JP2005241764A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability as for searching for or setting various data, such as function setting information, transmission address information, and user registration information, which are stored in a hierarchical structure form, by displaying an icon that is at least one rank higher (or lower) onto another screen. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing device comprises: a first display means by which, among various pieces of data stored in a data storage means in the hierarchical structure form, an icon of n-rank data belonging to specific data is displayed on one of display screens composing the display part; a first selection means which selects one of icons, displayed on the one of the display screens by the first display means; and a second display means by which an icon of (n+1) rank data belonging to data associated with the icon selected by the first selection means is displayed on another display screen that is different from the first display screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a display unit such as a liquid crystal touch panel having a plurality of display screens, and in particular, various data such as function setting information and user registration information stored in a hierarchical structure are converted into symbols or characters. The present invention relates to a technique for displaying arrayed icons on the plurality of display screens.

In image processing apparatuses such as facsimile machines, copiers, and scanner apparatuses, various types of data such as function setting information, user registration information, or image data transmission destination information are handled. In general, these various data are stored in a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk in a hierarchical structure according to the type of data in consideration of data manageability.
On the other hand, on a display screen such as a liquid crystal panel provided in the image processing apparatus, icons in which various data stored in the storage device are converted into symbols or character strings are displayed. This icon is used to improve the operability of the image processing apparatus and is called a so-called shortcut icon. That is, the operator follows a directory or folder of various data stored in the storage device by performing an operation such as pointing or clicking the icon displayed on the screen with an input device such as a mouse or a touch panel. Rather, the various data corresponding to the operation icons are expanded or displayed on the screen.

By the way, in recent image processing apparatuses, setting items for functions related to image processing tend to be increased or refined with the increase in functionality and functionality. As a result, it is difficult to easily grasp the setting method or setting location of a desired function, and therefore, a very complicated and complicated setting operation is required. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus capable of improving operability when setting printing conditions. In this image forming apparatus, an icon indicating an image holding condition (for example, double-sided printing, single-sided printing, etc.) of a sheet to be printed is indicated on the horizontal axis, and a condition for a post-processing form (for example, sorting, stapling, etc.) The icons are displayed on the screen at the same time in a matrix with the icons on the vertical axis. Then, when a predetermined display portion (predetermined cell) in the matrix is selected by the operator, the horizontal axis image holding mode condition icon and the vertical axis post-processing mode condition corresponding to the selected position are displayed. Printing conditions corresponding to each icon are set simultaneously. In this way, since two types of printing conditions are set at the same time, the operator can easily set the printing conditions.
JP-A-11-143301

