JP2006015623A - Operation display part of image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation display part of an image forming apparatus, which enables a display language for being displayed on an operation panel to be changed by a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: A language selecting means is provided on a stand-by screen for each of functions such as a scanner function, a copy function, a printer function and a facsimile function, so that the display language can also be independently selected from the stand-by screens for the respective functions. A plurality of kinds of display languages are displayed on the operation screen in rotation. When an operation is performed on the operation screen whereon the display language capable of being understood by a user is used, the display language is used on each of the operation screens after that. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, and an operation display unit thereof.

  There is an image forming apparatus capable of switching a language used on an operation panel (hereinafter referred to as a display language) to Japanese, Chinese, English, or the like. The display language is usually configured to be switched for each device. Further, the display language is switched through a number of operations after shifting from the standby screen to the environment setting screen of the apparatus.

  By the way, in recent years, image forming apparatuses have become more multifunctional, and the operation burden on users is increasing. Therefore, various techniques for improving the operability of the image forming apparatus are disclosed. For example, there is an image forming apparatus in which setting information for each user is registered in advance, and the setting information can be called from a portable device and used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, an image that allows the user to arbitrarily select a desired item from a number of items that can be displayed on the operation screen, and to set a basic screen configured by an operation unit related to the selected item for each user. There is an operation unit of a forming apparatus (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-202870 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-194669

  As described above, since the conventional image forming apparatus requires many operations for switching the display language, the operation for switching the display language is particularly difficult for a foreigner who cannot understand the language displayed on the operation panel. there were. In addition, since the language displayed on the operation panel uses expressions for adults, it may not be understood by users such as elementary school children and infants.

  In addition, in the image forming apparatus and the operation unit of the image forming apparatus disclosed in the above-described patent document, it is necessary to register setting information and a basic screen in advance.

  However, a user who cannot understand the language displayed on the operation panel has difficulty in performing such a registration operation itself. In both cases, there is no consideration for simplifying the switching operation of the display language displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, when the setting information is called from a portable device and used, the portable device is required to use this function, so that a user who does not own the portable device cannot use the function.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus in which a display language displayed on an operation panel can be changed with a simple operation. .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus having language selection means for selecting a display language on at least one of an operation panel and a standby screen.

According to the above invention, the language selection means is provided at the place where the user can operate first.
The language selection means may be configured to be directly selectable by the user's hand, or may be configured to be selectable using a pointing device.

  The standby screen refers to a screen when the image forming apparatus is ready for use after the initialization process is completed, a standby screen for each function of the image forming apparatus, and the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus comprising language selection means for selecting a display language for each roughly classified function selectable by a user.

  According to the above invention, the user can select the display language used on the operation screen for each function. The broadly classified functions include a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a telephone function.

  For example, when an interrupt operation is performed by a function different from the selected function, another display language can be selected by the different function. An interrupt is a job in which a job such as copying or facsimile transmission is interrupted so that another job can be preferentially executed.

An invention according to claim 3 is an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus having at least one of a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function,
An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus comprising language selection means for selecting a display language for each function.

  According to the above invention, the display language can be switched for each function such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function.

An invention according to claim 4 is an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus having at least one of a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function,
Operating means (14) for selecting said function;
Display means (13) for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means for selecting a display language used on the operation screen;
Display control means (51) for displaying an operation screen for each function on the display means;
Display language management for managing the display language used on the operation screen for each function and setting the display language selected by the language selection means to the display language used for the operation screen related to the function selected at that time And an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the above invention, the display language selected by the user is set to the display language used on the operation screen related to the function currently selected. That is, when a display language is selected after selecting a function, the display language is used on the display screen of the function.

The invention according to claim 5 has language selection means for selecting a display language used for the function on the operation screen for each function. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4 It is an operation display part.

  According to the above invention, the language selection means is displayed on the operation screen for each function. The language selection means is preferably displayed on the screen operated first when each function is used.

The invention according to claim 6 is an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus having at least one of a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function,
Operating means (14) for selecting said function;
Display means (13) for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means for selecting a display language used on the operation screen;
Display control means (51) for displaying an operation screen for each function on the display means;
The display language used on the operation screen is managed for each function, and the display language selected when the function is selected on the operation means is used on the operation screen related to the function selected on the operation means. An operation display unit of the image forming apparatus, comprising: a display language management unit (52) for setting a language.

  According to the above invention, the display language selected when the user selects the function is set to the display language used on the operation screen related to the selected function. That is, when a function is selected after selecting a display language, the display language is used for the display screen of the selected function.

