JP2006119542A - Image processor, image processing method, computer program, and computer readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which is user friendly and easy to use by clearly indicating a function in conflict with its own setting. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor comprises: a display means for key-displaying, on a display screen, a function related to image processing; a decision means for deciding whether or not one function is in exclusive relation with previously set other functions; a control means for controlling the display means in such a manner that the key-display on the display screen corresponding to the function decided by the judging means as being in exclusive relation is displayed in conflict expression which is a method different from the key-display for other functions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that specifies a function that operates exclusively with the selected function when a predetermined function is selected in the image processing apparatus.

Some predetermined functions of image processing, such as copy settings in a copying machine, are mutually exclusive. Between settings that have such an exclusive relationship, if one is selected, the other cannot be selected (first priority), or the setting previously made by the other selection is canceled (second priority), etc. The setting method has been taken.
JP 2001-235976 A

  However, with these setting methods, it is difficult for the user to understand why the setting cannot be made (first priority), why the setting is canceled without permission (after priority), and how can the desired setting be made? It was difficult to know.

  Therefore, in order for the user to use the copying machine, a corresponding skill level is required, and the usability is very bad for a user who has a low skill level.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an image processing apparatus that clearly shows the functions that cause a conflict with its own settings and is easy to understand and use.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention has an exclusive relationship with display means for displaying a function related to image processing on a display screen as a key, and with one function set as another function. A key display on the display screen corresponding to a function determined to be in an exclusive relationship by the determination means, and a key display on the display screen different from a key display of other functions. And a control means for controlling the display means so as to make a conflict expression.

  In addition, the image processing method according to the present invention determines whether or not a display step of displaying a function related to image processing on a display screen as a key and whether one function is exclusive with another set function. The key display on the display screen corresponding to the determination process to be performed and the function determined to have an exclusive relationship in the determination process is performed in a conflict expression that is different from the key display of other functions. And a control step for controlling the key display operation.

  Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the best mode for carrying out the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that is easy to understand and use for the user.

A. First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a copying machine will be described as a specific example of the image processing apparatus.

<Copier configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the copying machine 100. The copying machine 100 includes a controller unit 200, to which a scanner 140 as an image input device and a printer 150 as an image output device are connected, and an operation unit 110 is connected. The controller unit 200 performs control for realizing a copy function in which image data read by the scanner 140 is printed out by the printer 150, and is connected to the LAN 120 or the public line 130 (WAN), so that image information and devices are connected. Controls to input / output information.

  Specifically, the controller unit 200 includes a CPU 201. The CPU 201 starts up an operation system (OS) by a boot program stored in the ROM 203, and is stored in an HDD (hard disk drive) 204 on the OS. The application program is executed, and various processes are thereby executed. A RAM 202 is used as a work area of the CPU 201. The RAM 202 provides a work area and an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. The HDD 204 stores the application program and image data.

  Along with the ROM 203 and the RAM 202, the CPU 201 has an operation unit I / F (operation unit interface) 206, a network I / F (network interface) 209, a modem 210, and an image bus I / F (image bus interface) via a system bus 207. ) 205 is connected.

  The operation unit I / F 206 is an interface with the operation unit 110 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 110 to the operation unit 110. The operation unit I / F 206 sends information input by the user through the operation unit 110 to the CPU 201.

  Next, the network I / F 209 is connected to the LAN 120 and inputs / outputs information to / from each device on the LAN 120 via the LAN 120. The modem 210 is connected to the public line 130 and inputs / outputs information via the public line 130.

  An image bus I / F 205 is a bus bridge for connecting the system bus 207 and an image bus 208 for transferring image data at high speed and converting the data format. The image bus 208 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. A raster image processor (hereinafter referred to as “RIP”) 211, a device I / F 212, a scanner image processing unit 213, a printer image processing unit 214, an image rotation unit 215, and an image compression unit 216 are provided on the image bus 208. .

  The RIP 211 is a processor that develops a PDL code into a bitmap image. A scanner 207 and a printer 150 are connected to the device I / F 212, and the device I / F 212 performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 213 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. The printer image processing unit 214 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like corresponding to the printer 150 on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 215 rotates image data. The image compression unit 216 compresses the multivalued image data into JPEG data and the binary image data into data such as JBIG, MMR, and MH, and performs the expansion processing.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the scanner 140 and the printer 150 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a hardware configuration of the scanner 140 and the printer 159 shown in FIG.