However, in a multi-function image processing apparatus, the method of setting two types of printing conditions described in Patent Document 1 at the same time has poor operability when setting functions, that is, complicated operation and complexity. This cannot be completely eliminated. For example, when searching for a setting function in a deep hierarchy among function setting information stored in a hierarchy, or after setting a function in a deep hierarchy, when returning the display screen to the original highest hierarchy, Follow the directory or folder for the above function setting information one by one up to the upper level by performing the complicated operation of entering the “return key” etc. many times to return the screen to the previous screen. There is a problem that the display screen cannot be returned to the top-level screen without an inefficient operation.
In the first place, the reason why the operator feels that the data search or setting operation is complicated and complicated is that (a) which function setting information of which hierarchy is selected from the hierarchically stored function setting information. This is because it is unclear whether access should be made, (b) where the desired function setting information is located, and (c) which function setting information is currently accessed.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to display function setting information, at least by displaying an icon in the upper (or lower) hierarchy in a different scene. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of improving the operability of searching or setting various data stored in a hierarchical structure such as transmission address information and user registration information.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a data storage means for storing various data managed by the image processing apparatus in a hierarchical structure, and the data stored in the data storage means is symbolized or converted into a character string. An image processing apparatus having a plurality of display screens for displaying icons, wherein each icon of n layers of data belonging to predetermined data stored in the data storage means is displayed on the display unit. First display means for displaying on one constituting display screen; first selection means for selecting one icon from one or more icons displayed on the first display screen by the first display means; The icons of the (n + 1) layer data belonging to the data associated with the icon selected by the first selection means are different from those of the first display screen. A second display means for displaying on the display screen, and is configured as an image processing apparatus characterized by comprising comprises a.
Thereby, for example, when any icon of the first layer (n layer) is selected, the icon of the second layer (n + 1 layer) is displayed on the other display screen, and the icon display of the first layer is continued. Therefore, after searching or referring to the information on the second layer, the operator accesses the icon on the first layer without performing a key operation for returning the display screen to the first layer. can do. As a result, the operation of the operation display panel and the like can be simplified and the operability can be improved. Further, even when an icon different from a desired icon in the first layer is selected due to, for example, an erroneous operation, the display screen is switched to the previous screen because the icon in the first layer is displayed on the display screen 1 described above. Therefore, it is possible to easily re-select a desired icon in the first hierarchy from the first display screen, and it is possible to perform function setting or the like with a smaller number of operations.
Here, assuming that function setting information for setting various functions of the image processing apparatus is stored in the storage unit as the various data, the icon corresponds to a function setting item displayed on the display screen. . In this case, the operator can search the contents of the setting items of the second hierarchy displayed on the separate screen while referring to the setting items of the first hierarchy (main menu etc.), so that the desired function setting item ( It is possible to easily search where the function setting information is). As a result, it is possible to eliminate the complexity and complexity of the setting operation conventionally felt by the operator, and to improve the operability at the time of setting.
Further, in this case, if detailed items corresponding to the setting item selected on the display screen 1 or all setting items and function setting information lower than the selected setting item are displayed on the other display screens, Since it is possible to understand at a glance which setting item should be accessed from the multi-function function setting information stored in a hierarchy, it becomes possible to easily search for a desired setting item. Therefore, the operator can proceed with the setting work smoothly.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a second selection unit that selects one icon from one or more icons displayed on the other display screen, and an icon selected by the second selection unit. It is desirable that the apparatus further comprises a third display unit that belongs to the associated data and displays an icon of each of the data at a level lower than the data on the other display screen.
Thereby, for example, when the above-mentioned various data is function setting information, the setting items of the first layer are always displayed on the display screen of 1, so that the function setting operation or function search is performed in a deep layer. After the operation is completed, the setting items on the display screen of the first hierarchy can be accessed without performing complicated key operations. Therefore, the operability such as the setting operation can be improved, and the complexity and complexity of the operation that has been felt by the operator can be eliminated. In addition, by referring to the setting items displayed on the display screen 1 described above, the operator can operate while recognizing which setting item the detailed setting is currently being performed by the operator himself / herself. Can do.

A third selection means for selecting one icon from one or more icons displayed on the first display screen or the other display screen; and an icon selected by the third selection means. An image processing apparatus further comprising: a fourth display unit that belongs to the data and displays each icon of the data one level lower than the data on the other display screen or the first display screen. There may be.
Thus, when the display unit is composed of two display screens, icons such as setting items for two adjacent layers belonging to a certain data are displayed, and the display unit is composed of three display screens. If there is an icon for setting items, etc. for three adjacent layers, the location of the desired icon and the position of the currently accessed icon can be easily grasped, and smooth operation is possible. Can be done.

  Note that specific examples of the various data stored in a hierarchical structure are not limited to the function setting information already exemplified above, but include user registration information or destination address information registered in the image processing apparatus. It seems to be applicable.