The invention according to claim 7 is the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 6, wherein the language selection unit is provided on an operation screen.

  According to the above invention, the user can set the display language by operating the language selection means displayed on the operation screen. The language selection means may be displayed on all operation screens, or may be displayed on some operation screens.

The invention according to an eighth aspect is the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth or sixth aspect, wherein the language selection unit is provided on an operation panel.

  According to the above invention, the user can set the display language by operating the language selection means provided on the operation panel.

The invention according to claim 9 is a display means (13) for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means capable of selecting a plurality of display languages used on the operation screen;
Display control means (51) for simultaneously displaying characters represented in each of the plurality of display languages on the operation screen when a plurality of display languages are selected by the language selection means;
This is an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the above invention, the user can select a plurality of display languages to be displayed on the operation screen, and the characters expressed in the selected plurality of display languages are simultaneously displayed on the operation screen.

The invention according to claim 10 is the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of styles are prepared for one display language.

  According to the above invention, a user-friendly style can be selected from styles such as dialects and colloquial styles.

The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that a display using kanji and a display using only kana are prepared for display using Japanese. The operation display of the image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, Part.

  According to the above invention, since the display using only Japanese characters is prepared for the display using Japanese, it is possible to operate even a user who cannot read kanji.

  There are two types of display using kanji: display using only kanji and display where kanji and kana are mixed. The display using only kana includes a display using only hiragana, a display using only katakana, and a display in which hiragana and katakana are mixed.

The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that, for display only with kana, a display with a plain style than that displayed with kana as the display reading using kanji is prepared. Or an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to 11;

  According to the above-described invention, it is possible to operate even a user who has difficulty in understanding the meaning by displaying only kana readings. The plain style includes Japanese language for adults that is easy to understand for elementary school students and young children.

The invention according to claim 13 is characterized in that when a plurality of types of display languages are selected by the language selection means, the combinations are grouped and registered, and the display language can be selected for each of the registered groups. Item 13. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to Item 9, 10, 11, or 12.

  According to the above invention, if a registered group is selected, a plurality of types of display languages combined can be set at once.

The invention according to claim 14 is a display means (13) for displaying an operation screen;
An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display control unit (51) that sequentially switches a display language used in an operation screen displayed on the display unit among a plurality of types.

  According to the above invention, the display language used on the operation screen is sequentially switched among a plurality of types, so that the user may operate when the operation screen using the display language that the user can read is displayed. In addition to cyclically switching the display language, it may be switched randomly.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when there is an operation for selecting a display language to be used on the operation screen, switching of the display language is stopped at that time. Operation display of the image forming apparatus according to claim 14 Part.

  According to the above invention, when the user performs a display language selection operation, switching of the display language is stopped, and thereafter, an operation screen using the selected display language is displayed.

The invention according to claim 16 is a display means (13) for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means for selecting a display language used on the operation screen;
Display control means (51) for sequentially switching a display language used in a partial area of the operation screen displayed on the display means among a plurality of types;
Display language management means for setting the same display language as the display language used in the partial area at the time when the language selection means performs a display language selection operation to the display language used in the operation screen ( 52) and an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the above invention, when the user selects a display language during the sequential switching of the display language used in the partial area, the same display as the display language used in the partial area at that time is performed. The language is set to the display language used on the operation screen.

  Even without switching all the display languages used on the operation screen, the user can determine whether or not the display language can be understood by himself / herself by looking at the display languages used in some areas.

  The partial area may be an area where the display language is used, and may be an area for displaying language switching guidance, for example. Further, the display switching of the display language used in a part of the area may be stopped or continued when the display language selection operation is performed. Moreover, it is good to comprise so that it can restart after stopping.

The invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that the user can select in advance a plurality of types of display languages to be sequentially switched from among registered display languages. It is an operation display part.

  According to the above-described invention, among the plurality of types of display languages prepared in advance, the one designated by the user is the target of switching display.

In the invention according to claim 18, the display language selected by the language selection means is effectively used until the operation is completed or the operation is stopped, or the job is completed or no operation is performed for a predetermined time or the job is canceled. 18. An operation unit display unit of an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 14, 16 or 17.

  According to the above invention, the selected display language is valid at least until the operation is completed or the operation is stopped or the job is completed or no operation is performed for a predetermined time or the job is canceled.

  After the operation is completed, the display language may be returned to the default display language, or the state may be maintained as it is. The completion point of the operation is recognized, for example, by operating the start key.

