JP2005151190A - Image forming apparatus and its display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which efficiently indicates set states of a plurality of kinds of originals reading conditions on a display operating unit to effectively utilize the space of the display operating unit, and improves the user's recognition of the settings of the original reading conditions. <P>SOLUTION: A main frame controller 21 graphically displays original setting icons for showing states of combined settings of a plurality of kinds of originals reading conditions on a display operating unit 26. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by, for example, an electrophotographic method, and a display control method thereof.

  Conventionally, the photosensitive layer of a uniformly charged photoreceptor is exposed to light to form a latent image and developed by attaching toner to the photosensitive layer on which the latent image is formed. 2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a digital copying machine that forms an image by transferring it to a sheet is well known.

  In recent years, such an image forming apparatus has become more multifunctional, and accordingly, the operation method thereof has become complicated, and the operation is performed in the display operation unit used when the user operates the image forming apparatus. There is an increasing demand to be able to confirm.

  For example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in an image storage / reproduction device that can read an image and temporarily store the image data, information on the read image, that is, the image itself is displayed as an icon. To be displayed.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, by doing so, the outline of the image can be recognized at a glance, which is useful for improving the operability.

JP-A-6-44324

  However, the above-described prior art has the following problems.

  That is, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, for example, the read image can be temporarily stored and the image can be recognized by the icon. In regard to the operation instructions from the user in the department, there is no consideration for the request that the user wants to confirm what kind of operation instruction is currently being made and what setting is inadequate It was something.

  For example, it is very effective to provide a means for notifying the user of the setting state of the document reading condition when the document image is read by the image reading unit of the image forming apparatus. There are many types of elements. For example, if there is an image to be scanned on both sides of the document and whether there are images to be read on both sides of the document, whether the top and bottom images are upside down (whether the document was bound on the top or the right or left side Was it bound? (If the document is bound on the top side of the document with staples, etc., it is easy to see the document when the top and bottom are bound upside down. On the other hand, the right or left side of the document is stapled. If the front and back sides are not reversed, it is easier to view the original.))), Information on the image quality of the original, whether the original is Z-folded, Whether the document has a special shape such as an index ear. For this reason, when the state is indicated by using icons as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a large number of icons must be displayed, which occupies a large space in the display operation unit and the document. The user's cognition with respect to the setting condition of the reading condition also deteriorates.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. By efficiently displaying the setting states of a plurality of types of document reading conditions on the display / operation unit, it is possible to effectively use the space of the display / operation unit and An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the user's cognition for a set state.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image input unit that reads a document image and obtains image data, a print control unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, and a main body that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus In the image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit; a display operation unit for performing display to the user and an operation input from the user; and a document reading condition setting unit capable of setting a plurality of types of document reading conditions by the user. However, a document setting icon representing a state in which the setting states of the plurality of types of document reading conditions are combined is displayed on the display operation unit as a graphic.

  In the invention according to claim 1, at least one of the plurality of types of document reading conditions is a double-side binding direction setting.

  According to the present invention, in the invention described in claim 2, a document setting icon representing a document reading condition setting state reflecting the double-side binding direction setting is displayed on the display operation unit only when duplex selection is in the duplex scanning mode. It is characterized by having a graphic display.

  The present invention also provides an image input unit that reads a document image and obtains image data, a print control unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, a main body control unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus, and a display for a user In the display control method of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display operation unit for performing an operation input from a user; and a document reading condition setting unit capable of setting a plurality of types of document reading conditions by the user. A document setting icon representing a state in which the setting states are combined is displayed graphically on the display operation unit.

  In the invention according to claim 4, at least one of the plurality of types of document reading conditions is a double-side binding direction setting.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the invention described in claim 5, only when the duplex selection is in the duplex scanning mode, a document setting icon indicating the setting state of the document reading conditions reflecting the duplex binding direction setting is displayed on the display operation unit. It is characterized by having a graphic display.

  According to the present invention, by efficiently displaying the setting states of a plurality of types of document reading conditions on the display operation unit, the space of the display operation unit is effectively used, and the user's cognition for the setting state of the document reading conditions is increased. An image forming apparatus that can be improved can be provided.

  That is, according to the present invention, the setting state of a plurality of types of document reading conditions is displayed on the display / operation unit with one icon, so that the space of the display / operation unit can be used effectively and displayed with clear icons. Thus, the user's cognition for the document reading condition setting state can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus.

  Here, the configuration and basic operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, an image forming apparatus capable of forming a color image will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus capable of forming only a monochrome image. Needless to say.

  The image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a plurality of sets of document writing units 153Y, 153M, and 153C for color image forming means, and a document writing unit 154K for monochrome image forming means. The document writing unit 153Y can form a yellow color, the document writing unit 153M can form a magenta color, the document writing unit 153C can form a cyan image, and the document writing unit 154K can form a black image.