As described above, the present invention is applied when displaying icons in which various data such as destination address information stored in a hierarchical structure are symbolized or converted into character strings on a plurality of display screens. First display means for displaying icons of each of n layers of data belonging to predetermined data of the data storage means for storing the various data on one display screen constituting a display unit such as a liquid crystal touch panel; First selection means for selecting one icon from one or more icons displayed on the one display screen by the first display means, and data associated with the icon selected by the first selection means The image processing apparatus is provided with a second display means for displaying each icon of the (n + 1) -th layer data belonging to the above-mentioned other display screen different from the first display screen. Therefore, when one of the n-level icons belonging to a certain data is selected, the (n + 1) -level icon is displayed on another display screen, and the n-th level icon is continuously displayed. Therefore, after searching or referring to the information on the second layer, the operator accesses the icon on the first layer without performing a key operation for returning the current display screen to the basic first layer. can do. As a result, the operation of the operation display panel and the like can be simplified and the operability can be improved.
Further, even when the operator selects an icon different from the desired icon on the first level due to an erroneous operation, for example, the first level icon is displayed on the first display screen. Without switching to the screen, it is possible to easily re-select the desired icon of the first hierarchy from the above-mentioned one display screen, and it becomes possible to perform function setting or the like with a smaller number of operations.
Further, according to the present invention, the lower level icon corresponding to the icon selected on the one display screen or all the icons lower on the selected icon are displayed on the other display screen. Since it is possible to understand at a glance which data should be accessed from the various items of data stored in the form of data, desired data can be easily retrieved. Therefore, the operator can smoothly perform operations such as data retrieval.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a second selection unit that selects one icon from one or more icons displayed on the other display screen, and an icon selected by the second selection unit. And a third display means for displaying each icon of the data one level lower than the data on the other display screen. For example, the various data In the case of function setting information, setting items and the like of the first layer are always displayed on the display screen of 1, so that complicated key is required after the function setting operation or the function searching operation is finished at a deep layer. The setting items on the display screen of the first hierarchy can be accessed without performing any operation. Therefore, the operability such as the setting operation can be improved, and the complexity and complexity of the operation that has been felt by the operator can be eliminated. In addition, by referring to the setting items displayed on the display screen 1 described above, the operator can operate while recognizing which setting item the detailed setting is currently being performed by the operator himself / herself. Can do.

  Furthermore, a third selection means for selecting one icon from one or more icons displayed on the one display screen or the other display screen, and an icon selected by the third selection means. And a fourth display means for displaying the respective icons of the data one level lower than the data on the other display screen or the first display screen. When the display section is composed of two display screens, icons such as setting items for two adjacent layers belonging to a certain data are displayed, and when the display section is composed of three display screens, they are adjacent. Since the icons for setting items, etc. for the three layers are displayed, it is possible to easily grasp the location of the desired icon and the position of the currently accessed icon. It is possible to perform a smooth operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine X according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of the copying machine X, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the procedure of screen display processing executed by the X control unit, FIG. 4 is a panel schematic diagram showing an outline of the operation display panel of the copying machine X, and FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a modification of the procedure of the screen display process executed by the control unit of the copying machine X, and FIG. 10 is a display screen display of the liquid crystal display unit. It is a schematic screen figure which shows an example of an aspect.
First, the schematic configuration of the copying machine X according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the overall schematic diagram of FIG. 1 and the block diagram of FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the copying machine X, and FIG. 1B is a plan view taken along the line AA in FIG. The copying machine X according to the embodiment of the present invention is merely an example of an image processing apparatus. As another example of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a facsimile apparatus, a printer apparatus, or read image data is used. This corresponds to a push-type scanner device that transmits data to a terminal device such as a personal computer connected via a network such as a LAN, or a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP) that has a plurality of functions of each device.
As shown in FIG. 1, the copying machine X is roughly divided into an image reading device 20 that reads a document image, and an automatic document feeder 10 (hereinafter referred to as “ADF 10”) disposed above the image reading device 20. )), An image forming apparatus 15 disposed below the image reading apparatus 20, and a sheet feeding cassette 16 disposed further below the image forming apparatus 15.
The ADF 10 sequentially conveys the document S set on the document setting unit 11 one by one through a plurality of conveyance rollers R. The document S transported by the ADF 10 is transported in the sub-scanning direction through a predetermined reading position on the contact glass 12, and is then discharged to the document discharge unit 13. Since the ADF 10 also serves as a document cover that covers the contact glass 12, the surface 14 of the ADF 10 that covers the contact glass 12 is read in the main scanning direction in order to obtain stable reflected light from the document. It is white throughout the width.