The invention according to claim 19 cancels the validity of the selection of the display language by the language selection means when the operation is completed or the operation is stopped, the job is completed or a predetermined time elapses in the no operation state, or the job is canceled. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 14, 16, 17, or 18.

  According to the above invention, the validity of the selected display language is canceled when the operation is completed. It may be configured to return to the default display language after the validity is canceled. Further, the validity of the display language for each job is ensured until the completion of the original job even if the job is interrupted by another job.

  The invention according to claim 20 is described in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19. An image forming apparatus having an operation display unit.

  According to the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, since the language selection means is provided on at least one of the operation panel and the standby screen, the user can select the display language by the first operation, and can be displayed by a simple operation. Language switching is possible.

  In the case where the display language can be selected for each function, the display language can be finely switched in the same manner as an independent apparatus for each function in an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of functions are combined. Further, when an interrupt operation is performed by a function different from the selected function, another display language can be selected by the different function.

  The display of characters in multiple display languages at the same time on the operation screen reduces the need for switching the display language and improves convenience compared to the display that can only be displayed in one display language. To do.

  In particular, in the case where a plurality of styles are prepared for one display language, or a display using kanji and a display using only kana are prepared, a display suitable for the user layer is possible.

  In addition, since the kana-only display is prepared with a simpler style than the one in which the reading of kanji is simply changed to kana, the operability for elementary school children and infants is improved.

  When multiple types of display languages are selected, the combinations are grouped and registered, so the grouped contents can be set all at once, so the user's operational burden is reduced compared to setting the contents individually. It is reduced.

  When the display language is sequentially switched among a plurality of types, the display language used for the operation screen is switched one after another, so that the user can understand and operate the meaning content when a display language that can be understood by the user is displayed. .

  In particular, when a display language selection operation is performed and switching of the display language is stopped at that time, an operation screen using the display language is displayed thereafter, so that operability and convenience are further improved.

  In addition, since the display language can be selected with a single touch only by performing a stop operation, the operation burden associated with the selection of the display language is greatly reduced.

  In the case where the user can select in advance a plurality of types of display languages to be sequentially switched from among registered display languages, for example, it is possible to shorten the cycle of selecting one display language that is frequently used, The waiting time until the display language intended by the user appears is shortened, and convenience is improved.

  Furthermore, since a plurality of types of display languages are sequentially switched and displayed at the same location, the area of the operation screen can be used effectively.

  The processing language of the image forming apparatus can be reduced in the case where the display language used in a part of the operation screen is sequentially switched among a plurality of types, as compared with the case where the display language used is sequentially switched in the entire region.

  In addition, if the guidance display for selecting the target display language is switched to various display languages in a part of the area, the information necessary for selecting the display language can be displayed more easily than when switching the entire screen. it can.

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

  FIG. 1 shows an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 including an operation display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 10 prints according to a scanner function for reading a document and outputting the corresponding image data, in addition to a function as a copying machine that reads a document and forms a duplicate image on a recording sheet. It is configured as a multifunction machine with a printer function.

  The image forming apparatus 10 has a function of switching the display language used on the operation screen. In addition, it has a function of displaying two or more display languages used on the operation screen at the same time or by rotating, and has a function of registering the two or more display languages in combination. Further, it has a function of calling up the group and setting two or more display languages at once.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 50, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 as a main part as a control unit that performs overall control of the operation. Circuit.

  The ROM 11 stores programs executed by the CPU 50 and various fixed data. The RAM 12 functions as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU 50 executes a program, and a page memory that stores at least one page of image data for performing a rotation process.

  Further, the CPU 50 has a display unit 13, a panel operation unit 14, an image reading unit 15, an image processing unit 16, an image storage unit 17, an image formation output unit 18, an image output unit 19, and various types via a bus. Information input means 20, LAN control means 21, public network communication control means 22, message database means 30, and nonvolatile memory 31 are connected.

  The display means 13 is composed of a liquid crystal display having a touch panel on the surface, and fulfills a function of performing various guidance displays and status displays to the user. On the display means 13, individual operation screens are switched and displayed for each function such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function.

  The panel operation means 14 includes various operation switches and has a function of receiving various operations from the user. Further, the panel operation means 14 fulfills a function of accepting a selection operation of a roughly classified function such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, or a scanner function.