  The scanner 140 and the printer 150 are integrally configured as shown in FIG. The scanner 140 includes a document feeding unit 450. The document feeding unit 450 feeds the documents one by one from the top to the platen glass 411, and each time the reading operation of each document is completed, the document is fed. Is discharged from the platen glass 411 to a discharge tray (not shown). When a document is fed onto the platen glass 411, the scanner 140 turns on the lamp 412 and starts moving the moving unit 413. The scanning of the original on the platen glass 411 is performed by the movement of the moving unit 413. During this scanning, the reflected light from the document is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 418 through each mirror 414, 415, 416 and lens 417, and an image on the document is displayed on the imaging surface of the CCD 418. Is imaged. The CCD 418 converts an image formed on the imaging surface into an electric signal, and the electric signal is input to a control device (not shown) after being subjected to predetermined processing.

  The printer 150 has a laser driver 321, and the laser driver 321 drives the laser emission unit 322 based on image data input from the control device. As a result, laser light corresponding to the image data is emitted from the laser light emitting unit 322, and this laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 323 while being scanned. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 323 by the irradiated laser light, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the toner supplied from the developing device 324. In synchronization with the irradiation timing of the laser beam, the recording paper is fed from the cassettes 311 and 312 between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 via the conveyance path, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 323 is transferred to the transfer unit 325. Is transferred onto the recording paper fed.

  The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to a fixing roller pair (heating roller and pressure roller) 326 via a conveyance belt, and the fixing roller pair 326 records the toner image on the recording paper by heat-pressing the recording paper. Fix on paper. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing roller pair 326 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 330 by the paper discharge roller pair 327. The paper discharge unit 330 includes a sheet processing apparatus that can perform post-processing such as sorting and stapling.

  When the duplex recording mode is set, after the recording sheet is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 327, the rotation direction of the discharge roller pair 327 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 by the flapper 328. . The recording paper guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 is fed again between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 at the timing described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the recording paper.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit 110 shown in FIG.

  The LCD display unit 111 has a structure in which a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The LCD display unit 111 displays an operation screen of the copying machine 100, and when a key displayed on the screen is pressed, the position information is displayed on the controller unit 200. To the CPU 201. The start key 112 is used when starting a document image reading operation. A green and red two-color LED 116 is provided at the center of the start key 112, and indicates whether or not the start key 112 is usable depending on the color. The stop key 113 is operated when stopping an operation in operation. The ID key 114 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key 115 is used when initializing settings from the operation unit 110.

<Operation screen display>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen 111 displayed on the operation unit 110.

  On the upper part of the operation screen of the operation unit 110, a copy tab, a transmission / FAX tab, a box tab, and an extension tab for selecting various functions are displayed.

  When the transmission / FAX tab is pressed, a setting screen (not shown) for sending an image read by the copying machine 100 to an apparatus on the LAN 120 by E-mail or FTP transmission or facsimile transmission using the public line 130 is shown. Display).

  When the box tab is pressed, the image read on the copying machine 100 is stored in the box area in the HDD 204, the image data stored in the box area is designated for printing, or the image is transmitted to a device on the LAN 120. A setting screen (not shown) is displayed.

  Further, when the controller unit 200 is equipped with five or more functions, another function is displayed on the screen by pressing an expansion key.

  FIG. 4 shows a copy function setting confirmation area (basic setting screen) when the touch key of the copy tab is pressed. The display relating to the copy function is performed in the area 500. From the top of the area 500, the area to be displayed as "Can copy" is displayed, and the status to be displayed by the copy function is displayed. The selected paper feed stage, the number of sheets, etc. are displayed.

  The setting confirmation area 501 displays settings such as copy color, document type, magnification, paper feed stage, duplex setting (both reading and printing), finishing (discharge order, staple, and shift discharge). ing. The contents of FIG. 4 represent the following job (copy) settings, and the job can be executed in this state.