  A contact glass 12 is disposed on the upper surface of the image reading device 20. Further, in the image reading device 20, an exposure device 21 for irradiating light to the document S moving in a sub-scanning direction at a predetermined reading position on the contact glass 12, and reflected light from the document S are contacted. A carriage 22 composed of a mirror or the like that receives light through the glass 12, a light guide mirror 23a, 23b that guides the reflected light received by the carriage 22 to the optical lens 24, and the light guide mirror 23a, 23b. Based on the optical lens 24 that condenses the guided reflected light, the CCD 25 that converts image information contained in the reflected light collected by the optical lens 24 into an electric signal, and the electric signal converted by the CCD 25. A control unit 30 that executes image processing of the recognized image data and comprehensively controls the copying machine X is appropriately provided.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the control unit 30 includes a CPU 31 as an example of a central processing unit, a RAM 32 used as a main memory (main storage device) of the CPU 31 in a calculation work area, and the copy. A data memory 33 for storing predetermined data used in the machine X, a program memory 34 for storing a control program used in the copying machine X, and image data such as original image data read by the image reading device 20 are stored. An image memory 35 to be stored and an interface (I / F) 36 capable of data communication by connecting to an external device are provided, and these elements are connected to each other. The I / F 36 is connected to a CCD 25, ADF 10, image forming apparatus 15, paper feed cassette 16, operation display panel 40 (to be described later), and other drive system devices such as a motor. The data memory 33, the program memory 34, and the image memory 35 are volatile or nonvolatile semiconductor memories.
In the data memory 33, various data managed by the copying machine X are stored in a hierarchical structure. The various data corresponds to user registration information registered in the copying machine X or function setting information for setting various functions of the copying machine X. If the copying machine X is equipped with a facsimile function, a push-type scanner function, etc., destination address information to be referred to when transmitting document image data read by the facsimile function or the scanner function, etc. Corresponds to an example of the various data.
The CPU 31 reads a control program stored in the program memory 34 and executes predetermined arithmetic processing according to the read control program. When the CPU 31 performs the predetermined arithmetic processing, each device connected via the I / F 36 and the entire copying machine X are controlled. The control unit 30 is not limited to the one configured as described above. For example, the control unit 30 is a one-chip computer (microcomputer or the like) such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) in which each component of the control unit 30 is integrated. It does not matter.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 15 includes a photosensitive drum 151 that carries an electrostatic latent image, a charging device 152 that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 151 to a predetermined potential, and the photosensitive drum. A developing device 153 that develops toner by attaching the toner to the electrostatic latent image on 151, a transfer device 154 that transfers the developed toner image onto the recording paper conveyed from the paper feed cassette 16, and after transfer by the transfer device 154 The apparatus includes a cleaning device 155 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 151, and various known devices such as a fixing device 156 for fixing an image on a recording sheet on which a toner image is transferred.