  The image reading unit 15 functions to read a document image and take in corresponding image data. The image reading unit 15 includes a light source that irradiates the document, a line image sensor that reads the document for one line in the width direction, a moving unit that moves the reading position in units of lines in the length direction of the document, and reflection from the document. And an optical path composed of a lens and a mirror for guiding light to a line image sensor to form an image. The line image sensor is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The analog image signal output from the line image sensor is A / D converted and captured as digital image data.

  The image processing unit 16 has a function of enlarging / reducing image data, a function of rotating an image, and the like.

  The image storage means 17 is a large-capacity storage device for storing compressed image data, print data, and the like. Here, a hard disk device (HDD) is used.

  The image forming output unit 18 functions to form and output an image corresponding to the image data on a recording sheet by an electrophotographic process. The image forming output means 18 is a so-called laser printer having a recording paper transport device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. It is configured.

  The image output means 19 functions to supply the image data stored in the image storage means 17 to the image formation output means 18 in accordance with the operation timing of the image formation output means 18.

  The LAN control unit 21 has a function of communicating with a LAN. The public network communication control means 22 fulfills the function of communicating with a telephone line. The various information input means 20 fulfills the function of inputting other various information.

  The message database means 30 has a function of storing messages and character strings related to operation guidance created in a plurality of types of display languages. The message database means 30 stores a plurality of types of messages and character strings created with different styles for one display language (here, Japanese).

  The nonvolatile memory 31 is a rewritable memory that retains stored contents even after the power is turned off. The non-volatile memory 31 has a function of storing group information in which a plurality of types of display languages are combined.

  The CPU 50 functions as language switching means 51 and display language management means 52. The language switching unit 51 functions to switch the display language used on various operation screens. Also, it plays the role of display control means for displaying the operation screen for each function on the display means 13. The display language management means 52 fulfills the function of managing the display language used on the operation screen for each function.

  FIG. 2 shows an external front view of the operation display unit 40. The operation display section 40 is provided with a display means 13, a function selection key 42, a power button 43, a start button 44, a stop button 45, a numeric key 46, operation selection keys 47, a reset button 48, and an interrupt key 49. ing.

  The function selection key 42 is an operation button for selecting functions such as a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function. The power button 43 is an operation button for turning on / off the power of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The start button 44 is an operation button for the user to instruct the start of job execution. The stop button 45 is an operation button for canceling the job being executed. The numeric keypad 46 is an operation button for inputting the number of copies.

  Each operation selection key 47 is an operation button for selecting a function such as a help function or an application function. The reset button 48 is an operation button for canceling the set contents. The interrupt key 49 is an operation button for giving priority to the input operation and execution of another job during job operation or job execution.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of an operation related to selection of a display language. A user operation is performed on the currently displayed operation screen (step S101).

  This operation screen includes a “language selection” button so that a display language can be selected. When the “language selection” button is operated (step S102; Y), the screen is switched to a screen for selecting a display language (step S103), and a desired display language is selected by the user (step S104).

  Thereafter, each operation screen using this display language is displayed (step S105). A user operation is performed on each operation screen (step S106).

  During operation, if there is an interrupt operation related to a different function through the function selection 42 of the operation display unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 (step S107; Y), a basic screen corresponding to that function is displayed on the display means 13 of FIG. Is done. This basic screen also has a “language selection” button so that the display language can be selected independently.

  If there is no interruption operation (step S107; N), the operation can be performed in the display language selected by the user until the start key 44 provided in the operation display unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 is operated (step S107). S108; N). When the start key 44 is operated, it is determined that a series of job input operations by the user has been completed (step S108; Y), and execution of the job is started with the instructed setting content (step S109).

  When the user does not operate the “language selection” button (step S102; N), the operation is performed on the basic screen using the currently displayed display language as it is (step S110).

  A “language selection” button is also displayed on each operation screen displayed during the operation, and when this “language selection” button is operated during the operation (step S111; Y), a screen for selecting a display language is displayed. Switching (step S103).

  If there is no operation of the “language selection” button (step S111; N), various operations are accepted on each operation screen using the currently displayed display language as it is until the start key 44 is operated. When the start key 44 is operated, it is determined that a series of job input operations by the user has been completed (step S112; Y), and job execution is started with the instructed setting content (step S109).

  If there is an interrupt operation related to a different function through the function selection key 42 of the operation display unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 until the start key 44 is operated (step S113; Y), the basic screen corresponding to that function Is displayed on the display means 13 of FIG. This basic screen also has a “language selection” button so that the display language can be selected independently.