-Copy color = Automatic color selection-Document type = Text / Photo / Map-Density = Automatic-Magnification = 100%
Paper feed stage = 1st stage (A4: Plain paper: 80 to 105 g / m ² )
・ Original reading = single side ・ Printing = double side ・ Finishing = Staple + Sort <Correspondence between setting confirmation area and setting key>
Corresponding setting items are grouped as setting areas as indicated by 502 under the setting display (for example, 100% magnification (equal magnification)) displayed in the setting confirmation area 501. Other than this example, for example, the relation may be understood even if the display area of the setting confirmation area and the setting area are enclosed in a frame.

  In addition, if the detailed contents of the settings performed by each setting key are expressed, information that is not set by the user will overflow in the screen. In addition, since an area for displaying the setting information of each key is required, the number of keys placed on one screen is reduced. Therefore, detailed display of the setting contents is not performed for each setting key, and more detailed setting contents are displayed in the setting confirmation area 501 when the key is selected. For example, in the manuscript type, only the icon is displayed with the setting key, and when this key is pressed, “Text / Photo / Map”, “Text”, “Photo”, “Print Photo” are displayed in the corresponding upper setting confirmation area. ”,“ Photographic paper photo ”, etc., so that detailed setting contents by characters are displayed. Similarly, in the paper feed stage, only the paper feed stage and size / basis weight are expressed with the key, but by pressing this key, the information displayed with the key is displayed in the setting confirmation area with “plain paper” and “colored paper”. "," Thick paper "," thin paper "," OHP "," tab paper ", and the like are displayed.

<Key display process on the operation screen>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing when each key is displayed on the operation screen 111. That is, in order to display a key on the operation screen 111, it is necessary to check in order for all keys whether the key can be displayed effectively, that is, whether it can be selected. This process is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Note that the processing based on this flowchart is controlled by the CPU 201.

  In step S101, it is checked whether the function of the key can be set, that is, whether it is valid. For example, it is checked whether the key 505 in FIG. 4 can be displayed effectively at the current stage. If valid setting is possible, the process proceeds to step S102, and if valid setting is not possible, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the key is displayed on the operation screen in an invalid state so that it cannot be selected. For example, when the A5 paper is out of paper, the paper feed display 506 is shaded or blinked. Then, the process proceeds to step S108, where it is checked whether the process has been executed for all the keys. If the process has been completed for all the keys, the operation of the key display process itself is completed. If there are other keys to be processed, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S102, it is checked whether a function that conflicts with the key is currently set. Here, the conflict means that there is an exclusive relationship with the function corresponding to the key. That is, when one is selected, the other cannot be selected. If the conflict function is set, the process proceeds to step S105. If the conflict function is not set, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S105, the key is set in a conflict state and displayed on the operation screen in a conflict expression. The conflict expression is, for example, an expression (! Mark) as indicated by 903 in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S108, where it is checked whether the process has been executed for all the keys. If the process has been completed for all the keys, the operation of the key display process itself is completed. If there are other keys to be processed, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S104, it is checked whether the function of the key is set, that is, whether the key is pressed by the user. If the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S107. If the button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S107, the key is displayed on the screen in an expression indicating that it is in a selected state (pressed state). For example, the shaded key 507 in FIG. 4 is a selected key.

  In step S106, since the key is not in the invalid state, the conflict state, or the selected state, the key is displayed on the operation screen to indicate that the key can be pressed.

  In step S108, it is checked whether or not the processing from steps S101 to S107 has been completed for all keys. If not, the processing moves to the next key in step S109, and the process proceeds to step S101. Return. If completed, the process of FIG. 5 ends.

  The process based on FIG. 5 is executed each time the screen is switched. For example, it is assumed that “magnification” is selected on the operation screen and a predetermined reduction size is set there. When the reduced copy setting screen is closed, the key display process of FIG. 5 is executed again.