On the front side of the image reading device 20, setting operations such as function setting of the image reading device 20 and function setting of the image forming device 15, or designation or input operation of a transmission destination address of the read image data, etc. An operation display panel 40 for displaying various data such as function setting information for setting each function of the copying machine X is provided. A schematic diagram of the operation display panel 40 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the operation display panel 40 clears the numeric keypad 421, the start push button 422 for instructing the start of the copying operation (copying operation), the function setting of the copying machine X, the input data, and the like ( Erasing) and the operation unit 42 having a stop / clear push button 423 for interrupting or canceling the copying operation, the various data managed by the copying machine X, or the names and storage locations of the various data A directory or folder that stores information such as a liquid crystal display unit 41 (an example of a display unit) that includes a plurality of display screens that display icons or the like that are symbolized or characterized. Yes.
The liquid crystal display unit 41 is a liquid crystal display composed of a touch panel capable of inputting touch keys. When the icon displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 41 is pressed (touch key input) by the operator, the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 41 is changed to a screen corresponding to the icon operated by the control unit 30. Can be switched. In the present embodiment, a mode in which the liquid crystal display unit 41 configured with a touch panel is used will be described. However, shortcuts displayed on a display screen of the LCD panel from an input unit such as a mouse or a tablet on a normal LCD panel. The display screen may be switched by selecting or specifying an icon or the like. The screen display process performed by the control unit 30 will be described in detail later. Note that the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 41 in FIG. 4A shows the main menu 41a which is the initial screen of the copying machine X, and the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 41 in FIG. 4B. Indicates the main menu 41b after the function setting described later is made. A, B, C, and D displayed on the main menus 41a and 41b respectively indicate function setting items that are examples of the icons. That is, the icon A is an application function setting item, which is associated with application function setting information (information for setting the application function of the copying machine X) stored in the data memory 33 in a hierarchical structure. ing. The icon B is a user function setting item, which is also associated with user function setting information (information for performing initial setting of functions on the user side in advance) stored in the data memory 33 in a hierarchical structure. ing. Similarly, the icon C is a basic function setting item and is associated with basic function setting information in the data memory 33 (information for setting basic functions such as density and magnification among all functions of the copying machine X). ing. The icon D is a program setting item and is associated with program setting information in the data memory 33 (information for switching, updating, or setting a control program or a firmware program used in the copying machine X). .

Next, referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, a screen display processing procedure executed by the control unit 30 (CPU 31) of the copying machine X according to the control program stored in the program memory 34 using the flowchart of FIG. An example of a processing procedure for displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 41 function setting information such as setting screen data stored in a hierarchical structure in the data memory 33, various data related to function settings, and function setting programs. explain. In the figure, S10, S20,... Indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The process starts from step S10.
In the copying machine X, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the control unit 30 performs various initial setting processes determined in advance, and then the liquid crystal display unit 41 of the operation display panel 40 (FIG. 4). The main menu 41a including the icons A to D is displayed over the entire area (S10). The icons A to D are all associated with function setting information stored in the same hierarchy in the data memory 33.
When the main menu 41a is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 41 (S10), then, in step S20, one or more icons displayed on the main menu 41a, that is, any one of the icons A to D are selected. Whether the icon is selected or not is determined by the control unit 30. This determination is made based on whether or not a current signal generated on the touch panel corresponding to the touched icon is detected by the operator touching the icon with a finger. Note that a program that embodies the process of step S20 or a unit that executes a control procedure corresponds to the first selection unit.
Here, in step S20, if no icon is selected (No side of S20) and the start push button 422 is input ON (Yes side of S21), the document set in the copying machine X is set. The image data is read and a printing process (a so-called copy process) corresponding to the read image data is executed (S22), and then a series of processes is completed.