  FIG. 4 shows a basic screen 60 of the copy function displayed on the display means 13 of FIG. 2 when accepting a copy job request. The basic screen 60 is displayed when the function selection key 42 indicating the copy function of the operation display unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 is operated.

  The basic screen 60 includes a guide display unit 61 that displays various guides for notifying the user of setting contents and an operation unit 62 on which various operation buttons for changing the setting contents are arranged.

  Further, a “language selection” button 63 for selecting a display language is arranged on the operation unit 62. Thus, since the “language selection” button is provided on the basic screen for each function, the display language can be selected independently for each function.

  When the “language selection” button 63 is operated on the basic screen 60, the screen is switched to the language switching setting screen 70 shown in FIG. At this time, the “language selection” button 63 uses the same display language as the display language used in the operation unit 62.

  The switched language switching setting screen 70 includes a “new setting” button 72 for newly grouping and registering a plurality of types of display languages, and an “existing setting use” button 71 for selecting an already registered group. Have.

  When the “use existing setting” button 71 is operated, the screen is switched to an existing group display screen 80 shown in FIG. The existing group display screen 80 displays a list of existing groups. In this list, registered contents of each group are displayed. In each group, combinations of the first language and the second language are registered.

  When the “arrow” button 81 displayed on the existing group display screen 80 is operated, the continuation of the list is displayed.

  In this example, a combination of Japanese as the first language and English as the second language is selected. At this time, the characters displayed in the list are displayed using the same display language as the display language used in the “language selection” button 63 operated on the basic screen 60 shown in FIG. ing.

  When the “OK” button 82 is operated in a state where one group in the list is selected, the screen is switched to the basic screen 90 shown in FIG. The basic screen 90 is an operation screen using the first language and the second language selected on the existing group display screen 80. Here, a Japanese character string and an English character string are displayed side by side for each display item.

  When the “new setting” button 72 is operated on the language switching setting screen 70 shown in FIG. 5, the screen is switched to the new selection screen 100 shown in FIG.

  The new selection screen 100 includes a first language selection area 101 in which a plurality of display language candidates that can be selected as the first language are listed, and a second language in which a plurality of display language candidates that can be selected as the second language are listed. A language selection area 102 is displayed. A display language related to the new setting can be selected by operating any of the candidates listed in each area.

  In the new selection screen 100, the display language used for the first language and the display language used for the second language can be arbitrarily combined. In this example, Japanese is selected as the first language and English is selected as the second language.

  When the “language selection” button 103 on the new selection screen 100 is operated, the display language used on this operation screen can be switched. When the “confirm” button 104 is operated after the display language selection operation, the screen is switched to the registration setting screen 110 shown in FIG.

  The registration setting screen 110 is provided with a “registration” button 111, a “use only this time” button 112, a “return to registration screen” button 113, and a “cancel” button 114. The “Register” button 111 is an operation button for registering a combination of display languages set on the new selection screen 100 as a new group.

  The “use only this time” button 112 is an operation button for using the set display language only this time without registering the combination of display languages set on the new selection screen 100 as a group that can be used after the next time.

  The “return to registration screen” button 113 is an operation button for returning to the new selection screen 100 and resetting the contents of the group. The “cancel” button 114 is an operation button for returning to the basic screen 60 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows a timer setting screen 120 displayed when a predetermined operation is performed on an environment setting screen (not shown). The timer setting screen 120 is an operation screen for setting the permissible time for maintaining the selected display language in a no-operation state for each device.

  When the next operation is not performed within the allowable time set on the timer setting screen 120, the screen is switched to the basic screen using the initially set display language. Here, an example in which the allowable time until switching to the basic screen is 30 seconds is shown. The allowable time setting may be input using the numeric keypad 46 or the like.

  When the “confirm” button 121 is operated after setting the allowable time, the setting is registered. For example, when the default display language is Japanese and the display language selected by the user is English, the operation screen is switched to an operation screen using Japanese if the no-operation state continues for 30 seconds set and registered as an allowable time.

  FIG. 11 shows a rotation setting screen 130 that is displayed when a predetermined operation is performed on an environment setting screen (not shown). Rotation is an operation of sequentially switching the display language used on the operation screen among a plurality of types.

  On the rotation setting screen 130, rotation for each of the guide display unit 61 and the operation unit 62 of each operation screen can be set. The rotation is set for each device.

  This rotation setting screen 130 is provided with a “entire rotation” button 131, an “independent rotation” button 132, a “guide display portion rotation” button 133, and an “operation portion rotation” button 134.