  Corresponding to the document writing units 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 154K, respectively, photosensitive members 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, charging units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, and developing units 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are provided. . Further, an intermediate transfer unit 9 that is common to the color image forming unit and the monochrome image forming unit is provided. The intermediate transfer unit 9 is wound around a plurality of rollers and is rotatably supported so that the photoconductors 6Y and 6M are provided. , 6C, 6K, an endless belt-shaped intermediate transfer member 9a, and primary transfer means 9Y, 9M for transferring the image by bringing the intermediate transfer member 9a into contact with the photosensitive members 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K. , 9C, 9K.

  Next, another configuration will be described. An original reading unit 1 that functions as a scanner unit is provided on the upper side of the image forming apparatus 100, and an original is set on a platen on a glass surface and scanned by the original reading unit 1. And read. In the original reading unit 1, a CCD 131 to which the reflected light obtained by the scanning is input is disposed. It is desirable that an ADF (automatic document feeder) 1a is connected to the document reading unit 1 so that both sides of the document can be read.

  In addition, at the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100, sheet feeding trays 2, 3, and 4 are arranged, and sheet feeding units 2a, 3a, and 4a are respectively provided. Further, a manual feed tray 5 is provided on the lateral outer wall portion of the image forming apparatus 100, and a paper feeding unit 5 a for the manual feed tray 5 is provided. As described above, since a plurality of paper feed trays and manual feed trays are provided, a plurality of types of sheets having different sizes can be used.

  A registration roller 15 is disposed on the paper feeding side of the paper feeding means 2a to 5a, and a secondary transfer roller 16 capable of pressing the paper against the intermediate transfer body 9a is further disposed on the paper roller side. A fixing unit 17 is provided at the end of the secondary transfer roller 16, and a paper discharge roller 18 is provided at the end of the fixing unit 17.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, in the case of printing in color according to the image forming command, images formed as necessary by the document writing units 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 154K are transferred to the photoconductors 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, charging means 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K, developing means 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K and primary transfer means 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 9a. On the other hand, during monochrome printing, the image formed by the original writing unit 154K is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 9a by the photosensitive member 6K, the charging unit 7K, the developing unit 8K, and the primary transfer unit 9K.

  On the other hand, the paper necessary for image formation is fed from either the paper feed tray 2, 3, 4 or the manual feed tray 5 by the paper feed means 2a, 3a, 4a or 5a according to the paper size or the like, and the registration roller 15 Then, the secondary transfer roller 16 is reached. The sheet is pressed against the intermediate transfer member 9a by the secondary transfer roller 16, and the image on the intermediate transfer member 9a is transferred to the sheet. The sheet on which the image has been transferred is fixed by the fixing unit 17 and is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 via the paper discharge roller 18.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to control of the image forming apparatus main body 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus main body 100 includes a main body control unit 21 that performs overall control of the main body, a document reading unit 1, an image input unit 22 that reads an image from a document, a document writing unit 153Y, 153M, 153C, and 154K. For example, the print control unit 25 forms an image on image forming paper such as paper, the image data read by the image input unit 22, other programs executed by the main body control unit 21, and image formation A storage unit 24 that stores parameters necessary for the operation of the apparatus 100, icon data displayed on the display operation unit 26, and the like, information is displayed to the user from the image forming apparatus 100, and the user operates the image forming apparatus 100. , The display operation unit 26 for inputting instructions and the like, and the paper on which the image is formed are stapled and a hole for filing is provided. Constructed and a post-processing apparatus 27 to or the.

  The display operation unit 26 includes, for example, a touch panel type operation panel and a fixed button type operation unit. Although this display operation unit is not shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable to provide the display operation unit at a position on the upper stage of the image forming apparatus main body 100 where the user can easily operate.

  The display operation unit 26 includes a display panel unit such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, and an EL, and an input device unit such as a touch panel and a mouse for detecting a coordinate position corresponding to a button position on the display panel. Also good.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of icon display processing in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment illustrated in FIG.

  The present embodiment is for a case where a document image is read by the image forming apparatus 100.

  First, the user sets a document on the document reading unit 1 and sets what kind of document is displayed on the display operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 100. By performing such settings, the image forming apparatus 100 can perform image reading suitable for the original state.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a screen for setting a document state displayed on the display operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The display operation unit 26 shown in FIG. 4 is a screen that is displayed when the user presses the document setting button 30 on the previous screen (for example, a basic screen for a copy operation as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7). This is a screen for setting the state of the original by the user.