If, for example, the basic function setting item icon C (FIG. 4) for setting the basic function of the copying machine X is selected in step S20 (Yes in S20), then in step S30, As shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 30 executes processing for dividing the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 41 into display screens V1, V2, and a switch screen _VSW (screen division processing). Thereafter, or in parallel with the screen division process, the main menu 41a is displayed on the display screen V1 as shown in FIG. 5 (S40), and the basic function setting associated with the icon C selected in step S20 is performed. Icons (detailed setting items of basic function setting items) of lower-level data belonging to information (stored in the data memory 33) are displayed on the display screen V2 (see FIG. 5) different from the display screen V1 (see FIG. 5). S50). That is, a main menu 41a on which the icons A to D are displayed is displayed on the display screen V1, and a paper selection item that is a detailed setting item of the icon C selected in step S20 is displayed on the display screen V2. Icons of C1, copy density setting item C2, and magnification setting item C3 are displayed. Thus, the means for executing the program or control procedure for implementing the process of step S40 corresponds to the first display means, and the means for executing the program or control procedure for realizing the process of step S50 is the first display means. This corresponds to the display means 2.
Here, the icons C1 to C3 are examples of icons of lower-level data belonging to the basic function setting information associated with the icon C. In addition to the icons C1 to C3, document size setting items and the like are shown. Various function setting items are possible. The switch screen _VSW displays a setting completion key 411 and a BACK key 412 for returning the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 41 to the previous display screen (previous screen) as a symbol.
At this time, it is desirable to clearly indicate the selected icon C by changing the display color of the icon C selected or designated on the display screen V1 from the other icons A, B, and D. Thereby, the operator can visually recognize which function setting item of the icons A to D the display content displayed on the display screen V2 belongs to.
Here, only a part (left end) of the entire image of the main menu 41a is displayed on the display screen V1 of FIG. 5, but the vertical scroll bar 413 or the horizontal scroll bar 414 provided on the display screen V1 is displayed. By operating and scrolling the display screen V1 in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, screen information such as icons not displayed on the display screen V1 can be displayed as shown in FIG. 5B.

When the above icons and buttons are displayed on the screens V1, V2 and _VSW , the process proceeds to step S60. Here, the control unit 30 determines whether one or more icons displayed on the display screen V2, that is, one icon is selected from the icons C1 to C3. Here, for example, if it is determined that the icon C1 (paper selection item) has been selected, then in step S70, the icons of the lower-level data belonging to the data associated with the icon C1 are displayed as described above. It is displayed on the screen V2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, a plurality of icons C11, C12, C13,... Corresponding to the type of recording paper on which an image is printed are displayed on the display screen V2. That is, the display content of the display screen V2 is switched from the display content of the icons C1 to C3 to the display content of the icons C11, C12,. Thus, even when the icon C1 displayed on the display screen V1 is selected, the detailed setting items (icons C11, C12, ...) is displayed on the display screen V2. After the process of step S70, the process returns to step S60.
At this time, if the paper size has already been set by the initial setting or the like, the setting item that has already been set, such as the icon C15 on the display screen V2 shown in FIG. It is desirable to clearly indicate the set icon, for example, by making the icon display color different from other icons.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, not all icons are displayed on the display screen V2, but the vertical scroll bar 415 and the horizontal scroll bar 416 provided on the display screen V2 are operated. By scrolling the display screen V2 vertically or horizontally, undisplayed icons C16, C17, etc. can be displayed as shown in FIG. 6B.
Thus, the means for executing the program or control procedure for implementing the process of step S60 corresponds to the second selection means, and the means for executing the program or control procedure for realizing the process of step S70 is the first. 3 corresponds to the display means.

  When the process of step S70 ends, the process returns to step S60 again. At this time, in step S60, it is determined that the icon on the display screen V2 is not selected (No in S60), and among the icons displayed on the display screen V1 in step S80, for example, the application function setting item icon A is selected. When this is done, the control unit 30 collects the lower level aggregation setting item A1, duplex printing setting item A2, composite printing setting item A3, image processing item A4, sorting / finishing item A5, memory belonging to the selected icon A. Icons such as the print setting item A6 are displayed on the display screen V2 as shown in FIG. 7 (S90). When the process of step S90 is performed, the process returns to step S60.