<Application setting display processing>
In the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, assigned to application setting keys categorized for each function, and pressing this key calls a setting screen to set functions. For example, when the layout key 503 in FIG. 4 is pressed, a layout application setting screen 601 is displayed (FIG. 6). Using this application setting screen 601, it is possible to determine the layout of the read original (image). As shown in FIG. 6, the layout is such that N originals (read images) are arranged and printed on one sheet of paper, and 2in1, 4in1, 6in1, and 8in1 are prepared, and keys 6011 to 6014 corresponding to them. Is displayed. Also displayed are a double-sided original key 6016 and a double-sided print key 6017 for designating whether the original is a double-sided original. Furthermore, double-sided printing includes a function for performing double-sided printing from a single-sided original and a function for double-sided printing from a double-sided original, and one of these can be selected.

  When the area designation key 6018 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 8, the application setting screen 801 is displayed full of the operation screen. The area designation is used when the number of keys to be displayed is large and the display area of the application setting screen 601 is not sufficient, or when the actually read original image is displayed for layout processing. In addition to enlarging the display, a next page may be provided.

  Release key for canceling key selection This application setting screen 601 is designed so as not to enter the setting confirmation area 501 as much as possible as shown in FIG. Even in this state, the job can be executed as long as the setting is completed.

  Hereinafter, the display processing of the application setting screen described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the processing based on this flowchart is controlled by the CPU 201.

  In step S201, the base of the screen (the base of the application screen 601) is displayed.

  In step S202, it is determined whether there is a key to be displayed (for example, Nin1 key 6010). In the example of the application setting screen of FIG. 6, 6010 to 6019 are prepared as keys to be displayed. If there is a key to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S203. If there is no key to be displayed (when all the keys have been displayed), the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S203, a key display process (the process of FIG. 5) is executed for each key.

  In step S204, it is determined whether there is an indicator to be displayed in the setting confirmation area 501. Here, the indicator is a display showing a part changed from the default setting, and for example, the display 902 in FIG. As described above, when there is a setting changed from the default setting, the process proceeds to step S205 in order to execute the indicator display. The default change display process will be described later (FIG. 10). On the other hand, when there is no change from the default setting, or when all changes are reflected, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, it is determined whether there is a graphic to be displayed. Here, the graphic display is a graphic (icon) display 602 displayed in the setting confirmation area 501. If there is a graphic to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S207, and the graphic to be displayed is displayed in the setting confirmation area 501 in order.

  When all graphic displays are executed, the application setting screen display process is completed. When this process ends, the display on the operation screen is as shown in FIG.

  When predetermined settings are made on the application setting screen 601 (for example, in addition to the above-described layout, although not shown in FIG. 6, editing of a read original is included), the job (without closing the screen) Start printing). On the other hand, even when the screen is closed, the key 503 that called the application setting screen is in a selected state (indicated by shading in FIG. 6) to inform the user that some setting has been made. Can do. In the present embodiment, when the selected state is indicated, the corresponding key is shaded, but the key color may be changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when there are too many setting items and the setting contents do not fit on the application setting screen of FIG. 6, the setting confirmation area is hidden, so the setting contents cannot be confirmed. For this reason, the job cannot be executed even if the copy execution button is pressed. This is because it is unclear what kind of job is executed when the execution key is pressed while the setting confirmation area is not visible, and it is unclear how the device actually operates. Because it is necessary to do.

  In order to execute the job in this case, it is necessary to close the full screen setting screen 801 and return to the application setting screen 601 or return to the state shown in FIG. When the full screen setting screen 801 is closed and the screen returns to the state shown in FIG. 4 or the application setting screen 601, it indicates that some setting has been made by indicating that the key that called the screen is in the selected state. Tell the user.

<Identification of default settings and user settings>
By looking only at the setting state in FIG. 4, it is possible to grasp the overall image of the job to be executed. However, it is not clearly shown which setting is the default and which setting is changed by the user. Therefore, if the default setting and the user setting can be identified, the usability for the user is greatly improved. Accordingly, the copying machine according to the present embodiment has a default setting and user setting identification function.

  Assume that the state shown in FIG. 4 is the default setting state of the apparatus, and the operation for changing the magnification from this state to automatic scaling is taken as an example.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a change. When the user presses the automatic scaling key 901, the magnification selection state is changed from equal magnification to automatic scaling. Accordingly, the setting confirmation area is also changed from “100%” to “automatic scaling”. At the same time, an underline 902 is displayed indicating that this setting has been made by the user. As a result, the user can easily confirm which of the setting contents displayed in the setting confirmation area is the setting performed by himself / herself.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation for executing the identification processing as described above. Note that the processing based on this flowchart is controlled by the CPU 201.