  The display operation unit 26 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a document setting direction setting field 31, a double-sided binding direction setting field 32, a special document setting field 34, and a standard / unshaped document setting field 35. When the OK button 36 is pressed after these settings are made, the settings at that time become valid. These are document reading condition setting means capable of setting a plurality of types of document reading conditions by the user. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 37 denotes an icon display area which will be described in detail later.

  Here, each setting will be described.

  First, the document setting direction setting field 31 is used to set the orientation of the image when the user sets the document on the document reading unit 1.

  Next, the double-side binding direction setting field 32 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the setting in the double-side binding direction setting field 32.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the double-side binding direction setting field 32 is an original on which double-sided printing is performed on the original set by the user on the original reading unit 1, and both of the double-sided images are read. It is set whether the front and back images on both sides are upside down or not.

  Also, the special document setting field 34 in FIG. 4 is used to set whether a document is a special document such as a Z-folded document when the user sets a document on the document reading unit 1.

  4 sets whether the original has a special shape such as an index ear when the user sets the original in the original reading unit 1. Is.

  Here, FIG. 3 will be described.

  As described above, when the state of the original to be read is set by the user operating the display operation unit 26, the main body control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 100 acquires each setting state.

  That is, first, the original setting direction is acquired from the setting state of the original setting direction setting field 31 (A-1), and the special original setting is acquired from the setting state of the special original setting field 34 (A-2). From the setting state of the standard document setting field 35, the standard / indefinite document setting is acquired (A-3).

  In step (A-4), when the single-sided reading mode is set in the double-sided selection setting field 38, the process proceeds to step (A-6) as it is, and the double-sided scanning mode is set in the double-sided selection setting field 38. In this case, the double-side binding direction setting is acquired from the setting state of the double-side binding direction setting field 32 (A-5), and the process proceeds to step (A-6).

  In step (A-6), it is determined in advance according to the setting state of each document reading condition acquired in steps (A-1), (A-2), (A-3) and (A-5). For example, icon data stored in the storage unit 24 (for example, image data constituting the icon image for displaying an icon on the display operation unit 26) is read. The acquisition of the icon data is not limited to reading from the storage unit 24, and may be obtained by communicating with the outside, for example, or may be calculated by some kind of calculation.

  The user designates whether to read one side or both sides of the document when reading the document using the display operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 100. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a basic screen of the copy operation displayed on the display operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 100, and shows a state where single-sided reading is selected.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a basic screen of the copy operation displayed on the display operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 100, and shows a state in which double-sided reading is selected.

  When the user presses the document setting button 30 on the screen of FIG. 6 or 7, the screen of the display operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 100 changes to the screen shown in FIG. 4 under the control of the main body control unit 21.

  6 and 7 is provided with a double-sided selection setting field 38. In step (A-4) in FIG. 3, the state selected by the user in the double-sided selection setting field 38 is acquired, and accordingly. Different processing.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of icons displayed in the icon display area 37 of the display operation unit 26 of the image forming apparatus 100. (a) to (h) are icons that differ depending on the setting states of the document reading conditions. FIG.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, the icons displayed in the icon display area 37 are made different based on the setting states of the document setting direction setting field 31, the double-side binding direction setting field 32, and the double-sided selection setting field 38.

  That is, when the single-sided reading mode is set in the double-sided selection setting field 38, the icon is displayed in the icon display area 37 of FIG. 6 showing the single-sided original, and the character “A” in the icon is displayed. Is displayed in the icon display area 37 in the icon display direction setting field 31.

  Also, the duplex scanning mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, the uppermost row in FIG. 4 (the upper part of the character is on the upper side and the lower part of the character is on the lower side) is selected in the document setting direction setting field 31, and the duplex binding direction setting field When “upper binding” is selected in 32, the icon shown in FIG. 8A is displayed in the icon display area 37.

  Also, the duplex scanning mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, the uppermost row in FIG. 4 (the upper part of the character is on the upper side and the lower part of the character is on the lower side) is selected in the document setting direction setting field 31, and the duplex binding direction setting field When “Left / Right Binding” is selected in 32, the icon shown in FIG. 8B is displayed in the icon display area 37.

  Also, the duplex scanning mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, the third from the top of FIG. 4 is selected in the document setting direction setting field 31 (the upper part of the character is lower and the lower part of the character is upward), and the duplex binding direction is selected. When “upper binding” is selected in the setting field 32, icons shown in FIG. 8C are displayed in the icon display area 37.

  Also, the duplex scanning mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, the third from the top of FIG. 4 is selected in the document setting direction setting field 31 (the upper part of the character is lower and the lower part of the character is upward), and the duplex binding direction is selected. When “Left / Right Binding” is selected in the setting field 32, icons shown in FIG. 8D are displayed in the icon display area 37.