  The “entire rotation” button 131 is an operation button for setting the guide display unit 61 and the operation unit 62 to perform the same rotation. The “independent rotation” button 132 is an operation button for setting the guide display unit 61 and the operation unit 62 to perform different rotations.

  The “guide display portion rotation” button 133 is an operation button for setting to rotate only in the guide display portion 61. The “operation unit rotation” button 134 is an operation button for setting to rotate only the operation unit 62.

  Here, an example is shown in which the display language is switched and displayed on the guide display unit 61 and the operation unit 62 in the same rotation. When the “global rotation” button 131 is operated, the screen is switched to a switching time setting screen 140 shown in FIG.

  On the switching time setting screen 140, a switching cycle, which is the length of time from when one display language is displayed until the next display language is switched, is set. Here, an example in which the switching cycle is 5 seconds is shown. The time setting may be input with the numeric keypad 46 or the like.

  When the “confirm” button 141 is operated after setting the switching cycle, the screen is switched to the switching language setting screen 150 shown in FIG.

  The switching language setting screen 150 displays a first language selection area 151 and a second language selection area 152 in which a plurality of display language candidates to be switched are listed. Here, an example in which two types of display languages are selected is shown. Further, when three or more types of display languages are selected, an “arrow” button 154 is operated to switch to a screen for selecting the third and subsequent types of display languages.

  When the “confirm” button 153 is operated after selecting a plurality of display languages to be rotated, the screen is switched to the rotation confirmation screen 160 shown in FIG. The rotation confirmation screen 160 displays the setting contents related to the rotation. When the “confirm” button 161 is operated after confirming the setting contents, rotation of the display language starts according to the setting contents.

  When the rotation is started, as shown in FIG. 15, the basic screen 170 using the first language and the basic screen 180 using the second language are switched at every switching period and are alternately displayed.

  When the “Decision Language” button 171 of the basic screen 170 using the first language is operated during the rotation, the display language to be used is fixed to the first language, and the first language is used for each operation screen thereafter.

  In addition, when the “Language Determination” button 181 on the basic screen 180 in which the second language is used is operated, the display language to be used is fixed to the first language, and thereafter, the first language is used for each operation screen.

  Even when the “Decision Language” button 171 and the “Language determination” button 181 are not operated, the rotation may be stopped when any one of the operation buttons displayed on the operation unit 62 is operated. When a display language other than the rotated display language is to be selected, the “Select Language” button 172 on the basic screen 170 or the “Language selection” button 182 on the basic screen 180 is operated to change the rotation setting contents. Can be done.

  As the display language to be rotated, it is preferable to select only display languages that are frequently used. Further, it is preferable that the rotation can be performed again after the rotation is stopped. For example, after operating the “Decision Language” button 171 and the “Language determination” button 181, these operation buttons may be changed to “re-rotation” buttons.

  FIG. 16 shows a new selection screen 190 which is another example of the new selection screen 100 shown in FIG. On the new selection screen 190, Japanese for adults using kanji and Japanese using only hiragana can be selected.

  When Japanese is selected as the first language and hiragana is selected as the second language and then the “OK” button 191 is operated, the screen is switched to the basic screen 200 shown in FIG.

  The hiragana displayed on the basic screen 200 uses a kanji reading that is expressed in a simpler style than a simple conversion of hiragana. The plain style includes Japanese language for adults that is easy to understand for elementary school students and young children.

  FIG. 18 shows a rotation operation using Japanese for adults as the first language and plain Japanese hiragana for the second language. When the rotation is started, as shown in FIG. 18, a basic screen 215 using Japanese for adults and a basic screen 210 using plain hiragana are switched at every switching period and are alternately displayed.

  In addition, during the rotation, when the “KET” button 211 on the basic screen 210 in which the plain style hiragana is used is operated, the display language to be used is fixed to the plain style hiragana, and each operation screen thereafter Hiragana with a special style is used.

  In addition, when the “Language” button 216 on the basic screen 215 that uses Japanese for adults is operated, the display language to be used is fixed to Japanese for adults. A word is used. Even when the “Ken” button 211 or the “Language determination” button 216 is not operated, the rotation may be stopped when any one of the operation buttons displayed on the operation unit 62 is operated.

  FIG. 19 shows a basic screen 220 of the facsimile function displayed on the display means 13 of FIG. 2 when accepting a request for a facsimile job. This basic screen 220 is displayed when the function selection key 42 for selecting the facsimile function of the operation display unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 is operated.