  In step S301, a default value for setting is read from the ROM 203. And it sets to the first setting item. In this case, if the number of items to be set is N, N = 1 is set.

  Next, in step S302, it is determined whether there is a setting indicator (for example, 902 in FIG. 9) to be displayed in the setting items. If not, the identification process itself is terminated. If there is a setting indicator, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, it is determined whether the first setting item (N = 1) has been changed from the default value. If changed, the process proceeds to step S304, and if not changed, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S304, an indicator (for example, 902 in FIG. 9) is displayed below the setting item changed from the default value. Here, the indicator is displayed below, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any form may be used as long as it can be identified.

  In step S305, in order to check whether or not the next item has been changed, the check target is set to the next item (N = N + 1), and the process returns to step S302.

<Setting conflict expression>
FIG. 9 shows an example in which the default setting “same size” is changed to “automatic scaling”. In accordance with this change, an item in conflict with the setting (an item in an exclusive relationship) conflicts. It is displayed as an expression 903 on the operation screen. The reason why such a conflict occurs is that the paper size needs to be determined in advance in order to automatically calculate the magnification from the document size to the paper size in automatic scaling. Conversely, if automatic paper selection has been selected, automatic scaling cannot be selected. This is because, in order to select a paper suitable for the image size for which the automatic paper selection function is created, it is necessary to determine the document size and the scaling ratio in advance.

  It should be noted that which functions and which functions have a conflict relationship are registered in advance in a table.

  As described above, there are not a few various functions of the image processing apparatus that conflict with each other. In such a case, it is possible to disable the setting of the conflicting function by disabling the key of the function that could not be selected because of conflict with other settings so far, or by hiding the key itself. However, this has the problem that even if the user really wants to select a function that cannot be used due to the conflict, it does not know why the function cannot be used.

  Therefore, like the automatic paper selection key 1003 in FIG. 9, it represents that there is a conflict with other settings.

  In this example, in addition to an expression (shaded display) representing a key that is not settable (such as when there are insufficient consumables or devices necessary for the function), a mark (! Mark).

  Further, the conflict function setting key (automatic paper selection key 903) can be pressed, and the conflict information 1101 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed when the key is pressed. This conflict information can be closed by touching the screen (any part of the operation display screen), and the display of the operation screen returns to FIG. In this example, the conflict information 1101 displays only one function name (automatic scaling) that causes the conflict. If there are a plurality of settings that cause a conflict function, a function that collides with the function corresponding to the pressed key is searched, and one function name that is found first is displayed. When the user cancels the function setting, a search is made for a conflict with a function already set for each function setting key displayed again.

  As a result, when there is a conflict with a plurality of function settings, there is still a conflict with other functions even if only one is canceled, so the conflict expression is not canceled. In this case, when the conflict key is pressed again, a function that collides with the function corresponding to the pressed key is searched, and one function name found first is displayed.

  When there is a conflict with a plurality of function settings, the conflict state can be finally canceled by repeating the above steps. When the user wants to set automatic paper selection instead of automatic scaling, the setting that is truly required can be made by canceling the setting if there is a conflict in the conflict information area 1101.

  For example, from the case of FIG. 9, when the same-size key is pressed to once return to the state shown in FIG. 4, when the automatic paper selection key is pressed from there, the display shown in FIG. Since the automatic paper selection is changed from the default setting, an underline (setting indicator 1201) representing the user setting is displayed in the setting confirmation area. As described above, the automatic scaling key that conflicts in reverse is displayed in the conflict expression 1202. When this automatic scaling key is pressed, automatic paper selection is displayed in the conflict information area 1101 this time.

  As another form of conflict expression, in addition to the conflict mark (!), The character of the key causing the conflict may be a color character, or the base color of the key may be different from other keys.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the conflict information display processing as described above. This conflict information display is a process executed when a key displayed in a conflict expression (for example,! Mark) is pressed.

  When a key displayed in conflict expression is pressed, a key (function) set to conflict with the pressed key is searched in step S401.