  After the process of step S90, when the process returns to step S60, whether or not one icon has been selected from one or more icons displayed on the display screen V2 by the control unit 30, as described above. It is determined whether or not (S60). At this time, the display screen V2 displays icons of the aggregation setting item A1, the duplex printing setting item A2, the composite printing setting item A3, the image processing item A4, the sorting / finishing item A5, and the memory printing setting item A6. Therefore, it is determined whether one icon is selected from these icons. Here, for example, if it is determined that the sort / finish item icon A5 is selected, the control unit 30 causes the detailed setting item icons A51 to A54 corresponding to the icon A5 (sort setting, sorting setting, stapling). The setting and punch setting are displayed as shown in FIG. 8A (S70), and then the process returns to step S60. If it is determined in step S60 that the staple setting item icon A53 has been selected, the detailed setting item icons A531 to A533 (no setting, one-pointing, two-pointing) are displayed in FIG. ) As shown on the display screen V2 (S70). That is, the display screen V2 is switched from the display screen of the icons A51 to A54 to the display screen of the icons A531 to A533. Thereafter, the process returns to step S60.

As described above, while the loop processing of steps S60 to S90 is repeatedly executed, the setting item (icon) displayed on the display screen V1 is not selected in step S80 (No side of S80), and thereafter If it is determined in step S100 that the setting completion key 411 is input, the process returns to step S10, and the processes after S10 are executed again. If it is determined that the setting completion key 411 has not been input, the process returns to S60.
When it is determined in step S100 that the setting completion key 411 has been input, the process returns to step S10, and the control unit 30 displays the main menu over the entire area of the liquid crystal display unit 41 (S10). At this time, for example, when the setting of the stapling function is performed in the loop process of steps S60 to S90, the main menu 41b (the contents of the setting contents column 417 (see FIG. 4) of the main menu are updated). 4B) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 41.
In this way, the display content of the display screen V1 is held in the main menu, while the display content of the display screen V2 is switched to a screen corresponding to the selected icon. Even after returning to the main menu after performing a function setting operation or a search operation, there is no need to perform the complicated operation of operating the BACK key 412 to return to the previous screen. The number of key operations at the time of setting is reduced, and the operability at the time of setting and the like is improved. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the complexity and complexity of the setting operation conventionally felt by the operator.

  In the embodiment described above, if it is determined in the determination process in step S60 of the flowchart of FIG. 3 that the icon A53 is selected from the icons A51 to A54 displayed on the display screen V2, in the next step S70. The display content of the display screen V2 is switched from the display screen of the icons A51 to A54 to the display screen of the icons A531 to A533 (see FIG. 8B). That is, the display contents (main menu including icons A to D) once displayed on the display screen V1 are always displayed on the display screen V1 until the setting completion key 411 is input (S100).

However, in addition to the display process described above, various display methods described below are conceivable as the process for displaying the screen on the liquid crystal display unit 41.
Here, a modified example of the screen display processing procedure executed by the control unit 30 (CPU 31) of the copying machine X according to the control program will be described using the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, S10, S20,... Indicate processing procedure (step) numbers. The process starts from step S10. In addition, about the same process as the process demonstrated above using the flowchart of FIG. 3, the same process sequence number is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the copying machine X, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on and various initial setting processes are performed, the processing of steps S10 to S50 is performed by the control unit 30 in the same manner as the screen display process of the above-described embodiment. Is made. That is, the main menu 41a including the icons A to D is displayed over the entire area of the liquid crystal display section 41 of the operation display panel 40 (FIG. 4) (S10). Thereafter, in step S20, the icon A in the main menu 41a is displayed. ˜D, for example, if it is determined that the icon A of the basic function setting item is selected (Yes side of S20), then the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 41 is as shown in FIG. The screen is divided into display screens V1, V2, and a switch screen _VSW (screen division processing). Then, the main menu 41a is displayed on the display screen V1 divided by the screen division processing (S40), and the display screen V2 is an aggregate setting item A1, which is a detailed setting item of the icon A1, and duplex printing setting. Icons such as item A2, composite print setting item A3, image processing item A4, sort / finish item A5, memory print setting item A6, etc. are displayed on the display screen V2 as shown in FIG. 7 (S50).