  Further, the duplex reading mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, the second from the top of FIG. 4 is selected in the document setting direction setting field 31 (the upper part of the character is on the left and the lower part of the character is on the right), and the duplex binding direction is selected. When “upper binding” is selected in the setting field 32, the icon shown in FIG. 8E is displayed in the icon display area 37.

  Further, the duplex reading mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, the second from the top of FIG. 4 is selected in the document setting direction setting field 31 (the upper part of the character is on the left and the lower part of the character is on the right), and the duplex binding direction is selected. When “Left / Right Binding” is selected in the setting field 32, icons shown in FIG. 8F are displayed in the icon display area 37.

  In addition, the duplex reading mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, and the lowermost stage (the upper part of the character is right and the lower part of the character is left) is selected from the top of FIG. When “upper binding” is selected in the setting field 32, the icon shown in FIG. 8G is displayed in the icon display area 37.

  In addition, the duplex reading mode is set in the duplex selection setting field 38, and the lowermost stage (the upper part of the character is right and the lower part of the character is left) is selected from the top of FIG. When “Left / Right Binding” is selected in the setting field 32, icons shown in FIG. 8H are displayed in the icon display area 37.

  The main body control unit 21 acquires the icon data of the icon as described above by reading it from the storage unit 24 (A-6), and this is obtained as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6, and FIG. Graphic display.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the icons displayed in the icon display area 37 are changed based on the setting states of the document setting direction setting field 31, the double-sided binding direction setting field 32, and the double-sided selection setting field 38. These states (that is, a state where a plurality of document reading conditions are combined) are represented by one icon, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the document setting direction setting field 31 shown in FIG. Based on the setting state of the double-side binding direction setting field 32, the document image quality setting field 33, the special document setting field 34, and the standard / irregular document setting field 35, and the setting state of the double-sided selection setting field 38, the icon display area 37 is displayed. Different icons may be displayed, and these states (that is, a state in which a plurality of document reading conditions are combined) may be represented by one icon. Further, conditions other than those described above may be included as document reading conditions.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic copying machine will be described as an example of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration relating to control of the image forming apparatus main body illustrated in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of icon display processing in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting a document state displayed on a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure explaining the setting of a double-side binding direction setting column. It is a figure which shows the basic screen of a copy operation displayed on the display operation part of an image forming apparatus, and is a figure which shows the state which has selected single-sided reading. It is a figure which shows the basic screen of a copy operation displayed on the display operation part of an image forming apparatus, and is a figure which shows the state which has selected double-sided reading. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of icons displayed in an icon display area of a display operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and (a) to (h) are diagrams illustrating different icons for each setting state of document reading conditions.

Explanation of symbols

1 Document reading unit 1a ADF
2, 3, 4 Paper feed tray 2a, 3a, 4a Paper feed means 5 Manual feed tray 5a Paper feed means 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K Photoconductor 7Y, 7M, 7C, 7K Charging means 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K Development means 9 Intermediate transfer unit 9a Intermediate transfer member 9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K Primary transfer means 15 Registration roller 16 Secondary transfer roller 17 Fixing means 18 Paper discharge roller 131 CCD
153Y, 153M, 153C Document writing unit 154K Document writing unit 100 Image forming apparatus body 21 Body control section 22 Image input section 23 Image processing section 24 Storage section 25 Print control section 26 Display operation section 27 Post-processing apparatus 30 Document setting button 31 Document Original setting direction field 32 Double-side binding direction setting field 34 Special original setting field 35 Standard / irregular original setting field 36 OK button 37 Icon display area 38 Double-sided selection setting field

Claims (6)

An image input unit that reads a document image and obtains image data, a print control unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, a main body control unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus, a display for the user and an operation from the user In an image forming apparatus including a display operation unit for inputting and a document reading condition setting unit capable of setting a plurality of types of document reading conditions by a user,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the main body control unit causes the display operation unit to graphically display a document setting icon representing a state in which the setting states of the plurality of types of document reading conditions are combined.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of document reading conditions is a double-side binding direction setting.   3. The document setting icon representing the setting state of the document reading condition reflecting the double-side binding direction setting is displayed on the display operation unit only when the duplex selection is in the duplex scanning mode. Image forming apparatus. An image input unit that reads a document image and obtains image data, a print control unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image data, a main body control unit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus, a display for the user and an operation from the user In a display control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display operation unit for performing input; and a document reading condition setting unit capable of setting a plurality of types of document reading conditions by a user.
A display control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized in that a document setting icon representing a state in which the setting states of the plurality of types of document reading conditions are combined is graphically displayed on the display operation unit.   5. The display control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of document reading conditions is a double-side binding direction setting.   The document setting icon representing a setting state of a document reading condition reflecting the double-sided binding direction setting is displayed on the display operation unit in a graphic manner only when the duplex selection is in the duplex scanning mode. A display control method for an image forming apparatus.

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