  In step S402, the function information retrieved and acquired in step S401 is displayed in the conflict information area 1101.

  In step S403, it is determined whether the operation screen has been touched. At this time, each key in the operation screen does not react. If touched, the process ends.

  If not touched, the process proceeds to step S404, where it is determined whether 3 seconds have passed, and if so, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S403.

  When the default setting (for example, A4) is changed to automatic paper, the characters on the automatic paper may be expressed in color characters instead of the indicator 902 in FIG. In that case, as in FIG. 9, the automatic scaling key is displayed in a conflict expression. In such a case, the base color of the key of the automatic paper may be represented by a color different from other keys.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a mark 1401 representing a conflict function may be displayed on the key. As shown in FIG. 15, a mark 1501 may be displayed on the conflict function represented in the setting confirmation area. Furthermore, the conflict function (for example, automatic paper) expressed in the setting confirmation area may be expressed by color characters. Further, by changing the background color of the conflict function (for example, automatic paper) represented in the setting confirmation area, it may be indicated which function is in conflict.

B. Since the configuration and basic operation of the copying machine of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, only different parts will be described.

<Display of function setting key in conflict information area>
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, when a conflicting key (for example, automatic paper key 1606) is pressed, the pressed key among the functions set in the conflict information area 1600. All of the functions corresponding to and the conflicting functions are displayed. FIG. 16 shows that the automatic paper function conflicts with the automatic scaling function and functions A to D.

  By pressing a key corresponding to each of these functions, the function can be set directly or a screen for setting can be opened.

  When the automatic scaling key 1601 is pressed in a selected state, a screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. If “Yes” is pressed here, the scaling factor is changed to the same magnification (100%), the display changes to the state shown in FIG. 4, and if “No” is selected, the display returns to the display shown in FIG.

  If the function A setting screen is as shown in FIG. 6, when the function A key 1503 in the conflict information area 1500 is pressed, the display shown in FIG. 6 is displayed as it is.

  Similarly, when the setting screen for function B is a screen for the setting confirmation area as shown in FIG. 8, when the function B key 1604 in the conflict information area 1600 is pressed, the display shown in FIG. Copy execution) is prohibited.

  The second embodiment will be described assuming a case where there are conflicts with functions that do not fit on the conflict information screen. If all the conflict information does not fit on one screen, a conflict information scroll key 1605 appears. By depressing the scroll key 1605, conflict information of a plurality of screens can be switched and displayed.

    The second embodiment will be described assuming a case where there are conflicts with functions that do not fit on the conflict information screen. If all the conflict information does not fit on one screen, a conflict information scroll key 1605 appears. By depressing the scroll key 1605, conflict information of a plurality of screens can be switched and displayed.

In the second embodiment, in the case of a function that conflicts with a plurality of settings, all related settings are listed in the conflict information area 1600. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may express in the conflict information area 1600 one by one. In this case, the conflicting function keys remain in conflict expression until all conflicting settings are canceled.
C. Effects of Embodiments As is clear from the above description, in the first-priority operability, a non-selectable state such as no consumables and a non-selectable state (conflict state) by other settings are displayed separately (conflict expression ). In addition, by pressing this conflicting key, it is possible to easily obtain information that enables the user to perform an operation desired by displaying which setting is disabled (conflict information). In addition, a setting confirmation area is provided in a part of the operation unit, and the main setting contents are always displayed in this part, and the screen design is made so that this area is not affected as much as possible during other settings. If this area cannot be displayed, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation by prohibiting the input of a job to make it easier for the user to grasp the setting made by the user.

D. Other Embodiments In the present invention, a storage medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the embodiments is provided to a system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus (or CPU or MPU) is stored in the storage medium. This is also achieved by reading and executing the stored program code. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM Etc. can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code Includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is based on the instruction of the program code. This includes the case where the CPU of the expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above embodiments is distributed via a network, so that it can be stored in a storage means such as a hard disk or memory of a system or apparatus or a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) stored in the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage means or the storage medium.