When the above-mentioned icons and buttons, each said each screen V1, V2, V _SW is displayed, followed by the process proceeds to step S60, by the control unit 30, from the icon A1~A6 displayed on the display screen V2 For example, it is determined whether one icon A5 is selected. If it is determined that the icon A5 (sort / finish setting item) has been selected, then in step S71, the icons of the lower layer data belonging to the data associated with the icon A5 are displayed on the display screen V2. Is displayed on another different display screen V1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, the control unit 30 causes the detailed setting item icons A51 to A54 (sort setting, sorting setting, stapling setting, punch setting) corresponding to the icon A5 to be set as described above. It is displayed on the display unit V1 (S70). Thereafter, the process returns to step S60. Subsequently, in step S60, it is determined whether, for example, the icon A53 of the staple setting item is selected from the icons A51 to A54 displayed on the screen display unit V1, If it is determined that the icon A53 is selected, the detailed setting item icons A531 to A533 (no setting, one dot, two dots) of the staple setting item A53 are subsequently displayed as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display screen V2. Thereafter, the process returns to step S60. For the processing of steps S80 to S100 in the flowchart of FIG. 9, refer to the description of the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the means for executing the program or control procedure for realizing the process of step S60 corresponds to the third selection means, and the program or the control procedure for realizing the process of step S71 is executed. The means corresponds to fourth display means.
As described above, since the steps S60 and S71 are repeatedly performed, the setting items for two adjacent layers are always displayed alternately on the display screens V1 and V2. When executed by the control unit 30, since it is not necessary to switch the display screen to the previous screen by operating the BACK key 412, it is possible to perform a smooth setting operation and improve the operability of the setting operation and the like. be able to.
Further, in the screen display process described in the embodiment and the screen display process described in the modification of the screen display process, the icon is displayed on the two screens of the display screens V1 and V2. For example, the icon may be displayed on a display screen having three or more screens.

1 is an overall schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine X according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of the copying machine X. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a procedure of screen display processing executed by the control unit of the copying machine X. FIG. 3 is a panel schematic diagram showing an outline of an operation display panel of the copying machine X. The schematic screen figure which shows an example of the display mode of the display screen of a liquid crystal display part. The schematic screen figure which shows an example of the display mode of the display screen of a liquid crystal display part. The schematic screen figure which shows an example of the display mode of the display screen of a liquid crystal display part. The schematic screen figure which shows an example of the display mode of the display screen of a liquid crystal display part. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a modification of the procedure of screen display processing executed by the control unit of the copying machine X. The schematic screen figure which shows an example of the display mode of the display screen of a liquid crystal display part.

Explanation of symbols

X ... copier 10 ... automatic document feeder 15 ... image forming apparatus 16 ... feed cassette 20 ... image reading apparatus 30 ... control unit 40 ... operation display panel 41 ... liquid crystal display unit 42 ... operation unit 411 ... setting complete key 412 ... BACK keys 413, 414 ... vertical scroll bar 415 ... left / right scroll bar

Claims (4)

Data storage means for storing various data managed by the image processing apparatus in a hierarchical structure;
A display unit comprising a plurality of display screens for displaying icons in which data stored in the data storage means is symbolized or converted into character strings;
In an image processing apparatus comprising:
First display means for displaying icons of each of n layers of data belonging to predetermined data stored in the data storage means on one display screen constituting the display unit;
First selection means for selecting one icon from one or more icons displayed on the one display screen by the first display means;
Second display means for displaying each icon of data in the (n + 1) hierarchy belonging to data associated with the icon selected by the first selection means on a different display screen from the first display screen; ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: Second selection means for selecting one icon from one or more icons displayed on the other display screen;
Third display means for displaying on the other display screen each icon of data belonging to data associated with the icon selected by the second selection means and one level lower than the data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Third selection means for selecting one icon from one or more icons displayed on the one display screen or the other display screen;
A fourth class that belongs to the data associated with the icon selected by the third selection means, and that displays each icon of the data one level lower than the data on the other display screen or the first display screen. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means.   4. The various data is one or a plurality of user registration information or transmission destination address information registered in the image processing apparatus or function setting information for setting various functions of the image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.

Images