  In the facsimile function, the display language can be selected and the rotation can be set in the same manner as the copy function.

  FIG. 20 shows a basic screen 230 of the facsimile function when Japanese is selected as the first language and English is selected as the second language.

  FIG. 21 shows a basic screen 240 of the printer function displayed on the display means 13 in FIG. 2 when accepting a request for a printer job. The basic screen 240 is displayed when the function selection key 42 indicating the printer function of the operation display unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 is operated.

  In the printer function, the display language can be selected and the rotation can be set as in the copy function.

  FIG. 22 shows a basic screen 250 of the printer function when Japanese is selected as the first language and English is selected as the second language.

  FIG. 23 shows a basic screen 260 of the scanner function displayed on the display means 13 in FIG. 2 when accepting a request for a scanner job. The basic screen 260 is displayed when the function selection key 42 indicating the scanner function of the operation display unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 is operated.

  In the scanner function, the display language can be selected and the rotation can be set as in the copy function.

  FIG. 24 shows a basic screen 270 of the scanner function when Japanese is selected as the first language and English is selected as the second language.

  FIG. 25 shows an example when there is an interruption operation by the facsimile function while the copy function is selected. The interruption operation with different functions is performed by operating the function selection key 42.

  When the copy function is selected and the basic screen 280 when only English is used as the display language is displayed, if there is an interruption operation of the facsimile function, the operation screen is switched to the basic screen 290 of the facsimile function. The basic screen 290 is displayed in Japanese, and a “language selection” button 291 for selecting a display language is arranged, so that the display language can be selected independently.

  When the operation related to the interrupted facsimile function is completed, the screen is switched to the basic screen 280 of the copy function using only English before interruption.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, the case where the display language is independently selected for each function has been described as an example. However, if the display language can be selected in the first operation, the display language is selected separately from the function. You may comprise as follows.

  In the embodiment, the case where the “language selection” button is provided on the operation screen has been described, but it may be provided on the operation panel. When a “language selection” button is provided on the operation panel, a function may be selected after selecting a display language.

  In the embodiment, an example in which a plurality of styles are prepared for Japanese has been described, but a display language other than Japanese may be used.

  In the embodiment, the case where the selected display language is canceled after a lapse of a predetermined time in the non-operation state has been described as an example. It may be canceled when canceled.

  In the embodiment, it has been described that the release of the selected display language and the setting of the rotation are performed in units of devices. However, the display language may be configured in units of functions. In the embodiment, the case where the rotation is stopped when an operation is performed during the rotation has been described as an example. However, the rotation may be simply continued without providing the stop function.

  In the embodiment, the case where the user can select a plurality of types of display languages to be rotated has been described as an example, but rotation may be performed using a plurality of types of display languages fixed in advance.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus including an operation display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement concerning selection of a display language. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen at the time of selecting the copy function displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the language switching setting screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the existing group display screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the new selection screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the registration setting screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the timer setting screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the rotation setting screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the switching time setting screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the switching language setting screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the rotation confirmation screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the rotation of the basic screen using the 1st language, and the basic screen using the 2nd language. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the new setting screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of rotation of the basic screen in which the 1st language was used, and the basic screen in which the 2nd language was used. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen at the time of selecting the facsimile function displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen at the time of selecting the facsimile function displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen at the time of selecting the printer function displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen at the time of selecting the printer function displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen at the time of selecting the scanner function displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the basic screen at the time of selecting the scanner function displayed on the operation display part concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example when there exists interruption operation by a different function.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... ROM
12 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Display means 14 ... Panel operation means 15 ... Image reading means 16 ... Image processing means 17 ... Image storage means 18 ... Image formation output means 19 ... Image output means 20 ... Various information input means 21 ... LAN control means 22 ... Public network Communication control means 30 ... Message database means 31 ... Non-volatile memory 40 ... Operation display section 42 ... Function selection key 43 ... Power button 44 ... Start button 45 ... Stop button 46 ... Numeric keypad 47 ... Key for selecting each operation 48 ... Reset button 49 ... Interrupt key 50 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 51 ... Language switching means 52 ... Display language management means 60 ... Basic screen 61 ... Guide display part 62 ... Operation part 63 ... "Language selection" button 70 ... Language switching setting screen 71 ... "Use existing setting" button 72 ... "New setting "... 80 button ... Existing group display screen 81 ..." Arrow "button 82 ..." Confirm "button 90 ... Basic screen 100 ... New selection screen 101 ... First language selection area 102 ... Second language selection area 103 ..." Language selection "button 104 ... "Confirm" button 110 ... Registration setting screen 111 ... "Registration" button 112 ... "Use only this time" button 113 ... "Return to registration screen" button 114 ... "Cancel" button 120 ... Timer setting screen 121 ... "Confirm" Button 130 ... Rotation setting screen 131 ... "Full rotation" button 132 ... "Independent rotation ”Button 133 ...“ Guide display part rotation ”button 134 ...“ Operation part rotation ”button 140 ... Switching time setting screen 141 ...“ Confirm ”button 150 ... Switching language setting screen 151 ... First language selection area 152 ... Second language selection Area 153 ... "Confirm" button 154 ... "Arrow" button 160 ... Rotation confirmation screen 161 ... "Confirm" button 170 ... Basic screen 171 ... "Decision Language" button 172 ... "Select Language" button 180 ... Basic screen 181 ... "Language""Confirm" button 182 ... "Language selection" button 190 ... New selection screen 191 ... "Confirmation" button 200 ... Basic screen 210 ... Basic screen 211 ... "Ken" button 215 ... Basic screen 216 ... "Confirm language" button 220 ... Basic screen 23 ... the basic screen 240 ... the basic screen 250 ... the basic screen 260 ... the basic screen 270 ... the basic screen 280 ... the basic screen 290 ... the basic screen 291 ... "language selection" button