1 is a block diagram of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a hardware configuration of a scanner 140 and a printer 150 shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the operation part 110 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the basic operation screen which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the key display process in an operation screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an application setting screen. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement of an application setting screen display. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a full screen setting display screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display when a setting is changed from a default setting. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the display process when a setting is changed from a default setting. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen display in which the conflict information area appeared. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen display on which the key displayed by the conflict expression appeared. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a process when the key displayed by the conflict expression is pressed. It is a figure which shows another form of conflict expression. It is a figure which shows another form of conflict expression. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the conflict information area which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the confirmation screen at the time of canceling | releasing the selection function in connection with a conflict.

Claims (26)

Display means for displaying functions related to image processing on the display screen as keys;
Determining means for determining whether one function is in an exclusive relationship with another set function;
The display means so that the key display on the display screen corresponding to the function determined to be in an exclusive relationship by the determination means is performed in a conflict expression that is different from the key display of other functions. Control means for controlling
An image processing apparatus comprising:   When the key displayed in the conflict expression is pressed, the control means displays the other function having an exclusive relationship with the function of the pressed key on the display screen. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means is controlled.   The control means provides a specific display area on the display screen, and controls the display means to display other functions having an exclusive relationship with the function of the conflicting key. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conflict expression is to display a predetermined mark on a corresponding key display.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conflict expression is to make a background color of a corresponding key display different from other key displays.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conflict expression is to make a color of a character displayed on a corresponding key different from a color of a character displayed on another key. 5. .   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conflict expression is a shaded display of a corresponding key.   The control means controls the display means to display in the specific display area a name of a function having an exclusive relationship with a function of a key for which the conflict expression is made. The image processing apparatus according to 3.   The control means controls the display means to display a function call key for calling a function setting screen having an exclusive relationship with the function of the key for which the conflict expression is made in the specific display area. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:   The control means controls the display means to turn off the display of the specific display area when a setting screen called by pressing the function call key is closed. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   10. The function displayed in the specific display area is only one type even if there are a plurality of functions that have an exclusive relationship with the function of the key for which the conflict expression is made. Image processing apparatus.   10. The function according to claim 8, wherein when there are a plurality of functions having an exclusive relationship with the function of the key for which the conflict expression is made, a plurality of functions are displayed in the specific display area. Image processing apparatus. A display process for displaying functions related to image processing on the display screen as keys,
A determination step of determining whether or not one function is in an exclusive relationship with another set function;
Key display operation so that the key display on the display screen corresponding to the function determined to have an exclusive relationship in the determination step is performed in a conflict expression that is different from the key display of other functions. A control process for controlling
An image processing method comprising:   In the control step, when a key displayed in the conflict expression is pressed, the display is performed such that another function having an exclusive relationship with the function of the pressed key is displayed on the display screen. The image processing method according to claim 13, wherein the operation is controlled.   The control step is characterized in that a specific display area is provided on the display screen, and the display operation is controlled so as to display another function having an exclusive relationship with the function of the conflict expressed key. The image processing method according to claim 14.   The image processing method according to claim 13, wherein the conflict expression is to display a predetermined mark on a corresponding key display.   16. The image processing method according to claim 13, wherein the conflict expression is to make a background color of a corresponding key display different from other key displays.   The image processing method according to claim 13, wherein the conflict expression is to make the color of the corresponding key display character different from the color of the other key display character. .   The image processing method according to claim 13, wherein the conflict expression is a shaded display of a corresponding key.   The control step controls the display operation so that a name of a function having an exclusive relationship with a function of the key for which the conflict expression is made is displayed in the specific display area. 15. The image processing method according to 15.   The control step controls the display operation so that a function call key for calling a function setting screen having an exclusive relationship with the function of the key for which the conflict expression is made is displayed in the specific display area. The image processing method according to claim 15.   The control process controls the display operation such that when the setting screen called by pressing the function call key is closed, the display of the specific display area is also turned off. An image processing method described in 1.   The function displayed in the specific display area is only one type even if there are a plurality of functions that have an exclusive relationship with the function of the key for which the conflict expression is made. Image processing method.   The function displayed in the specific display area has a plurality of types when there are a plurality of functions having an exclusive relationship with the function of the key for which the conflict expression is made. Image processing method.   A computer program for executing the image processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 24. A computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 25.

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