed at the time of inputting and setting image processing conditions in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image forming apparatus 2 image input unit 3 image processing unit 4 control unit 5 recording unit 6 display device 7 display unit 8 display control unit 9 storage unit

Claims (4)

An image input unit for inputting image data;
An image processing unit for performing image processing on the image data input by the image input unit;
An operation display unit for displaying processing conditions in the image processing unit and setting and inputting the processing conditions,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the image processing unit according to the input on the operation display unit,
A storage unit for storing display data to be displayed on the operation display unit,
A display control unit that switches display contents on the operation display unit,
In the operation display unit, for an image processing condition determined by a plurality of selection items, one selection item button group is arranged in a row direction, and another selection item button group is arranged in a column direction. Display columns indicating the corresponding image processing conditions are arranged and displayed where the selection item buttons intersect, and an operation input is performed for the image processing conditions indicated in each display column specified by the selected selection item button. An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing condition is a setting condition regarding a type of a color. A display unit for displaying image processing conditions in the image processing apparatus;
A storage unit for storing display data to be displayed on the display unit,
A display control unit that switches display contents on the display unit,
In the display unit, for an image processing condition determined by a plurality of selection items, one selection item button group is arranged in a row direction, another one selection item button group is arranged in a column direction, and each pair of selection item buttons is arranged. A display device for displaying image forming conditions, wherein display columns indicating corresponding image processing conditions are arranged where the item buttons intersect. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the image processing condition is a setting condition regarding a type of a color.

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