Claims (20)

An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a language selection unit for selecting a display language on at least one of the operation panel and the standby screen. An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising language selection means for selecting a display language for each of roughly classified functions selectable by a user. An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus having at least one of a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function,
An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising language selection means for selecting a display language for each function. An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus having at least one of a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function,
Operating means for selecting the function;
Display means for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means for selecting a display language used on the operation screen;
Display control means for displaying an operation screen for each function on the display means;
Display language management for managing the display language used on the operation screen for each function and setting the display language selected by the language selection means to the display language used for the operation screen related to the function selected at that time And an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4, further comprising language selection means for selecting a display language used for the function on an operation screen for each function. An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus having at least one of a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and a scanner function,
Operating means for selecting the function;
Display means for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means for selecting a display language used on the operation screen;
Display control means for displaying an operation screen for each function on the display means;
The display language used on the operation screen is managed for each function, and the display language selected when the function is selected on the operation means is used on the operation screen related to the function selected on the operation means. An operation display unit of the image forming apparatus, comprising: a display language management unit that sets the language. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the language selection unit is provided on an operation screen. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the language selection unit is provided on an operation panel. Display means for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means capable of selecting a plurality of display languages used on the operation screen;
Display control means for simultaneously displaying on the operation screen the characters represented in each of the plurality of display languages when a plurality of display languages are selected by the language selection means.
An operation display unit of the image forming apparatus. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of styles are prepared for one display language. 11. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a display using Japanese characters includes a display using kanji and a display using only kana. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the kana-only display includes a display that is displayed in a simpler style than a display that uses kanji as a reading. Operation display section. 13. When a plurality of types of display languages are selected by the language selection means, the combinations are grouped and registered, and the display language can be selected for each of the registered groups. An operation display unit of the image forming apparatus described in 1. Display means for displaying an operation screen;
An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a display control unit that sequentially switches a display language used in an operation screen displayed on the display unit among a plurality of types. The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein when an operation for selecting a display language to be used on the operation screen is performed, switching of the display language is stopped at that time. Display means for displaying an operation screen;
Language selection means for selecting a display language used on the operation screen;
Display control means for sequentially switching among a plurality of types of display languages used in a partial area of the operation screen displayed on the display means;
Display language management means for setting the same display language as the display language used in the partial area at that time to the display language used on the operation screen when the language selection means performs a display language selection operation; An operation display unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: The operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to claim 14 or 16, wherein the user can select in advance a plurality of types of display languages to be sequentially switched from among registered display languages. The display language selected by the language selection means is effectively used until a predetermined time elapses or the job is canceled when the operation is completed or the operation is stopped or the job is completed or no operation is performed. The operation unit display unit of the image forming apparatus according to 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 14, 16, or 17. The effectiveness of selecting a display language by the language selection unit is canceled when the operation is completed or the operation is stopped, the job is completed or no job is completed, a predetermined time passes or the job is canceled. An operation display unit of the image forming apparatus according to any one of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 14, 16, 17, or 18. It has the operation display part of Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19. An image forming apparatus.

Images